Chapter 17- Innate Bond

Rohan made his way back home one evening, the fading light casting long shadows across the familiar streets, he noticed something out of the ordinary. Standing by the gate to his house was an old woman, her silhouette shrouded in the dimness of dusk. A shiver of unease ran down his spine as he approached, his footsteps hesitant.

Drawing closer, Rohan's heart skipped a beat as he realized something peculiar - the woman had no eyes. It was a sight that sent a jolt of surprise through him, a stark reminder of the mysteries that lurked beneath the surface of everyday life.

Despite the initial shock, Rohan's innate kindness compelled him to offer assistance. "Excuse me, ma'am," he began tentatively, his voice betraying a hint of concern. "Is there something I can help you with?"

The old woman turned her head slightly in his direction, her sightless gaze fixed on him. "Oh, Rohan," she said softly, her voice carrying an otherworldly cadence that sent a chill down his spine.

Rohan froze, his mind racing as he struggled to place her. It was then that a flicker of recognition sparked within him - he had seen her before, countless times even, yet her presence had faded from his memory like a forgotten dream.

"I'm sorry, have we met before?" Rohan asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Rohan stood in the fading light, his gaze fixed upon the old woman without eyes, she spoke with a gravity that sent a shiver down his spine.

"Rohan," she began, her voice low and solemn, "you must listen to me. Dark forces have stirred in the depths of the underworld. Demons, ancient and malevolent, have arisen from their slumber."

Rohan's heart quickened at her words, his mind struggling to grasp the enormity of what she was saying. Demons? It seemed like something out of a myth, a tale to frighten children. The old woman's words sank in, Rohan felt a weight settle in the pit of his stomach. Celestial chaos, a broken array, and demons lurking in the shadows - it was a tale straight out of legend.

Rohan stood before the old woman, her words weaving a tale of celestial chaos and lurking demons, he couldn't help but feel a pang of skepticism. It all sounded like the ramblings of a troubled mind, a fantastical story spun from the depths of imagination.

"Thank you for your concern, ma'am," Rohan said politely, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "But I'm afraid I must be going. It's been a long day, and I'm sure you're tired."

The old woman's gaze remained fixed upon him, her expression unreadable. "Do not dismiss what I say so lightly, young man," she warned, her voice carrying a note of urgency. "The danger is real, and it grows stronger with each passing moment."

Rohan shook his head, dismissing her words with a wave of his hand. "I appreciate your concern, truly," he replied. "But I have more pressing matters to attend to. Good evening, ma'am."

With that, Rohan turned on his heel and continued on his way, the old woman's warnings fading into the background. It wasn't that he didn't believe her - it was simply too far-fetched to be taken seriously. Rohan's heart skipped a beat as he turned to close the gate behind him, only to find the space where the old woman had stood empty. Confusion knitted his brow as he scanned the area, searching for any sign of her presence. But there was nothing – no trace of the mysterious figure that had occupied his thoughts just moments before.

Rohan entered his room, the events of the evening began to fade into the background, replaced by the familiar routine of everyday life. With a sigh, he set his bag down and made his way to the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the air as he turned on the shower.

As the warm water cascaded over him, Rohan's thoughts turned to more mundane matters – his work, his friends, his plans for the weekend. He ran through the events of the day in his mind, mentally ticking off tasks completed and deadlines met.

But try as he might to push them away, the memory of the old woman lingered, a persistent whisper at the edge of his consciousness. What had she meant by her warnings? And where had she disappeared to so suddenly?

Shaking his head, Rohan forced himself to focus on the present, pushing aside thoughts of demons and celestial chaos in favor of more practical concerns. The warm water washed away the remnants of the day, Rohan's mind began to drift, the rhythm of the shower providing a soothing backdrop to his thoughts.

With his shower complete and feeling refreshed, Rohan slipped into his comfortable nightwear, ready to tackle the next item on his evening agenda - dinner. As he made his way to the kitchen, the aroma of spices and herbs wafted through the air, enticing his senses and igniting his appetite.

Rohan enjoyed cooking - it was a therapeutic activity that allowed him to unwind after a long day. Tonight, he decided to prepare a simple yet delicious pasta dish, tossing together fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic, and savory marinara sauce.

As he chopped vegetables and boiled water for the pasta, Rohan couldn't help but let his mind wander, his thoughts drifting back to the events of the day. As Rohan went about his evening routine, his mind momentarily drifted to name - Avyaan. Instantly, a wave of sadness and pain washed over him, catching him off guard. Unbidden tears welled up in his eyes, trailing down his cheeks as emotions threatened to overwhelm him.

As Rohan sat on the sofa, lost in his thoughts and emotions, the sound of the doorbell pierced through the silence of his home. Startled, he rose from his seat and made his way to the door, wondering who could be visiting at this hour.

Opening the door, Rohan's eyes widened in surprise as he saw two familiar faces standing on his doorstep - Amit and Ritik, his colleagues and friends. A smile spread across his face, momentarily pushing aside the heaviness in his heart as he welcomed them inside.

"Amit, Ritik! What a pleasant surprise," Rohan exclaimed, genuine warmth in his voice as he ushered them in. "Come on in, make yourselves at home."

Amit leaned forward with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Rohan, we're not just here for a casual visit," he said, his voice tinged with excitement. "We've actually come to invite you to something special."

Rohan raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued by Amit's cryptic words. "Oh? What's the occasion?" he asked, unable to suppress a smile at the anticipation in his friend's voice.

Ritik's words added an extra layer of intrigue to the invitation, and Rohan couldn't help but chuckle at the playful secrecy. "Alright, alright, no prying questions," he agreed with a grin. "I'll trust you guys to keep the mystery alive."

With a quick nod, Amit and Ritik exchanged knowing glances before Amit chimed in, "Great! Get ready quickly, and we'll head out together. It's going to be a night to remember!"

Rohan wasted no time in complying, excitement bubbling within him as he dashed off to his room to change into something suitable for the occasion.

With a quick check to ensure everything was in order, Rohan turned off the gas in the kitchen and made sure the door was securely locked behind him. Dressed in his finest party attire, excitement coursing through his veins, he joined Amit and Ritik outside his house.

The sight of the sleek car parked in front of his home added to the anticipation, and Rohan couldn't help but grin as he approached with his friends. With a casual wave of his hand, Amit signaled to the sleek car, the door smoothly slid open, inviting them inside. The car's AI responded promptly, acknowledging the command with a soft chime before seamlessly, With a gentle hum, the car lifted off the ground, defying gravity as it soared into the night sky, watching the city skyline shrink beneath them.

The journey to Nexo - club took on a magical quality as they glided effortlessly through the starlit sky, the city lights twinkling below like a sea of diamonds. Rohan felt a sense of freedom and exhilaration unlike anything he had ever experienced before, the worries of the day melting away in the face of such breathtaking beauty.

Before long, the club came into view, its neon lights beckoning like a beacon in the darkness. With a graceful descent, the car touched down outside the entrance, bringing an end to their exhilarating flight.

Rohan, Amit, and Ritik entered Nexo - club, they were greeted by the pulsing beat of music and the vibrant energy of the crowd. The club was alive with activity, filled with the laughter and chatter of revelers enjoying the night.

Rohan's eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces of their colleagues scattered throughout the club. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air as coworkers mingled and danced, letting loose after a long week of hard work. Amit nudged Rohan with a grin, gesturing towards a group of their colleagues gathered near the bar. "Looks like the whole gang's here!" he exclaimed, excitement evident in his voice.

they found a cozy corner in the club, Amit and Ritik wasted no time in ordering drinks for themselves, eager to kick off the night's festivities with a toast. Rohan, on the other hand, opted for a soft drink, preferring to keep a clear head as he enjoyed the evening's festivities.

As the drinks arrived and they settled into their corner, Rohan couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. The music throbbed in the background, the lights casting a colorful glow over the dance floor as they chatted and laughed together.

Amit raised his glass in a toast, a wide grin spreading across his face. "To good friends, good times, and unforgettable memories!" he declared, clinking his glass against Ritik's before taking a hearty sip.

Rohan smiled, joining in the toast with a clink of his own glass. "Here's to tonight," he agreed, feeling a warmth spreading through him as he savored the fizzy sweetness of his drink.

They immersed in conversation and laughter, a sudden interruption caught them off guard. A girl from the midst of the crowd approached their table, her eyes fixed on Rohan with a determined expression.

"Hey there, handsome," she said with a playful smile, her voice carrying above the thumping bass of the music. "Care to join me on the dance floor?"

Rohan blinked in surprise at the unexpected invitation, his friends exchanging amused glances beside him. He felt a flush of flattery at the attention but also a twinge of uncertainty. Dancing wasn't exactly his forte, especially in a crowded club setting.

Before he could respond, Amit nudged him with an encouraging grin. "Go on, Rohan! Don't keep the lady waiting," he teased, eliciting a chuckle from Ritik.

Rohan hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. But then he shrugged, a grin spreading across his face as he rose from his seat. "Sure, why not?" he replied, offering the girl his hand.

Feeling the girl's hands closing in around his waist, Rohan's initial excitement began to give way to discomfort. He took a step back, his movements becoming more guarded as he tried to create some distance between them.

"Um, excuse me," he stammered, his voice barely audible over the music. "I, uh, I need to use the washroom."

The girl looked taken aback for a moment, her smile faltering slightly. But then she nodded understandingly, releasing him from her grasp. "Of course," she said, her tone friendly but tinged with disappointment. "Maybe we can dance later?"

Rohan managed a weak smile in response, eager to extricate himself from the situation. "Sure, maybe," he replied, offering a quick nod before turning away and weaving through the crowd towards the nearest exit.

As he made his way towards the washroom, Rohan couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The encounter had caught him off guard, and he needed a moment to collect his thoughts and regain his composure. once inside the relative quiet of the washroom, Rohan took a deep breath, grateful for the chance to catch his breath and clear his head. He splashed some cold water on his face, letting the cool liquid soothe his frazzled nerves.

Rohan's heart skipped a beat as he caught sight of the familiar figure entering the washroom. It took him a moment to register the identity of the person before him, but once he did, a rush of emotions flooded through him.

It was Avyaan, their new CEO - a name that held a weight of significance for Rohan, stirring memories both joyful and bittersweet.

Rohan's heart sank as he approached Avyaan and noticed his disheveled state. It was clear that Avyaan was in no condition to be out in a crowded club, let alone wandering around on his own.

"Avyaan, are you alright?" Rohan asked, concern evident in his voice as he gently placed a hand on Avyaan's shoulder.

Avyaan's words slurred together as he struggled to maintain his balance, his gaze unfocused as he mumbled incomprehensibly. It was clear that he was completely inebriated, unable to comprehend his surroundings or communicate coherently.

"Avyaan, wait," Rohan urged, his voice calm but firm. "Let's go back inside to the washroom, okay? It's not safe to do that here."

But Avyaan's intoxicated state made it difficult for him to comprehend Rohan's words. He continued to fumble with his pants zipper, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated as he struggled to carry out his intention.

"Here we are, Avyaan," Rohan said gently, guiding him towards the toilet. "Let's take care of this, okay? I'm here to help."

With Rohan's assistance, Avyaan managed to steady himself and use the toilet, albeit with some difficulty. Rohan stood by, offering support and reassurance as Avyaan completed the task at hand. Amit and Ritik looked up with concern as they saw Rohan returning with Avyaan, their expressions . As Rohan settled back into his seat beside Avyaan, Ritik's question hung in the air, drawing attention to the unexpected reunion. Rohan could sense the curiosity in Ritik's voice, tinged with a hint of concern and intrigue.

Avyaan lay slumbering on the table, Rohan exchanged a concerned glance with Amit and Ritik. It was clear that Avyaan had reached the point of exhaustion, his body unable to handle the effects of the alcohol and the strain of the evening's events.

"Looks like he's out for the count," Amit remarked quietly, It was clear that Avyaan needed rest and care, but the noisy atmosphere of the club was hardly conducive to a peaceful sleep.

midnight approached and the revelry continued, Rohan couldn't help but notice a change in his friends. Amit and Ritik, who had been by his side throughout the evening, now seemed to be in a state of complete intoxication, their movements unsteady and their words slurred.

Concern flashed across Rohan's face as he realized the extent of their inebriation. It was clear that Amit and Ritik were no longer in a condition to make sound judgments or take care of themselves.

"Hey, guys," Rohan said, his voice laced with worry as he approached them. "I think it's time for us to call it a night." But his words seemed to fall on deaf ears as Amit and Ritik continued to laugh and joke, oblivious to Rohan's concern. It was a troubling sight, seeing his friends in such a vulnerable state, and Rohan knew that he needed to take action to ensure their safety.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation and the need to ensure his friends' safety, Rohan quickly sprang into action. With the assistance of the waiters, he gently guided Amit and Ritik towards the exit, supporting them as they made their way through the bustling club.

Once outside, Rohan flagged down a nearby staff member and explained the situation, enlisting their help to ensure Amit and Ritik were safely transported home. Together, they carefully escorted Rohan's inebriated friends to his car, making sure they were settled in the backseat with seatbelts fastened.

Rohan took out his phone and accessed the app that controlled Amit's car. He quickly inputted the destination as Amit's home address, ensuring that the vehicle would navigate them safely to their destination.

As the car's engine hummed to life, Rohan settled into the driver's seat, keeping a watchful eye on Amit and Ritik in the back. With a gentle touch, he guided the car out into the quiet streets, the vehicle navigating the familiar route with precision and ease. As Rohan reentered the club, a sense of quiet settled over the now-empty space, the pulsating music and flashing lights serving as a stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere earlier in the evening. With a quick scan of the room, Rohan realized that all his colleagues had left, leaving only Avyaan behind.

"Avyaan, we need to go," Rohan urged gently, trying to coax his manager into action. "It's late, and you need to get some rest."

But Avyaan seemed resistant, his grip on Rohan's hand tightening as he shook his head stubbornly. "I don't want to go home," he mumbled, his words slurred with emotion.

As they stepped outside the club into the cool night air, Rohan turned to Avyaan

"Avyaan," Rohan began softly, his voice tinged with concern. "I realize something—I don't actually know where you live."

Seeing Avyaan still sleeping soundly, his drunken state rendering him unresponsive, Rohan felt a twinge of concern gnawing at his heart. It was clear that Avyaan was in no condition to make decisions or communicate effectively.

With a heavy sigh, Rohan gently shook Avyaan's shoulder, trying to rouse him from his slumber. "Avyaan," he called softly, his voice a gentle murmur in the quiet of the night. "We need to get you somewhere safe. Can you hear me?" But Avyaan remained unresponsive, his breathing steady and even as he slept on, oblivious to Rohan's attempts to wake him.

It was clear that Avyaan was still disoriented, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated, but Rohan remained by his side, determined to see him safely home.

As they reached the sidewalk, Avyaan fumbled for his phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed for a cab. Rohan watched anxiously as Avyaan muttered into the phone, his words slurred with exhaustion and alcohol.