Here is the next chapter of the book. English is not my first language so please ignore the grammatical mistakes. Let's continue.

One Month Later-

The plane has just touched down the runway, and the soft hum of engines filled the cabin as passengers began unbuckling their seat belt. through the oval windows sunlight spilled and Ruchika blinked once looking outside, then leaned her head slightly towards window, her gaze drifting over the city stretching endlessly beneath a warm golden sky. a slow breath left her lips, three months though not a vacation or escape but still a fresh start maybe- like her father said.

''Wow...'' an enthusiastic voice came from beside her. she turned to her right and saw her friend Dr. Ritika Rai, a brilliant doctor no doubt but the chaotic one looking outside window excited like a child. 

''I think I am in love'' she breathed, her lips curling into a dreamy smile as she leaned forward more. 

Ruchika rolled her eyes instantly, as she slouched back into her seat. ''you fall in love every week'' 

''Hey-'' Ritika said, lightly hitting her arm, brows furrowing in mocking offence. ''this is different'' 

''You said same about Ladakh,'' Ruchika muttered dryly, though there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. 

Ritika looked here and there biting her lips then glancing back at the view ''umm.... well....'' then straightened confidently waving her hand roughly ''yes because Ladakh was beautiful and this too.'' her eyes again brightened as she looked outside.

Ruchika shook her head. from behind, Dr. Divyansh Ahuja, relaxed but kind of teasing look stood leaning forward over their seat resting his arm across the headrest between them and said teasingly ''please don't flirt with a country on day one'' 

Both the girls turned, Ruchika chuckled at his remark while Ritika narrowed her eyes at him ''i am not flirting.'' 

''You are one step away from proposing.'' Ruchika laughed out loud ''true'' she said and they both shared a hi-fi making Ritika give a betrayed look to her. 

Before she could snap back, another male doctor Dr. Arnav Maheshwari, quite observant doctor slid into the aisle beside them, one hand gripping the seat to balance himself. ''guys behave'' he teased, lowering his voice ''we are here for medical program not on a honeymoon trip.'' 

There was a pause for a moment and then Ruchika and Divyansh snorted. Ritika's eyes widen for a split second before she quickly looked away, pretending to fix her sleeves of sleeveless top. 'Shut up'' she muttered, a faint blush creeping up her neck.

Divyansh smirked with a naughty grin at them ''well for us it is research program but....'' Arnav raised his brow ''if you want, you guys can make it your pre marriage honeymoon trip'' Ruchika grinned. Arnav gave Divyansh a sharp look while Ritika covered her face with Ruchika's scarf feeling shy. 

''Well, that's not a bad idea'' Ruchika too joined nudging her friend's arm ''we will cover up for you guys'' Ritika shot her a warning look, but it lacked intimidation her fingers tapped nervously against the armrest now. ''please don't-''

They all laughed at her while Arnav rubbed his neck embarrassingly. ''Behave'' a sharp voice came from behind. Dr. Samrat Sethi, a good surgeon performs brilliant under pressure and unofficial guardian of the junior team.

''Oh, come on man'' Divyansh wrapped his one arm around his shoulder ''why always in a grumpy mood? Thoda chill bhi kara karo'' Samrat just simply removed his hand and went ahead towards the door. all of them sighed.

''Iska kuch nahi ho sakta'' Ruchika muttered and her friends couldn't help but nod.

''Chalo guys we should leave now'' Arnav said taking out Ritika's bag. Ruchika nodded before letting out a quite breathe as she stood up and reached for her bag. behind them rest of the members began gathering.

''Everyone ready?'' Dr. Vivek Rai, one of the senior surgeons, calm composed and leader of the group called out making Arnav instantly leave Ritika's bag dropping it on floor and turning away and Divyansh smirked mischievously at him. behind him other four senior doctors stood.

 Dr. Meera Singhania composed and sharp known for her brilliant performance in high risked surgery. next to her was Dr. Aadarsh Singh, confident, little bit arrogant but undeniably skilled. and behind them stood Dr. Maanav Verma, quite observant doctor and Dr. Vikram Roy a strategic and perfectionist person.

''Yupp, papa'' Ritika replied instantly with extra enthusiasm. Vivek sighed rubbing his temple ''I regret bringing you.'' Ritika's jaw dropped down as she looked at her father with shocked eyes. she put her hands on either side of her waist.

''Oh hello!!'' she shot back with a fake glare ''you didn't bring me here, i earned this spot with my hard work.''

''Barely'' he said walking past by her and she looked at him with shocking expression ''Hawww. how can you say this?'' she asked almost running behind her father through the aisle. He turned back looking at her with a chuckle, the stern act slipping away. he placed his arm around her as they continued to walk ''don't brag so much about yourself.''

''Oh please'' she said looking at him ''I am clearly the best decision director made.'' The team behind them chuckled at the father daughter duo. They are always like this fighting over small things. Ruchika suddenly start to miss her family, especially her father. 'Once this program will end, I will go on a family vacation with them' she thought in her mind as they walked.

Divyansh raised his eyebrows at Arnav in a teasing manner ''Honeymoon...'' Arnav hit him with his elbow ''Shut up. Agar unhone sun liya na to Ritika shaadi se pehle vidhwa ho jayegi'' Divyansh laughed at his words.

The moment they stepped out of the plane, air felt different....  too warm. too soft. people moving in every direction, voice blending into mix of languages. Ruchika inhaled slowly adjusted her bag her eyes moved across the surroundings as if taking everything in. Senior doctors and were already ahead of them. All five of them were walking together when Ritika however, instantly decided to embarrass the group internationally.

''Oh my god, after that 400+AQI even the air feels expensive here'' she said closing her eyes feeling the freshness. Ruchika glanced at her ''Breathe less then. budget will be in control'' Divyansh snorted. Ritika stared at her offended ''Huhh'' she spread her arms and started to spin slightly in her place.

 ''This is sooo beautiful'' she said loudly, making the people turn and look towards their group. younger doctors wide their eyes looking around embarrassed. Divyansh moved far away from her ''I don't even know her'' he muttered looking here and there avoiding eye contact with people. Ruchika and Samrat looked at her with wide eyes.

Arnav shook his head at his silly girlfriend. He held her from behind placing his hands around her arms trapping her in his embrace ''Relax toofan mail'' and she pouted looking back at him.

''It's just an airport, Ritika'' Ruchika said flatly looking at her.

''Tumlog na aesthetic appreciation ke against ho'' she huffed freeing herself from Arnav's embrace and stomped her foot walking fast. Ruchika laughed lowly at her friend.

''Damn!! That was soo.... umm your girlfriend is crazy'' Divyansh said still looking at Ritika's retreating figure making Arnav shook his head though a soft smile was playing on his lips.

As they exited the airport, they noticed a man in a formal wear was there holding a placard. As he saw their group, he recognised them and went towards them with polite smile ''Dr. Rai, welcome to Italy. I am Leonardo costa'' he said forwarding his hand for handshake.

Vivek recognized the name, the head member from Italian side for the project they came here. he returned the smile with a polite nod forwarding his hand for handshake. ''Thank you'' he said softly. others too nodded smiling politely.

''I hope the journey was comfortable for you and your team'' he asked.

''Yes, it was'' Vivek said softly ''thank you for taking out time to personally coming to receive us.''

''Oh, that's not a big deal'' he said laughingly ''shall we?''

''yes... yes why not'' Vivek said glancing at his team.

''Come this way please'' he said stretching his hand showing them path to follow.

The drive from the airport to hospital for everyone was quite yet beautiful of course except for Ritika. She had practically run to bus to take the window seat Divyansh even teased her saying ''you are not in school anymore'' which was of course ignored by Ritika without any reply as she was happy to get the window seat. 

Currently she is sitting on the seat her forehead pressed to window, and she was tapping her finger continuously on window squealing in happiness ''Look at that.... no wait.... look at that...'' everyone chuckled at her childish behaviour. 

Ruchika rested her elbow against the windowsill, her chin rested on her palm looking outside quietly admiring the city. She hoped these three months will help her heal and come out of her past. She doesn't regret for what she did but yes, she is hurt and sad whatever happened one month ago. No matter what but no one can deny that her feeling for him was not genuine, she loved him. 'Or maybe you fell for the facade he showed you' her inner self replied to her. She shook her head not to remember those memories. 'It was past and you have to move forward.'  her father's voice rang into her mind.

After some 45 minutes ride they reached their destination- Ospedale San Caterina.

 As they entered the hospital it was exactly the way they had expected, silent, precise, there was rush of doctors and nurses to attend the patients. Director of the hospital stood there to greet them personally. ''Welcome to San Caterina'' he said, shaking his hand briefly with Dr. Rai first then acknowledging the rest of the team members. Dr. Rai and he had a talk before they were guided to the west wing of the hospital.

Staff gave them key of their respective room and stood there for them to show the residence wing. Leonardo told them to get relaxed for tonight from tomorrow they will start working and he left. Residential room was quite as they walked through the corridor.

''Jetlag has already destroyed my personality'' Ruchika muttered feeling tired.

''Exactly'' Divyansh said ''I am tired too. I just want a good night sleep''

''Hey, don't be so lazy'' Ritika looked at each one of them ''the place is so beautiful, we should not waste time by sitting inside room''

''Are you serious?'' Arnav asked shockingly. And she nodded her head too quick giving him the most innocent look ''Please'' she blinked her eyes twice.

Arnav looked at the other three who shook their head in no requesting him to deny. ''Ok. We will go'' he sighed defeatedly making Ritika jump in happiness and she hugged him chanting Thank you. Ruchika and Divyansh slumped their shoulder while Samrat gave him a death glare.

''But after few hours'' Divyansh tried to delay the outing plan. ''But...'' before Ritika could say anything he continued ''Ri, we agreed to your plan now it's your turn.''

''Oookkk'' she huffed. Then they went to their assigned room. Ruchika placed her trolley and bag at one side and instantly dropped herself on bed. ''Aah...mai to thak gayi'' she said closing her eyes.  She was in light sleep when her phone rang, and she startled, feeling the sudden noise. She stood up and went to her bag, took out her phone. 'Maa calling' the screen glowed.

She sat on the small couch placed near window receiving the call ''Hann maa'' her mother heard her tired voice.

''Thak gaya baccha?'' she asked softly and Ruchika nodded forgetting she is on call her mother can't see her.

''Kab pahuchi?'' this time her father asked.

''Bas abhi abhi'' she replied ''I was almost about to sleep''

''Sorry we disturbed you'' he said apologetically and she shook her head ''Nahi papa koi baat nahi'' 

''Di make sure to bring something for me'' Ankush shouted from behind ''Warna ghar se bahar fek dunga aapko''

She rolled her eyes ''As if I will let you'' 

''Aww'' he said sarcastically ''Shaadi ho jaane do ek baar aapki, phir dekhna kaise no entry ka board lagata hu ghar ke bahar aapke liye''

''She is not getting married anytime soon'' Rakesh intervened quickly. No way he is letting his baby girl get married, not this soon at least. Last time he agreed just for her happiness because she loved that stupid guy but this time, he will not let anyone take away his daughter.

''Ru, beti don't you dare think about him or any of your past memories'' he said in a firm tone ''This is your time, work enjoy live your life on your opinions. Ok''

''Haan papa mai samajh gayi'' she replied slowly though her heart felt heavy for two reasons, one for getting so much understanding family and other for him not being this understanding. 

''Thik hai you take rest we will call tomorrow morning'' they said cutting the call.

Ruchika glanced at the room for a moment then turned her head to the window looking outside. Rome looked calmer from here, almost harmless. But she did not know yet how wrong that assumption was. She looked at her phone screen 7:03 p.m. ''Chal thodi der so lete hai'' she said to herself though she was feeling hungry but had no energy left to call for the food ''sab ke sath bahar jaana hi hai tabhi kha lenge na''

The warehouse stood at the far edge of docks; half shadowed under dim lights of industries. stacks of wooden crates were placed perfectly in a line. A man moved quietly hiding himself, his breath was uneven despite his effort to stay silent. A small device was there in his trembling hand- small but powerful enough to turn the entire place into fire within a blink.

''I just have to plant this and leave'' he tried to assure himself. Few days back he has been assigned to do this work and in return they were giving him so much money that he doesn't have to work for lifetime, so why not? He thought at that time but now he was scared.... too scared to move further with this plan. 

He took a long deep breathe ''you can do this. it's so easy'' he crouched near a stack of crates, fingers fumbled slightly as he began setting the device. a faint sound echoed behind him, and he froze in his place.

He slowly turned a bit, and his eyes widen in horror. a hand gripped the back of his collar and slammed him hard against the crate. the impact was so hard that it knocked the air out of his lungs. Before he could react, another blow landed directly on his jaw making him fall down on his knees and his palms pressed against the floor. The device fell out of his reach.

From the shadows more armed men emerged. ''you choose the wrong place'' one of them said coldly.

''Wait, wait....i can explain'' he said in panic filled voice.

''Explain?'' another one scoffed picking up the device which had fallen down from his hand. ''You came here to destroy this place, isn't it?''

''No....no it is not like that. I.... I....  I was forced-'' he stammered ''I had no choice.'' Another fist collided with his jaw, cutting him off. blood filled his mouth instantly ''everyone says the same thing'' a guard muttered.

One guard dragged him up, forcing him to stand on his feet. Another person tied a rope around his wrists. ''tell me who sent you?''

''I...I don....don't know,'' he choked. ''I swe....swear I was just told to finish this job.''

A fist slammed onto his stomach. ''Check the complete area'' the leader of that place ordered ''look if he was alone or he has companion.'' few men immediately moved to scan the place.

The captive's chest heaved as he struggled weakly to free himself from them. ''please leave me. i didn't even knew who this place belongs to''

A short, humorous laughed escaped the leader's mouth ''that's the problem,'' he said stepping closer to him ''you should have.'' He pulled out his phone from pocket. ''take him'' he ordered, already dialing a number. The call was answered immediately.

''Boss'' he said with steady voice ''we caught someone inside the dock 5 warehouse. he was setting up an explosive''

''Is he alive?'' Dante asked from other side.

''Yes'' leader replied.

''Good. you know what you have to do'' The leader nodded with a small ''yes'' before cutting the call.

A loud knock broke Ruchika's sleep and she opened her eyes which was still heavy with sleep. ''Ru'' Ritika's voice came through the door ''get up kumbhkaran. come fast we all are ready''

''Ugghh'' she let out a frustrated sigh sitting straight. ''give me a minute'' she replied getting off the bed.

''Glad, uh are alive'' Divyansh's voice came, muffled but teasing ''we were knocking the door from last ten minutes. we almost assumed that you...''

''Shut up'' she shouted and went inside bathroom. After few minutes she came out washing her face and went towards bed side table to take her phone, but it was discharged. She sighed shaking her head, she forgot to keep it on charge.

After putting her phone on charge, she went towards door and opened it. Ritika was leaning against the wall, her arms crossed, looking too energetic for someone who travelled 14 long hours journey. Beside her Divyansh and Samrat, though looking tired but were arguing about something, while Arnav was busy looking outside.

''You look like you are about to collapse'' Ritika said looking at her.

''Of course, I am'' Ruchika replied. ''but I am hungry'' she pouted. They all chuckled. ''Well, I am here to enjoy.'' she clapped her hand happily jumping a little ''and of course work too.''

''From where you get this much energy, Ritika'' Samrat asked exhaustion can be clearly seen in his eyes. He was not even ready to come here but his best friends Arnav and Divyansh literally forced him out of the bed.

''Oyee,'' she snapped at him ''tumlog accept kar lo, bhari jawani me buddhe hote jaa rahe ho'' Both Ruchika and Samrat rolled their eyes at her comment. This is the most common phrase she uses when no one agrees to her childish demands.

''Chale? sir, madam?'' Divyansh asked looking in between them ''aap log apni ladayi raaste me continue kar lena''

Ritika slapped his arm lightly. They all nodded and walked along the corridor; this side of the hospital was quieter now. most of the staffs had dispersed to their respective room. Only the night shifts staffs were there rushing towards the hospital wings who must be too late for their shift as it was already past 10 p.m. Their footsteps echoed lightly as they made their way out, the glass doors slid open to reveal the city outside. Cool air greeted them instantly. Ruchika closed her eyes feeling it- different, unfamiliar yet relaxing. ''where will we go?'' she opened her eyes hearing Ritika's question.

''There are many restaurants about ten to fifteen minutes from here. I had check it earlier'' Arnav said. ''this way'' he instructed.

They started walking together, their pace unhurried now, earlier fatigue slowly dissolving into simple conversation. Streetlight flickered above them, casting a warm golden glow across the roads, people roamed around casually distant hum of the traffics blending with laughter and music from the nearby cafes.

''Hey that looks good'' Ritika said, pointing her finger towards a restaurant. She has already decided the place where they will seat. A cozy one on the corner, soft fairy lights illuminating the place. The warmth inside restaurant relaxed their mind instantly. They slipped into the table that was placed near the window.

''Ok so what we will order?'' Samraat asked curiously as he opened the menu.

''Order something safe'' Divyansh warned ''we don't even know what these dishes are''

''True. I only know pizza and pasta'' Ruchika laughed embarrassingly.

''In which you will find varieties here'' Samraat again replied.

''Ooo oldies'' Ritika chimed ''speak for yourself, I am adventurous''

''Yupp. That's why you ordered 'lightly spiced beaten rice medley' which was practically poha'' Ruchika reminded her of an incident which happened months ago when they went to a five-star restaurant. 

Divyansh burst out laughing ''For that she even paid 399. And the way she was staring at the bowl. that was more hilarious'' and others too burst into laugh.

While Ritika covered her face with both hands, laughing along with everyone. ''please can we stop talking about that incident'' she mumbled slightly embarrassed.

''Aww'' everyone chorused playfully making her feel more embarrassed. Arnav chuckled at his silly girlfriend, and he wrapped his arma around her taking her in his embrace. ''awwww'' they chorused again, this time teasingly.

''Ok ok let's order'' Ruchika said pulling the group out of their playful distraction and everyone nodded. They ordered something with the help of waiter. food arrived and they ate with light and teasing conversations, funny banters. 

The warehouse stood silent in the abundant place, rusted shutters were half broken and single dim yellow light was flickering overhead. The man was already on his knees when Alessandro arrived. One guard has forced the captive's head up pulling him by his hair. slow and measured footsteps echoed through the space.

''Please... please...I didn't mea....'' the man choked, his voice trembling, words shuttered. a pair of black polished shoes came into his blurred vision. there was complete silence- heavy and suffocating.

''Didn't mean to?'' Alessandro's voice was calm. The man swallowed hard, tears mixing with sweat. ''I... I was told tha...that it was just a simple work.... just a job to put the place on fire...I didn't know it belonged to you''

Alessandro chuckled softly, not amused or forgiving but dangerous. ''you didn't know'' he repeated the words, as if testing the weight of the excuse. The guard tightened his grip on man's hair forcing him to look up. Alessandro crouched down slowly, bringing himself to the eye level of the man trembling in front of him.

The man saw his face properly, for the first time and whatever hoped he has left...shattered in that moment. because his eyes were cold, unreadable and merciless. ''Let me explain something to you,'' he said quietly ''when you step into my territory...there is no option of 'not knowing' about it.''

The man shook his head frantically, his eyes pleading for mercy ''I can fix it, i really can....just give me one chance...one last chance''

''fix?'' Alessandro tilted his head slightly, studying him ''you already tried'' then there was silence for a moment as he paused ''and you failed'' his voice now softer than before. The man broke down completely ''please.... I have family''

Alessandro's gaze turned cold ''everyone has family'' he said flatly ''that doesn't make them untouchable'' the words landed like verdict- final and irreversible. He stood up straight, adjusting his cuff with precise calmness, there was no anger or hesitation just a decision that he had already made. A guard immediately placed a gun in his hand.

The man started struggling now, panic exploding ''no...no please...i wi...will leave this country forever. i will disappear as if never existed''

Alessandro didn't argue or threatened just simply raised his gun ''exactly. you will disappear like you never existed'' then a loud shot echoed in the silent warehouse. The body slumped instantly, lifeless against the cold concrete floor.

He didn't take a second glance just handed the gun back to the guard. ''clean this'' he said already turning away ''and find out who sent him''

''Yes Capo'' 

His footstep echoed again as he walked out of the warehouse in the same calm and controlled pace as before as if nothing happened. Cold night air brushed past him as he stepped into the dim alley, his men following him.

''Capo'' one of the guards said coming Infront of him ''car is ready'' he just nodded and the guard stepped aside. 

They moved through the narrow lane, their footsteps echoing in quiet moment. ''No possible damages known till now'' Dante came towards him after talking on phone, he slipped beside him as they walked ''Our men caught him before he could do anything''

Alessandro nodded again. They turned to a longer street that was empty and quiet. This part of the city is like forgotten, totally cut off from the life that thrived few blocks away. a place where things like this happen and disappear. he adjusted his sleeves, his expression unchanged, but his mind already moving ahead- calculating, connecting the dots.

Just then a faint sound of footsteps reached them- lighter, uncoordinated not his people of course. He slowed down for a moment; the guards posture shifted in alert and caution mode. From the far end of the street a group came into view- five figures, though not clearly visible but still can be felt, too hesitant and unaware must be not from here as no person would dare to take this route that too specially at night.

One of the guards slightly stepped forward almost ready with his gun aimed at their direction until a hand stopped him. ''Just keep moving''

Sometimes before-

They stepped out of the restaurant; night air of Rome carried a gentle warmth as five of them decided to wander around the city for a while before returning back to hospital.

''I am telling you it's a bad idea'' Samraat said looking at his colleague ''we should not roam around at unfamiliar places''

''Oh, come on,'' Arnav said as he moved beside him placing his hand on his shoulder, all of them continued walking ''tum to aise darr rahe ho jaise humlog koi chhote bacche hai aur kho jayenge''

''Exactly. aur waise bhi kaun sa jyada dur jayenge bas yahi thodi dur jaake phir wapas laut jayenge na'' Divyansh said agreeing to Arnav's words. While talking, they were walking along and then took a turn onto the street that was deserted.

''Arnav for a reminder I am your girlfriend, not Samraat.'' Ritika's voice echoed in the deserted road; she looked at him narrowing her gaze and all of them stopped walking and looked at her.

''Really!!'' Ruchika said giving her a fake surprised look ''hame to pata hi nahi tha'' they all laughed loudly teasing Ritika, and she glared at her friends.

''Ha Ha Ha very funny'' she made faces ''Arnav itni acchi raat hai thandi thandi hawa chal rahi. hum dono sath me ghumte hai na!!'' she said pulling him by her side.

''Oyee tum dono akele nahi aaye hue ho yaha, hum sab sath aaye hai to sath me chalenge'' Samraat said looking at Ritika as she pulled his friend.

''Samraat agar itna lonely feel karte ho to ek ladki kyu nahi pata lete'' Ruchika commented as they again started to walk at the street.

''No thanks. Tumhare aur Ritika ke ye nakre dekhne ke baad to bilkul bhi mann nhi hai ye girlfriend banane ka.'' Samraat replied to her ''girlfriend na hoke bhi tumlogo ke itne nakre hai''Ruchika and Ritika's jaw dropped as both looked at him.

She stopped walking and turned to Arnav ''Kya mai nakhre karti hu?'' Making the poor soul look here and there while Divyansh and Samraat chuckled.

''Wo kya bolega. humse pucho na'' this time Divyansh said.

''tumlogo ko na female friends ki kadar hi nahi hai'' Ruchika huffed ''single hi rahoge puri life''

''haan apne jaise das logo ko date kar rakha hai'' Divyansh said taking Samraat's side.

''Das? pagal hai kya'' Ruchika raised her brows ''ek ko date kar ke dekh liya hai maine. shuru shuru me to tum saare ladke acche hi rehte ho asli rang to baad me dikhate ho''

''Oh hello madam, just because tune galat insaan ko chuna to saare ladko ki burayi mat kar'' Arnav defended and was almost ready to start a war on this ''hum sab ne to pehle hi kaha tha wo kameena hai lekin nahi tumhe hi usme pata nahi kaun sa insaan dikh gya''

''Wahi to'' Ritika too nodded ''humlogo ko kya wo to uncle aunty aur Ankush ko bhi nahi pasand tha. Mai aur Ankush to jab bhi milte the mast baate kiya karte the uspe'' she laughed ''hame to free ka entertainer mil gaya tha na'' everyone laughed except Ruchika.

''Can we please stop talking about him'' she looked at them with straight face.

'aww,'' Divyansh pulled her both cheeks ''bura lag raha sach sun kar?''

''shut up'' she rolled her eyes jerking his hand slightly as she stepped forward to walk ahead.Her friends followed behind. ''i think we should go back now. I am tired now'' Ritika said leaning her head on Arnav's shoulder.

Everyone agreed to her but as soon as they looked around their eyes widen, they were standing in the middle of four lane roads a place, they themselves don't know. The streets were nothing like the lively ones they had just left behind sometimes ago. It was quite- too quiet for anyone's liking. Totally deserted with a kind of silence that was anything but peaceful.

Tall building stood on either side of lane, their windows dim, doors completely shut. no people, no chatter, no passing vehicles not even street animals. all five of them looked at each other and forced a laugh. then they looked at the four streets then again at each other.

''Umm... from which side we came?'' Divyansh broke the silence first and rest four of them pointed their hands at different directions. They all again give each other an awkward and forced laugh.

''umm relax guys'' Ruchika tried to give some confidence to others as well as herself ''I think we just have to walk straight to this side, that's it. come'' she was already moving by then. After few seconds she felt no presence behind her and turned back to find her friends still standing there. She went back to them and raised her brow asking what happened.

''Are you sure we have to walk on that street?'' Ritika asked looking around with scared eyes and Ruchika nodded though unsure but still with full confidence.

''Kahi na kahi se to shuru karna hi hai toh chalo yahi raasta leke dekhte hai pehle'' Arnav muttered looking at them and they all bobbed their head.

They started to walk looking here and there for any sign of someone who could help but find none. After walking for some twenty minutes or may be more a voice broke the silence ''umm guys'' Ruchika said in a low voice, her feet slowed down looking at the unfamiliar surroundings ''I think we took the wrong way''

Every head snapped at her and they stopped walking. ''what do you mean we took the wrong way?'' Samraat frowned looking around. The buildings here stood taller even older than previous one they left behind. There was a kind of strange suffocation lingeried in the air.

''Guys'' Ruchika again said quietly ''let's go back to the same place''

''Are you serious?'' Ritika asked, she has clutched Arnav's hand tightly. ''isn't it great? first day in new country and we are already lost''

''i was telling you guys not to pull this stunt'' Samraat shot back ''but no, you people have to do adventure''

''We don't even have our phones with us. Who told you guys to leave it deliberately'' Divyansh snapped at Arnav and Ritika.

''Ok relax. in worst case, we can ask someone for directions'' Arnav tried to calm both of them down.

''Ask someone? Who?'' Divyansh gestured around ''there is literally no one. not even cats or dogs''

''Agar wo hote bhi tab bhi hum unse raasta thodi puch sakte the'' Ruchika commented quietly and Divyansh gave her a 'are you done' look.

''Sorry'' she muttered.

''I think we should continue walking'' Ritika suggested ''we may find the main road or maybe someone to ask the way out''

They started to walk again. ''Next time, Ru is not the in charge of the direction'' Samraat declared.

''excuse me?'' she retorted

''Yes'' he looked at her ''you suggested us this lane''

''You...'' before she could continue Arnav intervened. 'Guys!! guys!'' he came in between them '' don't fight''

''Waise itna darne ki jarurat nahi hai'' Ritika tried to sound confident ''chalte rehte hai na bas kahi na kahi to pahuch hi jayenge'' And they all laughed. Tension was still there but now eased down and as long as they are together everything is ok. Soft gentle breeze brushing against their face as they continued walking through the lane- arguing about the directions, talking, laughing at silly and sarcastic jokes.

Back to present-

From the far end of the right side of street, a group of men emerged from the shadows- silent, measured. A stark contrast to the light chaos of the group of five friends.

They were in dark suits, controlled strides. A presence that didn't need attention- it just simply carried it. At the centre of them walked Alessandro whose very presence felt commanding. his gaze sharp and stoic, remained forward, expression unreadable, his pace neither hurried nor slow. Beside him was Dante walking with the usual stern eyes.

Two groups existed in different worlds- one loud with chaos and other wrapped in silence. neither looked the other. Distance between them disappeared. First group took turn to their left while the other group who were coming from the right side too took turn to their left. They passed each other in single, seamless moment- no pause, glances or acknowledgement.

And just coincidence maybe, soft gust of wind slipped through the lane at the exact second they crossed. Ruchika's loose hair lifted slightly, few strands escaping and drifting sideways and brushed lightly against Alessandro's arm as they crossed path. The contact was only for a moment, light and accidental, gone as soon as it came. But it was registered not in their expressions or steps but somewhere deeper, still unacknowledged. Both kept walking unaware of what just happened. and just like that they both walked past each other without turning back.

As he reached the end of the street, something made him pause, for the fraction of second. Dante looked at him confused. Then he continued forward, stepping into the car waiting for them without any second thought. Dante settled on the passenger seat. the door shut, engine started and the car drove towards its destination.

Two paths crossing without pause, two different worlds brushing past each other without recognition, still strangers- completely unaware of each other, unaware of fate's quietest and most insignificant moment that their story has already began. Fate has just drawn its first, invisible line.

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End of the chapter.

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