A few days later, everyone gathered at Jaya and Anjali's home, ready for the trip. The group included the four friends, Manik, Anjali's husband Kabir, Jaya's fiancé, Jaya's older cousin brother Ankit (who was the same age as Manik and Kabir), and Ankit's wife Ashwini (who was also Anjali's older cousin sister and sister-in-law). Kabir, Anjali, Naina, and Manik piled into one car. Jaya, her fiancé, Shweta, Ankit, and Ashwini took the other, larger car. In Kabir's car, Manik repeatedly tried to catch Naina's eye, but she remained resolutely focused on the outside world, staring out the window. Manik felt annoyed but managed to keep his composure.
Kabir, driving, decided to take a deliberately circuitous route, plotting a prank to tease Anjali. He suddenly stopped the car outside an old, dilapidated fort that looked distinctly haunted. "The car needs water," he announced, though Manik looked surprised. "Let's see," Kabir winked at him. Anjali and Naina, meanwhile, exchanged worried glances from the back seat. Kabir leaned in, whispering into Manik's ear, "Let's scare the girls. Anjali already knows, but Naina is just sitting there silently."
"Girls, stay in the car!" Kabir instructed. "We'll go get some water for the engine."
The girls waited. And waited. Almost an hour passed, with no sign of the boys. Growing restless and a little nervous, they decided to investigate.
Stepping out, Anjali gasped at the sight of the seemingly haunted fort. Priya (Naina), too, felt a chill creep up her spine. Holding hands, they ventured forward. A strange noise echoed through the ruins, making Anjali jump. Priya (Naina), at first, dismissed it, but when the sound came again, a prickle of fear touched her. Anjali was terrified. They turned, running blindly, away from the fort, away from the car, away from the unsettling sounds.
Suddenly, they collided with two figures. Manik and Kabir. "What happened?" the boys asked, feigning innocence. Priya (Naina) was about to explain, but Anjali clamped a hand over her mouth, shaking her head. "Nothing," Anjali stammered, then dragged Priya (Naina) back towards the car. The boys exchanged knowing glances, stifling their laughter until the girls were out of sight.
Back in the car, Kabir took the driver's seat, Manik the passenger. A few hours later, they finally reached the serene beach villa. The others had already arrived, enjoying the coastal breeze. They all savored the beautiful scenery, indulged in delicious food, and engaged in fun activities like chatting and light games. That night, they retired to their respective rooms: Anjali and her husband in one, Manik and Jaya's fiancé in another, Jaya, Naina, and Shweta sharing a room, and Ankit and Ashwini in a fourth.
During the night, Priya (Naina) was plagued by a disturbing dream: two shrouded figures, lifeless. She jolted awake, her heart pounding. Jaya and Shweta, also stirring, asked, "What happened, Priya?" She vaguely replied, "Nothing, just go back to sleep." Once they were settled, she slipped onto the balcony sofa, trying to shake off the nightmare. She knew why she was having it - the spooky fort earlier had unsettled her more than she'd let on. To distract herself, she opened her laptop, resuming her remote internship work. She worked tirelessly until 5 AM, when exhaustion finally claimed her. She quietly returned to bed, falling asleep beside Shweta.
At 10 AM, Priya (Naina) woke up, parched. There was no water on the bedside table, and Jaya and Shweta were gone. She headed downstairs. As she approached the living area, she heard her name mentioned, piquing her curiosity. She crept closer, hiding behind a pillar, and listened. They were laughing - the entire group, except Kabir and Anjali who were still in their rooms - about yesterday's fort prank, recounting how Kabir and Manik had successfully scared and teased Priya (Naina) and Anjali. Manik was vividly narrating the joke, everyone joining in the laughter. Jaya and Shweta even added that Priya (Naina) had nightmares, mocking their supposed bravery. Priya (Naina) listened, a cold fury building inside her, then silently retreated back to her room without being seen. How could they? How could her friends participate in such a cruel joke, then mock her nightmares? She pushed the anger down, telling herself it wasn't important, and fell back asleep for a few more hours.
At 1 PM, Priya (Naina) woke again and went downstairs for lunch. Everyone was there, casting secret smiles her way, except for Kabir and Anjali, who were unaware of the morning's conversation. Priya (Naina) ate in silence. Once she finished, the group decided to visit a nearby local market. As they explored, Priya (Naina) browsed, aware of Manik's constant gaze on her. She decided to buy some thoughtful gifts for her family. At the counter, as she was about to pay, Manik intervened, attempting to pay for her purchases. Priya (Naina) firmly refused, insisting she could pay herself with her saved internship earnings and pocket money. Manik, though visibly displeased, didn't press the issue, ignoring her defiance for now.
They returned to the villa around 8 PM, had dinner, and retired to their rooms.