Chapter 4: The Eyes That Follow
The classroom felt normal again.
Students were laughing, talking, moving around like nothing had changed.
But for Meera—
Everything felt different.
"…Because they're watching."
Arjun's words echoed in her mind again and again.
Who were "they"?
And why did it feel like… he wasn't joking?
"Meera!"
Riya called out, waving her hand in front of her face.
"You're doing it again."
"Doing what?" Meera blinked.
"Getting lost in your thoughts," Riya said, narrowing her eyes.
"Don't tell me this is about Arjun again."
Meera looked away.
"…Maybe."
Riya gasped dramatically.
"I knew it!"
"It's not like that," Meera quickly said.
"Then what is it?"
Meera hesitated.
She didn't know how to explain it.
How could she?
If she told anyone, they would think she was crazy.
"Nothing… just forget it," she said quietly.
Riya sighed.
"You're hiding something. I can tell."
Meera forced a small smile.
"Trust me… it's nothing good."
For a moment, Riya looked like she wanted to ask more.
But then she stopped.
"…Fine. But if something's wrong, you tell me. Okay?"
Meera nodded.
"…Okay."
The rest of the day passed slowly.
Too slowly.
Meera could feel it.
That same strange presence from last night.
It wasn't strong.
But it was there.
Like someone… watching her from far away.
She tried to ignore it.
Tried to focus on her classes.
But it didn't go away.
And every time she looked at Arjun—
He was already alert.
As if he felt it too.
After school ended, the sky had started turning orange again.
Evening was approaching.
Meera packed her bag slowly.
Her hands felt slightly cold.
"You're not going home alone today," Riya said suddenly.
Meera looked up.
"What?"
"I'll come with you," Riya smiled.
"I don't trust your 'nothing is wrong' face."
Meera felt a little relieved.
"…Okay."
They walked out of the school together.
Talking lightly.
Trying to keep things normal.
But as they reached the quieter part of the road—
That feeling came back.
Stronger this time.
Meera slowed down.
"…Riya."
"Hm?"
"Do you feel… something strange?"
Riya looked around.
"Strange? Like what?"
"Like someone is watching us…"
Riya paused.
Then laughed nervously.
"You're scaring me now."
"I'm serious."
The air suddenly felt colder.
The wind stopped.
Everything went quiet.
Too quiet.
Riya's smile slowly faded.
"…Okay, that's not funny anymore."
Meera's heart started beating faster.
"It's the same feeling as yesterday…"
Suddenly—
The streetlight above them flickered.
Once.
Twice.
And then—
It went dim.
A shadow appeared near the corner of the road.
Tall.
Still.
Watching.
Riya grabbed Meera's arm tightly.
"Meera… what is that?"
Her voice was shaking.
Meera couldn't answer.
Her body froze.
The shadow moved.
Slowly.
Coming closer.
Riya stepped back.
"I don't like this… let's go!"
But before they could move—
The shadow suddenly rushed toward them.
Fast.
Too fast.
Riya screamed.
"MEERA!"
Meera closed her eyes in fear—
"Stay behind me."
That voice.
Calm. Strong.
She opened her eyes.
Arjun was standing in front of them.
His expression was completely different now.
Cold. Focused.
Dangerous.
The shadow stopped.
As if it recognized him.
"…You again," it whispered.
Riya was shaking.
"W-what is happening…?"
Meera couldn't speak either.
But this time—
She wasn't just scared.
She was starting to understand.
Arjun stepped forward slightly.
"I told you to stay away."
The shadow let out a low laugh.
"She's not yours to protect."
Meera's heart skipped a beat.
Arjun's eyes darkened.
"…Try me."
For a moment—
Everything went silent.
Then suddenly—
The shadow attacked.
And this time—
Meera knew—
This wasn't something she could ignore anymore.