Chapter 7: A Choice of Shadows

The staff room at Rashtra Deep University was a sanctuary of sorts, a place where the teachers could escape the chaos of the classroom and the relentless energy of the students. It was a room filled with the quiet hum of conversation, the soft rustle of papers, and the comforting smell of coffee. Today, however, the atmosphere was anything but comforting.

Priya sat at one of the long wooden tables, her fingers tapping a rhythm on the surface as she stared at the steaming mug of coffee in front of her. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the overhead lamps casting long shadows across the polished floor.

The air was thick with an undercurrent of tension, the usual chatter of the teachers muted and subdued. Priya’s eyes were fixed on the coffee mug in front of her, the black liquid swirling in the cup as she stirred it absently with a spoon.

Sara sat across from her, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders as she leaned forward, her elbows resting on the table. Her eyes were dark and intense, her expression serious as she watched Priya.

“What are we going to do, Priya?” Sara asked, her voice low and steady.

“We can’t just sit here and wait. We need a plan.”

Priya sighed, meeting her gaze. “I know. But what can we do? We’re not doctors. We can’t treat him.”

Sara’s fingers drummed a quick beat on the table, a habit she had when deep in thought. “We don’t have to treat him. We just need to find out what’s happening to him. And we need to protect him.”

Priya’s eyes narrowed, a plan forming in her mind. “You’re right.

We can’t treat him, but we can gather more information. We need to find out what’s really happening to Raj,” Priya said, her mind racing. “And we need to keep him safe.”

Sara nodded, her expression determined. “Then let’s do it. Let’s set up our own investigation. We can’t rely on the hospital alone.”

Priya leaned back in her chair, her mind sifting through possibilities. “We need to be careful. If we start digging too deep, we could attract unwanted attention.

We need to be subtle, keep it under the radar.”

Sara’s eyes flashed with a mix of excitement and concern. “We should start with Raj’s apartment. Maybe there’s something there that can help us piece this together.”

Priya nodded in agreement. “We can’t risk going there during the day. We’ll need to wait until tonight, when the campus is quiet.”

“And what about Raj? We can’t just leave him here,” Sara said, worry creasing her brow.

Priya pushed her coffee mug aside, her mind made up. “We’ll make sure he’s safe.

We can move him to my place for the night,” Priya said, her voice firm. “It’s secluded, and no one will think to look for him there.”

Sara nodded, her expression resolute. “Alright. We’ll need to be quick and quiet. We can’t risk being seen.”

Priya stood up, her chair scraping against the floor as she pushed it back. “I’ll go and make the arrangements. You keep an eye on Raj.”

Sara watched as Priya left the room, her shoulders squared and her expression determined. She turned back to her coffee, taking a sip as she thought through their plan.

The liquid was bitter and strong, just how she liked it. She could taste the lingering sweetness of the creamer, a small indulgence in a world otherwise dominated by the harsh realities of their situation.

Raj sat at the table next to hers, his fingers wrapped around a glass of water. He was staring into the distance, his eyes unfocused and his thoughts a million miles away. She smiled at him, a small gesture of reassurance.

“You okay?” she asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

He started, as if he hadn’t realized she was there. He gave her a small smile in return, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m okay. Just a lot on my mind, you know?”

Sara nodded, understanding completely. But remember, we’re here for you, Raj. Whatever you need, just say the word.”

He nodded, taking another sip of water. “Thanks, Sara. I appreciate it.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Sara and Priya took turns sitting with Raj, trying to keep his mind off things while they waited for the night to fall. They knew they couldn’t risk being seen moving him during the day, so they had to bide their time and try to stay patient.

Priya had called in a favor with one of the night security guards, ensuring they had a clear path to Raj’s dorm without any pesky questions.

Finally, as the sun began to set and the campus started to empty out, it was time. Sara and Priya got Raj settled in a wheelchair—a precautionary measure to avoid any unwanted attention—and pushed him out of the staff room, their hearts pounding in their chests.

The campus was eerily quiet at this hour. The usual hum of student activity was replaced with the distant hoot of an owl and the rustle of leaves as a soft breeze swept through the trees.

The dim lights of the campus provided just enough illumination to navigate the winding paths, but not enough to draw unwanted attention.

Priya pushed the wheelchair steadily, her grip firm on the handles. “We’ll be at your dorm in no time,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the squeak of the wheels on the pavement.

Raj nodded, his eyes darting around nervously. He felt exposed, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum.

Sara walked beside them, her eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement.

Every creak of a branch or rustle of leaves made her heart jump, but she stayed focused, her senses heightened. The night was their ally, cloaking them in darkness.

They arrived at Raj’s dorm, the looming building casting long shadows across the quad. The air was cool, the silence almost palpable. Priya parked the wheelchair by the door, her breath visible in the night air as she spoke in a low voice, “Stay here, Raj. We’ll be right back.”

Sara nodded in agreement, her gaze sweeping the area once more before turning to the door.

“Lock up after us.”

Raj watched them disappear into the shadows of the building, his heart pounding in his chest. He pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders, the cool night air seeping into his bones. The campus felt different at night, the usual hum of activity replaced by an oppressive silence. He strained his ears, listening for any sounds that might indicate their return.

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly as he sat there, his senses heightened by the uncertainty of the situation. He heard the distant hoot of an owl, the rustle of leaves as a small creature scurried by. But there was no sign of Sara and Priya.

Raj tried to distract himself by counting the stars twinkling in the night sky. He lost track of how many he’d counted when he heard a soft rustling from the bushes beside him. His breath hitched, and his heart began to race. He tried to make out any shapes in the darkness, but the night was too thick with shadows.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, stepping into the dim light of the nearby lamp post. Raj’s eyes widened in relief as he recognized Sara. She held a finger to her lips, signaling for silence, then gestured for him to follow her.

Raj’s heart pounded in his chest as he wheeled himself after her, the wheels of the chair making soft clicking sounds against the pavement. They wove through the shadows, their path lit only by the soft glow of the moon and the dim lights of the campus. Sara led him to a small, secluded courtyard, the walls towering high above them, cloaked in ivy.

Raj looked around, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. “Where’s Priya?”

Sara turned to him, her voice barely above a whisper. “She’s keeping watch.

Making sure no one followed us,” Sara explained, scanning the shadows. Raj nodded, his eyes darting nervously. “But why are we here? Where are we going?”

“Priya’s place,” Sara said, her voice low. “It’s secluded, and no one will think to look for you there. Just stay close, and keep quiet.”

They moved swiftly through the campus, their silhouettes blending into the night. Raj’s heart pounded in his chest, each tick of the clock in the nearby tower echoing like a drumbeat. The campus was a labyrinth of shadows, each one hiding a potential threat.

Raj’s heart pounded in his chest as they moved, his eyes darting from side to side, searching for any sign of movement. Sara walked beside him, her gaze fixed ahead, her steps steady and sure.

They reached the edge of the campus, the towering walls of Priya’s apartment building looming before them. The building was old, its once grand facade now marred by time and neglect. Raj looked up at it, a shiver running down his spine. It was like something out of a horror movie.

Sara led him to a narrow alleyway, the entrance hidden behind a tangle of ivy. She pushed the ivy aside, revealing a small, iron door.

It creaked open with a groan, revealing a dimly lit staircase leading upwards. Raj hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest.

“Come on,” Sara urged, her voice barely above a whisper. “We need to keep moving.”

Raj took a deep breath and followed her inside, the door closing behind them with a heavy thud. The air was damp and musty, the only sound the distant drip of water echoing through the stairwell.

They climbed the stairs in silence, their footsteps echoing in the narrow space. Raj’s legs ached, his muscles protesting the sudden exertion. He tried to focus on anything but the pain, his eyes fixed on Sara’s back as she led the way.

The stairs seemed to go on forever, each step a test of his endurance. His breath came in ragged gasps, his lungs burning with the effort.

Finally, they reached the top, the dim light of a single bulb casting long shadows across the landing. Sara turned to him, her expression softening as she saw the strain on his face. she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Raj nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just ... a little out of shape.”

Sara smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “We’ll get you back in shape in no time.

Priya’s got a treadmill in her apartment,” Sara said, her voice barely above a whisper as she led him down the dimly lit hallway. The air was thick with the scent of old wood and dust, the silence broken only by the distant hum of traffic from the street below.

Raj followed her, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The hallway was narrow, the walls lined with faded wallpaper and peeling paint. The doors they passed were all closed, the apartments behind them silent and empty.

Sara stopped in front of a door at the end of the hallway, her hand reaching for the knob. She turned to Raj, her eyes serious. “Priya’s waiting for us inside.

Stay close, okay?” Sara whispered, her breath warm on Raj’s ear. He nodded, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. The door creaked open, revealing a dimly lit room. Priya was waiting for them, her silhouette framed by the soft glow of a lamp in the corner.

“About time you two showed up,” she said, her voice low and steady. “Come on in, quick.”

Raj wheeled himself in, Sara close behind him. The room was small, the walls bare except for a few framed photographs. A worn-out couch and a coffee table filled the space, a small kitchenette tucked away in the corner.

The air was thick with the scent of old books and the faint aroma of coffee. Priya gestured for Raj to sit on the couch, her eyes never leaving him.

“Raj, this is my place,” she said, her voice low and steady. “It’s safe here. No one will find you.”

Raj nodded, his eyes darting around the room, taking in every detail. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly.

Sara closed the door behind them, the click of the lock echoing through the small apartment. She turned to face Raj, her expression serious. “We need to talk, Raj.

About what’s happening to you,” Priya said, her voice firm yet gentle. She sat down on the coffee table, facing him, her elbows resting on her knees.

Raj’s eyes flicked up to meet hers, a mix of fear and curiosity in their depths. “What do you mean? What’s happening to me?”

Priya exchanged a glance with Sara, who nodded encouragingly. “We think something’s ... different about you, Raj. Something physical. And we want to help you figure it out.”

Raj’s brow furrowed, confusion etched on his face. “Different? What do you mean?”

Sara stepped forward, her voice steady. “We think you’re ... growing, Raj.

And we want to help you understand and control it.”

Raj’s eyes widened, his breath hitching in his throat. “Growing? What are you talking about?”

Priya leaned forward, her voice low and calm. “We know this is difficult to discuss, Raj. But we’ve noticed ... changes in you. Physical changes. And we think it’s connected to what’s happening to you.”

Raj’s mind raced, his heart pounding in his chest. He thought back to the incident in the shower, the sudden, inexplicable growth. He had tried to push it out of his mind, but now it was all he could think about.

The way his body had ... changed. The way it had grown, so suddenly and without warning. He had been terrified, confused, and alone. But now, here were Priya and Sara, offering him a lifeline, a chance to understand what was happening to him.

Raj took a deep breath, his eyes flicking between the two women. “You mean ... you mean my ... my penis?” he stammered, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Yes, Raj. We’ve noticed that it’s ... larger than usual. And we think it’s growing.”

Raj’s eyes widened, shock coursing through him.

“How ... how did you know?” he stammered, his voice barely audible. Priya and Sara exchanged a glance, their expressions softening.

“Raj, we’ve seen it,” Sara said gently, her voice steady. “We’ve seen the changes. We want to help you understand and control it.”

Priya nodded in agreement, her eyes never leaving Raj’s face. “We know this is difficult to talk about, Raj. But we’re here to help. We want to make sure you’re safe and comfortable.”

Raj’s breath hitched, his mind racing. He felt a mix of embarrassment and relief, the weight of his secret finally lifted.

“But ... how did you know? I mean, I’ve been so careful, so secretive...”

Priya leaned back, her expression thoughtful. “We’ve seen you around campus, Raj. We’ve noticed the changes. And we’ve also heard some ... rumors.” “Rumors? What kind of rumors?”