The First Brush

A symphony of creativity was heard in the art studio, as voices murmured and pencils scratched with pitch. The sunlight filtered through the tall windows, leaving golden streaks on tables and well-worn easels. ". Despite the chaos, Arya sat calmly, her brush running smoothly through the canvas. ".

She was depicting a field of uncharted flowers in her artwork. The canvas was adorned with vibrant yellows, deep purples and shades of crimson, their delicate shapes being carried by an imagined wind. ". It was a scene she had never laid eyes on in real life, but her dreams made it all come true. Arya frequently found herself disoriented while working, as she channeled her creativity and inspiration into reality.

"Arya! ".

She was distracted by the piercing voice. While the easels were open, she blinked in surprise, caught sight of Rohan' and her familiar face. With a constant smile, he was holding something in his hand. His face was covered with joy.

"Rohan," she muttered before brushing her teeth. "What's happening here?" I asked.

"I have to see this," he said, his head swinging in mid-way through the maze of art supplies. "This is my new project!" He added with confidence.

Had it completed this morning.

Arya raised her eyebrow before fully amused by his excitement. Although they were very different, she was most comfortable with Rohan on campus. The introverted individual was content to let her art express herself..... Rohan, on the other hand, was a constant burst of energy, 'a tech genius in the computer science department who always had something new to say.

By pushing a slim tablet into her hands, he illuminated the screen with impromptu 3D models of an up-to-date construction. Its graceful curves and luminous panels exuded elegance, but there was something about it that struck her as clinically odd.

He asked, "What's going on?" Rohan replied with a wide smile.

Arya paused while looking up, tilting the tablet slightly to gain perspective on the impressive structure. "It's all well and good but a little bit...cold.".

Maybe add some greenery? A water feature or a plant to balance it.'".

With a beaming smile, Rohan clasped his hand on her shoulder. "That was the answer I needed to hear.". You've got the eye, Arya. Always do. ".

But despite her smile, she said: 'Grad I had your back. May I return to my painting?

"Fast forward," he declared, placing himself on the stool beside her. "You've been in this studio all day.".

I have coffee, please. My treat. ".

Arya scampered, scrutinizing her unfinished artwork. "I am uncertain, Rohan.". I have to finish this really badly. By Monday, Professor Naik is preparing for it. ".

"Exactly why you require a break, as Rohan explained: 'Coffee doesn't mix well with painting wildflowers all day.

Furthermore, it's unlikely that Naik will be a failure. You are the most preferred student of his. ".

"Arya looked at me with a laugh, but then rolled her eyes again.". You are taking the blame if I don't meet my deadline. ".

Near campus, the café ablaze with laughter as they sip on fresh coffee. The atmosphere was very friendly. While Rohan went on a playful talk about his forthcoming project, Arya held her cup up silently.

With a mocking expression, "You are not paying attention," he continued.

"I am, that's what I am!" Arya muttered, but her eyes were fixed on the abstract artwork on display in the café. "The perception is...brief.".

"Rohanna retorted, and it's not that bad.". Despite my busyness, I would like to ask you something.

"Come to my place this weekend, " he said, leaning forward as if sharing a secret. "It's nothing fancy, but my dad's been wanting to meet some of my friends. He's...interesting. You'd like him. ".

"Interesting how? " she asked, suspicious.

"You will see, " Rohan said cryptically. "Just say yes.

It will be fun, I promise. ".

Arya sighed. "Fine. But if this turns out to be one of your weird schemes, I am never listening to you again. ".

The weekend arrived faster than Arya expected. As the taxi pulled up to Rohan's house, she could not help but gape. It was not a house; it was an estate. The sprawling mansion sat behind a high iron gate, surrounded by tall, ancient trees that whispered in the wind.

"Wow, " she murmured as Rohan opened the gate with a quick swipe of a key card.

"It's just a house, " he said nonchalantly, leading the way up a cobblestone path.

"Just a house, " Arya echoed, shaking her head. "Right. ".

The interior was just as grand, with polished wooden floors, towering bookshelves, and artwork that looked expensive enough to fund her entire education. Arya tried not to feel out of place as Rohan led her through the maze-like halls.

They stopped at a large door that Rohan pushed open with a flourish. "Dad, I am home! ".

The study they entered was a room out of a storybook. Walls lined with books stretched to the ceiling, and a roaring fireplace bathed the room in a warm glow. By the window stood a man, tall and lean, dressed in an immaculate suit. His face was hidden behind a simple black mask, the kind that left only his eyes visible.

"Dad, this is Arya, " Rohan said. "Arya, meet my dad. ".

The man turned slowly, his gaze sharp and assessing even through the mask. "Welcome, Arya, " he said, his voice smooth and calm. "I have heard much about you. ".

Arya managed a polite smile, though the intensity of his gaze made her uneasy. "It's nice to meet you, sir. ".

"Please, call me Mr.

Veer, " he said. "Make yourself at home. ".

As the afternoon unfolded, Arya could not shake the feeling that Mr. Veer was more than he seemed. He carried an air of authority, but there was a sadness in the way he spoke, a heaviness that hung around him like a shadow. She found herself watching him more than she intended, wondering what stories lay hidden behind the mask.

"Alright, that is enough staring, " Rohan teased as they left the study. "He is not a superhero, you know. ".

Arya flushed. "I was not staring. ".

"You totally were, " Rohan said, smirking. "Do not worry.

Everyone does at first. ".

Arya rolled her eyes but did not argue. She could not explain it, but something about Mr. Veer lingered in her mind long after she left the mansion that evening.