Ruhi sat on a bench on the college campus.

Ivana and Navya walked into the party hall.

Ruhi, who loves to wear t-shirts and hoodies covering up to her neck, with full sleeves. She was feeling low about herself, feeling like she was being exposed, something itchy was crawling in her heart as this feeling.

She feels confident in a hoodie. Not because she comes from an old-thinking family, but these clothes are her comfort.

She sat on a bench, playing with her jacket. Cold air touches her skin and arms, causing her goosebumps. She shivered at that feeling. Her eyes roamed around. She found no one. She can hear the DJ's music voice. Her eyes fell on Hall's entrance. She saw the party lights gleaming. She sighed, rubbing her arms.

Not finding anyone around. She took her jacket and wore it. Just then she found Nayan exciting the party hall. He came towards her. He bends till her height and comes face to face.

Nayan: Ruhi Chuhi, why are you sitting here alone?

Ruhi nodded with meck smile. His presence around her, gave her a sense of security. Her heart-itchy feeling was long gone as he entered her space.

Nayan sat beside her.

Nayan (holding her hand): What's wrong? Kuch uncomfortable lag raha hai? (Are you uncomfortable?)

He said, sensing her uneasiness. Ruhi just shook her head.

Nayan: Ghar chale? (Let's go home?)

Ruhi: Party? Don't spoil your fun. I am okay.

Nayan (flicking her nose): If it's about enjoyment. I love to spend my time with you. I enjoy your company more than this party.

A genuine smile appeared on Ruhi's lips.

Just then Ekansh walked out in search of Nayan.

He saw them.

Ekansh: What are you guys doing here? Let's go

Nayan: Nothing... I saw Navya and Ivana inside the hall but no Ruhi. So, I came here searching for her.

Ekansh (nodding): Everything is fine?

Ruhi (with a small smile): I was just feeling a little low. You guys go. I will join you.

Ekansh (concerned): I can call Navya if you need.

Ruhi (immediate reply): No! Don't spoil her party. I will join you in a few minutes.

Nayan (concerned tone): Ruhi, we can leave for home.

Ruhi (requesting): No! Let's not spoil the party.

Nayan nodded, sighing.

Nayan: Ekansh, I will join the guys in a few minutes.

Ekansh nodded and left.

Nayan: We need to talk, Ruhi. What's bothering you?

Ruhi: I told Bhai, you will be dropping me. We can speak about it later. Now, please go and enjoy the party. I am fine. This way you are making me feel guilty. I am spoiling your party.

Nayan (bumping his forehead with hers): Party is not as important as you, My Ruhi Chuhi.

Ruhi: I am here with you, always, freshers party won't come regularly. Please go for me.

Nayan (giving up): How about you?

Ruhi: In a few minutes, I will join you.

She needs personal space. Understanding her point Nayan nodded. He pecked her forehead.

Nayan: Come soon or if you want anything just ring me up.

Ruhi nodded with a small smile. Nayan went inside the party hall.

Ruhi (mumbling out of guilt): I can't spoil their party. I am glad they are prioritising me but I can't be selfish. I couldn't stay at home either. I don't know how that person (stalker) will react. What if he will hurt someone?

Some minutes passed...

Nayan who was busy with friends, was holding his phone in his hand. His eyes were roaming at the entrance every now and then.

Navya and Ivana were busy with their classmates. Navya and Ivana's eyes roaming on each and every person's wrist, present in the hall.

Nayan who was busy with his friends, had his attention shifted to his phone when it vibrated. He saw Ruhi's text.

Ruhi's text: I am sitting under my favourite tree with my diary, pen and thoughts. Before speaking with you. I need to process it properly. Please give me some time.

Nayan (mumbling): Something is really wrong. Let her process it. I will speak with her afterwards by today only.

***

In a dark room, all the lights were off, old gramophone was playing. A girl was lying on the floor, unconscious.

The girl was none other than Ruhi, who was gaining back her consciousness slowly. Gaining her consciousness, she opened her eyes slowly but still, everything was dark.

She heard the voices ofthe gramophone. Out of fear, she quickly sat on the floor with the support of the wall.

Gramophone's voice:

1. Amitabh Bachchan's voice from KBC - Namaskar Ruhi Rajput.

2. Amrish Puri's voice from Mister India-  Tumhe yaha is tarah dekh kar Mogambo Khush Hua...

3. Paresh Rawal's voice from Andaz Apna Apna- Hum Purush nahi hai... Mahapurush hai.

4. Shah Rukh Khan's voice from Om Shanti Om- Picture to abhi shuru hui hai mere dost.

5. Shah Rukh Khan's voice from DDLJ: Maine mana kiya tha Senorita, jacket mat pehnna.... Hmm...

6. Nawazuddin Siddiqui's voice from Kick-
Le lo mujhse pange. Ab karege hum maze (loud laugh).

These voices were being played on a loop. She was already feeling pain in her heart, and her cheeks were hurting. These voices were scaring her more. She moved her hand around to pick up her phone instead of her phone. A naiprickeded in her skin. She winced in pain as her hand was bleeding.

She touched her shoulder and felt her skin, her heart clenched. She was scared. Her throat went dry, She pulled her legs towards her chest. She sat in the corner, trying to cover herself. Her body was trembling because of fear. She wasn't able to fist her hands, she lost all her energy. Her mind went blank, her heartbeat high, tears rolling down her cheeks, her tongue twisted in fear, no voice, sob or anything from her mouth, her lips wobbled and felt dry. She felt knots in her stomach, she wanted to shut that gramophone. The voices which were playing on loop, gave a shiver down her spine.

Everyone was busy with themselves on one hand, and Ruhi was in hell on the other hand.

***

Nayan after some time, decided to go and check on Ruhi.

He got out of the hall and turned towards Ruhi's Favourite tree which she mentioned in the message. He noticed her sitting under a tree with her diary, writing something and busy with her thoughts. Her handbag, phone and jacket were lying beside her.

A smile formed on Nayan's lips, noticing how calm she seemed. He decided to give her some time and walked back into the hall.

***

Some more time passed and the party came to an end. In between Nayan twice checked on Ruhi. She was enjoying her ME time.

He once texted her asking for dinner. She replied that she will have it while returning home with him. He too skipped his dinner and decided to accompany her while returning.

Nayan being content, focused on enjoying his party.

The party came to an end, some students already left, some were leaving and a few were left.

The group gathered to leave.

Nayan: Guys, Ruhi is sitting under her favourite tree. Come let's go. Let's call her and leave.

Everyone nodded and walked towards the tree. They found no one there. Only Ruhi's phone, bag and jacket were present. Navya panicked.

She wanted to come in between party to meet Ruhi. Nayan stopped her as he informed her, that Ruhi is busy with her thoughts. Navya understanding Ruhi's situation thought to give her some alone time.

Navya (worried): Nayan bhai, where is Ruhi?

Nayan (shocked and worried): She was here only. When you all were having dinner. I came and saw her writing in her diary.

Ivana (trying to calm them): Guys, she must be in the washroom.

Navya: Let's go.

Nayan took Ruhi's belongings and they rushed towards the girls' washroom.

Navya and Ivana ran inside to check on Ruhi but couldn't find her.

The boys were waiting outside.

Dhruva (confused): What's going on? I guess Ruhi was not at the party either. Was she?

Ekansh (shooking hid head): She was stressed about something. So, she decided to be in the garden for some time. I don't know after that.

Nayan was quiet. He was impatiently waiting for Navya and Ivana to come out.

Both girls came back quickly.

Navya: Ruhi is not here.

Nayan was shocked and worried. The first thought came to his mind and he immediately dialled Vidyut's number.

To be contfaulted...