Chapter 5: The Secret Behind Her Eyes
The college corridor felt unusually quiet that morning. The usual noise of students chatting, laughing, and rushing to class seemed distant, almost muted. Arnav walked slowly, his footsteps echoing faintly against the tiled floor. Something felt off.
Or maybe… it was just him.
Since yesterday, his mind had been restless. Every thought led back to one person—Aishi.
Her strange behavior, the way she spoke, and most importantly… her eyes. There was something in them, something unnatural. It wasn't just mystery anymore—it was fear.
As he entered the classroom, his eyes immediately searched for her.
But she wasn't there.
Arnav frowned and took his seat. Rahul, who was sitting beside him, noticed his distraction.
"Looking for someone?" Rahul asked with a teasing grin.
Arnav shook his head quickly. "No. Just checking."
Rahul laughed. "Relax, I know. The new girl, right?"
Arnav didn't reply. He didn't feel like joking.
The class went on, but Arnav couldn't focus on anything the teacher was saying. His eyes kept drifting toward the empty seat near the window—the one Aishi usually took. Every passing minute made him more uneasy.
Why didn't she come today?
After class ended, Arnav didn't wait. He stood up and walked straight out, ignoring Rahul calling after him. There was only one place he could think of—the library.
Aishi liked quiet places. And the library… was always too quiet.
As he pushed the heavy wooden door open, a cold breeze brushed past him. He paused.
That was strange.
The windows were closed.
Arnav stepped inside slowly. The library was almost empty. Rows of old books stood silently, as if guarding secrets no one was meant to know. The air felt heavier than usual.
Then he saw her.
In the far corner, near the oldest section of the library, Aishi stood facing a shelf. Her long hair fell over her shoulders, slightly covering her face. In her hands was a thick, dusty book.
Arnav walked toward her, his heartbeat strangely loud in his ears.
"Aishi," he called softly. "Why weren't you in class today?"
She didn't respond immediately.
For a moment, it felt like she hadn't even heard him.
Then, without turning, she spoke.
"Not every place is meant for everyone."
Her voice was calm… but distant.
Arnav frowned. "What does that mean?"
Slowly, she turned to face him.
And again, those eyes.
Deep. Dark. Almost… empty.
"You shouldn't be here," she said quietly.
Arnav felt a chill run down his spine. "This is a library. Anyone can come here."
Aishi shook her head slightly. "Not this part."
Arnav glanced around. The section did look different—older, darker, untouched. Most of the books were covered in dust, as if no one had opened them in years.
"What are you reading?" he asked, trying to sound normal.
Aishi looked down at the book in her hands. For a second, her expression changed—like she was hiding something.
"It's nothing," she said.
But Arnav stepped closer and caught a glimpse of the cover.
"Forgotten Shadows."
The title alone sent an uneasy feeling through him.
"Aishi…" he said slowly, "what are you hiding?"
There was a long silence.
Then she closed the book.
When she looked at him again, something had changed.
There was fear in her eyes.
"Arnav," she said softly, "you need to stay away from me."
His chest tightened. "Why? Just tell me what's going on!"
"You won't understand," she whispered.
"Then make me understand!" Arnav's voice rose slightly.
For a moment, it seemed like she was about to say something.
But then—
The lights flickered.
Once.
Twice.
And suddenly, the entire library went dark.
Arnav froze.
His heart started racing. "Aishi?"
No response.
The darkness felt suffocating.
After a few seconds, the lights came back on.
Arnav blinked rapidly.
Aishi was gone.
Just like that.
"Wait… what?" he muttered, looking around. "Aishi!"
He ran toward the shelves, checking every corner. But there was no sign of her. It was as if she had disappeared into thin air.
His breathing grew heavier.
Then he noticed something on the floor.
A piece of paper.
Arnav bent down and picked it up. His hands trembled slightly as he unfolded it.
There was a message written on it.
"Some secrets are meant to stay hidden. If you follow me… you will regret it."
Arnav stared at the words, his mind spinning.
What did she mean?
What was she involved in?
And how did she disappear like that?
A part of him wanted to forget everything. To walk away and never think about Aishi again.
But another part—stronger, more determined—refused.
"I'm not going to stop," he whispered. "I'll find out the truth."
That night, Arnav sat alone in his room, the note lying on his desk. He had read it at least ten times, but it still didn't make sense.
Or maybe… it made too much sense.
Aishi was hiding something dangerous.
Something dark.
The wind outside grew stronger, causing his window to rattle slightly. Arnav looked up.
For a moment, everything was still.
Then—
He saw it.
A shadow moved outside.
Arnav stood up slowly and walked toward the window. His heartbeat grew louder with each step.
He reached the window and looked down.
And his breath caught in his throat.
Standing under the dim streetlight… was Aishi.
She was looking straight at him.
But something was wrong.
Very wrong.
Her eyes—
They were completely black.
No pupil. No white. Just darkness.
And then…
She smiled.
A cold, unnatural smile that sent a wave of fear through his entire body.
Arnav stumbled back, his heart pounding wildly.
"What… are you?" he whispered.
Outside, Aishi didn't move.
She just kept staring.
Smiling.