Chapter 1the question fe,the exit
The city’s most popular cafe was loud.
Too loud.
A political argument in one corner. A "what is love" debate at the next table.
And then — a moment spoiler. Some guy with too much to say and too little sense.
One by one, people got up and left.
Chairs scraped. Doors closed.
Until only three were left.
A girl.
Peaceful. Calm energy. Queen-like aura, even in a simple kurta and messy bun.
And two boys who didn’t know her. Didn’t know each other.
The cafe hum was the only sound now.
The well-dressed one moved first. Adjusted his watch, smiled like he’d practiced it.
He slid into the seat beside her.
The other one stayed across. Quiet. Watching.
“Can I be direct?” the first boy said. “Are you single? Can I be your boyfriend?”
She didn’t even blink. Stirred her cold coffee once.
“Yes. I am single,” she said softly. “But no. You can’t be my boyfriend.”
Polite. Clean. Final.
But he didn’t move back. “Come on, just give me a chance—”
“No means no,” she cut in. Still no expression. Still calm.
And then her phone vibrated.
One message.
From: _Unknown_
`do u knw him?`
Her eyes flicked up. Across the table.
The quiet boy was looking at his phone too.
She raised one eyebrow. A slow, perfect bow.
Didn’t answer.
Stood up. Grabbed her bag.
And walked out.
Leaving the question hanging.
Leaving both boys behind.
---
Back at her place, everything looked normal.
Lights. Music. Safety.
Until she saw him.
The well-dressed boy. Outside her building. Leaning on his car.
Her chest tightened.
Phone buzzed.
`You home safe?`
`He followed you, didn’t he?`
From the quiet one.
She stared at the screen.
For the first time tonight, her calm cracked.
Just a little.
Outside, a car engine started.
Inside, her phone buzzed again.
And the night had only just begun.
---
*END OF CHAPTER *
