I shouldn't even think of entering Old Phek without proper precautions and safety, Deep thought to himself, anxiety tightening in his chest.
"When will the bus reach New Phek?" Mr. Ashwin asked the conductor.
"In 20 minutes, sir," the conductor replied, his face expressionless.
"We will not enter Old Phek today," Mr. Ashwin announced to his family, voice firm.
"Papa, are you scared after hearing Diwan ji's story?" Padmini taunted, a mischievous smile on her face.
"My dear, I'm not scared. This is about the safety of all of us," Mr. Ashwin replied, irritation in his tone.
"You're absolutely right, Mr. Ashwin," Deep added with conviction, trusting Ashwin's decision.
"So where will we stay if we aren't going to our allotted government quarters in Old Phek?" Mrs. Ashwin asked nervously, worry flickering in her eyes.
"We'll stay in New Phek until the situation in Old Phek is resolved," Mr. Ashwin reassured, his tone gentle and caring.
Deep leaned in and whispered to Mr. Ashwin, "We should ask Diwan ji for more details about Old Phek, especially if he knows anything crucial."
"Hmmm… sometimes you're right," Mr. Ashwin replied.
Turning to Diwan ji, he asked, "How's your wound now?"
"It's much better, thanks for asking," Diwan ji replied with a grateful smile.
"Diwan ji, we want to know more about that place," Deep pressed, curiosity shining in his eyes.
"What more can I tell you—and why do you want to know?" Diwan ji hesitated.
"Sir, I'm with the military. I was recently transferred to New Phek, and my family has been allotted government quarters in Old Phek. I need to know everything that could help keep my family safe," Mr. Ashwin explained, concern etched on his face.
The older man's eyes filled with pain and longing. "Most importantly, you must not go to Old Phek with your family," Diwan ji warned, his voice trembling, tears glistening as the topic returned to Old Phek's dangers.
"We promise—we won't go for a while," Mr. Ashwin assured him, voice earnest.
"But there's something more—something truly important. Please, Diwan ji, if you know anything about the origin of all this disaster in Old Phek, tell us," Deep pleaded.
"I don't know much more about Old Phek's secrets," Diwan ji admitted, looking away, "but I know people who do."
"How can we meet them?" Mr. Ashwin asked.
"There's a town near New Phek called Shimara," Diwan ji replied after a pause. "We'll have to go there."
Just then, the bus began slowing down.
"The bus has reached New Phek," the conductor announced.
"Listen, all of you need to go to the military headquarters in New Phek. Stay there until I return," Mr. Ashwin instructed his family firmly.
"But where are you going?" Mrs. Ashwin asked, her voice tight with worry.
"I'm going with Diwan ji to find out more about Old Phek. Now, let's go—the stop has arrived," Mr. Ashwin said, urgency in his movements as he got their luggage.
He looked at his family one last time before leaving. "I'll be gone for a few hours. Can all of you manage on your own till I get back?"
Padmini sensed her father's worry. "Don't worry, Papa. We'll definitely manage," she said, trying to reassure both him and herself.
With a final nod, Mr. Ashwin reboarded the moving bus with Diwan ji.
This short separation made the Ashwin family's bond feel even stronger—and much more necessary—than before.
Meanwhile, in theShadows…
"They're new here, Master," a mysterious man spoke from the darkness.
"Let's see what they can do on their own," responded another, his voice deep and heavy.
"If you wish, I can handle them, Master," the first offered.
"NO. I don't like suggestions," the Master snapped.
"My apology…"