Chapter -5 Peace Before the Storm

In the quiet stillness of dawn, a vivid dream unfolded in Aara's sleeping mind, like a fainted memory painted in soft strokes of nostalgia. She found herself transported to a magical forest, the air fresh with the scent of damp leaves and wildflowers, where a 14 year old girl adorned in a white traditional warrior's outfit became the centerpiece of the scene. Her long, dark braid bounced as she skipped from one large rock to another along the edge of a crystal- clear river, her little black leather boots making gentle thuds on the smooth stones.

The woods surrounding the river seemed to be alive with the sound of her giggles, so free and light it felt like sunlight trickling through trees. However, what truly resonated most through the dream was a deep, young male voice that echoed from behind, firm, protective and oddly familiar.

"Please don't go there. You will get hurt," the voice warned gently, but the girl only grinned, her spirit untamed. She continued to jump from rock to rock, her laughter becoming a part of the forest itself.

"Hehe... Come on! Look, it's fun!" she called back, balancing with outstretched arms as if the river itself was part of her game.

Again, the voice cautioned her, this time firmer. "I'm telling you to stop, it's slippery."

But the girl didn't listen. She took another step onto a nearby rock and in an instant, she lost her footing. The world tilted. Just before she could fall, a strong hand reached out and grabbed her by the arm, steadying her. The forest fell silent, save for one word, louder now.

"Angel."

Aara's eyes snapped open, her chest rising sharply with breath as the dream slipped away, but not the feeling. That voice. That word. Angel. It lingered like smoke after a flame, tugging at something deep inside her.

She sat up slowly, her hands brushing her face, trying to shake the dream's hold. It had been years since she'd dreamt of that moment. But why now? Why did it feel so close, so real?

"What's with this dream now?" she whispered, the question meant more for herself than anyone else. She closed her eyes for a brief moment, letting the silence settle her thoughts. But something stirred beneath the calm... an image, a realization.

Those eyes... I've seen them before.

Her voice was barely audible, a breath lost in the early morning air. The connection between her dream and yesterday's encounter began to take root, weaving threads between past and present.

Before she could delve deeper into these thoughts, the urgent sound of Minnie's voice reached her through the door.

"Wake up, Ms. Queen! We have college today. Come out of your dreamland."

With the dream and its mysteries lingering in her thoughts, Aara rose from her bed with a sigh, carrying pieces of the past with her into the day that awaited.

....

The sun cast its warm, golden glow over the college campus as Aara and Minnie walked throug the main gates, their steps easy, matching the steady rhythm of the day ahead. With backpacks slung over their shoulders and a quiet excitement in their hearts, they stepped into the comfort of routine, the buzz of students, the faint chatter from different corners, and the soft rustle of notebooks in hands.

As they reached the college courtyard, they spotted Ransh approaching, flanked by Nikhil and Prachi. The friends shared cheerful greetings, happy to see each other again.

"Hey, where were you two yesterday?" Prachi asked, her tone playful but eyes curious, the question hanging in the air like a kite waiting for wind.

Minnie playfully shrugged. "Just some unforeseen circumstances. Nothing too exciting, really."

"Yeah" Aara added, softly her voice barely more than a whisper, her thoughts still half dancing around the dream she had woken from.

With smiles and nods, the group moved towards the college building, slipping into the flow of students filling the corridors. The structure itself was a blend of nostalgia and modern convenience, with aged brick walls stranding tall with pride, while smart boards filled with announcements.

Their first class of the day took place in a grand lecture hall with high ceilings, rows of polished wooden desks, and large glass windows that let sunlight pour in like liquid gold. Minnie took her usual place beside Aara, while Ransh claimed the seat on her other side, drawing more than a few looks from around the hall. Nikhil and Prachi settled just behind them, close enough to pass notes or jokes under their breath.

Aara, as always, stood out effortlessly. Her beauty was quiet, graceful, the kind that didn't need loud clothes or exaggerated effort. But it wasn't just her looks that turned heads. Her sharp mind, her calm presence, her grace under pressure, they all combined to give her a presence that felt almost untouchable. She was the girl who topped every test, earned her scholarship with sheer brilliance, and still managed to stay humble in the spotlight.

Some students admired her with awe, inspired by her achievements. Others, less gracious, watched her with clenched teeth and hushed judgments, bitter from not being able to match her. And then there were those who simply watched drawn to her like moths to a gentle flame, unable to explain why.

Beside her, Ransh, the ever-popular, charming boy with effortless swagger — stole attention without even trying. As he leaned slightly toward Aara to whisper something only she could hear, several girls across the room exchanged glances, jealousy and curiosity flickering in their eyes.

The professor's voice soon filled the hall, and the group shifted their focus. Pens scribbled against notebooks. Pages turned. Heads nodded. Aara and her friends settled into their learning mode, the hum of knowledge weaving through the room.

Beyond the books and lectures, though, the campus held more tangled friendships, unspoken rivalries, and layers of secrets hidden just beneath the surface. The day moved on, steady and seamless, a quiet blend of everyday life and the tension of stories still waiting to unfold.

....

Lunchtime brought the campus to life. The canteen buzzed with energy, laughter echoing off the walls, trays clattering, and groups of students squeezing onto benches to gossip between bites of food. The corridors weren't far behind, scattered with students soaking up the sun that streamed through wide windows. Some lounged under trees, textbooks forgotten beside them, while others escaped to the library's calm, its silence a soothing contrast to the outside chaos.

Aara, as always, belonged to the latter. With a stack of books tucked in her arms, she walked the quieter corridor leading to the library. Her steps were soft, steady, echoing faintly in the emptiness. Aara was focused on returning the books she had borrowed over the weekend before joining her friends for lunch.

But as as she turned the corner, her calm stride faltered slightly.

Sana.

A student known for her confrontational nature and the ever-present thorn in Aara's side. Sana had a reputation for always seeking opportunities to make Aara's college life more challenging. Leaning casually against the wall like she'd been waiting, her arms crossed and that familiar smirk already curling at the corner of her lips.

Aara's instinct was to sidestep the drama. She shifted slightly, aiming to pass without a word.

But Sana stepped right into her path. "Going somewhere, Aara?" she asked, sarcasm coating her voice like sugar hiding poison.

Aara paused, adjusting the books in her arms. "Just trying to get to the library. You know, the usual student stuff."

"Hmm," Sana drawled, tilting her head as she took a step closer, invading Aara's personal space. "But, Aara, you're not really the usual student are you? Heard you got another scholarship recently. That makes... what, three now? Honestly, what's the secret? Reading under moonlight? Whispering spells to your textbooks? ~Or..."

Aara met her gaze, calm but firm. "Hard work, dedication, and a passion for learning. Maybe you should try it sometime."

Sana chuckled mockingly. "Hard work, huh? Well, I prefer taking shortcuts. It's more efficient. But hey, I guess your way works too... for now."

Before the tension could grow, Ransh appeared around the corner. He had overheard part of the exchange and couldn't resist stepping in to ensure the situation didn't get out of hand.

"Everything all right here, ladies?" he asked, his tone friendly but carrying a subtle warning.

Sana turned smoothly, smile shifting like a mask. "Oh, Ransh, we were just having a little chit-chat. Nothing serious."

Ransh glanced at Aara, reading her silent expression. "Good. It's a beautiful day. Let's keep it that way."

Aara gave a polite nod. "Of course. Have a great day, both of you." And without another glance, she stepped around Sana and continued towards the library, her posture composed, her pace unfaltering.

Behind her, Ransh lingered a moment, exchanging a few words with Sana before leaving as well.

Sana stood still for a beat longer, watching Aara's retreating form with narrowed eyes, lips curling into something between a grin and a secret.

"Aara, Aara... Aara," she murmured under her breath, her voice laced with amusement and just a hint of something darker. "So bright, so brilliant. I wonder what you'll do when the truth finally finds you."