Sophia was now determined to uncover the truth behind what had happened to Ravi, and Brain, who stood beside her, nodded inwardly, silently acknowledging her resolve.
Ravi remained lying in the mud, but his eyes were open, vacant. With a pained effort, he slowly struggled to stand, his body shaking as he found his footing.
Brain remained watchful, his vigilance unwavering, while Sophia, her concern palpable, couldn't take her eyes off him.
Sophia instinctively took a step forward, wanting to approach him, but then halted, recalling his earlier violent actions. Her eyes fixed on him with a mix of confusion and worry.
"R-Ravi?" she called softly, her voice trembling. Yet, he said nothing in response.
Instead, Ravi began walking, his steps unsteady, as though he might collapse with each one. But he continued moving forward, unaffected by the struggle in his limbs.
"We can't let him enter the village. We have to stop him," Brain insisted, his voice firm.
Sophia shook her head, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke, her belief unwavering, "No. Let him go."
Brain's eyes widened, confusion clouding his thoughts. "No, we can't. He'll put everyone in danger."
Sophia's gaze remained fixed on Ravi as he stumbled onward, her heart conflicted but certain. "Trust me. I don't think he'll harm anyone."
Brain's mind whirred, but he couldn't fathom why she felt that way. If Ravi went into the village, who could stop him if things went wrong? Even the reinforcements might not stand a chance. Still, Sophia insisted, and there was something in her eyes that made him hesitate.
Sophia's internal struggle echoed through her as she followed Ravi without hesitation. She couldn't quite explain the feeling that urged her on—an inexplicable certainty that Ravi wouldn't hurt anyone. But deep down, she couldn't turn away. She had to follow him.
As they walked, Ravi's steps grew more erratic, yet he never faltered. His mind seemed lost to the world around him, unaware of anything other than the path ahead. And yet, despite his disoriented state, Sophia knew exactly where he was headed.
He stopped in front of a small, unremarkable house, its simplicity standing in stark contrast to the storm brewing within him. Sophia's heart clenched as she recognized it—this was the house she would never forget.
"Whose house is this?" Brain asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.
Sophia, her voice barely a whisper, answered, "His home."
Ravi's hand, trembling, gripped the gate. Slowly, unsteadily, he pushed it open and entered the house. Sophia hesitated only for a moment before following him.
She watched as Ravi moved through the house and into his room, a room that Sophia had cleaned just that morning. Ravi's movements were sluggish, his body weighed down by an invisible burden.
Without a word, Ravi sank onto his bed, his eyes closing as though the weight of the world was too much to bear.
Six months later.
The sound of vegetables being chopped and food sizzling in a pan filled the kitchen, the comforting rhythm of normalcy.
Sophia, dressed in an apron, her fair skin glowing in the warm light, hummed softly as she worked. Her long blue hair was tied in a simple ponytail, her features delicate and inviting—her small nose and pink lips turning upward in a quiet smile. She looked different now, but it was a change that radiated happiness. Her eyes gleamed with joy.
In the past six months, life had taken on a different rhythm. Ravi, though still silent, had begun to show signs of returning to himself. She had spent countless hours by his side, tending to him as he slowly healed, though he rarely spoke. Still, it was progress.
But tomorrow... tomorrow was the day. The day she and Ravi, along with her best friend Bibek, would head to 'Pis Aller' Academy. It was a step forward for all of them.
Bibek, whose wounds had been healed by the reinforcements, was training right alongside her. Their sessions had grown more intense as the entrance exam approached, but despite everything, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation—of hope that things would finally move forward.
She finished cooking, placing the food carefully on a tray, and headed upstairs to Ravi's room.
Ravi was lying on the bed, as he always did, his body still and unmoving except for his eyes, which tracked her every movement with a vacant intensity. His hair, once messy, was neatly arranged, his figure now tall and well-built, though his eyes remained lifeless—seven colors swirled in his irises, but there was no light in them.
Sophia entered, setting the tray down beside the bed. "Eat up, Ravi," she said with a warm, charming smile, her voice soft and gentle, as though coaxing a frightened child.
She stood there for a moment, watching him with a quiet hope that he might respond. But as usual, Ravi remained silent, only moving when he knew she would not leave until he ate.
Finally, he sat up, mechanically taking the food and eating. Afterward, Sophia collected the tray and the plates, turning to leave.
"Rest well," she said softly, closing the door behind her.
As she left, Ravi's eyes narrowed for just a moment, but he did not speak. His gaze turned once more to the ceiling, lost in his own thoughts.
Outside, Bibek was waiting, his presence a steady comfort to Sophia. She gave him a small nod, and they headed to their training grounds.
The days of training were grueling but necessary. Bibek, ever the supportive friend, often joined her. Sometimes they worked on their stamina, other times they sparred, and occasionally they went hunting with Brain.
But today, Bibek was quiet, his mind burdened by something unsaid. He had watched Sophia's transformation over the months—seen her grow stronger, more confident. And though he was happy for her, there was something he could no longer keep to himself. He stopped walking, turning to face her.
Sophia, noticing his hesitation, turned to him. "What happened?" she asked.
With a deep breath, Bibek spoke, his voice firm but gentle. "I'm not going with you."
Sophia blinked, confusion clouding her face. "Not going?" She wondered if he was unwell, or if something had happened to change his mind.
Bibek continued, his smile faint but sincere. "I'm not going to 'Pis Aller' with you two. I don't want to be a third wheel between you two."
Sophia's eyes widened as she slowly realized what he meant. "But Bibek—"
"I love you, Sophia," he confessed, his voice steady, despite the vulnerability in his eyes.
The words hit her like a storm. She had never expected this from Bibek, never imagined he held such feelings for her. She was speechless, unsure of how to respond.
Bibek continued, his words coming out in a rush. "I've loved you for years. I've wanted to tell you, but I was afraid of what you might say. I knew deep down you loved Ravi, and I kept it to myself. But I can't anymore."
His eyes held nothing but love and care as he spoke, his emotions raw and honest. "How could I not love you? You're beautiful, kind, and strong. You care deeply for those you love, even when you don't show it. That's what made me fall for you. But I knew you loved Ravi, and I accepted that."
Sophia listened, her heart heavy with the weight of his confession. She loved Ravi, and she had always loved him. But she couldn't deny the bond she shared with Bibek—a bond of deep friendship, but nothing more.
"I—I don't know what to say," Sophia stammered, but Bibek spoke before she could continue.
"I know, Sophia," he said gently. "I don't expect an answer. I've known the truth all along. I just needed to tell you."
He reached up and cupped her cheek, his touch tender. "Take care of yourself. Be happy with him. And don't cry for me," he whispered.
Sophia's tears fell, but she didn't stop him as he leaned forward and kissed her forehead.
"I won't be going with you," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "But if you ever need me, you know where to find me."
With one last glance, he turned and walked away, leaving Sophia standing there, tears streaming down her face.
As Bibek walked away, the tears he had held back for so long began to fall. He didn't turn back, not once. He had let go, knowing that it was the right thing to do. But deep down, he wished he could turn back time, wished he could change the course of his heart.
"Be happy, Sophia," he whispered to the wind. "And forget about me."
The moment he was out of her sight, the dam broke, and Bibek wept openly. Men sure didn't look good while crying—but for once, he didn't care.
***
Finally passed the vetting, now guys don't hesitate and support me with your everything.
Thanks for reading.