The Girl and The Stone

06. An Unexpected Visitor

Aaaaaa!!
Ghost!!

Another shadow appears, sending shivers down Zia and Ankul's spines.

"There's... a bear too! Father, where are you? Help!" Ankul shouted in panic.

Zia recalling a YouTube video on wildlife safety. "Ankul, if we stand up like this-stretch both arms-the bear might think we're a bigger predator and leave us alone."

They both awkwardly stretch their arms out wide.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Ankul asked, worry on his face.

"Hopefully... Look, it's not moving."

"What about the ghost?" He asked.

"We'll chant some mantras…" Zia suggested.

They start chanting, Ankul doing his best, while Zia sings a catchy tune from a popular film.

God, please let this work… I only know movie songs!

Suddenly, a loud laugh echoed.

"What on earth are you two doing?" their father called out.

"Father!" they exclaimed together.

Ankul was surprised. "Ishani!"

Hearing Ishani's name, Zia raises an eyebrow. This is the name Naman mentioned.

"Yes, I'm back!" Ishani said, smiling.

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Next Morning

Zia sat at the table, enjoying her tea.

"Wow, it smells good and tastes amazing!" she said, taking a sip.

Ankul walked in and noticed her. "Dara, you wanted to meet me this early?"

"We still have a few conversations to finish," Zia replied, setting her cup down.

Ankul rolled his eyes. "You're at it again."

"Why did I steal the Stone?"

"You… stole it?" Ankul looked shocked.

"I mean, hypothetically speaking…"

"I don't know why you'd try to steal it! But that's a serious crime!" Ankul exclaimed.

"Whatever. Do you know any old man I might be connected to?" Zia asked.

"Old man? Besides Father… no. You barely talk to strangers."

So he doesn't know either, Zia thought.

"By the way, who's Ishani?"

"You don't recognize her? She's your friend," Ankul said, surprised.

"Friend? But you said I'm cold and barely talk!" Zia replied.

"You are, but Ishani considers you her friend. You weren't close, but you both spoke occasionally. We all grew up together." He explained.

"I see… but why's she staying here?"

"She's family. Our cousin. She's training to be the next Health Minister and was out for a medical course." Ankul said proudly.

"Oh, that old uncle's daughter-the Health Minister. Impressive."

Ankul sighed. "My throat's dry from spilling all these details."

Zia smiled and handed him her cup. "Here, have some tea. It's really good."

Ankul sips the tea, and Zia watches him closely.

Zia leaned in, her expression serious. "Now, let's make a plan to call off the engagement."

Ankul nearly choked on his tea. "What?! Are you out of your mind? That's… absolutely insane! Don't you dare mention this to anyone!"

"Why so worried?" Zia asked innocently. "I'm not interested anyway, and Vyhan won't be either."

"What? Now you're suddenly not interested?"

Zia raised an eyebrow. "What's with you and your constant 'what's'? Just help me make a plan."

"Wait… now you want a plan to break it off? Last month, you were the one creating a fuss to marry Vyhan!"

"Me? Marry Vyhan? No way."

"Yes, you were obsessed! You tried everything to stop any alternative arrangements. In fact, the only reason the engagement with Ishani didn't go through was because you…"

"Because I what?"

"...Never mind. But if it weren't for you, Ishani and Vyhan would have been engaged by now."

Dara, what on earth were you thinking? Zia wondered. I mean, Vyhan's handsome, but… really?

Ankul sighed. "Anyway, enough of this nonsense. Let's go eat. Ishani will be waiting."

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On the way

"Dara! Ankul!" a voice called out from behind them.

Ishani
Their cousin and Health Minister's daughter
Age: 23

"Let's go together!" she said with a smile.

Zia's thoughts: Whoa… I mean, wow. Now that I'm seeing her in the daylight, she's… beautiful. Last night's darkness didn't do her justice.

Ishani walked up to them, pulling both Ankul and Zia into a warm hug. "How are you, Dara? I heard all. Don't worry-I'm here now. No one can harm you."

Ankul thought, "She should be worried about herself."

"Oh, I'm fine now," Zia replied, smiling awkwardly.

Ishani turned to Ankul, a bit serious. "I told you to look after her while I was gone."

"What? Someone should look after me because of her!" he shot back.

"Huh?" Ishani gave him a confused look.

Before they could continue, Zia gently pushed them forward. "Alright, alright, let's just go eat now."

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Later, at the dining table

Everyone was eating together.

Watching Ishani's graceful manners, Zia thought, As expected, Ishani's not only beautiful but well-mannered too.

Their eyes met across the table, and they shared a warm smile.

Ankul leaned over and whispered to Zia, "Stop staring at Ishani like that! People might think you're a kidnapper planning to steal a beauty."

Zia smirked. "Thanks, Ankul."

Ankul looked pleased. "Just doing my job as your good brother to keep you grounded."

Zia nodded thoughtfully. "Thanks to your help… I don't need a plan anymore."

Ankul sighed with relief. "Finally, you're on-"

"Let's just kidnap her."

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Ankul's jaw dropped. God… I was about to say she's finally thinking straight. Never mind, she's as crazy as ever and always will be.

He sighed dramatically, speaking to himself. "Taking her to a doctor would be pointless… no amount of medicine can fix her mind. Maybe she's possessed. Should I take her to an exorcist instead?"

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End of Chapter Six