The first light of dawn spilled over the campus, illuminating the courtyard in soft golden hues. The early breeze rustled leaves, carrying faint echoes of laughter from students hurrying to morning classes. Anamika moved through the crowd, careful to avoid tripping over stray bags and scattered notes. Her backpack was heavy, loaded with textbooks and assignments, but her stride was purposeful, confident.

Rudransh leaned casually against a marble pillar near the entrance, observing her as she navigated the bustling courtyard. The slight crease of concentration on her forehead, the way she kept her shoulders squared despite the weight she carried—it drew him in. He tucked his hands into his pockets, his expression calm, but inside, a low hum of vigilance lingered. Something unspoken in the air made him subtly tense, and his gaze flicked to the edges of the courtyard, scanning for anything unusual.