Arc 1 : Days Before The Day of Nightmare Chapter 4: The Crowning Glory - Part 3

Ayaan’s irritation with Rohit lingered in the air like a storm cloud, but he forced himself to refocus. He settled back into his seat, trying to block out the mocking gestures Rohit had thrown his way. Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Captain Rathore’s voice echoed through the room, calling out his name.

“Ayaan...”

But before the sound of his name even fully registered, a sharp, metallic noise filled the air, low-pitched and faint, yet distinct enough to send a shiver down Ayaan’s spine. His senses sharpened instantly, and in that split second, he saw a shadow move on the stage—a figure cloaked in darkness, swift and menacing.

A crimson glow radiated from the object in the figure’s hand—an axe, gleaming with a deadly edge. The figure was already in motion, its target clear: the President.

Ayaan’s heart raced. Instinctively, his body reacted faster than his mind could process, and he sprang to his feet. The room seemed to freeze in that brief, harrowing moment, the scent of danger thickening in the air. But just as quickly, the figure disappeared from view, and the chaos was contained.

Seconds later, Ayaan heard Rathore’s voice once again, calling out his full name: “Ayaan Ranade.”

But it wasn’t the usual announcement—it was as if the words were meant only for Ayaan, resonating with a strange weight that only he could feel.

As Ayaan stood there, the crowd erupted in applause. The sound was deafening, yet Ayaan’s focus remained unshaken. He felt a surge of pride but kept his expression neutral. Around him, the praise and admiration flowed, not just from the crowd but also from Rathore, who stood on the side with a look of approval. His friend, Dev, also beamed with pride, offering a supportive nod from the audience. But even amidst the cheers, Ayaan couldn’t shake the feeling of Rohit’s mocking glances from across the room. The smug smile on Rohit’s face didn’t waver, his silent jabs as cutting as ever.

As Ayaan made his way to the stage, his thoughts were still sharp from the eerie moment moments ago. He kept his eyes straight ahead, focusing on the task at hand—his award, the recognition that he had worked so hard for. As he neared the podium, he caught sight of Rohit once again. The mocking glint in his eyes hadn't faded. Rohit leaned back in his seat with a smug grin, his eyes fixed on Ayaan, as if daring him to react. But Ayaan ignored it, his focus now entirely on the President.

The President stood poised, waiting with a warm, welcoming expression. As Ayaan reached the stage, the President extended his hand. With a firm handshake, Ayaan could feel the weight of the moment settle in. The warmth of the President’s grip was a silent acknowledgment of Ayaan’s achievements.

“Congratulations, Mr. Ayaan Vee…” The President’s voice was calm and measured, the words carrying the gravity of the occasion.

Then, the President paused for a fraction of a second—just long enough for Ayaan to catch a shift in his gaze. The moment felt strangely intimate, as if the entire room was holding its breath.

“…Ranade,” the President continued, finally completing Ayaan’s full name.

It was a simple correction, but in that small pause, Ayaan felt something stir in him—an unsettling feeling that the President’s recognition of him was more than just about the award..

Ayaan’s mind briefly wandered back to the words of the President. As the applause continued, the thought lingered in his head, grounding him in the reality of the moment. It wasn’t just any day—it was 20th October 2022. The day he received his first crowning glory. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, a pivotal milestone in his journey.

Despite everything, Ayaan couldn’t deny that this recognition was significant. It was the culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work, and determination.

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