Chapter 9 The Identity Revelation"

• The next morning, Priya got ready for school and instructed her daughter, "Maitri, don't go anywhere. Play only at home, okay?"
• Maitri affectionately pecked her mother's cheek and reassured, "Okay, Darling. Bye, take care."
• Smiling, Priya replied, "Bye, baby," and left on foot for school.
• ★★★
• Priya moved through the school, checking on classes. On her way to the staff room, she noticed that Kalyan's personal wardrobe was not closed properly. As she walked towards it, attempting to close it, an album fell down, revealing photos of herself and her daughter, capturing the past six months.
• In shock, anger filled her as she inspected the contents. When she turned back, she found Kalyan standing there, equally shocked. She swiftly snatched the album from his hands.
• Holding his collar, she sternly questioned, "Who are you? Have you been following me and my daughter for the past six months? Stay away from us."
• "I love you, Priya," Kalyan confessed.
• She pushed him away, walking off angrily, tears streaming down her face. The unexpected revelation left Priya emotionally shaken.
• ★★★
• At home, Maitri prepared choclate brownies with care, packing them into a box. As she moved around, she noticed Zuzu, her curious puppy, engrossed in watching Tom and Jerry on the television.
• With a disbelieving look, Maitri chuckled, then grabbed her diary and settled onto the couch to write.
• "Dear Diary,
• Today was different-I took leave from my mom, the principal. It's the first time she went to school without me. It's okay; everything has its first time right? But here's the surprising thing: I, a 10-year-old girl, did something crazy for a 12-year-old boy named Vikram.
• I told him that I'd meet him after 4 pm, after school timings. But being a bit of a crazy girl, I didn't go to school today. Instead, here I am, sitting and writing in my diary. I can't help but wish he'd come to the school and search for me. Will he come? I think I have to go and check.
• Yours
• Maitri
• She got ready in her favorite red gown, feeling a bit different today. Taking a bold step, she ventured into her mom's room. For the first time, she applied lipstick and eyeliner, creating a subtle yet charming look.
• Looking at herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile and whispered, "Wow, you look cute and beautiful."
• She grabbed the box of chocolate brownies she had packed and left home with her puppy, Zuzu, in tow. Riding her bicycle,
• ★★★
• Vikram played with his ball, and as he saw the mechanic arriving with the driver, a thought crossed his mind, "Today evening, we're going to leave this place. Before that, it won't be possible to meet Angel. I believe she's usually at school around this time. If I go now, I might get a chance to meet her, give her my ID, and phone number so that we can stay in contact. "Now it must be the lunch break. I can spend time with her until evening. I believe we can enjoy each other's company until evening."
• ★★★
• Frustration overwhelmed Priya as she found the door locked, thinking, "God! Why me? Where did she go?" With a sigh, she unlocked the door using spare keys, contemplating the idea of leaving the city once again.
• Just as she was about to close the door, Kalyan intercepted, preventing the closure. He pleaded, "Priya, please. I am requesting you to listen to me just once. I can explain; I'm begging you, please."
• She allowed him to come inside, and she walked to the kitchen to drink water. In the corner, she noticed a box with a note taped on it saying, "Mom, it's for you." Grabbing a glass of water, she returned to the living room, offering him the drink. They both sat in silence for a few minutes.
• When she finally looked at him, he began to speak, "Priya, I know you are upset, and I understand. But please, let me explain. There's a lot you don't know, and I want to make things right. Can you give me a chance?"
• He presented his identity card and calmly explained, "I am a detective. About a year ago, I started investigating you out of personal interest. It's part of a highly undercover operation involving high-profile officers. While looking into Naveen Choudhary's wife, I discovered that the person posing as Naveen was actually Praveen. I suspected you might be aware of this and decided to disappear.
• A few months back, I located you and began observing. During this process, I realized you were running away from Praveen to protect your daughter, Maitri. I started assisting you, not anticipating that I would eventually fall in love with you. My intention was solely to protect you and your daughter, which led me to join your school."
• Continuing, he confessed, "Actually, my main goal is to expose Praveen Choudhary. I'm relatively insignificant compared to his power. I lack the authority and support from influential individuals, and even some people within the police department are backing him.
• All I've been able to do is provide protection. That's been my focus for the past few months without getting too close to you."
• she went through the file, carefully listening to his words, she found herself in a mental struggle, torn between whether to believe him or not.....!
• ★★★
• Maitri walked to school, her handbag hanging loosely around her shoulder, containing the brownies. The school buzzed with children enjoying their lunch during the break, and a few greeted her as she passed by. She approached the school gate watchman and asked, "Uncle, have you seen a new boy, someone new to this place?"
• The watchman nodded, replying, "Oh, that stylish little boy who arrived with his family, along with Kalyan sir."
• Yes! Has he come?" Maitri asked with excitement.
• The watchman replied, "Don't know why he's here, but about half an hour before lunch, he was roaming around the entire school."
• She smiled brightly, shaking hands with the watchman, and she swiftly ran inside.