Bani's POV

I screamed as sheer fear took over me.
My eyes filled with tears and my whole body was shaking.

I closed my eyes as I felt my life energy being sucked out of me.

"Bani..! Bani! Open you eyes sweetheart.. Please open your eyes.. "

I heard his voice and slowly opened my eyes.

"Ve.. Veer.. "

I said slowly and kept looking at him.
He looked tensed. And I realised that he had placed my head on his lap.

"You are al.. Alright? "

He said.

And I kept looking at his face and those emotions that I always saw on the face of my Veer. That Veer who loved me so much. Who was my firefly against all the darkness that lurked around my life.

I raised my hand to place to on his cheek, when I saw Tapish's face. A smirk was evident on his face. And that's when I realised that everybody was present around me.

Mayuri, Meera, Aakesh, Jay and of course Veer and Tapish.

I immediately got up. I was about to unbalance when Veeranshu held my shoulder.

"I am okay.. "

I said looking at him and getting away from his grip.

"Jaan are you okay? What happened? "

Mayuri asked.

And I thought about what happened in past few minutes.

Michael's warning. Nobody in the room. That cupboard.

"Yeah Bani what happened after Michael left? "

Aakesh asked.

"He left and gave us warnings about the game and then I came to that room.. The cupboard was moving from in.. Inside and.. The.. Then.. I... I saw so.. Someone.. Something.. I don't know "

I said stammering and panicking.

"But Bani we found you near the entrance not in that room.. "

Meera said.

"Ho.. How's this po.. Possible.? "

I said rubbing my hands.I still felt a shiver in my body thinking about that moment.

"Bani you were drunk.. So maybe you imagined it.. "

Mayuri said.

"Plus that fucker Michael was sure high on something and maybe you got scared.. "

Jay said.

"THAT WAS NOT MY IMAGINATION! THERE WAS SOMETHING!!! "

I Screamed at them.

"Ok.okay Calm down.. We will check it out.. "

Veeranshu said and tried calming my breathe and my heart that was palpitating.

We went to the room and Veeranshu moved near to the cupboard.

"Don't go alone.. "

I told Veeranshu.

"It's okay.. I will handle.. "

He said with a reassuring gaze.

He slowly moved towards it and suddenly the cupboard moved from within.

I held Mayuri hand and even the others got startled.

"Veeranshu come back.. "

I told him firmly.

But he didn't listen and kept on moving. His finger touched the cupboard and he looked back at us.

I gulped being worried as hell. Even the others were quite.

Veeranshu opened the cupboard and suddenly..

AHHHHHHHH

Meera and Mayuri screamed.

A giant Rat came out of it.

"See nothing was here.. "

Veeranshu said.

"Khoda pahad aur nikli chuhiya.. "

Jay said laughing.

"Shut up Jay.. "

I said.

"Bani I think you were leaving with Michael when you heard this sound and your image formed an image in your mind. You need to sober up. Everything's fine.. Relax.. "

Aakesh said.

"I want to go back.. "

Meera said.

" Me too.. "

I said.

"Come on Babe.. One more day.. "

Mayuri said.

"Yeah guys.. Don't be losers.. "

Tapish said.

"I think we should leave... Something's not right here.. "

Veeranshu said.

"Even I want to leave.. "

Aakesh added.

"Okay do whatever you guys want.. "

Tapish said angrily and left.

We soon entered the car and left for the resort to collect our luggage.

We left the place next morning.

Not realising that the next time we return here everything would be shattered. Lives would be taken away.

And our bonds would be broken.

And just like that we were back to Mumbai.

~~~

Right now me, Mayuri and Veeranshu were in the car.

Veeranshu was driving. Mayuri was beside him and I was behind. My mind was still wandering to the last night visuals.

It was horrifying.

Plus all the revelations.

Veeranshu still had some sort of feelings for me but is Engaged to my best friend.
Mayuri loves Veeranshu but cheated on him with Jay being vulnerable on the day that haunted her the most.

My head was paining thinking about all this.

They say leave the person and if they come back to you they are yours. But while the other person flys and tests every other person to finally choose you, then why should you just keep waiting for that person and not do something for yourself and your betterment.

I know everything was messed up but for now my concentration should only be my conference in Delhi. The wattpad creators meet for my book Gehraiyaan.
Something that I worked really hard for.
We soon reached our home.

Me and Mayuri got down while Veeranshu helped us with luggage.
We soon got in.

"I will leave now.. "

Veeranshu said.

"Come on Baby.. Have breakfast with us and go."

Mayuri said.

" Dad will be waiting.. So I have to go Mayuri.. "

Veeranshu said.

"Take care.. Both of you.. "

He told us as I peeked at him lightly.
He soon left and Mayuri came and sat beside me on the sofa.

"Jaan.. I am really sorry.. "

Mayuri said.

"Mayuri it's not me who you should be apologizing to.. "

I said gulling some water.

" No I owe an apology to you too and please call me Mayu Jaan... I know I have hurt you and I should have told you.. "

She said.

"Mayu you know I love you. You are my sister but I can't support you here. I know you were vulnerable and Veeranshu was emotionally not there for you but in that case the ideal option is first to end things with him and then go on with your life and choose someone who loves you the way you love them.. "

I said trying to make her understand.

"You are right Bani but I really love Veeranshu. I know what I did was wrong so I will myself tell the truth to Veer. Let's get done with your wattpad creator meet and then I will confess it to him. "

She said.

"But promise me one thing Mayu, if you ever feel lonely you will talk to me. "

I said holding her hand.

"I will Jaan for sure.. "

She smiled and hugged me.

"Waise tujhe pata hein main apne purane phone se data retrieve kar rahi hein tab mujhe ye mila.."

She said opening her phone and showing a video.

*The Video*

A man was placing the steaks on the barbecue. As he turned I realised it was Mayuri's Dad.

"Beta what are you doing? "

He asked.

" Taking a video of my coolest Dad.. "

Mayuri said from behind the camera.

"Lele kya pata kab ye buddha bhagwan ko pyara hojaye.. "

He said.

"What Dad!!? Aap bhi na kuch bhi bolte rehte ho."

She said angrily.

"Accha baba just kidding.. Main apni pyari beti ko chod kar kahi nahi ja raha hu. "

He said.

"I love you Dad.. "

She said.

"Love you Beta.. "

He said.

*The video ended.*

I could see tears in Mayu's eyes.

"Mayu.. "

I said and engulfed her in a side hug.

"Bani I really miss him. . "

She said hugging me back as tears flow down from her eyes.

"Bacha I know.. But maine tujhe kya bola hein.. Ki uncle tere dil main baste hein aur apne dil ko taqleef degi toh unko bhi taqleef hogi na?

Unki jagah koi nahi le sakta par tu unke liye aur zyada strong ban aur apne liye jee."

I said patting her from back.

"I love you meri jaan. Tu aur Veeranshu hi meri lifeline ho , agar tum dono mujhse alag huye na toh pata nahi main kaise jee paungi.. "

She said and a bittersweet emotion filled my chest.

I have to tell her about our past before I end up losing her.

After the wattpad meet all our truths will be out.

I will tell Mayuri about everything that happened in the past.

The day soon passed by.

It was night time and we were really tired. We went to sleep.

In midnight I suddenly woke up as I heard some noise coming from the garden.

I rubbed my eyes and looked around for a moment.

Mayuri was in deep sleep and I didn't want to bother her.

I got up and came down to see what was happening.

As I moved near to the garden, I Saw a woman standing near the fence.

I could see her back and two illuminated candles in her hand.

"Excuse me.. Who are you? "

I asked and moved towards her.

The woman didn't turn or reply.

"Hello.. I am talking to you! What are you doing here in our property? "

I said and still I was only met with silence.. A rather loud silence because somehow this silence was raising the intensity of the moment.

"I am asking you last time Or I am calling the police.. "

I said and took the last step towards her.
I held a bamboo stick lying in the garden as I touched her shoulder.

"I am saying something!!!! "

I roared.

"TRUTH OR DAREEEEE BANIIIII! "

The woman roared and turned with two melting candles in her hand. Her entire body was melting just like the candle. Her face looked gruesome and inhumane.

I fell back and the stick fell from my hand.

"TRUTH OR DARE BANI? ".

She said again in her ominous voice as she moved towards me.

" BANI! BANI! OPEN YOUR EYES! "

I suddenly got up listening to a voice. I looked around to find that I was in my room and Mayu was holding my hand.

"Mayu.. Mayu.. There I Garden... I saw.. Woman.. Candle.. "

I kept blabbering as my heart kept beating insanely and a sweat bead rolled down my head.

"Bani.. Jaan.. It was just a nightmare.. You are here in your room.. Safe.. "

Mayuri said and held me in a hug.

"But garden.. "

I said.

"Nothing's there.. It was just a nightmare.. Now take a deep breath and calm down.. "

I tried calming myself down.

It was just a nightmare Bani! Chill!

I kept telling myself.

I slowly feel asleep as Mayuri kept patting on my head.

~~~
Next Morning

It was the time of dawn .. When morning and night meets. The birds had started chirping and the golden light of sun was slowly casting over the half of the earthly realm.

I woke up and saw Mayuri was sleeping.
Last night I disturbed her sleep also.
That weird dream though. Felt really real and very very creepy.

I got up covering Mayuri with the duvet.
I made my hair into a bun and went to brush.

I came out after brushing my teeth and wore my jogging clothes. I also took my headphones.

The morning breeze with my favourite song is the best motivation for my jog.
I went out and kept jogging a song played in my headphone.

Suddenly the song changed on it's own and I looked at my phone.

I stopped the app but yet again the song started getting played again and again.
I didn't know what was happening with my phone.

The songs kept changing every five seconds.

After giving up I switched off my phone and the song stopped.

"I guess there's some virus issue.. "

I mumbled and started walking when..
The switched off phone started playing songs.

I almost shuddered.

I took off my headphone and looked at my phone in shock.

"Ho.. How is this possible..? "

I stammered and again held the headphone near my ear. My hands were almost shaking.

For a second there was pin drop silence.
I was put it off when..

TRUTH OR DARE BANI!!!?

The voice echoed in the headphone and I screamed.

AHHHHHHHHHHH..

I threw the headphone down.

All the people in the park started looking at me.

I looked around and started running back to the house.

Something was wrong. All of this can't be a coincidence right.

I reached and tried gaining my composure. I can't tell this to Mayu now.

What if all this is just in my head.
I reached and saw the newspaper lying at our door.

I picked it up and entered.

"Aa gayi Jaann.. "

I heard Mayu's voice from the kitchen. She was making the breakfast.

"Yes..! "

I reverted back and sat on the sofa.
I need to take my mind off all this.
I took the newspaper and started reading it. Any escape from these horrid dreams was convenient for me.

I read few pages. Sometime passed. I could smell the poha that Mayuri was making.

I was almost at the end. Just three pages of the newspaper left.

I turned the page and faced a horrifying scene.

The paper has something written on it with blood.

TRUTH OR DARE BANI?

"Ahhhhhh... "

I immediately left the newspaper. It dropped on the floor.

"What happened Bani..? "

Mayuri asked being worried.

"Th.. That paper.. "

I said pointing towards it.

"What about it..? "

She asked.

"Blo.. Blood.. "

I said and she moved to pick it up.
I gulped seeing her pick it up.

"Oh my god Bani!!!!!! "

She sais loudly.

"I told You Mayu.. Something is wrong.. "

I said.

"You fooled me Jaann.. Come on.. "

She said lightly hitting my shoulder and laughing.

"What are you talking about? "

I asked being perplexed.

"Nothing's here .. "

She said and showed me the paper which was neat and clean . Nothing was written over it.

"How is this possible..? "

I said taking the paper in my hand.

" Bani... Bas abb aur mat dara thik hein..? And poha is ready.. Aa khale.. "

She said and went.

What is happening around me!???

All of this can't be a coincidence. I know it can't be.

~~~

Few days had passed and thankfully nothing weird had happened.

Tomorrow we were all flying to Delhi for the wattpad creator meet and here I was shopping for my outfit with Mayu.

"Mayu aur kitna ghumayegi.. Kuch bhi le lete hein na.. Kya hi farak padega.. "

I said being exhausted.

"Bani come on tomorrow is your special
day.. We should choose the best outfit..! "

She said enthusiastically.

" But they are coming for my writing not for my outfit Mayu.. "

I said complaining like a child.

"Shh... Woahhhhh! "

She said looking the other side.

"What..? "

I asked.

"Mil gayi outfit!!!! "

She said.

I was soon in the dressing room. I tried the dress and it looked great.

I came out and collided with someone.

I scrunched my nose colliding with the hard chest as I looked at the person.
It was Veeranshu. What was he doing here?

He kept looking at me with unsaid emotions in his eyes.

Was I looking bad or something?

"Is something wrong? "

I asked.

"Umm.n.. No.. You look beautiful..! "

He said and my breathe hitched.

"Mil gaye tum log! "

Mayuri said being excited.

"Veeranshu yahan.. ? "

I asked.

" We were going for a movie date so I told him to pick me from here..! "

She said holding his hand.

"Ye.. Yeah sure.. ".

I said averting my gaze.

" By the way you look so hot! "

Mayuri said.

"Thank you "

I smiled.

"Well, you guys can go now. I will pay and go back home.. "

I said.

"We can wait till you get done..! "

Veeranshu said.

" You don't have to.. "

I said blankly.

"Okay then Jaan will meet you at home! "

She said.

"Bye"

I said.

They left and I sighed.

I went to the counter and got the bill.

" Ma'am cash or card? "

The girl on counter asked.

"Cash "

I said.

She showed me the bill and I paid her the cash.

I took the cover and started walking when suddenly I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I turned to see the girl .

The girl faced down.

"What's wrong..? "

The girl lifted her head.

" Truth or Dare Bani? "

She said with her eyes completely white with no pupil in it. Her face was ash in colour.

I stumbled back into someone.

"You okay? "

The stranger asked.

"The girl.. "

I said pointing towards her.

"Ma'am you forgot the change "

I turned to look at the girl and she was completely normal with Rs 20 in her hand.

I took it from her hand and left.
I was driving fast. My mind was all over the place.

Suddenly Michael's word echoed in my mind.

Say the truth or Die!

Do the dare or die!

Refuse to play you die!

No!No! This isn't possible.

I reached home and got inside.
I should see a doctor . Maybe the stress in last few days have taken a toll over me.

I started working on my interview for tomorrow. Just few basic checks when I heard a knock.

Mayu came.

I went and opened the door.

"That idiot, It's all my fault.. "

Mayuri said.

"What happened? "

I asked

"I met Jay and he was trying to tease me in front of Veer... How could I do something so stupid and wrong.."

She said holding her head.

" Forget about that bastard Mayu.. Tomorrow anyways we will tell our truths to each other... "

I said.

"We.. ? "

She asked.

"Yes Mayu.. Even I have to tell you something... "

I said.

"Okay Jaan.. We will talk about it tomorrow.. "

She said.

We soon went to sleep.

Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
Only if I knew that this interview will question our bonds and change them forever.

~~~

Next Morning

We were done with packing and ready to leave for our flight.

I came out to put the luggage in the car when I saw my new car being scratched and the same bold letters being written over it

TRUTH OR DARE BANI?

It was clearly written.

Who is doing all this?

What if it's that bastard Jay who is trying to scare us.

"Kya hua Bani ruk kyun gayi. "

Mayu asked.

"Look there "

I said.

"What.. ?

She asked confused.

I turned took at the car and again it was normal. Nothing was written over it.

" Ohh nothing a dog was there.. You know I am scared of them.. "

I said and she chuckled.

"Tu bhi na Bani.. Abb chal.. "

She said and we got into the car to reach the airport.

We all met and soon our flights took off.

Only if we knew this meet was going to put the final nail at the coffin of our friendship and even at the coffin of few of us..

~~~

Hey guys!

So how was the chapter?

Bani is facing horrendous situations!

Mayuri and Bani share a lovely bond but can they survive the storm coming there way?

Veer still cares and Bani is trying to completely get over. What do you think would have happened that she hates him?

Do you guys have any paranormal experience to share?

Also, Thank you Lilvanihope for suggesting lovely questions for the interview segment ! It will be in the next chapter. If anyone else wants to add a question check my message board.

Stay tuned ;)

Also, Next chapter has biggest revelations , Vani's past and the beginning of something even more dangerous!

Love you all!