Chapter Blurb
What begins as a joyful temple trip soon turns into a storm of emotions.
As friendships deepen and unexpected sparks ignite, hidden truths lurk beneath the surface.
Aakash and Siya leave suddenly, a strange tension following them.
Ryu finds herself caught between growing connections — Rey's silent warmth, Ravi's rising anger, Kabir and Maya's unexpected moment, and her own quiet longing for peace.
At Dhari Devi Temple, laughter, devotion, and love blend together... but so do secrets.
While Rey battles his heart and the guilt of a plan that was never meant to hurt this deeply, Ryu becomes his calm in the chaos. Their small moments — a touch, a smile, a hand held — say more than words ever could.
But away from the group, the elders whisper about something dangerous...
A truth that has been buried for years.
A truth strong enough to destroy Section C — and everyone linked to it.
They think no one is listening.
They're wrong.
A pair of unseen eyes watches from the shadows.
And the secret begins to crack.
✍️ Author's Note
This chapter captures the beauty of togetherness — a temple trip full of laughter, teasing, and the warmth of people Ryu now calls family.
But within this happiness, deeper emotions start rising:
Ryu and Rey's bond grows stronger, soft and unspoken.
Ravi's jealousy and fear erupt, hinting at a painful truth.
Maya and Kabir feel the first spark of something they can't name.
Rey struggles between love and a dark plan he was never supposed to break
And in the background,
a secret powerful enough to shatter lives... finally stirs.
As the river flows silently beside Dhari Devi Temple,
so do hidden feelings, unspoken fears, and a truth waiting to explode.
The journey has just begun —
and nothing will remain the same.
The road to Dhari Devi Temple was filled with amusement and chatter. The elders were talking among themselves, their soft voices blending with the hum of the moving bus. The atmosphere inside was a mix of quiet excitement and faint sadness — Aakash and Siya were leaving the trip earlier than planned.
RYU: "Aakash... Siya Di... why are you leaving so soon? We were supposed to travel together."
Aakash: "We have to go somewhere, that's why."
RYU — POV
The trip felt so bright, so alive. Even though I've spent such little time with these people, I feel a deep bond with them — almost like I've known them longer.
Siya Di is like the elder sister who fills the whole bus with sunshine. Aakash... he's like an elder brother who protects me without even thinking twice. I don't know why, but every time I see him, there's an instant connection, something warm. My heart whispers that we share something more — not just classmates, not just friends — something unspoken, something deeper.
A sudden hush fell over the group when Aakash and Siya picked up their bags.
Ravi: "Di... already? At least tell us beforehand next time."
Siya: "I know, Ravi. I didn't want to spoil anyone's mood."
Rey: "Everything okay? You both look rushed."
Aakash: "Yeah, Rey. Nothing serious. Just... something came up."
Kabir: "Something mysterious? Bro, you're talking like you're going on a secret mission."
Kiara: "Nooo, don't go! Who will help me with pictures now?"
Siya: "You have the whole group!"
Avyaan: "Not me. I take terrible pictures."
Aryan: "Correction — you look terrible in pictures."
Avyaan: "Shut up!"
Ishani: "You two fight everywhere—even on a temple trip."
Maya: "We'll miss you, Siya Di. It won't be the same without your energy."
Siya: "I'll miss you too."
Aarav: "At least stay till lunch, na?"
Aakash: "Wish we could, Aarav... really."
Anika: "Then take something sweet and go. Sad goodbyes are not allowed."
Arjun: "Just message once you reach."
RYU: "But... we planned so much. How can the trip be fun without you two?"
Siya: "Trips come again, but people stay. We'll travel later, okay?"
Ravi stepped forward, eyes slightly red but smiling.
Ravi: "Di, don't scare me, okay? Just... be safe."
Siya: "You're talking like I'm going to war."
Ravi: "Exactly. You're going without me."
The group laughed softly.
Rey looked at Ryu quietly, noticing the way she was holding back her emotions.
Rey: "You're taking this too much to heart."
Ryu: "They're important to me."
Rey: "Yeah... I can see that."
Aakash lifted his bag and looked at all of them with a warm smile.
Aakash: "Take care, all of you. Enjoy the temple. Take lots of pictures. And Ryu..."
Ryu looked up.
Aakash: "Smile more. Today's a good day."
Ryu noticed Aakash's eyes filling with unshed tears, as if the weight of a hidden burden had finally become too much for him. A sudden wave of protectiveness washed over her — she felt like taking his hand and never letting go.
And with that, Siya and Aakash walked out of the bus, waving at the group.
The bus felt a little quieter.
A little heavier.
A little emptier.
After a while, the bus rolled down the hill. The Alaknanda River ran quietly along the rocks, its water flowing smoothly, filling the air with a soft sound. Aarav, Anika, Aryan, and Ishani got excited seeing the gentle flow of the river. Rey was delighted to see his siblings happy and wished it would always stay that way.
Ryu sketched the scene of the mighty mountains and the deep river, making it even more beautiful and magnificent. Maya kept blabbering to Kabir, Kiara, and Avyaan like a nonstop train.
Aarav and Anika were watching Ryu create a masterpiece.
Aarav: "Ryu di, you are such an amazing artist."
Ryu: "Thank you."
Anika: "Please teach me too."
Ryu: "Yes, of course."
Rey and Ravi were sitting quietly, avoiding eye contact.
A silent wall was building between them.
Soon, the bus parked, and everyone got out quickly, like passengers on a train.
Rey: "I was talking to Kabir when I saw Ryu wearing a dark pink suit, her wavy hair flowing around her face. I was mesmerized by her beauty."
REY — POV
Her dark pink suit flowed around her as her black, wavy hair danced in the wind. She looked breathtaking... like a queen walking into her own palace. For a moment, everything else just faded—only she remained.
RYU — POV
Rey looked impossibly handsome in his deep blue kurta; the color reminded me of a starry night sky. There was something calm, something majestic about him—like he carried his own universe around him.
We entered the temple.
Ryu's Grandmother:
The grandmother smiled gently and said, "Child, Dhari Devi Temple is not just a holy place—it is the home of the protector of our mountains. We call her the Guardian Goddess of Uttarakhand. Her idol is special: the upper part is here, and the lower part is worshipped in Kali Math, as if the Goddess lives in two places at once. The temple stands beside the Alaknanda River, where the flowing water and cold breeze feel like her silent blessings. People say the idol should never be moved, for whenever anyone tried, misfortune followed. These are matters of faith, but the Goddess' presence is strong. During Navratri, lamps glow by the river, bells echo through the valley, and it feels as though she is watching over all her children."
Rey: "So interesting... our culture is amazing."
RYU — POV:
I was gleaming with joy, seeing everyone's faces smiling. I was adjusting the dupatta on my head when suddenly Rey came and adjusted it for me. Our eyes met.
REY — POV:
Her smile made my heart flutter. Her little quirks, her clumsiness... they made my heart happy. Whenever I try to deny my feelings, I always remember all the magical moments we've spent together. When I adjusted her dupatta, her eyes met mine. Her innocent face stared at me continuously.
Ravi: "Ryu, I need to talk to Rey. Can you... please go for a minute?"
Ryu nodded quietly and walked away, glancing back once.
A long silence settled between them.
Rey: exhales sharply "What do you want to talk about?"
Ravi: voice low, controlled anger "Don't play with her heart, Rey."
Rey: frowns "What are you even talking about?"
Ravi: "Don't pretend. You know exactly what I mean. You knew about the plan — the plan made to hurt her. And now you're acting like nothing happened."
steps closer "Whatever you feel, whatever you think... don't drag her into this mess. She won't survive knowing the truth."
Rey: "Ravi—"
Ravi: "And don't try to fool me. I know you're in love with her."
Rey: takes a step back, startled "N–No, I'm not. Why do you even care so much? Are you in love with her?"
Ravi: laughs bitterly "Yes. I am in love with Ryu. And here's something you should hear — you will end up hurting her... just like your—"
Rey: cuts him off sharply, eyes turning cold "Stop it."
Ravi: voice rising, eyes burning with old anger "Don't stop me, Rey. I've known you since childhood. I know your behavior... your personality... everything."
He shook his head, exhaling a frustrated sigh before turning away and walking off.
REY — POV:
"I never imagined that someone like a brother to me would say something that cuts so deep."
Every time I try to focus on the plan... the plan we made to hurt Ryu — emotionally, mentally, even physically — her face flashes in my mind.
Her small, sweet smile.
The way her eyes soften when she talks to me.
That tiny bit of trust she's slowly placing in me... a trust I don't deserve.
How am I supposed to hurt her now?
How can I even think about it?
But I remind myself again and again —
I had a plan.
A plan I can't forget.
A plan I promised I would finish.
So why does my heart refuse to follow it now?
RAVI — POV:
I've known Rey since childhood.
I know every shade of his behavior — the anger he hides, the softness he pretends he doesn't have, the way he pushes away anything that scares him.
And now... I know he's in love, even if he refuses to accept it.
His heart feels it, but his mind denies it every single time.
He keeps running from the truth...
But he can't hide it from me.
At Dhari Devi Temple:
"The sound of bells and the scent of incense were pure and enchanting. The atmosphere felt so joyful, as if God Himself were present."
Kabir and Maya were chatting nonstop, their words flowing like a fast train. The air around them shimmered with devotion — the sound of bhajans, the soft fragrance of incense, and the gentle murmur of prayers filled the space. Everyone seemed lost in their own connection with the divine.
As Maya looked around, her eyes landed on the temple bell. A small smile touched her lips as she reached up to ring it.
Just then, Kabir reached out too.
Their hands brushed.
For a moment, both of them froze — their fingers still touching lightly. Maya's eyes widened in surprise, Kabir's breath caught, and suddenly the noise of the temple felt distant... fading into a quiet, confusing heartbeat between them.
They looked at each other —
lost, startled, and unsure of what this moment meant.
KABIR POV:
I don't know why Maya talks so much... or why I listen to every word like it's important.
Her voice blends with the temple bells and chants, almost like she belongs here more than anyone else.
She suddenly reached up to ring the bell, and without thinking, I reached too.
Our hands touched.
For a second, the world stopped —
no chanting, no crowd, no temple noise.
Just her eyes.
Wide, surprised... and something else I couldn't name.
Why does a simple touch feel like an electric shock?
Why am I staring at her like an idiot?
I quickly pulled my hand back.
But my heart didn't.
MAYA POV:
Kabir and I were talking nonstop... mostly me.
He was just listening with that half-annoyed, half-amused expression he always has.
The temple was so peaceful.
I wanted to ring the bell — just a small moment of devotion for myself.
But when I reached for it, I felt something warm brush against my hand.
His hand.
Kabir's.
I froze.
Why did my breath stop?
Why did his touch feel... different?
When I looked at him, he was already staring at me like he had seen something he wasn't prepared for.
I quickly stepped back, pretending nothing happened.
But my heart?
It didn't pretend anything.
AVI: "Oh, love birds."
MAYA: blushing slightly "Stop it, everyone is looking at us."
RYU POV:
I was trying to reach the temple bell but I couldn't. My luck was clearly not helping me today.
But suddenly... I felt someone lifting me.
When I looked down, I saw it was Rey.
REY: "Ring it fast, I can't hold you for so long."
I rang the bell, but honestly, the sound of it wasn't what filled me with joy.
It was his gesture.
My heart felt warm... almost overflowing with happiness.
RYU: "Thank you, Mr. Devil."
REY: "You are so heavy... like a little elephant."
RYU: "You stupidhead! I'm not that heavy!"
REY POV:
My mind was still tangled in the earlier conversation with Ravi, but teasing her...
teasing her brings a different kind of peace.
I feel genuinely happy when she calls me Mr. Devil.
And she—
she's like a cute little Miss Angel to me.
RYU POV:
I noticed him he was staring me like i was a good movie.
RYU: "Let's go to the banks of the river."
REY POV:
She held my hand and started walking.
Just like that... without warning.
For a moment, the whole world paused.
Her hand fit so perfectly into mine — warm, soft, and innocent.
And somehow, that small touch filled my entire chest with a happiness I couldn't hide, even if I wanted to.
I was smiling before I even realised it.
Trying to stay calm... pretending it didn't affect me...
but every step she took while holding my hand felt like it was pulling me deeper into something I couldn't escape.
I didn't want to escape.
But of course—
my siblings had to ruin the moment.
Aarav: loud "OH HELLOOO! What's happening here?"
Ryu immediately jumped, looking down at their joined hands.
Rey pulled his hand back slightly — but not completely.
Anika: smirking "Did I just see Ryu dragging bhaiya by his HAND?"Ishani: "Dragging? She was practically guiding him like a cute couple."Aryan: "Aree wah, romance activated!"
Rey glared at all of them.
Rey: "Enough. All of you just shut up."Aarav: "Why? We're appreciating your moment!"
He nudged Aryan and whispered loudly on purpose.
Aarav: "Bhaiya's face is red. Confirmed."Anika: "And Ryu's ears are also red. Double confirmed."
Ryu covered her face with her dupatta.
Ryu: "S-Stop it... please..."Ishani: laughing "Don't be shy! You two look so cute together."
Rey stepped in front of Ryu like a shield.
Rey: "Say one more word and I'm throwing all of you in the river."Aarav: "Wow. Protecting her ALSO. This is getting more and more romantic."
Rey grabbed Ryu's hand again — tightly this time.
Rey: "We're going. You all can keep shouting here."
He started walking, pulling Ryu along.
Aarav shouted from behind:
Aarav: "BHAABHI TAKE CARE OF HIM!"
Rey stopped for one second.
Ryu froze.
Anika, Aryan, and Ishani burst into uncontrollable laughter.
Rey didn't look back.
He just squeezed Ryu's hand and kept walking silently toward the river...
his heart beating faster than ever.
At the river side ,
The atmosphere was filled with devotion and happiness, the air felt cool and refreshing the river glimmered like the rays of sun and the water splashed on the rocks.
RYU POV: I sat silently watching the river flowing silently making my mind rest with all those thoughts hovering over my mind , I never ever felt so peaceful in my mind , all the time my mind is fill of emotions , negativity and distress , i want all this to flow away like the river. All this trip , happiness , those little moments, all time spent with my family and friends made me gleam with joy, I pray to Goddess nanda(maa durga or maa parvati to always make everyone happy).
My heritage is half Pahadi, but my heart is always happy that I got the chance to be born here
I saw Rey he was sitting silently over a rock looking like a king royal , but he was lost in thoughts and I knew it was bothering him so much and I wish he could just be in peace.
REY POV :
The water in the river was flowing silently, but my mind wasn't.
My thoughts were clouding my thinking again and again.
The atmosphere around me was cheerful, but my mind was not.
It felt dark and cloudy inside.
I wish my mother was still here...
so I could pour out all my feelings to her,
and she would listen to me without judging.
Everyone thinks I am a devil with a dark personality,
but I am just a normal boy...
I felt my cold hands, and my chest tightened with all this.
RYU: "Rey... what happened? Are you alright?"
REY: "Yes... I'm just feeling my heart getting heavy with all the emotions I'm carrying inside. I wish I could share it with someone."
RYU: "You can share it with me. I'm also your friend... not very close maybe, but you can try."
Ryu grabbed my cold hand with her warm one and sat beside me.
REY: "What's your opinion about love? What do you think love is all about?"
RYU: (with a deep sigh)
"Love isn't just attraction.
It's the magical moments we share with the people we care about.
It's not about appearance... it's about the person's nature, their little quirks, the things that make them who they are.
Love can't be forced.
It's all about trust.
Two people support each other in every situation — in rough times and in happy times.
And yes... if trust breaks, then love also breaks."
and I want to ask your opinion also
REY: (a tiny pause ) Love is all about where you understand your loved ones feelings without asking, where you can do anything to keep her safe and when... you get happy in their hapiness .
Ryu then grab rey hand and said Rey remove your shoes ...
REY: Why?
RYU: Just do it.
Ryu then took Rey on the river water
RYU:
"Just close your eyes... and feel all your worries slowly getting resolved.
Feel your mind becoming calm... at peace."
Ryu's uncle, Kabir's parents, and Avyaan's parents were sitting together, talking silently, discussing something in secret — something that could destroy everything if it ever came out.
"We can't let anyone know about Section C's secret... not even Ryu and Maya. If this secret comes out, everything will be destroyed," one of them whispered.
They didn't know that someone was listening from the shadows.
"What is the secret they fear so much—
the one that could shatter every life connected to Section C?"