|| Haripriya ||

|| 3 | Dagger and Notebooks ||

I stepped foot on my birthland right before sunrise, the perfect time to begin a wonderful journey. Apparently, there had been arrangements made prior to our arrival as someone was waiting for us with a board that had my name written across it. I didn't know whether I should wave or fold my hands but I thought of sticking with folding my hands. The person waved us over instead, warmly, especially staring at Akka.

That's when it hit me that this must be her husband, my cousin-in-law I guess? I will just call him Anna.  

"Hi, Anna!" I said breathlessly having literally run towards him. 

He laughed and engulfed me in a hug. "Well, I've heard so much from my mother-in-law about you, little one! How was the flight?"

"It was good.....the food was amazing and Akka was so sweet," I replied grinning at the couple that looked adorable with their matching colours. "Did you guys plan this colour coordination?"

"well yes, in fact, my...I mean our entire family has planned it all! We're having a party in honour of your arrival tomorrow evening you know!" He said while we walked to the car. 

A party? For me? I'm sorry, the last time I checked I wasn't the president or a special guest for that matter. I couldn't deny it, not even for the sake of manners because I knew it wouldn't matter. I also didn't want to ruin the cute romantic looks being exchanged by those two. 

Sitting in the back along with my luggage, I carefully unraveled the scroll, unable to hold back my curiosity any longer. As letters became words and words became paragraphs, I skimmed over the scroll, grazing my hands across the writing, feeling the presence of something beyond my knowledge. I wasn't skimming rather I was being forced to skim through it, each word felt like it spoke on its own, in a comforting and blissful way. 

Dear Haripriya, 

I hope you've received this letter before you go into that house. There are a few things that I wanted to tell you about what you need to do and why exactly you are staying there. 

When you step inside do not ask any questions about what is happening or why things look like they do. Make sure you never take off that necklace of yours. You almost lost it the last time. Thank the heavens I sensed it in time. 

I had to cover my mouth to prevent my scream. My head spun. So this person was the one who had those tingling fingers and the one who gave me back my necklace! I continued to read further. 

Whenever you think you're in trouble or whenever you feel like you can't handle what's happening, say what's on the back of the necklace thrice and help will come your way.  I know it sounds dumb and stupid but just do it without thinking twice. 

That necklace is not inherited as you might think rather it is given to the most deserving and responsible. For the time being, you have been chosen. You need to beware of those around you. There are ones that a jealous and greedy towards the priceless necklace. Do not speak more than you should and do not trust anyone too soon. 

There is a task given to every person who receives the necklace. There have been clues placed around with the first clue at the bottom of the letter. Once you find all of the clues, you'll be rewarded with something priceless. However, you only receive 2 months to solve all the clues. Once time runs out, the necklace will be given to another worthy individual who will receive a new task and clues. Make use of every moment, good luck. 

Then there was another sheet of paper attached which I presumed to be the clues, but still no name or signature. I didn't know who this could be from but it was probably not someone I knew. Looking out the window after stuffing the papyrus scroll back in my bag, I realized we had reached Srirangam. I knew this because the board had the name written in Tamil. After passing many houses and trees, the car came to a halt in front of a large house surrounded by beautiful rose bushes.