|the naive rebel|
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xi| what a boring mate
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word count- 1205

Ahhhh!! Tell me how you find the chapter. Can't wait to type the chapters about the trip..oof
the story is gearing for its first (side) climax ;-)

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Third Person
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The scorching sun of 7 AM shines over their heads as both Inaayat and Mishti stand in front of the mega bus with their two bags ready for the trip.

"I am so excited!" Mishti exclaims as she turns to face Aayat, her gaze stuck at the bus. Inaayat's mind is continuously at war trying to sketch a plan of action once they reach their hotel.

It would take them approximately two hours to reach Panchgani.

"See others are here," Mishti points at Nikhil who is seen pulling Shaan along while Sameer walks beside them. The camp is divided for the students according to their course year.

Today, it is the second year students who are going for the camp. It is a three-day camp and they would return on the fourth day.

"You guys are early," Sameer yawns as they all look around seeing that there is no one other than their groups of friends, except Garima who hasn't yet arrived.

"No we are on time, others are late." Inaayat declares as she points at the bus that stands just a few metres away.

"See Garima is here too," Nikhil says as a very hassled Garima enters the parking lot which is the assembly point for the students, pulling her suitcase behind with difficulty.

"The best thing about being early is to get seats as per our convenience which we wouldn't have gotten if we were fashionably late." Mishti sticks her tongue out, teasing the boys who look as if they can fall asleep anytime.

"Aye, where ever we sit I am taking the window seat. Cool?" Inaayat refers her statement to Mishti whose smile immediately drops.

"Uh, actually Aayat I have motion sickness can I please take the window seat?"

"Angel, don't worry. You sit with me while I guess Mishti can sit with Garima-if that's fine?" Sameer assures Inaayat while asking Garima for her opinion.

"That's perfect," Garima assures.

"Oh wait, Sameer you are sitting with me, we have to discuss our plan during the journey." Nikhil hits his back reminding him of their plan-which they would execute during the stay there.

In three days of staying in Panchgani, the second day all the students would be camping in a forest near the hotel.

"So, where will she sit now?" Mishti questions as Inaayat gives a subtle glance at Shaan realising how helpful her sitting with Shaan would prove to be.

She can easily keep a close eye on him, trying to find anything unusual that could prove Shaan's involvement in the suicides or in something that's still unknown to her.

She has started doubting him and wouldn't rest until she finds something that can prove either his innocence or crime.

"She would have to sit with Shaan, then." Nikhil casually adds as he rakes a hand through his wet hair.

"Would you mind?" Inaayat subtly asks Shaan who finally raises his eyes-looking at his friends.

He doesn't retort just nods his head at them indicating that the final arrangement is fine with him.

"Students you all can take your seats till the others come," Professor Sam notifies them as they start walking towards the red bus.

They move towards the back of the bus, taking the seats in the last rows.

Inaayat takes a seat beside Shaan as they take the seat in the third last row. Inaayat keeps glancing at him hoping to not get caught eyeing at him, again.

Unshaven beard, black-rimmed spectacles resting on his nose, his hair uncombed and messy like always. Dressed in another pair of an oversized black hoodie and black sweatpants.

Inaayat on the other hand is dressed rather casually in a grey sweatshirt and black leggings.

As soon as they sit, Shaan quickly plugs in his earphones and closes his eyes. A subtle way of announcing that she is not supposed to disturb him in this period of two hours.

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INAAYAT
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Boring.

Sitting with Shaan is the worst decision of my life.

This person doesn't even talk. Not even a tiny small conversation, he has been napping from the very moment we sat on the bus.

I can hear my other friends chattering, eating and enjoying behind and stupidly I can't turn my neck for too long. I am leaning on the window sill and just gazing the scenery and other vehicles. Though it is refreshing it also gets exhausting after a certain point of time.

I have known that Shaan is someone who doesn't talk much but he doesn't even say a single word. I had offered him chips but he refused and blatantly slept again.

How much does this person sleep?

I wonder how long his playlist is because it has been an hour and a half already in the journey and he still hasn't taken out his phone to replay the music list. I mutter a low 'strange' when I see him sleeping so peacefully.

"Aayat," Mishti calls me and I turn my head back, a little towards her.

"Yeah?"

"The schedule has been updated, check your mail ASAP." She informs as I remove my phone to review the schedule.

The schedule notifies us about how today visits to the farms are planned along with the timings for lunch, dinner and games are mentioned. The second day we are supposed to leave for camping in the forest area near our lodging.

Activities are already planned for the camp, followed by our return to the hotel on the third day where we will spend the day resting and visiting the local markets.

And then finally back to the college on the fourth day. I am pretty excited about the trip, but as Dad said the trip isn't for my excitement it is a golden chance to find information or clues about the suicides or the murders.

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"Students, the rooms are to be shared by three occupants which we have already assigned. We'll be calling out your names along with your room partners, come and collect your keys. After which, you all can go and rest in your respective rooms." Prof. Malti who is an old-faculty and very sweet instructs.

I am incapable of understanding anything that she teaches, but I hear that she indeed is a very good teacher.

"Aayat, Garima and Mishti." She calls us out, while Sameer, Nikhil and Shaan are sharing one. It's so strange that we all did get the same room, I can expect Mishti and Garima to get one because of their relationship but how did they plant me with them?

"God, I can't wait for the trip to officially start." Mishti squeals. I smile at her as we pull our items of luggage to our assigned rooms.

Neither can I.

Let the search begin.

•

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Ooof!!

So confused.....

.....aren't you?

Who exactly is the main lead ?

You'll know sooon ;-)

Do vote and comment and share if you liked the chapter!

till the next chapter,
keep dodging the bullets.
ऊ.