Chapter 7

• Aarna's POV:
• I pulled myself together. Nothing bad will happen to him or his group.
• We were far away from our campus. Accommodation in a
• a huge plain hall at a safer distance. Many students
• were still missing.
• There was silence in the whole hall. Everyone was crying silently.
• An hour passed, no words passed.
• I walked and prayed at the same time.
• Our director sat in his chair as if inactive.
• Teachers consoled the shocked students.
• After about two hours, the door opened.
• Ekansh and his team entered.
• I was among the crowd.
• Everyone looked to them for an answer.
• "The bomb is successfully defused," one of them said.
• Everyone started jumping and screaming with happiness.
• We all applauded heartily.
• I laughed happily too.
• Ekansh smiled and looked at everyone. His smile deepened when his eyes caught mine.
• He tried to move towards me, but was surrounded by the media, who rushed in, with cameras and microphones.
• No!
• I can't be here. If my parents or anyone notices me
• M in the news, catch me.
• I ran back. I stood behind everyone. It wasn't enough. These cameras are too sharp when focusing.
• I bent down and sat behind the crowd.
• God! Save me.
• The reporter started asking questions.
• Ekansh started answering them with Mike.
• "We heard a bomb was planted on your campus. Is it true?"
• "Yes."
• "Where did you find the bomb?"
• “Behind the basketball court.
• "How did you all find out there was a bomb hidden somewhere on campus?"
• "We are currently working on a project. A device like a sensor that will pick up the signal of a bomb nearby and send an alarm message to the team.
• Our project seems to be a success.”
• "That's really great. Ministers and everyone are worried about who's behind this. Is it another terrorist attack? Or was it from someone internally?"
• "We really have no idea. Thank you.", Ekansh probably left the hall.
• Everyone followed him. I got up and peeked. Even the reporters disappeared.
• "What are you doing Aaron?"
• I turned to see my roommates. Do they know my name?
• "Nothing." I replied and we walked back to campus.
• I saw everyone go to their dorms.
• I really wanted to talk to Ekansh.
• I cursed him, “Unwanted bandar (monkey) never
• he will appear when I will.” and turned to face him.
• “The undesirable Bandar is here alone. said with
• shade of smile.
• My heart skipped a beat. He began to smile more.
• “Ekanshi. Stop scaring me.
• "Do I have a choice here?"
• We both laughed together for the first time. It should have
• It's been many days since I laughed freely at silly things.
• "Um, how did your parents react to that?" he asked.
• "For what?"
• “The bomb incident, even on a fresher day.
• I remained silent. My parents don't know about me.
• They don't even care if I'm alive or not. I looked away because my eyes were watering.
• "Aarna-"
• I couldn't face him.
• "I need some time to process. I'll see you later." I said without looking at him and walked away.
• I know he would feel weird about my behavior. I can not help myself. No one can know me.
• I went to my dorm.
• My roommates were there too.
• "No fresher day for us. Wow! What's wrong with us if there was a bomb hidden there."
• "Forget it, who wants us dead? And why? Are the terrorists planning something?"
• "Who knows? They successfully bombed our freshers day. My parents are asking me to leave the institute and come home."
• They sighed together and looked at me.
• "Are you okay?" one of them asked.
• I nodded.
• "How can anyone be okay, Shivani? Of course,
• everyone's scared now."
• So the small, slim girl is named Shivani.
• "Crying! That's why I asked. Stop being rude,
• Neha.” replied Shivani.
• "What? Am I being rude? Look who's talking," Neha returned.
• "Guys. Please." I said taking my nightgown and walking into the bathroom.
• They remained silent.
• Slipping into my dress, I stepped out and put my hair in a high bun.
• "Shall we go to dinner? Will you join us?" they asked me as I came out of the bathroom.
• I shook my head with a soft smile.
• They looked at me for a few seconds before shooting
• the door behind them.
• I checked my phone. There were ten missed calls
• by Geetha. Of course she would see it
• news.
• I texted her that everything was fine and I was tired. I will call you tomorrow.
• I pulled out my family photo and hugged her. I kissed it.
• No one can see this photo. This will reveal all.
• I left it in my cart between layers of clothes. I should assemble the dress in my wardrobe tomorrow.
• I covered myself with the duvet and fell asleep.
• I was suddenly hungry which interrupted my sleep. I looked at the clock. It was 5:15 in the morning.
• I rubbed my eyes and looked to the sides.
• My roommates, Shivani and Neha, slept soundly.
• I washed my face and walked out of my bedroom.
• The sun had yet to rise. It's too cold here. I covered myself with two scarves.
• he leaned across the hall and the birds chirped. I smiled and tried to find them in the tree branches.
• I began searching the branch from top to bottom.
• Looking down I saw Ekansh standing under a
• tree.
• He was facing me. He was in his sweatpants and jacket.
• He raised his eyebrows, “Who are you looking for?”
• Since I was on the first floor, he doesn't need to shout. We
• they could easily hear each other's voice.
• "Cute little birds." I answered.
• "Good morning to you too."
• "Good morning." I smiled.
• He smiled and continued running. When he disappeared, I looked up at the sky.
• The rising sun is nature's most iconic scene. I
• he looked at the orange horizon.
• It put me in a good mood.
• As I stared, I felt someone behind me.
• Someone pulled me down and tried to cover me
• nose with a cloth.
• he bent and jumped over his side, breaking his right
• arm. I immediately turned around and gasped.
• It was a man in black clothes. He was wearing black
• a mask covering his face.
• I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed him to death. Stupid boy.
• "Who the hell are you?" I shouted.
• He broke free from my grip and ran away
• substance on the ground.
• I walked into my dorm, took my gloves and picked
• lift the fabric and place it in the plastic cover.
• It wasn't Rohan. Rohan is damn tall and slim. i can
• easily recognizable. The guy is short, almost like me
• height, so I could easily grab him by the neck.
• who was it then Who wanted to kidnap me? How
• i have many enemies man?! I took a long breath
• and I bit my lip thinking