The car engine roared to life as the group settled in for their long journey to the jungle trek. Excitement buzzed in the air, but an unmistakable tension lingered between Rhea and Ananya. Their conversations were clipped, their smiles forced, as if an invisible wall had wedged itself between them.

“How long is this drive going to be?” Karan yawned, stretching his arms.

“Around four to five hours,” Aryan replied from the driver’s seat. “So make yourselves comfortable.”

“Which means we’re about to get bored,” Arjun groaned, slumping against the window dramatically.

Karan smirked. “Relax. I’m here, aren’t I? Free entertainment package.”

The car filled with laughter, the initial awkwardness breaking bit by bit. The first hour passed in harmless teasing, Karan making sure no one stayed quiet for too long.

“You know, once my teacher told me, ‘Karan, board exams are just around the corner!’ And I said, ‘Sir, they’re around everyone’s corner, not just mine!’”

The group burst into laughter—except Rhea, who only gave a small smile before turning away. Ananya, too, seemed distracted, her gaze fixed on the window, lost in thought.

Then, Ananya’s phone rang. She hesitated before answering, lowering her voice.

“Yeah, Mom… I told you in the morning… Yes, everything’s fine…”

She spoke so softly that it was clear she didn’t want anyone to hear. But Rhea, sitting closest to her, caught bits of the conversation. When Ananya hung up, Aryan asked casually, “Who was that?”

Before Ananya could answer, Rhea blurted, “No one… just random stuff.” Her voice was unusually awkward, and she quickly looked away.

Karan raised an eyebrow. “Random stuff? Sounds suspicious.”

Ananya opened her mouth to respond, but before anyone could dig further, Arjun let out an exaggerated yawn.

“Man, I’m so sleepy.”

“Then sleep,” Karan smirked. “I’ll keep Aryan entertained so he doesn’t crash the car.”

As the journey continued, Rhea and Arjun eventually dozed off, their heads bobbing slightly as the car cruised down the highway. The others, too, drifted into silence, watching the scenery change—from bustling city streets to empty highways and then, finally, dense greenery.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally arrived. The house stood alone amidst towering trees, a sparkling lake nearby reflecting the moonlight, and the scent of damp earth hanging in the air. A cool breeze swept through the clearing, sending a shiver down Ananya’s spine.

“This place looks straight out of a horror movie,” Karan whistled, stepping out of the car.

The group got busy unloading their bags. As Ananya walked toward the house, she suddenly froze. A strange unease crept up her spine, like invisible fingers grazing her skin.

Karan, beside her, frowned. “You okay?”

Ananya hesitated, scanning the dark tree line. “I don’t know… it just feels weird.”

For a moment, Karan’s playful smirk faded before he shrugged. “Maybe it’s just the long drive messing with our heads.”

Brushing off the feeling, they stepped inside. The house was stunning—wooden floors, large windows overlooking the lake, and a cozy, rustic interior. But despite its beauty, something about it felt… off. The silence was too thick. The air, too still.

But no one said it out loud.

After settling in, the group decided to cook together. The kitchen was soon filled with laughter and the clatter of utensils.

“Ananya, do you still burn Maggi?” Karan teased, nudging her with his elbow.

She rolled her eyes. “Me? Burn Maggi? Do you not remember that school trip where you made such awful khichdi that even the stray dogs refused to eat it?”

“Yeah, they literally ran away,” Aryan added, making everyone laugh.

Karan grinned at Ananya. “By the way, you were cute back in school too… but now, even more.” He winked dramatically.

Ananya scoffed, crossing her arms. “Save your flattery for someone who buys it.”

Rhea, who had been silently chopping vegetables, let out a small chuckle before quickly covering it up. No one commented on it, but Ananya noticed.

As the night deepened, they gathered around the dinner table, sharing old stories, teasing each other, and getting lost in nostalgia. For the first time in a long while, it felt like the past was behind them. But beneath all the laughter, a strange, lingering tension remained.

And outside, beyond the dimly lit windows, the jungle whispered secrets in the wind.

Something about this place was off.

And soon, they were going to find out why.

To be continued…