Chapter 12: raksha attention

UNIVERSITY ARC

In this world, mastering ancient martial arts is no small feat. These disciplines are among the most challenging arts to conquer, demanding not just physical strength but mental fortitude that few possess. The difficulty is so immense that most people give up halfway, their dreams crushed under the weight of their own limitations. Perhaps she, too, faced countless hurdles, moments that would have made anyone else crumble. But not her. Her perseverance, her relentless drive, was a testament to her passion and grit.

Raksha was a force to be reckoned with. She excelled academically, always at the top of her class, while also keeping a vigilant eye on me. Balancing both responsibilities with ease, she made everything seem effortless, as if protecting me and excelling in her studies were second nature to her. But as the days passed, something changed.

She began to draw attention, the kind that comes with admiration. People couldn't help but notice her—a girl who had it all: brains, beauty, and skill. They saw her good side, the side she wanted them to see. But me? I knew her true nature, the one that simmered beneath the surface, hidden from the world.

Soon enough, our classmates were smitten. Even my friends were quick to hide the fact that she was my sister. They feared that if people knew the truth, Raksha might be treated the same way they treated me. And that, they believed, would destroy her chances of fitting in. After all, who wants to be associated with the school's punching bag?

If that day ever came—if Raksha found out that everyone mocked me, not for who I am but for what I lacked—there would be hell to pay. She wouldn't just be furious; she'd be out for blood. I knew her well enough to see that.

Even Deepika and Rahul couldn't stop gushing over her beauty. It irritated me to no end. What was so special about her? Why did everyone worship her like she was some kind of goddess? It was infuriating.

But as much as I hated it, I couldn't ignore her efforts. A few days later, I found myself begrudgingly impressed by how she managed everything—her studies, her popularity, her reputation. It was flawless. So, I decided to give her a small dinner party. Nothing too extravagant, just a simple gesture.

We decided on a famous restaurant, the kind of place where the elite dined. The moment I mentioned the name, my friends hesitated, their faces turning pale. They were nervous, understandably so. Keshava, in particular, looked like he was about to have a panic attack.

|"Manoj, how can you afford this place? Even a coffee here could bankrupt me. I only step foot in here once every few months, if that."|

His voice trembled with disbelief. Raksha couldn't help but laugh at his anxiety.

|"What? Keshava, my brother can handle it easily. Oops!"|

She realised too late that she'd let something slip.

The moment those words left her mouth, everyone's expressions changed. They were no longer just nervous; they were suspicious.

|"What? Manoj, what is she talking about?"|

Oh, this little girl. I swear, sometimes I think she's doing this on purpose. But I couldn't let them figure it out. Not yet.

|"It's a joke, guys! Come on, can't you take a joke? Hahaha…"|

I laughed, hoping it would ease the tension. Luckily, they joined in, laughing along with me. Crisis averted, for now. But seriously, what was she thinking? Trying to expose me like that?

We eventually made it to the restaurant. Everyone ordered what they wanted, though Suresh was clearly the most excited. He practically salivated at the thought of the food, eager to dig in.

For a while, I allowed myself to relax. It felt good to see them happy, to feel that fleeting sense of normalcy. My heart felt lighter, the burden of my usual worries momentarily lifted.

But peace never lasts long, does it? Just as we were settling into our meals, a voice cut through the air, grating on my nerves like nails on a chalkboard. That voice—the one I dreaded most. Oh, not now. Please, not now.

|"Oh, Manoj, is that really you? Seriously?"|

The voice dripped with sarcasm and disdain. It was Geetha, the last person I wanted to see. Just my luck. Perfect timing as always, right when things were going smoothly.

I wasn't worried about myself, though. I was worried about Raksha.

Raksha's expression hardened as she turned to face Geetha, her eyes narrowing dangerously.

|"Hey Geetha! How are you? Here to join us?"|

She asked, her voice calm, too calm.

Geetha didn't bother with pleasantries. Her tone was laced with venom as she spat out.

|"Join you? Raksha, what are you doing with this cheap, poor scumbag? Are you out of your mind? I don't care about your status, but if you keep hanging around with him, you'll lose your popularity. People see you with him, and it's over for you. So, do yourself a favour and keep your distance."|

The moment those words left Geetha's mouth, I knew we were in great trouble. Raksha's eyes darkened, her hands clenched into fists. She was ready to tear Geetha apart, and honestly, I wouldn't have stopped her. But I knew better. I reached out and grabbed her arm, holding her back. Her body was trembling with barely contained rage. It was like holding back a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment.

I had to diffuse the situation before it got out of hand.

|"Leave now. If you're here for something else, fine. But mind your words. What we do is none of your business."|

Geetha's response was cold, calculating. |"What? How dare you, Manoj! If I wanted to, I could crush you in a second. You've been getting too full of yourself lately. And Raksha, why waste your time with him? If you want a relationship, find someone worthy. This poor loser has nothing to offer you. Just break up with him already."|

Raksha was seething, her fury reaching a boiling point. I could feel the heat radiating off her, the sheer intensity of her anger. Oh, Geetha, you have no idea what you're doing. If you knew what was good for you, you'd run. But you're too blind to see it, too arrogant to recognize the danger.

Raksha's voice wavered as she stammered. |"Uh, Geetha, I… I need to go to the washroom. Excuse me."|

She was trembling, but not out of fear—out of the effort it took to restrain herself.

She rushed to the washroom, her bag clutched tightly in her hands. Once inside, she stared at her reflection in the mirror, taking deep, steadying breaths.

"Who? Something was wrong. I should hurry to prepare myself. My senses are warning me. Yes! Thank god. It was not them, but some unknown on their way."

Then, with a cold resolve, she imagined in the mirror as the lights turned red, reached into her bag and pulled out her massive sword, its blade gleaming ominously under the fluorescent lights, knew exactly what she was about to do.

But the sound of the door opening by someone with a terrific fear brings her to reality. She predicted well. So, by confirmation she returned.

The lights went out, plunging the restaurant into darkness. Then, the fire alarm blared turning the lights to red. Suddenly, her expression was changed by seeing that scenario, her eyes locked on. Blood sprayed across the walls, Glass shattered. The restaurant, once a place of luxury and elegance, had become a slaughterhouse.

Raksha stood still for a moment, her mind struggling to process the horror unfolding around her. She remembered something that happened in her past. It was similar to a nightmare.

But then, something snapped. Her eyes filled with a cold, unrelenting fury. She couldn't hold back anymore. She didn't want to.

|"Not today! Again, I will never lose my grip. Mother, I will save and never break your beliefs on me. Just trust me."|

Her voice dripped with menace. I can't understand her words. Her expression is a mask of deadly intent.

She turned back her attention, her fist grip tightening, setting her position to fight.

|"Now, let's begin"|

She whispered, a terrifying smile creeping across her face as she prepared to unleash her wrath.