CHAPTER 9

Avyaan strolled through the bustling corridors of the college, his thoughts consumed by memories of Tanya.

Lost in the labyrinth of his mind, he barely noticed Rohan's cheerful greeting until his friend's voice pierced through the haze. "Hey Avi, what's up?"

Avyaan blinked, his focus snapping back to the present.

"Oh hey Ro, Just lost in thought. I guess." he replied, offering a sheepish grin. But even as he spoke, Tanya's enigmatic presence lingered at the edges of his consciousness.

Meanwhile, across campus, Tanya delved into her studies with unwavering determination, her quest for academic excellence driving her forward. As one of the top students in her class, She was known for her intelligence and dedication, particularly in the field of humanities.

Lost in the world of textbooks and lectures, She barely noticed when Avyaan approached her, his footsteps hesitant as he stopped by her desk. "Um, excuse me, Senior? I, uh, I was wondering if you could help me with something" he began, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

She glanced up from her notes, her brow furrowing slightly at his unexpected request. It was the first time someone had asked her for help. Students often avoided her, intimidated by her intelligence and reserved demeanor. But Myra, her closest friend, had always insisted that once people heard Tanya's voice, they would be mesmerized. Avyaan never understood why until now. 

she tilted her head as if she was asking him what was it about.

Avyaan hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Well, you see, l've been having trouble inder so e of the topics we covered in our humanities class Nas / was hoping that you could help you out. You know, since you are so knowledgeable about these stuffs and you aced the class last year as well." he explained, his cheeks flushing slightly with embarrassment.

She studied Avyaan for a moment, her initial skepticism giving way to curiosity. Despite her reservations, she couldn't deny the earnestness in his eyes, nor the vulnerability he displayed in asking for her help.

'Library, after class' she wrote on her copy and make a sound with her own to make him look at it, and he agreed instantly "Sure, i will be there. Bye Bye Senior" and he left with a bright smile on his face.

After class, Avyaan and Tanya found a quiet corner in the library, where they could study undisturbed. Tanya pulled out her notes and textbooks, while Avyaan settled in across from her, eager to learn.

After settling her notes on the table she looked at Avyaan who was already looking at her with his hands placed in his cheeks while making a doe eyes, he retrieved from his position as she stared at him with her one eyebrow moving up.

Avyaan hesitated, feeting a tit intreated by Tanya’s expertise. "Ah, I'm struggling with understanding some of the symbolism in literature. I know it's important but i just can't seem to grasp it," he spoke, feeling a bit embarrassed for staring at her earlier.

Tanya nodded understandingly, turning her gaze on her notes she flipped through them to stop at a certain page. "Symbolism can be tricky, bht one you get hang of it, it really add depth to you understanding of a text," she explained patiently, her voice sound like a siren who just came out water "Let's start with an example. Have you read 'The Great Gatsby'?"

Avyaan's eyes were wide open hearing her voice for the very first time and finally understanding why her Bestfriend always flexes hearing her voice, At that vary moment he knew that her voice was going to become the greatest of the greatest addiction of his. While he snapped back from his thoughts and replied to her

"Yeahs, we covered it in class. But I didn't really get all the symbolism behind the green light at the end of Daisy's dock," he confessed.

She nodded, sensing an opportunity to help him understand.

"Oh, the green light. It symbolises Gatsby's hope and dreams, particularly his desires to recapture the past and win Daisy's love. It's like a beacon, guiding him towards his idealized vision of the future, even though it's ultimately unattainable."

Avyaan's eyes lit up with understanding- "Wow, Mene Kabhi kyu nhi socha is tarah, So It means green lights represent Gatsby's Longing for a better life. Even though it's just out reach?"

(I never thought of it that way)

She nodded, pleased to see Avyaan making connections. "Exactly. And that's just one example of how Symbolism can enrich our understanding of a text.

Once you start looking for it, you'll see it everywhere," she explained, flipping through the pages of her textbook to find more examples.

As they continued to study together, Avyaan found himself growing more and more fascinated by the world of humanities, thanks to Tanya's patient guidance and insightful explanations. And as they delved deeper into the subject, their closeness blossomed, laying the foundation for a bond that would defy expectations and endure the tests of time.

CHAPTER 10

Inside the clandestine enclave, the air was thick with tension as shadowy figures gathered around a dimly lit table. The flickering light cast eerie shadows on their faces, obscuring their identities and adding to the aura of secrecy that permeated the room.

Urgent whispers filled the space, mingling with the soft hum of electronic devices, as the group discussed matters of grave importance.

"We are running out of time." declared one figure, his voice laced with urgency as he addressed the others.

The weight of their mission hung heavy in the air, each member acutely aware of the consequences of failure. "If we don't act soon, we'll lose control of everything"

A heavy silence followed, punctuated only by the rustle of papers and the occasional beep of machinery. The gravity of their predicament seemed to press down on them, casting a somber mood over the gathering. Yet, amidst the tension, there was an unspoken resolve-a determination to confront the challenges ahead head-

on.

Another figure spoke up, his voice filled with determination. "Let's bring him in," he suggested, his words carrying a sense of purpose. "He's out best shot at unraveling this mess."

The suggestion was met with murmurs of agreement, the group acknowledging the necessity of their next move.

Without hesitation, the leader reached for his phone, his fingers moving with purpose as he dialed a number.

Each ring seemed to echo in the tense atmosphere, signaling the beginning of a pivotal moment in their clandestine operation. The outcome of this call could shape the course of their mission-and their futures.

Meanwhile, as Avyaan found himself standing near the exit of college with Tanya as they walked here together discussing about the earlier topic.

Just as Avyaan was about to say something to her, his phone rang, interrupting the moment. Startled, he glanced at the caller ID, his brow furrowing in surprise.

Without a word, he answered the call, his expression unreadable as he listened to the voice on the other end.

With a heavy heart, he apologized to Tanya, regret coloring his voice as he explained the need for his sudden departure.

"I need to go, but I will surely treat you dinner once I am back. I promise!" he said, his words rushed and anxious while a sense of gratitude covered it up.

The sense of duty that compelled him was palpable, driving him to action even as his heart longed to stay.

Tanya watched him go, a mix of confusion and concern clouding her features.

Rushing out into the evening, Avyaan's panic mounted when he realized his car was unavailable.

"Shit!" he said gritting his teeths Frantically, he retraced his steps, his mind racing as he searched for a retraced his steps, his mind racing as he searched for a solution. Then, in a moment of clarity, he remembered a prior conversation with Tanya-a conversation that held the key to his dilemma.

Hurrying back to Tanya, Avyaan's desperation was evident in his eyes as he made his request. "Can I borrow your bike?" he blurted out, the words tumbling from his lips in a rush. "I will explain later, but I really need it right now." His urgency was undeniable, his need pressing.

Though taken aback by his sudden request, She sensed the gravity of the situation. Without hesitation, she handed over the keys, her trust in him unwavering. As Avyaan mounted the bike and vanished into the darkness, Tanya was left alone with her thoughts, a sense of foreboding settling over her like a heavy shroud.

As the evening swallowed Avyaan's departure, Tanya couldn't shake the feeling that their paths were destined to cross again. The enigmatic nature of their connection left her pondering the mysteries that lay ahead, uncertain of what the future held for them both. Yet, despite the uncertainty, there was a glimmer of hope-a belief that somehow, they would find their way back to each other.

"Pick me up from the college" She spoke on the call.

"I will be there in 1 mins" The other side person replied.

After 10 minutes the person arrived, revealing his identity.

Rohan, His friend and the one who took Avyaan's Car.

She talked towards the car settling inside on the passenger seat.

"Why did you make me take his car? What if he doubts me or us?" He spoke with concern and curiosity.

"He doesn't seem like who is new here, and I can't let my guards down." She spoke with seriousness.

"Did you find anything or something weird related to him?" She added.

"He works for someone, But I can't reach into that depth, give me some time to discover his true identity." Rohan replied.

"When we were leaving the college, he recieved a call, it seemed important as he rushed. It was a nice idea to take his car away, he took my Darci (bike) with him. Search for its location, I need it." She stared at the notes she had in her hands.

"A-, Tanya, I know you are desperately finding out about them, but we cant just invade anybody's privacy..." Rohan spoke.

"You entered this college because it was where your parents met, and from the past 3 years we have been dwelling into each person's identity and works." He spoke with concern and worried eyes.

"Doesn't matter to me, I wouldn't stop until I find them, no matter what I have to do or go through." She spoke with determination lingering in her eyes.