Chapter-4: A planet within?

The prince and his friend Mateo had successfully landed jobs at a prominent company in their city, concealing their true identities. Life had taken a turn for the mundane yet fulfilling, and as the days passed, the prince became absorbed in his new routine, savoring the comforts of a life unburdened by royal expectations. Mateo, ever by his side, also climbed the corporate ladder, their camaraderie blossoming in this new, ordinary world.

Three months later, at a bustling grocery store:

Elena, her voice brimming with excitement, nudged Arushi, "Hey, Aru! Do you remember the guy who saved you?"

Arushi paused, her expression a mix of curiosity and nostalgia. "I don't know him well, but I truly hope he finds a good job. The last time I saw him was on the day we returned from that trip. He sat next to Chris on the bus, and I remember Chris apologizing to me the following day. I told him to stop bothering me, and after that, he didn’t approach me again."

Elena grinned, "Exactly! That’s why he’s been keeping his distance."

Arushi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Wait, why are you suddenly asking about him after all this time?"

Elena cleared her throat, her demeanor shifting to one of conspiratorial excitement. "Because... I saw him!"

Arushi's eyes widened, her heart racing. "You saw him? Where? When?"

"In the grocery store! He’s standing right over there, looking at you," Elena replied, her voice a mix of disbelief and delight.

With a surge of anticipation, Arushi turned her head. "Now?"

"Yes, now!" Elena whispered, urging her on.

The prince stood a short distance away, a cool expression on his face that belied the warmth of their past connection. "Hi," he greeted, his voice steady.

Arushi's heart fluttered as she replied, "Hi! What are you doing here?"

Mateo, ever the lighthearted one, chimed in with a laugh, "Of course, we’re here for groceries! But who is this beautiful girl?" He gestured Elena with a playful grin.

Elena feigned indignation, "Don't let him know I'm your best friend! They might catch on!" She chuckled, the tension of the moment dissipating.

Arushi turned to the prince, concern flickering in her eyes. "How’s your wound? I hope it healed well."

"Don’t worry," he replied, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a hint of vulnerability. "It’s healed. Is Chris still bothering you?"

Arushi shook her head, relief washing over her. "No, he’s not. You mentioned you were looking for a job—did you find one?"

Mateo interjected, "Yeah, we did, and we’ve both been promoted!"

"That sounds fantastic!" Arushi exclaimed, genuinely pleased for them.

As they stood in the aisle, the conversation flowed naturally, revealing glimpses of their intertwined lives. Unknown to them, Mateo had been a steadfast friend to the prince since childhood, grappling with his own desire to protect the world. Yet, the challenges of their past lingered in the shadows, reminding them of the weight of their responsibilities.

The groceries were already piled high in the cart, and as Arushi settled the bill, the atmosphere was filled with an unspoken connection, a blend of nostalgia and hope. Just as they prepared to leave, an unexpected loud voice starled them---

As Mateo called out

More like a shout, "Wait!" both Arushi and Elena turned in unison, curiosity etched on their faces. Not knowing why he all of a sudden yelled.

Mateo smiled, his eyes glinting with enthusiasm. "Who knows if we’ll meet again? Do you two have social media accounts?"

Elena’s expression shifted to realization. "Oh, I completely forgot! We can exchange info!"

With a chuckle, Mateo pulled out his phone, the screen lighting up with potential new connections. Soon, the four of them were linked online, bridging the gap between their worlds with digital threads of friendship.

After bidding farewell, Arushi felt a sense of warmth as she strolled through the evening, a soft breeze rustling the leaves around her. Later that night, she shared a stunning picture of nature—a serene landscape bathed in golden hues. In her caption, she eloquently described the beauty of the moment, the way the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors.

Meanwhile, the prince sat in the dim light of his apartment, scrolling through his notifications. When he stumbled upon Arushi's post, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The image sparked a moment of introspection, as he found himself lost in thoughts about which world he should save: the dying Mother Planet or the one where lovely people like Arushi lived peacefully.

Just then, a notification chimed, pulling him from his reverie. It was a message from Arushi.

“Hey, are you sure your wound is alright?” she inquired, concern evident even through the screen.

“It’s been three months since then. How could it still be bleeding?” he replied, feigning nonchalance.

“It may have stopped bleeding, but the mark remains,” she countered, her worry palpable.

He smiled at her persistence. “Yeah, the mark! It only shows when you look at it up close.”

“Good to know you’re cured,” she replied, a hint of relief in her voice.

“You're the one who cured me!” he shot back playfully.

“Does that mean you didn’t go for a check-up after we returned to the city?” she asked, genuine concern creeping into her words.

“I took the medicines you suggested and have been changing the bandage until it stopped bleeding,” he explained, trying to reassure her.

“Don’t neglect it! Take care of yourself,” she insisted, her tone a mix of admonition and care.

“Don’t worry, I’m alright,” he reassured, though it was the third time he had said so.

“By the way, thanks again for helping me that day back then. I will never forget your help,” Arushi said sincerely.

POV: It was the third time she had expressed her gratitude.

“Hmm!” he replied, a hint of a smile in his voice.

“What happened?” she asked, sensing a shift in the conversation.

“You know what’s interesting?” he paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air. “It’s actually the third time you’ve thanked me. Remember?”

Arushi’s mind raced back through their encounters. “Yes! When you brought me the blanket, for helping me, and now, of course...”

“Your IQ level isn’t bad!” he teased, his tone light.

Arushi chuckled, the sound brightening the mood. The banter felt easy, familiar—like two friends who had known each other for much longer than just a few months.

After a brief silence, the prince felt a pull to dive deeper into their connection. “Arushi,” as he called, her heart rased, flickering with an unknown emotion, still replied with a flustered voice "Yes?"

As the conversation unfolded, the prince felt a renewed sense of connection with Arushi.

“I saw your post just now. Do you love nature?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Arushi’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “Nature created such a beautiful scene for us. How can we not be nature lovers? After all, it created us too, and that’s why we are here now.”

The prince nodded thoughtfully. “Yes! I love nature too. But what can I say? The place where I live is becoming increasingly disheartening day by day.”

“I share your sentiments,” Arushi replied, a hint of frustration in her voice. “I despise pollution! It’s infuriating that selfish people would destroy their own world for their own needs, even to the point of burning down trees.”

“What do you plan to do about it? How will you save nature?” he asked, genuinely intrigued.

Arushi pondered for a moment. “I often wonder if there’s another planet like this one, but without selfish hearts and pollution.”

The prince felt a jolt of surprise at her response, but it quickly morphed into realization. “So, you really believe there could be a planet like Earth?”

“I don’t know,” she admitted, her voice tinged with hope. “But if such a place exists, I would run there to live peacefully.”

“You don’t know anything about this planet, so how can you imagine it?” he challenged playfully.

“There are plenty of rumors about the multiverse, aren’t there?” Arushi countered with a grin.

“True, I’ve heard many stories…” he mused. “Let’s go together if you find one.” He laughed, lightening the mood.

“Why should I go with you? I want to live alone!” she retorted, half-jokingly.

“I don’t like selfish people or polluted cities either,” he replied, maintaining the playful banter.

“Well, you can search for another planet then; I’m not taking you with me!” she teased.

“I already have one!” he declared, his tone shifting to one of mock seriousness.

“Are you saying you know a planet like Earth? One without selfish people and with a thriving nature?” Arushi asked, skepticism dancing in her eyes.

“Yes, I know one!” the prince confirmed, unable to suppress a grin.

“Don’t tell me you’re not kidding!” she exclaimed, half-laughing, half-doubtful.

“I’m not kidding!” he insisted.

“Really? Then do you know the name of that planet?” she inquired, leaning forward with curiosity.

“That planet is right here with me,” he stated confidently.

“With you? What do you mean" She exclaimed, with her brows knitted and at a confusing reply 

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