"Charvi!" Gauri's voice came before she did, echoing across the poolside. She rushed forward, the hem of her dupatta brushing the tiles as she knelt beside her sister.
Charvi sat wrapped in Yug's jacket, still pale, droplets of water clinging to her lashes.
Gauri cupped her face instantly. "What happened to you?" she asked in alarm, her voice trembling. "Why are you drenched like this?"
Yug stepped in quietly, guilt lacing his tone. "She… she fell into the pool. I found her struggling and pulled her out."
Gauri's eyes widened in panic. "Fell into the pool?" Her voice sharpened with worry. "Charvi, you only had your heart surgery a month ago! You can't take this kind of stress!"
Charvi, still catching her breath, placed her hand over Gauri's. "Di, I'm fine… really. It was just an accident," she lied softly, not wanting to worry her further.
Vihaan came closer, resting a reassuring hand on Gauri's shoulder. "She's safe now. That's what matters."
Gauri sighed, her heart still pounding. "You scared me, Charvi. If anything had happened—"
Charvi smiled faintly, interrupting, "Nothing will happen. Not when I have my sister and brother-in-law watching over me."
Gauri finally softened and helped her up, wrapping her shawl around Charvi's shoulders. Yug looked on silently, still shaken but relieved.
As they started to walk back, Charvi turned once toward the pool—the moonlight rippling over the water, hiding the shadow that had shoved her in.
She clenched her fists slightly.
She wouldn't tell anyone—not tonight. She wouldn't let this moment of family peace be ruined… even if it meant swallowing her fear.
As Gauri and the others disappeared down the dimly lit corridor, the soft echo of their footsteps faded into silence. The night air around the pool grew unnaturally still. The surface of the water shimmered once—then rippled as if something unseen stirred beneath.
From behind a cluster of palms, the hooded figure emerged. Moonlight caught the edge of his jaw as he pulled back his hood, revealing the same cold, unfeeling eyes—black as ink and twice as merciless.
Naashak tilted his head slightly, watching the retreating Kotharis with a crooked smirk. "So much love, so much laughter," he murmured, his tone dripping with mockery. "Enjoy your peace while it lasts…"
He raised his hand, tracing a symbol in the air—dark energy flickering faintly around his fingers. "Because tomorrow…" he whispered, his grin widening, "tomorrow will be a banger."
The wind howled through the trees as his shadow melted into the darkness—leaving behind only the faint sound of a mouth organ playing a haunting tune that echoed across the empty poolside.
Morning sunlight spilled gently through the glass panels of the resort's restaurant, painting golden streaks across the marble floor. The Kotharis walked in together, laughter and chatter floating softly between them. Gauri, in a pastel kurta, smiled as Vihaan pulled out a chair for her, while Veena and Dadi settled near the window overlooking the lush green valley.
But soon, the air turned… odd.
Gauri's laughter faded as she glanced around. The wide dining hall was pristine—tables neatly set, plates gleaming, cutlery perfectly aligned—but there wasn't a single waiter in sight. The buffet counters stood ready, but the food trays were all covered. Not even a sound came from the kitchen.
Charvi frowned. "That's strange… I thought this was a luxury resort. Where's everyone?"
Yug tried to lighten the mood. "Maybe the staff took a day off after feeding us too much last night."
But even he couldn't hide the unease creeping into his voice.
Sharda's brows knitted. "This is unusual. Yesterday the place was buzzing—today, it's completely empty."
Vihaan rose from his seat, scanning the hall with sharp eyes. "I'll check with the reception," he said. "Something doesn't feel right."
As he moved toward the hallway, the soft creak of a ceiling fan echoed through the silence, amplifying the emptiness around them. Gauri placed her hand over Dadi's. "Don't worry," she said softly, though her own gaze lingered on the untouched breakfast table.
Then, almost in a whisper, Gauri recited:
"When laughter fades and silence reigns,
It means the wind has changed again.
Something unseen, in shadows deep,
Awaits the hour the brave hearts weep…"
A chill ran through the air just as Vihaan returned, his face more serious than before.
"There's no one," he said quietly. "Reception, kitchen, lounge—everywhere's deserted."
The Kotharis exchanged uneasy glances.
The resort—once full of light and life—now stood eerily still, as if the world had paused just for them.