The street felt heavier after Rudraen disappeared, as if his words lingered like chains around their minds. Vaishnavi broke the silence first, her voice sharp in the still air.
"What… did he mean by that?" she asked, eyes narrowing on Ariv. "'Someone very close to you'—what does that even mean?"
Ariv froze for a moment. Her question hit like a blade. His thoughts swirled, tangled in Rudraen's warning.
Closer than you think…
The image of the locket flashed in his mind—the night his mom quietly clasped it around his neck. No explanation, just a soft smile and a simple, "It'll help you focus."
Could it be… her? Ariv's heart pounded as he stared at the ground, words caught in his throat. Why did Rudraen say that? And if he's right… then how much does she know about all this?
"Ariv?" Vaishnavi pressed, stepping closer.
"I… don't know," he muttered finally, forcing the words out, though they tasted like lies.
Neel's eyes lingered on him longer than usual, his gaze sharp, like he could hear every unspoken thought. He didn't say anything—but his silence felt heavier than words.
The three of them stood under the dim streetlight, each carrying secrets the others couldn't see. And in Ariv's chest, a question burned hotter than ever:
If my mom knows something… then everything about my life might be a lie.