CHAPTER - 2
The Unsettling Truth
Nitya descended the stairs, greeted by the TV's breaking news. The anchor's solemn voice filled the room: "In a shocking turn of events, the rapist involved in yesterday's case has been found dead. Police are investigating the murder." Her blood ran cold as she saw the blurred image – identical to her dream. The reporter's words echoed: "A cut on the throat... post-mortem reveals a sickle was used." Shock and fear gripped her.
Her mother's gentle voice pierced the fog of Nitya's thoughts, snapping her back to reality. "Nitya, beta, have your breakfast."
Nitya's gaze drifted from the TV, where the news anchor's solemn face still lingered, to the steaming plate of idlis and sambar her mother had placed before her. Mechanically, she picked up a spoon, her movements robotic.
As she took a bite, her mind continued to reel all the events of last few days.
Her mother's concerned voice cut through her thoughts once more. "Nitya, beta, what's wrong? You've been lost in thought since morning."
Nitya forced a weak smile, unsure how to share her secret. "Nothing, Maa. Just tired," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Her mother's eyes narrowed, sensing something amiss, but she didn't press the issue. "Eat your breakfast, beta. You have a big day ahead."
Nitya nodded, taking another bite, her thoughts still trapped in the labyrinth of her dreams.
At college, she went through the motions, lost in thought. How did she foresee the future in her dreams? Was it mere coincidence or something more?
Days passed, dreamless. Nitya thought it was over. But one night, the visions returned. A familiar figure stood before her – the acid attacker from her class. She'd seen his photo on her phone, etched in her memory. A black flash, and then... the headless body. Excitement mixed with terror as she woke up, gasping.
That day, at college, news spread like wildfire: the boy's decapitated body was found in his room. Post-mortem results stunned doctors – the head wasn't cut, but torn apart, as if ripped from the body.
Nitya fled home, locking herself in. How could she see the future? How did she know they'd die in the same way as her dreams? She couldn't share her secret; nobody would believe her.
Days blended together in a haze of anxiety and unease. Nitya's parents, concerned about her deteriorating mental state, insisted she accompany them to the temple. "Get out, clear your mind," they urged, hoping the sacred atmosphere would calm her racing thoughts.
As her parents immersed themselves in prayer, Nitya waited outside, her eyes scanning the bustling streets. Suddenly, a playful puppy caught her attention, its tiny tail wagging furiously as it darted along the roadside.
Without thinking, Nitya chased after the puppy, laughing as it weaved through pedestrians. In her haste, she collided with a figure clad in vibrant orange robes.
"A sorry," escaped her lips as she stumbled backward, apologetic.
The figure's piercing gaze unsettled her. His eyes seemed to see right through her, into the depths of her troubled mind.
"Blood of evil makes you excited, isn't it?" he asked, his voice low and mysterious.
Nitya's heart skipped a beat. How did he know? What did he mean?
