As Sujal stands at the hotel's threshold, uncertainty still lingers in his mind. The decision to return to this place, where memories of unimaginable pain and loss lingers, has been a difficult one. Meanwhile, Kashish, in a designer red saree adorned with intricate white bead work, walks forward. Her deliberate, measured steps echo through the hotel's lobby, her pace speaks volumes about her determination to confront the past. She doesn't bother to wait for him, assured that he will eventually follow.

Only she knows the extent of persuasion required to bring Sujal back to this place. Who would willingly return to a location that had inflicted such unbearable agony? A place where, despite sharing the same roof and room, Sujal had felt an unbridgeable distance from Kashish? There had been no rift between them, merely Sujal's inability to shake off the traumatic memories.

Three years have passed since the fateful incident, yet the wounds still feels raw. A devastating fire had swept through the hotel, claiming the lives of Sujal's entire family, sparing only him and Kashish. The horrific images still torture his mind: black smoke billowing from the building, people shrieking and shouting to escape. Sujal's heart still bears the weight of 'what ifs.' Had he been inside with his family, could he have saved them? The guilt and anguish still linger, a constant reminder of that terrible night.

As the painful memories flood his mind, Sujal's eyes shut tight, and he cries silently, overcoming with frustration and helplessness. A faint whisper escapes his choked throat,

"Mu...maa..."

The ache of missing his mother, now lost forever, feels like an open wound. The sorrow overwhelms him, tear rolls down his cheeks.

(Sujal's sad tune begins)

Composing himself, Sujal's gaze drops to the floor, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Aisa ek bhi din nahi gaya hoga Mumma jab aapke bete ne aapko yaad na kiya ho."

His words tremble with emotion.

"Su...b ku...ch kho diya tha maine Mumma jab meri ankhon ke saamne aap, adh jali awastha mein theen. Sub kuch!"

Sujal's fist clenches and he lightly strikes his forehead, as if punishing himself for his helplessness.

"Ghu...t... Ghu...t... kar jee raha hoon apni zindagi aapke bina Mumma. Aap subke bina!"

Each word is forced out of his throat, heavy with grief and longing.

●●●●●

Kashish steps into the elevator, her trembling hand reaching out to press the button for the third floor. As the doors slide shut, her heart begins to pound in her chest, racing with anticipation and fear. Her eyes remains fixed on the display above the doors, watching as the numbers ticks by with agonizing slowness.

The moment the elevator jolts to a stop on the third floor, Kashish's heart seems to freeze in her chest. Her eyes widens, and she instinctively clutches at her mangalsutra, seeking comfort and strength from the familiar symbol of her marriage - the mangalsutra.

With a deep breath, Kashish takes her first step out of the elevator, her foot hesitating for a moment as if uncertain whether to proceed. Finally, she summoned the courage to lift her left foot out of the elevator, joining her right foot on the floor outside.

"Right!" ,

whispers Kashish to herself, as the elevator doors slide shut behind her,
as if urging herself onward. She begins to walk slowly down the corridor towards the right, her feet carrying her toward the room that had once been occupied by Veena and CG.

Her face reflects the sadness that fills her heart. As she reaches the door, she hesitates for a moment before pushing the handle down and slowly swinging the door open. The creaking of the door seems to echo through the deserted corridor, and Kashish steps inside, her eyes adjusting to the darkness.

The room seems to give an aura of horror, the heavy silence increases her rate of heartbeat. Kashish's heart skips a beat as she notices a sight before her! Sitting on the bed, Veena's figure seems to materialize out of the darkness, her feet touching the floor, her hands stretched out on either side, and her head bowed.

Kashish's eyes widens in shock, and she hastily switches on the light, banishing the darkness from the room. As the light floods the space, Veena's figure vanishes, leaving Kashish staring at the empty room in horror.

"Mumma!!",

Kashish exclaims, her voice trembling with fear as she shivers, her eyes scanning the room as if searching for some reassurance that she is not losing her mind.

●●●●●

Naushad's passion for pediatrics stemmed from his love and fondness for children. Yet, he had never anticipated encountering a case as dire as this one. Meher's voice trails off, her eyes clouding with concern.

"Jis haalat mein ladki mili hai...,"

she began, shaking her head before continuing,

"Mujhe to sochkar bhi khauf aa raha hai."

Naushad's expression turned grave, his eyes locked on Meher's.

"Dr. Mirza aapki tabiyat agar zyada kharab ho to off le sakti hain aap.",

he suggests, concern etched on his face.

Meher shakes her head.

"Nahi, it's okay."

Naushad's gaze lingers on hers, his voice tinged with apology.

"I am sorry aapki tabiyat theek nahi thi maine phir bhi aapko aise bula liya.",

Meher's expression softens, her voice gentle.

"Actually iss situation ne mujhe thoda tense kar diya tha. Aur...",

Naushad's tone turns hesitant, his words barely above a whisper,

"Such kahun to... mujhe laga aap hongi to..."

Meher's face warms up, her eyes sparkling with understanding. She completes his sentence, her voice barely above a whisper,

"...to... aa...pko jab burden lagne lagey, to aap mujhse baat karke acha mehsoos karenge.",

Naushad's face lit up with a shy smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Yeah!"

Meher's smile deepens, her voice filled with warmth.

"Aur aapko agar mujhse baat karke khushi milti hai; to yakeen maniye mujhe aapko khush dekhkar bohot acha lagta hai.",

Naushad's eyes locks on hers, his smile still there on his face.

Meher's tone changes a little, her voice measured,

"Aur waise bhi doctor hone ke naate hum dono hi ye jaante hain ke hasna, khush rehna is the best medicine; it heals us right?"

Naushad nods, his smile still in place.

"Yeah."

Meher's gaze turn thoughtful, her voice tinged with empathy.

"Ahmm.... well iss situation mein hansi to aa nahi sakti but ek dusre ka saath paakar mental tiredness to durr ho sakti hai na thodi bohot?",

Naushad nods, gratitude etched on his face.

Meher's smile returns, her tone turning practical, she asks,

"Now, back to work?"

Naushad nods, a determined glint in his eye.

"Sure!"

●●●●●

Naushad places Meher's cup of coffee in front of her, the aroma spreading through the hospital canteen. He takes his seat across from her, his eyes meeting hers as he sets his own cup down. A deep sigh escapes his lips, exhaustion etched on his face.

"Ye bachchi... Aafreen..."

He shakes his head, his voice laced with concern.

"Mujhe nahi lagta zinda bachegi."

Meher's brows furrow, her head tilting to the left.

"Dr. Rizvi, agar hum doctors heen umeed chhorh denge, to uss bacchi ke Ammi-Abbu ko kon hausla dega?",

Her voice is tinged with a mix of empathy and conviction.

Naushad's frustration is palpable as he pats his fingers on the table.

"Meher, ye koi normal case nahi hai!"

"Aafreen ki body ander se khokhli ho gayi hai. Aur hogi bhi kyun nahi jab usne do (2) hafton se kuch nahi khaya wo bhi tab jab uski tabiyat pehle se theek nahi thi.",

his voice rise, exasperation evident in his tone.

"Doctors koi jadugar nahi hote, bhale hi unhe wo samjha jaata ho.",

he adds, shaking his head.

"Wo zinda bhi kaise hai ab tak khuda jaane.",

He trails off, sipping his coffee, his eyes clouding with worry.

Meher's gaze lingers on Naushad, her expression a mix of understanding and concern. After a moment, she asks, her voice measured,

"Naushad... kya... aap... ko... Aafreen ke Ammi-Abbu ki baaton par bharosa hai?"

Naushad's eyebrows relax, surprise flickering across his face. He hadn't expected this topic to arise, but here it is! As a doctor, a believer in science, does he truly believe in the paranormal? He meets Meher's gaze, his voice steady.

"Haan hai bharosa."

Meher's eyes widen, her hands flying to her mouth in shock.

Naushad's expression turns somber, his voice low.

"Mere saath kabhi kuch aisa hua to nahi hai, Alhamdulillah, magar extended family mein aise ek-do cases hue hue hain."

"Allah!",

she whispers, her face pale.

Meher's curiosity is piqued, her eyes locked on Naushad's.

"Phir?"

Naushad's voice is measured, his words chosen carefully.

"Do (2) ne jaan gawa di. Ek zinda hai magar sudh-budh kho baitha hai. At-pati baatein karta hai. Kuch samjh nahi aata."

Meher's gaze is intense, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Aap mile hain unse?"

Naushad nods, his expression somber.

"Haan, bus ek baar chaar saal pehle. Mera chachera bhai hai."

Meher's eyes remains fixed on Naushad, her expression a mask of shock and silence.

"Kya hua tha unhe? Matlab ye sub kaise...."

Her voice trails off, leaving the question hanging in the air.

Naushad's eyes clouded, a hint of sadness creeping into his voice.

"Mera bhai bhi doctor hai. Ya yun kahun ke doctor tha."

"Ruhaan. Wo gaon mein rehta hai aur wahan ke logon ka ilaaj karta tha."

Meher's gaze remains riveted on Naushad, her interest piqued.

"Gaon mein ye sub aam baat hai. Kabhi kisi par rooh ka saaya hona; kabhi kisi ko rooh dikhna. Ye sub laga rehta hai."

Naushad's voice takes on a reflective tone.

"Mere bhai ne medical ki parhayi ko chuna hi isliye tha ke wo gaon ke logon ka ilaaj kar sakey especially aise logon ka jin par bhoot pret aaye hue hon."

Meher's eyebrows shoot up in surprise.

"Waise normally jo ye kaam karte hain - kisi ko ya kisi jagah ko bhoot-pret ke qaid se chhurhane ka, unhe Paranormal activist kaha jaata hai."

Naushad's expression turns thoughtful.

"Magar khair mera bhai wo to nahi tha magar iss parhayi ko karne ke baad wo gaon ke logon ki madad karne laga."

He pauses, collecting his thoughts before continuing.

"Usne kuch aisi dawaiyan banai jisse jin par saaya ho unke shareer mein wo chemicals bheje jayein to unn aatmaon ko bardasht na ho aur wo uss shareer ko chhorne ke liye majboor ho jaye."

Meher's eyebrows remains raised, her expression incredulous.

"Ab tak to ye bus beemariyon ke liye hi suna tha."

Naushad's gaze meets hers, his expression serious.

"Jinke ander saaya ho unke liye wo ek bimari hi hai!"

Meher's smile falters as she realizes the truth in Naushad's words.

"Mujhe zyada bharosa nahi tha inn sub baaton par - aatmayein, rooh wagerah."

Naushad raises his brows.

"Magar jab isey lekar alag ek course hi banaya gaya ho to mazak bhi nahi maan sakte hum."

Meher nods silently, her expression thoughtful.

"Aur Paranormal Activists bhi hote hain, iss baat ko koi thukra nahi sakta."

Naushad's gaze lingers on Meher's, his expression somber. The air was thick with the weight of their conversation, the shadows of the unknown looming large.

Meher nods in agreement, her eyes locked on Naushad's.

"Uske gaon mein sub raat ko 9 bajte hi ghar ke ander chale jaate."

Naushad continues, his voice low and mysterious.

"Ek bhi insaan raat ke 9 baje ke baad apne ghar se bahar nahi rehta tha.",

Naushad's gaze drifts, as if lost in thought.

"Ek roz Ruhaan ne taye kiya ke yahi wo waqt hai jab wo bahar niklega apne ghar se. Wo dekhna chahta tha ke kya logon ki iss baat mein suchai hai bhi ke bus ek afwah hai."

A hint of sadness creeps into Naushad's voice.

"Uske saath exactly kya hua ye to koi nahi jaanta kyunki kisi ki himmat hi nahi thi ke raat ke uss waqt koi bahar rahe. Aur wo... wo to filhaal kuch bolne ke haalat mein hi nahi."

Meher's hand flies to her mouth, her eyes wide with shock.

Naushad's eyes clouded, his voice heavy with emotion.

Naushad's voice drops to a whisper.

"Magar aisa suna hai ke agle din Ruhaan ki Ammi ki neend zorse kuch girne ki awaz se khuli. Uthkar dekhne par unhone wo aawaz Ruhaan ke kamre se aate hue suna. Ander jakar dekha to ander ka manzar dil dehla dene wala tha!",

Naushad's gaze meets Meher's, his expression somber.

"Kya tha aisa wahan?",

Meher asks in desperation.

"Room mein sub kuch bikhra hua tha

"Teen din tak wo kisi rooh ke qaid mein raha. Uski Ammi ne jhaad-phook karwaya uss par kyunki wo jaanti thi ke Ruhaan ko koi doctor theek nahi kar payega. Magar jhaad-phook se kuch na hua. Haar kar unhone doctor ko bhi dikhaya magar usse bhi koi faida na hua. Wo har 1-2 din baad ghar par koi na koi tamaasha karta rehta tha. Aise hi ek din wo phirse ghar mein shor macha raha tha. Uski Ammi ne aas-paas ke gharon ke logon ke saath Ruhaan ko rokne ki koshish ki magar kuch na hua. Phir achanak wo behosh ho gaya. Doctor ko bulaya gaya. Injection dene ke baad doctor ne uske hosh mein aane ka intezaar karne ko kaha. Jab wo hosh mein aaya tab uss par kisi rooh ka saaya to nahi dikha magar wo apni sudh-budh kho baitha tha."

Meher's eyes remain fixed on Naushad, her expression rapt with attention.

Naushad's voice continues, his words painting a vivid picture.

Naushad's eyes clouded, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Uski dimagi santulan kisi solah saal ke bache jaisi ho gayi. Uske baad se aaj tak wo theek nahi hua.",

Naushad dictates her the whole incident.

Naushad's hands cover his face, exhaustion etched on his features.

"Kabhi kabar uski Ammi se phone par baat kar leta tha pehle main. Ab wo bhi nahi karta."

A deep sigh escapes his lips as he drops his hands, his eyes gazing downward.

"Bus Aafreen jald se jald theek ho jaye.",

Meher nods sympathetically, her expression a reflection of her concern.

Naushad's lips curl into a polite smile, his eyes locking onto hers. He reaches out, his hand gently resting on Meher's. The touch sent a spark of warmth through the air.

Meher's gaze drifts downward, a soft smile spreading across her face. Her eyes sparkle, and for a moment, the tension and worry seem to melt away, replaced by a sense of comfort and connection.

●●●●●

Rajveer's eyes snap towards Naina, his jaw clenched in irritation.

"Oh come on Naina tum travel karte hue books kyun le aati ho parhne ke liye? Mujhse baat karo na. Dekho kitna acha mausam ho raha hai. Itne waqt baad hum dono kahin ja rahe hain saath aur tum ho ki...",

He trails off, his frustration simmering just below the surface.

Naina's eyes sparkle with bewilderment as she replies,

"Bus ek page aur bohot interesting book hai. Book chorhne ka mann hi nahi kar raha.",

Rajveer's gaze returns to the road, his brow furrowed.

"Jaise-jaise tumhari interest iss book ke liye barh rahi hai; mujh par se interest tumhari utni hi kam hoti ja rahi hai mujhe lag raha hai.",

Naina's eyes widen in astonishment.

"Meri interest aap par se kam hoti ja rahi hai?",

she asks, her voice laced with shock.

Rajveer's expression remains stern, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

"Haan!"

Naina's smile deepens, her eyes sparkling.

"Acha? Meri zindagi jinke ird-gird ghoomti hai wo mujhse ye keh rahe hain ke mera interest unn par se kam hota ja raha hai! Rajveer Sir!",

her voice laced with amusement, her eyes narrowed on to him.

Rajveer's lips curl up into a gentle smile.

"To abhi baatein karo na mujhse. Kaam ki wajah se theek se tumse baat bhi nahi kar paata."

"Ek to tumhara ye paranormal cheezon mein jo interest jagah hai pichle kuch saalon se, mujhe ye bilkul nahi pasand.",

Rajveer says, his frustration resurfacing.

Naina's smile falters. Her eyes clouding.
Her gaze drifts away. Her expression somber.

"Naina... I... I am sorry... main bus... yunhi..."

"Kabhi kabhi zindagi ke kuch haadson se durr jaane ke liye uss baare mein puri tarah baat karni band karni parhti hai humein. Bhool jaana parhta hai ke kabhi uss hadse ka humari zindagi se koi sambandh tha.",

says Naina, her voice deep, laced with sadness.

Rajveer's seriousness deepens, his eyes never leaving the road.

Naina's voice drops to a whisper.

"Bhaiya ke jaane ke baad unse milne ke junoon mein main dar-dar bhatki. Mandir! Masjid! Magar kuch kaam nahi aaya. End mein kuch kaam aayi to...",

She pauses, bringing out a small bottle of depression medication from her bag. A hint of a smile playing on her lips.

"...ye goliyan. Jo mujhe bhaiya ki yaadon se durr rakhti hain. Main chain se so paati hoon."

Rajveer's heart goes out to her, his expression softening. Naina's voice is laced with a mix of sadness and resignation.

"Khair, ab at least pehle jaisi haalat to nahi hai thankfully, magar rakhti hoon tablets apne saath ab bhi. Na jaane kab inki zaroorat parh jaaye.",

she adds, lost in her thoughts.

Rajveer's grip on the steering wheel tightens, his eyes flashes with determination.

"Nahi parhegi zaroorat ab kabhi."

Naina's gaze drifted towards him, her eyebrows furrowed.

"Isiliye! Isiliye main ye kitab parh rahi hoon aaj."

"Agar aap mujhe aaram se ye goliyan khakar sone detein to mujhe mind divert karne ke liye..."

Picking up her book and showing it to him, she says,

"...isey zariya nahi banana parhta."

Rajveer's expression remains resolute, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. The air is thick with unspoken emotions, the silence between them a palpable, living thing.

The serious look on Naina's face never wavers as she slips the book into her bag.

"Magar inn subke beech ek baat aur hui!",

she says, her voice laced with intrigue.

"Jaise-jaise main iss dusri duniya ke baare mein jaanne lagi meri diljaspi iss subject par aur barhti gayi.",

Naina's brow furrowed, her gaze drifting towards the horizon.

"Kitna ajeeb lagta hai aaj bhi jab main sochti hoon ke bhaiya ke jaane ke baad kisi bhi aam insaan ki tarah maine socha tha ki unki zindagi wohin khatam ho gayi hai. Magar nahi!"

Rajveer's breath turns shallow, his jaw clenches.

Her voice is filled with conviction.

"Uske aage bhi ek zindagi hai jo unhe taye karni hai dusra janam lene se pehle."

Rajveer's interruption is sharp, his tone laced with irritation.

"Naina please, mujhe inn sub baaton se tum durr hi rakho to behtar hoga. Zindagi khone ke baad waali zindagi!",

He scoffs, his eyes rolling.

"Ridiculous!",

he exclaims in irritation.

Naina shakes her head, smiling. The silence that followed was palpable, the tension between them dissipating slowly.

After a silence of around fifteen minutes, Naina speaks up,

"Mera yahan aapke saath aane ka interest isliye hi tha.",

slow and serious.

"Kis liye?",

asks Rajveer, perplexed.

"Jo hadsa wahan hua, uske baad... kya pata wahan kisi aatma se humara aamna-saamna ho jaye?",

Naina bites her lower lip, hiding her amusement after teasing Rajveer.

Rajveer's eyes widened, his expression incredulous.

"What?!"

Naina bursts into laughter, her head thrown back. Rajveer shakes his head, exasperated.

"I am warning you Naina wahan jaakar ye sub faaltu ki baatein kisi se karna bhi mat. Warna kisi aur aatma ki chhorho tumhara Pati tumhe zinda nahi chhorega."

Naina's laughter intensified, her words tumbling out between giggles,

"Aa..p... Aa...p...ki... patni marne ke baad bhi aapka peecha nahi chhoregi. Aatma bann kar bhatkegi aapke ird-gird."

Rajveer shrugs her words off by saying,

"Hun! Tumhare marne ke baad jaise main zinda rehne waala hoon."

Naina's heart skips a beat, her gaze snapping towards Rajveer. Her cheeks flushed, her smile softening as she stares at him in awe.

"Ek pal ke liye bhi mere bina nahi reh sakte?",

Naina's voice was barely above a whisper, her eyes shining with love.

Rajveer's fingers intertwined with hers,

"Ahun! Ek pal ke liye bhi....",

his lips brushing against her knuckles, and he continues,

"Hongey juda na hum!"

Rajveer and Naina's eyes lock in a passionate gaze, the world around them melting away. But their intimate moment is shattered when Naina's eyes widens in alarm.

"Rajveer!!",

she screams, yanking the steering wheel to the side.

Rajveer's eyes snap back to the road, his foot slamming on the brakes. The tires screech in protest, the car skidding to a halt just inches from a mysterious figure standing in the middle of the road.

As they catch their breath, they turn to look behind, but the figure has vanished. The fading light of dusk cast long shadows across the deserted road, sending a shiver down Naina's spine.

"Wah...an... wa..han... koi tha!",

Rajveer exclaims, his voice shaking slightly.

Naina nods, her eyes scanning the surrounding area.

"Raj...vee..r... Sir... chaliye... yahan se please.",

she urges, her voice laced with unease.

But Rajveer is determined to uncover the truth,

"Naina, magar ye sub hua kya. Koi tha meri gaadi ke saamne."

Naina's grip on his arm tightens.

"Mujhe kuch nahi pata! Aap... aap bus chaliye yahan se.",

as they hastily return to their car, Naina's anxiety is palpable.

"Jaldi chaliye yahan se.",

she begs.

Rajveer's eyes meet hers, filled with concern.

"Naina tum chinta mat karo. Main jaate hi police ko inform kar dunga."

But Naina's response is immediate.

"Nahi!",

Rajveer's eyebrows furrow.

"Magar kyun?",

Naina's voice is barely above a whisper.

"Aise sunsaan raaste par pehle koi humare car ke saamne aaya aur phir dekhne par koi mila hi nahi jaise wo saara humara vehm ho!",

says Naina, her eyes wide opened.

Rajveer's expression reflects his helplessness. He focuses on driving, his eyes fixed on the road ahead.

Naina's gaze drifts back to the rearview mirror, and her heart skips a beat. The mysterious figure stands at the same spot, his face now turned towards her. Naina's eyes snap back to the front, her fingers clutching Rajveer's sleeve as she begins to chant silent prayers.

●●●●●

Naushad checks his watch, his eyes widening in shock.

"Arey baap re itna time ho gaya. Main to bhool hi gaya."

Meher smiles, her eyebrows furrowed in curiosity.

"K..ya... bhool gayein the aap?"

Naushad stands up, his expression apologetic.

"Mujhe ek bohot zaroori kaam se jaana tha. Isliye to maine shaam ka conference cancel kiya tha. Baki meri duty to waise bhi aaj dopahar tak ki thi.",

Meher's curiosity was piqued.

"Oh okay. Koi patient hai kya?",

Naushad, who has turned to leave by now stops abruptly hearing her and thinks something, knitting his brows lightly, smiling. Turning to look towards Meher, he says,

"Ek kaam kariye aap bhi chaliye mere saath."

Meher's eyes widen in surprise, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Main?",

she asks, her hand on her chest.

Naushad nods, his smile encouraging.

"Haan chaliye na!",

Meher's cheeks flushes, her smile deepening.

"Magar main... main wahan jakar kya karungi?",

she asks, smiling a little.

"Wohi jo main karunga - baatein. Aapko wo bohot pasand ayenge I am sure aap chaliye to sahi.",

says Naushad, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"Main ghar par bata deti hoon.",

smiles Meher.

Naushad nods his head, smiling.

●●●●●

Meanwhile, Kashish takes slow, tentative steps backward, her courage failing her as she approaches the room. She collides with Sujal, a shout of horror escaping her lips as she turns to face him. Sujal's eyebrows furrow, his grip on her arms tightens.

Kashish immediately wraps her arms around him in desperation to feel secure in his embrace.

Tensed Sujal rotates his hand on her head and asks her,

"Kya hua Kashish? Tum itni ghabrai hui kyun ho?"

Kashish's words tumble out in a jumbled, incoherent mess.

"Su... Sujal... wo... wo... kamre mein...",

She clings to Sujal, desperate for comfort. Sujal's gaze shifts to the room, his expression suspicious. His eyes widened as he realizes it was his parents' room.

Kashish's sobs intensify, her words becoming more urgent.

"Ro... room... Mom...!"

Sujal's grip on her arms loosens, his eyes fixed on the room. He takes slow, deliberate steps forward, his movements cautious. Kashish's grip on his arm tightens, her voice pleading.

"Nahi! Nahi Sujal mat jao. Mujhe... mujhe darr lag raha hai. Ander... ander Mumma hain...",

Sujal's expression is skeptical, his eyebrows furrowed.

"Mumma... kaise ho sakti hain Kashish ander?",

he asks her.

Kashish's nods are frantic, her eyes wild with fear.

"Mumma hain ander. Wo... wo bed par baithi huin theen.",

Kashish begins to explain.

Kashish's words spilled out in a frantic attempt to explain, but Sujal's anger had already reached a boiling point. He stormed towards the room, his eyes blazing with a mix of fury and skepticism. Pushing the door open, he stepped inside, his gaze scanning the empty space where his parents had once lived. The room was silent, except for the soft whisper of the wind, which seemed to carry the echoes of memories past.

Kashish followed him, her eyes wide with horror, as if she was trapped in a nightmare from which she couldn't awaken.

"Wo... wo theen wahan Sujal. Maine dekha tha unhe. Wo wohi theen.",

Kashish's voice trembles, her words laced with desperation.

Sujal's grip on her arms tightens,

"Hosh mein aao Kashish. Koi nahi hai yahan. Mumma humein chorh kar chali gayi hain! Samjhi tum! Chali gayi hain wo humein chorh kar!"

"Tumhara vehm hai bus tumhara vehm.",

His voice is firm, calming not only her but himself too.

Kashish's eyes locked onto his, her expression a mixture of confusion and fear. Sujal's words are meant to calm her down, but they only seem to add to her bewilderment. She slowly turns to face the room, her gaze scanning the empty space as if searching for Veena. She knows what she saw, and it couldn't have been just her imagination. It couldn't have been!