Bhairava sat frozen, his mind tangled in confusion. "What? I just woke up… or was that a dream?"
As the thought echoed in his head, footsteps approached his room. The door opened, and there stood Shivani. Her eyes widened in shock as she signed, "You woke up already?"
Bhairava's own eyes widened. His heart skipped. This moment—this exact scene—was what he had already witnessed a few minutes ago.
Shivani moved as she always did, walking to the balcony and opening the door. She leaned forward to look at the cocoon, her movements identical to what Bhairava remembered. He sat on the bed, staring at her with a face full of confusion, waiting to see if she would react the same way.
And she did. Shivani's eyes lit up with excitement. She turned back quickly and called for him.
Bhairava rushed to her side. Together they watched the cocoon tremble, its shell cracking open. His thoughts raced. "This is not possible…"
The wings slowly unfolded, colorful and delicate, just as he had seen before. Bhairava's breath caught. "I already saw this bloom… was that a dream?"
The butterfly emerged fully, radiant and alive. Shivani reached out with a smile, trying to touch it, but it fluttered away into the air.
Bhairava stood stunned, his eyes wide, his mind refusing to accept what he was seeing. "No way…" he whispered.
Shivani reminded Bhairava to get ready soon and left the room. He walked into the washroom, splashed water on his face, and stared at his reflection in the mirror. His brows furrowed as the thought pressed against him. "What is happening here?"
The memory of his dream returned vividly the tall mirrors, the reflection that had pulled him inside, the suffocating struggle. His chest tightened. "Is it because of that?"
He had no answer. The questions circled in his mind, heavy and unsettling. But time was slipping away, and school awaited. He shook his head, forcing himself to push the thoughts aside. "I'll think about it later," he told himself.
Bhairava dressed quickly, finished breakfast with Shivani, and together they left home—she to school, he to college. Mano joined them along the way, dropping Shivani off before heading with Bhairava to campus.
When they stepped into their classroom, the atmosphere was unusually loud. A crowd of students had gathered around one desk, their voices filled with excitement and laughter.
Mano frowned, glancing at the scene. "What's going on here?" he asked.
Bhairava's gaze cut through the crowd. Behind the cluster of students stood a young man, about twenty‑two, calm and charm. His brown, messy hair shifted lightly in the air, his light‑brown eyes gleamed behind round glasses, and his presence seemed to draw everyone in.
The moment Bhairava saw him, his expression changed. His face tightened as though he had spotted an unexpected guest. He muttered quietly, "It's Raki…"
Mano looked again, listening to the laughter. One student exclaimed, "You haven't changed at all!" The group roared with joy.
Raki stood at the center, energetic and full of life, cracking jokes, making everyone laugh, his charm filling the room.
Mano leaned toward Bhairava. "Raki? When did he finish his internship and return?"
Bhairava shrugged, turning away. "Who cares." He walked calmly to his seat.
Mano called after him. "Hey, wait. Let's at least meet him."
At that moment, Raki spotted Mano. His face lit up, and he waved enthusiastically. "Mano!" he called out, his voice carrying across the noisy classroom.
Mano's face lit up. He waved back with excitement and hurried toward him. "Hey, foreign return! You forgot all about us when you went abroad. How are you, man?"
He extended his hand with a smile. Raki clasped it firmly, his own smile warm and familiar. "Cool, man. I'm still the same. How could I ever forget you guys?"
Mano chuckled, shaking his head. "Only talk. You didn't even call us while you were there."
Raki laughed lightly. "Yeah, and the same goes for you too."
They exchanged a playful glance, then burst into laughter together, their voices blending with the noisy classroom.
Mano leaned closer, still smiling. "Just kidding. So, how was your internship?"
Raki's eyes gleamed with pride. "It went well. I learned so many new things. I'll share everything with everyone soon."
Meanwhile, Bhairava quietly settled into his seat. He slipped his bag off his shoulder, placed it beneath the desk, and sat in silence, his eyes wandering across the classroom.
Raki and Mano were still laughing together, their voices filling the room with energy. At the front, Dev and Divin sat side by side, focused on their work, their calmness a stark contrast to the noise around them. Behind them, Kiran sat with a worried expression, his phone pressed to his ear. Whoever he was calling wasn't answering, and his frustration showed.
Then, Kiran's eyes shifted to the entrance. Devi walked in, her steps slow, her face pale. Relief washed over Kiran instantly—he had been trying to reach her all this time. He quickly placed his phone on the desk and stood up.
As Devi moved toward her seat beside him, Kiran stepped in front of her. His voice carried both concern and impatience. "Hey, Devi, I called you so many times. Why didn't you pick up?"
But Devi didn't answer. She brushed past him quietly, her face pale, and sat down at her desk without a word.
Kiran stared at her, his worry deepening. She looked exhausted, her movements heavy, as though she wasn't feeling well. He pulled out his phone, typed a message, and sent it to her. Devi's phone vibrated softly. She glanced at the screen, then silenced it without replying. Resting her head on the desk, she closed her eyes, shutting herself away from him.
Kiran's expression tightened. He looked at her helplessly, not knowing what to do, his concern growing with every passing second.
From behind, Bhairava observed the scene. He couldn't tell exactly what had happened between them, but it was clear something was wrong. Still, he didn't let it bother him. With a calm detachment, he turned his head away.
His gaze drifted to Shreya's desk, still empty. Resting his cheek against his hand, he stared at the vacant seat, waiting.
Moments later, Shreya entered the classroom. She walked gracefully to her desk, placed her bag down, and adjusted her hair. Bhairava's eyes lingered on her, a quiet smile forming inside him as he admired her presence.
But before he could hold onto that moment, Raki appeared behind her. With playful energy, he covered Shreya's eyes with his hands. "Guess who I am?" he teased.
Shreya froze for a second, then her lips curved into a smile. "Welcome back, Raki…" she said warmly.
Raki pulled his hands away, surprised. "How did you know?"
Shreya turned to him, her eyes bright. "Others might make mistakes, but I can sense you even from miles away."
Raki chuckled. "Is that so?"
Shreya nodded with a gentle smile. "Yes, Mr. Raki. So, how are you?"
Their exchange carried a familiarity. But for Bhairava, the sight was unbearable. His jaw tightened, his teeth clenched in irritation. Watching Shreya's warmth directed at Raki stirred something sharp inside him—a mix of jealousy and unease he couldn't ignore.
That's Raki, who was so different from Bhairava. Energetic, charming, and endlessly playful, he had a way of making everyone laugh, of turning the atmosphere light and joyful. Even the girls seemed drawn to him, their smiles brighter in his presence. He was the complete opposite of Bhairava, and perhaps that was why Bhairava despised him… or maybe there was another reason buried deeper.
His eyes narrowed as he saw Raki holding Shreya's hand, speaking to her with ease. The sight burned inside him, his emotions threatening to spill over.
Just then, a figure stepped in front of him, blocking his view of Shreya. A familiar voice broke through his thoughts. "Yo, Bhairava…"
Bhairava lifted his head. Standing beside him was Mano, casually munching on a chocolate.
Mano grinned, his tone light. "Why are you sitting alone here? Raki bought chocolates—go quickly and take some, or they'll be gone."
Bhairava's gaze hardened. "No thanks," he replied coldly.
Mano smirked, enjoying the moment. "I asked you. Don't come later saying I ate chocolates without giving you any."
He knew well that Bhairava disliked Raki, and teasing him about it was a small joy. There was always a certain happiness in mocking a friend, especially one as serious as Bhairava.
Bhairava's frown deepened, his voice edged with anger. "I will never ask for that chocolate."
Before Mano could respond, the classroom door opened. Professor Viraj stepped inside, his presence immediately commanding silence. The students quickly returned to their seats, the chatter fading.
Viraj called out the attendance, his voice steady, then instructed, "Work silently on your thesis papers."
The room shifted into quiet focus. Students pulled out their notes, pens scratching against paper, the earlier noise replaced by the soft hum of concentrated effort.
Raki leaned casually toward Shreya's desk, his tone playful. "Are you still writing on paper? Use a laptop—it'll be easier."
Shreya glanced up, her voice calm. "I don't have a laptop."
Raki smiled, sliding his own toward her. "Don't worry, I have one. Take it."
Shreya hesitated, looking at him. "Then what will you do?"
Raki shrugged lightly. "I already completed my thesis."
Her lips curved into a small smile as she accepted the laptop. Raki leaned closer, curious. "So, which topic are you working on?"
Shreya opened her notes and replied, "I started with 'Future Technology,' but I got stuck midway." She spread her research papers across the desk, showing him the scattered pages.
Raki scanned through them quickly, his confidence unshaken. "Don't worry. I'll help you."
Watching Raki lean closer to Shreya, offering his help so easily, stirred something sharp inside him—an irritation he couldn't shake.
Then Divin raised his hand from the front row. "Sir, may I go to the library to get a book?"
Professor Viraj nodded, granting permission. Bhairava stood next, his calm voice steady. "Sir, may I also go to the library?"
Mano turned to him with a shocked expression, almost disbelieving. Viraj gave a curt nod. Then, with a mischievous grin, Mano stood as well. "May I also go to the library, sir?"
Viraj's sharp eyes narrowed at him. "Whoever wants to go to the library may go. But return to class in ten minutes."
Mano smiled broadly, bowing his head slightly. "Thank you, sir."
The three of them—Divin, Bhairava, and Mano—left the classroom together. Divin walked ahead, his steps purposeful, while Bhairava and Mano followed behind.
Mano leaned closer, his voice teasing. "What? Raki is taking your place, huh?"
Bhairava's eyes stayed forward, his tone cold. "Shut up."
Mano smirked, enjoying the reaction. Ahead of them, Divin entered the library and drifted toward the physics section. Bhairava, however, turned into the history section, his movements deliberate.
Mano trailed after him, curiosity sparking. "Are you planning to write your thesis on history?"
Bhairava's eyes scanned the shelves as he replied calmly, "No. I already completed my thesis. I came here to get a book for my interview."
Mano froze, his face twisting in mock betrayal. "Betrayer? You told me we'd do it together."
Bhairava kept walking, his tone steady. "Don't worry. After my interview, I'll help you finish your thesis. For now, just help me find the book."
Mano's irritation melted into excitement. He grinned. "This is what you should have told me first."
Before their voices could rise again, the librarian's stern tone cut through the silence from behind. "Don't talk in the library."
Both Bhairava and Mano exchanged a glance, then lowered their voices, continuing their search quietly. Soon, they found the books Bhairava needed and walked to the front office to register them.
At the same time, Divin emerged from the physics section, carrying a stack of books. He placed them on the counter beside Bhairava and waited for his turn.
While Bhairava signed his register, Mano's eyes wandered to Divin's pile. He read the title of one book aloud, "Quantum Physics."
Divin immediately noticed and flipped the book upside down, hiding the cover.
Mano raised his brows, smirking. "Are you taking these books for your thesis?"
Divin's reply was sharp, his tone cold. "That is none of your business."
Bhairava finished his registration and called out to Mano. Without another word, Mano followed him out of the library, leaving Divin behind to complete his own registration.