DARKER SIDE : The Lost

Chapter 2

In the dimly lit room, Rahul's father's voice carried a weight of caution, "Don't lead your readers astray, my son."

Rahul, with a sense of resignation, replied, "I have no other recourse."

"Then so be it," his father acquiesced.

With determined steps, Rahul ventured into his grandfather's room, seeking answers that had eluded him for too long. "Grandpa," he implored, "can you shed light on the mysteries that haunt your thoughts?"

His grandfather's response was a poignant admission, "I don't possess those answers."

"What?" Rahul exclaimed, taken aback.

"For those answers, I've carried the weight of silence for years," his grandfather replied.

Rahul pressed, "Then what about this 'Darker Side' you've mentioned?"

"It defies definition," his grandfather sighed.

Rahul's frustration boiled over, "Please, tell me what you can."

"In my youth, in that very village, a modest school stood. I excelled in my studies, prompting my father, a humble laborer, to scrape together funds for my education at the Royal Academy. But once I entered the academy's hostel, everything changed," his grandfather recounted.

"And then?" Rahul prodded.

"I abandoned my studies and returned to our village, seeking answers. Science attributed the deaths to toxic gas, but I found no solace in that explanation. Every time I delved deeper, a mysterious man intervened," his grandfather revealed.

"Who was this man, and what were you trying to uncover?" Rahul's curiosity grew.

"Whenever I sought the truth, he thwarted me with ominous warnings," his grandfather confessed.

"What did he warn you about?" Rahul leaned in, eager for details.

"He cautioned that investigating further would imperil me and our family. From whence he hailed, I know not, but he possessed knowledge," his grandfather replied.

"And what did you discover?" Rahul pressed further.

"I uncovered much, but I dare not speak of it," his grandfather's tone grew resolute.

Rahul's father intervened, concern in his voice, "I fear his blood pressure is rising. Let us cease this line of questioning."

The following day, Rahul met with Gokul to discuss a plan.

"You're suggesting your grandfather is fearful of something?" Gokul inquired.

"Yes," Rahul affirmed.

"What about this 'Darker Side' he mentioned?" Gokul chuckled.

"He claims it's beyond definition," Rahul explained.

"But he knows something," Rahul continued, "something he acquired from that village."

"Where is this village?" Gokul asked.

"It's nestled near Nakura Lake, surrounded by a dense forest," Rahul revealed.

Gokul teased, "So, you're saying you come from a tribe?"

Rahul's patience waned, "This isn't a time for jest."

"Can we journey to that village?" Rahul proposed.

"I'm not ready. This could all be folklore, but fear lingers," Gokul admitted.

"Why are you afraid? Do you believe there's truth in his stories?" Rahul probed.

Gokul hesitated, then said, "We don't know, do we?"

Rahul's frustration erupted, "This is no time for doubt, man!"

Disheartened, Rahul left Gokul's presence, disappointment etched on his face.

A phone call from Mr. Ram brought Rahul back to the present. "Hello, Rahul, have you made any progress?" Mr. Ram inquired.

"Yes, sir. The work is in progress," Rahul assured him.

"Excellent. I'll need your draft by Thursday," Mr. Ram reminded him.

Rahul hung up, his heart racing. "Only four days," he muttered to himself, his sense of urgency palpable.

Dhanya noticed his distress, "What's wrong?"

Rahul confessed, "I have just four days to complete my assignment, and I haven't even started."

She tried to console him, "It will be alright."

Determination filled Rahul's voice, "I'm going to that village, and I'm going alone. I need more material for my article."

"But are you sure? Your grandfather spoke of it as a cursed place," Dhanya worriedly asked.

"I have no other option. Regardless of the risks," Rahul declared.

"Okay then, but please, be careful," Dhanya implored.

"Help me with my packing," Rahul requested.

Dhanya was surprised, "Wait, are you planning to stay there?"

Rahul nodded, "Yes, staying there will allow me to gather more information. Khalpur is too far for me to commute daily. I'll be back in six days."

"When are you leaving?" Dhanya asked.

"Tomorrow."

The following day, as Rahul prepared to embark on his journey, his father offered a heartfelt warning, "Take care, son."

Rahul reassured him, "I'll be fine, Dad."

As he set out, an unexpected encounter awaited him. A mysterious old man with a long beard and the appearance of a beggar blocked his path.

"Do not venture there," the man cautioned.

Rahul was bewildered, "Who are you, and how do you know where I'm going?"

"You are unaware of the perils that await. I'm warning you—never set foot in that place," the old man admonished.

"Who are you?" Rahul demanded.

"Consider the safety of your family," the old man uttered before retreating.

"Wait! Please, tell me what's happening!" Rahul yelled after him.

But the old man disappeared into the shadows. Realization dawned on Rahul, "This is the man my grandfather spoke of."

Returning home, Rahul rushed to his grandfather's room, urgency in his voice, "You mentioned a man who always obstructed your investigations, didn't you?"

"Yes," his grandfather confirmed.

"What did he look like?" Rahul inquired eagerly.

"He was a tall old man with a long beard," his grandfather replied.

"I saw the same man!" Rahul exclaimed in astonishment.

His grandfather could hardly believe it, "No way!"

As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, Rahul realized that his journey was bound to be far more perilous and mysterious than he had ever imagined.