Mystery of The Jungle

Episode:9: Shadows of Revelation

Swara and Arnav were busy confessing to each other. Suddenly, Suresh interrupts, with a smirk "Swara Ma'am, can I talk to you for a moment? It's about the trip details for tomorrow. It's important." Swara gets hesitant, "Um, sure. Just give me a minute, Arnav." Swara follows Suresh, leaving Arnav looking slightly worried. Suresh leads Swara to a secluded spot away from the campfire. Swara asked, "So, what's this about, Suresh?" Suresh said with a sinister grin, "Oh, I just wanted to get you alone for a moment. You see, I've been waiting for this chance." He suddenly grabs her arm tightly, causing Swara to gasp in pain. Swara yells, "Let go of me, Suresh! What are you doing?" Suresh pushes her on the ground, "The moment, I saw You, I fell in love with you." Swara tried to protect her by throwing sticks at him. He said, "You're going to regret it." Swara tries to pull away, but Suresh tightens his grip. Swara yells again, "Help! Somebody help!" Aman, who was nearby, hears Swara's cries and runs towards the sound. Aman said, "I think someone is in trouble, wait! This is Swara yelling, Swara! I'm coming!" He reaches them and sees Suresh holding Swara. Without hesitation, he tackles Suresh to the ground, freeing Swara. Aman breathless, "Are you okay, Swara?" Swara was shaking but relieved, "Yes, thank you, Aman." They embrace, holding each other tightly. Suresh stumbled back, glaring at Aman before disappearing into the darkness. Swara who was still in Aman's arms, tears streaming down her face said again, "Thank you, Aman. I was so scared." Aman hugged her tightly. "It's okay, Swara. You're safe now." Arnav and Anita, along with the rest of the group, came running toward the commotion. "What happened?" Arnav asked, his voice filled with concern. Anita and Arnav saw and didn't utter a word but were a little jealous and worried. Aman saw and directly said, "Don't assume anything. This, Suresh..." Swara looked up at him, her face pale intervened Aman,  "Suresh tried to hurt me, but Aman saved me." Arnav moved closer to Swara, his eyes searching hers. "Are you okay?" Swara nodded, her voice steadying. "Yes, thanks to Aman." Aman gently released Swara from his embrace. "Let's get back to the campfire. We need to stick together." As they walked back, Swara glanced at Arnav. "Arnav, I..."  Arnav nodded, understanding, "It's Okay, Swara! It happens."  Anita sighed, rolling her eyes. "This night just keeps getting better and better," she muttered sarcastically. As they reached the campfire, the group sat down, the atmosphere tense but unified. They knew they had to stay together and be vigilant. The shadows of the night had revealed more than just their fears; they had uncovered the strength they found in each other. Swara was so traumatised that she was not leaving Arnav's embrace. Aman was so angry, he called Ramesh's number but no one was picking up. The group is still reeling from the incident with Suresh when a villager approaches them, looking anxious.* Village said,  "Excuse me, everyone. I am a villager near the old temple, We found a man in the forest. He's injured and keeps saying he was with you." Everyone were confused, Aman stepping forward, "Where is he now?" Villager replied, "We've brought him to the Vedaraj of the village. Please, come with me." Anita glancing at Aman, "Hey, We should go check it out. He might need our help." Avantika said, "I'll come too. Let's see what's going on." Aadarsh was happy he can finally get sometime to ask Avantika if she really meant what she said during the hiking spot, "Count me in. Let's move quickly." The group follows the villager through the forest until they reach the house of Vedaraj of the village. There, they see an injured man lying on a makeshift stretcher, surrounded by concerned villagers.* Aman rushing to the man, "Hey, Rames, Hey can you hear me? What happened to you?" Ramesh weakly, "I... I was with you... I got separated... near the old temple..." Anita asked, "How did you recognize him, Aman?" Aman said, "I saw his hand, the divine thread and instantly I recognized." Aadarsh said, "Ya, I also remember but how come he is like this?" e can't just leave him like this." Avantika said, "We need to get him to a hospital. He's lost a lot of blood." Anita said, "Let's get him back to the camp first. We can call for help from there." Villager 1 said, "Do fast, whatever you want to do because something wrong is going to happen today. Villager 2 said, "We'll help you carry him. Let's move quickly." The group, with the help of the villagers, brings the injured man back to their camp. Aman and Anita tend to his wounds while Avantika calls for medical assistance. Aman said, "Stay with us, buddy. Help is on the way." Ramesh faintly, "Thank you... the guardian... he attacked me..." Ankita was confused, "Guardian? What guardian? What is he talking about?" Villager 3 said, "It must be the same guardian from the rumors." Avantika said, "The ambulance is on its way. Hang in there." The group waits anxiously, trying to keep the man conscious and comfortable until help arrives.* Swara said, "Why is he thanking the Guardian if he was the one to attack him?" Everyone gets quiet when Swara asked a question. Village Head said, "No, the Guardian helps others, someone else has attacked him." Everyone gets scared. Village Head said, "If you guys dont mind, you can stay in our guest room, near to the old temple but after night, no one roam around there, it's dangerous over there." Arnav saw Swara and said, "Fine, we will come but tomorrow morning as we have to pack out things too." Village head nods his head and leaves with other villagers. Here, ambulance comes and takes Ramesh with them. Swara thinks in her mind, "Why did the Villagers said like that and what are the secrets which are hidden till now?" Aadarsh saw he had a chance and went inside the tent.

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