Raghav, a 26-year-old software engineer, had a difficult life as an orphan. But from a young age, he was determined not to give up. He studied tirelessly and, against the odds, cracked one of the toughest entrance exams in the country, earning a scholarship to a prestigious college. That marked the turning point in his life.
At college, Raghav's good looks and talent caught the attention of many girls. He excelled in academics, sports, and just about everything he tried. However, his eyes were only on Sakshi.
Sakshi was a kind and beautiful girl from his class. The first time Raghav saw her walk into class, his heart raced, and he knew she was the one. Through mutual friends, they were introduced during a college festival, and after a few conversations, they fell in love and began dating. They were both twenty at the time.
However, Raghav carried a secret—one he hadn't shared with anyone, not even Sakshi. Ever since childhood, Raghav had been able to see ghosts. These entities made his life difficult, and he had learned early on not to mention them to anyone. People thought he was crazy when he did, so he avoided making close friends. But ever since meeting Sakshi, the ghosts had vanished. She was like his personal savior, and they dated for six years before deciding to get married.
The day of their wedding was the happiest day of their lives. As they stood before their guests, exchanging vows, a sudden gust of wind swept through the hall. The guests started to panic, and before anyone could make sense of it, people began fainting for no apparent reason.
Raghav turned to Sakshi, concern in his voice.
"Sakshi, are you okay?"
Sakshi's eyes were wide with fear. "Raghav, what's happening? I'm scared."
He grabbed her hand, squeezing it tightly as if that could shield them both from the growing chaos. Suddenly, the room filled with a thick black fog, and an eerie door materialized out of thin air.
Raghav and Sakshi exchanged terrified glances as a woman in a flowing black gown emerged from the doorway. Strange, grotesque creatures followed behind her. Raghav instinctively stepped in front of Sakshi, trying to shield her from whatever this was.
"Who are you?" Raghav demanded, his voice trembling. "What do you want from us?"
The woman didn't answer. Instead, she raised a single finger, and Raghav felt his body lift off the ground. He struggled to move, but it was as though invisible strings controlled him. She had him in her grasp without even touching him. Her gaze, cold and furious, fixed on Sakshi.
"Take her," the woman commanded, her voice sharp. One of the monstrous creatures lumbered forward.
"Yes, princess," the creature replied, reaching for Sakshi.
"No!" Raghav shouted, trying to break free from the woman's control. "Take me! Leave her alone!"
Sakshi screamed, her voice cracking with terror as the creature grabbed her arm.
"Raghav! Help me! Please!"
The woman turned her back to Raghav as the creature dragged Sakshi toward the door. Just before disappearing through the portal, she looked over her shoulder, her eyes gleaming with something dark and sinister.
"If you wish to see your bride again, my dear husband, you'll have to come to the ghost realm."
Raghav's eyes widened in disbelief. "Husband? What are you talking about?"
With a wave of her hand, Raghav fell to the ground as the door slammed shut. The hall fell silent, leaving Raghav alone in the dim, cold space, his heart pounding as the words "ghost realm" echoed in his mind.