"Are you really going to leave without even looking at me, Aria Varma?"
The voice cut through the chatter — deep, calm, and chillingly familiar.
Aria froze. Slowly, she turned, along with her friends. Her lips parted slightly as she whispered, "Arjun…"
Everyone's eyes followed her gaze. A tall figure stood at the end of the hallway — sharp, composed, almost unreal. He wore a perfectly tailored suit, polished shoes, and a gleaming watch that screamed luxury. His hair was styled to perfection, and yet, nothing about his appearance shone brighter than the way his eyes fixed solely on Aria.
He began walking toward her, each step deliberate and confident. Aria couldn't move. Her breath hitched as he stopped in front of her, offering a soft, knowing smile.
"These are your new friends?" he asked casually, his voice laced with something unreadable.
No one answered. The air seemed to thicken around them.
Some of the girls stood frozen, completely mesmerized by his looks; the boys stared, almost envious of his effortless presence. He looked like someone who had stepped straight out of their dream world — every inch of him reeking of wealth, confidence, and danger.
Only Farhan and Ashwin exchanged uneasy glances, watching Aria's reaction closely.
Ruby, meanwhile, had already fallen head over heels. "Yes," she whispered dreamily, clutching her chest. "The prince of my dream has come to take me away."
"Yeah, how are you doing?" Aria asked softly, her voice uncertain yet polite.
Arjun smiled faintly, his tone composed and assured. "I have a lot to tell you," he said. "You'll stay here tonight."
Before Aria could even respond, he turned to the nearby servants. "These are Aria's friends. Drop them to their houses safely. Treat them well and make sure they have everything they need."
The servants nodded immediately. Aria blinked in surprise — she hadn't even agreed, yet Arjun had already taken her hand and started walking inside. She turned around quickly, glancing at her friends, confused but calm. When her eyes met Ashwin's, she gave a small look that said, I'm fine.
Ashwin hesitated for a second, then stepped aside as the servants led the other students toward the cars parked outside. Everyone stared in awe — those sleek, luxurious vehicles shining under the evening light.
For most of the KHSS students, this was the first time sitting inside such expensive cars. Excitement buzzed through them as they were treated with care and respect, just as Arjun had instructed.
Still, by the time the cars rolled out of the colony street, whispers had already begun.
"Wasn't that the same guy who came to pick up Aria last time?" one student asked.
"I think so! He looked so rich — did you see that car?" another replied.
"So… is he her boyfriend?"
"Wait, what about Zorvath then?" someone added, half teasing.
"Yeah! Zorvath and Aria look perfect together. Poor guy, he doesn't even know."
"I still think Aria should be with Zorvath. He's our hero — that guy might be rich, but Zorvath's the real deal."
"True, true. Zorvath and Aria forever!"
The conversation spread like a wave through KHSS — lighthearted, curious, a bit dramatic, but never cruel. The students filled their group chats with playful debates and messages, already turning it into the school's biggest topic of the day.
Meanwhile, Aria sat quietly inside the mansion's dining hall. She stared at her phone, watching the endless stream of messages flood in. Across the room, Arjun stood by the bar counter, pouring himself a glass of wine — completely calm, a faint smile on his face.
Aria's brows furrowed. "Do you even realize what you've started?" she asked, her tone caught between irritation and disbelief.
Arjun turned his head slightly, his expression cool. "Started?" he said lightly. "All I did was come to see you."
"That's exactly the problem," Aria muttered, leaning back in her chair. "Now everyone's pairing me up with you… and with Zorvath."
Arjun chuckled softly, taking a slow sip. "So," he said, amusement glinting in his eyes, "I have competition."
Aria sighed, covering her face with her hands. "You're impossible."
Arjun smiled. "And yet," he said, setting down the glass, "you're still here."
Aria sighed, then asked calmly but firmly, "What did you just call me down there?"
Arjun gave a teasing smile. "Your name? Aria Varma."
Aria said " no Varma just Aria"
She said biting her anger..
Arjun crossed his arms slightly. "You are Aria Varma because you are one of them. And do you know how sad they are because of this drama of yours?"
Aria took the wine bottle from his hand without hesitation. She poured some into a glass, took a sip, and glanced at him coldly. "You know what they have done to me," she said quietly. "And now you're here asking justice for them?"
Arjun looked down, his voice lowering. "I know what you're gone throw… but Aria, the truth is different. Just give them a chance to explain."
"There is no truth in their mouth," Aria said sharply. "It's all just made-up lies." She placed the glass down with a small thud.arjun said "Okay then, just wait two more years. You'll know it all yourself. Once you turn eighteen. Aria said "I just don't want to talk to you if you still speak the same."
She paused for a second, her voice softening. "Even though you're on their side, I'm still in contact with you only because you were the one who was kind to me… and Uncle John. I'm always grateful for that. Please don't make that fade away."
Arjun sighed quietly and turned toward the door. Without another word, he stepped out of the room and called for a servant. "Show Aria her room," he ordered.
He then took out his phone and walked away to make a call.
Aria slowly began walking toward her room, her footsteps echoing through the long corridor. Outside, rain poured steadily, tapping softly against the glass windows.
Her thoughts drifted. What would Nanny be doing now?
She sat on the edge of the bed, took her phone, and dialed Nanny's number.
Aria took a deep breath and called Nanny.
After a few rings, Nanny's warm, loving voice came through. "Hello, sweetie! Where are you? You're not home yet? Is it still class?"
Before Aria could say anything, Nanny continued, her tone soft but concerned. "Listen, dear, if you're still out, stay at one of your friend's houses tonight, okay? I'll be at my friend's place all night — we have some business to take care of. I don't want you to be alone in the house."
Aria smiled faintly, trying to sound normal. "It's okay, Nanny. I was just going to tell you… I'm already staying at one of my friend's houses."
There was a short silence on the line. "Really?" Nanny asked, a little doubtful.
"Yes," Aria said quickly. "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
But Nanny didn't sound fully convinced. "Alright then, dear. Take care and sleep early," she said softly.
Before Aria could reply, the call disconnected. She looked down at her phone, sighed quietly, and whispered to herself, "Goodnight, Nanny."