” Areeba’s mind slowly began to remember an old memory.
She was standing in the corridor of the same mansion.
She was only seven years old.
A girl was standing in front of her.
And that girl…
was smiling at Areeba.
Then she had said: “Come on, Areeba…
I’ll show you that room.” Areeba opened her eyes.
She looked at Dadi Zohra.
“I know Meher.” The lantern slipped from Dadi Zohra’s hand.
It fell to the floor and went out.
And in the darkness…
a little girl’s laughter came from the other side of the door.
“Now you remember…” The room was swallowed by darkness.
Areeba immediately took out her phone and tried to turn on the flashlight.
But only one sentence appeared on the screen: NO SIGNAL Dadi Zohra was sitting on the floor.
Even in the darkness, her face was clearly visible.
She was trembling.
“Areeba…” She spoke with great difficulty.
“Don’t believe everything you’re remembering.” Areeba asked in confusion, “Why?” “Because Meher will try to lure you to her.” “Who is Meher?” Dadi Zohra closed her eyes.
“Meher lived in this mansion twenty years ago.” Areeba remained silent.
Dadi Zohra continued softly, “That night, both of you were in this mansion.” Areeba’s heart began beating faster.
“What happened then?” Before answering, Dadi Zohra glanced toward the door.
There was no sound outside anymore.
“That night…” Her voice trembled.
“Meher took you to the locked room upstairs.” Areeba immediately asked, “Then what happened?” “Whatever happened in that room…
after that, you remained unconscious for three days.” Areeba’s eyes widened.
“Three days?” Dadi Zohra nodded.
“When you finally regained consciousness, you couldn’t remember anything.” “So that’s why Grandma made me forget everything?” Dadi Zohra didn’t answer.
Areeba understood.
“So my grandmother knew everything.” “Yes.” “Why did she never tell me?” Tears filled Dadi Zohra’s eyes.
“Because she was afraid that if you remembered everything…” She stopped.
“What if I remember everything?” Dadi Zohra slowly said, “Then Meher will come back.” Areeba spoke anxiously, “But Meher…
twenty years ago…” She couldn’t finish the sentence.
Dadi Zohra looked directly into her eyes and said: “She died.” For a few moments, complete silence filled the room.
Areeba slowly asked, “Then who is outside?” Dadi Zohra didn’t answer.
Suddenly, a thin shadow passed beneath the door.
Areeba looked down.
Someone’s feet were visible on the other side of the door.
Small feet.
Bare feet.
Areeba held her breath.
Dadi Zohra grabbed her hand.
“Don’t make a sound.” A faint laugh came from outside.
Then a little girl’s voice said, “Dadi Zohra…” Dadi Zohra closed her eyes.
“I know you’re in there.” Areeba’s heart began pounding violently.
There was silence outside.
Then the voice came again: “Areeba is with you too.” Areeba looked at Dadi Zohra.
Dadi Zohra put a finger to her lips.
Suddenly, the door handle began to move.
Once.
Twice.
Then violently.
Bang…
bang…
bang…
Areeba stepped back.
“The door is going to break…” Dadi Zohra immediately said, “We have to get out of here.” “How?” Dadi Zohra looked at the old wardrobe.
She pushed it aside.
Behind it, there was a small door built into the wall.
Areeba stared at it in shock.
“What is this?” “A passage.” “Where does it lead?”