WHO ARE YOU?

Aarya stepped into her apartment, closing the door quietly behind her. The lock clicked into

place, and she lingered, listening. The faint ticking of the clock in the living room seemed

louder in the otherwise silent space. She moved methodically, checking the latches on every

window, her fingers running over them to ensure they were secure.

Her apartment was neat, each item in its place. Everything felt normal, yet something gnawed

at her. She shrugged it off, heading to the kitchen. As she poured herself a glass of water, she

caught a glimpse of the balcony door.

Her heart skipped a beat.

A handprint—large, distinct—was smeared on the glass.

Her grip on the glass tightened, but her expression didn’t falter. She set it down deliberately,

the soft clink echoing in the stillness. She turned toward the counter, where a row of knives

gleamed under the dim light. Without hesitation, she grabbed the largest one, holding it low

but firm.

Aarya approached the balcony door, her eyes scanning the shadows beyond the glass. The

street below was empty, bathed in the cold glow of streetlights. Her mind raced, calculating.

That handprint wasn’t there before.

The faintest sound—a creak from the hallway.

Aarya froze. She didn’t call out or demand answers; that would give away her position.

Instead, she moved toward the hallway, her steps calculated, silent. The knife in her hand felt

reassuring, its weight anchoring her.

The sound of footsteps followed, soft but deliberate.

“Who’s there?” she asked, her voice calm but sharp, carrying an edge of authority.

No response.

Another step. Closer this time.

Her grip on the knife tightened as she turned the corner quickly, her eyes narrowing. The

hallway was empty, but she knew better than to relax. Fear clawed at her chest, but she

shoved it down, focusing instead on the sound of breathing—deep, steady, and not her own.

A shadow shifted near the door.

“Show yourself,” Aarya said, her voice low and commanding.

And then she saw him.

The man stepped into view, tall and imposing, his face partially hidden in the dim light. His

movements were slow, deliberate, as if he enjoyed her discomfort. Aarya raised the knife

slightly, her eyes locking onto his

“Stay back,” she warned, her voice steady despite the thunderous beat of her heart. “You take

one more step, and I swear you won’t make it out of here alive.”

The man didn’t respond. Instead, he lunged toward her, his hand reaching out.

Aarya moved instinctively, sidestepping his advance and slashing at the air between them. He

dodged, his movements quick and calculated, and came at her again. This time, she swung

the knife with purpose, grazing his arm.

The man hissed in pain but didn’t stop. He grabbed her wrist, twisting it until she cried out

and dropped the knife. Aarya kicked out, her foot connecting with his shin, but his grip

remained unrelenting.

Just as he raised his other hand, Aarya screamed—

And jolted awake.

The room was dim, the bedside lamp casting faint shadows on the walls. Aarya sat upright in

bed, her breath coming in shallow gasps. Her heart pounded against her ribs as she clutched

the sheets, her eyes darting around the room.

It was just a dream.

But the vividness of it lingered, the man’s face still etched in her mind. She glanced at the

clock: 4:30 AM. Her body trembled as she swung her legs off the bed, planting her feet

firmly on the floor to ground herself.

A cold shower was the only thing that could calm her. She stood under the icy stream, letting

it wash away the remnants of fear that clung to her skin.

When she returned to the living room, she felt lighter, as though the dream had finally

loosened its grip. She went to the kitchen for water, and her movements were steady now.

Her gaze drifted toward the balcony door.

The handprint was still there.

Aarya’s breath hitched, her fingers tightening around the glass. Slowly, she set it down and

moved closer to the door, her eyes fixed on the print.

The smudge gleamed faintly in the early light, mocking her.

Her pulse quickened, but she didn’t flinch. Instead, she stood there, staring, the silence of the

room growing heavier.

This wasn’t a dream.

‘‘I swear to god I will catch you’’ she growled, her voice steady the terror coursing through

her vein

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