Mystery of The Jungle

Episode:10: In the grip of Shadows

Aadarsh finding the chance goes near the tent. Avantika is sitting alone in her tent, lost in her thoughts. The recent events have left her feeling introspective. Suddenly, the tent flap opens, and Aadarsh steps in. He looks determined, his eyes searching Avantika's face for answers. Aadarsh asked, "Avantika, can we talk?" Avantika looks up, surprised to see Aadarsh. she said, "Oh, Aadarsh. Sure, come in. What's on your mind?" Aadarsh sat beside her, and said, "I wanted to ask you something... about what you said at the hiking spot. You know, when Suresh said the name of your loved one would come from the opposite side." Avantika blushed slightly, "What about it?" Aadarsh said, "You said you were glad my name came in return when you yelled your name? Did you mean that?" Avantika hesitates momentarily, her eyes flickering with uncertainty before she takes a deep breath and nods. Avantika replied, "Yes, I did mean it. I liked your name coming from the opposite side as my future lover, but it wasn't just about that. I wanted you to be the one to come for me." Adarsh's expression softens, a hint of a smile playing at his lips.* Aadarsh said, "I felt the same way, Avantika. When I heard your name came when I yelled my name, something clicked inside me. I was relieved it was you." Avantika looked up, her eyes meeting Adarsh's. There's a moment of silence, charged with unspoken emotions.* Avantika said, "Aadarsh, I don't know what this means for us, but I do know that I care about you. Maybe more than I realized." Aadarsh replied, "I care about you too, Avantika. I guess this trip has made us confront things we didn't expect." They both smile, a sense of understanding passing between them. Avantika said, "Whatever happens, I'm glad we had this moment. Thank you for coming to talk to me." Aadarsh said, "Me too, Avantika. Let's see where this takes us." They share a quiet moment, their bond strengthened by the honesty and vulnerability of their conversation. The tension between them eases, replaced by a newfound connection. Suddenly, Avantika giggles softly. Adarsh asked, "What happened?" Avantika giggled more, "I'm glad to have confessed our feelings like this, not like Swara, yelling it out in the middle of a hiking spot!" Adarsh said, "Haha, yes! At least we had a more private and peaceful setting for our moment." Avantika said, "Absolutely. Imagine if I had to shout your name from across the woods!" Adarsh said, "It would have been quite the spectacle! It worked out for us here." Avantika replied, "Indeed. Sometimes, the quiet moments speak louder than the grand gestures." Adarsh said, "True. And I'm grateful for this moment with you, Avantika." Avantika replied, "Me too, Aadarsh. Here's to honesty and unexpected connections." They give high five to each other. Later, except for Avantika and Aadarsh, Everyone was gathered at their campfire. "What happened?" asked Swara. Aman said, "He is okay, now. Now, we are on our own to complete our trip." Avantika and Adarsh came out of the tent, hand in hand. Everyone gets shocked. Anita smirked and said with a playful smirk, "So, did everyone come here to enjoy the trip, or is this a confession fest? It seems like everyone's suddenly feeling very expressive!" Everyone bursts into laughter. Avantika smirked, "Well, not everyone is brave enough to yell and confess, right?" Swara was blushing and looking embarrassed. Everyone laughs even louder. Suddenly, everyone heard a noise. Everyone went to their partners for safety. Avantika said, "What... What was that noise?" Aadarsh said," Let's go and check." Swara said," No. God knows what's there." Ankita said, " Swara is right." Aarav said, "We have to go and check. If someone feels fear, they shouldn't come with us." Aarav saw Ankita after taunting her. Ankita felt he said to her and said, " Hey...." The same voice came again. Swara said, " Let's do one thing. Let's go to the village. They were already calling us to stay with them." Aman said, "Ya, let's go. Staying here means calling danger to us." Everyone quickly packed their luggage." They saw their car was near the old temple. Arnav saw a shadow near the temple. Arnav said, "Swara, someone is lurking around in shadow near the temple. Let us leave without the car only." Ankita said, "What happened?" Swara said," Arnav saw a shadow near the car. So, he is suggesting walking and leaving from here." Ankita said, " Okay, let's go then." But someone from behind attacked Ankita, and she screamed as if someone was pulling her. Aarav ran and jumped and caught her hand as she was being pulled. Ankita said, " Don't leave my hand. Please." Aarav said, "I didn't hold your hand for fun, I'm just helping you out." Swara said, " Hey, instead of fighting, help her and come fast." Suddenly, the atmosphere changed into eerie night. Everyone was so scared but was helping Aarav. Suddenly, all villagers came running upon hearing noises. Villagers asked, "What is all this commotion?" Aman yelled, " Hey, Hey. Help, please, over here." Everyone came running towards them. Village Head came and asked,"What's going on here? Why is everyone gathered near this temple?" Villagers said, "Village Head! This girl! Something's pulling her inside the temple!" Village Head ordered, "Stand back! Let me through!" The village head pushes through the crowd and grabs Ankita's arm, using all his strength to pull her back. Village Head said, "Hold on, Beta! I've got you!" Ankita scared, "I can't hold on much longer! It's too strong!" Village Head yelled, "Everyone, grab onto each other! We need to form a chain and pull her back together!" Villager 1 said, "Quick, everyone! Do as the village head says!" The villagers form a human chain, each person gripping tightly. Village Head said, "On the count of three, pull with all your might! One, two, three!" With a collective effort, the villagers pull Ankita back from the unseen force. Ankita is grateful, "Thank you... thank you all! I don't know what that was." Village Head said, "Whatever it was, it's not going to harm anyone else for now. Because I am sealing it for a temporary basis." He further said, " You guys do one thing get inside the car fast, and let's go from here before the power comes again." Everyone nods their head and sat inside the car and left for the village.

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