Khaali Raaste

CHAPTER 4

 Unsettling Truths

AUTHOR'S POV

The next morning dawned crisp and clear, but the unsettling events of the previous days clung to Ayesha like a shadow. She hadn't slept well, tossing and turning, her mind replaying every strange detail—Ahmed's penetrating gaze, the mysterious note, and that ever-present feeling of being watched.

She knew she needed to get to the bottom of this, but the first thing on her agenda today was facing her father. He rarely asked for serious conversations, so whatever he had in mind must be important. Her steps were slow as she made her way downstairs, each creak of the wooden stairs amplifying the anxiety coursing through her veins.

Papa was waiting for her in the living room, sitting in his favorite armchair. His expression was hard to read, a mix of sternness and concern. Ayesha paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself before walking in.

"Good morning, Papa," she greeted softly, taking a seat opposite him.

"Good morning, Ayesha," he replied, his tone calm but serious. "We need to talk about something important."

Ayesha's heart rate spiked. "Is everything okay?"

Papa sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I received a call yesterday from your college. They said you've been distracted lately, missing some classes, and not focusing on your studies. Is something going on, Ayesha?"

Ayesha blinked, taken aback. She hadn't realized that her behavior had been noticed by others. "I... I've just been dealing with some things, Papa. Nothing serious, just a bit stressed."

"Stressed about what?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Ayesha hesitated. Should she tell him about Ahmed? About the note and the strange occurrences? But then she shook her head inwardly. She didn't want to worry him with something that might turn out to be nothing.

"Just... exams, you know. And some personal stuff," she replied vaguely.

Papa studied her closely, his gaze intense. "Ayesha, you know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

She nodded quickly. "Yes, Papa, I know. But really, it's nothing to worry about. I'll be more focused, I promise."

He seemed to consider her words for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but I want you to know that your safety and well-being are more important than anything else. If there's ever anything you need to share, don't hesitate."

"Of course, Papa. Thank you," she said, feeling a mixture of relief and guilt. She hated lying to him, but she didn't want to cause unnecessary alarm.

AYESHA'S POV

I made my way to the kitchen, my stomach twisting with nerves. I could feel Mama's eyes on me as I poured myself a glass of water.

"What was that about?" she asked gently.

"Nothing, Mama. Just college stuff," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.

She frowned but didn't press further. "Alright, but remember to eat something before you go out again. You've been looking a little pale lately."

"I will," I promised, but my appetite had vanished.

As I sipped the water, I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out to see a text from Zara: "Meet me at the park. I've got news."

My heart skipped a beat. News? What could it be? I quickly replied: "On my way."

AT THE PARK

The park was a peaceful oasis amidst the bustle of the city. I spotted Zara sitting on a bench near the fountain, her face a mix of excitement and worry. I hurried over, feeling a surge of anticipation.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked as I sat down beside her.

"You won't believe this," Zara began, her voice low. "I did some digging about Ahmed, and guess what?"

"What?" I leaned in closer, hanging on her every word.

"He's not just some random guy. He's got a past—a pretty shady one. Apparently, he's been involved in some trouble before. There were rumors about him getting kicked out of another college for... well, stalking someone."

My blood ran cold. "Stalking? Are you serious?"

Zara nodded. "Yeah, but it gets weirder. No one knows the details because the case was hushed up. The girl involved disappeared, and Ahmed transferred here not long after."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. "Do you think... he's doing the same thing here?"

"I don't know," Zara admitted, biting her lip. "But it seems like too much of a coincidence, doesn't it?"

I swallowed hard. "What should we do? Should we go to the police?"

Zara shook her head. "We don't have any concrete proof, Ayesha. Just rumors and suspicions. But I think we should be careful. Watch him, see what he's up to."

I nodded slowly, my mind racing. "You're right. But if he's dangerous..."

"We'll be careful," Zara assured me. "We'll stick together, okay?"

"Okay," I agreed, but my heart was pounding. Was I really ready to confront whatever this was?