"Oh God, save us…" Mrs. Ashwin whispered.
"Who did this?" Deep asked in a trembling voice.
"Only God knows," Mr. Ashwin said, taking a long breath.
"Maa, I'm feeling dizzy," Priya murmured.
"Oh dear, have some water," Mrs. Ashwin said, helping her drink.
"Now do you still think it was a good decision to come here?" Padmini said, looking directly at her father.
(Deep's thoughts)How rude this girl is…
"So what do you want? That I should've left you all there?" Mr. Ashwin snapped in anger.
Padmini fell silent, knowing her father's anger was dangerous.
(Padmini's thoughts)Papa's anger is a hundred times more terrifying than those things outside…
"I don't think this is the right place to argue," Mrs. Ashwin said gently.
"Yes, you're right. Let's go eat something at a local restaurant," Mr. Ashwin agreed.
"I'm starving too. Let's see how much money I have…" Deep said, reaching for his back pocket, but froze. "Oh no, my purse! I must've dropped it either in the car trunk or while running. How will I manage without money?"
(Deep's thoughts)Wait… maybe I can ask Mr. Ashwin to pay for now. I'll repay him later through my card.
Ashwin's family had already started walking toward the restaurant. Deep quickly caught up and explained everything to Mr. Ashwin.
"It's okay. Not a big deal—you can join us," Mr. Ashwin said kindly.
"Thank you, Mr. Ashwin. God is great," Deep smiled in relief.
They all entered a small local restaurant, ordering food and sitting around a wooden table. The chairs creaked with every movement, and the table was just tall enough for a meal.
"So, what's your full name, Deep?" Mr. Ashwin asked.
"Deep Sharma."
"Hmm… Deep Sharma with red hair, slim body, long face, medium height," Mr. Ashwin noted. "What's your goal in life?"
"I'm a researcher and an explorer of dark and mysterious places in India," Deep replied confidently.
"That's both strange and exciting," Mr. Ashwin chuckled.
"And sir, I'm guessing you're from the military—your muscular build, tall height, black hair, and sharp eyes gave it away," Deep added.
"Of course," Mr. Ashwin smiled.
"So, where are you heading on this trip?" Deep asked curiously.
Before Mr. Ashwin could answer, the food arrived. Everyone began eating and chatting.
"I'm going to Phek," Mr. Ashwin finally said.
Hearing the word Phek, Deep dropped his spoon and stared at Mr. Ashwin in shock.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Mr. Ashwin asked, puzzled.
"You're going to Phek… for exploring?"
"No, I've been transferred from Lucknow to Phek's new town. We've been allotted a family quarter in Phek's old town."
"Do you really not know the dark truth about Phek?" Deep asked, his voice serious.
"What truth? Speak clearly," Mr. Ashwin demanded.
"I came here to uncover the truth too. Phek is one of the most mysterious places in the Northeast. People rarely talk about it."
"But why?" Mrs. Ashwin asked, concerned.
"I don't know why. That's what I'm here to find out—it's my job," Deep replied.
"So, is it dangerous to live in Phek?" she asked.
"I can't say for sure, but I've heard the old town of Phek is cursed," Deep said gravely.
"What kind of curse?" Mr. Ashwin leaned in.
"I don't know the exact details. But for years, no one has ever left Phek. And very, very few people enter it as newcomers."
"That's terrifying, Maa, Papa," Priya whispered.
"This is all just nonsense—folktales," Mr. Ashwin scoffed.
"We'll know for sure once we reach there," Deep responded calmly.
"Yes, you're right," Padmini nodded.
(Mrs. Ashwin's thoughts)What is happening? This is all so strange… I don't know what lies ahead.
"Okay, that's enough. Let's just eat," Mr. Ashwin said.
"Yes, Mr. Ashwin," Deep replied.