| Abhiya FF - His Firefly | COMPLETED Chapter 108 Pg 88 - Page 11

very scary chapter

poor pia was so scared to see that psycho in front of her😭

i just want to kill that monster jay😡

he is just a bloody psycho😡

poor pia got scared for abhay & kabir also😭

as that monster want to hurt whoever come close to pia so disgusting😡

he even promised to pia he will come back to take her with him yuck😡

glad at least abhay reached to pia🤗

he felt guilty for not reaching pia in time

uff kabir didn't like abhiya closeness & pia sharing her secret with abhay

police tired to find that monster but dipanita hide him😡

i just hope abhay will find that monster soon & kill him for forever

misha took pia with her as it's too dangerous for pia to be alone

oh god those werewolves attack on raichand😡

wow how easily madhu killed those werewolf👏

but what happened to madhu?

did she remember her past?😕

continue plz

Originally posted by: cuteariya

very scary chapter

poor pia was so scared to see that psycho in front of her😭

i just want to kill that monster jay😡

he is just a bloody psycho😡

poor pia got scared for abhay & kabir also😭

as that monster want to hurt whoever come close to pia so disgusting😡

he even promised to pia he will come back to take her with him yuck😡

glad at least abhay reached to pia🤗

he felt guilty for not reaching pia in time

uff kabir didn't like abhiya closeness & pia sharing her secret with abhay

police tired to find that monster but dipanita hide him😡

i just hope abhay will find that monster soon & kill him for forever

misha took pia with her as it's too dangerous for pia to be alone

oh god those werewolves attack on raichand😡

wow how easily madhu killed those werewolf👏

but what happened to madhu?

did she remember her past?😕

continue plz

she did remember her past and it’s not a happy one 😛

thanks dear 🤗

Chapter 23

Alone

“Are they really back?” Siddharth asked, caressing Mandu’s hair. Held snug in her palm was a small golden bracelet. That of a child’s. She leaned against Siddharth’s chest, refusing to let him out of her sight for even a second. He was okay. No blood, no fire, no death. She held the bracelet and the hem of his shirt tighter.

She knew what she saw. The red runes. The sinister smile. Dark energies and less than good intentions. The arrival of her family’s impending death was the nightmare that repeatedly haunted her while unconscious. She died too many times in just one night.

Abhay had little choice but to answer in the affirmative. Even if he hid it for now, they’d know in the coming minutes. He nodded, pressing his thumbs together against his forehead.

“And her?” She asked with shaken breath.

“Sealed away at the palace. Though, that can likely change.”

Siddharth sighed and cupped her cheeks, brushing the red tears away and laying the tenderest of kisses on her forehead. “Don’t worry. We’ll be okay.”

The darkness of closed eyes did little to reassure her. Her baby. Their son. She couldn’t save him. She let them take him. Who wouldn’t she be able to save next?

“Look at me, love.” She tried to find reassurance in Siddharth’s eyes. “Nothing will happen. Just have faith. We were alone then. We are not alone now.”

Abhay left them in each other’s company and opened the front doors.

The lower floor of the Raichand mansion soon turned into a meeting hall as more vampires congregated in the empty room. Abhay took his place on the steps above, waiting for as many to arrive as possible. Danish was strangely missing. He prided himself on punctuality. Abhay hoped he was on the way, and not caught up in any trouble.

The ambiance was solemn. A bit of concern, and a bit of uncertainty. Several vampires walked with injury. One night and so many have been attacked.

The vampires that were able to, bowed in deference. Abhay nodded and waved his hand aside.

“The sole purpose of this gathering tonight is to inform of a new threat. But seeing some of you wounded, I feel like you might already be aware.”

Several nods.

“Abhay, those werewolves, they don’t smell right. It’s like they’re human.”

“It’s intentional, Mathias. To keep us complacent. And as much as I hate to say it, I think it’s working.”

He examined the wounded vampires. They looked weak, but were healing. Having some wounded over some dead was the preferred alternative. No souls could be taken for their gain.

“Those wounded in such surprise attacks, please speak.” He asked of them.

They began their accounts, one by one. Similar stories. Ambushed in the forests by several ”humans”, and surrounded by thick fogs that reduced visibility. Most of them managed to kill the attackers, except for one, who instead snagged a strange talisman off one in the midst of the fight. The werewolf fled the scene upon being discovered, along with the fog.

Abhay asked for the talisman. It was a heavy, polished stone, engraved with light scriptures of some ancient language he didn’t recognize. This was the power behind the no scents. It would have to be examined immediately.

He lifted his head and spoke.

“An ancient enemy is rearing its ugly head, and it’s possible that our clan is not the only one affected. This is their doing.”

Everyone was aware, what he was referring to.

“Our own territory has become a danger to us. What a joke. What are those on the main council doing about it?”

“I...don’t know. I have only been told that they were going to be informed. What action they will take, I know as much as you all do.”

Seraphina wasn’t returning his calls either.

Mandu dug her nails into the fabric of the sofa, clawing away the leather and interior stuffing. She didn’t want to lose herself like last time. The eyes that drew towards her brought shame by association.

It wasn’t her fault. She was also a victim. Why wouldn’t they understand that?

Abhay noticed her distress and aimed to end this meeting as soon as possible. As much as the clan was civil and understanding, they also had some unexplained distrust of Mandu. It was the most apparent now.

“Abhay, it might be in our best interests to see if—“ She stopped and looked at Mandu, eyes filled with skepticism. Others hesitantly nodded in agreement, aware of what she was implying.

“That will not be necessary, Shivani.” Abhay snarled, baring his fangs. Siddharth held Mandu closer to him, staring at the dissenters with hostility. Shivani swallowed nervously and regretted opening her mouth. “She has nothing to do with them. It’ll be in your best interests to understand that.”

A small burst of light drew their attention away from the aftermath of accusations, countering the darkness of the room and bringing with it, the smell of blood.

The light faded to reveal Danish and Maya, both bleeding through their tattered clothes. The injured vampires, most thirsty for a witch’s blood, bared their fangs and tried to fight their way to Maya. Abhay stood in front of them, throwing them back with a burst of power.

“Enough! Control yourselves!” He roared. Danish tried to shield her on his own but fell to his knees.

“Abhay.....those wolves,” she panted. “What’s happening?”

Siddharth helped them up and made them sit.

“How did this happen?,” he questioned, eyes filled with worry,

“Danish and I were on our way here. It got foggy....“ She pressed her palm to her temple. Teleporting them away before Danish met the stake was physically taxing on her body, exacerbated by her own injuries. She couldn’t quite remember; it hurt her head. “They attacked us, unprovoked. I think....I think there were four of them.”

She struggled to breath after a few sentences. Mandu healed her first and then took care of Danish.

“So what now, Abhay?”

He gritted his teeth, feeling powerless. The treaty was clearly meaningless now, null and void. They attacked like it didn’t exist.

“Just try not to die. And don’t hesitate to kill, doesn’t matter the place.”

———————————————————————

Misha and Ruhi invited themselves to Piya’s place, under the pretext of a girl’s night and slumber party. Keeping her company was their top priority, away from the other adults and at a place she felt the most comfortable. Her own villa.

Comfort from being at home? Or being close to him?

Her guardian angel lived just in arms reach. Maybe he would come to see her tonight?

The three girls somehow squeezed themselves into Piya’s bed, bodies folded and turned to solve this jigsaw puzzle of sleeping positions. Their spines would surely not forgive them in the morning.

The awkward shape of her back wasn’t why Piya couldn’t sleep tonight. Instead it was a gift from the reign of fear itself. She was afraid. What would Jeh do next? How much danger were Kabir and Abhay actually in?

What can I even do about it?

It was a blessing to know that those around her supported her after knowing everything, but she still felt alone. Vulnerable. Left to figure out things all by herself. Things had become oddly distant in her eyes. The bravery she possessed before the incident now seemed fake to her.

How did everything change in one moment? Why did you let his actions control you? Will you let him hurt your friends?

She wiped a stray tear and threw the covers aside, tiptoeing out of bed. Misha and Ruhi were out cold, the deep sleepers they were. Hopefully they wouldn’t wake up on the advent of finding more bed space. Misha especially. She liked to move around at lot in her sleep.

Piya pulled the silk drapes back and peered out the glass of the nearest window, watching clouds drift past the full moon with a wistful stare. Wisps of snow fell from the sky, hiding the intricacies of nature under a blanket of white. Bringing her hand up to her face, she breathed out. Her breath was visible in the growing chill.

“Oh...the flowers,” she whispered to herself. It was time to water them. Although, she was saddened at the thought of not being able to play for them. She didn’t have the heart to right now. Melted snow on the violin would be catastrophic for the wood anyways.

A thick, woolen blanket was wrapped around her shoulders, hiding the lower half of her face. The temperature began to gradually drop. The tips of her fingers and nose turned red, shivering minutes after going outside.

Solitude and her. This was how things used to be.

Maybe staying by myself was always the best course of action.

People would get hurt because of her. People she cared about. Dragged in without reason, trapped without knowledge.

She kneeled into the earth upon reaching the hill, quenching its thirst. Silent apologies were given to the flowers. The violin would sound another day.

The snow fell more heavily. She hurried back to the villa, brushing off snowflakes from her hair and blanket. She switched on the heater once inside and set water to boil for some late night tea.

Her folder of sheet music sat on the counter. Papers of recent were carelessly shoved in without any thought of organization. She decided to clean it up a little, while she waited for the tea to steep. There wasn’t much else to do this late.

Her fingers grazed past each paper, stopping briefly at Abhay’s and then moving onto the next.

I’m going to need a binder at this point. I have too much music, she thought to herself.

A small, folded paper fell out as she pulled more sheets, catching her attention. She never folded any of her music, then what was it?

She unfolded and read the contents. The blush may have warmed up her cheeks but she felt the cold frost deep in her heart.

I’m sorry, Kabir.

An apology for breaking his heart the next time she saw him, and for what she needed to do next.

If Jeh ever laid his hands on it, Kabir would be done for. No matter what her answer to the proposal might be. The tips of the paper went up in flames as she touched it to the gas of the stove.

She felt just a bit more at ease, but also just as guilty. He had written the letter with such care, and she burned it to ashes without any second thought.

But it’s for your own good, Kabir.

A fresh cup of warm tea in hand, she sat just beyond the sliding glass doors, on the balcony in a snug patio chair. She curled up into a ball, knees pressed to her chest, staring at the tops of trees and the moon and stars above, wondering what tomorrow would bring.

———————————————————————

The Raichand mansion eventually returned to its silence. Siddharth took Mandu up to their room, and Danish was resting in the guest room with Maya to watch over him. Abhay was left to dwell in the living room. He emptied the last of several goblets of blood, forehead creased in tension.

Siddharth interrupted his thoughts. He knew how badly Abhay wanted to see her.

Go on, Abhay. I’ll handle things here. There’s someone else who needs your support just as badly.

Abhay’s chest tightened, foot tapping anxiously onto the floor. Her thoughts were heavy with emotion. Heavy with fear. Somewhere in them, she asked to see him. The man with cobalt eyes she called her guardian angel. Or did she mean Abhay Raichand? Her thoughts put them together as one. And she was right about that. They were one, but she was not allowed to know. He shook his head and departed the outer gates to a snowy overcast. There was a time and place to think of all this, but not now.

The path to her filled with her scent halfway, near the flower hill. She was there recently. Perhaps she wasn’t able to sleep. He trudged forward, shoes leaving imprints into the snow.

You are not alone, Piya.

He stood just in sight, finding her curled up in a chair atop the small balcony. Wrapped twice around in a large blanket, mug in hand. Her cheeks and nose turned red from the cold.

Piya noticed him immediately, picking up her cellphone. The smallest smile crept up on her face. She was at least glad that someone up there, beyond the clouds and towards the heavens, was conscious of her wishes. He did come to see her.

“Can’t sleep either?” She asked.

“Not really. It’s cold out, Piya. You’ll fall ill.”

“Says the one wearing nothing over his shirt.” She teased. He looked down and examined his outfit. Yet another slip up. “Do you not feel cold? I at least have a blanket.”

“I...forgot to wear a jacket.”

“Sure you did.”

Abhay sighed and cut the call, climbing the wood steps to her side.

“Are you taking a walk?”

“Something like that. The main road is often quiet this late.”

“It’s quiet most of the time. Around here at least.”

“I suppose you’re right.” He gestured to the floor next to her. “May I?”

She nodded. “Sorry, I don’t have another chair.”

“I don’t mind.”

The finest of snowflakes clung the strands of their hair again. Piya held her hand out and caught some between her fingers. They melted into small droplets on contact.

“Do you like snow, Abhay?”

He traced a finger in a small pile of snow beside him, watching Piya take small sips of her tea. Even in the coldest of winters, the darkest of nights, she bloomed like a beautiful winter flower. Envy of the moon. Or perhaps the moon herself.

Piya hid her blush behind the blanket, waiting for his answer.

“I don’t mind it. But I prefer springtime.”

Pandher was nothing less to the Garden of Eden during the spring season. He missed it dearly.

“Really? I wouldn’t have ever guessed. Well, I love winter. You know, I never saw snow before moving here.”

The softness of her smile faltered. She closed her palm over the melted snowflakes, tucking it away under the blanket.

What are you doing, Piya? This is what’s putting him in danger.

She scolded herself for listening to her heart again. But something just felt right when he was near.

She changed the topic, sipping the last of her tea.

“The police didn’t catch him. Right?”

“How did you know?”

“It’s nothing new. He’s good at getting away.” She set her mug on the floor. “Besides, I think you would’ve told me if he was caught.”

Getting away with whatever he did was much more complex than meets the eye. Piya wouldn’t be able to understand that. Trickery and deception as a supernatural was simple and convenient. Illusions, compulsion, it could be anything. Abhay cursed himself for not taking action sooner.

I won’t make that mistake again.

They sat in silence. Piya couldn’t help herself and peeked at Abhay with shy eyes. Under the glow of the full moon above, he looked nothing less than ethereal. Unnaturally beautiful.

She pondered over how their relationship changed in just a few months. In those months, she felt like she knew him for years upon years. What was she to him? Why did they both feel this way towards each other?

“Abhay.....” She took a breath. “Why are you doing so much for me?”

Some things just didn’t have an answer. Yet she only asked those types of questions. He let out a heavy sigh. His breath wasn’t visible in the cold, catching Piya’s intrigue.

“You ask too many questions.”

Back to his default complaint. But instead of making her upset, it made her giggle.

“I really do, don’t I? Old habits die hard.”

Crickets chirped in the dark, filling the moments of deafening silence between them.

“Jeh might......”

“.....try to hurt me? Yes, I can guess that.” He looked up at the sky. “Doesn’t mean I’ll let him.”

“That’s easy to say.” She briefly pressed the blanket to her ice cold nose. Abhay looked nonchalant about the whole thing. Was he not afraid? “I’m serious, Abhay. You don’t know what he’ll do. He wants to hurt you because you’re close to me.”

It physically hurt her heart to say what was next. “I think.....you should stay away from me.”

She waited for him to get upset. Or angry. Something that would convince her she had said the wrong thing. His quiet laugh confused her.

I tried. It never worked.

“That’s also very easy to say. But it’s not a solution to the problem.” She began to sound like him. Now he understood, how illogical the statement sounded. “You called me a friend. What kind of friend leaves another in a time of need?”

“Abhay....”

He stood on his knees and pressed his finger to her lips. They were frozen to the touch.

“Hush...not a word more. You’re very stubborn, you know that?”

“Like you aren’t.....“ He smirked and withdrew his hand. He pulled her hands out from underneath the blanket, grasping them tight in his. The way he looked into her eyes, only someone close to the heart would look at you that way.

“If you ever need me, I’ll be there. Even if you tell me you don’t, I’ll still be there. Because I’m just as stubborn.”

Tears sullied her cheeks. They would’ve frozen into tiny crystals if her face wasn’t so warm from blushing.

“You are not alone, Piya. As long as I’m here, you will never be alone.”

I’ll be your shadow for the rest of eternity. I promise you that.

awesome chapter

i feel really bad for madhu😭

she remembered all those hunted past seeing those eyes😭

poor madhu lost her son in past🥺

those monsters took her son😡

glad siddharth console her with his love❤️

hope madhu will get her son safe

who is those monsters?why they r attacking on vampires?😡

even danish & maya were attacked

abhay with other vampires have to find those attackers as soon as possible

on the other hand misha & ruhi didn't leave pia alone true friends🤗

don't know how misha gonna react when she get to know pia is her half sister

finally pia found kabir's latter but she burn it so that monster jay won't get it

awe siddharth understood abhay want to see pia😊

finally abhay came to see pia

totally love abhiya moment❤️

both understand each other really well

pia even tried to push abhay just for his safety

glad abhay didn't agree with pia & told her he will be always there for her🤗

just hope abhay will kill that bloody jay before he can reach pia or himself

continue plz

Originally posted by: cuteariya

awesome chapter

i feel really bad for madhu😭

she remembered all those hunted past seeing those eyes😭

poor madhu lost her son in past🥺

those monsters took her son😡

glad siddharth console her with his love❤️

hope madhu will get her son safe

who is those monsters?why they r attacking on vampires?😡

even danish & maya were attacked

abhay with other vampires have to find those attackers as soon as possible

on the other hand misha & ruhi didn't leave pia alone true friends🤗

don't know how misha gonna react when she get to know pia is her half sister

finally pia found kabir's latter but she burn it so that monster jay won't get it

awe siddharth understood abhay want to see pia😊

finally abhay came to see pia

totally love abhiya moment❤️

both understand each other really well

pia even tried to push abhay just for his safety

glad abhay didn't agree with pia & told her he will be always there for her🤗

just hope abhay will kill that bloody jay before he can reach pia or himself

continue plz

I would have loved to see more Abhiya moments like that in the show so I’m fulfilling that wish myself 😆

thanks dear!

Chapter 24

Becoming the Exception

Piya’s sleepy eyes met the gentle rays of the rising sun, waking her up at the crack of dawn. She fared her hand underneath her, surprised to find herself in her bed.

Wasn’t I outside? With Abhay?

She pushed the covers aside, sitting upright and looking around.

Misha somehow ended up curled inward with a pillow on the floor, and Ruhi looked like a turtle hiding in its shell, bundled up under the blankets to keep warm. Only her face was visible.

The alarm clock was silent too, mysteriously unplugged from the back side. She fixed the loose cable, taking note of the time from her phone instead. There was no way they both could get ready and make it to campus in time.

Are they going to skip class today too?

Piya wasn’t the kind to skip class intentionally, but she really wanted to curl up in one place and vanish from the outside world, for just another day.

Her blanket was folded neatly on the nightstand, selective fibers still damp from all the snow that coated it last night. She checked the kitchen to find her empty mug in the sink. The sliding glass door remained unlocked, but tightly shut to keep the heat in.

Thanks, Abhay.

Such a gentleman he was.

Piya smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest, in every beat of her heart. She felt him, everywhere she turned, whenever she took his name. It was something new, and whatever this new feeling was, it made her feel complete. She only had him to thank for it.

She peered outside the glass, gazing in awe at the snowy winter wonderland laid out before her. Nature was beautifully decorated with the thick blankets of snow.

The night grew darker and colder as the arms of the clock ticked by. Abhay kept Piya company for an hour more, soon finding her sound asleep in the chair. He brushed stray hairs off her face, careful not to wake her.

The blanket that covered her began to slip off her shoulders, but she didn’t shiver. His fingers grazed past, adjusting the blanket back to its place. She shifted slightly, head leaning to the side.

Silly girl, falling asleep in the cold like this, he thought, with a regaled chuckle. He leaned closer and blew onto her hair, clearing it of snow. If she stayed out her any longer, she would be covered in the stuff. It already began to pile around her feet.

The door to the balcony was left unlocked, allowing him to carry her inside and put her to bed, where it was much warmer. His nose caught the scents of Misha and Ruhi inside, finding them asleep in uncomfortable positions. They didn’t notice Piya’s absence, otherwise the bed wouldn’t even have room for her.

They really thought this was a good idea?

Fitting three people in a two-person bed was a terrible idea. Misha was hanging off the side of the frame, one arm dangling and the other wrapped around a pillow, mouth hanging open. It was incredible how no one woke up from her snoring. Ruhi was sleeping upside down, inches from suffering a kick to the face from Misha’s feet. Abhay rolled his eyes.

“Abhay.....” Piya murmured, pressing her face closer to his body. He looked down at her, letting a small smile express his admiration for her sleeping form. “...please stay.”

Another time, he replied in thought.

He carefully laid her in bed, undoing the snow covered blanket, and pulled the bedcovers over her. She burrowed into them as quickly as they fell upon her. The room was heated up nicely and made sleep all the more comfortable.

He pulled the cable of the alarm clock loose, granting the opportunity to catch up on sleep. He assumed she wouldn’t be going to campus tomorrow anyways. She would need it.

“Sleep well....” he whispered, cupping her cheek. Just as his palm glowed with the presence of his soul, her skin underneath it did the same. Time continued by as he sat frozen in place with her.

The soft spot reserved in his heart, for her, grew larger tonight.

He sighed and pulled away, her pinky hooked around his on his other hand. He turned back, gently undoing her tiny hold, and watched the sleeping beauty just for a moment more before he disappeared, back into the throes of the night.

He wished he were human too.

———————————————————————

Danish was awake and coherent by the time Abhay returned home, sitting with the others in the living room. The attack had taken the wind out of both of them, clear on their worn-out faces. Maya was trying not to fall asleep.

“Is Piya doing alright?” Mandu asked, greeting Abhay at the doorstep. Her eyes were filled with worry. She always forgot her own troubles when Piya was concerned. Such concern was greater than what Abhay could even muster.

“From what I could sense, she’s still shaken up about the incident, even though she spoke like she wasn’t. Misha and Ruhi are also with her.”

Siddharth and Danish tried to make light of the situation, gesturing at each other and holding in their bashful smiles. Maya, who wasn’t aware of Abhay’s new human friend and changed behavior, demanded to be let in the know.

“Piya is....?” She began, unable to place a face to the new name. After she shook his shoulder enough, Danish leaned over to her ear and whispered.

“Abhay’s crush, possibly soulmate.” Maya blushed and covered her mouth with her palm.

“Really?!” She looked at the two of them, receiving confirmation in nods.

“I heard that.” He groaned.

“No wonder something felt different about him from the last time I saw him.”

Abhay looked at her.

Different?

Was he making it that obvious?

At least the mood in the room leavened, thanks to his relationship woes. He didn’t mind so much if it didn’t lead to more teasing.

“Anyways, Danish, how are you feeling?”

Danish stared at himself for a brief moment, touching the pinkish scars that replaced the gruesome gashes from earlier.

“I’m not dead, so I guess that’s a plus. Hurts like hell though.” He was wounded up across his entire torso. “The elixir stung a lot. Never thought I would need it, but here we are.” Maya sat next to him, cross legged, trying to use her magic to speed up the healing.

“Maya, you can take a break. I’m fine.”

“Says the man who almost got a giant hole skewered through him.” She pressed her palm to his chest. “That stake was unsettlingly sharp. If I were two seconds late, you’d be a goner.”

Mandu tensed up. She once made the same mistake.

Abhay took her hand and tried to gauge her mental state. She adopted a growing panic again, having stared helplessly at Siddharth during Maya’s account. Losing a loved one was the worst pain anyone could experience.

“Are you okay?”

She quietly nodded, letting her hand drop to her side. She was troubled the most by the chaos, though she tried hard not to express it. Similar to Piya. Siddharth offered his embrace and held her close, giving her the comfort she needed.

Danish continued from where Maya left off.

“I’ve never fought anything like that before. I thought they were just humans who happened to be walking in the woods. Scents can’t be deceiving too, I suppose.”

Abhay agreed and pulled out the strange talisman from his back pocket, examining the grey stone and its inscription with no means of translation. Rolling it between his fingers would bring no progress.

Maya should have an idea, he thought. He approached the young witch and showed her the object, now pulsating a dark red. She physically shuddered upon looking at it.

“Maya, are you able to read this?”

Maya stopped tending to Danish, and took the talisman in her hand, fingers quivering. She didn’t like the feel of its energy. It felt like something would come out of it and swallow her whole.

She squinted her eyes and tried to read the small characters. But they were from unknown scripts.

“Looks like one of the ancient wiccan languages. Unfortunately, I’m not well-versed in the ancient stuff, so I couldn’t even tell you which one, let alone translate.”

Abhay expressed a moment of defeat, until she continued her statement.

“....but my grandmother should know.”

How could he forget? Her grandmother was known to be one of the few knowledgeable in older spells and scriptures.

“Would she be able to come here?”

“If mom doesn’t notice.” She laughed. “I think you should go yourself, but not right now. If there’s one thing a scholar like my grandmother hates, it’s being disturbed while in her library.”

“How long has she been in there this time?” Siddharth asked.

“I think two days, so far. I’m guessing she’ll come out in an additional day or two. I’ll let you know.”

He took the talisman back from her.

“Thanks, Maya.”

———————————————————————

Misha and Ruhi both woke up a few hours after Piya, caused by the bright lights of the sun. Misha stood up, perplexed at how she ended up on the floor but didn’t wake up from it.

“My back is killing me.” She complained, walking out of the bedroom. She bent backwards and stretched, basking in relief after hearing several cracks sound from her spine. “That hit the spot.”

“Did you get some sleep, Piya?” Ruhi asked, rubbing her head. She strangely found her head next to the foot of the bed, without a pillow. Piya nodded.

“It took a while, but yes.” She probably wouldn’t be able to if Abhay wasn’t there. “Are you guys not going to class?”

They looked at each other and laughed.

“You’re funny, Piya. We’re not going to leave you alone that easily.”

The day would be a slow one. Instead of studying, worrying about school, or anything else, the three lounged around in the living room, talking over some comedy film while munching on the snacks that Piya found in her pantry. A sketch pad lay on the floor between them, filled with doodles that Ruhi had been working on to pass the time. She wasn’t a movie person.

Misha leaned over to her, in the midst of a doodle of Piya’s violin, and whispered, out of Piya’s range of sight. She was lost somewhere else anyways. Certainly not in the movie.

“She looks much happier, doesn’t she? Like normal Piya happy?”

Ruhi nodded.

Piya hugged the blanket she wore last night, small traces of his scent woven into the threads. She wished she hadn’t fallen asleep, then maybe they would have continued the conversation.

You are not alone, Piya. As long as I’m here, you will never be alone.

Knowing he would be at her side no matter what sprung plenty of butterflies in her stomach. The strength of his declaration, in his eyes and tone, was unforeseen, but just as welcome.

Misha watched her carefully, curious about the deeper relationships forming between her and Abhay. It was odd for him to behave the way he did with Piya. So odd that she believed he liked her. And just like with Kabir, assuming she didn’t read the letter, Piya had no idea.

She leaned closer to Piya, elbows pressed onto the floor, and stuffed a handful of popcorn into her mouth. Piya didn’t notice her closeness until she spoke.

“By the way Piya, how is that Abhay Raichand acting so civil with you?”

Piya hid her coy smile under the blanket. She answered with no fluff and no hesitation.

“We’re friends now.”

Ruhi gasped and dropped her pencil. Misha almost choked on her popcorn. Neither of them expected that answer.

“Friends?!,” they shouted in unison. Friends with the guy who insulted her the first day they met? Friend with the guy no one liked? Friends with that guy?

“What?”

Even she disliked him in the beginning. But things were very different now.

“What do you mean what? We’re talking about Abhay Raichand here. Mr. Rude and Arrogant. I guessed you two were maybe on good terms, but friends?!”

Piya shook her head in his defense. “He’s not what he seems. He’s actually very sweet.”

Piya inadvertently blushed several shades of red, confusing all three of them. Ruhi took it a step further. She had her own suspicions, but kept quiet about them to avoid needlessly embarrassing Piya. Ruhi was positive she was taking his name last night in her sleep. Not once, but several times.

If I didn’t wake up from Misha falling on the floor, I probably wouldn’t have heard it, she reckoned with herself.

“Just friends? Or is there something else?” Ruhi teased, poking Piya in the side with the back end of the pencil. The mention of Abhay was enough to make her smile. Just like she once told him it did.

“No....there’s nothing like that...”

Her heart protested, beating faster to urge it out of her. Misha remained affixed on the friend bit.

“I don’t buy it. That guy and sweet. Yuck.”

Piya was not surprised. Nothing about his old behavior changed for others. It only changed for her.

You’ve alienated everyone else, Abhay, she thought. Then what makes me different?

“You know, when the Raichands first came to the city, we tried to befriend him too, since we all attended Doon. But he was distant from the start.”

“Is it really that hard?” Piya asked.

“That’s the reputation he’s built for himself. You’ve managed to do the impossible. It’s like he had a no friends rule, but you’re the exception.”

Piya never fully gave thought to why he was like this. Why did he choose her, a random newcomer, to open up to? What did he see in her?

awesome chapter

awe abhay is so loving caring toward pia🤗

pia love being around abhay & love how abhay declare she won't be alone😃

on the other hand madhu was so worried for pia

glad danish is fine other then those wounds😊

just hope maya's grandma will tell abhay abt those language so they can find the attackers

loll misha fell on the floor while sleep & didn't even wake up🤣

but misha & ruhi got biggest shocked when pia said she & abhay r friends😆

at least ruhi was positive abt abhiya's friendship🤗

so glad coz of abhay pia is normal right after seeing that monster🤗

same with misha & ruhi they r pia's true friends they didn't leave pia alone🤗

now pia wonder why abhay choose her?

continue plz

Originally posted by: cuteariya

awesome chapter

awe abhay is so loving caring toward pia🤗

pia love being around abhay & love how abhay declare she won't be alone😃

on the other hand madhu was so worried for pia

glad danish is fine other then those wounds😊

just hope maya's grandma will tell abhay abt those language so they can find the attackers

loll misha fell on the floor while sleep & didn't even wake up🤣

but misha & ruhi got biggest shocked when pia said she & abhay r friends😆

at least ruhi was positive abt abhiya's friendship🤗

so glad coz of abhay pia is normal right after seeing that monster🤗

same with misha & ruhi they r pia's true friends they didn't leave pia alone🤗

now pia wonder why abhay choose her?

continue plz

I have personally fallen on the floor while asleep before 🤣 if I couldn’t wake up then Misha certainly could never 🤣

thanks for reading dear 🤗

Chapter 25

Moving Forward

The laughter of children, prancing and dashing around furniture without care towards their safety, bounced off the walls. A little Abhayendra, perhaps about six years old, wandered off on his own after Siddharth grew weary from chasing after him so much, making headway towards the large window that overlooked the royal passageway. A small feather quill twirled between his fingers. Black ink coated the tip, glistening against the candlelight.

The sun began its descent into the horizon, leaving behind a gradient of pinks and purples over the sky.

He peered outside to the right. Hooves of a dozen horses pulled the clattering royal carriage through the fresh muds of the first spring rain. He watched its passing with awe, pushing his tiny body up and out of the window, and stood just at the edge of the road, waving to the royals inside it as the wheels drenched him slick with rainwater and mud.

“Abhayendra!” His mother called.

“Coming, Maa.”

He said it out loud, in the present time. His voice echoed back in lieu of a reply. The flashback ceased as quickly as it started, leaving him back in the dark, empty house. The window may have remained, but there was no cobblestone path, no torches to illuminate the area, just trees and overgrowth. He laughed at the bittersweet memory, recalling how much he was scolded for coming back inside with soiled, muddy clothes, while showing no remorse for the fact. Seeing the magnificent carriage roll on by was worth the extra trouble.

Time courteously rewinded for him, allowing aimless wanders throughout the old house, soaking in the memories it still gave shelter to.

A pristine painting hung monochrome on the wall, overcompensation for the simplicity of a dusty living quarters. Seated in its shadow, atop an old armchair, was a black cat with striking yellow eyes, licking its paws and digging sharp claws into the fabric. It jumped onto Abhay’s shoulder upon his arrival, expressing the ending of solitude with a warm meow.

This cat was the only living creature in the house, always there when they came to visit. They even named her.

“You look well, Raven.”

She purred and flicked Abhay’s nose with her tail, landing gracefully onto the floor and trotting off into the kitchen.

Abhay let her be and stood before the painting. He dragged his finger into the thick coats of dust, uncovering a small plaque attached to the bottom of the golden frame.

The Rao Family, 1715.

Rao. The true identity. Wiped from the texts after their first death, and destined to be covered by dust till the end of time. He peered up at the faces, one by one. A doting mother, defined by her grace and sensibility. A tireless father, gifted in the arts of war and diplomacy, and blessed to be serving to the king. Behind them, two intelligent and compassionate sons.

An affluent family for the times, close to the king and his family no less. They lived in comfort, but remained just as humble. Happiness was easy to obtain, by no means a luxury.

Siddharth joined Abhay, chuckling to himself and at the memories surrounding the painting.

“Remember how much you complained about posing for this?” He said, slinging his arm around Abhay’s shoulders. “Even that poor painter was fed up.”

“It was a just complaint. Who stands that long for a portrait?”

The grand family portrait, commissioned by the King’s specially appointed painter, was started and completed the same day, the creation process surpassing several hours. But the resulting quality spoke for itself, incredibly photorealistic and, even after all these years, devoid of any cracks or deformities.

“Those who didn’t live to see the magic of a camera.” He chuckled. “Baba scolded you so much after. Truly music to my ears.”

They didn’t come here often. But it was always there, hidden from the rest of the world under an illusionary cloak, allowing only them access. Abhay and Siddharth’s old home. Where they were born and raised.

A little cleanup and the place would look just like it did back then, if one were to ignore the faded colors of the upholstery. For now, it could be mistaken for the setting of a black and white film.

“So.....anything new with Piya?” Abhay looked down, wiping more dust with his thumb. “Did you find out?”

Siddharth wouldn’t let him avoid the question. This he was sure of.

“She might be.” He replied, eyes filled with woe. “If she is, I can always reject her. Keep her permanently in the friend zone.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Why would you reject her?”

“Because I’m not human. The me in this portrait, the one that could actually be with her, doesn’t exist anymore.”

Siddharth pinched the bridge of his nose, arms crossed. Abhay was the poster child of being too difficult.

“There’s a lot that I can’t give her. It’s unfair to her.”

“I disagree. I think Maa would disagree too, if she were here.”

“Of course she would. But what can I do? I inherited her stubbornness.”

“You’re not wrong there. Piya must’ve complained about that already.”

“Many times.” He hid the minute smile. That’s what he was given. A girl just as stubborn as he was. Somehow it made things more difficult than it need to be.

He stared at the beautiful women sitting just in front of him, imagining the portrait in full color. He took after her, most notably the icy grey hue of her eyes.

“You think she will forgive me?”

“That’s a tough one. I’m sure she would’ve loved Piya. And also be upset at you for deflecting your feelings.” The conversation began to steer towards a similar tone to the one they shared in the balcony.

Raven meowed behind them and exited to the gardens. Siddharth stared longingly at the very door.

“Mandu must be waiting for you.” Abhay said.

Siddharth put his finger to his own lips.

“Let me stall for a little longer. I don’t think I’m ready yet.”

Abhay found the ease of crying foreign, even though he used to be the most emotional of the three. They never learned or wished to suppress their emotions as much as he had.

Anyone could see Siddharth was holding back tears. Stopping them this time around became wearisome. They came here on the same day each year, to see their families. Many graves, all empty but one, of their dead loved ones.

“What really happened?” Abhay questioned.

“Guilt is a terrible feeling, little brother. I can’t help but think, if I were stronger back then, would she be in this state? Would he have lived?”

He vowed to protect her and their family, in the binds of love and the oath of marriage, yet he was the first to succumb to death that night. He couldn’t help but feel responsible for Mandu’s condition.

“My brother is not weak. He is the strongest person I’ve ever known.”

“Abhay--“

“Only I have the right to be depressing. Now shush.”

Abhay dragged Siddharth by the wrist to the back gardens, where the large tomb lay. Mandu was already there, seated on the grass with an hand full of pink azaleas, leaning over the smallest grave stone in line. She was waiting for them.

Her parents, their parents, and Siddharth and Mandu’s son, rested in this order.

She traced the marble engravings of his name, humming the short but mellow lullaby that he always fell asleep to. Siddharth sat beside her, silently listening with the rest.

Raven popped out from a rose bush, situating herself under Mandu’s palm, touching a paw over the marble.

“Don’t leave Vaibhav alone, okay Raven?” Whiskers perked up with a loud meow, her tail snapping back and forth. “Good girl.”

They placed the flowers on each grave together, a gift in parting. A special moment for them on their wedding anniversary. Asking for the blessings of their parents and spending time with their son, even though none of them were actually there.

Mandu wiped her tears, having gone through a much needed catharsis tonight. She felt steady, determined, like she could take on the world and win.

She turned to Siddharth, who had been gone a little too long for her liking, and embraced him.

“Abhay, was he trying to hide?”

“I’d be lying if I said he wasn’t.”

She looked up at him, as he avoided her eyes. She lightly slapped his cheek, knowing very well why he hesitated.

“Stupid.”

“Sorry.” He held his ears, hoping it would appease her.

“Sorry is not enough. Promise me...” She held his hands. “...that you won’t think such thoughts again.”

“Will you promise me the same?”

She firmly nodded, glancing at Abhay. All three of them, were guilty of feeling guilty. A strange kind of guilt.

“Abhay? You too. Promise us. No more guilt.”

Abhay carried a lot more of the cursed emotion than the two combined, but he also excelled at hiding it.

“Promise.” He said.

Her smile made a gracious return.

“I don’t want be afraid anymore. I want to fight, for them.”

She stared the resting place of the dead, with a drive to avenge them. She was given a second chance to do so.

“That’s like my queen.”

—————————————————————————————————

She wasn’t wearing yellow today.

Kabir lowered his head in disappointment, creasing a paper napkin until it tore at the folded edge. He felt guilty for wondering, especially when taking the past few days into account, but he couldn’t help but wonder. Piya may have offered him a warm smile when the girls walked into the canteen, but he could tell something was bothering her.

She had a tell. Fidgeting with something in her hands, twisting her hips faintly. She kept looking down too.

“Wow Kabir, you’re early today.” Misha commented, setting her bag on the table.

“Oh, I was just had some...work to do in the library. So I came early.”

“Early? Work? And you? What an unusual combination.”

Piya remained standing. The fidgeting got worse. Whatever she was planning to say, it was hard for it to escape her inner thought.

“Hey Kabir, can I talk you? Outside?” She blurted out, turning red.

Misha and Kabir exchanged a look, both speculating that it was something about the letter.

“Sure.” He stood up and gestured her out first. Piya breathed a sigh of relief. She had ten minutes, before the current lectures were dismissed. The hallway was so quiet that she could hear the sound her own heartbeat, along with the whistle of the winds that turned the halls into narrow wind tunnels. She squeezed the straps of her bag, unable to find a starting point.

Just say it outright, Piya. He’ll understand. He’s not like Jeh at all.

“I....read your letter.”

Kabir broke out in a sweat, despite the frosty weather. Not wearing yellow was the first sign of rejection. Now all she had left was to say it out loud. But she looked scared about doing it.

“I’m sorry. It was very sweet of you, but I...us.....I don’t see it happening.”

Unfortunately for him, he expected that answer. He relaxed and smiled. It was worth a shot, and now they both had closure.

“You don’t have to apologize. I respect your decision.”

She met his eyes in understanding.

You’re a kind person, Kabir. I hope you find someone deserving of you. She’ll be very lucky.

“But we can still be friends, right?”

He flashed his goofy smile.

“Of course. Like I said, I don’t want this to make anything weird between us.” He outstretched his hand. “Friends?”

“Friends.” They both chuckled, meeting hands. The awkwardness in the air cleared. Her heart felt more at ease.

They returned to the canteen, chatting as friends would. Just out of earshot, a wave of fresh gossip took headway at Doon University. But none of it was about Piya, or what happened at the fair.

Misha had stepped out momentarily to cover her scooter, to protect it from any more snowfall, and burst into the canteen in alarm.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me final exams were this week?!”

Every soul in the room stopped chattering and stared at the hotheaded Dobriyal heaving in breaths. No one was spared of shock and trepidation.

“What do you mean? They’re not.” Piya called out, staring at her planner. Others pulled out their phones and checked online schedules, or began to skim their notes and click their pens.

Misha grabbed Piya’s wrist and took her to the hallways, pointing to the opposite side, into the batches of students just ending lecture.

She recognized the tall moving column of black. Abhay. He was walking in the hallways, out of a lecture, a book and pen in hand.

“Why is he here then?”

There were no other planned events for the rest of the semester, and final exams weren’t held until a few weeks later. Unless he miraculously gained the enthusiasm to attend lecture like a normal student overnight, he had no reason to be here.

Wait. Is he here because of me?

Abhay knew she was staring at him from behind the pillar. He turned and met eyes, startling Misha more than her.

He did, in fact, force himself to be here. For him, avoiding college instantly became a lesser priority over Piya’s safety. She wasn’t safe on campus after all. Every professor was shocked to say the least, to see him in the classroom. Whereas he paid half attention, his fellow classmates, excluding Danish, paid zero attention. The first lecture he had became the epicenter of gossip.

Piya didn’t hesitate and rushed to him. T, who already parked herself outside his lecture, stuck out her foot and tripped Piya off balance. But the plot backfired as she landed in Abhay’s outstretched arms. Piya quickly stood up and adjusted her scarf, cheeks red. Danish caught up with Abhay, catching them in the compromising position.

And they say chivalry is dead, he thought to Abhay.

It’s not what it looks like.

Whatever, Denial Raichand.

“Thank you.” She looked back, finding T busy with her nail filer. Abhay walked up to her, plucking the tool from her fingers and throwing it behind him.

“What the hell, Abhay? I just bought that.”

“Apologize.” His tone cut sharp.

“For what? I didn’t do anything.”

He pulled her upright and made her face Piya.

“I won’t ask again.” He said. People began whispering, mostly directed at T. She looked around and swallowed nervously.

Why is Abhay protecting this downmarket girl?

A mouse’s squeak was louder than her fake, apologetic voice. She glared at Piya while eating her words and ran from the scene. Piya wasn’t even sure she was capable of proper apology.

“I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve thanked you. Anyways, what are you doing here?”

“I’m a student. Why wouldn’t I be here?” He commented.

“All of a sudden? I thought you had a school allergy.”

“Hey Raichand.” Misha stomped up to him, interrupting their friendly banter, red in the face from her earlier panic episode. “I almost had a heart attack because of you.”

“I told you there’s no exams right now.” Piya insisted, throwing her arms at the side.

She worried what Abhay was going to say next. He already seemed like he was in a bad mood.

“Blaming me for your ignorance? That’s uncalled for. Maybe instead of relying on my absence or presence, check the schedules. Then maybe I’ll spare you of heart attacks.”

He’s technically right, but he didn’t have to be rude about it, Piya thought, frowning at his behavior. She hated seeing him like this.

Misha’s fuse was lit and dangerously close to exploding. She pointed a finger to his face. He smirked and looked away.

“I knew it. I knew you could never change. I have no idea know what Piya sees in you.”

“Guys—“ Piya tried to damage control, but she was shut out.

“What Piya sees in me is frankly, none of your business.”

“Hey—“

Piya covered her ears and held out her arms.

“Stop it. Both of you.” She frowned. To Misha’s surprise, Abhay backed off just as easily as her. “No more fighting, please.”

Misha stood dumbfounded at this dynamic. Any more and her brain would short-circuit.

He yelled at T for her, and stopped fighting with me on her insistence. This is so weird.

“I’ll see you back at the canteen, Piya.”

She nodded, hoping she didn’t make her angry by cutting her off. Misha blinked once slowly, reassuring her that it was okay. Piya turned back to Abhay after she left, also taking notice of Danish, who patiently waited in the background.

Who’s the guy behind him? He was standing there the whole time.

She smiled at Danish, who smiled back. He stepped forward.

“Come on Abhay. Won’t introduce me?” He elbowed Abhay in the ribs.

He nodded and stepped to the side. “Piya, this is Danish. A friend of mine.”

Friend? So I’m not the only one at least.

“Nice to meet you, Danish.” They shook hands. His skin also felt as cold as ice.

Everyone in his inner circle all feel this way. Strange.

“A pleasure. I never thought I’d have to share this loser with anyone, but I’m glad the day has finally come.”

Danish took note of how Abhay was blatantly staring at Piya the whole exchange. He didn’t even react to be called a loser.

If she’s not your soulmate, I’ll change my name.

Piya smiled and checked her watch. She wanted to stay, but being a student had its own responsibilities.

“Well, I should get going. I have class soon.”

“Alright.” He said. “I’ll see you later.”

“It was nice meeting you, Danish. Keep an eye on this loser. God knows how long he’s been away from campus.”

“You can count on me. I’ll make sure he doesn’t get lost”.

They both laughed, meeting palms in a high five.

Piya ran off, leaving Abhay to watch behind. Several girls in the vicinity fumed at how easily she approached Abhay, and he didn’t even seem to mind. They never had such luck with him, not even T.

“What a sweet girl. Funny too. I like her already.” Danish said, resting his elbow on Abhay’s shoulder. “She called you a loser too and you didn’t even notice. You really are lost.”

“You two seem very friendly for meeting each other for the first time.” Abhay frowned.

“Stay jealous.” He chuckled. “It suits you.”

“I’m not jealous. You and Siddharth just love to tease me.”

“Okay, Denial Raichand.”

Danish looked on as Abhay walked onward to their next lecture.

She suits you too, my friend. Let’s see how long you keep this up.

awesome chapter

starting was emotional

abhay remembered his past😭

all those moments he spend with his love one😭

siddharth feeling guilty for not available to save their families💔

so those monsters killed siddharth & madhu's son😡

madhu siddharth & abhay came to their old home & visit their families grave😭

madhu don't want abhay & siddharth to feel guilty for what happened in past

now they r ready to kill their enemies👍🏼

glad pia talk to kabir & told him they can't be couple😊

kabir was sad but he will be fine

loll misha's reaction was hilarious whe she saw abhay at collage🤣

she thought their exam coming near seriously almost everyone got heart attack🤣

uff that T & her trick to insult pia😡

i'm so glad abhay made her apology pia👏

misha got another shocked when abhay stood for pia & also stop fighting with her coz of pia😆

danish got surprise to see abhay's behavior with pia

now he also got chance to tease abhay😉

loll abhay was so lost in pia he didn't react when danish & pia called him loser😆

awe abhay got jealous seeing danish & pia's bond😉

continue plz