Chapter-3: Beneath the stars

Elena called out to Arushi, who was deeply engrossed in her book, lost in a world of words and imagination. When she finally emerged from the tent, she held two tokens for food packets, a determined look on her face.

“Hey! Why are you taking two tokens?” Elena asked, raising an eyebrow in curiosity.

Arushi’s expression softened as she explained, “He saved my life. To treat his wound, I need to give him the pills, and he has to eat something first. Don’t you know that?”

“Of course I knew! But he could just go home with the medicine, right?” Elena replied, trying to understand her friend’s reasoning.

“I’ve asked him so many questions, but he hasn’t even told me his name,” Arushi said, her concern evident in her tone. She was genuinely worried about the mysterious prince and the state he was in.

“Oh, okay then. Take care of him. You’re right,” Elena conceded, sensing Arushi’s commitment.

The food supplies allowed only one token per person, and with a resigned sigh, Arushi took just one food plate, along with a piece of bread, feeling a pang of disappointment at the limited options.

“So, are you really just going to eat the bread?” Elena asked, observing Arushi’s choice with a hint of skepticism.

“Of course not! I’ll take some dry fruits my mom packed as well. I want to make sure he gets something nutritious,” Arushi replied confidently, her determination shining through.

“Huh! I’m done arguing with you. Just have whatever you want. You’re impossible sometimes,” Elena said, rolling her eyes with a mix of exasperation and affection.

Arushi then turned to the prince, who was sitting quietly beside the mattress, his demeanor calm despite the earlier chaos.

“You can eat. I’ll just take the bread for now. I’m not hungry—I already ate before the fight,” the prince said, his voice steady and reassuring.

“But…” Arushi started, but before she could finish her thought, he swiftly snatched the piece of bread from her hand and exited the tent, leaving her momentarily speechless just as Elena walked in.

“Hey! Why is he eating the bread? Didn’t you say—” Elena began, her curiosity piqued.

“Yeah! I was about to explain, but he took it and left!” Arushi interrupted, her frustration bubbling to the surface. It was clear she wanted to help him, but he seemed so closed off.

“Hm,” Elena responded thoughtfully, her brow furrowing as she considered the situation.

After a while, Elena decided to find some rest and went to her other friend, leaving Arushi alone with her thoughts. Meanwhile, Arushi chose to leave the prince in the tent and headed to the bus, feeling fatigued and needing a nap.

A few hours later, the atmosphere in the bus shifted as the prince quietly entered, his movements careful not to disturb Arushi. He took a blanket from a nearby seat and gently draped it over her, who was still sleeping in a sitting position, her head leaning slightly to one side.

As he turned to leave, Arushi stirred, her eyes fluttering open. “Hey! Thanks for the blanket!” she murmured, a sleepy smile forming on her lips. Her heart swelled with warmth at the small act of kindness, feeling grateful for his consideration even in his own time of need.

The prince offered a small smile before leaving the bus, settling onto the ground and gazing up at the stars that twinkled brilliantly in the night sky. Each star reminded him of home, and a wave of nostalgia washed over him as he realized how much he missed his home planet.

Meanwhile, Arushi took the blanket with her and joined him, sitting down beside him. The night was peaceful, filled with the gentle sounds of insects chirping, creating a soft, melodic backdrop.

“How is your wound? Do you still feel pain?” Arushi asked, her voice filled with concern.

“I’m alright. You don’t need to worry,” the prince replied, trying to reassure her.

Curiosity sparkled in her eyes as she pressed on. “Who are you, by the way? Thanks for your help back there. If you need any assistance, just ask me.”

“Thanks! No mention,” he said, grateful for her kindness.

Arushi’s worry returned as she noticed a faint trace of blood seeping through the bandage. She quickly retrieved her first aid kit and carefully rewrapped his wound with a new bandage. The prince couldn’t help but admire her attentiveness and the genuine care she showed toward him and others she trusted.

“Actually, I’m not from this village or this city,” the prince finally admitted. “I came here for work. Do you know of any jobs that might suit me?”

Arushi tilted her head, intrigued. “I can help you figure that out if you tell me what you studied.”

“I can do anything!” he replied confidently.

“Anything? Okay, then. Try to hack my mobile using this laptop,” she challenged, handing her laptop over to him, unaware of his extraordinary abilities.

With a flicker of a smile, he accepted the challenge. His fingers danced across the keyboard with remarkable speed, and in mere seconds, he had hacked her mobile. Arushi watched in stunned amazement, trying to process how someone could accomplish such a feat so quickly, especially in a small village.

“Based on your talents, you could easily land a good job in the city with a reputable company,” she remarked, still in disbelief.

The prince nodded thoughtfully. “My friend is with me. You can go back to the tent and get some rest. I’ll come back tomorrow morning with him.”

True to his word, the next morning, he returned with his friend Mateo. The prince recounted everything that had transpired the night before, trying to convince Mateo of Arushi’s kindness and sincerity. The prince pondered the peaceful lives of the people on Earth, realizing that they lived with love and care for one another. He understood that just because some were selfish, it didn’t mean he should judge everyone; punishing the innocent would be a grave mistake.

After their time in the village, the prince and Mateo prepared to return to the city alongside Arushi and Elena, a new bond forming between them. They were ready to explore the possibilities that awaited them, all the while cherishing the connections they had made during their brief but impactful encounter.

...Two souls beneath the vast night sky,...

...In silence shared, where...

...dreams can fly....

...A wounded heart, a gentle touch,...

...In fleeting moments, they felt so much....

..."Stars twinkled bright, like whispers...

...of home,...

...Each shimmering light a story...

...to roam....

...With care and kindness, they...

...drew near,...

...In the quiet night, they conquered fear....