Chapter 6: Her Return

Just as I finally relaxed, someone on the roadside waved me down.

My heart did a somersault. The city was waking up, but the air suddenly felt heavy and still.

I slammed on the brakes.

The screech was loud, echoing down the empty street. I wiped my forehead, my hands damp with sweat.

It was the woman from last night.

My blood ran cold. She stood there, hair loose, blue dress fluttering in the breeze. My legs went numb, and I was sure my face had lost all colour.

Seeing her, I was so scared I nearly wet myself. I stammered, "T-tum... tum wapas aa gayi."

My words sounded small, almost childish, like a scolded boy. I tried to steady my voice, but it broke in the middle.

She said nothing, just reached out to open my passenger door. But when she saw the peepal wood inside, she suddenly stepped back.

A faint hiss escaped her lips, and for a moment, her eyes seemed to flash red. I could hear my own heartbeat, loud as the temple drums.

I held my breath, not daring to make a sound.

It was as if the world had stopped spinning, the only thing that mattered was that tiny piece of blackened wood.

Her eyes met mine through the glass, and I knew—this was only the beginning.