Myth Busters

6. The IT Guys!

The rain had finally stopped, leaving behind a misty veil that clung to everything, turning the air thick and cool. Amara stepped out into the damp night with Pallavi by her side, the door of the house creaking softly as it closed behind them. The ground was soaked, puddles forming in the uneven paths leading toward the outhouse. Their shoes squelched with each step, the mud pulling at their feet as they made way across the now-silent yard.  

The sky above was a heavy, overcast blanket, with faint glimmers of moonlight piercing through the clouds every now and then. Trees that bordered their property swayed gently, the last drops of rain falling from their branches, and the faint rustle of wet leaves added to the eerie quiet. The smell of wet earth and moss filled the air, mingling with the scent of rain-soaked wood from the outhouse ahead.

The outhouse stood at the far end of the property, shadowed and still, its silhouette barely visible in the dim light filtering from the house behind, it looked even more decrepit now, the water having seeped into its already worn walls, making the wood darker and more warped. The once-familiar structure now seemed like a distant, unfamiliar part of their home—a place Amara wasn't so sure about anymore.

Amara shivered, pulling her jacket tighter around her as a cold breeze swept past. A strange quiet had settled over the yard, so different from the earlier chaos of the storm. The only sounds were the distant drips of water falling from the roof of the outhouse and the occasional groan of the wooden beams, adjusting to the moisture.

Suddenly she heard Pallavi saying,

Pallavi:

(Rubbing Sia's Shawl) You think this is a good idea, i mean, about Neel, i don't know but others, they are just...you know (scrunched her nose and gave a tight smile).

Amara:

(Smiled slightly) You know bhai would have never let me out, but here i am with you... (Stands in front of her) Till the time you and my family with me, i fear none (Holding her hand and leaves it) (Taking a big step) About them, i think that golden boy likes you already, (Pallavi rolls her eyes) Someone is in LOVVVEE, you make fans real quick.

Pallavi:

(Shaking her head) You know, all boys are same, just flirting with every other girl they see, he is not any exception. (Moves ahead of her)

Pallavi and Amara came near the outhouse, looking lifeless, its wooden exterior dulled by the storm. The once solid structure seemed to have lost whatever charm it once held, as if the storm had washed away any sense of warmth or familiarity. The door creaked in the wind, slightly ajar, swaying back and forth as if it might fall off its hinges at any moment.

Amara:

(Looking thoroughly) It looks devested, Neel and others can't live here today,

Pallavi:

(Leaves a long breath) Let's go back then... (Pulls her hand and goes back to the house)

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Inside the living room -

Sana:

(While distributing blankets to the boys with a big plastid smile) So, (Everyone looks at her) you guys must have seen a lot, traveling around. We'd love to hear about your adventures.

Hearing her speaking to the guys, Sam, who had been sitting in the kitchen scrolling through her phone looked up with her eyes widening with excitement jumped off her chair and hurried over, not wanting to miss out on the chance to be part of the chat.