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...
The day of the school festival dawned with an unexpected burst of color and energy, a stark contrast to the tension that had been building among Anaya and her friends. St. Xavier's had transformed overnight. The usually somber halls were now adorned with vibrant decorations-strings of lights, paper lanterns, and bright banners fluttering in the warm August breeze. The school grounds were filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the excited chatter of students eager to showcase their talents and enjoy the festivities.
For most students, the festival was a much-needed break from the routine of classes and the pressures of exams. But for Anaya, Aarav, Naina, Karthik, Riya, and Ishaan, the day was marked by an undercurrent of anxiety. The old wing's looming presence weighed heavily on their minds, a dark cloud over what should have been a carefree celebration. They had agreed to take part in the festival, partly to avoid drawing suspicion and partly to keep their spirits up before they confronted the dangers that awaited them.
Anaya arrived early, hoping to distract herself with the activities that had been organized. The main courtyard was buzzing with activity as students set up stalls, arranged displays, and rehearsed performances. The air was filled with the smell of freshly popped popcorn and the sweet scent of cotton candy, blending with the fragrant blooms of the flowers decorating the stage.
As she made her way through the bustling crowd, Anaya couldn't help but notice how different everything felt. Just days ago, she had been consumed by fear, haunted by the dreams that the old wing had sent her. But now, surrounded by the life and energy of the festival, she felt a strange sense of dissonance-as if she were caught between two worlds.
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"Anaya! Over here!" Riya's voice cut through the crowd, drawing Anaya's attention. She spotted Riya waving at her from a brightly decorated stall near the entrance to the gymnasium. With her wide smile and sparkling eyes, Riya looked as though she had put all thoughts of the old wing behind her, at least for the moment.
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Anaya made her way over, returning the smile despite the unease that still lingered in the back of her mind. "Hey, Riya. Looks like you're really getting into the festival spirit."
Riya nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! We all need a break, right? And besides, the festival is one of the best parts of the school year. I'm helping out with the art exhibition, and it's going to be amazing."
