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POV AUTHOR
The laughter faded as quickly as it had come, leaving an unsettling stillness in its wake. Tarun’s flashlight flickered again, casting strange shadows that seemed to writhe and stretch with the rustling leaves. He stood frozen, his breaths coming in short, sharp bursts. “Tara?” he called out, his voice barely above a whisper.
A rustling noise behind him made him spin around, his flashlight trembling in his grip. But it was only Rohan and Shivi, their faces pale and glistening with sweat as they stumbled back to him.
“We couldn’t find her,” Shivi gasped, her voice shaking. “It’s like she just… vanished.”
“Vanished?” Tarun snapped, his frustration spilling over. “She couldn’t have just disappeared! She’s probably playing some stupid joke—”
Before he could finish, the sound of faint humming drifted through the trees. It was a haunting melody, soft and slow, like an old lullaby that had no business being sung in a jungle.
Everyone froze.
“That’s… that’s Tara’s voice,” Shivi whispered, her eyes wide as saucers.
Without waiting for the others, Tarun took off toward the sound, his steps quick and unrelenting. The rest of the group hesitated, exchanging terrified looks, but eventually followed. Rohan grabbed a stick from the ground—his flimsy attempt at defense.
The humming grew louder as they pushed deeper into the jungle. The air grew heavy, the darkness thicker, and the trees seemed to huddle closer together, their branches clawing at the group like outstretched fingers. Then, suddenly, the trees gave way to a small clearing.
There she was.
Tara stood in the middle of the clearing, her back to them. Her hair was tangled, and her shoulders slumped as though she were carrying some invisible burden.
“Tara!” Tarun called out, relief flooding his voice. He moved toward her in long, determined strides.
But the closer he got, the more uneasy he felt.
“Tara?” he repeated, slowing his pace. “Why aren’t you saying anything?”
She didn’t move.
The others held back, their nerves frayed. “Why isn’t she responding?” Rohan whispered, clutching his stick tighter.
Shivi tried. “Tara?” she called, her voice trembling.
Slowly, Tara turned.
Her face was pale, almost glowing in the dim light, and her wide, unblinking eyes were fixed on Tarun. A smile stretched across her lips, unnaturally wide and strange.
“Why are you here?” she asked softly, her voice calm but cold enough to chill them to the bone.
Tarun’s breath caught in his throat. “What do you mean? We’ve been looking for you! Are you okay?”
She tilted her head to the side, her smile unwavering. “I’m fine,” she said, though her voice sounded hollow, as if it came from someone—or something—else entirely. “But… they’re not.”
“They?” Shivi asked cautiously, taking a step back.
Tara’s gaze drifted to the trees, her smile fading just slightly. “The ones who stay here,” she murmured. “They don’t like it when outsiders come.”
A gust of wind swept through the clearing, carrying with it a faint whispering sound, like dozens of voices murmuring just out of earshot.
“Stop it, Tara. This isn’t funny,” Manav said, trying to sound brave, though his voice cracked.
Tara’s head snapped toward him. Her eyes were sharp and unblinking. “It’s too late to leave,” she whispered.
A shiver ran through the group. “T-Tara, stop messing around,” Rohan stammered.
But then her voice changed—deep, guttural, and filled with malice. “Kaha na, chale jao yahan se. Mai koi Tara-vara nahi hu!” (I told you, leave this place. I’m not Tara!)
The clearing fell into stunned silence.
“T-toh kaun ho tum?” Mahi stammered, clutching Rahul’s arm like a lifeline. (Th-then who are you?)
A wicked grin spread across Tara’s face, her head tilting unnaturally far to the side. “Ami Monjulika,” she hissed, her voice dripping with venom.
Before anyone could react, Tara’s head twisted sharply, and her hair seemed to rise, flowing like it had a life of its own. With an unearthly shriek, she lunged at the group.
“Bhaagoooo!” Rohan screamed, dropping his stick as the group scattered like startled pigeons.
“Mummyy!! Maine bola tha nahi aate hai yeah tara aur tarun bhai ko hi tha ki chalte hai majja aayega abb nikal gaye na saree majje lag gaya n bhoot tara ko!” Mahi shrieked, dodging wildly as Tara—now Monjulika—ran after them.(Mummy!! I told you we shouldn’t have come. It was Tara and Tarun bhaiya who insisted it would be fun. Well, now all the fun is gone, and the ghost got Tara!)
“Rohan! Sacrifice yourself!” Rahul yelled as he shoved his friend in Tara’s path.
“Main kyun?!” Rohan yelled, dodging at the last second as Tara let out a guttural growl. (Why me?!)
The jungle came alive with chaos. The group ran in circles, crashing through bushes and tripping over roots as Tara chased them with wild laughter.
“TARAAA, STOP!” Manav shrieked. “THIS ISN’T FUNNY ANYMORE!”
“Ab toh tum sab mere ho!” Tara screamed, her voice echoing through the jungle. (Now you’re all mine!)
Rahul tripped and fell face-first into the mud. “I’m done! Take me, ghost lady!” he yelled, throwing his arms in the air.
But then… the shrieking stopped.
The group turned, breathless and trembling, to see Tara doubled over, laughing so hard that she could barely stand.
“Oh my God, you should’ve seen your faces, it was a prank guys chill!” Tara howled, tears streaming down her face. “Rohan, you looked like you were about to cry!”
“Because I WAS!” Rohan shouted, his voice cracking.
“Tara, this was a joke?!” Shivi yelled, her fear turning into rage. “I thought I was going to die!”
“I couldn’t resist!” Tara managed between giggles. “The jungle… the vibe… it was perfect!”
“Bhai, yeh pagal hai,”Rahul muttered, glaring at her as he wiped mud from his face. (Bro, she’s crazy.)
“Do you have any idea how scared we were?” Tiya demanded.
Tara smirked. “Worth it.”
Shivi stormed up to her, but even she couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Tara, tu ruk. Hotel pahuch ke tujhe dekh lungi!” (Tara, you wait. When we get to the hotel, you’re dead meat!)
But before Tara could reply, a sharp voice cut through the clearing.
“Enough.”
The group turned to see Tarun standing behind them, his face shadowed but his fury unmistakable.
Tara’s smile faltered. “Uh… Tarun?”
“Haar cheez mazaak hoti hai tumhare liye?” he snapped, his voice tight with anger. (Is everything a joke to you?)
“I… it was just a—”
“Just a prank?” His jaw clenched. “Do you know how dangerous this could’ve been? What if someone had gotten hurt?”
Tara shuffled her feet, looking suddenly sheepish. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“I don’t want your sorry,” Tarun interrupted, his tone icy. “Grow up, Tara. This isn’t funny anymore.”
The group fell silent, the weight of his words settling over them. Even Tara couldn’t meet his eyes.
Tarun let out an exasperated sigh and turned away from the group. Without another word, he started walking up the trail toward their original destination—the sunrise point. The flashlight in his hand bobbed with each step, but his posture was stiff with irritation.
“Bhai gusse mein hai,” Rohan muttered, nudging Manav. (Bro is really angry.)
“Gussa? Bhai, volcano hai abhi,” Ishita replied, shaking his head. (Angry? He’s a volcano right now.)
Shivi grabbed Tara by the arm. “Now look what you’ve done!”
“I’ll fix it, okay?” Tara said defensively, though she sounded unsure.
“You have to there is no other option you know what type of anger issues he has” Mahi said, wagging a finger at her.
Before Tara could retort, Manav stepped in with his trademark grin, casually patting her shoulder. “Relax, rabbit. Give Tarun some time. He’s upset now, but you know he can’t stay mad at his *‘jaan’* for too long,” he teased, deliberately emphasizing the word with a mischievous wink.
Tara’s cheeks flushed, and she smacked his arm lightly. “Shut up, Manav.”
“Why? Did I lie?” he asked, feigning innocence. “Admit it—he may act all broody, but we both know he’ll melt the moment you flash that guilty puppy face of yours.”
Despite herself, Tara cracked a small smile. “You’re impossible.”
“Me or Tarun?” Manav asked, leaning closer with mock curiosity.
“Both,” she replied with an eye roll, though a hint of laughter crept into her voice.
“Ah, but you love us anyway,” Manav quipped, straightening up and giving her a thumbs-up. “Now, come on—time to chase after Mr. Volcano before he explodes!”
******
One by one, the group followed Tarun up the trail. The trek was steeper than they remembered, and the previous chaos hadn’t helped their energy levels.
“Bhai, kitna chalenge?” Rohan whined. (How much more do we have to walk?)
“Itna naatak kar raha hai, tu wahi ruk ja. Bhoot aa ke saath le jaayega,” Mahi snapped, flicking a leaf at him. (Stop whining. Stay here then. A ghost will come and take you.)
“Ab woh ‘Monjulika’ ka naam mat lena,” Rohan grumbled, his voice barely audible. “Ab tak heart attack pending hai.” (Don’t mention ‘Monjulika.’ I’m still recovering from almost having a heart attack.)
Tiya snorted. “Rohan, tu drama ka baap hai.” (Rohan, you’re the king of drama.)
Ahead of them, Tara trudged in silence, her gaze fixed on Tarun’s back as he marched steadily ahead. “He’s still mad,” she muttered.
“Let him be,” Manav reassured her. “Uska gussa jaldi sulagta hai par jaldi bujh jaata hai.” (He burns fast, but he burns out fast too.)
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of climbing and Rohan’s endless complaints, the group reached the top.
The view was breathtaking. The sky was painted in soft shades of orange and pink, with streaks of purple melting into the horizon. The chilly morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew.
“Wow,” Shivi breathed, her annoyance momentarily forgotten. “Yeh toh sach mein kamaal ka hai.” (This is truly amazing.)
Tarun stood at the edge of the hill, his hands in his pockets as he gazed at the horizon. For a moment, he looked serene—completely at peace.
“He’s in full Bollywood hero mode,” Rohan whispered, grinning.
“More like angry dad mode,” Rajveer added, earning a stifled laugh from Mahi.
When they finally caught up to him, Tarun didn’t even glance their way. Tara shifted nervously, unsure of what to say. The silence was unbearable.
But Manav wasn’t having it. “Alright, people! We made it to the top alive. Nobody got eaten, nobody got possessed. Time to celebrate!”
“Celebrate how?” Shivi asked, raising an eyebrow.
Manav grinned mischievously. “Like this!”
Without warning, he grabbed Rohan by the arm and pulled him toward the edge of the outcrop, pretending to throw him over.
“Bhaisaab! Main gira toh kya hoga?!” Rohan shrieked, flailing dramatically. (Bro! What if I actually fall?!)
“Bas thoda ulta latka do,” Mahi quipped, laughing. “Picture ke liye perfect hoga!” (Just hang him upside down—it’ll be perfect for the photo!)
Manav snorted. “Done!”
“Don’t you dare!” Rohan yelled, scrambling free. “If I die, I’m haunting all of you!”
Their laughter broke the tension, and even Tarun couldn’t help the faint smile that tugged at his lips.
******
As the sky lightened further, the group settled in, finding a few flat rocks to perch on while rummaging through their hastily packed snacks. The moment the silence stretched, Rajveer couldn’t resist stirring the pot.
“I’m telling you, there was a monkey following us,” he began dramatically, his hands flailing like he was reenacting a wildlife documentary. “It was eyeing me like I stole its bananas. I swear it was planning my assassination.”
“Or maybe,” Tiya said, biting into a granola bar, “it just mistook you for a distant relative. The resemblance is uncanny.”
Rohan nearly choked on his water. “You sure it wasn’t calling you *bhai* and asking for jungle property rights?”
Rajveer gasped, clutching his chest. “Wah, betrayal by my own people. Comparing me to a monkey. What’s next? Are you going to enroll me in a wildlife sanctuary?”
Shivi, who was chewing on chips, raised an eyebrow. “I mean, if you keep talking like this, I might actually consider it. Or just push you off this cliff and leave the monkeys to deal with you.”
Rajveer pointed an accusing finger at her. “Typical. Humans are the real villains here. And you call yourself my sister!”
“You’re lucky I do,” shivi retorted, smirking. “Otherwise, I’d have traded you for snacks ages ago.”
The group erupted into laughter, their earlier tension melting away as Rajveer pretended to sulk, mumbling something about how the monkeys had better taste in friends.
Meanwhile, Tara kept stealing glances at Tarun, who was sitting slightly apart from the group. She could tell he wasn’t angry anymore, but he wasn’t joining the conversation either.
****
As the first rays of sunlight crept over the horizon, the group grew quiet. The sun rose slowly, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and gold. The jungle below glowed softly in the morning light, the beauty of the moment leaving everyone in awe.
“This… was worth it,” Shivi whispered, breaking the silence.
“Totally,” Rohan agreed.
“Even with the drama,” Manav added, nudging Tara playfully.
Tara smiled, but her eyes were fixed on Tarun.
As the others admired the view, Tara finally gathered the courage to approach Tarun.
“Hey,” Tara said softly, sitting down next to him, the nervousness evident in her voice.
Tarun barely glanced at her, keeping his gaze locked on the horizon.
“Look,” she began, fidgeting with her hands, “I know I went too far. I didn’t mean to ruin the vibe or upset you. I just… I thought it’d be funny. I guess I didn’t think it through, as usual.”
Tarun remained silent for a moment, the tension in his posture unwavering. Then, he let out a deep sigh, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Tara, you’ve always been like this—jumping into things without a second thought. But it’s not just about you. It’s about us… about the people who care about you.”
He finally turned to look at her, his voice dropping to a raw, almost vulnerable tone. “Do you even realize how I felt? Meri jaan nikal gayi thi yeah soch soch kar ki kahin tumhe kuch ho toh nahi gaya. But tumhe toh har cheez bas mazaak lagti hai.” (I was scared out of my mind thinking something might have happened to you. But to you, everything is just a joke.)
Tara’s heart sank as guilt washed over her. She looked down, unable to meet his gaze. “I didn’t mean to make you feel that way,” she said softly. “I’m really sorry, Tarun. Please forgive me.”
She leaned closer, her lips forming a dramatic pout, and tilted her head, making the most exaggerated “puppy-dog” face she could muster. “Pretty please?” she added, her voice dripping with playful innocence.
Tarun’s lips twitched, the corners fighting to curve upward. He took a long, deep breath and shook his head slightly, his expression softening.
“Fine,” he said, his tone mock-serious. “But this is the last time, Tara. I mean it. If you pull a stunt like this again, I might actually leave you behind in the jungle.”
Tara gasped, clutching her chest in mock offense. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Try me,” he retorted, but the faint smirk tugging at his lips betrayed him.
“Huh, please,” Tara said smugly, folding her arms. “I know you wouldn’t. You love me too much to ever do that.” She shot him a triumphant grin, clearly relieved to see him smiling again.
Tarun rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his amusement. “And that’s exactly why you take advantage of my love, isn’t it?”
“Of course,” she said with a playful shrug. “It’s my birthright. Deal with it.”
He shook his head, but the smile lingering on his face said it all.
Just then, the rest of the group joined them, breaking the moment.
“Pyaar- mohabbat hogyi?” Manav teased, plopping down beside them. “Can we enjoy the sunrise now, or should we give you two more time for your dramatic Bollywood moment?”
“Shut up, Manav,” Tara shot back, though her cheeks flushed slightly.
The group laughed as they settled on the rocks, sharing snacks and cracking jokes as the sky turned shades of orange and pink. The first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, bathing the jungle in a golden glow.
For a moment, everything fell silent as they watched the sun rise in awe.
Manav stretched his arms, letting out an exaggerated yawn. “Ab toh laga raha hai hum zinda hain,” he said dramatically. “Subah ki hawa ka alag hi mazza hai.” (Now it feels like we’re alive. The morning breeze hits differently.)
Shivi rolled her eyes. “Zinda toh tab the jab jungle ke andar chilaa rahe the. Yahan tak toh bas ek miracle ki wajah se bache hain.” (We were alive when we were screaming in the jungle. Reaching here was nothing short of a miracle.)
“True,” Ishita added, shoving a biscuit into Rohan’s hand. “Aur miracle ke liye kisi ko thank you kehna chahiye. Guess who saved us?” (And someone should thank the person who caused the chaos. Any guesses?) She gestured pointedly at Tara.
Tara raised her hands defensively, feigning innocence. “Arre, main toh entertainment provide kar rahi thi!” (Hey, I was just providing entertainment!)
“Entertainment?! Entertainment ke naam pe meri jaan le li thi!” Rohan exclaimed, still clutching the stick he had picked up earlier for “protection.” (Entertainment?! You nearly scared me to death!)
“Arre Rohan, drama mat kar,” Tara teased. “Tu toh hamesha kehta hai ki adventure chahiye. Adventure aur kya hota hai?” (Oh Rohan, don’t act so dramatic. Aren’t you always asking for adventure? What do you think adventure is?)
Rohan glared at her, clutching his chest for dramatic effect. “Haan, par main jungle mein bhoot ban ke marne ke liye adventure nahi maang raha tha!” (Yeah, but I wasn’t asking for an adventure that’d make me die and haunt the jungle!)
Everyone burst out laughing, their voices carrying across the hilltop. Even Tarun, who had been unusually quiet after the earlier argument, finally let out a chuckle.
As the group settled into the quiet rhythm of the sunrise, munching on snacks and cracking jokes, Tara leaned toward Tarun again.
“Pakka forgive kar diya, right?” she asked softly, her tone more serious this time. (You’ve forgiven me for sure, right?)
Tarun looked at her, the soft light of the morning making his expression unreadable. Then, with a small smile tugging at his lips, he nodded. “Haan, maaf kiya. Par ek shart pe.” (Yes, I forgive you. But on one condition.)
“Shart? Ab kya?” Tara asked, narrowing her eyes. (Condition? Now what?)
“Agli baar agar mazaak karna ho, toh pehle mujhe bata dena,” he said with a smirk. (Next time, if you want to play a prank, at least inform me beforehand.)
Tara laughed, shaking her head. “Tarun, phir toh mazaak ka mazza khatam ho jayega!” (Tarun, that’ll ruin the fun of the prank!)
“Exactly,” he replied, his smirk growing.
Tara gasped. “Cheater!”
The others, overhearing their conversation, chimed in.
“Arre wah, kya deal chal raha hai?” Manav asked, grinning. (Wow, what kind of deal is happening here?)
“Bas, romance shuru ho gaya,” Shivi teased, winking at Tara. “Tarun ka gussa toh hamesha kaam karta hai.” (Well, romance has started. Tarun’s anger always works like magic.)
“Romance kuch nahi hai,” Tara shot back, her cheeks turning pink. “Tum log bas bakwaas karte ho.” (There’s no romance. You guys just keep talking nonsense.)
Before the teasing could escalate, Tarun stood and stretched. “Chalo, let’s head back. The sunrise is done, and we still have to trek down.”
“Peeche bhoot ka welcome party toh nahi hai?” Rahul asked nervously, glancing at the dense trees. (There won’t be a ghost’s welcome party back there, right?)
“Tu agar jungle mein wapas ghussa toh bhoot toh pakka aa jayenge,” mahi said, smirking. (If you enter the jungle again, the ghosts will definitely show up.)
“Chal na, drama queen,” Manav said, slinging an arm around Rahul’s shoulders. “Agar bhoot aaye, toh tere sacrifice ki planning kar lenge.” (Come on, drama queen. If the ghosts show up, we’ll plan your sacrifice.)
“Main kyun?!” Rahul yelped. (Why me?!)
Everyone laughed as they began their descent, the echoes of their joy weaving through the trees, leaving the whispers of the jungle behind.
******
From now the main story will start and you will get the answer about why we both did not end up together.
Hey, lovelies! Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don’t forget to hit that vote button and leave your thoughts in the comments. Till then byy see you soon ❤️
Thank you for your love and support!
Love from,
Miss Sharma ❤️
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