Everything felt normal…
Until I saw her.
She was sitting at the far end of the cafeteria.
Alone.
Still.
Watching.
My chest tightened slightly.
There was something about her that didn't feel right.
Something I couldn't explain.
"So this is your punishment?"
The sudden voice broke my focus.
I turned.
Rishabh stood there, a teasing smile already forming on his face.
"Cafeteria lunch, new company…"
"I must say, you're enjoying this."
I barely reacted.
My eyes drifted back--
to her.
He noticed immediately.
"Where are you even looking?"
He followed my gaze.
And for a brief second--
his expression changed.
Just slightly.
Then it disappeared.
"Oh."
He let out a small breath.
"So you've noticed her."
My brows furrowed.
"What do you mean?"
But before he could answer--
she stood up.
And started walking towards us.
Slow.
My grip tightened slightly.
As she came closer, I noticed it again.
The golden badge.
A member of the council.
She stopped right beside the table.
Her eyes moved to him first.
Then to me.
That same uneasy feeling returned.
Stronger this time.
"President."
Her voice was calm.
"You're needed."
"Now."
Her voice was full of attitude as if she was ordering the President.
He stood up slowly.
But when she stepped forward to follow him--
"Stop."
His tone changed instantly.
Cold.
"I am the President."
"Not you."
A pause.
"Do what you're assigned to do."
"You're not my personal secretary "
The words were sharp.
Too sharp.
For a second--
it didn't feel like authority.
It felt… personal.
She smiled.
Not warmly.
Just enough to show she wasn't affected.
But her eyes--
moved towards me.
And that look--
it wasn't normal.
Not at all.
Vidyantsh turned to leave.
"Wait here."
His voice softened slightly as he looked at me.
"I'll be back."
"Your punishment isn't over yet."
And then--he walked away.
Silence lingered for a moment.
I didn't move.
"So…"
Rishabh's voice broke in again, lighter this time.
"You made a new friend."
I frowned.
"What?"
He smirked slightly.
"I made one too."
A pause.
"Want to meet her?"
Something about his tone felt… off.
Before I could respond--
he turned slightly.
"Come here."
My breath stilled.
Because I already knew--
who he was talking to.
She stepped forward.
Calm.
But deep inside it felt like she was carrying the weight of something heavy.
I knew ...
Lavanya's death wasn't destiny.
It was a plan.
And I can't ignore the truth again--
I lost Kiara once because the truth stayed hidden.
Because no one tried to uncover it.
Not even me.
But this time--
I'm not doing it just for Lavanya.
I'm doing it for myself.
I would rather live a life surrounded by darkness,
holding on to a single thread of truth that gives it meaning--
than live in a world full of light,
while drowning in guilt,
searching for a hope that no longer exists.
And now-- her presence
closer than ever.
"Risha,"
Rishabh said casually,
"this is Ira."
A small pause.
"My friend."
My fingers curled slightly.
Ira.
So that was her name.
Ira kaul
She looked at me.
And this time--
there was no doubt.
She already knew me.