The Paper Prison

By Pihu Aggarwal

'Predator', That is exactly what he is. His piercing black eyes complimented his dark, perfectly messy hair. 'Axter Beckett', the woman behind the counter announced, as he marched towards the counter while his black overcoat encircled him as a shadow.

"And there you go again, lost in thought once more. What has captured the attention of our little daydreamer this time?", a voice pierced through my dream. It was my publicist, Jenna, her brunette hair catching the dim light as she slid into the booth opposite me. “I—” I stammered, breaking my gaze from the man. “I was just admiring the coffee. It’s quite handsome, I....I mean tasty”, I glanced down embarrassingly, as bubbly laughter filled my ears. "Tasty it is", she replied tautingly. "but do spill, who were you just gawking at?". 

"The guy in the corner", I murmured. "Don't you think he is perfect?".

"Falling in love now, are we?", she suggested, raising her eyebrows, with a stupid smile on her face.

"C'mon, be serious Jenna", I contered, glaring at her. "He's the perfect candidate for my story, like the prince charming on the white horse."

"I thought we were over the star crossed lovers now, Lev", she leaned back. "I Thought we agreed with something different, edgy even."

"We did", I looked back to her, "And he is my male 

protagonist, the source of my inspiration." Our conversation broke as the sound of ringing shattered the air. "Sorry, I need to go for now but do take better care for yourself, alright". As she stepped away, I couldn't help but lean towards the man. I need to know more about him. As I watched, a beautiful woman, her sandy blond curls bouncing, entered the café. She went straight for him, throwing her arms around his neck.

“Hey!” she said, her voice melodic, "I missed you". I must admit she is quite attractive but doesn't quite meet his standards. She lacks vibrancy when she's beside him, she cant be the female lead in my story. I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. Why was I analyzing her? She was just his girlfriend. Then it hit me like a jolt of electricity—what if.....what if it's me instead?  I glanced down at my iPad, a sudden idea sparking in my mind like a match igniting a flame. What if I wrote about this? About love twisted into obsession, A love between him and me. A brooding hero entangled in a web of psychological intrigue and a strong, daring and daringly obsessed female lead rather than a helpless damsel.

Since that day, I returned to the café again and again, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.

“Why hasn’t he come back?”, my fingers tapping on the screen. “He’s the only thing inspiring me, and he’s gone!” 

“Back again, Levi?” the barista asked, raising an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. “Shut it,” I grumbled, my eyes darting to the door. “I’m here for... research.” 

But with each passing day, my restlessness only grew. I can't just forsake my character! 

I scoured social media, knowing only his name, desperate for a shred of information. I finally found him— living in another city, but that didn’t deter me. 

Desperate to know more about him, I immediately packed my bags and settled into a house across the street from his.

Sitting on my couch, as I glanced at the familiar chaotic jumble of the pages, it brought back memories of the countless hours of scribbling on him. Even my walls were covered by him. Photographs, newspaper clippings, and social media printouts. I had every detail over him. This is the man, the first and only being, I desperately sought to imprison within the fragile confines of paper. 

As I gazed mindlessly out side the window, I caught a glimpse of him, through the window, jogging past my house. His strides, long and confident, the early morning sun casting a golden hue on his tousled hair. 

“Ugh, why can’t you just notice me?” I muttered, frustrated. Gazing back to my iPad, where my character Axter was falling in love with my protagonist. The contrast felt like a cruel joke. 

Axter turned slightly, his eyes narrowing as he caught sight of me, eyes to eyes.

But instead of even acknowledging me, he opted running with the same determined expression plastered on his face. "Now that was rude!", I exclaimed. "I'm not even asking him to fall in love like my axter, But a small smile would be appreciated, would it not."

The café was a mixture of sounds—clinking cups, low murmurs of conversation, the hiss of the espresso machine—but all I could focus on was the couple at the corner table. My inspiration Axter, with his picture perfect girlfriend, Kathie.

I took a sip of my coffee, as I gazed just a moment longer.

They were laughing. Ha! Ha! Ha! The sound pierced through my chest like a knife. I should’ve felt happy for them, but instead, my heart twisted in knots. 

"Why can't he see me?" I muttered under my breath, more to myself than anyone else. I was the one who wrote stories, who crafted characters with precision and depth, yet here I was—unseen, unheard. My protagonist had it all. She was brave, bold, and Axter was falling for her. Why couldn’t I be the one to catch his eye? 

I felt a swell of jealousy, sharp and bitter, as I recalled the scene I’d written the night before. My protagonist had bumped into a girl who resembled Kathie and, instead of brushing her off, Axter had defended her. He had been captivated. But in my reality? I was invisible.  I was tired of being the overlooked character in my own life. Maybe it was time to make a scene. Just like my protagonist. "Excuse me,” I said, standing abruptly. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do, but I felt a rush of adrenaline course through me. I walked toward them, my heart pounding.

“Levi, what are you doing?” I heard a voice whisper behind me, but it felt distant, muffled like the noise of the café.  With a sudden burst of reckless bravery, I bumped into Kathie, my coffee sloshing over the rim and spilling a bit across her dress.

“Oh! What the—” she shrieked, her hands flying to her dress, 

the coffee soaking through the fabric, staining it. Axter was on his feet instantly, concern etched across his handsome features. “Kathie! Are you okay?” He reached for her, brushing his fingers against the stain as if it were a serious injury.

I felt a dark satisfaction bloom within me. "Ha! Ha! Ha!" I almost laughed at the irony. 

“I'm fine,” she snapped, glaring at me. “Watch where you’re going, you—” “Maybe you should pay more attention!” I shot back, my voice sharper than I intended. Axter turned to me, rage clouding his expression. “What’s your problem?” My heart raced, This was my moment. “My problem? My problem is that you don’t even see me! I’m right here, and you’re too busy fawning over this—this girl!” I gestured wildly, frustrated. 

"Excuse me, I don't even know you miss", he said, his voice low, a hiss “What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with YOU!” I snapped. “You’re supposed to care for me, Axter! You’re supposed to love me!” A few heads turned, whispers rippling through the café.

"Will you just stop!" Kathie said, her voice trembling. “You’re making a scene.”

“A scene?” I laughed, as glanced towards Axter, “This is nothing compared to our story. Where you choose me, the one who love you genuinely.”

“What are you talking about?” Axter asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

“The story where you care about me!” I shouted, the words spilling out of my mouth, “But here you are, pretending like I don’t even exist.” 

“I don’t even know your name!” he said, exasperation lacing his tone. 

My chest tightened. “Exactly! But you’re supposed to! You’re supposed to be the guy who notices me! Who loves me! Not her!” I pointed at Kathie, her expression a mix of shock and anger. “You’re insane,” Axter hissed.

“Why? Because I’m not pretty enough?” I spat back. “Because I don’t fit your little mold of perfection?”

Suddenly, something inside me snapped. My hand, without thinking, lifted the remaining iced coffee and poured it over Kathie’s head.

The café went silent.

“Ahhh!” she screamed, her voice piercing through the silence, her hands flying to her hair, trying to comb the sticky liquid from her scalp. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Axter rushed to her side, wiping at her hair, his eyes darting back to me, a mix of shock and anger.

“Someone call the police!” a voice called from behind the counter. 

My heart sank, but I didn’t back down. I stood there, chest heaving, “Why won’t you even look at me?” I shouted, my voice cracking. “Why do you only care about her?”

The police arrived, the door swinging open with a whoosh, uniformed officers stepping inside, their presence commanding immediate attention. 

"You need to cooperate with us Ms. Levi .  Atleast tell us you guardian's name for us to contact.", The police officer cooed. 

"Mr. Aiden" I murmured. 

"Pardon"

" Mr. Aiden, the chief of police, is my father." 

".........."

"I'll be back in a jiffy".

"Madam, you're free to go." The officer bowed slightly. "But please, maintain a distance from them; its for you own good!"

I left the station feeling exhausted. I sat on the pavement, feeling a whole whirlwind of emotions stirring inside me.

How could they do this to me, how could axter do this to me!

I have done nothing. I just wanted him to love me as he is supposed to, and in the process spilled some coffee on that wicked girl. Was this my crime? Should I have to go to police for that?

No.... 

No

No

No, it was not my mistake. Kathie is the  problem. That dramatic girl is the one in between us. She took everything for me. Now it's my turn. 

My first attack would be digital. Carefully, I began crafting a narrative. Anonymous messages and Subtle hints and Rumors that would help me to slowly erode Kathie’s professional reputation. 

I created fake email accounts. Sent anonymous tips to HR suggesting inappropriate workplace behavior. Fabricated screenshots implying Kathie was trading professional favors for career advancement. Each lie was designed to plant seeds of doubt.

As my phone buzzed, A notification from Kathie's LinkedIn 

showed, she had been fired. A small part of my heart was satisfied. But this was just the starting.

With a few clicks, I uploaded a series of fake social media posts, each one more damaging than the last. I created a fake account in Kathie's name, posting comments and scandalous photos. The online community was quick to react, with many of her friends and colleagues expressing shock and outrage.

Now for the last step,

I crept through the shadows, my heart racing with anticipation. I had been planning this for weeks, ever since that incident. It wasn't enough to just ruin her reputation; I wanted to make her feel vulnerable, to make known to her that I could reach her anywhere.

I slipped on gloves and approached her front door, with my lockpick ready. It took only a few moments to open the door, and I slipped inside, my eyes adjusting to the darkness.

I moved swiftly, my footsteps silent on the carpet. I reached the living room and began to work, my hands moving swiftly as I smashed and tore at the furniture.

The sound of shattering glass and splintering wood filled the air, and I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was what I had been waiting for – the chance to unleash my fury on the woman who had wronged me.

But as I turned to leave, I heard a sound that made my blood run cold. The sound of a phone dialing, followed by Kathie's voice, panicked.

"Hello, p-p-police? I need to report a b-break-in."

My heart skipped a beat as I realized I had to get out, fast. I 

turned and sprinted towards the door, but it was too late. I heard the sound of sirens in the distance, getting closer and closer.

I was trapped.

I sat in the cold, silent room, facing my parents with Kathie and Axter. The tension was thick, but still instead of checking on me, he was focused solely on Kathie.

Kathie’s voice trembled with rage as she recounted the events of the break-in. "She smashed my furniture, destroyed my belongings, which left me feeling vulnerable and scared. She deserves to go to prison."

My father, the chief of police, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. I knew he was torn between his duty and his love for me.

The officer in charge of the case leaned forward, his expression stern. "Miss, we understand the severity of the situation, but we also have to consider the circumstances. Her father's... influence, let's say, has led us to consider alternative sentencing."

Axter's eyes widened in outrage. "Alternative sentencing? You mean because of who her father is, she gets off free?"

My father intervened, his voice calm and authoritative. "That's not what's happening here. We're proposing a house arrest and a restraining order. That way, Miss Kathie will be protected, and my daughter will have the opportunity to reflect on her actions."

The officer nodded in agreement. "We believe this is a fair and reasonable solution. Miss kathie and mr. Axter, I know this may not be the outcome you were hoping for, but I 

assure you, we will be monitoring the situation closely."

They nodded curtly, and the officer continued, "Miss, you will be required to stay at least 500 feet away from Miss Katie at all times. You will also be fitted with an ankle monitor to ensure compliance."

I felt a surge of relief wash over me, with anger bubbling inside me. I had gotten off easy. But a restraining order is over the top. I would need to find a way to avoid it.

I paced around in my room, crumbling the restraining order. How could they do this to me? Confine me to my own home like a prisoner?

My anger boiled over, and I knew I had to take action. I called out to my housemaid, Maria, and whispered a deal to her "Let me out, Maria and I'll give you anything you want."

The promise of a hefty bribe sealed the deal. She nodded, and I slipped out of the house, into the night.

I made my way to the usual spot, my heart pounding in my chest. I had only one goal: to find Kathie and to make her pay. At last, I spotted her walking down the alley.

I gripped the knife tightly in my hand, my fingers trembling with rage. I waited until she was close, then lunged at her with all my might.

But just as I was about to complete my revenge, my goal, a figure appeared out of nowhere, grabbing Kathie and pulling her away. I stumbled forward, the knife still clutched in my hand, and that's when I saw him – Axter

He had thrown himself in front of Sarah, taking the strike meant for her. The knife had sliced through his arm, leaving a trail of blood in its wake.

I stood there, frozen in horror, as his eyes locked onto mine. Then, the sound of sirens pierced the air, and I knew I was caught. The police arrived, surrounding me and dragging me away as I screamed and struggled against them.

I sat in my plush, oversized armchair, surrounded by the beautiful decor of my new home. It was a far from the confines of my old house, where I had been trapped by the restraining order.

I, the perfect version, deserved all of this. A beautiful house and people who adored me.

This is justice.

As The other Levi, the foolish one and  her lover, the birdbrain Axter were sent  to the place that suited them.

 AN ASYLUM

By Pihu Aggarwal