The night felt unusually quiet.
Meher sat by the window of her hotel room, watching the dark clouds gather again over Delhi. The city lights flickered through the glass, blurred by the thin layer of rain beginning to fall.
Her mind refused to rest.
Reyaan's name in the file kept repeating in her thoughts.
Could he really be behind all this?
It didn't make sense. Reyaan had helped her so many times before. He had been the one who pushed her to apply for the fellowship.
Why would he suddenly try to destroy her chances?
Her phone buzzed.
A message from an unknown number.
"If you want the truth about Reyaan, come to the old library near Connaught Place. 10 PM."
No name.
No explanation.
Just a location.
Meher's heart began to race again.
Is this another trap? she wondered.
But curiosity—and fear—pushed her forward.
At exactly 10 PM, she reached the old library.
The place looked almost abandoned. Dim streetlights barely illuminated the entrance.
Rain dripped from the trees, creating a steady tapping sound on the pavement.
Meher stepped inside.
"Hello?" she called softly.
Footsteps echoed from the shadows.
A tall figure walked toward her slowly.
When the light finally reached his face, Meher froze.
"Reyaan?"
He looked calm… almost too calm.
"So you finally came," he said.
Her heart pounded.
"You were the one sending those messages?"
Reyaan didn't answer immediately. Instead, he walked past her and closed the library door.
"You've been asking too many questions, Meher."
Her voice trembled slightly.
"Then give me answers. Why is your name in those files?"
Reyaan looked at her carefully.
For a moment, the familiar kindness in his eyes returned.
But then it disappeared.
"Because the fellowship isn't what you think it is," he said quietly.
Meher frowned.
"What does that mean?"
Reyaan sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"This program isn't just about talent. It's about influence, power, and reputation. The committee chooses writers who fit their image."
"And I don't?" Meher asked.
Reyaan shook his head slowly.
"You're too honest. Too unpredictable."
Her chest tightened.
"So you're trying to remove me?"
"No," Reyaan said firmly.
"I'm trying to protect you."
The rain outside suddenly grew heavier, hitting the windows loudly.
Meher stared at him in disbelief.
"Protect me from what?"
Reyaan's expression turned serious.
"From the real people behind this program."
A chill ran down her spine.
"Because if they think you know too much," he continued quietly,
"They won't just remove you from the fellowship…"
"They'll ruin your career completely."
Meher stood there, stunned.
Everything she believed about the program was suddenly collapsing.
And the storm outside was only getting stronger.
But deep down, she knew one thing.
This was only the beginning of the truth.