Into The Shadows by Aayush Borulkar (smart ebook reader txt) 📗

“Seriously? That’s what is on your mind right now? And this isn’t any vacation that I might tag them along,” said Abhimanyu firmly, trying to drive on the half paved rocky road.

“I really hope someone is playing a prank on us now,” said Vibha sheepishly.

They drove on that rocky road for a couple of kilometres, and then they came to a halt because that’s where the map ended.

Abhimanyu turned down the engine and got out of the car. He had a look around. The place was surrounded by dense forest. A little further was a small well with algae growing all over it. And on the left side of the well was a small wrecked warehouse. It was completely covered in dust, its walls had wide cracks with creepers growing out of them. The warehouse was like in the middle of nowhere, completely hostile and away from human existence.

“Is this the place? This is where we had to arrive?” questioned Vibha, irritated on the sight of the ruin. Abhimanyu was still looking around, trying to find the place.

“I think it must be that wrecked warehouse. Let’s go and check it out,” suggested Abhimanyu walking towards the warehouse.

They walked towards the warehouse and found a door covered with cobwebs and wild plants. Abhimanyu found a big branch. He then tried to cut all the cobwebs and plants with it and then had to kick the door open. As soon as he opened the door, a gush of musty wind welcomed them, making them cough and sneeze. Abhimanyu helped Vibha to enter the warehouse. They started walking around in the warehouse, covering their faces. The whole warehouse looked like it was at least fifty years old. There was a yarn in one corner and a few other weaving machines covered in dust. Three windows were the only source of sunlight, one of them being completely broken. Abhimanyu, while moving around, found another door and went towards it. He held it by the handle and yanked it vigorously, trying to open it.

“Tried it before too. Could not open it,” said a man walking into the warehouse from the main entrance. Both Vibha and Abhimanyu were startled, and Vibha ran towards Abhimanyu.

“We both tried it, but we couldn’t. I guess it doesn’t want to be opened,” said another man walking inside, dusting his t-shirt.

“Nishant! Ishaan!” exclaimed Vibha.

“Oh, so you guys have already arrived here,” said Abhimanyu. The four of them walked towards each other and hugged each other.

“But tell me, how did you guys enter? The door was locked, right?” asked Vibha.

“Who do you think broke that window. We came in from there,” replied Nishant, pointing at the broken window.

“Yeah, right. It was his idea to do that,” added Ishaan.

“Kaajal kidhar hai?” added Ishaan.

“We have no idea. She might have received the card too, given that you guys received it too. Maybe she is on her way here,” said Abhimanyu walking around in the warehouse.

“How is life as a photographer coming through Ishaan?” asked Vibha

“Oh! It’s going smooth. I am working with a famous photographer based in Amsterdam. And surprisingly the pay is decent too,” he replied.

“And what about marriage?” Vibha asked out of nowhere.

“Ahh…that! Marriage is one photograph that I would not want to be a part of,” cringed Ishaan.

“And why would he even think of marriage now. Sab kuch tho sahi chal raha hai, on all fronts, I mean,” said Nishant winking at Ishaan. “And a personal advice Ishaan, don’t board that ship. If it sinks, then with it goes down the man,” added Nishant, laughing.

“Sabki kismet teri jaisi nahi hoti Nishant. Marriages do last forever, too,” said Vibha.

“What do you even know about that. Like when was the last relationship you had? Like a million years back, huh?” said Nishant sarcastically.

“Yeah… yeah whatever you say Nishant” said Vibha rolling her eyes.

The reunion of the four had overshadowed the fact they had been summoned by an anonymous entity and that their lives could be in danger. The mood in the warehouse had calmed down as the peals of laughter resonated in the ruin periodically.

Just then, everyone heard the sound of a car approaching the warehouse. This sound alerted everyone and they rushed out to check who it was. Abhimanyu was already out having a smoke. They all started walking towards the car. The car came to a halt with a screeching noise, and a woman stepped out from the driver’s seat.

“We did wonder when you would be arriving Kaajal,” shouted Nishant as the four walk towards the car.

And just then, another woman stepped out from the passenger seat, and everybody stopped in their tracks. All the four of them were surprised to see Richa, as they least expected to see her. Kaajal locked the car and started walking towards the others.

“Hello guys. Good to see you all again after ages,” greeted Kaajal.

There was a minute of silence. And just then, Vibha broke the silence by saying, “Let’s go inside. Though there is nothing exciting inside, but at least it will protect us from the scorching heat,” she added, trying to lighten the tension in the air.

Everybody walked towards the warehouse and nobody uttered a single word. Each one stood in the warehouse in an awkward silence, not exchanging any dialogue. Suddenly it felt as if the fear of the unknown had filled the air. Richa sat on a chair in one of the corners, incessantly rocking to and fro.

“But why would you bring Richa along with you, Kaajal?” asked Nishant with anger, finally breaking the silence.

“Nishant, take it easy. She is sitting right here,” said Abhimanyu

“I don’t care, Abhimanyu. This woman is unstable. She cannot be trusted with anything,” said Nishant.

“Hey! She had done nothing wrong, and I guess we are the abnormal ones here,” claimed Kaajal.

“We should have been a little more sensitive and acted wisely. The problem lies with us, Nishant,” added Kaajal.

“Is that so? She is the very reason…

“Could you guys shut up! Bickering is