Crystallized Truth

Chapter 18 - Arc

Gleaming under the antique chandelier, the rectangle room was a sight of order and cleanliness. The whispers from old times floating in its every corner. The shelves neatly aligned and labelled. The newspapers kept with care.

To say Archie was not impressed would be a lie. This place was art in itself. The arrangements in perfect timeline made the arduous job all the more appealing. He could imagine the research students enjoying their time in this sanctuary of old newspapers.

Moving around effortlessly, he checked the newspapers randomly yet particularly from the timeline of 2010-2020. With a hope to find something useful.

He stopped when his eyes fell on the corner most shelf labelled with Breaking News. He walked to the shelf and found every square with newspapers having its own timeline pasted. A smile came on his face when he found some newspapers from the timeline he wanted.

This can't get better.

He might kiss the hands who sorted the newspapers in such a fantastic arrangement, saving his thousands of seconds. He decided to start from the folder of year 2020. It had quite a few newspapers. Five maximum.

First two newspapers were of no interest to Archie. The third one had a huge collage of elites of Dehradun with an interesting headline. His eyes widened in surprise and he quickly clicked the picture of front page containing a whole article on Azaad family.

Placing back the newspaper on its place, Archie hastily checked other newspapers for any significant news. Spending fifteen minutes in his quest, he finally abandoned his search and rushed for hotel.

._____.

The weather was still white. Snow and clouds and whatever. It wasn't that bad though. Ashley grunted at his mixed feelings. Why did he even come at this place giving weird vibes?

His eyes trailed back to Amelia. Walking to and fro, she was avoiding looking at him as if he was some contagious disease she could contract with a simple gaze.

If only he could change her hatred into positive emotion, or at least mellow down her hatred that had no reason in his perspective.

What was wrong if he feared the forest due to its alluring attractiveness? It was his personal issue not a reason to base off hatred.

Something was wrong with this girl and somehow that was the reason he was not able to pull her off from his head. After those pictures and little story of past, it had not been easier than before.

"Have you seen her anywhere?" Snapping him out of his thoughts, Amelia spoke at last.

Disoriented Ashley tried to cover his less than acceptable attention and shook his head, roaming his eyes around the pool of people. People rushing in and out of mall. T no where to be seen.

"If you'll be more attentive only." Amelia rolled her eyes.

"Why didn't you find her then?" Ashley countered annoyed of her remark.

Can't she talk properly with him for a change?

Amelia shot him angry look and before he could listen her answer, someone called her from behind gaining her undivided attention.

"Amelia." Dhruv called.

Ashley fisted his hand. Her face lightened and she walked to him completely forgetting he existed. His veins bulged. If only he could kill that guy.

He had to be calm, closing his eyes he reminded himself.

Amelia seemed happiest to see her so called friends and she met both Dhruv and Honey with same enthusiast she would capture nature.