After the introduction, Rudra and Tracy began their walk toward the restaurant. The evening air was light with anticipation as Rudra asked, "What kind of food do you feel like having today? Indian, continental, Chinese, or something else?"
Tracy smiled, considering her options. "I think I'll try Chinese food today. Maybe some noodles and meatballs with cheese."
Rudra chuckled. "Noodles and meatballs, huh? You're not on a diet? Nowadays, girls seem to stick to salads and dried vegetables without oil or spice."
Tracy raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying I'm fat?" she asked, half-teasing. "By the way, you still haven't told me your name or what you do."
Rudra hesitated, reluctant to reveal his true identity. "I'm Prakash," he said finally, "and I manage the jewelry design business my father owns. We supply our pieces to Talent International."
Tracy's face lit up with surprise. "I work for Talent International! Today was my first day there."
Rudra smiled warmly. "What a coincidence. And no, I'm not saying you're fat. In fact, you're one of the most beautiful girls I've ever met. I was just curious about modern food habits of woman nowadays."
They continued walking, exchanging light-hearted banter. Rudra pointed out landmarks and gave Tracy directions she could follow if she was ever alone. "There are other great restaurants in the same direction, just at different spots," he said. "If you'd like, I could show you around some time."
The night sky blanketed them with countless stars, their brilliance matched only by the serendipity of the moment. Rudra and Tracy walked together, unaware of the deeper connection they shared. The road ahead seemed eternal, filled with both mystery and hope. The seeds of love were quietly taking root in their hearts, struggling to emerge from the soil of friendship.
Once they reached the restaurant, they ordered their meals and enjoyed their dinner in companionable silence. The chemistry between them grew with each passing moment, though neither fully understood the emotions brewing within. As they made their way back home, the night grew darker, humid with the unspoken feelings blossoming in their hearts.
Far away, in the dense jungle near Smitha's home, a different story unfolded. Inside a wooden treehouse hidden amidst the shadows, a man sat on a chair. Dressed in black crepe cloth and wearing a menacing mask, he exuded an aura of sinister authority. Beside him was Kapil, a traitor to Alexander—Tracy's father—and the architect of Alexander's bankruptcy and disappearance.Kapil's voice was tinged with frustration as he spoke. "I've tried everything to eliminate him. My revenge was complete, but now another problem has arisen. My lord, what should we do? Our meetings and rituals to appease the God of Demons have been disrupted repeatedly."
He paused, his tone growing graver. "I've learned from my son Robert that Alexander's daughter Tracy has obtained the map to the treasure cave. She's come to India seeking both her father and the cave. If she succeeds, our efforts will be in vain. You know how difficult it was for our ancestors to trap the God of Truth in that cave. Many of them lost their lives in the process."
The masked man's voice was low and ominous. "I know everything that transpires in this world. I fear no one but the pure soul trapped in the old house nearby. If that soul is released, we will lose, and the God of Evil will never claim victory in this eternal battle."
Kapil's face twisted in confusion. "What do you mean, my lord? I don't understand."
The man's voice sharpened. "You don't need to understand everything now. Focus on the task at hand. Here," he said, holding up a small bottle of blood. "This blood contains the energy of evil. I need to test it. Soon, I will bring Tracy to our gathering and determine whether she can be of use to us."
At Smitha's Home
Smitha lay on her bed, scrolling through her phone. Suddenly, an unknown number flashed on the screen. She hesitated but answered the call. A mysterious voice spoke on the other end. "Smitha, you must be careful. In two days, something evil will happen to you. Stay away from the jungle where you ventured last time."
Smitha's irritation flared. "Who are you to keep warning me? My vacations are approaching, and my brother is visiting soon. I won't spend my holidays trapped at home. Leave me alone!"
The voice sighed. "I am your ancestor. If you insist on defying my warnings, so be it. I will not interfere further." The call ended abruptly, leaving Smitha shaken. Fear and curiosity swirled within her. Determined to uncover the truth, she decided to speak with her grandmother.
Late at night, she knocked on her grandmother's door. Her grandmother, half-asleep, opened it to find Smitha standing there with teary eyes.
"Grandmother, may I sleep with you tonight?" Smitha asked softly. "I had a nightmare and I'm scared."
Her grandmother's face softened. "Of course, my dear. Come in. Don't be afraid." Smitha climbed into bed beside her, finding comfort in her grandmother's presence.
Rudra lay in bed, holding his grandfather's diary. Suddenly, he felt a presence beside him. Glancing to his right, he saw the faint image of his grandfather's face. Rudra gasped, but when he turned to look directly, the image vanished. Moments later, the chair beside his bed creaked as though someone had just sat down.His voice trembled. "Who's there? What do you want?"
A deep, familiar voice echoed in the room. "Rudra, my son, it's me—your grandfather. I've been watching over you. Soon, we will meet, and you will learn the truth about our family."
Sweat beaded on Rudra's forehead. "What truth?" he stammered.
"You must help me spread peace and prosperity in this world," the voice said. As it faded, the chair returned to its original position, and the sound of faint singing filled the room. The door creaked open, and Rudra felt compelled to follow.
He trailed the sound to an old cottage bathed in moonlight. In a fleeting moment, he saw a figure standing in the doorway. The man turned, and Rudra's breath caught. The figure looked exactly like him, dressed in a white kurta and pants. The apparition smiled before disappearing into the cottage.
Paralyzed with shock, Rudra stumbled back to his room. The events of the night overwhelmed him, and he collapsed into a restless sleep.
Morning brought little clarity. Rudra woke to find everything in his room exactly as it had been the night before. Questions swirled in his mind, but answers remained elusive.What is happening in the lives of Smitha and Rudra? Will they uncover the mysteries surrounding them? Stay tuned for the next chapter, where secrets unravel and destinies collide.