Veins of Elysium: The Ruined Soul

Chapter~15 | Back to Switzerland?

BAANI'S P.O.V

My mind was all screwed up after that meet with Aryaman at the hospital today. I mean, what the hell was he on about, ordering me to marry him? It was our first damn meeting, and he's acting like we're already planning a life together. The way he behaved with me-I don't think I can even stand his presence. He gives me this creepy vibe, makes me feel all awkward and utterly vulnerable.

When I got back home, I saw Nani and Nanu sitting in the living area. They tried to ask me how I was or if I wanted to share something after what happened today, but my mind was racing with too many thoughts. So I politely told them, "I'm okay, just really exhausted. I think I'll go straight to bed."

Nani asked, "Dinner?"

I replied, "Uh, Nani, I'm not hungry," and then I headed straight to my room upstairs.

I was literally cussing myself for talking to them like that, but what can I do? I'm not in my right senses to understand what the hell really happened today. I took a hot shower, hoping it would clear my head. The warm water did help a bit, soothing my nerves, but I still couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling. After my shower, I slipped into my pajamas and climbed into bed. I checked some emails and messages from my university and friends, trying to distract myself. At some point, sleep finally took over, and I drifted off.

Morning arrived, and I woke groggily, dragging myself downstairs. Nani and Nanu were already in the living room, their faces a mix of concern and love. We sat down for a heart-to-heart, discussing everything what happened with me yesterday except the ordeal with Aryaman.

Part of me wanted to confide in them, to warn them about this stranger who seemed to have taken an inexplicable interest in me. But I couldn't bring myself to burden them further. They were already worried about me, especially with the news channels bringing up my mom's suicide case repeatedly after my aunt's scandal.

Today marked my last day in India. Tomorrow morning, I was flying back to Switzerland for my final semester, starting in just a week. It was a bittersweet feeling. Saying goodbye to my grandparents was tearing me apart inside. They had been my rock, my support through everything. But amidst all the chaos and drama that had unfolded recently, leaving seemed like the wisest choice.

I was sitting in the lawn, drinking hot chocolate, when an unknown number flashed on my phone. I'm not a fan of answering unknown calls because I have talking anxiety. I mean, I can text, but calls make me anxious, and I end up stuttering. I let the call ring out, hoping whoever it was would get the hint. But then the phone started ringing again with the same number. I still didn't pick up. After five minutes, it rang again. This time, I was frustrated. Who keeps calling when it's obvious I'm not in the mood to talk?

Finally, I answered, "Hello, what do you want?"

The voice on the other end was unsettlingly familiar. "I want you, Baani."

My confusion only deepened. "Who is this?"

There was a faint chuckle, dripping with an unsettling sense of familiarity. "Oh, have you forgotten about me already? It's only been a day, Baani. I'm a tad disappointed."

"Aryaman? You... how did you get my number?"

There was a dismissive edge to his response. "Yeah, it's me. Don't worry about how I got it."

Frustration mingled with unease as I responded, " What the hell... Have you lost your mind? I'm telling you, Aryaman, stay away from me, or else..."

His tone turned mocking, laced with an unsettling arrogance. " Or else what? What will you do, huh? You can't do anything to stop me, Baani."