NIHAR ( HILL OF DEAD )

26-1

Fortunately, I had come prepared with a flashlight, which alleviated the darkness within the cave and allowed for better visibility. Despite its size, the interior of the cave did not feel suffocating. However, the initially unpleasant odor of rotten eggs gradually transformed into the pungent smell reminiscent of a landfill. Insects scurried about, while a few skeletal remains protruded from the ground. Occasionally, the sight of bloodstains would unsettle us, creating a sense of conflicting emotions. Surprisingly, there was nothing else of note within the cave besides the bones, bugs, and sporadic bloodstains. As we ventured further, the previously noxious stench dissipated upon reaching a staircase that led to an unknown destination.
" This cave is creeping me out, I hate bugs."
Tarush complained.
" Shut it Tarush we all are enduring it."
Diyan who was leading the way said to Tarush. It was true though.
The cave may be big but the path was so
Unpaved it made a hard-to-walk surface.
To be honest, it all felt like an ordeal.
Why torture us like this when we are already suffering...
But it was useless to think about such stuff.
When subjected to pain or anything uncomfortable, the human brain comes up with many
excuses to refute it.

..
As we commenced our ascent up the stairs, it became apparent that the staircase possessed an antiquated charm, as if it had been meticulously carved into the very fabric of the mountain itself, or at least that was the illusion it presented to me. However, the lack of professionalism in its construction and its disoriented shape managed to provoke a sense of irritation within me, needlessly sapping away my energy and stamina. This sentiment was shared by all, as we found ourselves panting and gasping for air, our lungs desperately yearning for more oxygen. The intervals between each inhalation and exhalation were brief, while the frequency of our breaths steadily increased. The once silent cave now reverberated with the sound of our collective respiration, serving as a stark reminder of the desolation that permeated this entire area.

..

Amidst my inner thoughts going on a rampage, there was a faint feeling of peace inside me too.
it was an unusual experience for someone like me who loves chaos the most.
..
I heard a voice
" I'm seeing light."
The voice belonged to Diyan who found the end of the stairs after so many steps.
We all picked our pace and reached the end of the stairs.
Diyan put his hand on the handle of the door which was unlocked and the source of light which
we saw earlier was coming inside from the room.

..

Diyan gazed in our direction, prompting us to brace ourselves for any eventuality. With a forceful push, he opened the door, revealing a harrowing sight before us. Ayama lay motionless in a white room, surrounded by a pool of blood. Without hesitation, we hurried towards him, only to find no signs of life, just a sea of crimson enveloping his entire body. Witnessing Ayama in such a state left me in shock. As I reached out to touch him, I hesitated, unable to bring myself to make contact. The fear of confronting his lifeless visage overwhelmed me. Although we all recognized Ayama, none of us dared to turn his body and confirm his identity. The main suspect in Aadya's murder now lay lifeless on the floor, under mysterious circumstances in an unfamiliar setting. We sat in silence, the disorienting sensation that had gripped me upon entering the room intensifying. Suddenly, everything went dark, and despite my efforts to rise, my body refused to obey. I struggled in vain against the encroaching abyss, but it consumed me before I could mount any resistance.

...
..
..
05:25 Pm, 22 JANUARY 2020.
I stood up, soaked in blood,
After witnessing everyone collapse.
I sighed
" It took a lot of effort to make them come here. I'm running late already."
Methodically, I placed each person inside a nearby cage, covering it with a sheet.
" That should be enough.. guess now the party can start."
I meticulously
Planned,
Prepared,
And secured everything, leaving only one task for myself: to bring it all to an end with my own
hands.
A long time ago, someone left these words for me
" To deceive someone, you have to first deceive yourself."
I stepped out of the room to seal the fates of people here with me.
But the preparation wasn't easy to do. It took quite some effort.
The day I entrusted the group to Ayudha marked the beginning of it all.