Marked By Darkness

Chapter 3- Veiled Disappearances

Ruhi's POV...

What in the world is this address? I glance around, frustration rising as I try to make sense of it all. This place feels like an enigma—something I can't figure out. Even Google Maps seems to have abandoned me. I check my phone again, squinting at the small screen.

Now, which path leads through this cemetery? I zoom in and out, trying to get a better look at the route. Wait, let me open the map one more time.

My eyes sweep over the eerily quiet cemetery grounds. Okay, I can see it now. If I follow this path… I trace my finger along the screen, but the lines blur as if mocking my confusion. Why does everything feel like a puzzle here?

Just then, my phone rings.

"Yes, this is Ruhi speaking."

I answer, trying to sound normal despite the unease gnawing at me.

"It’s me, Ruhi. Your Mom."

Her voice is softer than usual, tinged with a hint of worry.

"Mom! S-Sorry, I didn’t see your number come through."

"Where are you right now?"

My heart skips. I can't tell her the truth, not now.

"Uh… I’m at my friend’s house."

"Which friend’s house?"

I panic and blurt it out.

"Anshi’s. Yeah, I’m at Anshi’s house."

A long pause.

"Why are you lying, Ruhi?"

I freeze.

"N-Nah, I’m not lying, Mom…"

"Ruhi. Anshi is sitting right here, next to me."

My breath catches in my throat. "What?"

"Come back home now."

"O-Okay, Mom…"

The call abruptly cuts off, leaving me dazed and confused.

I dial quickly…

"Hello?" Anshi’s voice picks up, casual and calm.

"Anshi! Move away from wherever you are and talk to me."

"Wait, what happened?"

Her tone shifts to concern.

"Why did you go to my house and tell my mom everything?"

"What? Ruhi, I didn’t say anything to your mom! I’m at my house right now."

I exhale, frustrated.

"Anshi, don’t play games with me. You know I can’t stand…"

"Ruhi, slow down. I’m not following. Just tell me what’s going on."

"Fine. Mom called and asked where I was, so I told her I was at your place. But she insisted you were sitting right there with her."

A pause.

"Ruhi, I swear I’m at home. Do you want to talk to my mom?"

"No, it’s fine. But… why would my mom lie?"

"Ruhi… listen…"

"I’ll catch up with you later. Bye for now."

I hang up, feeling like I’ve just fallen into a web of confusion. Something is wrong. Something’s off.

---

A few minutes later, I rush through the front door, calling out.

"Mom? Mom, where are you?"

She appears from the hallway, looking startled. "What?"

"Why did you tell me Anshi was here?"

Mom frowns.

"Why would I lie about that? She was here, Ruhi."

"Where is she now?"

"In the drawing room."

She gestures down the hall. I hurry toward the room, my pulse racing. "Anshi…?"

Mom follows me in, arms crossed, her gaze unwavering.

"Ruhi, first you tell me where you were."

I ignore her question, scanning the room frantically.

"Where is she, Mom? There’s no one here."

Mom’s expression falters.

"But Anshi was just sitting here. I even went to make coffee for her. Maybe she’s in the washroom."

I glance toward the bathroom, my heart pounding.

"Mom, there’s no one in there."

Mom blinks, confused.

"Then… she left without saying anything? She was here, Ruhi. She mentioned she wanted to borrow a book from you—that’s why I called you."

"A book?"

The words feel cold against the air, and an unsettling chill creeps up my spine.

"Yes, a book. She was waiting for you, and I called you so she could get it."

Mom gestures toward the coffee table.

"I left it right here..."

I look down at the table, which is empty except for a few magazines and coasters.

"Then where did it go?"

Mom stares at the spot, looking more perplexed than ever.

"I…I don’t know. I left it right here."

And suddenly, I feel like the ground beneath me is giving way.

---