THE EPICS OF VEDVERSE

As Shreyas revealed his plan for a trip to Shimla, Arjun fell silent, his mind spiraling into a whirlpool of thoughts. For two long minutes, he sat motionless, replaying the fragments of his dream and the uncanny connections drawing him toward Shimla.

"Hello? Angry young man! Earth to Arjun!" Shreyas waved a hand before his face, snapping him out of his trance.

Arjun blinked and shook his head. "Nothing. Just… lost in thought," he mumbled.

Shreyas smirked, clearly unconvinced. "Well, let me cheer you up. Guess where we're staying? It's at your aunt's resort, Mohini Ujgaonkar!"

A surprised smile spread across Arjun's face. "Aunty Mohini? She owns a resort now? How beautiful is that!"

"Right? Now, come on. Start packing. The bus leaves at 7 a.m., and unfortunately, there's no online booking. We'll have to register on-site."

As they packed, Arjun suggested a stopover in Rishikesh to break the long journey. "We'll stay there for a night, perform a pooja, and offer prayers. It's on the way, and I think we need it," he said, his voice tinged with both conviction and curiosity.

Shreyas readily agreed, and the two began their odyssey the next morning.

The Journey to Rishikesh

The bus lumbered across the Indian landscape, weaving through cities, fields, and hills. It was nearly dusk by the time they reached Rishikesh. Exhausted yet exhilarated, the duo checked into a modest hotel, the scent of fresh river air rejuvenating their spirits.

At sunrise, Arjun awoke early and performed rituals at a nearby Shiva temple. With folded hands and a steady gaze at the deity's serene visage, he whispered a heartfelt prayer: "Oh Lord Shiva, please guide me. Illuminate the path I am meant to tread."

By 10 a.m., they resumed their journey, now rejuvenated and eager to reach Shimla.

The Girl on the Bus

As the bus rumbled toward Shimla, Arjun found himself a little more relaxed—until she appeared. A young woman boarded at a halfway stop, her elegance mesmerizing him. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, and her eyes held a spark of determination.

She paused beside him, her brow furrowing slightly. "Excuse me," she said, her tone clipped. "You're sitting in my seat."

Arjun stared, lost in her captivating presence.

"Hello?" she repeated, her voice growing louder. "Excuse me, you're on my seat."

Snapping out of his reverie, Arjun stammered, "I… I was here first."

The girl crossed her arms, annoyance flashing across her face. "Look, this is seat number 21. It's mine."

Shreyas leaned in, trying to defuse the situation. "Bro, just switch seats. There's no need for drama."

But Arjun remained firm. "I'm not moving. She can find another seat."

The girl glared at him, scanning the bus for empty seats, but every one was occupied. With a huff, she muttered under her breath, "Fine. I'll sit here, but don't think for a second this is okay."

As she settled beside him, Arjun tried to steal glances without being too obvious. Meanwhile, she murmured, "This is exactly why I prefer trains. But no, the train tickets had to be full."

Arrival in Shimla

After half a day of travel, the bus finally reached Shimla. The crisp mountain air filled their lungs as they disembarked, stretching their stiff limbs. Arjun immediately called his aunt.

"Aunty Mohini! It's Arjun. We've arrived," he said warmly.

"Oh, Arjun, my dear boy! It's been so long. I'm so glad you're here. Send me your live location, and I'll have my driver pick you up," came the delighted response.

Fifteen minutes later, a taxi pulled up, its driver confirming their identities. The luggage was loaded, and the journey to the resort began.

The Warning

The road to the resort wound through dense, enchanting forests, the towering trees creating a canopy above. The serenity was suddenly shattered when a disheveled man leaped into the path of their cab, howling like a wild animal.

"Turn back!" he screamed, his voice guttural and raw. "If you value your lives, do not go to the woods of Shimla! Death awaits you!"

The driver jumped out, slapping the man aside with two sharp strikes. "Get lost, you lunatic!"

As they drove away, Arjun turned to the driver, his voice low but urgent. "Who was that?"

The driver sighed. "He's Pashupati. Used to work at the resort but went mad a few months after it opened. Now he prowls the area, warning people about the forest. Says it's cursed."

Arjun felt a chill run down his spine. "Cursed? Why does everything keep pointing me to Shimla?" he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.

The driver glanced at him in the rearview mirror. "No one knows why he says what he does, but the woods… they do have their secrets."

Arjun leaned back, his mind a whirlwind of questions. What is happening? What connection do I have to Shimla?