Aarna's POV:
I pulled myself together. Nothing bad will happen to him or his group.
We were far away from our campus. Accommodation in a
a huge plain hall at a safer distance. Many students
were still missing.
There was silence in the whole hall. Everyone was crying silently.
An hour passed, no words passed.
I walked and prayed at the same time.
Our director sat in his chair as if inactive.
Teachers consoled the shocked students.
After about two hours, the door opened.
Ekansh and his team entered.
I was among the crowd.
Everyone looked to them for an answer.
"The bomb is successfully defused," one of them said.
Everyone started jumping and screaming with happiness.
We all applauded heartily.
I laughed happily too.
Ekansh smiled and looked at everyone. His smile deepened when his eyes caught mine.
He tried to move towards me, but was surrounded by the media, who rushed in, with cameras and microphones.
No!
I can't be here. If my parents or anyone notices me
M in the news, catch me.
I ran back. I stood behind everyone. It wasn't enough. These cameras are too sharp when focusing.
I bent down and sat behind the crowd.
God! Save me.
The reporter started asking questions.
Ekansh started answering them with Mike.
"We heard a bomb was planted on your campus. Is it true?"
"Yes."
"Where did you find the bomb?"
"Behind the basketball court.
"How did you all find out there was a bomb hidden somewhere on campus?"
"We are currently working on a project. A device like a sensor that will pick up the signal of a bomb nearby and send an alarm message to the team.
Our project seems to be a success."
"That's really great. Ministers and everyone are worried about who's behind this. Is it another terrorist attack? Or was it from someone internally?"
"We really have no idea. Thank you.", Ekansh probably left the hall.
Everyone followed him. I got up and peeked. Even the reporters disappeared.
"What are you doing Aaron?"
I turned to see my roommates. Do they know my name?
"Nothing." I replied and we walked back to campus.
I saw everyone go to their dorms.
I really wanted to talk to Ekansh.
I cursed him, "Unwanted bandar (monkey) never
he will appear when I will." and turned to face him.
"The undesirable Bandar is here alone. said with
shade of smile.
My heart skipped a beat. He began to smile more.
"Ekanshi. Stop scaring me.
"Do I have a choice here?"
We both laughed together for the first time. It should have
It's been many days since I laughed freely at silly things.
"Um, how did your parents react to that?" he asked.
"For what?"
"The bomb incident, even on a fresher day.
I remained silent. My parents don't know about me.
They don't even care if I'm alive or not. I looked away because my eyes were watering.
"Aarna-"
I couldn't face him.
"I need some time to process. I'll see you later." I said without looking at him and walked away.
I know he would feel weird about my behavior. I can not help myself. No one can know me.
I went to my dorm.
My roommates were there too.
"No fresher day for us. Wow! What's wrong with us if there was a bomb hidden there."
"Forget it, who wants us dead? And why? Are the terrorists planning something?"
"Who knows? They successfully bombed our freshers day. My parents are asking me to leave the institute and come home."
They sighed together and looked at me.
"Are you okay?" one of them asked.
I nodded.
"How can anyone be okay, Shivani? Of course,
everyone's scared now."
So the small, slim girl is named Shivani.
"Crying! That's why I asked. Stop being rude,
Neha." replied Shivani.
"What? Am I being rude? Look who's talking," Neha returned.
"Guys. Please." I said taking my nightgown and walking into the bathroom.
They remained silent.
Slipping into my dress, I stepped out and put my hair in a high bun.
"Shall we go to dinner? Will you join us?" they asked me as I came out of the bathroom.
I shook my head with a soft smile.
They looked at me for a few seconds before shooting
the door behind them.
I checked my phone. There were ten missed calls
by Geetha. Of course she would see it
news.
I texted her that everything was fine and I was tired. I will call you tomorrow.
I pulled out my family photo and hugged her. I kissed it.
No one can see this photo. This will reveal all.
I left it in my cart between layers of clothes. I should assemble the dress in my wardrobe tomorrow.
I covered myself with the duvet and fell asleep.
I was suddenly hungry which interrupted my sleep. I looked at the clock. It was 5:15 in the morning.
I rubbed my eyes and looked to the sides.
My roommates, Shivani and Neha, slept soundly.
I washed my face and walked out of my bedroom.
The sun had yet to rise. It's too cold here. I covered myself with two scarves.
he leaned across the hall and the birds chirped. I smiled and tried to find them in the tree branches.
I began searching the branch from top to bottom.
Looking down I saw Ekansh standing under a
tree.
He was facing me. He was in his sweatpants and jacket.
He raised his eyebrows, "Who are you looking for?"
Since I was on the first floor, he doesn't need to shout. We
they could easily hear each other's voice.
"Cute little birds." I answered.
"Good morning to you too."
"Good morning." I smiled.
He smiled and continued running. When he disappeared, I looked up at the sky.
The rising sun is nature's most iconic scene. I
he looked at the orange horizon.
It put me in a good mood.
As I stared, I felt someone behind me.
Someone pulled me down and tried to cover me
nose with a cloth.
he bent and jumped over his side, breaking his right
arm. I immediately turned around and gasped.
It was a man in black clothes. He was wearing black
a mask covering his face.
I immediately wrapped my arms around his neck and squeezed him to death. Stupid boy.
"Who the hell are you?" I shouted.
He broke free from my grip and ran away
substance on the ground.
I walked into my dorm, took my gloves and picked
lift the fabric and place it in the plastic cover.
It wasn't Rohan. Rohan is damn tall and slim. i can
easily recognizable. The guy is short, almost like me
height, so I could easily grab him by the neck.
who was it then Who wanted to kidnap me? How
i have many enemies man?! I took a long breath
and I bit my lip thinking