CHAPTER -- 1
“Whispers Under the Tree”
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INDIA – MUMBAI
The atmosphere in the room was tense. Everyone was struggling to complete the test. It was the NEET examination. In that room sat a girl—not a topper, but smart and undeniably beautiful. Her name was Elia.
Only fifteen minutes were left. The sound of turning pages and hurried scribbling filled the air. Suddenly, before the bell rang, a voice echoed across the room:
“Ma’am, I’m done.”
Yes, it was Elia Everly.
Moments later, the final bell rang, and the papers were collected. As she stepped out of the examination hall, she saw her father waiting anxiously. His eyes were filled with concern.
“How was your paper, beta?” he asked softly.
Elia didn’t say a word. She simply hugged him tightly. Together, they went back home.
Her phone started ringing—calls from relatives and well-wishers—but she was waiting for just one call. The one that truly mattered to her. She expected that person to call her first.
Tired and restless, she eventually drifted off to sleep. A message pinged on her phone:
"How was your exam? I'm busy with school work and not allowed to call. So sorry, dear."
Now you might think this message was from her boyfriend, or perhaps the boy she liked.
Na... na...
This message was from her backbone—her sister, Eira Everly .
Eira was out of town, pursuing her studies. Elia woke up, saw the message, and a small, sweet smile appeared on her face. Just then, she heard her mother’s voice:
“Elia, come for dinner!”
She replied, “Yes, mommy!” and walked toward the dining table with a lighter heart
AFTER ONE MONTH
The day had finally arrived—it was result day.
Elia sat on her bed, casually watching The Vampire Diaries on her laptop when suddenly, her phone rang. It was her friend, Isla.
"Did you see the result? ." Isla asked, her voice full of excitement.
"What result?" Elia replied, surprised. "I didn’t know it was out! Let me check. I’ll call you back."
With trembling fingers, she opened the results page. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"OH MY GOD!" she screamed. She had scored 690 out of 720 in NEET, with an All India Rank of 34.
Her parents rushed into the room. As she shared the news, tears of pride welled up in their eyes. But just then, the doorbell rang.
Her mother opened the door—and there stood Eira, Elia’s younger sister.
Elia was stunned. “EIRA!” she cried, running to her. The two sisters hugged tightly, not letting go for over three minutes. After two long years apart, they were finally together again.
Elia, being the elder one, had always been protective of Eira. She told her everything about the exam and the result. Their father, overjoyed, immediately arranged a puja and a small celebration in her honor.
But in just five days, Elia had to leave for college. She had been accepted into Johns Hopkins University in America. It was her dream.
While their parents were busy organizing the puja and party, the two sisters went out shopping together. They explored malls, trying on outfits and giggling like the old days. On the second day, they finally chose the perfect dresses for the event.
The puja was held with joy and blessings from the entire family. Everyone praised Elia—after all, clearing NEET is no small feat in India.
Eira, however, was already tired.
"When will this end? I’m exhausted," she muttered.
Elia smirked.
"You don’t get tired while dancing in a bar, but now just sitting during a puja makes you sleepy?"
Eira pouted dramatically.
Their mother called for Elia, and she left the room. On the last day, they held a party with close friends. Next morning , Elia was set to fly to America.
At the party, she noticed a guy in a black outfit. Something about him seemed familiar, but the lights were too dim to see clearly. Before she could move closer, Eira interrupted her thoughts.
“Let’s go home,” she said. It was midnight.
The moonlight gently kissed Elia’s face as they walked barefoot down the quiet road, heels in hand . The world was silent—just the two of them under the stars.
They sat beneath a tree . Suddenly, Eira joked:
"Just imagine… if a Conjuring doll popped up in front of us right now!"
Elia playfully slapped her.
"Shut up, idiot!"
They both laughed, then started reminiscing about old fights, silly dramas, and childhood secrets.
But suddenly, Elia turned serious.
“What do you think… he thinks about me?”
Eira raised her eyebrows.
"Seriously? You still want to talk about that bullsh*t? About the guy who messed up your life?"
Elia looked away, hurt. Eira sighed.
"Okay, okay. One last time…"
And just like that, the story shifted—this time, into the shadows of Elia’s past…
2 years ago ………..
Who was the guy in the shadows.....and why did elia's heart feel like she has seen him before?
