Chapter 18 - The journey to Varanasi

It had been six months since I found myself in Aaradhya’s body. At first, it felt like a dream—a surreal, almost impossible twist of fate. But now, it had become my reality. Life had settled into a strange normalcy, but it was too normal, and that made me uneasy. I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen.

Vikrant and I had gone from enemies to lovers, and somehow, we’d become one of the most talked-about couples in college. The transition had been surprisingly smooth, and I didn’t mind the attention. Yet, a part of me felt hollow.

I missed Tanu. The ache was constant, like a wound that refused to heal. There were days when the pain of her absence almost dragged me into depression, but the boys—Vikrant, Aryan, Karan, and Rohan—pulled me out every time. Their antics, their unwavering support, and their determination to keep me smiling had become my lifeline.

Daksh, on the other hand, was a different story. After our last conversation, he hadn’t called, and I hadn’t reached out either. As for Aaradhya’s father, his absence was glaring. Not once had he called to check on her—or me, for that matter. I had long since stopped expecting anything from him.

Still, there was one person I missed more than anything—my Dadi Sa. She had always understood me better than anyone, and lately, I found myself yearning for her wisdom and comfort.

I was practicing fencing at the Archery Club, trying to lose myself in the rhythm of the sport. The sharp clang of metal against metal echoed around me, and for a moment, it was just me and the blade.

I didn’t notice the boys entering until I heard their voices calling my name.

“Aaradhyanshi!”

I snapped out of my trance, lowering my blade as I turned to face them. They stood at the edge of the practice area, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

“Everything okay, Princess?” Vikrant asked, stepping closer.

Princess. He’d started calling me that recently, and every time he did, it sent a strange warmth through me. It was fitting, I supposed, given that I was a real princess in my own time. At least it's not a kitten !!

I sighed, setting the blade aside. “I’m fine,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction.

The boys exchanged glances, clearly not convinced.

“Come on, spill it,” Karan urged. “We can tell something’s bothering you.”

I hesitated, then decided to be honest. “I was just…missing my Dadi Sa. She always knew how to make me feel better, no matter what.”

They nodded in understanding, their concern palpable.

Karan suddenly brightened. “Well, we have some good news that might cheer you up!”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Good news?”

Aryan grinned. “We found the exact  location of the locket.”

My heart skipped a beat. “You did?”

Rohan nodded. “It’s finally surfaced. It’s coming up in an auction next week.”

“Where?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Varanasi,” Karan replied. “The auction itself is legal, but the locket’s inclusion is…let’s just say it’s not exactly above board.”

I didn’t respond immediately, my mind racing. Varanasi. The city held so many memories, both good and bad.

Vikrant stepped closer, his presence grounding me. “We’ll get it,” he said firmly.

I looked up at him. “We?”

He smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You think I’m letting you go alone?”

I glanced at the others, and they all nodded in agreement.

“We’re coming with you,” Aryan said.

“You’re not facing this alone,” Rohan added.

I felt a pang of emotion at their unwavering support. “It could be dangerous,” I warned. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt again.”

They understood what I meant. Tanu’s loss still haunted me, and the thought of losing anyone else was unbearable.

Karan stepped forward, his usual playfulness tempered with sincerity. “We know. But you’re not doing this alone, Aaradhyanshi . We’ve got your back.”

Their words brought a small smile to my face, easing the tension in my chest.

We sat down to plan the trip, deciding to go as college students rather than as the Vipers. The less attention we attracted, the better.

“We’ll keep it low-key,” Vikrant said, his tone decisive. “No flashy cars, no weapons unless absolutely necessary.”

Aryan nodded. “We’ll blend in. Just a group of students on a road trip.”

“What about accommodations?” I asked.

Rohan grinned. “Already booked. A nice little guesthouse near the auction site.”

“And transportation?”

“We’ll take the SUV,” Karan said. “It’s inconspicuous but reliable.”

I hummed in agreement, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

“Don’t worry, Princess,” Vikrant said, leaning closer. “We’ll get the locket and make it back in one piece. Promise.”

I looked into his eyes, finding reassurance in his confidence.

As the boys joked and teased each other, I found myself smiling despite my worries. Their presence, their camaraderie—it was a reminder that I wasn’t alone.

And as I glanced at Vikrant, his smirk softening into a genuine smile, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I was exactly where I was meant to be.

The day of our trip to Varanasi had finally arrived, and as expected, chaos reigned supreme. From the moment we gathered at the college parking lot, it was clear this was going to be a memorable journey.

Karan was late, as usual, claiming he couldn’t find his lucky watch. Rohan had packed enough snacks to feed an army, and Aryan was arguing with the driver about the playlist even before we got into the car. Vikrant, of course, was his usual calm and composed self, leaning casually against the SUV with a smirk that screamed I’m surrounded by idiots.

“Are we ever going to leave?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as I crossed my arms.

“Patience, Princess,” Vikrant replied, his tone teasing. “The circus needs time to pack up.”

Once we finally got on the road, the chaos shifted from the parking lot to the SUV. Aryan and Karan were in charge of the music, which meant a constant battle between old Bollywood classics and trending remixes.

“Turn this off!” Karan shouted as Aryan played a slow romantic song. “We need something upbeat!”

“You have no taste,” Aryan retorted, switching to a peppy dance number.

Rohan, seated in the middle, was already stuffing his face with chips. “Can you two fight quietly? Some of us are trying to enjoy the snacks here.”

I shook my head, laughing at their antics. Vikrant, who was driving, glanced at me with an amused smile. “Still think coming with us was a good idea?”

I shrugged, a smile tugging at my lips. “It’s entertaining, at least.”

About an hour into the trip, Rohan realized that Aryan had eaten his favorite chocolate bar.

“You thief!” Rohan exclaimed, lunging across the seat to grab Aryan by the collar.

“I didn’t know it was yours!” Aryan protested, trying to dodge him.

“Liar! You’ve been eyeing it since I opened the bag!”

Karan, ever the instigator, decided to make things worse. “I think there’s another one in the bag…oh wait, no, I ate that one.”

The SUV erupted into laughter as Rohan groaned dramatically, slumping back into his seat.

We stopped at a small dhaba (roadside eatery) for lunch, and while the boys were busy ordering food, Vikrant and I wandered off to a quieter corner.

The fields stretched out before us, golden in the afternoon sun. Vikrant leaned against a tree, watching me with a soft expression.

“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked.

I shrugged, kicking at a pebble. “Just thinking about how surreal this all feels. Six months ago, I never would have imagined being here, like this.”

He stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine. “And now?”

I looked up at him, meeting his gaze. “Now…I think I’m starting to accept it. Maybe even like it.”

His lips curved into a small smile. “Good. Because I’m not letting you go anywhere.”

Before I could respond, he reached out and tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was so simple, yet so intimate, that it left me momentarily speechless.

“Come on,” he said, his voice gentle. “The food’s probably ready, and knowing those idiots, they’ve already started eating without us.”

Back on the road, Karan realized he’d left his wallet at the dhaba.

“You what?” Aryan exclaimed, staring at him in disbelief.

“I must have dropped it while we were eating,” Karan said, looking sheepish.

Vikrant sighed, pulling the car over. “We’re not turning back. You’ll just have to survive without it.”

“Survive without money? Do you know how hard that is for me?” Karan wailed dramatically.

“I’ll lend you some,” Rohan offered, grinning. “With interest, of course.”

The rest of the trip was filled with Karan lamenting his lost wallet and Aryan teasing him mercilessly about his “financial crisis.”

As night fell, the temperature dropped, and I found myself shivering slightly. Vikrant noticed immediately. Without a word, he reached into the backseat and pulled out a blanket, draping it over my shoulders.

“Thanks,” I murmured, pulling it tighter around me.

He didn’t say anything, just gave me a small smile before returning his attention to the road. But the simple act of care warmed me more than the blanket ever could.

We finally reached Varanasi late at night, the city alive with lights and activity even at the hour. The guesthouse was a quaint little place tucked away from the main streets, offering a quiet refuge from the bustling city.

As we settled in, the boys immediately started arguing over room arrangements, and I couldn’t help but laugh. Despite the chaos, despite the uncertainties ahead, I felt a sense of peace.

And as I glanced at Vikrant, who was watching me with that familiar smirk .