Chapter 16 Behind Quit Eyes
It is the next morning. I see Vihan sitting quietly in the living room of Rajput Villa, a bit lost in thought, as if sleep hasn’t touched him all night.
Neeti and Ruhi have already left for college. Mr. Ajay is watching TV, a cup of tea in his hand, while Mrs. Shobha sits beside him, knitting, though her eyes remain fixed on the screen.
Suddenly, the silence breaks with a flashing headline on the large LCD screen “Bigger News Of Today's Tragedy in the Jungle Last Night: 20 bodies recovered from deep within the forest, all severely wounded by bullets. Police investigation underway, but the perpetrators remain unknown.”
Vihan freezes. His eyes lock onto the TV screen. It is the exact location where he was last night, with Raaka. The camera zooms into the jungle terrain, flashing crime scene visuals.
Shock, guilt, and disbelief flood my face as I watch him. Just then, Samar and I appear from the hallway, walking toward the living area. Samar looks calm, collected.
I, however, have a softness in my expression, something quiet, as though carrying a hidden ache.
Mrs. Shobha looks up at Samar and says, “Samar, did you hear? That terrible incident in the jungle last night?”
Samar responds casually, “Hmm.”
He walks over and sits on the couch like it means nothing. Mrs. Shobha turns her attention to me, gently takes my hand, and brings me close beside her. “How are you feeling now, Child? You were... really shaken yesterday.”
I give a small nod, my voice quiet, “I’m better now, Mom.”
Mrs. Shobha asks softly, “What happened? How did you fall into the pool?”
At that moment, Samar’s gaze shifts straight to me. His eyes don’t blink; they are reading every word off my lips. I look down, lashes low, voice even lower, “My foot slipped, Mom.”
Mrs. Shobha instantly interrupts, “No ‘Aunty.’ I’m your mom now, okay?”
I smile faintly, nod, “Okay, Mom.”
Mr. Ajay looks at me kindly and adds, “Child, if you’re missing home, you should visit. Go see your father.”
Before I can even open my mouth to respond, Samar speaks, his voice low but sharp, “She’s not a little girl to miss home like that. And if she does, I’ll take her myself.”
And with that, he stands up and walks out of the living room toward his office, leaving an odd silence behind.
Mrs. Shobha just shakes her head gently, saying nothing. Vihan is fuming. He stands up, face stormy, and without a word, storms out of the villa.
Mrs. Shobha, Mr. Ajay, and I watch him leave. Mr. Ajay turns to her, confused, “What’s gotten into him now?”
Mrs. Shobha sighs, “I don’t know. These kids... ever since they’ve grown up, it’s like we don’t recognize them anymore.”
I look at her and ask softly, “Mom... where are Neeti and Ruhi?”
Mrs. Shobha gently strokes my head and smiles, “They’ve gone to college, Child. You sit here, I’ll get something for you to eat.”
With that, she heads toward the kitchen. Now only Mr. Ajay and I remain in the living room. Mr. Ajay smiles and says, “Come sit, Child let me tell you some childhood stories of my and Abhay. You’ll enjoy them.”
I smile faintly, and sit beside him, listening intently for the first time with quiet interest.
Meanwhile SS University, the city’s most prestigious and elite college. Every student dreams of studying here. A campus where every corner is ultra-modern, but the stories are nothing less than a movie.
I hurry down the stairs, one hand holding my bag, the other clutching my phone. There’s a hint of restlessness on my face as if someone is waiting outside.
Ruhi is already standing by the gate, waiting. Just as I step off the last stair, my foot twists, and a sharp scream escapes my lips.
But I don’t fall. Because suddenly, I feel myself suspended in the air. When I open my eyes, I find myself in someone’s arms.
Strong arms, holding me above the ground with ease. In front of me, piercing blue eyes. A sharp jawline. An intense, commanding presence. He’s staring at me furiously.
My heartbeat goes wild. For a moment, everything blurs around him. He leans in a little closer and says sharply, “Can’t you watch where you’re going? Can’t even walk carefully? You could’ve seriously hurt yourself.”
His deep voice and those stormy eyes make me even more nervous. Softly, almost stammering, I reply, “S-s-sorry...”
He keeps staring at me for a moment longer, eyes burning through me. Then gently moves me aside and walks off, swiftly and silently.
I stand there, still trying to catch my breath. Still watching him walk away. Because that guy is none other than Shorya Shekhawat.
The Trustee of SS University. The man who runs the whole place. He often visits for inspections.
And every time I see him, my heart stirs with emotions I can never put into words. Trying to steady myself, I slowly walk out of the building. Ruhi is waiting by the car.
The moment she sees me, she asks, “What took you so long? I was getting bored!”
I give a nervous little smile and lie, “Nothing I just couldn’t find my notebook. Was looking for it.”
Ruhi nods casually. We both get into the car, and as the engine starts. Neeti and Ruhi come home as the evening starts to set in. As soon as they enter, Mrs. Shobha sees them and asks a bit sternly, “Where have you two been?”
Ruhi casually replies, “Nowhere, Mom. Neeti Di took too long.”
Mrs. Shobha looks at Ruhi and asks with concern, “What's wrong with her?” Ruhi, still munching on an apple, shrugs and says, “No idea.” Mrs. Shobha shakes her head slightly, sensing something isn’t quite right.
Neeti enter Her room and shut the door behind me without a sound. She immediately throw Her bag down on the floor beside the bed. Next to it is a small study table with a lamp, some textbooks, and a couple of novels placed neatly.
Her eyes holding some unspoken tension like something is bothering me deeply, but I can’t share it with anyone. The only light in the room comes from the dim glow of the lamp, and my silence fills the rest.
Meanwhile, Vihan is sitting angrily in a luxurious hotel roon the kind with polished floors, velvet curtains, and a heavy silence. Tension is clearly visible on his face. Across from him, on the sofa, sits Raaka, a bit uneasy, but still carrying his usual confidence.
Vihan grits his teeth in frustration and snaps, “I don’t care what you said. You promised Samar would be finished by morning. But your own men ended up dead!”
Raaka replies calmly, “I don’t know what happened after we left but don’t worry. Samar is my enemy before he’s yours. I’ll make sure his death is so brutal, the world will remember it.”
Vihan leans forward, eyes sharp. “Do it fast. I can’t tolerate him any longer.”
Raaka’s eyes light up with a dark glint as he says, “Within the next 24 hours, his dead body will be lying in front of you.”
A mysterious smile slowly appears on Vihan’s face like a hidden plan is unfolding in his mind,
one only he knows about.