Part 25– The Journey Begins

The morning arrived far too quickly.

Maya barely slept. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—about the visions, about Aditya, about Arjun's unreadable expression the night before.

She stepped into the living room to find Arjun already awake, sitting by the window. His back was stiff, his arms crossed. He didn't even look at her when she entered.

Aditya was still asleep on the floor, the blanket tangled around him. His face, usually sharp and composed, looked peaceful for once. She hated how complicated everything was becoming.

Leela entered, carrying a tray with tea. "You should eat before you go," she said softly.

Maya sat across from Arjun, but he still wouldn't meet her eyes. The tension was suffocating.

Finally, Aditya stirred. He stretched, running a hand through his hair. "Morning already?" he muttered, sitting up. His eyes landed on Maya, and something flickered across his face—last night's memories, maybe?

Arjun suddenly stood. "We should get going," he said sharply, ignoring breakfast entirely.

Maya exhaled, picking up a piece of toast but barely eating it. This mission was already dangerous. Adding emotions to it made it worse.

Leela handed Maya an old envelope before they left. "You might need this," she said, her voice unreadable.

Maya turned it over. "What is it?"

Leela gave her a sad smile. "Something your past left behind."

Maya's fingers trembled slightly, but she tucked it into her bag without opening it. Not yet.

Aditya clapped his hands together. "Alright. Let's find that estate."

The three of them stepped outside. Three hearts filled with different fears.

As they walked toward the car, Maya finally spoke. "We have three days left."

Arjun, finally meeting her gaze, said coldly, "Then let's not waste time."

And with that, they left.

As they reached the car, Maya turned to Arjun, her heart heavy. This wasn't just about visions anymore. It was about survival.

"Arjun, you shouldn't come." Her voice was firm, though it pained her to say it.

Arjun frowned. "What?"

Maya inhaled deeply. "This is dangerous. You've seen what happened to Aditya's sister, to the others before us. I don't want—" She hesitated. "I can't let you get hurt."

Arjun scoffed, crossing his arms. "And you think I'll just leave you to deal with this alone?"

"You're not like us, Arjun," she insisted. "You weren't adopted from that orphanage. You don't have these visions. You don't—"

"I don't care." His voice was sharp, but there was something else beneath it. Hurt. Frustration. Something deeper he wasn't saying.

Maya clenched her fists. "Arjun—"

"No, Maya," he cut her off. "You don't get to decide this for me." His jaw tightened. "I'm not leaving you alone with him."

Maya's breath hitched. Him. He meant Aditya.

Aditya, who had been watching silently, sighed. "Look, this isn't a competition, Arjun."

Arjun shot him a glare. "No, but it sure feels like one."

Maya exhaled sharply, looking between them. "This isn't about us. It's about stopping whatever is coming."

Arjun's eyes softened just for a moment. "That's exactly why I have to come."

Maya looked at him, her chest tightening. She knew she couldn't change his mind.

Aditya shook his head. "Fine. But don't say we didn't warn you."

Arjun gave him a look but said nothing.

Maya sighed. If something happened to him… she wouldn't forgive herself.

But it was too late now. They were all in this together.