The Crimson Thread Ep 10

C O N T I N U A T I O N

E P I S O D E 10

Aarav’s apartment—late evening. The city outside is alive with lights, but inside, silence lingers. He leans against the balcony railing, scrolling through his phone. A message from Aishwarya is unread

Aishwarya Mukherjee (FL)

Still alive, Singhania? Or did the rich kids eat you alive?

Aarav smirks but doesn’t reply immediately. He exhales, rubbing his temple. Today had been… interesting. More stares, more whispers. And then—Steven Valentine

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

Barely breathing. Send help.

Aishwarya Mukherjee (FL)

Nah, you’ll survive. You always do.

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

We’ll see.

He pockets his phone and sighs. He came here to stay low-key, but fate seems to have other plans

University cafeteria—next day. Aarav walks in, scanning for an empty table. Before he can sit, a voice calls out

kaiser Liz(ML BFF)

Aarav! Sit with us.

Aarav stops mid-step. At a corner table, Steven Valentine and his group watch him. Their presence is commanding—every movement calculated, every glance filled with meaning, meanwhile Archer leans back lazily.

Aarav considers declining. He isn’t here to make friends. But something in Steven’s gaze tells him this isn’t a request—it’s an invitation

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

Didn’t take you guys for the friendly type.

Archer Ros(ML BFF)

Oh not cold anymore 😏

kaiser Liz(ML BFF)

(grinning) We’re not. But you intrigue us. 😁

Archer Ros(ML BFF)

Besides, you didn’t flinch yesterday. That’s rare.

Aarav sits, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

So, what’s this? An initiation?

Steven Valentine (ML BFF)

(calmly) Call it… an evaluation.

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

(raising an eyebrow)Didn’t realize I was applying for a job.

Elisa Valentine (ML Sis)

You’re not. But in this place, power recognizes power. (cutely)

Aarav sips his coffee, expression unreadable. He’s spent years reading people, calculating their intentions. But this group? They don’t move like ordinary people. They move like people who own the world they walk on.

After class, on campus. Aarav walks with Steven, their pace slow, unhurried. The air between them is heavy—not uncomfortable, but thick with meaning

Steven Valentine (ML BFF)

Adjusting well?

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

I’ve seen worse.

Steven Valentine (ML BFF)

(smirking)You don’t strike me as someone who follows the crowd.😏

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

I don’t. But I also don’t mind knowing who’s worth my time.

Steven Valentine (ML BFF)

Good answer.

Aarav knows this isn’t small talk. This is a test. And he just passed

Night—Aarav’s apartment. His phone buzzes, breaking the silence

Archer Ros(ML BFF)

Drinks at The Royale. Be there.

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

Didn’t take you guys for the social type.

Archer Ros(ML BFF)

We’re not. But you’re interesting. And Steven doesn’t invite just anyone.

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

(smirking) Guess I should be honored.😏

Archer Ros(ML BFF)

You should.

Aarav Singhania(Ml)

(after a pause) Fine. See you there

As he puts his phone down, Aarav realizes something. He came here to stay in his own lane, to keep his distance. But now, he’s stepping into a world that’s powerful, dangerous… and for the first time in a long while, he doesn’t mind....

END

Author

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Author

See you in the next chapter 😘