Falling Into Oblivion

Chapter 5: Unexpected rescue

Banhi's fingers tightened around her bag as she navigated through the quiet streets. The sun was setting, casting long shadows that seemed to whisper of unseen dangers. She had just finished her Kathak dance class at the studio, a routine she had fallen into to supplement her income. But as she approached the studio, her heart sank. The streets were eerily empty, and a sense of foreboding filled the air.

She hurried inside, only to be greeted by the anxious face of one of the other teachers. "Banhi, did you hear about the curfew?" the teacher asked, her voice trembling.

"Curfew? No, I didn't know. All of a sudden?" Banhi replied, her mind racing.

"I sent all the kids back safely but forgot to call you, sorry. But don't worry, I'm staying here today until everything settles down," the other teacher said and went to another room.

Banhi nodded, pulled out her phone, and saw her father calling.

"Banhi, are you okay?"

"Papa, I'm safe, but I'll stay inside the studio until the curfew is lifted. Please don't worry," she said quickly, trying to reassure him.

Her father's voice was thick with concern. "Are you sure you're okay, beta? Keep messaging me every little while, alright?"

"I will. Don't worry," Banhi promised, hanging up and then calling her friend Dhriti. "Dhriti, it's Banhi. I'm safe, but there's a curfew here. Just letting you know."

Dhriti's reply was swift and worried. "Be careful, Banhi. Stay inside."

Banhi nodded even though Dhriti couldn't see her. She closed the blinds of the windows for extra safety, but a sudden fear gripped her. She crept closer to the window, peeking through a small gap. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw a group of men on the street, causing chaos. They were throwing things, breaking windows, and fighting with each other. One of them lit a trash bin on fire, the flames licking the darkening sky.

"What are these people doing here?" Banhi whispered to herself, her heart pounding. She quickly moved away from the window, her mind racing with worry.

She tried calling Dhriti again. "Dhriti, there are some people outside creating trouble. I'm really scared."

Dhriti's voice was full of concern. "Banhi, just stay inside. Try calling the police. And turn off the lights."

Banhi nodded, switching off the lights to make sure no one outside could see in. She fumbled with her phone, trying to call the police, but the line was busy. "Oh God, please help," she muttered, her hands shaking.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash outside, followed by shouting. Banhi's heart raced as she crept back to the window, peeking through the gap again. The group of men was closer now, their faces twisted with anger and malice. One of them kicked a storefront, shattering the glass. Another man was screaming something incoherent, his face contorted with rage.

"What are they doing? Have they lost their minds?" Banhi whispered, her voice trembling. She backed away from the window, her heart pounding in her chest.

She texted her father again. "Papa, there's a lot of chaos outside. I'm really scared."

Her father's reply was immediate. "Banhi, keep trying to call the police. I'll also do something from here. Just stay inside and keep yourself safe."

Banhi nodded to herself, clutching her phone tightly. She tried calling the police again and finally got through. "Hello, I need help. There are people creating chaos outside the studio. Please come quickly," she pleaded, giving them her location.