Aadhya's POV
I walked back into class like a war survivor.
Mentally. Emotionally. Spiritually. Physically toh thoda sa bhi nahi… okay maybe thoda.
The moment I stepped inside—
"ADI!!"
Oh no.
Not this creature.
Before I could even reach my bench, Avi literally attacked me with questions like some reporter from a crime channel.
"Are you afraid of blood?"
"Why did you faint?"
"Did it hurt?"
"Do you always react like that?"
"Were you dying?"
"AVIII!" I almost shouted, holding my head. "Stop it! Main zinda hoon, dekh na!"
He blinked. Then leaned closer. "But seriously… are you afraid of blood?"
"Nooo…" I dragged the word, trying to sound confident. "I just… don't know why that happened."
Which was true.
And also not true.
Because something did happen.
I just… don't remember it properly.
He wasn't convinced. Obviously. This boy has the curiosity level of a detective mixed with the brain of a cartoon character. Dangerous combo.
"But has it happened before?" he asked again, eyes wide like I was some mystery case.
I paused.
"...I don't remember."
He frowned. "But that's not possible. You must remember something."
AUGHHHH.
Why is he like this.
"See Avi," I said, turning fully toward him now, "I don't know. I don't remember. Do you remember everything from ten years ago? Every single thing?"
He paused.
Then—
That stupid teasing smile appeared.
And he shook his head.
I pointed at him dramatically. "SEE! I told you!"
Victory.
Case closed.
Court dismissed.
Judge Aadhya has spoken.
He scratched his head, still looking unsure, but thankfully… finally… he shut up.
Thank god.
I dropped onto my seat like my life depended on it.
I don't want to think about it.
Whatever that was…
Whatever those flashes were…
Nope. Cancel. Delete. Block. Report.
Sir started teaching. Something about… something.
Vectors? Maybe.
Arrows going here and there like they're planning a war. Honestly, my brain is already in Mahabharat mode, don't add more.
But still…
I picked up my pen.
Started noting everything down.
Focus, Adi. Focus.
Bhaiyya will literally conduct my funeral if I fail again.
"Above average," I whispered to myself. "Bas itna hi. Zyada nahi maang rahi universe se."
Small goals. Big dreams. Survival mode.
Vivaan's POV
"Any updates?"
My voice was calm. Controlled.
But my eyes weren't.
They were fixed. Watching. Calculating.
Lio didn't even look up from his device. "Give me a few minutes."
Of course he would say that.
He always delivers.
That's why he's useful.
And I don't keep useless people around.
I leaned back, fingers tapping slowly against the desk.
"Where's Avi?" I asked without looking at anyone in particular.
Nikansh answered immediately, "With her. Just like you wanted."
Good.
Everything in place.
Exactly how I planned.
Avi is perfect for this.
Harmless face. Easy smile. Childish behavior.
No one suspects him.
Especially not someone like Aadhya.
She trusts too easily. Talks too openly.
Weakness.
And weaknesses are meant to be used.
A slow smirk formed on my lips.
"She won't suspect anything," Nikansh added, as if reading my thoughts.
"Of course she won't," I replied.
Because I've already seen it.
The way she talks to him.
The way she lets her guard down.
The way she forgets where she is.
Section E isn't a place where you forget things.
It's a place where you lose them.
I stood up slowly.
My presence alone was enough to make the others straighten.
"Avi won't mess this up," I said, more to myself than them.
Because he won't.
He knows better.
Everyone does.
My gaze darkened slightly.
Reyansh.
That name alone was enough to trigger something cold inside me.
"You think you're smart," I murmured under my breath. "Let's see how smart you are when I turn your own weakness against you."
Aadhya.
She's not just some random girl anymore.
She's a connection.
A crack.
An entry point.
And I know exactly how to use it.
"This isn't even a big plan," I said, almost amused. "But it's enough."
Enough to shake him.
Enough to break that calm expression of his.
Enough to make him react.
And once he reacts…
He loses.
I smirked, slow and sharp.
"What will you do then, Reyansh…"
My voice dropped. Dark. Certain.
"When I use her against you?"