Agastya cooled down and headed to college.
In the parking lot, he met Siddharth and explained everything that had happened the previous day.
While talking to Siddh, he saw Ahalya (wearing a blue top with white jeans, her hair flowing freely in the wind).
Agastya's heart started beating faster, especially as her hair danced in the breeze. He walked over to her.
Agastya – Hi!! (waving his hand)
Ahalya – Hi!
Ahalya turned to her friend to introduce Agastya. When Agastya looked at her friend, he was shocked—it was Vrinda! (She was wearing a pink kurta with blue jeans, a bandage on her head and right forearm.)
Agastya – Hey, hi! Are you…
Suddenly, Vrinda made eye contact and subtly signaled him not to say anything. Agastya paused mid-sentence.
Ahalya – Do you know each other?
Agastya & Vrinda (together) – No, no! Not at all!
Agastya – What happened to you?
Vrinda – Nothing, just a small accident.
Agastya – Are you okay now?
Vrinda – Absolutely!
Ahalya headed to the canteen, and Vrinda followed her. Agastya quickly stopped Vrinda.
Agastya – Why didn't you tell your friends the truth?
Vrinda – I don't want them to panic. Please, can you keep it a secret?
Agastya – Of course, I will. (Smiling)
Vrinda – Thank you. (Smiling back)
Agastya – If anything like that happens again, don't hesitate to call me, okay?
Vrinda – Okay. (Nods with a grateful smile)
Agastya shared his number with Vrinda. Just then, Ahalya called him to join them at the canteen.
He looked around for Siddh, but Siddh was already there.
As Agastya walked into the canteen, he spotted Adithi. His anger flared, remembering the morning incident.
She was talking to a boy. An idea struck Agastya—he decided to prank her.
He walked up, casually put his hand on her shoulder. Adithi turned, shocked.
Agastya – Hi, babe! Long time no see. I know we just met two minutes ago, but I can't live without seeing or talking to you.
Adithi was completely confused, trying to understand what he was saying. Before she could speak, the boy asked:
Boy – Who is this, Adithi?
Agastya – Don't ask her, brother. Ask me—I'll tell you.
He pulled Adithi closer.
Agastya – She's my girlfriend.
Adithi, stunned, kept looking at him. She tried to clarify.
Adithi – Aryan! Aryan, it's not true! I don't even know him!
She pushed Agastya away.
Adithi (angrily) – Who are you?! Why did you do that? What would he think of me now?!
Agastya – Who am I? You don't know? You hit my darling!
Adithi – Darling? Whose darling?
Agastya – My darling… my bike.
Adithi – Listen, it was my mistake and I apologized. You said it was fine and let me go.
Agastya (to himself) – Ahh, it was a heart mistake… As soon as I saw her face, I couldn't even shout at her. What can I do? Boy problems…
Siddh quickly stepped in between.
Siddh – Okay, okay, calm down, both of you. It was her mistake, she apologized. Let's keep it cool.
Agastya – Okay…
Then Ahalya came over to check on Adithi.
Ahalya – What happened? Is everything alright?
Adithi – Yeah, nothing major. Just a clash. We're good now.
Agastya noticed how close Ahalya and Adithi were, so he thought it would be better to stay on good terms with both.
Agastya – Adithi… sorry for the misbehavior.
Adithi – It's okay. And I'm sorry too, for the damage.
Adithi smiled and held out her hand. Agastya smiled back and shook it—they became friends.
Agastya started teasing her like she was his girlfriend, and Adithi kicked him playfully from behind. Aryan, realizing it was a prank, joined the fun too.
They all went to class. But Vrinda didn't show up and wasn't seen anywhere.
Agastya called her, but there was no response. Even Ahalya and Adithi tried, but still nothing.
They assumed she was busy and went home.
Later, Agastya received a message:
"I'm busy right now. I'll call you back after some time."
Agastya read the message, but something felt wrong. A strange fear settled inside him—his instinct told him something wasn't right.
He immediately called Siddharth.
Agastya – Macha! Can you track a number?
Siddh – Yes, I can! But why?
Agastya – Remember I told you about Vrinda yesterday… that man?
Siddh – Yes, I remember.
Agastya – She's not picking up any of our calls—not mine, not even her friends'.
Siddh – Maybe she'll call back. Let's wait.
Agastya – No ra, she sent me a message.
Siddh – What did it say? (curious)
Agastya – "I'm busy right now. I'll call you back after some time."
Siddh – Then let's wait, ra.
Agastya – No macha, I've got a bad feeling. Please, can you track her number?
Siddh – Okay, send the number.
Agastya – One sec… (gasps) Done! Sent.
Siddh started tracking. Agastya was growing more anxious, hoping his gut feeling was wrong. He wanted her to be safe.
(Call from Siddh)
Siddh – Hey, I got the location. I'm sharing it now.
Agastya – Bro… can we go together and check it out?
(Silence for a moment)
Siddh – You're asking me? You should tell me—let's go find her!
Both smiled.
Agastya – Come, let's go!
Siddh – Let's do it!
They reached her house, a small alley with stairs leading up. They heard her phone ringing inside, but she didn't answer.
They knocked—no response.
They forced the door open. Inside was chaos. Blood everywhere. The house was a mess.
Siddh, who had hemophobia, felt dizzy seeing the blood.
He turned toward the kitchen—and froze in horror. He fainted on the spot.
Agastya rushed to him—only to see what Siddh had seen.
Agastya started sweating uncontrollably.
Agastya – No… no…