UNIVERSITY ARC
As Geetha slowly regained consciousness, I made a decision: I would help her. I had no idea how far this would take us or what it would cost, but at this moment, all I could do was wait and hope.
She was already drowning in her trauma. If I didn't step in now, at this crucial moment, could I even call myself human?
When she fully came to, her eyes met mine. She sprang up and rushed toward me, her voice cracked with despair as she pleaded.
|"Manoj, please show him mercy. He is a good person. If you remain angry, he will resign from his post. We don't care about the money; I just want him with me forever. Please, Manoj..."|
Her words tore at my heart. I responded gently.
| "Okay, Geetha, I understand your pain. I will help you and forgive Rahul for what he did to me, just only for you."|
Her eyes filled with tears of relief and gratitude.
|"Thank you so much, Manoj. I will never forget your kindness."|
At that moment, all I wanted was for her to find some semblance of happiness. She would discover the truth eventually, but for now, she deserved a moment of peace. Yet, doubt gnawed at me—was I doing the right thing? I decided to let fate determine the outcome.
With a faint smile, I requested.
|"Geetha, I need a favour from you. Think of it as returning the favour for my help. Will you do it for me?"|
She responded without hesitation, her voice eager.
|"Yes, Manoj. What you're doing for me is no small favour. I will do anything for you, just ask."|
Taking a deep breath, I asked.
|"Geetha, I have my reasons for keeping my identity hidden. Will you keep this secret for me? Can you promise me that?"|
Without a moment's pause, she vowed.
|"Of course, Manoj. If this is what you wish, I will keep this secret. I swear on my life, you can trust me."|
Her loyalty moved me deeply. I whispered.
|"Thank you, Geetha."|
|"No, Manoj, I should be the one thanking you for your immense help. Don't mention it."|
I then offered her.
| "Please stay at my villa tonight and rest, or let me drop you home. It's already late, and you don't seem well."|
|"But, Manoj…"|
She tried to protest. I cut her off gently.
| "Look, Geetha, going to the police station in this state isn't wise. I don't want you to suffer any more distress tonight. Please, rest. If you don't, I won't be able to help you. It's your choice."|
Reluctantly, she agreed, requesting a ride to her home. I wanted to take her myself, but my friends were calling incessantly—it was already past 11 PM, and I hadn't returned to my room.
I didn't trust the people around here, but I believed Aarna could be trusted. So I requested her.
| "Aarna, it's a bit rude of me to ask, but could you drop Geetha off? I can't help right now, and if I don't return soon, my friends will worry. Please, understand."|
She replied, surprised.
| "What? How can you...?"|
I quickly added, feeling embarrassed.
| "No need to be upset. I realize it's a lot to ask a girl late at night. I'll handle it myself."|
She softened.
|"No, sir. I mean, you don't need to request it. You could have just ordered me. Your kindness has touched me. I will drop her off safely."|
Relieved, I thanked her, "Thank you, Aarna. Please take her home right away; her parents must be worried."
Aarna nodded, leading Geetha outside. As they left the hotel, the staff and others bid their farewells to me. I got into my car and began my journey back to my hostel.
Halfway there, I sensed something was off. I stayed calm, observing my surroundings and waiting for the right moment. After a few minutes, the feeling intensified.
I instructed the driver.
|"Take the next left and follow my directions."|
He complied without question. When we reached a secluded area, I told him to stop. I stepped out of the car. This route was a shortcut to my hostel, but it passed through a dark, deserted area with no streetlights. There were no houses nearby, just open fields filled with crops.
I felt a chill as I surveyed the scene. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone with a menacing intent was lurking nearby, watching me. The atmosphere felt like a scene from a thriller movie. Please don't misunderstand me; this isn't a horror story.
Yet, it seemed like whoever was there didn't want to confront me, at least not immediately. I had no combat experience, no weapon to defend myself. But then, I sensed movement in the shadows. I turned quickly, but whatever was there moved even faster, disappearing from sight.
Realizing I was wasting time, I returned to the car and continued my journey back to the hostel.
The next morning, at around 6 AM, my phone rang. I woke up, groggy and annoyed, having been in the middle of a beautiful dream about last night's events. In my dream, I was chasing a mysterious figure in the darkness, feeling like some sort of vigilante hero. There was even a romantic subplot with a ghost—don't laugh. It was just a dream, right? Let's keep that between us.
Back in reality, I checked my phone. It was Geetha. I answered, still half-asleep.
| "Hey, Geetha, what's the matter?"|
She sounded anxious.
| "Manoj, did you forget already? You said you'd help save Rahul. Please, come quickly!"|
Still disoriented, I questioned.
|"Where are you? What's going on?"|
|"I'm waiting at a restaurant near the police station. Please, come fast."|
I couldn't believe it. Was she serious? I tried to keep my temper in check.
|"Geetha, I said I'd help today, not at this time. I have things to do, homework. Yes! Oh god! I didn't finish yesterday because of all the unexpected scenes. Wait! Don't tell me you've already completed everything on your end."|
She answered cheerfully.
| "Yes, Manoj. I finished early this morning for Rahul. Are you coming or not?"|
I was Frustrated.
|"No, I'm not coming right now for that bastard. If you care so much, then go on without me."|
She sounded hurt.
|"Manoj, please, he's my boyfriend. At least speak about him with respect."|
I sighed, trying to calm down.
|"Geetha, I'm helping because of you, not him. Don't expect too much from me, okay?"|
She quickly apologized.
|"I'm sorry, Manoj. I'm just worried. Please don't misunderstand. Whenever you're ready to come to the station, let me know."|
I softed my voice.
|I'm sorry too, Geetha. I'm just irritated. I'll be there at 9 AM sharp at the restaurant."|
|"Thank you, Manoj. See you then."|
The call ended, leaving me feeling a bit more awake and slightly less irritated. This girl had completely disrupted my dream.
After finishing my work, I called Surya Raj and asked him to meet me at the police station. He agreed. After a quick breakfast and freshening up, I headed to the location Geetha mentioned.
I called her again as I approached.
|"Geetha, are you at the restaurant?"|
|"Yes, Manoj. I'm waiting outside for you."|
I arrived a few minutes later, and she ran up to me excitedly. Despite everything, I was glad to see her like this—happy, if only for a moment.
Together, we walked into the police station. A constable stopped us.
| "Excuse me, madam. What brings you here? Are you here to see someone?"|
Geetha responded.
|"We're here to meet a prisoner."|
The constable alerted.
|"And his name?"|
I stepped forward.
|"Rahul. He was arrested yesterday."|
At my words, the constable became more guarded.
|"I'm sorry, but you can't see him. You'll need permission from our superior officer."|
|"And why is that?"|
|"He's considered an important detainee. Access to him is restricted. Our superior is personally handling his case."|
I pressed forward.
|"When will your superior be here?"|
|"She should be arriving soon. Please, have a seat and wait."|
We took seats as directed. I noticed Geetha was visibly nervous.
|"Hey, Geetha, are you okay?"
She nodded, though her hands trembled slightly.
|"Yes, Manoj. It's just… I've never been to a police station before. It's a bit overwhelming."|
I chuckled lightly, trying to ease her nerves. After about twenty minutes, the officer in charge finally arrived. The sound of the car siren filled the waiting room, and all the staff members alerted and sprang into action.