(Aryan's POV)
The first time the call came, I ignored it.
It was past midnight, and my phone lit up with an unknown number. I stared at it for a second, debating whether to answer. Then I let it ring out.
But then it rang again.
Same number.
A chill crawled up my spine.
I don't know why, but something about it felt… wrong.
I picked up. "Hello?"
Silence. Then a faint breath. And finally—
"She said the name, didn't she?"
My fingers tightened around the phone.
"Who is this?"
"Your father is right. Some names should be forgotten."
My stomach twisted.
Before I could respond, the call ended.
For a long moment, I just sat there, the dead air buzzing in my ear.
Meera, perched on the edge of my bed, frowned. "Who was that?"
I shook my head. "I don't know."
A lie.
Because whoever it was—they knew.
Knew about Vale. Knew about my father. Knew about Aarohi.
And they weren't warning me.
They were threatening me.
---
The Third Call
The next day, I couldn't focus.
At school, Meera kept watching me like I was about to explode. Aarohi was quieter than usual, tapping her fingers anxiously against her desk.
I wanted to ask her. Did you tell anyone else about Vale?
But before I could, my phone buzzed.
No caller ID.
I stepped out into the empty corridor and answered. "Who are you?"
"Come to the old railway station at midnight. Alone."
The voice was calm. Controlled.
"If you want the truth, Aryan, don't bring your friends. And don't tell your father. He's been lying to you for years."
The line went dead.
My pulse hammered.
I turned back toward the classroom. Meera was watching me now, suspicion in her eyes.
I had two choices.
1. Tell Meera and Aarohi—risk their safety, but have backup.
2. Go alone—walk straight into the unknown, with no one to pull me out.
The smart choice was clear.
But I wasn't feeling smart.
I was feeling reckless.
And I needed answers.
---
What do you think? Should Aryan go alone, or should something stop him before he does?