CHAPTER 2

Aanya's Pov:

“Mom, I’m heading to the office,” I said, shoving a rolled paratha into my mouth.

“Arre, sit properly and eat! You’ll choke if you eat like that,” she said, walking toward me.

“No, Mom, I’m running late. I’ll manage like this,” I said, grabbing my bag and heading to the door.

“You’re late every single day… we’ve just accepted it by now,” Aadi called from the kitchen.

I gave him a side-eye as he left for university.

“Oh, and Mom, I might be a little late today.”

“Why? Something important?” she asked, concern lining her face.

“Nope. Aarohi and I planned to hang out,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“Alright, just don’t stay out too late,” she replied, a hint of worry still in her eyes.

As i sat in my car started and made my way towards the highway.

And there was so much crowd that created huge traffic.

“This traffic is going to be the death of me someday,” I muttered, rolling down my window for some fresh air.

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and everyone around panicked.

I was shocked for a moment, and looked around i asked a bystander, “What happened?”

“Some guy tried to kill someone, but luckily, he’s fine. The bullet only hit his shoulder,” the man replied.

This has become so normal…

People don’t follow laws, the government only cares about money, and victims end up blamed while criminals walk free. here, someone’s just minding their own business… and suddenly they’re in danger all for money.

The man whose shoulder was shot his face partially hidden his eyes showed no hint of pain that were cold, empty, like he’d experienced this before.

I shook my head. Focus on your work, Nya.

I started my car again, parking in front of the office, but the image of his unreadable eyes stayed in my mind.

"How can people act like nothing has happened as if it's just a drama or something."

୨ৎ

“Hello, Ma’am!” Uma greeted me cheerfully.

“Hi, is Everything going good?”

“Yes, Ma’am. All good.”

As i turned, she greeted someone else. Seeing aarohi instantly brightened my day.

“Let’s go to your cabin,” she said, practically bouncing with excitement.

We walked toward my cabin, and she suddenly twirled in place.

“You know what, Nya?” aarohi said, grinning.

“Uh… no. What’s up?” I asked, smiling softly.

“You remember that guy I fought the other day the one at the party?”

“Yeah… what about him?”

“I just beat him again in an argument!” she squealed.

I raised an eyebrow. “Really? That’s what’s got you dancing?”

“Of course! He’s ridiculously hard to beat!”

“So… you’re admitting he actually has some power over you?” I teased.

“No way!” she said, pouting.

“Okay, okay. Now… presentation time. Let’s focus before we celebrate the fight victory,” I said, opening the laptop.

“Yes, yes. I’ve checked it. You check it too,” she said, leaning over to show me the file.

We worked together, reviewing slides and refining content. The hours flew by, and soon it was 3 PM.

୨ৎ

After hours of working on the presentation, both of us finally leaned back with a sigh.

“That’s it. Done and dusted!” Aarohi said, closing her laptop dramatically.

“Finally,” I chuckled. “If I stare at one more slide, my eyes will cross.”

Aarohi shot me a mischievous grin. “So street food?”

“street food?” I repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, nya Golgappas. Pav bhaji. Don’t tell me you’re not craving it after this torture.”

I laughed. “Fine. But only because i can't say no to food.”

“Exactly,” she said, already grabbing her bag.

We left the office, still talking about the project. Outside, the evening air carried the aroma of fried snacks and spices. The roadside stall near the corner was buzzing with people.

The vendor smiled at us. “Kya chahiye, madam?”

“Two plates golgappa!” Aarohi announced proudly, like she was about to win a lottery.

I shook my head. “She’s addicted.”

As we munched, Aarohi started her usual commentary.

“See? This is better than any five-star restaurant food. Admit it.”

I smiled, nodding as i wiped my hands. “Okay, fine. You win. This is good.”

She smirked like she’d won a battle.

What we didn’t notice, though, was the shadowy figure across the street. A man leaned casually against a pole, pretending to scroll on his phone but his eyes never left us.

And behind him, someone else stood further back, equally watchful.

୨ৎ

By the time we finished, Aarohi was buzzing with energy. “Next stop club!”

“Arohi…” I sighed.

“Don’t start. We deserve this after working like donkeys. Let’s go.”

She flagged a cab, and we climbed in, still laughing about silly office gossip.

Unseen by us, a bike started after our cab, keeping a steady distance.

And a black car followed too inside it, Vivaan sat silently, his eyes sharp, watching every turn.

The music hit us the moment we stepped in thumping bass, flashing lights, people dancing like they had no worries in the world. Aarohi was in her element.

“Let’s dance!” she shouted over the music.

I smiled, shaking my head. “You go, I’ll watch.”

But while we laughed, danced, and enjoyed ourselves, the man who had been following us slipped inside too. Blending in with the crowd, his gaze stayed fixed.

Vivaan, from a corner, noticed him instantly. His jaw clenched. He moved closer, staying in the shadows, his every step measured.

And then he’d had enough.

Before we could undesirable anything someone grabbed aarohi's arm.

“Vivaan?” she breathed, half-shocked, half-angry.

“aarohi, let’s go,” Vivaan’s voice cut sharply through the noise.

Before Aarohi could react, his hand gripped her arm not harsh, but firm enough that she froze.

“Vivaan! What are you-” she started, shocked.

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