LUNA AND ERTHA

:: CHAPTER 2 ::

JHANVI

One of the worst days of my life, the graduation. I never felt so broken when I wasn't able to express my feelings to my crush.

I had a huge crush on this person for a long time, I met him during my last semester. I think he doesn't even know how I look or even if I existed.

18th May 2023,

Got a placement in my native place. Love to go back with a job in hand, now can show off my working skills and utilize them to a full extinct.

Is that a dog?

I usually don't dream at all, but from past few months I am dreaming shit which doesn't even exist. Randomly monkey starts floating in the air with a plane in its hands.

Or a Horse with half of its body turned into a fish. I don't even know if I should call it a mermaid or Hormaid.

"Jhanvi? .... Jhanvi?"

"Wake up or else I will give you a CPR!" Rina shouted from the kitchen.

I am still half asleep; my eyes are numb maybe yesterday's drama caught me off guard.

"You were murmuring something in your sleep again. Are you OK?" Rina asked.

I never usually murmur in my sleep, all these things started since the day when I saw him.

Last semester was boring as hell, all I did was running after the internships and planning my future.

As my campus was huge, we had a cafeteria which belonged to the rich brutes, who used to wander there consistently as it was named 'FIND YOUR PEACE'.

Being rich is peaceful isn't it. Then why are you here?

I was bullied in college, likely because of who I am and how I think. But I didn't give them the satisfactory reaction which they needed and their distance jabs didn't bother me, so I let it go.

12th December 2022,

It was raining, I settled into my favourite spot at the café, surrounded by the familiar sounds of bullies laughing and joking in the distance, though their words weren't audible.

I was fully engaged in writing my assignment, listening to 'baarishein' on my earbuds, savouring my coffee, and enjoying some solo time. My friends were busy with their project, I didn't want to disturb their work, so I shifted myself to the café.

I just wanted to drink some coffee and enjoy some solo time.

As I was grooving to the music and doing my assignment, one of the bullies broke away from the group, sat down across from me, and initiated a conversation.

"How much for an hour?" He murmured, his breath reeking of alcohol. I was ready to kick him in the balls, but the waitress signalled me to stay 'silent'.

The bully continued 'We'll pay you 10,000 per hour. Just come with us' gesturing towards his friends at a nearby table.

I scanned the café, realizing we were isolated – Just me, the bullies and the waitress. I grasped the gravity of the situation; even if the waitress called for help, it would take at least 10 minutes for authorities to arrive, leaving me vulnerable to potential harm.

My gaze was fixed on the waitress, whose eyes were shifting anxiously between me and the café entrance, as if she was waiting for someone to come in.

Meanwhile, the bully's hand reached out, he slowly raised his hand and started approaching my shoulder. Most possible intention being tossing me into the group of hyenas who were ready to feed on me.

The café fell silent, with all attention focused on bully's hand and my eyes which were almost tearing up.

The situation seemed to escalate, the doorbell above the entrance burst into a cheerful jingle, shattering the tension and signalling the arrival of a new costumer.

The newcomer who intervened was a tall, dark and handsome stranger, standing at an impressive 6 feet tall. His hair was perfectly messy, with strands falling across his forehead, reaching his eyes.

"Dhruv!" The waitress shouted by pointing at the bully whose gaze was fixated on me. Indicating the stranger to get into action.

His eyes turned towards me, sending a shiver down my spine. His intense gaze made me feel like I was reaching my limits of control.

I wonder what I look like in your eyes

The bully's filthy hand made contact with my shoulder, but it was swiftly removed by the stranger, who twisted it with a firm grip. The strangers piercing eyes met mine.

"I apologize for the inconvenience ma'am, we're closing now. Please leave." I was so captivated by his gaze that I didn't even notice him speaking.

He had to call out to me again, 'Ma'am?' as the bully struggled in agony.

Snapping back to reality, I quickly gathered my belongings and fled the scene.

Everything happened so fast that my mind needed some processing time, As I sat down on a bench trying to recollect the things which happened, but my mind was blur. I couldn't recall the bully, the waitress or even the café itself. The only thing which struck in my mind was him and his eyes.

The next day I returned to the café, determined to thank my rescuer.

Just wanted to see him again, *addicted*

To my surprise, I found it closed. When I inquired with the authorities, they explained

"Yesterday, café faced a fire accident. Few people were injured. So needed to close it for obvious reasons."

But the main question was, the café looked untouched, with no signs of smoke or damage.

The question lingered: How did people get hurt if there was no apparent fire?

Coming back to the present,

"Wow, Jhanvi, I'm impressed. I've never seen anyone sleep with their eyes open before." Zoya who was sitting beside me on the sofa giggled.

"Come back to this world you numbnut!" Rina shouted from the kitchen.

"Wakey, Wakey! Our first day at the office is today, and I don't want to or have to explain to our boss why you're still in your Pyjamas!" Lucy shouted while playing with my cheeks.

"What are you doing in the kitchen anyway?"
"Making breakfast or cooking a dinosaur?" Zoya shouted sarcastically.

*Swoosh* Comes the pan flying towards Zoya

Looking at these people make me feel like I am with my family, my parents are doctors. Didn't had enough time for me but raised me to be independent enough to take my own decisions.

They revealed later on that I was adopted, which didn't bother me much. But I am glad I got them as my parents and these morons as my family.

Zoya, the ultimate wolf in sheep's clothing. She's like a cute, fluffy kitten who secretly plots world domination in her head. Don't be fooled by her innocent smile – her evil thoughts have potential to bring down empires. Just don't ask her to share her browser history. Single, due to her lack of interest.

Rina, the mother of the group. Looks gorgeous, beautiful and amazing. The only problem with her is short temper. Compared to her height, her anger issues crossed the Everest first. She is like a short bomb which could explode anytime. She tries to solve our problems but manages to create new ones. Single, because- you know why at this point.

Lucy, the cutest girl I've ever met. She's clingy, dependent and touchy. She is not too innocent, but doesn't know shit at the same time. Airhead to be specific. Got a lot of boys flaunting around her but, she is not ready to tangle in webs of love.

"Breakfast is ready!" Rina shouts by arranging everything on the dining table.

"Jhanvi! Go and fresh up. Food will get cold"

"Yes, ma'am!" I love these people.