Prologue 2

The school stood grandly, its sprawling campus bustling with around 2000 students. As the children stepped off the school bus, Krishna's gaze lingered on a captivating sight. Among them were a girl with flowing silver hair, a face of ethereal beauty, and delicate pink lips. She appeared like a fairy from the enchanting stories he had heard back home. Her beauty was a sight that captivated him ever since he boarded the school bus.

Though her identity remained unknown to him, Krishna couldn't help but feel a strange familiarity. Had he seen her somewhere before? Lost in his thoughts, Krishna took a step closer to the school gate when he heard a voice, "Isha, wait for me!" It was a girl chasing after the silver-haired beauty. Isha's smile warmed Krishna's heart as she replied, "I told you not to run, I would have waited anyway." The girl with long neck-length hair and round glasses was Yami, who giggled at Isha's response.

Caught in a moment of stillness, Krishna's eyes met theirs. Unbeknownst to himself, he had been gazing at them for quite some time. Sensing his presence, both girls turned their attention toward him. "Could you let me pass?" a voice broke the trance, snapping Krishna back to reality. "Don't even think about it and just walk," the boy continued. Krishna felt momentarily perplexed but quickly understood the message. "Is there some secret or is it some taboo?" he asked the boy, noticing the girls leave with expressions that made it clear they viewed him as a commoner, a mere intruder.

"Well, the first girl is a candidate for the upcoming student council president, and the second one is our class representative, that is, if your section is B like mine," his new friend interjected, pushing Krishna forward. "Move, man! Are you planning for us to stay here all day?" he playfully scolded.

"Sorry," Krishna replied with a chuckle. It was quite common for boys to become friends while talking about girls, girls neither could afford to talk to.

"My name's Subh," his new friend introduced himself. "Krishna," he responded. Curiosity piqued, Subh asked, "So, Krishna, where are you from?" Krishna replied, "Not from here, actually. I come from a village. And what about you?" Subh grinned, pointing to the stairs in front of them, and said, "Well, I live in the city with my mother.", the conversation continued as they moved. 

They soon arrived in front of a classroom, and Subh subtly nodded toward it. "This is where the Elites study, Section A of our grade," he explained with a tinge of frustration. "These privileged kids always receive special treatment, mostly from wealthy families. They treat everyone else like trash. The princess you just saw is trying to get in there as well." Krishna raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "Is it solely because they are rich, or are they genuinely more intelligent? Don't the grades determine the section allocations based on merit?" Subh felt a pang of disappointment, hoping for a like-minded friend who would criticize the system that favored the privileged. "Well, being rich does come with several privileges. They receive special treatment everywhere, even private tutors at home from a young age," Subh explained. Krishna shrugged nonchalantly, expressing his indifference. "That explains it. Tsk! Well, it doesn't matter. I don't care about them anyway. Will just have to work a little harder" With those words, Krishna proceeded towards the stairs leading to the next floor, oblivious to the fact that someone had been eavesdropping on their conversation all along. Shubh laughed at the fantasy his new friend told him about, was this fool trying to score more than the elites? it was a good joke that almost made his stomach hurt from laughing.

The boy, Siddharth, called out a name, and the entire class fell silent. Abhay, a slim boy with sharp features and neatly combed hair, rushed over, his eyes fixed on the one who had called him. Siddharth, a prominent figure in Section A, wore a mischievous smile. "Get me a list of all the new admissions in Grade B. Also, what happened with the whole NJM thing? Report to me by the evening," Siddharth commanded, a mysterious glint in his eyes.

"This year is going to be interesting," Siddharth mused to himself. As the second heir to the influential Kulkarni family, he practically owned the school. A prodigy in his own right, Siddharth found himself unusually intrigued by this new boy, eager to uncover more about him. Normally he would have ignored such peasants but this boy in particular was different, and Siddharth really wanted to know what was the best this new boy could do. What was his limit? The pride of Section A, brother to the current student council president, and seen as a royal amongst all of the students of this school he moved towards his desk, "The teacher is coming retards, Humble up", he spoke as the newly found chaos and chattering of the class went quiet.

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The boy stood in his room, gazing out of the window, his thoughts in disarray. Devesh Kshatriya had spent a sleepless night, trying to make sense of everything that had unfolded. From a logical standpoint, he was everything she desired, and Vishnu represented everything she did not. So why did she fall for him? Vishnu's acceptance to attend, even though his emotions were fueled by his distaste for both the person who invited him and the girl who had triumphed over him years ago, left Devesh only more puzzled. Vishnu had changed over the years, though not everyone had noticed. Maya and Dev, however, recognized this transformation.

Vishnu was no longer easily irritated or prone to outbursts. He exuded a calmness that suggested he had confronted and conquered his inner demons. So, it made little sense for him to accept the invitation. After all, Vishnu believed in himself and his own methods above all else. Why, then, was he going? Perhaps it was the image of Vishnu that Devesh held in his mind, or maybe Vishnu had truly undergone a change. Nevertheless, something gnawed at Devesh, consuming his thoughts. Letting out a sigh, Devesh rose from his bed and walked towards the mirror. His brownish-black eyes and tousled hair set him apart from others his age. And truth be told, he was indeed different. Seeking solace from all the chaos in order to make a good decision, in for a cold shower, He proceeded to the bathroom.

Now dressed and ready, Vishnu stood at the bus stop. Maya stood beside him, accompanied by Vijay, one of Vishnu's favorite juniors. "So," Vishnu began, looking at Maya. "So..." Maya trailed off, trying to hide her sadness. "You're really going, huh?" she asked, a forced smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"I suppose so," Vishnu chuckled. "Don't be too harsh on others while I'm away," he added. "Senior!" Vijay interjected, his face filled with sorrow. Vishnu turned his attention to the young boy. "Yes?" he responded with a smile.

"You won't forget me, right? And who will teach me when you're gone? How will I grow?" Vijay asked, looking up at his beloved senior. Vishnu placed a hand on his head and replied, "Well, don't you already have the necessary foundations? Besides, growth is a natural process. All we can do is offer support. And even though I won't be there, isn't there someone else who can guide you?" Vishnu patted Vijay's head gently.

"But he's scary," Vijay admitted, his eyes welling up with tears. Vishnu smiled, hearing those words. "He's not, my friend. Besides, if you truly want to grow, shouldn't you face your fears?" Vijay nodded affirmatively, wiping away his tears, as the bus finally arrived in front of them.

"Don't miss me too much," Vishnu said with a smile, though deep down he too felt a reluctance to leave this place. "I won't," Maya replied, her voice tinged with restrained emotion. "I'll always remember you, senior!" Vijay shouted, and as Vishnu glanced at their faces, a cold sensation coursed through his chest. The bus began to move, and as the scene before him faded away, Vishnu swallowed his emotions. This was not the time to be held captive by such sentiments. It was time for what he had always desired—growth. Yet, that lingering cold feeling still pained him, and he wished to...

"And here he comes," Aiedrow's voice interrupted Vishnu's train of thought, shifting his focus. Indeed, it was not the time to wrestle with emotions. "Aiedrow," Vishnu nodded, meeting his gaze. Standing before him was a guy of the same age, with brownish skin, dark black eyes, and hair that reached his neck. He wore a bracelet of tulsi beads in one hand and rudrakshas in the other. Adorning his neck was a locket with a peculiar symbol, and several rings adorned his fingers. His attire, consisting of dark black clothes and shoes, set him apart from his peers. It was a unique style that not many aspired to.

"You're still just as peculiar," Vishnu commented after observing him closely. Aiedrow responded, "If by peculiar, you mean someone who understands and embodies aesthetics, ecstasy, and aether, then yes, I am. And as for you, well, who dressed you? That little girl, Maya, was it?" Aiedrow smirked.

Vishnu wore a dark blue jacket and black-and-gray pants, both adorned with numerous zippers and pockets. If he remembered correctly, people referred to such attire as tech-wear. Truthfully, it wasn't his personal choice of clothing; it was something Maya had picked out for him. And the fact that Aiedrow accurately guessed this stirred a slight anger within him.

"Oh don't you know it all," Vishnu retorted. "But tell me, does that make your life any easier? Or at the end of the day, are you just like the rest of us? Unable to prevent others from leaving you alone? Sad and broken. What was her name again? Ahh, Aliya? Aisha?" Vishnu's words caught Aiedrow off guard, eliciting a bitter smile from him. "You truly are one of the few who can hurt my feelings," Aiedrow admitted, directing his remark at Vishnu, who met his gaze without flinching. "I aspire to be like others who do a better job at it," Vishnu replied, earning a chuckle from Aiedrow.

"By the way, meet Karna," Aiedrow said, his arm gesturing toward their new companion. "He'll be joining us on this journey".

- "And this is Jay... and thaaat... the beauty... that's Alisha." he added with a smirk, facilitating the introductions as the bus continued its journey toward an unknown destination. Back at the station, Devesh had not shown up. It could only mean one thing—Devesh Kshatriya had rejected Aiedrow's offer. Aiedrow had always considered this possibility, but it still stung his pride a little. He turned around, facing his newfound companions. "Well, ladies and gents," Aiedrow declared with an inviting grin, "who's ready to play Antakshari with me? I must warn you I am a terrible singer beforehand."

"Well, you didn't come after all. No worries, Don't tell others cuz It's an exclusive offer. You may join whenever you are ready. So take your time, and finish building this little dream of yours if that is what you want. - Aiedrow", Devesh looked at his phone, "This guy, He is the only person I hate more than Vishnu". He woke up and left for breakfast, after all starting from today he was the sole king of Kushavati High.