Almost a week had passed since the incidents occurred. Everything seemed normal, but the events of the previous week still haunted me.
I had resumed seeing patients at my chamber. Suddenly, Rahul showed up at my chamber today. He was still as handsome as he was five years ago, but he looked very worried. I had never seen Rahul so anxious before.
Rahul: "How are you, Olivia?"
Me: "As fine as one can be. I'm alright. But did you come here just to ask a casual question?"
Rahul: "No, I just came to tell you to never stay alone."
Me: "Why?"
Rahul: "Don't ask questions. Just do what I say."
Me: "Why should I? Are you the one to decide for me?"
Rahul: "You know who I am, better than anyone else."
Me: "Alright! Then tell me, what do I know?"
Rahul: "This isn't the time for such discussions. Just remember not to stay alone at home."
Me: "But why? At least tell me the reason."
Rahul: "I'm leaving now. Don't ask more. Just keep in mind what I said. This new moon night isn't favorable."
Me: "Rahul, wait! Wait, Rahul!"
Rahul didn't stop. After five long years, he came to see me, only to say this! But why? Why can't I stay alone at home? Why did Rahul keep warning me repeatedly?
While I was pondering Rahul's words, a patient came to see me. It was one of my long-time patients, named Alo. Alo believed that spirits roamed around her. She was convinced that she could see them. Alo was highly intelligent, capable of solving everything with ease. Yet, despite her brilliance and having no mental disorders, I couldn't understand why she believed in ghosts in this modern age.
I had been treating Alo for almost two years, but I hadn't been able to convince her that ghosts don't exist. It was all a figment of the mind—delusions or hallucinations.
As soon as Alo entered my chamber, she started behaving strangely. She had a panic attack, but this time it was severe. I immediately calmed her down with an emergency injection. Due to the injection, Alo slept for nearly four to five hours.
After waking up, she pushed me aside as soon as she saw me. I had never seen Alo act so erratically. Every time I tried to approach her, she moved farther away. Finally, I handed her over to another doctor and left the room.
Dr. Sushmita came out of the room later and said, "Alo is perfectly fine now. There's no problem with her."
But do you understand why she has that kind of panic attacks?
Perhaps you are the reason, Dr. Olivia.
What are you saying?
I'm telling you what I understood from talking to Alo. You need to be more careful, Olivia. Otherwise, the patient might even suffer a heart attack.
Miss Sushmita! Are you implying that I am not careful enough with my patients?
Don't misunderstand me, Olivia. I didn't mean to hurt you personally.
But does that mean you'll blame me like this? I have a reputation!
I deeply regret causing you distress with my words. However, at the moment, the patient doesn't wish to see you. Perhaps she is afraid of something around you.
Did you ask her why she is afraid of me? What did she see?
I did ask, but she didn't respond."**
If she doesn't answer, how can we treat her? Why is such an intelligent girl behaving so erratically today?
You're right. The entire hospital knows she's in the best state of mind among the mentally ill patients.
Couldn't you tell from talking to her what she saw or why she saw it?
She's unwilling to say anything about it. But she sent you a letter.
A letter! Alright, give it to me. Let's see what Alo has to say.
Here is your letter. Read it, and I'll check on the other patients.
Okay.
Dr. Sushmita handed me the letter and left. I started reading it.
Dear Olivia Ma'am,
I deeply apologize for my behavior. The sinister force that's with you is unbearable for me. It wants to take over your body. I cannot say much more about it, as it will ruin my life. Just remember to never stay alone. This new moon is not favorable. Only two days are left for the most terrifying effects of the new moon to end, although I'm not certain about it. You cannot imagine how dreadful these two days could be for you. I can't say more, but don't trust anyone—not even yourself. And never stay alone. Stay around faithful people. Always keep this letter with you. That's all I ask. I'll try my best to help you.
Sincerely,
Alo
Alo's words truly made me think. Who is with me? No, no one is. Then whom is Alo talking about? Who wants to harm me? Why do they want to harm me? Why shouldn't I trust anyone for the next two days? And why did both Rahul and Alo warn me not to stay alone? What is the mystery?
Lost in these thoughts, evening came, yet I couldn't find an answer.
On my way home, I noticed heavy traffic. Why wouldn't there be? It's Saturday. Traffic jams on Saturdays are normal.
To pass the time, I turned on the car's radio. I heard, "According to the weather department, this new moon is no ordinary one. Such a phenomenon happens only once in a thousand years, lasting for an extended period—sometimes even months. Meanwhile, famous paranormal experts from around the world have expressed concern over this new moon. Some have claimed that this phenomenon is sufficient to bring about destruction today. When asked about how this new moon might impact human society or destroy the universe, none of them could give a logical answer."
Annoyed, I turned off the radio. What absurd news! A new moon destroying the world? Who wrote such news while drunk or high?
However, one thing piqued my curiosity—the connection between me and the new moon. First Rahul, then Alo.
New moon… New moon… New moon.
Ah! It's going to drive me crazy!
I need to stop thinking about it and get home quickly.