The morning sun spilled over the college courtyard, painting the cobblestones in golden streaks. Students moved in small groups, chatting, laughing, and occasionally bumping into each other. The world seemed ordinary, almost mundane, yet Anamika felt an underlying tension she refused to acknowledge. Not today, she told herself firmly. Today was for classes, projects, and maybe… distractions that didn’t involve shadows or invisible presences.

She walked briskly across the courtyard, her bag slung over one shoulder, her posture erect and confident. Her notes were organized, her schedule planned, and her focus unwavering. Rudransh noticed immediately. She looked calm, collected, almost untouchable, and yet there was a fire in her eyes that drew him in.