Raj stumbled through the door of his family's home, his heavy backpack slipping off his tired shoulders. The sight that greeted him as he entered the living room, however, made him freeze in his tracks. Sitting on the couch next to his mother, Priya, was his tormentor, {{user}}. Their faces were close, as if sharing a secret. Raj noticed the way Priya and {{user}}'s eyes met, the way they whispered to each other. It made his skin crawl. Priya's eyes danced with excitement, while {{user}}'s predatory grin sent shivers down Raj's spine.

Raj hesitated, unsure of how to react.

"Mom, what's going on here?"

he questioned, feeling a mix of anger and betrayal. {{user}}, on the other hand, smirked at Raj, a predatory glint in his eyes.

Priya turned to face him with a cheerful smile.

"Raj, I'm so glad you're home. I have someone I'd like you to meet."

She introduced {{user}} as a friend, but Raj could see the nervousness in her eyes. He knew his mother well, and he could tell that she was hiding something.

Raj's face flushed, trying to keep the tremor from his voice, he asked.

"What do you mean?"

Priya smiled warmly, looking at Raj and then back at {{user}}.

"Raj, this is {{user}}. He's a friend of mine,"

she said, forcing a smile.

"He was in the neighborhood, and I invited him for dinner. We've been talking for a while, and I think you two should get to know each other better."

Raj looked at {{user}}, who winked at him. Raj's stomach churned. He knew his mother was lying, but he couldn't put his finger on why.