When Anaya transfers to St. Xavier's, a prestigious school steeped in history and secrets, she never expected her curiosity to lead her into the heart of an unsolved mystery. Drawn to the eerie, abandoned wing of the school-where the past lingers in...
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Anaya stepped out of the car, feeling the weight of the humid, mid-morning air wrap around her like a heavy blanket. The city of Mumbai buzzed around her-cars honking, vendors shouting, and people rushing by in every direction. It was a world away from the quiet streets of her hometown, and the cacophony of sounds made her feel small and out of place.
Her father, after a brief struggle with the trunk, pulled out her suitcase and placed it on the pavement beside her. "You'll do great here, Anaya," he said, his voice tinged with the same blend of hope and concern that she had been hearing ever since they had made the decision to move. "St. Xavier's is one of the best schools in the country. It's a fresh start."
Anaya forced a smile, nodding in agreement. "I know, Papa. It's just... different."
She looked up at the towering gate that marked the entrance to St. Xavier's. The school was as imposing as the city itself-an ancient, gothic structure nestled among the modern high-rises that dominated the skyline. The building seemed out of place, like a relic from another time, stubbornly refusing to be overshadowed by the sleek, glass towers that surrounded it.
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"Different can be good," her father replied, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You'll make new friends, and before you know it, you'll feel right at home."
Anaya nodded again, though she wasn't entirely convinced. The thought of starting over in a new school, with new people, was daunting. She had always been the kind of girl who found comfort in familiarity-in knowing the layout of her school, the faces of her classmates, and the routines of her daily life. Here, everything was unknown, and that made her uneasy.
"Let's get you inside," her father suggested, glancing at his watch. "I don't want to make you late on your first day."
They walked through the gate, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone path that led to the school's main building. Anaya took in her surroundings, trying to absorb as much as she could. The school grounds were vast, with large, sprawling trees casting dappled shadows across the manicured lawns. Students milled about in small groups, their voices a low murmur in the distance. Despite the activity around her, there was an air of quiet dignity that clung to the place, as if it was steeped in history and tradition.
As they approached the entrance, Anaya noticed an old, weathered plaque mounted beside the large wooden doors. It read, St. Xavier's School for Excellence-Established 1894. The letters, though faded, still held a certain gravitas, a reminder that this school had stood the test of time.
Her father pushed open the door, and they stepped into the cool, dimly lit foyer. The scent of polished wood and aged paper filled the air, a comforting contrast to the overwhelming heat outside. A grand staircase spiraled upwards, and the walls were lined with portraits of past headmasters and notable alumni, their stern faces watching over the students who passed through the halls.
