a stranger from past

The college campus was louder than usual.

The annual cultural festival was just a week away, and every corridor was filled with excited students discussing performances, decorations, and competitions.

"Aanya!" Riya shouted, running toward her. "You better sign up for the dance performance."

Aanya gasped dramatically. "Do you want the judges to cancel the entire festival?"

"Oh, please."

"I'm serious! Last time I danced, my own reflection looked disappointed."

The girls burst into laughter, and even a few nearby students couldn't help smiling.

From the classroom doorway, Aarav watched the scene quietly. Aanya looked exactly like the cheerful girl everyone adored. She laughed loudly, teased everyone, and made ordinary moments feel special.

But now that he knew the truth, he noticed the tiny details no one else did.

The smile that faded for a second when no one was looking.

The tiredness hidden beneath her bright eyes.

The way she absentmindedly held the silver pendant around her neck whenever she felt anxious.

Classes ended earlier than expected.

Aanya waved goodbye to Riya and started walking toward the bus stop alone.

As she reached the main road, a sleek black car pulled over a few feet ahead of her.

The driver's door opened.

A man in his early forties stepped out. His clothes were elegant, but his eyes carried a sadness that seemed far older than him.

He looked at Aanya as if he had been searching for her for years.

Then his gaze dropped to the silver pendant hanging around her neck.

His hands trembled.

"...Aanya?" he whispered.

She frowned.

"I'm sorry... do I know you?"

Instead of answering, he carefully pulled an old photograph from his wallet.

It showed a little girl with bright eyes, hugging a stuffed rabbit while wearing the exact same silver pendant.

Aanya's breathing slowed.

The little girl looked exactly like her.

"W-Where did you get this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The man's eyes filled with emotion.

"I've been looking for you for eighteen years..."

Before he could say another word, another black SUV suddenly stopped nearby.

The man's expression changed instantly.

Fear replaced relief.

"It's not safe," he said urgently, slipping the photograph back into his pocket. "Not yet."

He hurried into his car and drove away before Aanya could stop him.

She stood frozen on the roadside, her heart pounding.

Who was he?

And why did he know her name?

That night, sleep refused to come.

She pulled out an old wooden box hidden beneath her bed.

Inside were the few memories she had of her childhood—a tiny sweater, a broken toy rabbit, and a faded family photograph.

Her fingers trembled as she looked closer.

Standing beside little Aanya was an adult whose face had been carefully torn away.

Only a hand resting gently on her shoulder remained.

Someone had deliberately erased that person.

Aanya hugged the photograph to her chest.

"What happened before I could remember?"

The next morning, Aarav immediately noticed the dark circles beneath her eyes.

Without saying a word, he placed a warm cup of coffee and her favorite chocolate on her desk.

"You looked like you needed these," he said softly.

Aanya looked at him, surprised.

"You always know when I'm pretending to be okay, don't you?"

Aarav met her eyes and smiled gently.

"You don't have to smile all the time."

For the first time in years...

Someone had noticed the pain she had spent a lifetime hiding.

And somewhere far away, the mysterious man stared at another photograph.

"This time," he whispered, "I'll protect you... no matter who comes after us."

To be continued...

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