The full moon hung high above the dense trees, casting eerie shadows across the road as Bhawra and Kattanni squinted against the darkness. They had been given a simple order by Guniya Bhai: kidnap Roohi, a girl they believed would be a lucrative catch for his affluent client. But despite their raucous laughter, their hearts drummed with an unease that seemed to seep from the very ground beneath them

Kattanni: "We're just following orders, Bhawra," Kattanni muttered, adjusting the rope coiled in his hands "It’s easy money."

Bhawra: "Easy money, maybe. But something about this doesn’t sit right with me," Bhawra replied, rubbing the back of his neck. The tales the village elders told of the spirit world echoed in his mind, whispering warnings of hubris

The two men approached the old wooden house that marked Roohi’s family home. It was said to be touched by something otherworldly, where shadows moved independently and a chill never quite dissipated. Despite this, it was only fear of Guniya Bhai that propelled them forward

They burst inside to find Roohi alone, reading a book, her delicate features illuminated by a flickering lantern. At first, she seemed startled, but her surprise quickly morphed into a calmness that unnerved her captors

Roohi: "Looking for something?" she asked, her voice flat as if the warmth had been drained from her spirit

As they quickly tied her hands, Kattanni noticed something strange. Roohi's eyes flickered momentarily with an unsettling glow, a bright, unnatural light that sent a jolt through him. He shook his head, attributing it to the shadows playing tricks

They managed to shove her into the back of their van, the tranquility of her demeanor doing little to ease their nerves during the drive. As they bumped along the old road, the atmosphere began to shift. The air grew thick, heavy with an energy that felt foreign. The van vibrated, a low, guttural growl emanating from somewhere deep within the engine

Bhawra: “What the hell is that?” Bhawra exclaimed, gripping the wheel. Kattanni felt an inexplicable urge to look back at their captive

Kattanni: just start the van!!!!