Aarav couldn't sleep that night.
Every time he closed his eyes, the same image flashed in his mind—
That red glow.
It wasn't just a color.
It felt like something… alive.
Watching.
Waiting.
He sat on his bed, his back against the wall, staring at the door.
The hostel was silent again.
Too silent.
As if nothing had ever happened.
As if the piano… the voice… the red light…
All of it was just in his head.
But Aarav knew better.
The next morning, dark circles had already formed under his eyes.
He looked tired. Disturbed.
And most importantly—
Curious.
He went straight to the second floor corridor.
Room 218.
The door looked the same.
Old. Locked. Untouched.
But now, Aarav saw it differently.
It didn't look empty anymore.
It felt…
Occupied.
He leaned closer.
Carefully.
As if the door itself could react.
His fingers hovered near the lock.
Rust had formed around it.
No signs of recent use.
"Tum yahan kya kar rahe ho?"
Aarav turned instantly.
Mr. Saxena stood behind him.
The warden.
His expression was serious.
Almost… worried.
"Sir… main bas…" Aarav hesitated, "ye room…"
Saxena's eyes shifted toward the door.
For a brief moment—
Something changed in his face.
Fear.
"Is room se door raho," he said firmly.
Aarav frowned. "Par sir—"
"I said, stay away."
His tone was not normal.
It wasn't just strict.
It was… warning him.
Aarav slowly nodded.
But his mind was racing.
Why is everyone hiding something?
That evening, Aarav couldn't focus on anything.
Books lay open in front of him, but his eyes kept drifting toward the wall.
Toward Room 218.
Night fell.
And with it—
The sound returned.
The piano.
But this time—
It was different.
The melody was broken.
Uneven.
Like trembling fingers pressing the keys.
The voice followed.
But it wasn't singing properly anymore.
It sounded like—
Someone trying to speak…
While crying.
Aarav's chest tightened.
"Is she… asking for help?" he whispered.
He stood up again.
Drawn toward the door.
This time, he didn't hesitate.
He stepped out into the corridor.
The lights flickered.
The air felt colder.
He could hear his own heartbeat.
Loud.
Heavy.
Room 218 stood ahead.
Waiting.
The piano suddenly stopped.
Silence.
Aarav froze.
And then—
A whisper.
Soft.
Broken.
"Help…"
Aarav's eyes widened.
He wasn't imagining this.
He heard it.
Clearly.
"Hello?" he said, his voice shaking. "Kaun hai wahan?"
No reply.
But something changed.
The door…
Slightly creaked.
Aarav stepped closer.
His breathing uneven.
The hole in the door…
It felt like it was calling him.
He bent down again.
Slowly.
Carefully.
And looked inside.
Darkness.
But this time—
The red glow appeared faster.
Stronger.
Closer.
It wasn't far away anymore.
Aarav's heart started pounding uncontrollably.
His body refused to move.
The red glow…
It started taking shape.
Round.
Focused.
Like—
An eye.
Aarav gasped and stumbled back.
His back hit the wall.
His hands trembled.
"No… no…" he whispered.
That wasn't just light.
That was something looking at him.
And then—
The whisper came again.
Right from the door.
"Open…"
Aarav froze.
"Please… open…"
The voice was clearer now.
Desperate.
Broken.
Aarav stared at the door.
Fear and curiosity fighting inside him.
Should he open it?
Inside the darkness—
The red eye blinked.
And for the first time—
Aarav realized something terrifying.
It knew he was there.
And it wanted him…
To come closer.
Did you see that coming..... What was the red glow??
Comment below!