As the weight of her decision settled in, Iaa pulled out her phone, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. She dialed the number, her fingers trembling slightly as she pressed each digit. The phone began to ring, the sound echoing in the quiet room, marking the point of no return in her mind. She took a deep breath, bracing herself for whatever response awaited her on the other end.
"Wow, it's actually ringing! But how is that even possible?" exclaimed Shiva, her eyes wide with surprise. "Perhaps it could be a number belonging to a company," Iaa suggested thoughtfully, her brow furrowing in contemplation. "Hmm, that's a possibility worth considering," she added, her mind racing with various scenarios.
As they delved deeper into the complexities and potential ramifications of the call they were about to make, an unexpected interruption shattered the atmosphere of concentration. The sudden sound of someone picking up the phone sliced through their intense discussion, instantly redirecting their focus and amplifying the palpable tension that hung in the air like a thick fog.
"Uh...h-hello?" Iaa stammered, her voice quivering with a mix of anxiety and uncertainty as she tried to steady her nerves.
"So you've found the diary, I knew it one day you would call," came the calm yet eerie voice of the unknown caller, sending a chill down Iaa's spine.
"WHAT!! How do you know about this number and how do you know about the diary?" Iaa exclaimed, her shock evident as she struggled to comprehend the implications of the stranger's words.
The unknown caller let out a low chuckle, a sound that seemed to echo ominously in the room. "I will be waiting for you in Maajaan house in Maajaan," they said cryptically, leaving Iaa with more questions than answers.
"But WTH is Maajaan?" she demanded, her heart racing as confusion and fear intertwined within her. Before she could gather her thoughts or respond further, the unknown caller abruptly ended the call, leaving a deafening silence in its wake. The weight of the moment settled heavily on Iaa and her companion, as they exchanged bewildered glances, each grappling with the unsettling reality of what had just transpired.
"What just happened? And what is this Maajaan house?" Iaa asked, her voice laced with confusion and curiosity.
"We'll uncover the truth once we arrive there," Aravali replied, her tone calm yet mysterious.
Iaa furrowed her brow, still perplexed. "Huh?"
Aravali, sensing her sister's bewilderment, pulled out her phone and began scrolling through the information she had gathered. "Look, I've done some digging into this," she said, her eyes lighting up with intrigue. "Maajaan house is an enormous, once-majestic residence located in the heart of Maajaan, a town steeped in mystery. It was originally the home of a close-knit group of friends who were renowned paranormal detectives in India. They were celebrated for their daring explorations into the supernatural, but now, they seem to have vanished from the public eye, leaving behind only whispers of their past."
She paused for a moment, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Maajaan itself is a ghost town now. Many residents fled, driven away by the presence of a demon that was said to be far too dangerous to confront. Once, it was one of the most beautiful towns in the region, attracting wealthy individuals who built lavish vacation homes amidst its scenic landscapes. But now, those homes stand abandoned, overtaken by nature and decay."
Aravali continued, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's a chilling theory that suggests this town was the detectives' hometown. When they discovered the demon's existence, they attempted to banish it, believing they could rid their beloved town of its malevolent presence. However, the demon proved to be far more powerful than they anticipated. In a tragic turn of events, one member of their group lost their life during the confrontation. After that, the remaining detectives disappeared without a trace, leaving the town to its fate."
Iaa listened intently, her heart racing as she absorbed the gravity of Aravali's explanation. The thought of stepping into a place with such a dark history sent shivers down her spine. "So, we're going to this haunted house? What if the stories are true?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Aravali nodded, her expression serious. "That's exactly why we need to go. We have to uncover the truth behind the legends and find out what really happened to those detectives. It could be dangerous, but it might also be the adventure of a lifetime."
With a mix of trepidation and excitement, Iaa felt a surge of determination. They were about to embark on a journey into the unknown, one that could change everything they thought they knew about Maajaan and its haunting past.
"I have a feeling this person knows something about your mom," Sita remarked, her voice laced with curiosity as she leaned closer to the group. The dim light of the room cast shadows on their faces, highlighting the intrigue that hung in the air.
"Yeah, she seems to be onto something. But how does she know?" Shiva questioned, her brow furrowing in thought. Her mind racing with possibilities.
"We'll figure it out once we get there," Aravali replied, her tone resolute. The excitement of the unknown was palpable, but so was the weight of their decision.
"But who will explain to Papa that we're heading off to a strange ghost town just because an unknown person invited us?" Iaa's voice was tinged with concern, her eyes darting between her friends. The thought of their father's reaction sent a shiver down her spine.
"We'll just have to lie to him. We can tell him we're going to Mumbai or Jaipur or any other city for a fun trip," Aravali suggested, her voice steady and confident. She had a knack for coming up with plans, even if they were a bit mischievous.
"Hmm, that's a good idea, but I don't know if we can lie to him like that," Iaa replied, her conscience pricking at her. She knew their father would worry, and the thought of deceiving him felt heavy on her heart.
"Sometimes, to gain something, you have to lose something," Sita chimed in, her expression serious. She understood the stakes involved and the thrill of the adventure that awaited them.
"Okay then, it's a deal. I'll talk to Papa... I mean, I'll lie to him," Iaa said, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. The gravity of their plan was starting to sink in, but the thrill of the adventure was too enticing to resist.
"Alright then, what do you say, Shiva and Sita?" Aravali asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I agree," Shiva said, a grin spreading across his face. He was always up for an adventure, no matter how risky it might be.
"Same here," Sita added, her enthusiasm matching that of her friends. They felt a rush of adrenaline as they realized they were about to embark on a journey that could change everything.
With their minds made up, they began to discuss the details of their plan, each contributing ideas and thoughts. The air was thick with anticipation as they imagined what awaited them in the mysterious ghost town. Would they uncover secrets about Iaa and Aravali's mom? What dangers lurked in the shadows? The questions swirled around them, fueling their excitement and curiosity.
As they prepared for their adventure, the weight of their decision settled in, but so did the thrill of the unknown. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead, united in their quest for answers and the promise of an unforgettable experience.
TO BE CONTINUED....