UNIVERSITY ARC
My mother left me with more questions than answers.
Typical.
That's just how she is—dropping hints like breadcrumbs, never giving away the whole loaf. I swear, half the time I don't even know if she's trying to protect me or just test my patience. But if I've learned one thing, it's that trying to get answers out of her before she's ready is a losing game.
The only option is to wait. Wait, and trust her timing.
Still, her final words kept ringing in my head as I made my way back.
Someone's watching me? From the shadows?
I pushed the thought aside—for now. As she said, it was dangerous to linger. I needed to return.
…
When I got back to college, the cafeteria was already buzzing. My friends were halfway through their meals.
I walked over and fixed my eyes on Suresh.
"Suresh, you've changed. You always call me before lunch, but today? Nothing."
He looked up, chewing, clearly unapologetic.
"Hey, Manoj. You said you'd be late. So I figured I'd steal your food too. Don't even ask—I've already eaten it all."
"What? You brat! I'm starving! I don't want excuses, just give me back my lunch!"
He grinned and shrugged.
"Who even are you? Keshava, do you know this guy? Some stranger just showed up demanding food."
"You little—!"
Before I could say more, he bolted from the table.
"Hey! If I catch you, you're dead!"
"Exactly why I'm running! Catch me if you want your lunch, Manoj!"
That idiot. I dashed after him while Ramu and Keshava burst out laughing behind us.
After a short, chaotic food chase, we ended up back in the hostel, flopping onto our beds, catching our breath. The room was full of laughter, and for the first time in a while, things felt... normal.
That made them happy.
Because it meant I was back.
Then Keshava's phone rang. He answered, listened for a bit, and when he hung up, his face lit up.
"Guys! Good news. It's Geetha's birthday today—she's throwing a party and inviting everyone."
He paused, grinning.
"But here's the twist… some important people are going to be there."
Geetha, our class leader. Do you know how she stood up in this leader post? Of course, she was rich. By my calculations, she might be the only one richer after that jerk Rahul in our entire class.
Ramu was thrilled.
|"This is perfect timing! We've got an invitation to a birthday party, Manoj. It could really help you feel better."|
Keshava and Suresh also encouraged me, but I know better than them.
|"No, guys, you already know. If I come along with you, It'll just be awkward. I don't want to ruin your fun. Just go without me."|
Keshava tried to convince me.
|"Come on, manoj! stay positive. If anything happens, I've got your back. So please, come with us. It'll help you forget everything."|
With everyone insisting, I had no choice but to agree.
– – – –
It was evening. The party was helding in her house.
The rooftop of the house was lit up with fairy lights and filled with music, laughter, and the smell of snacks. Students were dancing, clicking selfies, and joking around like the world was theirs.
For a moment, it felt like all was right again.
I stood near the railing with a plate in hand while Ramu and Keshava argued over the last slice of pizza. Suresh, as usual, was already raiding the dessert table like a man on a mission.
"Can you believe it?" Keshava grinned. "Our class leader knows how to throw a proper party."
"Yeah," I replied, half-smiling, "this is probably the most peaceful night we've had in a while."
But something inside me didn't quite relax. Maybe it was my mother's warning still echoing in my head. Or maybe it was the crowd—too many unknown faces for a college gathering.
And then… I saw her.
Across the crowd, near the water cans, stood a girl in a plain black kurta and jeans. She wasn't dancing. She wasn't laughing. Just… watching.
Watching me.
Our eyes met. Only for a second. She looked away. My breath caught.
Where have I seen her before?
She looked like any other student—nothing suspicious. And yet… my gut said otherwise.
I tried to shrug it off. Maybe I was just being paranoid.
"Good evening, boys," a voice interrupted. It was a man in his late 30s, dressed sharply in a formal shirt and blazer. He looked out of place among all the students.
"I'm Mr. Deshmukh. One of the trustees of this college. I was invited by the class leader herself. Mind if I join you?"
Ramu offered a polite smile, and Keshava stepped back. I nodded slowly.
"Of course, sir."
He looked at me for a moment too long before speaking again.
"You're Manoj, right? I've heard a lot about you."
That made my stomach tighten.
"From whom?" I asked carefully.
He chuckled, brushing it off. "Oh, just… people. You know how word spreads. I've been curious to meet you. You seem… interesting."
There was a pause. His eyes narrowed just a fraction. "So tell me, Manoj… where are you really from?"
Before I could answer, a student called him over, and he left with a nod and a fake smile.
...…
The party was in full swing, filled with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses. String lights cast a warm glow over the open-air venue, making everything feel almost magical. For the first time in a while, I allowed myself to relax, soaking in the energy of the crowd.
Suresh was too busy devouring the buffet to care about anything else, while Keshava and Ramu debated over the latest tech gadgets. I chimed in now and then, enjoying the casual banter.
"I swear, if you buy another phone just for the camera, Keshava, I'm going to confiscate it," I joked, nudging him.
"And do what? Trade it for some books?" Keshava shot back, grinning. "No thanks, I'd rather keep my latest masterpiece."
We laughed, the tension of the past few days finally fading. For a moment, I almost forgot about everything—Rahul, my mother's cryptic warnings, the struggles I had endured. I felt like a regular college student again.
But then… I felt it again. That strange presence.
I turned my head slightly, scanning the crowd. My eyes landed on her.
No, not again.
She stood at a distance, blending into the crowd, yet her gaze never wavered. Yes, it was not a coincidence. She wasn't just looking at me—she really was observing me.
My mother's words echoed in my mind.
"be careful of the ones who watch from the shadows."
I exhaled slowly. I'm a bit uncomfortable. I need to ask her directly and put an end.
Before I could dwell on it further, the party suddenly quieted.
A sharp voice cut through the air, laced with amusement and arrogance.
"Well, well, Manoj. Didn't expect to see you here."
The crowd instinctively turned, parting as she walked forward. Her heels clicked against the polished floor, her designer dress sparkling under the lights.
Geetha. Of course.
She stopped a few feet away, arms crossed, a smirk curling at her lips. "Did you sneak in? Or did someone lose their pity card and hand it to you?"
The laughter was hesitant, uncertain. My friends tensed behind me, but I lifted a hand, keeping them back.
Why should I lower myself again? There is no reason for stepping back this time. There is no reason to continue this act. Time to show my true self. I want to see how it goes.