"Are you sure he is fine?" I asked advika.

"Yeah, I talked with Abhimanyu. He seems okay, but will not come to college for some days."

"Yeah, he needs time." She nodded.

"Ika, you noticed how no one got to know about her death except us, until now."

"I know, right. It's so strange. Until now, it should have been traveled."

"Yes. I will meet you after, it's my criminology class."

"Someone is getting late for Mr. Vayne's class."

"Oh, shut up." I rolled my eyes and made my way toward my class.

Oh, so today I am again first. I made my way toward the last bench, taking a seat and opening my phone, scrolling through Pinterest. Until I sensed the presence in the room. I looked up, and my eyes met his. He continued walking and sat on his chair.

"Miss Mehra, did you not get the message?" His cold voice entered the ears.

"Which message?" I frowned.

"Today's class is canceled."

Fuck yeah, but wait, I didn't get the message.

"Oh, but I didn't get the message."

"Are you not part of the group?"

"Is there a group?" He rolled his eyes and indicated for me to come towards him.

That was ho-

Shut up.

I stood up and went towards him, "What's your number?"

"It's *********" He nodded and added me to the group.

"If you had kept your attention in the class, you would have known about it."

"Oh, please, professor." I rolled my eyes.

"By the way, why did you cancel the class?"

"I am tired, I didn't get enough sleep last night."

"Why, what were you doing?"

"Reading." His reply was subtle.

"Oh, you read? I too. Which book did you read?"

"I believe that's none of your business, vixi." A faint smirk formed on his face as he said that.

"Why do you call me Vixi?" I chirped another question, trying my best to hold the conversation that I don't why.

"Vixi, what's up with you?"

"Nothing, I should go."

Before she could turn, I said, "Stop

Before she could turn, I said, "Stop." She looked at me with those big, beautiful eyes, a warmth settling inside my chest.

"Yes?"

"Sit," I commanded, passing her the stool beside me. She took it from my hand and settled herself.

I don't even know if I should ask her, even if I should trust her.

"Who died?" I asked without brushing around the bush.

She flinched, her eyes widening. She was startled.

"What?" She asked as if confirming what I said.

"Amaira, I overheard your conversation with your friend. Tell me about it."

"Why should I tell you?"

Does she have to go on my nerves by asking this question?

"Trust me," I whispered.

"And why should I trust you, professor?" She retorted.

Fuck, I would love her mouth speaking this much and asking questions if the situation were different. But I wanted to know about the death. Who died?

"Vixi, I am no danger to you."Her eyes flickered to me, soft and dangerous -the kind of look that could bring anyone to their knees.

"Okay- I will tell you." I sighed. My heart ached to trust her.

"For the last three years, nearly ten deaths have happened here. And, everyone gets a painting after death, which is covered by blood and has-"

"A mark of skull?"

"Yes."

"Wait- it's not only one death? "

"Who died, Amaira?"

"There is my friend Ankush, his girlfriend," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

"Remember the day we met in the forest? That morning, Ankush received a letter from his girlfriend inviting him to meet her there that night. He went, and we followed him. But instead of her, he found that painting -pinned to a tree." She continued.

My eyes wandered to hers. So that's why she was sad the next day?

"So, that's why you couldn't sleep?" I asked.

"Yes."

Before I could speak, a voice echoed in the room, "Professor, may I come in?" I moved my eyes from Amaira to the owner of that voice, Kiran.

I nodded.

'Why is she here?' I heard Amaira mutter under her breath.

"Yes, Miss Chauhan, what is it?" I asked.

"Sir, I had a doubt." Her gaze flickered between me and Amaira. Then, with a roll of her eyes, she added, "Oh, Amaira, what are you doing here?" Her tone dripped with sarcasm.

"Kiran, you're not the only student here," Amaira shot back, a sarcastic smile tugging at her lips.

"Whatever. Professor, can you please help me?" Her tone shifted into a sweet one that made my skin crawl-it was too fake.

I took her notebook in my hand to explain.

"Amaira, if your doubts are clear, can you give me your seat?" A fake smile formed on her face. My eyes flicked toward Amaira, who rolled her eyes, "Sure, Kiran."

She stood up, and Kiran immediately took her place, sliding the stool closer to my chair.

"Kiran, you could also study from a distance," Amaira chimed in before I could say anything.

"Exactly, Kiran," my voice followed, echoing through the room and making her stiffen in embarrassment.

"Y-Yes, sir." She awkwardly pushed the stool back and sat down.

"Thank you, professor, for clearing the doubt," Amaira muttered, rolling her eyes as she turned to leave.

My gaze lingered on her retreating figure until she disappeared from view.