(#1 in hauntedmantion)
Ruhi's life has always been overshadowed by something dark. A haunting presence, a cursed bungalow, and the lingering ghost of her twin sister, threaten to destroy everything she holds dear. But when a mysterious figure from t...
The night felt endless, every minute dragging as I raced through the streets searching for Ruhi. My heart was in a vice-Esha, or whoever she was now, had taken Ruhi. And I wasn't sure how much time I had left to find her before something terrible happened.
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The first light of dawn broke through the horizon as I sped down the desolate road. Then, in the distance, I saw them—flashing red and blue lights. My stomach dropped as I drew closer. A mangled car lay smashed against a tree, the air thick with the acrid smell of burnt rubber and metal.
I slammed the brakes and bolted from the car.
“Ruhi!” I shouted, my voice breaking with panic.
The wreckage was horrifying. The car's front was crushed, glass shards glittering on the ground like sinister jewels. Inside, I spotted Ruhi and Esha, both slumped over, unmoving.
“No... this can’t be happening,” I muttered, fumbling for my phone. My hands trembled as I dialed for an ambulance, never taking my eyes off Ruhi.
“Stay with me, Ruhi,” I whispered, gently shaking her shoulder. Her face was pale, her breaths shallow but steady. Relief warred with fear—I had found her alive, but barely.
The ambulance arrived moments later, paramedics rushing to extract them from the wreckage. They worked quickly, carefully placing Ruhi and Esha on stretchers. I followed close behind, refusing to leave Ruhi’s side as they loaded her into the vehicle.
---
At the Hospital
Hours passed in a haze of worry. I paced the sterile waiting room, each second stretching unbearably. My thoughts were a chaotic mess—Esha’s strange behavior, the crash, and the name that had haunted us all: Hina. I had called Anshika and told her about the accident.
Anshika arrived, her face pale with fear as she rushed toward me.
“Ruhan!” she called out. “How are they? What did the doctors say?”
I ran a hand down my face, exhaustion weighing heavily on me.
“Esha’s awake,” I said, my voice hoarse. “But Ruhi... she hasn’t woken up yet. The doctors said if she doesn’t regain consciousness soon, she might slip into a coma.”
Anshika gasped, tears welling in her eyes. “No... not again. She was in a coma once before, as a child.”
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. This wasn’t just an accident—it was all connected. Hina’s reach was growing stronger, and I didn’t know how to stop it.
“We can’t lose her,” I said, my voice barely a whisper. “Not like this.”
Anshika nodded, wiping her tears. “I’ll check on Esha.” She turned and disappeared down the hall, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
---
Inside Esha's Room
Esha stirred awake, her face twisting with confusion as she took in her surroundings. Anshika stood beside her, offering a gentle smile.
“Esha,” Anshika said softly, “you’re in the hospital. You and Ruhi were in an accident.”
Esha blinked, her brows furrowing. “Accident? What accident?” She looked around, her gaze landing on me. Her expression turned blank.
“Who’s that?” she asked, pointing at me.
Anshika frowned. “You don’t remember Ruhan?”
Esha shook her head. “No. Why would I? I’ve never met him before.”
The air in the room grew tense. Anshika glanced at me, her unease evident.
"Ruhan is my Neighbour." Anshika said.
I stepped forward, keeping my voice calm. “Anshika, can we talk outside?”
She gave Esha’s shoulder a reassuring pat. “Rest now. We’ll be back.”
Once we stepped into the corridor, Anshika turned to me, her face a mixture of confusion and fear.
“Ruhan,” she said, her voice shaking, “what’s going on? Why doesn’t Esha remember you?”
I looked back at the door before lowering my voice. “Because she was possessed.”
Anshika’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Possessed? Are you serious?”
I nodded grimly. “I knew something was off the moment she showed up at Ruhi’s house last night. Her behavior wasn’t normal. It wasn’t Esha—it was something else. And it was after Ruhi.”
Anshika’s face paled as realization dawned. “This... this can’t be real.”
“It is,” I said firmly. “I tried to protect Ruhi, but I failed. Whatever took over Esha caused that crash. And now, Ruhi’s life is hanging by a thread because of it.”
Tears spilled down Anshika’s cheeks. “This is all my fault,” she whispered. “Ruhi called me last night, and she sounded so scared. I should have gone to her.”
I placed a hand on her shoulder. “There’s nothing you could’ve done, Anshika. Even I couldn’t stop it.”
Her gaze hardened. “Who’s doing this, Ruhan? Who won’t let her live?”
I hesitated, the weight of the truth pressing down on me. Finally, I whispered the name that had haunted us all. “Hina.”
Anshika’s eyes widened in shock. “Hina? No... how do you know that name?”
I met her gaze, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. “Because I know more than I ever wanted to about her. And I know she won’t stop until she destroys Ruhi.”
