UNSPOKEN STRINGS
Prologue
The storm howled through the empty streets, rain slamming against the pavement like shattered glass.
The air was thick—heavy with the smell of wet asphalt and something colder, something sharper.
Aanya stood in the middle of it all, her face turned up to the sky, arms hanging loosely by her sides. The rain soaked through her clothes, clinging to her skin like a second layer, but she didn’t move. She just breathed. Deep. Steady. Like she could drown At this moment and never have to face what came next.
A gunshot split the night.
Her breath caught. Her pulse spiked.
Slowly, she turned. The storm was deafening, but the world had never felt quieter.
A shadow moved through the rain, stepping into the dim light of a flickering streetlamp.
Broad shoulders. A dark, rain-soaked figure. The way he carried himself—slow, deliberate—made her chest tighten.
He stopped just short of the light, but it wasn’t enough to hide him.
The moment their eyes met, she felt it. That pull. That weight. Like gravity had shifted, bending the world around him.
He didn’t blink. Didn’t waver. Just stood there, rain streaming down his face, watching her like she was the only thing that mattered.
Low. Controlled. But edged with something dangerous.
Her stomach twisted. It wasn’t just a name. It was a statement. A claim.
Then came the second presence.
A slow, deliberate rhythm.
She turns, her eyes narrowing at the man approaching from the opposite side. His walk is unhurried, his expression unreadable, but the smirk on his lips holds something sinister.
Smooth. Amused. But tinged with something sharper.
His gaze flickers to her first, lingering a moment too long, then shifts to the other man. And just like that—the air turns electric.
They lock eyes. A silent challenge. A warning. A promise of destruction.
The storm rages, but the deadliest force in the night isn’t the rain—it’s them.
And she… she is the storm’s eye, standing between them, fragile yet untouchable.
Her eyes flicked between them.
The first one—the one who spoke her name—hadn’t moved. But his presence was overwhelming, thick with something she didn’t want to name.
The second one—the one who stayed in the shadows—tilted his head, his lips curling into a smile, like this was some kind of game.
Not soft. Not nervous. Not the kind of laugh meant to ease tension.
No, this was something else. A quiet, bitter sound that cut through the rain.
She tilted her head, her eyes glinting beneath the storm.
Her voice was smooth, but her words carried weight.
Aanya Joshi
What is it you both want?
She took a slow breath. Took a step back.
Aanya Joshi
Because if it’s a fight, you’re wasting your time.
She wasn’t afraid. Not of them.
Aanya Joshi
At least know what it is you desire.
But she knew what this meant.
And it wasn’t leaving without a reckoning.
She turns. Ready to leave. But—
Two hands. One on each wrist. Tight. Possessive. Unyielding.
Pulling her back before she could react.
The air disappeared from her lungs.
Sharp. Amused. Unforgiving.
??
And tonight, she’ll choose again.
The rain kept falling. The storm raged on.
But the real storm—the one between them—had just begun.
Chapter 1
Gia Verma
Aanya, wake up! You’ll be late!
The muffled voice of her roommate, Gia, barely registered in Aanya’s ears.
Her blanket was too warm, and the biting cold outside her dorm only made her want to curl up tighter.
But the persistent knocking on her door wasn’t about to let her enjoy a moment longer.
Gia Verma
I mean it, Aanya! If you’re late again, Professor Sharma will skin you alive!
Aanya groaned and peeked at the clock through one half-open eye. 8:47 a.m.
Aanya Joshi
Great. Another disaster this morning.
Dragging herself out of bed, she moved like a sloth. No time to think, no time to care.
She skipped breakfast, barely ran a hand through her hair, and threw on her oversized hoodie.
It was her go-to outfit—a baggy hoodie, sleeves used to keep herself hidden. Her hood draped over her shoulders, the cap of her hoodie, forcing every bit of her loneliness inside.
The college building was only a short walk away, but to Aanya, it felt like she was sprinting a marathon.
Her hoodie’s oversized cap obstructed her view as she turned a sharp corner—
She collided into someone. Hard. The impact sent her sprawling onto the pavement, her books and papers scattering everywhere.
Aanya Joshi
Oh no, sorry! I didn’t mean to—
She paused as the stranger, without a word, handed her a folded piece of paper.
Before she could say anything, he walked away briskly, disappearing into the crowd.
Dumbfounded, Aanya stared after him, clutching the note.
Before she could open it, the sound of mocking laughter made her freeze.
Two students stood nearby, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
The girl, Rhea Kapoor, was known for her striking red-streaked hair and bold attitude. With her trendy outfits and sharp wit, she loved teasing people—sometimes cruelly.
Beside her stood Aditya Sharma, her equally notorious sidekick. Aditya had a habit of finding humor in others’ embarrassment, his cocky grin a permanent fixture.
Rhea Kapoor
Wow, what a dramatic entrance! Are you planning on rolling all the way to class?
Aditya chuckled, leaning against a nearby bench.
Aditya Dash
Guess she skipped the part where humans are supposed to walk properly.
Heat crept up Aanya’s cheeks as she hurriedly picked up her books, avoiding their eyes.
Aanya Joshi
(whispers to herself) Keep quiet. Don’t react. Just leave.
Rhea Kapoor
(eyeing Aanya’s hoodie)
What’s with that giant hoodie? Hiding snacks or something?
Aditya sighed harder, looking in mock pity.
Aditya Dash
Or maybe a whole turtle? You know, just in case.
Aanya glanced toward them, keeping her expression blank.
Then, she noticed him—Vihaan Malhotra.
Standing a few steps away
His piercing gaze was focused on her.
Vihaan was the kind of person who wasn’t cruel, nor was he kind. His presence was a quiet force—unshaken, commanding, impossible to ignore. He didn’t need words; the weight of his gaze was enough to silence a room.
Aanya had heard his name in whispers around campus, but it was the first time she’d felt his gaze directly.
Unlike the others, Vihaan didn’t laugh. He didn’t join in the teasing.
She just stood there, unsure what unsettled her more—his unwavering gaze or the quiet dominance he exuded without a single word.
Rhea Kapoor
(grinning) Ugh, Vihaan! Say something. You’re too good to panic!
Vihaan gave Rhea a lazy glance, then looked back at Aanya.
For a moment, their eyes met, and Aanya felt her breath hitch.
Vihaan Malhotra
(calmly) We’re late.
With that, he turned and walked off toward the building, uninterested in dragging the moment any longer.
Aditya shrugged, throwing one last smirk at Aanya before following him.
Finally, as the silence returned, Aanya exhaled shakily. She unfolded the note in her hand.
That was all it said. Two simple words that sent her mind racing.
Aanya stared at the little note, the words ringing in her ears.
Aanya Joshi
(confused) Be careful??
Aanya Joshi
What did it mean? Who was he?
The encounter had been so sudden, so strange, that she couldn’t even piece together the boy’s face.
Her thoughts raced as she picked up her scattered books, the sting of mocking laughter still lingering in her ears.
Determined not to let the morning derail her day, she brushed the dust off her hands and squared her shoulders.
She wasn’t going to let this moment define her, but as she turned to head to class, a shiver of doubt crept into her chest.
Aanya couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something she didn’t yet understand.
From a distance, Vihaan’s gaze still lingers on her retreating figure. His head tilted slightly, a flicker of interest in his otherwise calm expression.
He stood there, watching.
Then, without another glance, he pushed off the wall and disappeared into the crowd.
Chapter 2
Aanya walking down the college corridor, her mind swirling with thoughts about everything that had happened. Her pace is quick, her hoodie cap pulled low.
Suddenly, a voice calls out from behind, breathless
Niya Jain
(gasping) Oyy, Miss Hoodie! Would you please slow down and let me join you on your royal walk?
Aanya slowed down and turned her head slightly, recognizing the voice.
Aanya Joshi
(flatly) Niya…?
Niya jogged up to her, still catching her breath.
Niya Jain
(dramatically) God, are you training for a marathon or something? Slow walkers like me suffer, you know!
Just then, another voice called out.
Rishi Sharma
(shouting) Wait up, buddy! What’s the rush?
Rishi ran up to them, looking like he’d sprinted the entire hallway.
Aanya Joshi
(groaning) Oh great, the dynamic duo.
Rishi Sharma
(finally catching up, breathing hard) Aanya, seriously? Are you being chased by ghosts or something?
Aanya Joshi
(rolling her eyes) I’m already late for class, and now you two are wasting more of my time!
Niya Jain
(clutching her chest, fake dramatic) You think we’re a waste of time? Oh no, you hurt my feelings, Aanya!
Niya began fake crying, wiping invisible tears.
Rishi Sharma
(glaring and huffing, pretending to sob) Yeah, Aanya! I never thought you’d betray us like this. Sob sob.
Niya Jain
(fake sobbing louder) I can’t believe she called us a waste! Rishi, how will we ever recover from this?
Rishi Sharma
(sniffing dramatically) I don’t know, Niya. My heart… it hurts. Sob sob.
Aanya stared at them, wide-eyed and irritated.
Aanya Joshi
(hands on her hips) Oh my gosh! Why are you both being so melodramatic?
Niya Jain
(snapping her head up, fake offended) Wait! Did you just call us melodramatic?
Aanya Joshi
(cutting her off, exasperated) Oh my God! I’m sorry, okay? I’m VERY, VERY sorry, my lord! I was wrong! I’ll do anything you say! Happy now?
Niya and Rishi paused their act, grinning mischievously.
Rishi Sharma
(smirking) That’s more like it.
They both tackled Aanya in a light hug, making her laugh despite herself.
Aanya Joshi
(smiling, rolling her eyes) Okay, okay, you two are impossible! Now can we please go to class before we’re all late?
Rishi Sharma
(grinning) Lead the way, Captain Hoodie!
Niya Jain
(linking arms with Aanya) With pleasure, my lady.
Aanya sat between Rishi and Niya in class, exchanging whispers during the lecture.
Niya Jain
(whispering) Hey, Aanya. Did you understand this?
Aanya Joshi
(noticing) kinda!
Niya Jain
(grinning) Because I didn’t hear a word. I was too busy watching the professor’s mustache move.
Rishi snorted with laughter, trying to muffle the sound.
Rishi Sharma
(whispering) You two are going to get me kicked out of class one day, I swear.
Aanya Joshi
(grinning) You love us anyway.
Rishi Sharma
(fake groaning) Unfortunately, Yes.
Aanya, Niya, and Rishi walked across the campus quad, lost in their usual banter and antics.
Niya Jain
(giggling) You have to admit, Rishi, you did sound like a dying goat during the presentation today.
Rishi Sharma
(defensively) I did not! That was the mic.
Aanya Joshi
(laughing) “Mic” means making the voice exactly how you did. Then sure!
They all laughed together, their laughter echoing as they made their way outside.
Suddenly, time seemed to slow down. A metallic glint flashed through the air—a knife hurtling straight toward Aanya!
Before Aanya could react, someone pulled her forcefully out of the way.
Aanya Joshi
(breathless, turning to look) What just—
She stumbled slightly but steadied herself, blinking in confusion. A sharp knife clattered to the ground near her feet. She froze, finally realizing what had just happened.
Aanya Joshi
(whispering, shaken) Thank you…
The person holding her was Vihaan. He released her arm, looking down at her with an annoyed expression.
Vihaan Malhotra
(crossing his arms) Why are you always in trouble whenever I see you?
Aanya stared at him blankly, processing his words. Due to the force of the pull, her hoodie cap had fallen back.
Aanya looked up at him, her face now clearly visible. Vihaan stared.
Her big, round eyes blinked up at him, framed by long lashes, her dusky cheeks were flushed, and her lips parted slightly. If not for the shock of the moment, she looked like a doll—
Vihaan Malhotra
(muttering, amused) Cute.
Aanya Joshi
(blinking, confused) Huh?
Vihaan snaps back to reality
Aanya Joshi
(Whispering to herself) It's just twice we've seen each other. Who cares more and less..
Vihaan's sharp ears catch that, and he smirks slightly.
Vihaan Malhotra
(raising an eyebrow) So that's how you think about your savior, huh?
Aanya Joshi
(wide-eyed, stammering) W-What? Did you--
Before She can respond, Niya rushes over, breathless.
Niya Jain
(worried) Aanya! What happened? Are you okay? Why did Vihaan pull you like that?
Rishi Sharma
(stepping between Aanya and Vihaan, protective) Hey! How dare you grab my friend like that? What’s your problem, man?
Vihaan Malhotra
(raising his hands lazily, unfazed) Not my problem. She’s your friend—keep an eye on her.
Before Rishi can react further, Aanya quickly grabs his arm, stopping him.
Aanya Joshi
(calmly) Rishi, stop. It’s fine.
Vihaan gives her one last unreadable look before turning and walking away without another word.
Niya Jain
(grinning mischievously as soon as Vihaan leaves) Oh-ho-ho! Aanya, what was that? Why did Vihaan pull you? And—wait—how do you know the most popular guy in college? Spill it! Are you two dating? Or doing something secretly?
Aanya Joshi
(groaning, exasperated) Niya, stop! It’s not like that!
Niya Jain
(ignoring her) Then what is it? Tell me! I need answers!
Rishi Sharma
(staring at Aanya seriously) You’re hiding something. What’s going on, Aanya?
Aanya doesn’t respond immediately. Her mind flashes back to the note she found in the morning—then to the knife incident.
First, the strange warning telling her to be careful… and now, someone is throwing a knife at her?
Aanya Joshi
(thinking)Who wants to hurt me? And why…?
Aanya Joshi
And who is the one saving me? Send me warnings like they know something I don’t…?
Suddenly, Aanya’s phone buzzes with a notification. She hesitates before unlocking the screen.
Anonymous Message :
I told you to be careful. You can’t trust anyone—not even those close to you. Watch your back, Aanya. This is just the beginning.
Aanya freezes. A chill runs down her spine. Her hands tremble slightly.
Aanya Joshi
(whispering to herself) What the hell is going on…?
Rishi Sharma
(noticing her pale face) Aanya, what’s wrong? Is something happening to you?
Aanya Joshi
(forcing a smile) No. Nothing’s wrong.
Niya Jain
(frowning) Are you sure? Aanya, if you’re in trouble, just tell us. We’re your friends. We’ll solve it together.
Aanya looks at her two friends—their worried faces making her hesitate. She swallows, forcing herself to smile faintly before nodding.
Aanya Joshi
I know. Thanks, guys.
Niya and Rishi exchange a glance before pulling Aanya into a group hug, their warmth momentarily calming her.
But even as they hugged, Aanya couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at her.
The anonymous messages, the knife, and Vihaan’s sudden involvement…
All was just too much to process for her at a time.
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