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Chapter 3: Ghosts in Ink
POV: Rukmini Roy
Aanya sank to the floor of the Silence Room, the weight of her mother's diary heavy in her lap. Outside, the rain drummed a steady rhythm, as if nature itself echoed the unrest inside her.
The diary's cracked leather cover was cold to the touch. She hesitated, then opened it to the first page.
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October 5th, 2008
> Aanya is hiding something. I see it in her eyes—nervous, restless. She told me she and Naina were studying at the library last weekend, but her hands betrayed her.
Naina has grown distant too. There's a darkness hovering around them, a secret they refuse to share.
I'm afraid this will break us all.
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The words stung. Aanya swallowed hard, memories rushing back.
That weekend—at the school retreat—was supposed to be harmless. But it had changed everything.
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October 7th, 2008
> Caught a glimpse of Naina crying alone in the backyard. She didn't see me.
I wanted to ask what was wrong, but fear held my tongue.
I should have spoken. I should have done something.
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Aanya's throat tightened. She remembered how Naina's laughter faded, how her friend's bright eyes dimmed in silence.
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October 10th, 2008
> Mr. D.S. visited today—too close, too smiling. Asked about Naina.
His questions felt like knives.
If what I fear is true, we are all in danger.
She had to know the truth
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Aanya closed the diary and stared at the locked chest in the corner of the room. The past wasn't just ink on pages—it was a locked door waiting to be opened