Before she could continue speaking, my grandmother interrupted her and summoned him, prompting her to promptly depart. At that moment, I didn't fully comprehend the significance of her words, but as time passed and reflection set in, I began to grasp the underlying implications.
A profound and deeply ingrained fear took hold of me, preventing me from mustering the courage to approach them. Simultaneously, I felt an overwhelming desire to escape the situation, driven by my intense affection for her.
The emotional turmoil that ensued was overwhelming, and I found myself harboring a profound resentment towards women in general, which ultimately led to a downward spiral into depression.
Lost in thought and consumed by my emotions, I was subsequently involved in a severe and potentially life-threatening accident near the institution of my dreams, the college I had always aspired to attend.
As I regained my composure and struggled to come to terms with the circumstances, I spotted Abhimanyu waiting for me. During our journey to the college, he thoroughly briefed me on the exhaustive measures he had taken to safeguard my identity, meticulously altering records and documents to ensure my anonymity and protect me from unwanted attention.
"Ruhi, the individual who had previously caused you distress, has enrolled in a different educational institution," he informed me. "However, some of her acquaintances still attend this college. Exercise caution and vigilance in your interactions."
Upon arriving at the college, I was struck by the familiarity of the surroundings, which seemed unchanged yet subtly different. In an effort to blend in and maintain a low profile, I donned glasses and a hat.
Our instructor, an expert in the field of human anatomy and physiology, launched into the first lecture with enthusiasm and authority.
"Welcome, students, to the fascinating realm of anatomy," she began. "Today, we will delve into the fundamental principles and key concepts that underpin this complex and intricate field of study."
Despite my prior studies, which had already covered this material, I found myself struggling to maintain focus, my mind still reeling from the tumultuous events that had transpired.
Following the biochemistry lecture, I took a break and explored the college campus to search for job opportunities. However, I found that most jobs offered minimal compensation, which wouldn't suffice. As my brother's education also required financial support, I knew I had to secure a well-paying job.
My grandmother's expectations weighed heavily on me. If I failed to provide adequately, she might halt my brother's studies or force him into a less desirable path – an outcome I couldn't accept. Despite my respect for her, I struggled to understand why she held such significant influence over our lives.
After an exhaustive search throughout the city, I finally stumbled upon an attractive opportunity at the library. The role required me to manage nearly all library tasks daily, totaling around 9 hours without breaks, holidays, or flexibility. Any mistake would result in forfeiting half of my salary.
Despite these demanding conditions, the offered salary of ₹40,000 per month astounded me, especially considering my previous job searches yielded offers below ₹20,000. Although the working hours were extensive, I was willing to accept the challenge.
With this new development, my life began to normalize. Abhimanyu, my friend, had booked a spacious two-bedroom accommodation with a kitchen and washroom for both of us. Returning to this hostel brought a sense of relief.
I diligently attended all lectures and then headed to the library, where maintaining peace and order was no easy task. Fortunately, my sharp senses, honed over time, enabled me to excel in this role.
With unwavering dedication, I ensured the library's immaculacy, removing dirt, organizing shelves, and assisting patrons. For some reason, many visitors hid their faces, but I remained unfazed, focused on my duties.
The first month passed quickly, and I received my initial payment. I promptly deposited the ₹40,000 into my bank account, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
This milestone was doubly sweet, as my brother had to cracked the engineering entrance exam and secured admission into college.
With my financial stability and brother's academic success, our future will be brighter my brother was always more hard worker in study than me I continued to work diligently at the library, determined to support my family's aspirations.
Ayush's life was progressing smoothly, filled with happiness and contentment. Unbeknownst to him, a impending disaster was looming on the horizon, threatening to shatter his tranquil world.
As time passed, the days blended together, leading up to All Hallows' Eve – Halloween. The air was electric with anticipation, as people prepared for the spooky festivities.
Little did Ayush know, this Halloween would bring an unforeseen turn of events, forever altering the course of his life. The darkness that loomed ahead would challenge his resilience and test his resolve.
Today was Halloween, and while some friends attended parties, I had to work at the library. The first month had been smooth, but recently, troublesome individuals began to frequent the library, teasing and attempting to provoke me into fights. As per library policy, I had to remain silent.
However, their antics took a toll on my salary, which decreased substantially. On this particular evening, as I cleaned the library's exterior, a woman rushed in. Unaware of the commotion, I re-entered the library after finishing my tasks.
As I organized the books, the woman suddenly pushed me, and I heard her scream. Shocked and angered, I controlled my emotions and apologized. Moments later, I received a message informing me of a ₹10,000 salary reduction.
Furious with the woman, I continued my work, rearranging the books. Suddenly, I heard a slap and saw the woman striking a man. The two began fighting, attracting a crowd and causing a disturbance in the library.
I swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd and restoring order.
"I'm afraid you need to leave, ma'am," I said firmly. "Your behavior is disrupting the library. You can't slap someone and then blame them. I apologize, but your actions are causing trouble."
The woman looked distressed. "I'm sorry, boy, but this man has been following me for a long time. Can you help me? Please, complain against him."
Regrettably, I responded harshly, "Sorry, ma'am, but I can't get involved. It will create problems in the library. Please take your issue outside and seek help from others."
As soon as I uttered those words, I regretted them. The woman hastily departed, and the man fled as well. I wanted to assist her, but she was gone.
Self-reflection struck me. Why had I spoken so callously? Was it due to lingering hatred towards women or the frustration from losing money? I realized I was succumbing to anger and greed, the very emotions my mother warned me against.
I struggled to compose myself, recognizing I had lost control. My words had inadvertently hurt someone seeking help.
Now, I was trapped, unable to leave the library or shake off the feeling of guilt.
I returned to managing the library, and soon, the space was empty and quiet. Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the room, and a seismic wave-like tremor shook the foundations. A deafening sound resonated through the air.
I rushed towards the source of the noise and found numerous books scattered across the floor, with two shelves partially collapsed. Disheartened, I began rearranging the books.
During the process, my hand got injured by a sharp object, and blood trickled from my palm. A faint light flickered, leaving me bewildered.
As normalcy returned, I wondered if it had all been a momentary confusion.
After reorganizing the books, one volume remained in my hand, which didn't fit on any shelf. Its size and peculiar placement perplexed me.
Feeling somewhat careless, I decided to set the book aside on the counter and rest for a bit. Since it was a quiet period, with few visitors expected for the next two hours, I set an alarm and drifted off to sleep, using the mysterious book as a pillow.