It was a bright morning, and the air hummed with quiet anticipation. Aurora sat comfortably on the backseat of the Black Activa scooter, her slightly curled hair fluttering in the breeze. In front, Luna steered with calm focus, weaving through the waking streets. They were on their way to the railway station—the day still unfolding, full of promise.
As the wind brushed past them, Luna turned slightly.
"Do you know the way back?"
Aurora smiled—uncertain, but determined.
"I'll figure it out."
Luna laughed, and soon the scooter's hum was joined by her soft, tuneful singing. Aurora's heart fluttered. Deep down, she suspected Luna didn't really know the way back. But she chose to trust her. That quiet faith—rooted in true friendship—was enough.
Luna, for her part, understood Aurora well. She knew that behind the calm demeanor was a mind that calculated every step, a heart reluctant to surrender control.
—
When they reached the station, Aurora's eyes widened. It was bigger than she'd imagined—loud, sprawling, alive. People crisscrossed with luggage and hurried faces, like a living current. She stood frozen for a moment.
"I'll get our tickets digitally. Much faster," Luna said, checking her phone.
Aurora nodded, though her eyes lingered on the long serpentine queues at the manual counters. A strange cocktail of excitement and nerves churned in her chest.
They took the underground passage next—damp and echoing with footsteps, distant announcements, and the occasional honk. When they emerged, the open expanse of the station spread before them. Tracks stretched like arteries. One train waited, humming.
"Platform 13," Luna confirmed.
Aurora's breath hitched. Theyhurried. Inside the compartment, Luna settled into a seat opposite an elderly lady in a bright saree. Aurora stood for a beat, then sat beside her.
After a quiet moment, Luna said,
"I'm kind of craving something to eat…"
Aurora perked up instantly.
"I can—"
"No, it's okay." Luna smiled. "This is your first time at a railway station. I don't want to trouble you."
Aurora hesitated, disappointed. But then she straightened.
"I'll be back in five minutes."
Before Luna could protest, Aurora dashed off. She grabbed a pack of biscuits and two bananas from a nearby kiosk and raced back—counting platforms as she passed: 10… 11… 12…
There. Platform 13.
Luna stood in the doorway, scanning the crowd. Her face lit up as Aurora sprinted toward her, panting but triumphant.
"See? I made it!"
Luna laughed, her worry melting.
"You're unbelievable."
The train was already hissing to life. Luna leaned out and wrapped Aurora in a tight hug.
"Take care. Call me when you get back."
Aurora clung to her for a moment longer.
"Love you, Luna!"
As the train pulled away, Aurora waved, grinning through the sting in her eyes. Luna waved back until she disappeared into the crowd.
—
Aurora stood still. Watching. Then she glanced at her watch—11:45 AM.
"All right," she murmured. "Back to the hostel. Lunch menu. Mess duty. Focus."
She turned to leave—carefully avoiding the underground tunnel. Luna warned me about thatone, she thought.
But something caught her eye.
Near Platform 17, a softgoldenglow shimmered behind a pillar. Faint, pulsing like a heartbeat—dim… then bright… then dim again. Passengers passed by without a second glance.
But Aurora saw it.
She stopped. A chill ran up her spine.
Why am I the only one seeing this?
Her logical mind urged her to keep walking. But her feet didn't listen.
She stepped closer.
The light grew warmer the nearer she came. Not just light now—butapull. Like it was waiting.
She glanced around. No one seemed to notice.
Her fingers reached out.
The glow flickered—responding.
And the moment her hand touched it, the world around her dissolved in a wash of shimmer and silence.
—
The noise of the station vanished. The air turned cool—older.
She blinked.
Gone were the steel tracks and concrete platforms. Before her stood a weathered stone building cloaked in ivy and shadow. Above the arched entrance, a plaque read in faded letters:
>>>ELDRIDGE HALL<<<
Aurora stared, disbelieving.
She tightened her grip on her bag, heart thudding in her chest.
The adventure that began with a scooter ride, a digital train ticket, and a pack of biscuits… had just stepped into something far stranger.
Something magical.
And it had been waiting for her.