(Vena’s POV) The garden fell silent.
The stranger stood beside the fountain…
Holding the old photograph between two fingers.
A faint smile rested on his face.
“So…” “…the Return Bloodline has finally started remembering.” My heartbeat stopped.
“…What did you just say?” The man didn’t answer immediately.
Instead…
He looked at the faded photograph once more.
Almost…
As if he were remembering someone.
Kabir stepped forward first.
“Excuse me, sir.” “I think you’ve got the wrong people.” The man slowly looked at him.
His smile widened.
“…Do I?” Kabir scratched his head.
“Yeah…” “Because none of us understands what you’re talking about.” Riya quietly moved beside Vena.
Without making it obvious…
She placed herself between Vena and the stranger.
Ananya noticed the movement.
She instinctively stood on Vena’s other side.
Neither of them realized it…
But they had unconsciously formed a shield around their friend.
Arther remained silent.
His eyes never left the stranger.
The black cap.
Plain clothes.
No visible weapon.
No family emblem.
No ring.
Nothing that identified him.
That was exactly what made him dangerous.
Someone who erased every trace of their identity…
Rarely worked alone.
The stranger looked at Vena.
“You’ve changed.” His voice was calm.
“In your previous life…” “You used to hide behind everyone.” “But now…” “You’re standing in front.” Confusion washed over my face.
“…Previous life?” “What are you talking about?” He chuckled softly.
“So…” “You really don’t remember.” Kabir frowned.
“Okay…” “Now you’re officially sounding creepy.” The stranger laughed.
“You must be the loud one.” Kabir folded his arms proudly.
“I’ve been called worse.” Riya whispered, “Now isn’t the time.” “I know.” “I’m buying time.” Arther noticed it immediately.
Kabir wasn’t joking because he was fearless.
He was joking…
Because he wanted Vena to have a few extra seconds to think.
The stranger slowly handed the old photograph toward Vena.
“Keep it.” “You’ll need it someday.” I hesitated.
“I don’t even know who you are.” “You don’t.” “But one day…” “You’ll remember my name before I even tell you.” His words sent a chill down my spine.
Before I could take the photograph…
A strong gust of wind swept through the garden.
Leaves scattered across the pathway.
For barely a second…
Everyone’s vision was blocked.
When the wind settled…
The stranger was gone.
Completely gone.
Only the old photograph remained on the ground.
Kabir blinked.
“…Where did he go?” Riya looked around quickly.
“That’s impossible.” “There was only one exit.” Ananya whispered, “I didn’t even see him leave…” I slowly picked up the photograph.
This time…
I looked more carefully.
The seven scratched-out faces.
The seven engraved rings.
Then…
Something new caught my attention.
In the bottom-right corner…
Almost hidden beneath a fold…
Someone had written three tiny letters.
R.F.
“…What does this mean?” I whispered.
Before anyone could answer…
Arther calmly spoke.
“…Maybe…” “…they’re the initials of the photographer.” It sounded like a reasonable explanation.
Everyone accepted it.
Everyone…
Except Arther.
Because he knew those initials weren’t random.
But this wasn’t the place to discuss them.
“Library closes in thirty minutes!” A distant announcement echoed across the campus.
The ordinary sounds of college life returned.
Students walked past the garden, laughing as if nothing unusual had happened.
Kabir let out a long breath.
“…Well.” “That was definitely the weirdest project meeting I’ve ever attended.” Riya nodded.
“No argument there.” Ananya looked at Vena with concern.
“Are you alright?” I forced a small smile.
“…Yeah.” But I wasn’t.
Because one question kept repeating inside my mind.
If that stranger knew about my previous life…
Who exactly was he?
(Arther’s POV) The question lingered in the air.
Who exactly was he?
No one answered.
Because no one could.
The five of us slowly left the botanical garden.
Kabir walked a little ahead.
For the first time since I had met him…
He wasn’t talking.
He kept replaying the stranger’s words in his head.
Finally, he broke the silence.
“…Did anyone else think that guy was really strange?” Riya nodded.
“He knew Vena.” “Or at least…” “He acted like he did.” Ananya looked at Vena.
“Have you ever seen him before?” Vena shook her head immediately.
“No.” “I’m sure I haven’t.” Her voice sounded confident.
But I noticed something else.
She wasn’t lying.
She genuinely didn’t remember him.
We reached the college parking area.
Students were leaving one after another.
Buses arrived.
Motorcycles started.
Parents waited near the gate.
Everything looked ordinary again.
Almost enough to make someone believe…
The encounter had never happened.
Kabir suddenly clapped his hands.
“Enough mystery.” “My brain needs food.” Riya smiled.
“Your brain always needs food.” “It performs better that way.” Ananya laughed.
“I’ll believe that when your marks improve.” “They’re improving…” “…emotionally.” Everyone laughed.
Even Vena smiled.
Good.
She needed that.
While the others talked…
I quietly looked toward the main gate.
The security guard was speaking to another staff member.
No sign of the stranger.
No CCTV cameras pointed toward the botanical garden entrance either.
Whoever he was…
He had chosen the perfect place.
No witnesses.
No recordings.
Professional.
“Arther?” I turned.
Ananya was looking at me.
“You’ve been very quiet.” I gave a small smile.
“Just thinking about the project.” Kabir immediately pointed at me.
“See?” “That’s why he’s the intelligent one.” “He actually thinks.” Riya looked at Kabir.
“You should try it sometime.” “I do.” “Very rarely.” The group laughed again.
Our bus arrived.
As everyone climbed aboard…
Vena chose the window seat.
Ananya sat beside her.
Kabir and Riya sat together across the aisle.
I remained standing near the rear door.
Not because there were no seats.
Because from there…
I could see both the passengers…
And the road behind us.
The bus pulled away from the college.
Five minutes passed peacefully.
Then…
A black SUV appeared in the side mirror.
It stayed behind us for a few seconds.
Before turning onto another road.
Probably nothing.
But I memorized its number plate anyway.
Old habits were difficult to ignore.
Vena rested her head lightly against the window.
She looked exhausted.
Ananya nudged her gently.
“You can sleep if you want.” Vena smiled.
“If I sleep…” “I’ll miss my stop.” “I’ll wake you.” “…Promise?” “Promise.” For a moment…
Vena closed her eyes.
Not to sleep.
Just to rest.
A sudden image flashed through her mind.
A stone courtyard.
Seven figures standing in a circle.
Someone placing a hand on her shoulder.
A familiar voice saying— “No matter what happens…” “…live this life without regret.” Her eyes snapped open.
She looked out of the bus window, breathing a little faster.
“…Again…” The memory had vanished before she could see the face.
Only the voice remained.
Soft.
Warm.
Painfully familiar.
From where I stood…
I noticed her reaction immediately.
She wasn’t frightened.
She was remembering.
Little by little.
And that was happening sooner than expected.
I looked out at the passing city.
The enemy had started moving.
Vena’s memories had started returning.
Soon…
Those two paths would collide.
The only question was— Who would reach her first?
(Vena’s POV) The only question was— Who would reach me first?
I didn’t know that question existed.
I simply stared out of the bus window.
Buildings passed by one after another.
The evening sky had begun turning orange.
Everything looked peaceful.
Yet…
My heart refused to calm down.
— “Vena?” Ananya gently called.
“Hm?” “You’ve been quiet ever since we left the garden.” I forced a smile.
“I’m just thinking.” “About that man?” I nodded.
“…He talked like he knew me.” Riya looked over from the next seat.
“Maybe he mistook you for someone else.” “…Maybe.” But deep inside…
Even I didn’t believe that.
— Kabir suddenly stood up dramatically, almost losing his balance as the bus turned.
“I have reached an important conclusion!” The conductor looked at him.
“Sit down before you reach the floor.” The entire bus laughed.
Kabir quickly sat back down.
“My conclusion can wait.” Even I laughed.
The heaviness in my chest eased a little.
— A few minutes later…
The bus stopped near the market.
Several passengers got off.
An elderly woman entered carrying two heavy shopping bags.
She looked around for an empty seat.
There wasn’t one.
Without hesitation…
Arther stood up.
“You can sit here.” The woman smiled warmly.
“Thank you, son.” “It’s no problem.” He moved toward the rear door instead.
Watching the road through the glass.
I noticed the small act.
He never tried to impress anyone.
He simply helped when he could.
— Ananya leaned closer and whispered, “He’s a good person.” I quietly looked toward Arther.
“…Yeah.” “He is.” For some reason…
Saying those words made my heart feel strangely warm.
— The bus finally reached my stop.
“This is us,” Riya said.
The five of us stepped onto the roadside.
The evening breeze carried the smell of rain.
Dark clouds had begun gathering above the city.
Kabir stretched.
“Tomorrow…” “Our great project officially begins.” Ananya smiled.
“Don’t be late.” “I’ll be early.” Riya raised an eyebrow.
“Should we write down the date?” “I said I’ll try.” “That’s more believable.” Everyone laughed again.
— The group slowly separated.
Riya and Kabir walked toward the opposite lane.
Ananya waved before heading toward her neighborhood.
Only Arther and I remained for a moment.
“We should also leave,” I said.
He nodded.
“Yes.” We began walking in the same direction for a short distance.
Neither of us spoke.
The silence wasn’t awkward.
It was…
comfortable.
Finally, Arther broke it.
“If that stranger contacts you again…” “Don’t meet him alone.” I looked at him.
“You think he’s dangerous?” He was quiet for a moment.
Then answered carefully.
“I think…” “He knows things he shouldn’t.” I nodded slowly.
“I’ll be careful.” He gave a small smile.
“Good.” At the next intersection…
He stopped.
“My route is this way.” I pointed ahead.
“And mine is straight.” For a second…
Neither of us moved.
Then he simply said, “See you tomorrow.” “See you.” He turned and disappeared into the evening crowd.
— I continued walking home alone.
Halfway there…
I instinctively reached into my bag.
The old photograph was still inside.
As I adjusted it…
A tiny folded piece of paper slipped out from behind it.
I froze.
“I didn’t put this here…” My fingers trembled slightly as I unfolded it.
There was only one sentence written in neat handwriting.
“Trust the people who chose you…
not the ones who suddenly know you.” No name.
No signature.
No symbol.
Just that message.
I looked around immediately.
The street was busy.
Children played cricket.
Shopkeepers were closing their stores.
No one seemed to be watching me.
I folded the note and quietly placed it back inside my bag.
For the first time…
I wondered if someone was trying to warn me…
Or manipulate me.
Somewhere across the road…
A man lowered a newspaper just enough to watch Vena disappear into her neighborhood.
He spoke softly into a hidden earpiece.
“She’s no longer alone.” A calm voice replied, “Then the next phase begins tomorrow.” The call ended.
The man folded the newspaper…
And walked away into the crowd.
(Vena’s POV) “She’s no longer alone.” “Then the next phase begins tomorrow.” The call ended.
The man folded the newspaper…
And disappeared into the evening crowd.
— I reached home a few minutes later.
The familiar sound of utensils came from the kitchen.
Mom looked up as soon as I entered.
“You’re home.” “Yes.” “How was college?” I took off my bag and smiled.
“It was…
busy.” She immediately noticed my tired face.
“Go freshen up.” “I’ll serve dinner.” “Okay.” — As I walked toward my room…
My hand unconsciously tightened around the strap of my bag.
The old photograph.
The mysterious note.
The stranger.
Everything was still inside.
For some reason…
I didn’t want anyone else to see them.
Not yet.
— I closed my bedroom door.
Click.
The room fell silent.
I placed my bag on the study table.
Slowly…
I took out the photograph again.
This time…
I examined every corner carefully.
Seven people.
Their faces scratched away.
Seven different rings.
And those tiny initials…
R.F.
“What are you trying to tell me…?” I whispered.
Then I unfolded the second note.
“Trust the people who chose you…
not the ones who suddenly know you.” I read it again.
And again.
It didn’t feel like a threat.
It felt…
Like a warning.
But from whom?
— Knock…
Knock…
“Vena?” Mom’s voice came from outside.
“Dinner is ready.” I quickly slipped both papers between the pages of one of my zoology textbooks.
“Coming!” — The dining table was unusually lively.
Mom had made my favorite dal and vegetable pulao.
Nikhil was already eating.
Mom smiled.
“Today everyone is home on time.” Nikhil looked up briefly.
“How was college?” I paused for a second.
“…Good.” He nodded.
“No problems?” “Nothing important.” For a brief moment…
Their eyes met.
Vena didn’t notice it.
But Nikhil did.
Something in her expression had changed.
She looked…
Distracted.
— Mom placed another chapati on my plate.
“You’ve been smiling more these days.” “I have?” “Yes.” “It’s nice to see.” I smiled without realizing it.
Maybe…
She was right.
Even with all the mysteries…
This life was still happier than my previous one.
Because…
This time…
I wasn’t alone.
— After dinner…
I returned to my room.
Tomorrow’s project meeting suddenly came to mind.
I opened my notebook.
At the top of the page, I wrote: “Project – Animal Adaptation” Below it…
I made a list.
* Research – Riya * Diagrams – Ananya * Scientific review – Arther * Presentation notes – Vena * Images & printing – Kabir Looking at the list…
A small smile appeared on my face.
A month ago…
I couldn’t have imagined writing the names of friends beside my own.
— Meanwhile…
Several streets away…
Inside a luxury black SUV…
The same stranger from the botanical garden sat in the back seat.
The old photograph lay on the seat beside him.
A younger man driving the vehicle finally spoke.
“Why did you show her the photograph?” The stranger looked out the window.
“Because she deserved to know…” “…that her past wasn’t a dream.” The driver frowned.
“She didn’t remember anything.” “Not yet.” The stranger smiled faintly.
“Memories don’t return all at once.” “They return when the heart is ready.” He picked up a small file from beside him.
The cover contained only one word.
VENA Inside…
There were recent photographs.
College.
Bus stop.
Botanical garden.
Project group.
Every movement from the past month had been documented.
The driver glanced at the file.
“So…” “Do we continue watching her?” The stranger closed the file.
“No.” The driver looked surprised.
“No?” The stranger’s expression became serious.
“Watching is no longer enough.” He looked out at the city lights passing by.
“Someone else has already started moving.” “And if we’re even one step late…” “…history may repeat itself.” The SUV disappeared into the night.
Unaware of the invisible race beginning around her…
Vena sat at her study table…
Completely focused on tomorrow’s project.
Not knowing…
That tomorrow wouldn’t be remembered because of the project.
It would be remembered…
Because someone from her forgotten past…
Was about to walk into her present.
(Vena’s POV) The next morning…
The rain from the previous night had left the air cool and fresh.
Students slowly filled the college campus.
Some hurried to class.
Others gathered near the canteen before the first lecture.
I adjusted the strap of my bag as I walked through the main gate.
For some reason…
The stranger’s words from yesterday still echoed in my mind.
“You’ve changed.” Who was he?
And why did he speak as if he had known me for years?
— “Good morning!” Kabir’s cheerful voice pulled me back to reality.
He appeared beside me carrying an oversized chart paper.
“I almost missed the bus because of this masterpiece.” Riya glanced at the rolled-up chart.
“You haven’t even drawn anything on it.” “I’m preparing mentally.” Ananya laughed.
“That’s not how preparation works.” “It works for me.” — A familiar voice came from behind.
“Morning.” I turned.
Arther had just arrived.
He carried a few reference books under one arm.
Kabir immediately pointed at them.
“See?” “This is why our group will pass.” “He actually brought books.” Arther smiled faintly.
“I thought they’d be useful.” “They already are,” Riya replied.
— The five of us entered the classroom together.
Professor Mehta had not arrived yet.
Students chatted freely while waiting.
Kabir spread the blank chart paper across the desk.
“Alright, team.” “Let’s start deciding the design.” Ananya leaned over.
“The title should go here.” She sketched a rough layout with her pencil.
Riya opened her notebook.
“I found three research articles.” “I’ll summarize them later.” Everything was going smoothly.
Just like an ordinary college morning.
— Then…
The classroom door opened.
A middle-aged man wearing a formal suit entered with Professor Mehta.
The room became quiet.
Professor Mehta smiled.
“Everyone…” “We have a guest today.” “This is **Professor Dev Sharma**.” “He’ll be guiding the academic exhibition.” The class greeted him politely.
“Good morning, sir.” Professor Dev nodded warmly.
“Good morning.” His eyes slowly moved across the classroom.
One student after another.
Until…
They stopped on me.
For barely a second.
Then he smiled naturally and continued looking around the room.
No one noticed.
Except Arther.
— Professor Dev spoke calmly.
“I’ve reviewed the exhibition themes.” “I’ll be visiting each group over the next few days.” “If anyone needs guidance…” “My office will remain open.” He answered a few questions before leaving with Professor Mehta.
The lecture soon began.
Students returned to their notebooks.
Everything appeared normal.
Yet…
I couldn’t explain why.
When Professor Dev looked at me…
It felt as though he wasn’t seeing a student.
It felt as though…
He was confirming something.
— After the lecture ended…
The corridor quickly filled with students again.
Kabir stretched.
“I like that professor.” “He seems nice.” Ananya nodded.
“He explained things clearly.” Riya agreed.
“Much better than I expected.” I remained quiet.
Arther noticed.
“You’ve been thinking.” I looked at him.
“Did you…” “…feel something strange about Professor Dev?” He didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he asked, “What made you ask that?” “I don’t know.” “For a moment…” “It felt like he’d seen me before.” Arther’s expression remained calm.
“Sometimes…” “People remind us of someone else.” “Maybe that’s all it was.” His answer sounded reasonable.
But inside…
He wasn’t convinced.
Because he had noticed one detail no one else had.
When Professor Dev entered the classroom…
He hadn’t looked at the blackboard first.
He hadn’t looked at the students as a group.
His “very first deliberate glance”…
Had been toward Vena.
And for someone trained to observe people…
That was never a coincidence.
..
(Arther’s POV) That was never a coincidence.
Professor Dev hadn’t entered the room as a teacher.
He had entered…
As someone searching for a specific person.
And that person…
Was Vena.
— The final lecture ended shortly before noon.
Students immediately began packing their bags.
Professor Mehta reminded everyone, “Don’t forget.” “All project groups will meet after lunch.” “The exhibition is only a few days away.” “Use your time wisely.” The class replied together, “Yes, sir.” — Outside the classroom…
Kabir stretched so dramatically that his notebook almost fell.
“I vote we eat first.” “My brain refuses to work on an empty stomach.” Riya folded her notebook.
“Your brain refuses to work even after lunch.” “Those are unrelated issues.” Ananya laughed.
“Let’s go before the canteen gets crowded.” — The five of us walked down the corridor.
Students from different departments passed by.
Some were carrying charts.
Others discussed their own exhibition projects.
The entire campus felt more lively than usual.
— As we reached the staircase…
A voice called from behind.
“Excuse me.” We turned.
Professor Dev was walking toward us.
He smiled politely.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Kabir immediately shook his head.
“No, sir.” Professor Dev looked at our group.
“So…” “You must be Group Four.” Riya nodded.
“Yes, sir.” “I heard Professor Mehta has high expectations from your team.” Kabir proudly whispered, “He has good taste.” Riya quietly stepped on his shoe.
“Ow…” Professor Dev chuckled softly.
“It seems your group has good chemistry.” — His gaze moved naturally from one student to another.
Kabir.
Ananya.
Riya.
Arther.
Finally…
It rested on Vena.
Only for a second.
“So…” “You’re Vena.” I blinked.
“…Yes, sir.” “I’ve heard you answer questions in class.” “You explain concepts clearly.” “Keep it up.” “Thank you, sir.” His compliment sounded completely normal.
Yet…
Something about the way he said my name…
Made me feel uneasy.
— Professor Dev looked at the project file in Arther’s hand.
“Preparing already?” Arther nodded politely.
“We’re trying to finish early.” “That’s a good habit.” He smiled.
“I look forward to seeing your presentation.” With that…
He walked away toward the faculty building.
— Kabir let out a whistle.
“See?” “He already knows our group.” Ananya smiled.
“That’s probably because Professor Mehta told him.” “Exactly,” Riya replied.
“Don’t overthink everything.” Kabir laughed.
“I never overthink.” “I underthink.” “That explains a lot,” Riya muttered.
Everyone laughed.
Everyone except Arther.
— As the others continued toward the canteen…
Arther slowed his pace.
He looked back once.
Professor Dev had reached the faculty corridor.
Instead of entering his office…
He stopped beside another professor.
The two exchanged a few words.
Then Professor Dev casually took out a small notebook.
He opened it for only a moment.
Just long enough to make a brief note.
Before closing it again.
Nothing unusual.
Except…
Arther had noticed exactly when he wrote.
Not after speaking to Kabir.
Not after speaking to the group.
He wrote only after speaking to Vena.
“…You’re documenting her.” Arther thought.
“But why?” — At that same moment…
Inside the faculty building…
Professor Dev entered an empty office and quietly locked the door.
He opened the notebook again.
On one page…
Several student names were listed.
Most had simple observations beside them.
But under one name…
The handwriting was much longer.
**Vena** He looked at the page for a long moment.
Then, instead of writing anything else…
He slowly closed the notebook.
“…She’s changing.” he murmured to himself.
“…Just like before.” A knock sounded on the office door.
Professor Mehta’s voice came from outside.
“Professor Dev?” “Are you inside?” Professor Dev calmly slipped the notebook into his briefcase.
“Yes.” “I’ll be right out.” His expression returned to that of an ordinary professor.
No one outside the room…
Had any reason to suspect him.
And that was exactly how he intended to keep it.
(Vena’s POV) No one outside the room…
Had any reason to suspect Professor Dev.
And I certainly didn’t.
To me…
He was simply another professor helping with the exhibition.
— The lunch break ended quickly.
Our group gathered once again in the botanical garden.
The benches were almost empty.
A cool breeze carried the scent of wet soil after last night’s rain.
Ananya spread a large drawing sheet across the table.
“I’ve finished the rough layout.” “What do you think?” Kabir immediately leaned in.
“It looks amazing.” Riya smiled.
“You haven’t even looked properly.” “I don’t need to.” “I trust the artist.” Ananya laughed.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” — Arther placed three reference books on the bench.
“I found better examples for desert and aquatic adaptations.” He opened one of the books.
“We should use verified information.” “It’ll make the presentation stronger.” Riya nodded.
“I’ll rewrite the research in simpler language.” “So everyone can explain it.” I looked at the pages.
“That’ll help.” “I don’t want to just memorize.” “I want to understand it.” Arther looked at me and gave a small nod.
“Understanding is always better than memorizing.” — For the next forty minutes…
The five of us worked together.
Kabir searched for animal photographs on his phone.
Ananya carefully sketched diagrams.
Riya organized the notes.
Arther corrected a few scientific terms.
I combined everything into one presentation.
It felt…
Natural.
Like we’d been working together for much longer than a month.
— Kabir suddenly looked up.
“I have an idea.” Riya sighed.
“Should we be worried?” “Only a little.” “What is it?” He grinned.
“Instead of just explaining camel adaptations…” “What if I dress up as a camel?” Silence.
Ananya blinked.
“…How?” “I’ll make humps using two school bags.” Riya stared at him.
“…Absolutely not.” “Why?” “We’re presenting biology.” “Not comedy.” Kabir looked at Arther.
“You decide.” Arther tried to remain serious.
“…I think…” “…science should come first.” Kabir placed a hand over his heart.
“I’ve been betrayed.” Even Arther couldn’t hide a small laugh.
The entire group burst into laughter.
— As the laughter faded…
A shadow stopped beside our table.
“Looks like your group is making good progress.” We looked up.
Professor Dev stood there with a pleasant smile.
“Good afternoon, sir,” we greeted together.
He looked over our charts and notes.
“The organization is excellent.” His eyes paused on the presentation outline I had written.
“You have neat handwriting, Vena.” “Thank you, sir.” “I usually enjoy making notes.” “It shows.” He smiled warmly.
Then turned toward the rest of the group.
“Keep working like this.” “I’m looking forward to your presentation.” With a polite nod…
He walked away.
— Kabir watched him leave.
“I really like that professor.” “He actually encourages students.” Riya agreed.
“He’s different.” Ananya nodded.
“I hope he’s one of the judges.” I quietly looked at Professor Dev’s back as he disappeared into the faculty building.
For a strange reason…
Every time he appeared…
It felt as though he was observing more than our project.
— Across the garden…
Standing partially hidden behind a large neem tree…
A young woman wearing a college volunteer badge watched Group Four from a distance.
She wasn’t smiling.
She wasn’t taking photographs.
She simply watched.
After Professor Dev disappeared…
She quietly took out her phone.
She typed a short message.
“Professor Dev has made contact with the target.” She pressed send.
Within seconds…
A reply appeared.
“Do not interfere.” “Continue observing both of them.” The woman locked her phone.
Her eyes shifted from Vena…
To Professor Dev walking away.
She whispered softly, “…So even you’re involved now.” The mystery surrounding Vena was growing deeper.
But one thing was becoming increasingly clear…
More people knew her secret than she knew herself.
(Vena’s POV) More people knew my secret…
Than I knew myself.
But at that moment…
I wasn’t thinking about secrets.
I was thinking about tomorrow’s presentation outline.
— The sun was beginning to set.
Our project meeting had finally ended.
Ananya carefully rolled the chart paper.
“I’ll finish the colouring tonight.” Riya closed her notebook.
“I’ll print the reference material tomorrow morning.” Kabir proudly patted his backpack.
“I’ll bring the animal photographs.” Riya looked at him suspiciously.
“You won’t forget?” Kabir placed his hand over his heart.
“I swear on samosas.” Ananya burst into laughter.
“That’s a serious promise.” “It is.” Even I couldn’t stop smiling.
— Arther collected the reference books.
“We’ve finished more than I expected.” “If we continue like this…” “We’ll be ready before the deadline.” Kabir immediately grinned.
“See?” “We’re an unstoppable team.” Riya smiled.
“Let’s not celebrate before we finish.” — The five of us began walking toward the main gate together.
The campus was quieter now.
Most students had already gone home.
Only a few remained near the library.
As we passed the administration building…
A notice board caught Ananya’s attention.
“Wait…” “Results for the inter-college quiz selection are out.” Kabir froze.
“I forgot I even applied.” “You applied?” Riya asked.
“I apply to many things.” “I remember very few.” — The five of us stopped near the notice board.
Students crowded around it.
Kabir squeezed through the crowd.
“Make way!” “A future champion is coming.” A few seconds later…
His voice echoed loudly.
“I wasn’t selected.” Riya sighed.
“You sound surprisingly calm.” “I forgot what competition it was.” The group laughed again.
— While everyone was distracted…
I noticed Professor Dev leaving the faculty building.
He wasn’t alone.
Another elderly professor walked beside him.
They talked quietly as they crossed the courtyard.
Then…
Professor Dev suddenly looked in my direction.
Our eyes met for only a second.
He gave a polite nod.
I returned it out of respect.
Nothing more.
He continued walking without stopping.
“…Strange.” I murmured.
Ananya looked at me.
“What happened?” “Nothing.” “I thought someone was calling me.” — A few minutes later…
We reached the college gate.
Kabir stretched.
“Same time tomorrow?” “Same time,” Riya replied.
“We’ll finish the presentation.” Ananya smiled at me.
“Don’t stay up too late making notes.” “I won’t.” She laughed.
“I don’t believe you.” — Everyone slowly went their separate ways.
Before leaving…
Arther looked at Vena.
“Take care on your way home.” “I will.” “And…” “If anything unusual happens…” “Tell one of us.” Not *tell me.* Tell **one of us.** The words made me smile.
“…I will.” For the first time…
I realized something.
Without anyone saying it aloud…
We had become friends.
Real friends.
Something I had never experienced in my previous life.
— As Vena disappeared down the road…
Arther remained standing near the gate for a few moments.
He watched until she safely boarded her bus.
Only then did he turn to leave.
He never noticed…
That someone else had been watching him.
From the second floor of the administration building…
Professor Dev stood beside a window.
His expression was calm.
Thoughtful.
He quietly took out his notebook once more.
This time…
He wrote only one line beneath Vena’s name.
“She has finally found people she is willing to trust.” He closed the notebook.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
“Perhaps…” “…this time…” “…the future really can change.” He placed the notebook inside his briefcase and walked away.
Far from the college…
The mysterious stranger from the botanical garden received a short message on his phone.
Observation Report: Subject Vena continues changing her destiny.
Recommendation: Continue observation only.
Do not interfere.
He read the message once.
Then quietly deleted it.
Looking out at the evening sky, he whispered, “Change your fate, Vena…” “…because this time…” “…you won’t have to fight it alone.” The city lights slowly came alive.
Somewhere within that ordinary city…
Old enemies were beginning to move.
Old allies were quietly returning.
And Vena…
Still believed she was living the life of an ordinary college student.
She had no idea…
That every choice she made now…
Was slowly rewriting a future that had once ended in tragedy.
Who was the stranger in the botanical garden?
Why did Professor Dev recognize her?
Who is secretly watching her?
And perhaps the biggest question…
If Vena is finally changing her fate…
who is trying to protect her, and who is waiting for her to fail?
The mystery has only just begun.
What do you think?
Who is more suspicious—Professor Dev or the mysterious stranger?
What do you think the initials “R.F.” stand for?
Do you think Arther should tell Vena what he knows, or continue protecting her from the shadows?
And if you were Vena…
who would you trust first?
Comment your theories below.
I read every theory, and sometimes…
readers notice clues that even the characters miss.Creation is hard, cheer me up!
VOTE for me!