The bus rumbled along the winding roads, the sky outside shrouded in thick, gray clouds. The occasional gust of wind rustled the trees, but no rain fell. Madhav, seated near the back, leaned against the window, trying to drift off to sleep as the bus rocked gently.
He opened his eyes briefly. The bus was bustling with life—passengers chatting, a mother feeding her child, vendors hopping on and off at every stop to sell snacks. Madhav sighed, comforted by the mundane scene, and closed his eyes again.
Moments later, Madhav's eyes fluttered open. Something felt… off. The lively chatter of the passengers had faded into an eerie silence. He looked around and realized there were only a handful of people left on the bus—four or five, scattered across the seats.
No one spoke. No one moved.
A chill ran down Madhav's spine.
Madhav (thinking): "Where did everyone go? We haven't even stopped long enough for so many people to get off."
His unease grew. He decided to move to the front, closer to the driver. As he stood up, the bus jolted slightly, and one of the remaining passengers turned to look at him.
Madhav froze, his breath caught in his throat. The man's face was pale, his skin ghostly gray, with thick streams of blood trickling down from a gash on his forehead. His lips were cracked, and his eyes… they were entirely black, void of any light or life.
The man tilted his head unnaturally, his gaze fixed on Madhav.
Bloodied Man (in a raspy voice):
"Why… did you bring it?"
Madhav stumbled back, gripping the seat for support. He wanted to scream, but his voice was caught in his throat. The bus felt suffocating, the air thick with an unnatural coldness.
The bloodied man took a step forward, his dark eyes unblinking.
"It's here… and it knows you."
Before Madhav could react, a figure emerged from the shadows—a girl drenched in blood, her face a horrifying void with no eyes. She moved silently, eerily gliding toward the bloodied man.
Without hesitation, the girl raised a jagged knife and slashed the bloodied man's throat. Blood gushed as she severed his head clean off, sending it rolling down the aisle. The lifeless eyes of the decapitated head locked onto Madhav, stopping right at his feet.
Madhav's body froze, his breath shallow. His legs felt like lead, refusing to move, his voice trapped in his throat.
The girl turned her eyeless face toward him, her mouth curling into a sinister grin. Suddenly, her body ignited in flames, the fire spreading rapidly across the bus, engulfing the seats and walls. The heat was unbearable, and Madhav felt sweat trickling down his face.
The girl stepped closer, her flaming figure towering over Madhav. She lifted the knife high, and before he could react, she plunged it into his hand. Pain shot through him like lightning, and he desperately tried to scream, but no sound came out.
His vision blurred, the world around him pulsating with the roar of the fire.
Madhav (gasping): "What… what do you want?"
The girl leaned in close, her fiery face inches from his, and whispered in a cold, guttural voice:
Girl: "Your life."
In an instant, the flames vanished. The bus returned to normal, filled with passengers once again, chatting and moving as if nothing had happened. But Madhav's hand throbbed with excruciating pain. He looked down and saw a deep wound where the knife had pierced him, blood dripping steadily onto the floor.
The bus slowed to a stop, and the driver announced their arrival at bus stand . Madhav staggered off the bus, clutching his injured hand, his mind reeling from what had just transpired.
Madhav (thinking): "It wasn't a dream… it's real. I think … it's real."
Blood still seeped from the wound inflicted during the terrifying bus ride. He quickly headed to the medical for treatment.
The nurse cleaned and bandaged his hand, her brow furrowing as she asked, "How did you get this deep cut?"
Madhav (hesitant):
"Just… an accident on the bus."
The nurse didn't press further, but Madhav's thoughts were far from calm. The events of the journey replayed in his mind—the bloodied man, the eyeless girl, and her chilling words: Your life.
Once treated, Madhav made his way to the hostel to drop off his bag and compose himself before heading to class.
In class, Madhav found Raj sitting near the middle row, doodling absentmindedly in his notebook.
Madhav (sitting beside him): "So, what's been happening here while I was gone?"
Raj looked up, his expression shifting to one of mild annoyance.
Raj: "Vice Principal found out Mohit was the one who messed with his bike. I don't know what punishment Mohit's going to get, but it's not looking good for him."
Madhav nodded, feeling a pang of concern for his mischievous friend. Before he could ask more, their conversation was interrupted.
The classroom door swung open, and Miss Kajal walked in, her expression serious. She clapped her hands to get everyone's attention.
Miss Kajal: "All students, listen carefully! You need to head to the big hall right now. Leave everything and go immediately."
Anika, seated near the front, raised her hand and asked, "Miss Kajal, we have to go now? What's going on?"
Miss Kajal shot her a sharp look.
Miss Kajal (firmly): "Yes, now. Move quickly. It's important."
The students exchanged puzzled glances, but the urgency in Miss Kajal's tone left no room for argument. They began gathering their belongings and filing out of the classroom.
Madhav (thinking): "What's going on now?
The big hall buzzed with chatter as students settled into their seats. Everyone was curious about the sudden assembly. Some speculated about a surprise event, while others whispered nervously about potential disciplinary actions.
Student 1 (whispering): "Maybe it's a surprise announcement, like a festival or something."
Student 2 (shrugging): "I doubt it. The mood feels too serious."
Anika leaned toward Rupali, her voice hushed but tinged with curiosity.
Anika: "How do you think the Vice Principal found out about Mohit? I mean, it's not like he'd confess on his own."
Rupali glanced around before replying.
Rupali: "Not many people knew. But in our class, a few of us might've pieced it together. It's possible someone said something."
Priya, seated beside them, joined the conversation.
Priya (frowning): "Mohit's been in the Principal's office since this morning. He hasn't been back to class all day."
As they spoke, a girl named Meera approached them, her expression calm .
Meera: "If someone does something wrong, they deserve punishment. It's only fair. Rules are rules for a reason."
Her words hung in the air, leaving a brief silence among the group. Rupali exchanged a glance with Anika, both sensing the tension in Meera's voice.
Anika (softly): "Maybe, but still… I hope nothing too harsh happens to Mohit. It was just a prank."
Meera (firmly): "A prank or not, consequences exist for a reason."
The murmurs in the hall began to die down as the Vice Principal entered, his face stern. He walked up to the podium and adjusted the microphone. The room fell into an expectant silence, every student waiting to hear what he had to say.
Vice Principal (calm but authoritative):
"Good morning, students. I've called this assembly to address a matter that concerns everyone here. It's about responsibility and the consequences of our actions."
Madhav sat near the back, his hand still throbbing beneath the bandage. His eyes darted to Raj, who looked equally puzzled but slightly amused.
Raj (whispering to Madhav):
"Looks like Mohit's in deep trouble."
Suddenly from back the Principal took the microphone from the Vice Principal. His sharp gaze swept over the students, silencing the faint murmurs.
Principal (clearing his throat):
"Good morning, everyone. I have two announcements to make—one bad news and one good news. Let's address the bad news first."
The students shifted in their seats, tension palpable.
Principal (seriously): "We have identified the culprit behind the spray painting incident on our Vice Principal's bike. Mohit, step forward."
A collective gasp rippled through the hall. From the back, Mohit walked slowly to the front, his head down, his usual confidence gone. He stopped beside the Principal, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Principal: "As punishment, Mohit will stay back and assist with garden maintenance—cleaning, cutting grass, and ensuring the campus looks presentable."
The Vice Principal's face tightened, clearly displeased with what he considered a lenient punishment.
Vice Principal (muttering to himself): "Too soft for such disrespect."
The Principal's tone lightened as he transitioned to the next part of his speech.
Principal (smiling slightly): "Now, for the good news. This year marks the 50th anniversary of our college. To celebrate, we've planned a special trip to Himachal Pradesh for our students. This will be a week-long tour, full of adventure and learning."
Excited whispers and cheers broke out among the students. Even those who were initially tense seemed to brighten at the announcement.
Principal (raising a hand for silence):
"This trip will be a chance for you all to relax and bond with your classmates, but I expect you to maintain discipline and represent our college with pride."
The students applauded, already buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming trip.
As the hall cleared, Mohit stood near the podium, looking dejected. Raj and Madhav approached him.
Raj (teasing): "Well, at least you don't have to worry about packing for the trip."
Mohit scowled.
Mohit: "Not funny, Raj. I can't believe they're making me miss the trip for something so small!"
Madhav (calmly): "You got off easy, Mohit. The Vice Principal looked like he wanted to do worse."
Mohit sighed, kicking the ground.
Mohit: "Yeah, but missing the trip sucks. You guys better take lots of pictures."
Back at the podium, the Vice Principal spoke quietly to the Principal.
Vice Principal (irritated): "Sir, the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Mohit's actions were disrespectful. He deserved suspension, at the very least."
Principal (firmly): "I've made my decision. This will serve as a lesson without jeopardizing his future."
The Vice Principal shook his head but said nothing more, his displeasure evident as he stormed out of the hall.
As the students started to leave the hall, a wave of relief spread through some, while others remained tense.
Anika, standing near the door, felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She had feared that Mohit might face a harsher punishment, but the Principal's decision seemed fair. A small smile crossed her lips as she walked out.
Outside the hall, Rupali turned to Priya and Meera.
Rupali (confidently): "I knew the Principal wouldn't punish Mohit too harshly. He's always been fair with students, even when they mess up."
Meera (crossing her arms): "Fair or not, Mohit won't be coming with us to Himachal Pradesh. That's what matters."
Priya (curious): "Wait… do we even know who told the Principal about Mohit? Who exposed him?"
Meera hesitated for a moment, then leaned in closer.
Meera (lowering her voice): "It was Aman. I saw him talking to the Vice Principal yesterday. He must've told him everything."
Priya's eyes widened in surprise.
Priya: "Aman? But why would he do that?"
Rupali (shrugging): "Maybe he wanted to teach Mohit a lesson. You know how Aman can be—always watching, always listening."
Meanwhile, Anika, who had overheard part of their conversation, kept her thoughts to herself. She remembered how Aman had been lurking near the hall door earlier, listening intently. Something about him felt off, but she brushed it aside, deciding it wasn't her concern.
In the distance, Aman stood under the shade of a tree, watching the students disperse. A faint smirk played on his lips.
Aman (to himself): "Mohit deserved it. Let's see if he'll pull another stunt after this."
The soft hum of ceiling fans filled the dimly lit hostel room as Madhav, Raj, and Mohit sat cross-legged on the floor, snacks and sweets spread out between them.
Raj (teasingly): "So, Mohit, how does it feel to miss the Himachal trip? Gonna miss us?"
Mohit (shrugging, with a grin): "Not really. I'll be chilling at my uncle's restaurant, eating good food, and relaxing. You guys go freeze in the mountains."
Raj (laughing): "Fair enough. But don't say we didn't warn you when we come back with epic stories!"
Raj turned to Madhav, noticing he had been quieter than usual.
Raj: "What about you, Madhav? Got sweets for us, or are you saving them for someone special?"
Madhav reached into his bag, pulling out a box of sweets.
Madhav: "Here, try these. Let me know what you think."
The boys eagerly grabbed a piece, savoring the rich, syrupy flavor.
Mohit (munching): "Not bad, man. Your family always sends good stuff. By the way, how did you hurt your hand?"
Madhav (hesitating): "It's nothing—just an accident at home. Don't worry about it."
Raj raised an eyebrow but didn't push further.
After a moment of silence, Raj leaned back against the bedframe.
Raj: "So, how was your trip home? Why did your big brother call you back?"
Madhav (pausing): "Purav wanted to talk about some family stuff. You won't believe this, but my grandfather left all his property to me."
Mohit (whistling): "Wow, that's huge! Bet your brother wasn't too happy about that."
Madhav nodded but avoided eye contact. He deliberately left out any mention of the gold coin, knowing it would only raise more questions.
Raj (curious): "Did anything else happen? You've been acting different since you came back."
Madhav (forcing a smile): "Nothing much. Just the usual family drama. Let's not talk about it."
The hostel room was quiet, save for the rhythmic breathing of Raj and Mohit, who had drifted off to sleep. The pale glow of the moon seeped through the curtains, casting faint shadows on the walls.
Madhav, lying on his bed, stared at the ceiling, unable to quiet his restless mind. The events of the past few days weighed heavily on him—the eerie dream, the bloodied man on the bus, and the coin that seemed to be at the center of it all.
Slowly, he sat up, careful not to wake the others. His hand reached into the hidden pocket of his bag, pulling out the golden coin. The metal felt cool and oddly heavy in his palm.
He held it up to the faint moonlight streaming in through the window, inspecting it closely.
The coin was intricately designed, its surface adorned with ancient, weathered carvings. At first glance, they appeared to be random patterns, but as Madhav tilted the coin, he noticed faint symbols etched along the edges.
Madhav (whispering to himself): "What are you hiding…?"
He rubbed his thumb over the surface, hoping to feel something more, but the carvings remained elusive.
Suddenly, a faint whisper echoed in the room. It was low and guttural, almost like a chant. Madhav froze, his breath catching in his throat. He glanced at Raj and Mohit, but they remained fast asleep, undisturbed.
The whisper grew louder, resonating in his ears. He gripped the coin tightly, his heart racing.
Voice (faintly):
"Beware the price… of what you hold."
Madhav (murmuring): "Who… who's there?"
There was no response, only silence. The whisper had vanished as quickly as it had come.
Madhav took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He turned the coin over again, Somehow, he felt as though the symbols were trying to communicate with him.
Madhav placed the golden coin carefully into the drawer beside his bed, closing it with a quiet click. His fingers lingered on the handle for a moment, hesitant to let it out of his sight, but he shook off the unease.
Sliding under the covers, he exhaled deeply, hoping that sleep would finally claim him. He shut his eyes, repeating to himself that everything would be better in the morning.
As soon as his eyes closed, an overwhelming sense of dread washed over him. In his dream, he found himself standing in a dense, foggy forest. The trees loomed tall, their twisted branches clawing at the sky.
The sound of distant whispers filled the air, growing louder with each step he took.
Voice (echoing): "You cannot escape it…
Suddenly, the fog parted, revealing an ancient stone altar. On it lay the golden coin, glowing faintly. As Madhav reached out to touch it, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness—a shape-shifting entity with hollow, glowing eyes.
Entity (in a deep, distorted voice):
"You think you can hide from me?
The shadow morphed rapidly, transforming into his grandfather, then his father, and finally into himself. Each version of the figure stared at him with an empty, haunting gaze.
Madhav jolted awake, drenched in sweat and gasping for air. His heart pounded against his chest as he frantically looked around the room. Everything seemed normal—no shadowy figures, no whispers, just the soft snores of Raj and Mohit.
But as he glanced toward the drawer where he had placed the coin, he noticed something chilling. The drawer was slightly ajar, and faint scratches marred its wooden surface, as though something had tried to claw its way out.
Madhav : He stood up, trembling, and carefully pushed the drawer shut. His eyes darted around the room, searching for any sign of danger.
Raj and Mohit stirred from their sleep, noticing Madhav sitting upright, his back pressed firmly against the wall, his eyes wide with unease.
Mohit (rubbing his eyes): "Bhai, what's going on? Why are you sitting like this in the middle of the night?"
Raj (yawning, but alert): "Relax, Mohit. He probably had a bad dream. Right, Madhav?"
Madhav nodded weakly, trying to force a smile but failing to mask the fear in his eyes.
Raj (softly): "It's just a dream, bro. Nothing to worry about. Go drink some water; it'll help you calm down."
Mohit glanced at the clock on the wall.
Mohit: "It's 3 a.m., man. Drink water, clear your head, and get some sleep. We've got a long day tomorrow."
Madhav (forcing a calm tone):
"Thanks, guys. I'm okay, really. You both go back to sleep."
Raj and Mohit exchanged glances but decided not to press further.
Raj (patting Madhav's shoulder): "Alright, but if anything bothers you, wake us up, okay?"
Mohit (grinning): "Yeah, bro. Don't fight ghosts alone, haan?"
Madhav (smiling faintly): "Got it. Thanks."
The two friends returned to their beds, falling asleep within minutes. Madhav, however, remained wide awake, his mind racing with the images from his dream and the ominous scratches on the drawer.