6. The First Meet-2

Yash Singhania:

I was at the library looking for some good books to read in my free time. Aditi and I always exchanged books when we went to the bookstore. I saw a book by my favorite author on the top shelf.

As I reached for it, I noticed some fingers brushing against mine. There was a girl who was reaching for the book at the same time. I quickly took a glance at her. She was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Her dress, her smooth silky hair, everything screamed- Elegance. The bow attached to her hair gave a cute touch. She felt like a fairy on Earth.

However, when she spoke for the first time, any attraction I felt vanished.

 "I touched it first! It's mine," quickly taking the book from the bookshelf, she yelled in a really irritating tone.

 "We touched it at the same time! How can you claim it's yours?" I replied getting angry. 

 "Just take another copy next time, sweetheart. Because this time, it's mine," she said confidently, waving a goodbye, making me briefly believe her before realizing it was the last copy. Nevertheless, she had already left. I ran to her and grabbed her arm; she quickly shrugged it. A SPOILED BRAT. 

" Wait. Sorry, but this is a limited-edition book that I've been wanting for many years.", I confronted.

 "Oh, come on. Then you should've secured it first. Also, I'm quite sure you don't even know who the author is." STUBBORN 

 "It's Aurora. She is my second most favorite author. "

 I somehow begged, while Aurora's books were worth begging. The way she used to instill real life scenarios in her books, they were beyond commendable. However, her books are only available abroad. Hence, getting a hard copy of her book was a once in a lifetime situation. It was like a treasure. If I knew Aurora's books were shipped to India- I would've been the first to book it. 

 "No! I cannot do so."

"Why?"

"Cause she is my favorite too! My first favorite author! Her books are like therapy for me. I cannot sleep at night without reading her books. And I haven't slept for nights after coming here because I forgot to carry this book to India. My brother doesn't even let me read any books. He hates them. I have to hide under my bed and read them. However, what will a person like you understand? "

I could see her sobbing. Her strong demeanor was now replaced by a sad one.

"Fine. What about you lend it to me after you finish reading?"

"Okay. But where to meet you---"I heard someone scream, "Miss Aditi Mehra has been attacked with a sharp knife."

"Here. In this same bookstore." I waved a good bye and ran from there.

"At least tell me, what is your name? Hey boy. My name is Aishwarya. " I heard her scream across the hallway.

"Yash. Yash Singhania."

 I rushed immediately to the venue to see blood rushing from Aditi's right arm. I quickly consoled her and took her to rest room.

Aditi Mehra:

Shikha Di helped me apply first aid while Yash sat beside me.

 "Aditi, I can't understand how it happened. How could someone attack you in the midst of so many people?" Yash confessed, looking worried.

 "I'm wondering the same. What if something more serious had occurred? What if they had attacked you near your heart?", Shikha Di said while applying bandage.

I am so sorry! I left you alone in such a huge crowd. I should have been with you here to support you."

 "No, no, Yash. It's not such a big deal. It is not such a serious injury, guys. I am fine."

 "How are you fine? On the first day after your public appearance, someone attacked you with a knife. What could be worse than that?" 

 Yash nodded in agreement.

 "Di, Yash, I think you guys are worrying too much. I am fine."

I think we should hire security considering your increasing popularity." 

"Security, No Di! Please. I am a normal book writer. I don't need security." 

"Aditi! Stop denying. Me and Yash are not going to be with you forever. What if something bigger than this happens? What will you do? Tomorrow, I will talk with my Boss, and he will arrange a bodyguard for you."

 "Please, No, Shikha Di! I don't-"

 Shikha kept a hand on Aditi's mouth and stopped her from saying anything further.

 "Your brother had given me your responsibility while leaving. I failed at it. I am guilty. But, I won't let anything happen to you again. For that, you have to support me. Will you do that?"

I looked at Yash, hoping he would help me. However, he was with his sister this time.

 "I am sorry, Aditi. But this time, I think I need to be with my sister," Yash said.

 "Okay, fine! If you both are insisting so much, I will say yes. But after this, I won't listen to you both again."Yash and Shikha high-fived each other and exchanged smiles. I was still worried about what my future held.

Upon arriving at my house in the evening, darkness had begun to set in, and my phone started vibrating. It was Atharva Bhaiya.

 "How was your first book signing event?" he inquired.

 "It was amazing! I don't even know where to begin. There were countless fans who came to meet me today. I received numerous gifts, signed over 150 books, and connected with people who truly appreciate my work. For the first time in a long while, I felt truly alive. My heart disorder seemed insignificant, and you know..."

Dhoom... The sudden, jarring sound of a gunshot echoed through the phone, causing me to freeze in shock.

 "Bhaiya, what is this sound? Are you okay?"

 I anxiously waited for a response, but there was nothing but silence. My heart sank as I called out again,

 "Bhaiya, please, answer me. Are you in danger? What just happened?"

 Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt a sense of helplessness washing over me. I wished desperately that I could somehow leap through the phone and be by his side. 

"Bhaiya, please, answer me!" My voice shook with fear and concern, but there was still no response. Every passing second felt like an eternity until finally, a voice came through the line, saying, " Aditi, stop crying. I'm fine."

 I let out a shaky breath and tried to compose myself. 

"Bhaiya, what was that sound? Where are you? Are you hurt? Please, tell me. I'm getting anxious here. Please..."

"Calm down, dear sister. Everything is fine here. It was just the sound of the engine starting. No one has been shot. Relax...."

"Okay bhaiya, only if you say so. I am relaxed now after hearing from you again."

"Yes, you should rest now. It was a long day for you."

"Okay, but promise m-", The call is ended.

"Bhaiya, did not wish me good night today." I thought to myself. 

"He never forgets. Let it be, even he must be busy today." Aditi heads back home. 

A few minutes ago....

A guy with a gun and a mask on is walking behind Atharva while he is talking to Aditi. The whole street is empty. It is mid night in US.

The guy shots him in the head. Atharva collapses on the ground with blood rushing through his back head. The phone falls on the ground. The guy picks it up and speaks to Aditi. After speaking with her, he shuts the calls ad takes off his mask. His face is similar to Atharva. A to Z.

He smirks and walks away. He is none other than Prince Dhrupad.