The darkness of the passage slowly settled around me.
For a few seconds… I couldn't move. My hands were still shaking from what just happened.
Arin…
The last image of him standing there—bleeding, still trying to protect me—wouldn't leave my mind.
I closed my eyes tightly. I forced myself to move forward. The tunnel was silent.
Too silent .
The air felt cold and heavy. I didn't know how long I walked minutes.... or maybe longer.
Then at the end of the passage there was a small door. I opened it and stepped inside .
It was a room. Not like the other rooms in the villa. This room felt different.
Clean. Quiet. Hidden.
Like no one was supposed to find it. There was a table in the center. A chair and shelves filled with files. My eyes slowly moved across the room.
Files..... everywhere.
I stepped closer slowly. Each step felt heavy.
My fingers brushed against the files one by one. Then I froze.
One file. Right in the middle. My name was written on it.
Rhea.
"No way..." I whispered.
With trembling hands, I picked it up. For a second I didn't open it because I was scared. But I needed to know the truth. So taking a deep breath I slowly opened it.
The first page—
My photo. My details.
Name. Age. Background. Everything.
Like someone had been watching me for a long time. My fingers tightened around the paper. My chest felt tight. I turned the page.
And then I stopped.
A picture of me...
Standing behind a boy. The boy was tall, calm and familiar. My breath hitched.
Why… do I feel like I know him…?
My eyes stayed on his face.
Then suddenly—
Pain shot through my head.
"Ahh…" I held my head tightly.
Flashes. Broken memories. Rain. Running.
A voice — "Rhea... run."
My breathing go fast. I looked at the picture again. And this time…
I recognised him.
"Ru... Rudra ?"
My voice came out as a whisper. My heart started beating faster.
No…
This can't be true. Rudra was in my past?
Then why didn't he tell me?
My mind felt like it was breaking. Then suddenly the door opened. I turned.
A man stood there. I didn't know him. But the way he looked at me… felt dangerous.
"Who are you…?" I asked.
He didn't answer. His eyes went to the file in my hand. Then back to me and then he smiled. You found it, he said.
What do you want ? I asked.
He walked closer slowly.
Rudra lied to you, he said quietly.
My heart dropped. What…?
He didn't tell you about this right ? He said, pointing to the file.
I stayed silent because he was right.
The man's smile grew. He came closer.
He didn't save you, Rhea. He used you.
My breathing stopped. My eyes slowly went back to the photo. Me and Rudra. Together.
Like we weren't strangers. Then why didn't he tell me…? Why he hide it?
My mind was full of questions and no answers.
Before I could think anymore—
I heard footsteps outside the room. Coming faster. My heart started beating faster.
The man noticed it too. "Looks like we don't have much time," he said quietly.
What do you mean..? I asked
The door suddenly opened. I turned and froze. Rudra was standing there. Gun in his hands. His eyes were dark and dangerous.
For a second no one moved.
His eyes shifted from the man to me.
Then to the file in my hand. Something changed in his expressions.
"You shouldn't be here," he said. His voice was cold.
" I think I should be," I said, holding the file tighter. The man beside me smiled a little.
"Perfect timing," the man whispered.
Stay away from her, Rudra said. His voice was low.... but serious.
The man tilted his head. And if I don't ?
Rudra looked at him and this time his eyes were scary.
Then you already know what will happen, he said coldly. Silence filled the room.
I looked between them. Something felt wrong. Like they already knew each other.
Rhea, come with me, Rudra said.
My eyes went to him. But I didn't move.
Why ? I asked.
His jaw tightened. Because it's not safe here, he said calmly.
I let out a small breath.
And you think I am safe with you ?
I raised the file and said...
Or is this what you were hiding ?
He looked at the file then back at me. His jaw clenched but he didn't answer.
That silence hurt more than words.
You knew me before this… didn't you.
He stayed quiet.
Why didn't you tell me? I asked again.
Rudra… why ?
Still he said nothing.
For a second... his eyes changed. Like he was about to say something but then he went cold again.
"It was not important," Rudra said coldly.
Not important ? I whispered.
The man laughed softly.
"Enough," Rudra snapped. His voice was sharp and dangerous.
But I didn't step back. My eyes stayed on him. This was not enough, I said.
Silence again. Gunshots outside.
The man turned slightly. They're here, he said. Rudra's focus shifted.
He looked at me then at the man.
"Leave," he said. The man smiled like he wasn't scared. We will meet again, he said and then he walked away.