Rukha's eyes widened as she processed the king's arrival. "What's he doing here?" she thought. Shivyansh's expression remained calm, but his eyes flickered with a hint of tension.
The man who spoke bowed low. "Your Highness, the king has arrived. He wishes to address the gurukul."
Rukha's stomach dropped. "This can't be good," she thought. She glanced at Shivyansh, who gave her a reassuring nod.
The students parted as the king entered, flanked by guards. His gaze swept the room, landing on Rukha. "Ah, the new teacher," he said, his voice booming. "I've heard... interesting things about you."
Rukha's heart skipped a beat. What did he know?
Rukha stepped forward. "Your Majesty, welcome. We're honored by your presence."
The king's eyes narrowed at Shivyansh. "Shivyansh, I see you're in good hands. But I have news – the dark reddish element you spoke of... it's been found."
Gasps echoed through the room. Rukha's mind reeled. How did the king know?
Rukha expression turned grim. "Impossible. It's too early."
The king's smile was unsettling. "We'll see about that. You're coming with me, Shivyansh."
Rukha's instincts screamed at her to intervene. But what could she do?
Rukha's thoughts swirled as she watched the king's guards move to surround Shivyansh. "No, no, no," she thought, her palms sweating. She forced herself to stay calm, recalling her 'helper' role. Think, Rukha, think...
Shivyansh caught her eye, his gaze steady. Was that a hint? Rukha's instincts screamed to act, but she hesitated.
The king turned to leave, Shivyansh in tow. "Wait!" Rukha's voice surprised her. "Your Majesty, may I have a word?"
The king raised an eyebrow. "Speak, teacher."
Rukha's mind raced. "I... I believe Shivyansh's needed here. The students... they're unsettled."
The king's smile grew wider. "Unsettled? Ah, perfect. Shivyansh will be back. Guards, escort him out."
Rukha's eyes locked onto Shivyansh's as he mouthed, "Be careful."
The e emptied, leaving Rukha with the students. A boy whispered, "What just happened?"
Rukha's thoughts were a jumble. "I... I don't know."
The students exchanged worried glances. One whispered, "The dark reddish element...
Rukha's gut twisted. What did it mean? (Thinks)
According to the novel the king was searching for that reddish brown but it's too early and if he got that reddish element too
too early it will probably ruin the story.
Rukha took a deep breath, her mind racing. She glanced at the students, their worried faces a reminder of her 'helper' role. But Shivyansh's safety was at stake...
"I need to check on something," Rukha said, hastily exiting the gurukul. The guards raised an eyebrow but didn't stop her. She blended into the shadows, eyes fixed on the king's retinue.
Shivyansh was being led towards the palace, the king's smile sending chills down Rukha's spine.
Rukha followed, her senses on high alert. She knew the palace layout from... somewhere. Past life memories, maybe?
As she navigated the corridors, a hand grabbed her, pulling her into an alcove. "What are you doing?" a voice whispered.
Rukha's heart skipped a beat. Who was it?
Rukha found herself yanked into a hidden passage, the sound of footsteps echoing outside. A figure pinned her against the wall, a hand over her mouth.
"Shh, teacher," a low voice whispered. "You shouldn't be here."
Rukha's eyes widened as the figure released her. A boy, no older than 15, with a mischievous grin. "Who are you?" she demanded.
The boy bowed mockingly. "Rohan, at your service. I've been watching you, Rukha. You're in over your head."
Rukha's instincts flared. "What do you want?"
Rohan's grin grew. "I can help you get Shivyansh out. But you'll owe me."
Rukha's thoughts swirled.
Seriously who even are you?
I am author.
Author are you even okay?Why do you bring me in this world?rukha said.
Do you think I can manipulate the reality and bring you in this novel. No i am not who bring you in this world okay.
So what i do?
Then suddenly scene shifted to king said hey why are wasting my time.
Then suddenly rukha handed king a stone.
The king's guards were furious and said are you want to be executed. Are you dumb.
Majesty if you say then I will kill him.
Stop! King said furiously.
And then he said how did you get this rukham.