The failure of the first plan did not discourage Meera's aunt—instead, it awakened something darker within her. A new idea crept into her mind, not one of wisdom, but of cruelty and destruction.
This time, she was determined to ensure that nothing went wrong. Her intentions had turned far more dangerous.
Days passed, and soon the festival of Diwali arrived—a night of lights, joy, and celebration. The entire house was decorated beautifully.
Lamps were lit across the courtyard and along the stairs, their soft glow creating an illusion of warmth and happiness. Firecrackers echoed in the distance, filling the air with excitement. But hidden beneath this festive cheer was a sinister plan waiting to unfold.
That evening, Meera's mother lovingly prepared dinner—fragrant pulao and rich, spiced meat curry. The family gathered together, unaware of the darkness looming over them. Meera, her parents, her uncle, aunt, and cousin ate peacefully, sharing what they believed was just another festive night. One by one, they retired to their rooms and fell into a deep sleep.
Hours later, around midnight, a sudden unease stirred Meera's mother from her sleep.
Her eyes flew open—and in that instant, terror seized her heart. Flames had begun to spread rapidly around the room.
The fire, fierce and unforgiving, was already closing in from all sides.
Panic overwhelmed her.
For a moment, she could not think, could not breathe. But then, driven by a mother's instinct, she acted.
With all her strength, she pushed Meera toward the door, forcing her out into the open air—away from the deadly flames.
Meera stumbled outside, confused and frightened—but alive.
From the safety of the darkness beyond,
she turned back… only to witness a nightmare she would never forget.
The house was engulfed in fire, and inside it, her entire family was trapped.
Their cries were swallowed by the roaring flames, leaving Meera alone in a world that had suddenly turned silent and cold.
But amidst her shock and grief, Meera had seen something—something crucial.
In that brief, horrifying moment, she had caught a glimpse of the one responsible for the fire.
And that was the beginning of a new problem.
What had she truly seen?
What would she do next?
To uncover the answers, continue to Chapter 5…