CHAPTER 19: THE ANNOUNCEMENT

THE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Back in the canteen, Amavas resumed his work. The place was bustling with activity as students settled in for lunch. Anya, Meera, and Raj arrived and took their usual table. As they sat down, their eyes were inevitably drawn to Amavas.

"I'm going to trigger him. We need to see what he's capable of. We need to push him," Anya said, her voice low but firm, eyes narrowing. "Get him to reveal something."

Meera and Raj exchanged worried glances. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" Meera asked, her concern evident. "What if he reacts badly?"

Raj leaned in, his expression serious. "We have to be careful," he nodded.

Anya stood up and walked over to the counter where Amavas was working. She intentionally bumped into him, causing a glass to fall and shatter on the floor.

"Watch where you're going, cleaner," she said loudly, her tone dripping with disdain.

Amavas glanced at her, his expression unreadable, and bent down to pick up the shards of glass without a word.

"Do you have nothing to say for yourself?" Anya continued, pushing further. "What kind of worker…"

Her sentence was cut short by the principal's announcement echoing through the canteen's PA system. Mr. Ram Malhotra's voice rang out, "Attention, students. As you all know, Mr. Amavas bravely saved the lives of our students yesterday. He has earned the utmost respect from the college board and should not be treated disrespectfully by anyone. I have been informed that a few students are trying to misbehave with him. This is a warning to them and to all. He is a valued member of our community, and any disrespect towards him will not be tolerated and will result in immediate rustication. That's all."

The announcement caused a stir in the canteen. Everyone turned to look at Anya with accusing eyes, as if to say, "That was especially for you."

Anya's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. She returned to the table, her eyes narrowing as she watched Amavas continue his work. "This isn't over," she whispered to Meera and Raj, trying to hide her embarrassment. "We're going to uncover his secrets." Raj thought for a moment and then said, "I don't think we'll uncover anything by acting like his enemies. We should try a different approach.""You're right," Anya replied, considering his words. "But if we suddenly try to be friendly, he'll think we're pretending because of the announcement."

"Even if he doesn't think we're pretending, he'll never be friendly with you," Raj added.

Anya sighed and nodded. "True."

They both turned to look at Meera, who, upon seeing their expectant gazes, widened her eyes. She looked scared, thinking of their mischievous minds. "Why are you both looking at me like that?" Meera asked, stuttering nervously.

"Because, Meera," Anya said, leaning in, "you're the only one who can pull this off. You're naturally kind and approachable. He might open up to you."

Meera's eyes grew even wider. "Me? I don't know… I'm not good at pretending," she replied hesitantly, stuttering more, standing up and trying to leave, clearly not thrilled about the idea.

"You don't have to pretend," Raj assured, grabbing her hand and pulling her to sit down again, smiling widely. "Just be yourself. Try to get close to him, see if you can learn anything."

Meera's cheeks turned bright red, and her body started to shiver. She stuttered, "No, no, no... I... I can't do this... please, please, please, don't make me do this... please."

"Why are you so scared all of a sudden?" Raj asked, grinning mischievously. "I thought out of all the girls I know, you were the bravest. Remember how you always kick and punch me when you're angry? But seeing you shivering like that... I don't think it's just fear." He emphasized, "I think you like him. You're in love, Meera," he teased.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Meera snapped, swinging a punch at Raj.

"See, that's what I'm talking about. You're never hesitant to kick or punch me, but you're scared of talking to Amavas. It means you're attracted to him," Raj said, taunting her even more and laughing.

Meera stood up, came up behind Raj, and put him in a chokehold. "Now, what were you saying again?"

Raj, struggling to breathe, managed to choke out, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

Anya interrupted, "Meera, try to understand. Remember how his teammates were patrolling outside the college fences? We're the only ones who know who he really is. They might be planning something dangerous, and if we do nothing and something bad happens, it'll be on us."

Meera bit her lip, thinking it over. After a couple of minutes, she said, still hesitant, "Okay, I'll try. But you both owe me big time for this."

"Deal," Anya said with a grin. "Now let's get back to lunch and come up with a plan." She turned to Raj and winked.

The rest of the lunch passed with Meera, Raj, and Anya brainstorming ways to approach Amavas without raising his suspicions. They decided that Meera would start by casually striking up conversations with him and showing genuine interest in his work and life.

Amavas stepped out of the canteen, his shift was over. He stretched and glanced at the sky then started walking towards the fence gate."Amavas!" He looked back at the caller. Meera was hurrying towards him.

"Hi, Amavas," Meera said, trying to sound as casual as possible.

Amavas looked up, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes, but he stayed silent.

"Actually, I was just wondering if you needed any help around here in the college," Meera said hesitantly.

Amavas studied her for a moment, then replied in his calm, cold voice, "What kind of help?"

Meera suddenly found herself at a loss for words. Trying to look normal but unable to hide her stuttering, she said, "Any... kind of... I mean... if someone bothers you or if you need anything." She somehow managed to complete the sentence.

"Yes, there is one person who is bothering me," he said without any expression.

Meera smiled, relieved that her first step had gone smoothly. "Well, just tell me who it is and I'll take care of it," she said, silently hoping this approach would bring her closer to him.

"You," he said coldly, turning away and walking off, leaving Meera standing there, embarrassed.