TANGLED IN THE SHADOWS

Part -9

As they drove through the outskirts of Ranchi, the group searched desperately for a hotel to stay in but found none available. Tired and frustrated, they pulled over to a quiet spot to regroup and figure out their next steps.

Suddenly, Shubman's phone rang. He saw his mother's name on the screen and answered it. "Hi, Mom."

"Shubman, where are you?" her worried voice came through the phone. "I called your roommate, and he said you're on a road trip?"

"Yeah, Mom," Shubman replied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I'm just taking a road trip with some friends. Needed a break from everything."

His mother paused, clearly unhappy. "A road trip? In the middle of the semester? This is very unlike you, Shubman. Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," he insisted. "Just needed to clear my head. I promise I'll be back in ten days."

There was another pause, then she sighed. "Alright, but you better come back in one piece. And keep in touch, okay?"

"I will, Mom. Thanks," Shubman said, feeling a bit guilty. After ending the call, he put his phone away and turned back to the group.

As he did, he felt a presence behind him. Turning around, he was startled to see Jadeja standing there, a faint smile on his face.

Ishan, noticing Shubman's reaction, stepped forward protectively. "What do you want?" he asked Jadeja.

Jadeja didn't reply. Instead, he reached out and gently adjusted the kalava on Shubman's wrist, tightening it securely. With a small nod, he turned and walked away without a word.

Shubman watched him go, confusion etched on his face. "What was that about?" he murmured.

Hardik, who had been watching from the car, got out and joined them. "Who is that guy, Shubman?"

"That's Jadeja," Shubman explained. "He's a mechanic around here. The cook at the hotel said he's usually pretty quiet."

"Why did he fix your kalava?" Krunal asked, looking intrigued.

Shubman shrugged. "No idea. But maybe he knows something we don't."

Rahul, leaning against the car, looked thoughtful. "It could be a good sign. Maybe he's trying to help."

Ishan nodded, but his eyes were still wary. "Let's stay cautious. We don't know who we can trust."

They climbed back into the car and continued their search for a place to stay.

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After a long search, they finally found a small motel to stay for the night. Relief washed over them as they checked in. Shubman shared his plan for the next day while they waited at the front desk.

"Tomorrow, we can leave for the temple of Dewri," Shubman said, glancing at his friends. "There's an old murti of Kali Durga there. It's where I got my kalava."

"Sounds like a plan," Krunal agreed. "Let's get some rest first."

The motel only had two single rooms available, each with one king-sized bed. Krunal noticed the limited space and thought he should give the couples some privacy. "I can stay with Ishan and Shubman," he offered. "Give you two some space."

Hardik, however, grabbed his brother's arm. "No, Krunal. Don't leave me," he pleaded, his eyes wide with fear.

Krunal softened and nodded. "Alright, Hardik. I'll stay with you and Rahul."

They headed to their rooms, and as they settled in, it became apparent that the king-sized bed would barely accommodate three people. Still, Hardik felt safe sandwiched between his brother and his boyfriend, and that was all that mattered.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Shubman stood awkwardly by the bed, unsure of where to situate himself. Ishan, already sprawled out comfortably, looked up and smiled.

"Come on, Shubman," Ishan said, patting the empty space next to him. "I won't bite. I promise I won't transform into some creature in the middle of the night."

Shubman rolled his eyes but couldn't help but smile. "Not funny, Ishan. We've had enough horror for one lifetime."

Ishan laughed softly, the sound a brief respite from the tension of the past days. "Sorry, just trying to lighten the mood. Seriously, though, get some rest. We need it."

Shubman finally climbed into bed, feeling a mix of exhaustion and gratitude for his friends. "Thanks, Ishan. For everything."

Ishan turned off the bedside lamp, plunging the room into darkness. "No problem, man. We'll get through this."

In the other room, Hardik nestled between Krunal and Rahul, felt a small measure of peace. "Thanks for staying with me," he whispered.

"Always, bro," Krunal replied, wrapping an arm around him protectively.

Rahul squeezed Hardik's hand. "We'll face whatever comes together."