Empire Ascension: The Rise of the Fated One

Chapter 2: Date went Wrong

***Inside the academy***

He reached the staff room and found her at her desk, deeply engrossed in grading papers. Her attention was so focused that she hadn't noticed his approach. He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, then casually leaned against the edge of her desk.

"Hey, Riya," he greeted, with a teasing smile. "Busy saving the world, one paper at a time?"

Startled, Riya looked up, before a smile tugged at her lips. "Oh, Hi! When did you get here?" she asked, gesturing her work. "Just trying to catch up on grading. You know how it is."

Arjun nodded dramatically, feigning a deep understanding of her situation. "Of course, the noble work of a teacher. But," he leaned in slightly, lowering his voice with a grin, "don't you think you deserve a break from saving the world? Maybe tonight? Dinner, a movie... You, me, and a bucket of popcorn?"

Riya's eyebrows shot up, and she looked at him with amusement. "Are you asking me out on a date, Arjun?"

Without missing a beat, he pulled his phone from his pocket and showed her two movie tickets. "Well, today's the 14th, and I happened to get this combo ticket deal. The movie's got good reviews, and I figured I'd be bored without your charm."

Riya chuckled and shook her head, her laughter soft and genuine. "I appreciate the offer, Arjun, but I have way too much work to finish. Tonight might not be the best time."

Feigning a dramatic sigh, Arjun placed a hand over his heart. "Ah, work! the ultimate villain in every good story. But, you know, even heroes need a little downtime." He pulled up a chair, sitting across from her, said playfully. "Besides, I think I'm doing you a favor here. You get dinner, a movie, and the company of the most charming guy in the building."

Riya crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow as she smirked. "Most charming, huh? You're pretty confident, aren't you?"

Arjun grinned shamelessly. "Confidence is just humility in disguise," he quipped. "But seriously, you've been working nonstop for few days. I'd hate to see you burn out. Taking a break could be the most productive thing you do all week!"

Riya tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, really? And how exactly is that?"

Leaning back in his chair, Arjun crossed his arms, a knowing smile spreading across his face. "Well, think about it. If you take a break, relax, and enjoy yourself, you'll come back tomorrow totally refreshed. It's scientifically proven!" He gestured with his hands, mimicking like in lecture. "Too much work makes you lose focus. But a movie? Some good company? That'll reboot your system like magic."

Riya bit her lip, trying not to laugh at his antics. "You really have an answer for everything, don't you?"

With a modest shrug, Arjun replied, "Not everything. Just anything that involves food, fun, and making people smile. Look, I get it: work's important. But so is taking care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup, Riya. And right now, you're running on fumes."

Riya's smile softened as she shook her head. "I'm not running on fumes yet, Arjun. Maybe I'll take a raincheck ?"

Arjun leaned forward, waving his hand dismissively. "A raincheck? That's just what people say when they don't want to hurt someone's feelings. I'm not here for the rain; I'm here for the sunshine!" He flashed her a wink. "Besides, if you wait too long, someone else might swoop in and steal this prime opportunity."

Feigning annoyance, Riya stood up "This audacity.." and playfully smacked him with light punches. "You dare to bring someone else, my place? This is first time you ask, and you already have an attitude!"

Laughing, Arjun raised his hands in defense, grinning at his halfway success. "Okay, okay, it was a joke! See? I came to you the first chance I got. Now it's up to you; join me or not. There's this new thriller out, something with spies and plot twists. I guarantee it'll be worth your time."

Riya sat back down, still smiling but thoughtful. "I don't know, Arjun. I've got a lot to finish before tomorrow..."

Before she could finish, Arjun reached over and gently closed her notebook. "That's where you're wrong. You give me your time, and in return, I'll help with your work. We've still got the morning, and I can even drop you at your flat afterward."

Riya narrowed her eyes playfully. "Oh!, movie, dinner, then my flat? Are you up to something?"

Arjun raised his hands again, laughing. "Trust me, I'm as clean as a blank sheet of paper. Besides, you know me; I'll stand outside while you pass me your papers to grade!"

Before Riya could respond, the door opened, and their colleague Tanya entered, grabbing her things from her desk. "Hey, guys, sorry to interrupt, but we need to prepare for a joint presentation, Riya!"

Arjun, undeterred, ignored Tanya's interruption and stood up, leaning on the desk one last time. "Come on, Riya. Let me make your evening better. What do you say?"

Riya sighed, finally giving in with a smile. "Alright, fine. 7 PM. But you better not make me regret this."

A triumphant grin spread across Arjun's face. "Regret? With me? Never! You'll leave that theater with a smile."

Riya laughed, gathering her things. "We'll see about that."

As their conversation wrapped up, the bell rang, signalling the start of the session. Students began flooding the hallways. Arjun gave her a playful wave. "7 PM it is! See you later, Professor Riya."

Riya waved back as she headed for the door with Tanya. "Don't be late, Professor Arjun."

As the two women left, both giggled,

"Can't believe he finally asked out," Tanya nudged Riya with a teasing smile. "So.. plan for valentine?"

Riya's cheeks flushed as she looked down shyly. "Not quite... but maybe after the movie."

Tanya playfully pinched Riya's arm as they entered their classroom, gossiping and laughing as the students filtered in behind them.

**Later at the evening**

As the evening came closer, Arjun felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. He arrived at the meeting spot early. His heart raced with anticipation as he looked around, hoping to see Riya. But he was disappointed; there was no sign of her.

Meanwhile, Riya hurried through the busy streets. Her heart pounded with anticipation. She had promised Arjun they would meet at the theater for a long-awaited date night. But now, as the crowds thickened and the lights dimmed, she felt lost and unsure of which way to go.

Desperate to find her way, Riya turned into a narrow alley. She hoped it would take her back to familiar places. But instead of safety, she found herself facing a group of intimidating thugs. Their eyes stared at her with lustful intentions.

"Hey there, sweety," one of them sneered, his voice laced with malice. "Looking for some company?"

"If it's money you need, we've got plenty," another added with widened grin.

Riya's blood ran cold as she quickly assessed her surroundings. The narrow alley offered little room for escape, and the menacing figures were closing in fast. Panic surged through her as she froze, realizing the gravity of her situation.

While one of the goons continued his lecherous advances, another moved to flank her: they were blocking any path of retreat. She felt trapped, vulnerable, and utterly alone.

"Come on, don't be shy," the second thug taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "We just want to have a little fun with you."

Fear and desperation gripped Riya, but she knew freezing wouldn't help. Her mind raced through dozens of possible scenarios until she landed on one plan that seemed to offer the best chance of escape.

Summoning every ounce of courage, Riya straightened her shoulders and met their menacing stares with defiance.

The thugs, expecting her to back away in fear, were caught off guard when she stood her ground.

The leader, misinterpreting her stillness as fear, took advantage of the moment to assert his dominance. With a lecherous grin, he reached out and touched Riya's cheek, his hand trailing down her neck and towards her voluptuous bosom.

A jolt of disgust surged through her as his hand crept closer to her chest. Her skin crawled with revulsion, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she stomped down hard on the leader's foot with all her strength.

Caught off guard by Riya's sudden aggression, the leader stumbled backward, momentarily stunned by the pain. Seizing the moment, Riya summoned every ounce of courage within her and pushed past him, breaking free from his grasp and darting towards the mouth of the dark alley.

But the leader's sinister laughter followed her. "So, you like it rough, huh?" he sneered. "Boys, go get her!"

The sound of heavy boots hitting the ground sent a jolt of terror through her, but she didn't look back. She ran with all her might, knowing it would be over once she was caught.

***

Back at the meeting spot, Arjun's gut twisted with worry. Something wasn't right. Riya should have been here by now. He scanned the dark alleys near by, his mind turning over worst-case scenarios. The city's alleys were dangerous at night, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something had gone wrong.

Unable to stand still any longer, he made a snap decision. He had to check the alleys. If Riya was lost, she might have turned down one of those dark, winding paths.

As he entered the dim passageways, his heart pounded in his chest. Shadows stretched across the walls, and the muffled sounds of distant conversations only heightened his unease. His instincts screamed that time was running out.

Suddenly, a figure appeared out of the gloom, rushing towards him with panic in her eyes. Before Arjun could react, Riya collided with him, her breathless words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "Arjun, we.. we need to go! lets run...lets run."

Gripping her arms, he inquired with concern, "Riya, what happened? Are you hurt?"

"Those men... they're after me," she gasped, her voice trembling with fear.

Arjun's heart clenched with alarm as he saw the fear in her eyes. But before they could escape, the goons emerged from the shadows and surrounded them, their sinister forms closing in on them with predatory intent.

Knowing that escape was not an option, Arjun prepared to confront them head on, threatening to engulf them both. His heart burned with courage and resolve to protect Riya, no matter the cost.