A connection

"Ram?"

Ram heard the voice and hesitantly called out, "Maa?"

The police jeep stopped at the location the villagers had described.

The inspector looked around. The place felt strange—too quiet. The air was still, and no birds or insects made a sound. It was as if the land itself was holding its breath.

Shaking off the uneasy feeling, he ordered, “Search the area. Look for footprints, objects, anything useful.”

The officers spread out, checking the ground near the hill and the large, twisted tree. The tree's bark was blackened in places, and a faint rotten smell surrounded it.

An officer turned to Avi’s father. “We will check the other side of the hill.”

Avi’s father nodded. “Okay, sir.”

The two men climbed up. The hill wasn’t high, but the soil was loose, making it tricky to walk.

At the top, the officer scanned the area. No houses, no people—just a thick forest stretching endlessly. Even in daylight, the trees blocked out the sun, making it look like night.

Suddenly, a voice called out.

“Sir! Sir! I found something!”

The officer rushed toward Avi’s father, who held a small cloth in his shaking hands.

“What is it?”

“My son’s handkerchief!”

The officer took it. There was no blood or dirt—just a clean cloth lying on the ground.

“This means we’re close,” he said. “He must be nearby.”

Avi’s father felt a small spark of hope.

They climbed down the hill and reached a narrow path between the rocks. The wind blew cold, whispering through the trees.

“Let’s go,” the officer said.

They stepped forward.

The trees ahead were thick, their branches twisted like clawed hands. Even in broad daylight, the forest was dark, as if it refused to let the sun in.

“Where do we go now?” Avi’s father whispered.

“You take the left, I’ll go right,” the officer said. “We’ll meet back here soon.”

“Alright.”

They stepped into the dark woods. The trees swallowed them.

Ram climbed the stairs to the terrace, his heart racing.

The air felt heavy. The house was quiet, too quiet.

"Hello? Is someone here?" he called out.

No answer.

Then—

A faint sound. A whisper.

Ram’s skin prickled. He gripped the railing tightly.

"Please… don’t play games. Show yourself."

A shiver ran down his spine. Someone—something—stood behind him. He felt it.

Cold. Still. Watching.

He couldn't turn around. His body wouldn't move.

Then—

“Ram?”

“Why are you standing there like that?”

Ram gasped and turned.

It was his mother, Suman.

Tears filled his eyes as he ran to her, hugging her tightly. His body shook with fear.

Suman felt his trembling. She didn’t ask questions. She just held him.

After a while, she asked softly, “Ram, what happened?”

Ram hesitated. A shadow of fear crossed his face.

“No… nothing, Maa. I was just scared. Everything that’s happening… how quickly our village turned into this mess.”

Suman sighed. “Don’t think too much about it. Come, I’ll get you some food.”

As they sat to eat, Ram’s father walked in.

“Papa, you’re home early,” Ram said.

“Yes,” his father replied. “The work finished quickly today.”

“I’ll eat after I take a bath,” he added, walking away.

The family sat together at the table.

“Papa, do you think Avi will be found?” Ram asked.

“Yes, son. Don’t worry,” his father said. “Now eat your food.”

Ram hesitated. His mind was restless.

“Have you ever been to that place?” he asked.

His mother stiffened. “Ram, stop talking about that.”

His father was silent for a moment. Then he said, “Yes. When I was your age.”

Ram's eyes widened. “Really? With whom?”

“With our village chief. We were friends back then.”

“Friends? But you never talk to him now. What happened?”

His father’s face darkened. “Enough questions. You’re still a child. Eat your food.”

Bhanu ji can they found the boy

A man asked the chief

Sitting under the tree how can I know

These children made a very big mistake

But they are only children chief now it's our responsibility to make things right

You will make it right?

Me

Yes will you

How much you know about the place

Every village nearby knows about the horrors of that place

He will not like it his peace is compromised

Bhanu ji he shook the chiefs shoulder

Who will not like it ?

No nothing I should go it's time to feed the cows

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