[Joe_not_ exotic] asked Aaradhya: "Sunshine, how is your situation there?"

[Sunshine]: A bit troublesome.

In her part, the situation was pretty tricky -the opponent's security wall was on the same level as the one she had encountered during the previous rounds. But at that time, she only had to concentrate on attacking the security system, so it wasn't that complicated. At this moment, however, she had to face both the security wall and its defenders.

[Sunshine]: I need about 20 minutes, you try to interfere the opposite team's defenders.

Aaradhya had just made another set of data that very secretly attached to the regular input data. If the disguise wasn't discovered, she could finally invade their system.

[Jishnu]: "It's okay. You can rest assured. We can support you for 30 minutes."

Meanwhile, at the opposing team's base, their main defender was in a great predicament. They have played a few games, but it was the first time he encountered such an annoying opponent. Their attack was so intense, if he was careless even a bit. they would already sneak in.

After twenty minutes, the system prompts [Abnormal Data]. [Security System Invaded], and [Unfortunately. You Lost The Battle] were popping up one after another. The defenders were dumbfounded: they were guarding so tightly, but the opponent still managed to sneak in.

Who is this godly team!

Unlike the other side, Aaradhya and her teammates received the prompt: [Congratulations. You Win The Battle].

Seeing it, [Joe_not_exotic] sighed in relief and pushed the keyboard away.

After the completion of the second round, Aaradhya logout of the website and turned to looked at Abhinav who handed her a glass of warm milk.

Abhinav, had just finished a meeting with the executive team, discussing the need for a technical security advisor.

He sat down beside her and said, "Precious, I was thinking. With your expertise in technical security, would you be interested in being the security advisor at our company?"

Aaradhya looked up from the glass, "I appreciate the offer, Abhi. But I already promised my brother that I would help him with his company. It wouldn't be fair to go back on my word."

Abhi nodded, "I understand. But we are building a new security system where you could make a big impact on our team."

Aadhya paused, considering his words. "What if I intern at your company instead? "

Abhi smiled, "That's a great idea. I would love to have you on our team, even if it's just as an intern. And who knows? Maybe it could turn into a full-time position down the road.", Abhi raised his eyebrows mischievously.

Aaradhya grinned, "I would like that. It's important to me to keep my promises and work with my family, but I also want to support you and your goals. This seems like the perfect compromise."

Abhi stood up, wrapping his arms around her. "Thank you, Precious. "

Aaradhya leaned into his embrace and told him about their vacation plans.

The next day, Aaradhya was scrolling through her phone to book accommodation for the trip when she received a call from an unknown number...

"Aadhya..." The person sleeping on her lap moved, she pressed the phone quickly so as not to disturb the sleeper then patted his head to let him fall asleep again.

When Abhinav returned from work, he seems exhausted as they were working on an important project. As soon as he got home, he lay down on Aaradhya's lap and immediately fell asleep.

When Abhi closed his eyes again, this time he seemed to be sound asleep. Even when she moved, he didn't react. He looked so tired.

[Hhzz....]

The loud noise coming from phone made her realize that she had actually pressed to receive the call from the unknown number.

"Hello!!"

[Am I speaking to Ms. Aaradhya?]

"Yes. May I know who you are."

"Ms. Aaradhya, I'm the detective that Anirudh sir had arranged to track Ms. Lasya. I have some news about her," the investigator said in a solemn voice.

"Lasya!!!"

Unconsciously, Aaradhya spoke loudly because she was too shocked. It seemed like it was a little too strong to the point that the person who was lying on her lap opened his eyes.

Aaradhya had been trying to reach out to her best friend, Lasya, for two years with no response. She had started to worry that something might have happened to her so she asked her brother to find the whereabouts of Lasya.

Aaradhya's heart skipped a beat. "What is it? Is she okay?"

"I'm afraid not. Ms. Lasya is in the hospital, and her condition is critical. The doctors said that she might not make it."

"Precious?" Abhinav squeezed her palm looking at her, as he saw her eyes turn red, and he didn't understand what was going on.

Aaradhya mind went blank for a moment as she tried to process the news. Lasya, her dearest friend, was on her deathbed. She felt a knot form in her stomach.

"Aadhya..."

Everything stopped when she heard that gentle voice. She turned to look at the one staring into her eyes. Their hands that were clasped together made her realize that she was holding his hand. The warmth of his palm told her that she was not alone.

"Abhi..." She didn't know that her voice was shaking. Abhinav raised his other hand and then he touched her face without saying anything.

"Where is she? I need to see her," Aaradhya said on the phone, her voice trembling.

The investigator gave her the details of location of the hospital.

Without wasting another moment, Abhinav called Arjun, and explained the situation.

"Okay, I'll go with Aadhya. We'll meet at airport," Arjun said, his voice calm and reassuring.

Abhinav quickly packed her bag and they headed to the airport, their minds racing with the thoughts.

"I will hurry to come."

Aaradhya looked away from the window where she was looking outside, then turned around to look at the owner of the voice in surprise. Abhinav took her palm into his hands.

"Once I'm done with the things here...I'll hurry over." Abhinav let her lean on his shoulder.

Aaradhya nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist.

Warm lips pressed softly on her forehead,  "Wait for me..."

"Hmm."

"But if you can't take it anymore and wants me there... say so."

After a short flight, Aaradhya and Arjun arrived in Kerala and headed straight to the hospital where Lasya was being treated.

Aaradhya headed towards the room of Lasya, whilst Arjun went to have a talk with the attending doctor.

Aaradhya stopped in front of the private room where Lasya was staying.

"Don't you want to go in dear?"

Aaradhya turned to the owner of the voice and saw Lasya's mother, who looked exhausted and worried and holding a tray of food in her hands. "Thank you for coming dear," she said, taking Aaradhya's hand and leading her to a small room.

Once they were seated, Lasya's mother began to explain the situation. "Lasya was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer a year ago," she said, her voice breaking.

Aaradhya listened intently as Lasya's mother described the treatments that Lasya had been undergoing, including the ayurvedic treatment that had brought them to Kerala.

"I'm sorry aunty," Aaradhya said, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. "I had no idea."

Lasya's mother smiled sadly. "Lasya didn't want to worry you sweetie, she didn't let us tell you," she said.

Together they walked back to Lasya's hospital room. Aaradhya's heart broke at the sight before her. Her usually vibrant friend lay pale and weak in the hospital bed, but Lasya's eyes lit up when she saw Aaradhya.

"Aadhya," she said weakly. "I'm so glad you're here."

Aaradhya took Lasya's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm here," she said softly. "I'll be here with you."

"Lasya, you have to eat and take your medicine first. I have a lot to tell you." Aaradhya took a bowl of food and put it on her lap.

"Eat slowly." Aaradhya fed her and gently wiped her mouth.  After a few spoons, Lasya wanted to stop eating. But Lasya's mom said that she had eat a lot today compared to previous days.

Lasya hold Aadhya's hand and asked her to talk with her. "How are you doing?" Lasya spoke in a barely audible voice, and it seemed like she needed a lot of strength to say every word.

"Great..." Aaradhya put her hand on her(Lasya) cheek and then gave her a smile.

"Good..."

Aaradhya sat with her for hours, talking, reminiscing, and offering words of support and encouragement. She introduced Arjun and talked about Abhinav. And soon, Lasya fell asleep. Aaradhya stayed by her side, watching over her and praying for a miracle.

Thinking about how in few days, her(Aaradhya's) closest person with a smile on her face at this moment might leave the world, Aaradhya was unable to lift her spirits.

She glanced at Lasya's mother beside her.

Beside her, Lasya's mom didn't speak a word and pressed her lips together tightly, as if she had already know outcome and accepted it as usual.

The people who passed on suffered pain until they left, but the rest who stayed would have to endure an even more severe pain forever.

16/05/2023

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See you all in the next update

Thank you all ...💕

___To be continued 🥀