I zipped up my bag, still half-shaking. The clock blinked 4:15 PM.School over.
Outside, winter had already started stealing the light.The street was covered in fog—thin at first, then heavier, curling around the lampposts like it wanted to hide something. The air smelled of dust and cold metal.
I pulled my shawl tighter and started walking. Everything felt quieter than usual.A few horns far away. Someone laughing somewhere behind me. My own footsteps on the road.
Then—another pair of steps.
Slow. Careful.Matching mine.
I stopped.The sound stopped too.
A cold shiver ran down my back.Maybe I was overthinking. Maybe it was just Ruhan leaving school late, or someone from the next street. I told myself not to turn around.
But the moment I started walking again, those steps followed.Closer this time.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The fog swallowed the road ahead. The streetlights looked tired, their glow scattered and dull.
And suddenly, I could feel it—eyes on me.Watching.Waiting.
I gripped my bag strap tighter, my breath uneven."Don't be stupid," I whispered under my breath. "Just walk."
But my heart didn't listen.It just kept racing faster.
Meanwhile, Ruhan...
Ruhan sat on the park bench, head bent low, dabbing antiseptic on his knuckles. The sting burned, but he didn't flinch. He'd taken worse hits before.
The street beside the park was almost empty now—fog curling around the edges, swallowing everything in that pale, cold light. Somewhere in the distance, a dog barked once, then silence again.
He exhaled, staring at his bruised hand.She must've reached home by now, he thought. Good.
Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw someone turn the corner—small figure, shawl wrapped tight, head slightly down.
Pragati.
She was walking fast, like she wanted to disappear into the fog. But something in her steps wasn't right. Too quick. Too tense.
Ruhan's brows furrowed. He watched for another second.Then he heard it—the faint sound of another pair of footsteps behind her.
He straightened. The antiseptic bottle slipped from his hand, rolling off the bench.The air suddenly felt heavier.
"Pragati?" he called out, but his voice came out low, half unsure if she'd even hear.
No response. She kept walking.
And behind her—someone moved.
Ruhan stood up immediately, eyes narrowing into the mist. Every instinct in him went sharp. He didn't even think—just started walking toward her, fast.
🖤 by Pragati Priya (pen name: Zoey)
Story & characters belong to Zoey_8087 (Pragati Priya).Reposts, copies,
or adaptations without permission are strictly not allowed.Respect the writer's words. 🤍