Chapter 7: Lies, Laughter, and the Old Lake

I check the time—Arjun’s almost done meditating for the day, about to come find Meera.

The river is quieter now, sunlight slanting through the water. I watch the bubbles rise, nerves jangling in my stomach.

I have to get her to leave before he arrives.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the performance of a lifetime. ‘Yeh acting school ka test hai, Priya!’

I step forward, chin up, acting arrogant but secretly picking at my fingers.

My nails dig into my skin, grounding me. I put on my best ‘royal princess’ face.

Whenever I lie, I pick at my fingers.

Old habit—my Amma used to catch me out every time. ‘Priya, what are you hiding?’ she’d ask. Today, it’s my shield.

I like Arjun.

The words come out slow, heavy. I glance at Meera, gauging her reaction.

Arjun likes me too.

It’s a lie, but I say it with all the confidence I can muster. ‘Fake it till you make it, Priya.’

Suddenly, a rumbling sound comes from outside, like something collapsed.

A thud shakes the water—I jump, heart racing. ‘Bas, ab kya naya hungama hai?’

Meera doesn’t care, her expression full of disdain.

She rolls her eyes, lips curled in a sneer. ‘Yeh sab nautanki nahi chalegi,’ her face says.

Nonsense! Your scum of a father wiped out the whole naga clan—how could Arjun like the daughter of his enemy?

The words hit hard, but I keep my face blank, blinking away the sting.

I almost reflexively retort.

My voice trembles, but I force the words out, determined not to break.

My father is my father, I’m me—we’re not the same.

Tears prick my eyes, but I blink them back. ‘Apne paap ke bojh sab khud nahi uthate.’

My eyes brim with tears, about to fall but not quite.

It’s a delicate balance—just enough to look genuine, not so much that I lose control.

Looks like I’m madly in love with Arjun.

The system encourages me:

Nice, keep going! Now, give her some evidence.

His excitement is almost infectious—like a director urging his actor on set. (😏)

Meera’s face goes cold:

What makes you think Arjun likes you?

The challenge is clear. I search my mind, scrambling for anything believable.

I think for a moment.

‘Come on, Priya, think!’ My hands clench into fists, knuckles white.

He doesn’t like my dad, my dad doesn’t like me—two negatives make a positive, so he likes me.

It’s childish logic, but I say it with a straight face, hoping it’ll do the trick.

I’m a little proud, hoping for the system’s praise.

The system sighs:

Forget it, just read from the panel.

He sounds defeated, but I can tell he’s still rooting for me.

The system pulls up the script.

If Arjun didn’t like me, why would he bring me back to Naga Valley?

Did he ever let you touch the naga scale on his chest?

I’ve touched it.

Every part of Arjun’s body, I’ve touched. And you? Has Arjun ever let you get close to him?

I finish reading.

The silence that follows is heavy. Meera’s eyes widen, lips pressed tight. She turns on her heel and flees, the water swirling in her wake.

Sure enough, Meera is hurt and runs away.

I stand there waiting, and ask:

Why didn’t Arjun come find Meera?

I frown, scanning the water for any sign of him. The question hangs between us, unanswered.

The system says:

When you said you liked Arjun, he was already there. Hearing that, he was so grossed out he covered his face and ran away. Now he’s outside angrily ramming into coral.

I stifle a laugh, picturing Arjun’s dramatic exit. ‘Yeh banda bhi na, total drama king.’

I nod.

So that crashing sound was coral.

I remember—last time Arjun carried me, he also crashed into coral.

A pattern is forming—maybe he needs to see a river therapist?

Arjun must really like crashing into coral.

The system is sure:

Because coral looks like naga horns. He can’t grow his own, so he won’t let anyone else have them either. Stingy, so petty.

I grin, imagining Arjun sulking as he glares at the coral. ‘Bachon wali harkat hai, yaar.’

The system glances at the panel—he’s really enjoying those crashes. Excitement value is off the charts.

Numbers spin on the panel, flashing bright green. At least someone’s having fun.

The system gives me a life lesson.

You can’t want a man like this. He’ll definitely crash into his wife in the future.

I nod solemnly, repeating the words like an oath.

I imitate him.

Can’t want.

We both burst out laughing—the water seems lighter, brighter. For once, everything feels simple.

The system sighs in relief, seeming quite pleased with me.

Keep going. Meera’s already run to the edge of Old Lake—hurry and go push her.

My tail flicks with new purpose. I’m ready—for the next quest, for whatever comes next. I’m used to my tail now, swimming super fast.

In no time, I catch up to Old Lake.

The water is clear, reflecting the sky above. My heart pounds—but this time, it’s with excitement, not fear. As I close in on Old Lake, my heart races—whatever happens next, I know it’ll be one for the family WhatsApp stories.