Chapter 11: fiancée
[Five Months of Normal—Or Something Like It]
The next five months became a balancing act for Jilpa and Rivaan. Despite the heavy weight of their pasts and the looming threat of the future, they found ways to continue living. School, training, and fleeting moments of joy defined this chapter of their lives.
[At School]
Classes remained chaotic as ever, with teachers frequently lecturing the pair about their poor exam performances. Jilpa and Rivaan tried to keep their heads down, but Jilpa's new appearance continued to draw attention.
Teacher Ài Li: "Jilpa, if I see you daydreaming one more time, I'll have you clean the chalkboards for a month!"
Rivaan would stifle a laugh beside him.
Rivaan (whispering): "Better than cleaning the cafeteria."
The two made a habit of sneaking snacks during breaks, often spending more time joking than studying. They still weren't top students, but their bond grew stronger.
[Friendships and Fun]
Despite the heaviness in his heart, Jilpa found small joys. Rivaan often dragged him to arcades, restaurants, or random basketball games.
One weekend, Rivaan convinced Jilpa to try bowling for the first time.
Rivaan: "Bet you can't even hit a pin."
Jilpa (grinning): "Watch this."
He managed to hurl the ball into the next lane. They both burst into laughter, ignoring the annoyed stares.
[Training in Secret]
Their afternoons were spent training at the hill or the temple.
Jilpa worked tirelessly on perfecting the control of his Slave Chains, learning how to manifest them as solid objects with precision. He practiced binding, whipping, and even creating barriers with them.Rivaan focused on mastering his Light Heat, slowly learning to contain the destructive energy and even use it for intricate tasks like cutting through solid rock or forming shields.
One day, Rivaan accidentally burned a training dummy to ash.
Jilpa: "I thought you were containing it?"
Rivaan: "Guess I got a little excited."
[Moments of Reflection]
At night, Jilpa often found himself staring at the stars, his thoughts consumed by his mother's memory. Rivaan joined him sometimes, both finding solace in the quiet moments.
Rivaan: "You ever think about what's next?"
Jilpa: "Revenge. But… sometimes I wonder if that's all there is."
Rivaan: "We'll figure it out. Together."
[Challenges Along the Way]
Not everything was smooth.
Demons occasionally appeared during training, testing their resolve.Rivaan faced injuries from overusing his powers, and Jilpa struggled with the mental toll of his chains whispering dark thoughts into his mind.
Despite it all, they persevered.By the end of the five months, Jilpa and Rivaan had grown stronger, not just in power but in character. They had forged a deep trust and prepared themselves for whatever lay ahead.
Life wasn't perfect, but they had each other—and for now, that was enough.
[A New Chapter: Moving In]
The sun was still rising when Jilpa stood outside Rivaan's modest apartment, a single suitcase in his hand. He hesitated for a moment, the reality of his decision settling in. Rivaan opened the door, wearing his usual grin.
Rivaan: "Took you long enough. I thought you were going to change your mind."
Jilpa (smirking): "Like I'd trust you to survive on your own without burning the place down."
They shared a laugh, the tension lifting as Jilpa stepped inside.
[Settling In]
The apartment was small but cozy. Rivaan had cleared out the spare room, turning it into a makeshift bedroom for Jilpa.
Rivaan: "It's not much, but hey, it beats sleeping on a pile of chains, right?"
Jilpa: "It's perfect. Thanks, man."
As they unpacked, Rivaan couldn't help but notice the lack of personal items in Jilpa's suitcase—a stark reminder of what he'd lost.
Rivaan: "You sure you don't need anything else? We can hit the market later."
Jilpa: "I'm fine. Let's just focus on training and school for now."
[First Night Together]
That evening, they ordered takeout and spent hours watching old action movies. Rivaan cracked jokes about the terrible special effects, and Jilpa actually smiled—a rare sight these days.
Rivaan: "You know, we make a pretty good team. Think we'd survive in one of these movies?"
Jilpa (rolling his eyes): "Only if you don't blow up the set with your Light Heat."
As the night wore on, the weight of their burdens felt lighter, if only for a moment.
[Morning Chaos]
The next day, Jilpa woke up to the smell of something burning. He rushed to the kitchen to find Rivaan battling a cloud of smoke.
Jilpa: "What the hell are you doing?"
Rivaan (coughing): "Making breakfast! Or, uh… trying to."
Jilpa shook his head, grabbing the pan before Rivaan could make things worse.
Jilpa: "If we're going to live together, I'm cooking from now on."
Rivaan: "Deal. I'll stick to takeout."
[New Beginnings]
Over the next few days, they settled into a routine. School, training, and late-night conversations became their new normal. Living together wasn't without its challenges, but it brought them closer.
For Jilpa, moving in with Rivaan wasn't just about convenience—it was about finding a sense of family again. For Rivaan, having Jilpa around made the apartment feel less empty, filling the silence with laughter and purpose.
They knew the road ahead would be tough, but together, they were ready for whatever came their way.
[The Unexpected Visitor]
The morning sun poured through the apartment window as Jilpa hummed to himself, stirring a pot on the stove. The aroma of freshly cooked noodles filled the air. Rivaan had gone out for takeout, claiming he craved something specific, leaving Jilpa to handle breakfast.
As he added the final seasoning, the doorbell rang.
Jilpa (grinning): "Forgot your wallet again, didn't you, Rivaan?"
Wiping his hands on a towel, he walked to the door and swung it open. But instead of Rivaan, he was met with someone entirely unexpected—a stunning girl, her long black hair flowing down her shoulders and her piercing green eyes framed by delicate features. She wore a sharp, tailored coat that gave off an air of elegance.
Jilpa blinked, momentarily speechless.
Jilpa: "Uh… can I help you?"
The girl tilted her head slightly, her gaze calm but assessing.
Girl: "I'm looking for Rivaan. Is he home?"
Jilpa frowned, confusion written across his face.
Jilpa: "Rivaan? No, he's out right now. Who are you?"
Her lips curled into a small smile.
Girl: "I'm his fiancée."
The words hung in the air, heavy and bewildering. Jilpa's eyes widened as he stared at her, the cooking completely forgotten.
Jilpa: "THE FUCK!?! Rivaan has a fiancée?"
She nodded, stepping closer.
Girl: "Yes. We were engaged years ago. I've been looking for him for a long time. Can I come in?"
Still stunned, Jilpa stepped aside, letting her enter. She glanced around the apartment, her expression neutral but observant.
Girl: "It's… smaller than I imagined. But it suits him."
Jilpa closed the door, his mind racing. Rivaan had never mentioned a fiancée—not once. And for someone who spent almost every moment together, it was hard to believe this was something Rivaan had kept secret.
Jilpa: "So… what's your name?"
Girl: "Aiyana."
Jilpa: "Aiyana, huh? And you're really engaged to Rivaan?"
She turned to face him, her gaze unwavering.
Aiyana: "Yes. But I'll let him explain everything when he gets back."
Jilpa crossed his arms, skepticism creeping into his voice.
Jilpa: "You sure you've got the right Rivaan? The guy who burns toast and can't even ride a bike without falling over?"
Aiyana chuckled softly.
Aiyana: "Sounds like him. But there's much you don't know about Rivaan."
Jilpa's stomach twisted at her words. What didn't he know about Rivaan? And why had this girl shown up out of nowhere after all this time?
Just as he was about to press further, the sound of the apartment door unlocking broke the tension. Rivaan stepped inside, holding a bag of takeout, and froze when he saw Aiyana standing in the living room.
His face paled.
Rivaan: "…Aiyana?"
Aiyana (smiling softly): "Hello, Rivaan. It's been a while."
The bag slipped from Rivaan's hands, the food spilling across the floor. Jilpa watched, stunned, as Rivaan's usually calm demeanor cracked, his eyes filled with shock and something else—dread.
Jilpa (whispering to himself): "What the hell is going on?"
THANK YOU FOR READING
TO BE CONTINUED