(Vena’s POV) The parcel remained inside my backpack throughout the journey home.
Kabir had tried guessing what it was at least five times.
“A book?” “No.” “A trophy?” “No.” “A secret love letter?” Riya immediately smacked his shoulder.
“Will you stop?” He rubbed his arm dramatically.
“I was only exploring possibilities.” Even I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.
After saying goodbye to everyone…
I walked home alone.
The small parcel suddenly felt much heavier than it actually was.
Who would send me something?
And why anonymously?
When I reached home…
My adoptive mother opened the door.
“You’re home.” “Yes.” “How was college?” “The usual.” She noticed the brown parcel in my hand.
“Did you buy something?” I shook my head.
“No.” “It was delivered at college.” “There wasn’t any sender’s name.” She looked curious.
“Maybe it’s from the symposium.” “Perhaps.” Although…
Deep inside…
I didn’t believe that.
After dinner…
I carried the parcel to my room.
I locked the door.
The room became completely silent.
Only the ticking of the wall clock could be heard.
The parcel wasn’t large.
Brown paper.
Neatly wrapped.
No return address.
Only my name.
Vena.
Nothing else.
I carefully untied the string instead of tearing the paper.
Inside…
There was a small cardboard box.
I opened it slowly.
No jewelry.
No money.
No electronic device.
Only three things.
An old brass key.
A folded sheet of paper.
And…
A small black-and-white photograph.
I picked up the photograph first.
It showed the entrance of Anand House.
Unlike the old photograph I had received earlier…
This one looked much newer.
Someone had taken it only recently.
On the back…
Only today’s date was written.
Nothing more.
Next…
I unfolded the paper.
The handwriting was different from the anonymous notes I had received before.
The message was short.
“Some doors cannot be opened with questions.” “They require the right key.” I slowly looked toward the brass key lying inside the box.
It was old.
Its surface had darkened with age.
Near its handle…
Two tiny letters were engraved.
A.H.
Anand House.
Or…
Something else?
I held the key tightly.
My heartbeat echoed in the silent room.
Whoever had sent this…
Had just given me the first real object connected to the mystery.
Not another warning.
Not another clue.
A key.
The question was…
“…What exactly did it unlock?” I placed the brass key back inside the box.
Then picked it up again.
It felt…
Real.
Cold.
Heavy.
Not like a decorative key.
This had been made to open something.
I examined every inch of it.
Near the engraved letters…
There was a tiny number.
17 I frowned.
“A room number?” “A locker?” “Or…
just a serial number?” There was no way to know.
Not yet.
I turned my attention back to the folded note.
This time…
I noticed something I had missed before.
At the very bottom…
Written in much smaller handwriting…
Was another sentence.
“Trust proof…
not people.” My breathing slowed.
Those words…
Hit me harder than I expected.
In my previous life…
I had trusted the wrong person.
And paid for it with everything.
I carefully folded the note again.
“…Proof.” “That’s exactly what I need.” Just then…
There was a knock on the door.
“Vena?” It was her adoptive mother.
“Dinner is getting cold.” Vena quickly placed everything back inside the box.
“I’m coming!” She unlocked the door and stepped outside.
During dinner…
Her adoptive father noticed she was unusually quiet.
“Everything alright?” Vena looked up.
“…Just thinking about college.” He smiled reassuringly.
“Don’t overwork yourself.” “First year should also be enjoyed.” Her adoptive mother nodded.
“He’s right.” “Books are important…” “But so are smiles.” Vena smiled faintly.
“I’ll remember that.” After dinner…
She returned to her room.
The box still lay on the study table.
She looked at the key one last time.
Then…
Instead of hiding it in the drawer with the other clues…
She wrapped it in a clean handkerchief and placed it in a separate pouch inside her backpack.
“If this key opens something…” “I’ll need it with me.” Before going to bed…
She opened her notebook.
Below AH-27, she added another entry.
Brass Key Engraving: A.H.
Number: 17 Arrived anonymously.
Then she drew one line connecting: Anand House → Archives → AH-27 → Brass Key The pieces were slowly forming a chain.
She still couldn’t see the whole picture.
But for the first time…
The mystery felt like something she could solve.
Not because someone was guiding her.
But because she was collecting facts.
One clue at a time.
Outside her window…
The wind gently rustled the trees.
Somewhere in the darkness…
A man stood across the street, watching the house from a distance.
He didn’t approach.
He didn’t make a call.
After making sure the lights in Vena’s room were off…
He quietly walked away into the night.
The next morning…
I woke up earlier than usual.
For a few seconds…
Everything felt normal.
Then my eyes landed on my backpack.
The brass key.
It wasn’t a dream.
I got ready for college as usual.
Before leaving…
I carefully checked the small pouch inside my backpack.
The key was still there.
I wasn’t planning to use it.
Not yet.
But…
Something told me to keep it close.
“Vena!” My adoptive mother called from downstairs.
“You’re going to be late.” “I’m coming!” I quickly zipped my bag and headed downstairs.
During breakfast…
My adoptive father looked up from his tea.
“You’ve been leaving early these days.” Vena smiled.
“Professor Mehta has been giving us extra practical work.” He nodded.
“That’s good.” “Learning outside textbooks is important.” She quietly agreed.
If only he knew…
How much she was learning outside textbooks.
The college campus was already buzzing with students.
As Vena entered the classroom…
Kabir waved enthusiastically.
“There she is!” “The future scientist has arrived.” Riya looked up from her notebook.
“Good morning.” “Morning.” Ananya smiled.
“I saved the seat beside me.” “Thanks.” Arther gave his usual silent nod.
The first lecture ended quickly.
Professor Mehta gathered his books.
“I’ll see all of you in tomorrow’s laboratory session.” After he left…
Students slowly began leaving the classroom.
Kabir stretched.
“I’m going to the canteen.” “Anyone coming?” “I’m in,” Ananya replied.
“So am I,” Riya added.
Arther looked at Vena.
“What about you?” Vena thought for a moment.
“You all go ahead.” “I just need to return a library book.” Kabir pointed dramatically.
“Don’t take forever.” “The samosas won’t wait.” Vena laughed.
“I’ll be there.” Instead of heading toward the library immediately…
She stopped near the college notice board.
Students had pinned posters for clubs, competitions, and volunteer work.
One notice caught her attention.
Guest Lecture: Preserving Historical Records and Archives Speaker: Mr.
Devendra Rao Venue: Seminar Hall Date: Friday The word Archives instantly drew her attention.
She read the notice once more.
Could it simply be an academic lecture?
Or…
Another coincidence?
As she copied the date into her notebook…
A voice spoke from behind.
“Interested in archives?” Vena turned.
An elderly library assistant stood there holding a stack of books.
She smiled politely.
“I’ve just become curious about them.” He nodded.
“Most students aren’t.” “They think old records are boring.” “But sometimes…” He adjusted his glasses.
“…the oldest files protect the biggest secrets.” Vena looked at him carefully.
“Have you attended Mr.
Devendra Rao’s lectures before?” The old man smiled.
“Once.” “He has spent most of his life preserving forgotten records.” “He always says the same thing.” Vena asked softly, “What does he say?” The old man looked toward the library building before answering.
“History doesn’t disappear…” “…people simply stop looking for it.” For some reason…
Those words stayed with Vena long after the conversation ended.
Maybe…
Attending that lecture wouldn’t just help her studies.
Maybe…
It would help her understand why someone wanted her to search for Anand House in the first place.
I closed my notebook.
The library assistant had already walked away.
But his words remained in my mind.
History doesn’t disappear…
people simply stop looking for it.
I returned the library book and joined the others in the canteen.
Kabir immediately pointed at me.
“Finally!” “We thought you had moved into the library.” Riya laughed.
“She was probably actually studying.” Kabir looked horrified.
“That’s worse.” I smiled and sat down.
The conversation quickly turned toward Friday’s guest lecture.
Ananya looked at the notice on her phone.
“Are you going?” I nodded.
“I think so.” Kabir groaned.
“It’s about archives.” “Why would you voluntarily attend that?” “Because it might be interesting.” He stared at me.
“You’ve changed.” Riya laughed.
“She’s always been curious.” Arther quietly asked, “What made you interested in it?” I paused.
For a second…
I almost told them about Anand House.
But I stopped.
“Nothing specific.” “I just want to learn more about historical records.” Arther studied my expression for a moment.
Then simply nodded.
The next few days passed normally.
Classes.
Practicals.
Assignments.
Lunch with friends.
Calls from home.
Nothing unusual.
And yet…
The brass key remained inside my backpack.
Every time my hand touched the small pouch…
I remembered the note.
Trust proof…
not people.
Friday afternoon…
The seminar hall began filling with students.
Professor Mehta stood near the entrance, checking attendance.
“Good.” “You’re all here.” Kabir whispered, “Of course we’re here.” “We were promised an educational experience.” Riya looked at him.
“You came because there’s no regular lecture.” “That too.” Vena smiled.
A few minutes later…
Professor Mehta stepped onto the stage.
“Good afternoon, everyone.” “Today’s guest has spent decades working with historical records, private collections, and city archives.” “Please welcome…” He turned toward the entrance.
“Mr.
Devendra Rao.” An elderly man walked onto the stage carrying a thin leather folder.
The applause gradually faded as he reached the microphone.
He looked across the room.
Then…
His eyes stopped on Vena.
Only for a second.
But Vena noticed.
His expression changed slightly.
As if…
He recognized something.
Then he looked away and began speaking.
“History is not merely about what happened.” “It’s also about what people chose to hide.” The room became silent.
Vena’s fingers slowly tightened around her pen.
Mr.
Rao continued.
“Old records can tell us about families…” “Property…” “Disputes…” “Names that disappeared from public documents.” He opened his folder.
“And sometimes…” “One missing document can change an entire story.” Vena stared at him.
The words felt strangely personal.
Then Mr.
Rao said something that made her heart stop.
“Especially when the missing record concerns a family that was never supposed to be forgotten.” For a moment…
Vena forgot to breathe.
Because on the table beside his folder…
She noticed a small brass object.
A key.
And engraved on it…
Two letters.
A.H.
My eyes remained fixed on the brass key.
For a moment…
Everything around me seemed to disappear.
The students.
The professor.
The sound of chairs moving.
All I could see was that key.
A.H.
The same letters engraved on mine.
Mr.
Rao continued speaking.
“Historical records are often incomplete.” “Sometimes documents are damaged.” “Sometimes they’re misplaced.” “And sometimes…” He paused.
“…someone deliberately removes them.” A few students murmured among themselves.
Kabir leaned toward Riya.
“This lecture suddenly became interesting.” Riya whispered, “Because it’s actually a mystery now?” “Exactly.” I forced myself to look away from the key.
Maybe it was a coincidence.
A.H.
could stand for anything.
There was no proof that his key was connected to mine.
I reminded myself of my own rule.
Don’t guess.
Find proof.
Mr.
Rao turned a page in his folder.
“Years ago, I worked on a collection concerning several old properties in this city.” “One particular property was especially difficult to document.” My heartbeat quickened.
He continued.
“An old house…” “Known locally as Anand House.” The room suddenly felt too warm.
I stared at him.
So did several other students.
Kabir whispered, “Vena…” I didn’t answer.
Mr.
Rao displayed an old photograph on the projector.
A familiar building appeared on the screen.
The same faded balcony.
The same stone steps.
The same entrance I had seen myself.
Anand House.
A few students began discussing it quietly.
Mr.
Rao looked at the photograph.
“Most public records say the property was abandoned after a legal dispute.” “But that’s not the complete story.” He changed the slide.
A scanned document appeared.
Most of the text was blurred.
Only one line was clearly visible: PROPERTY FILE — AH-27 My fingers tightened around my pen.
AH-27.
The exact reference number I’d found in the college library.
This was no longer a coincidence.
I quickly opened my notebook.
I wrote: AH-27 — confirmed by archive lecture.
Then beneath it: Why?
I looked toward Mr.
Rao again.
He was speaking about the history of the property.
But then…
His eyes moved toward me.
Only briefly.
This time…
I was certain.
He wasn’t simply looking at the audience.
He was looking at me.
The lecture continued for another twenty minutes.
Mr.
Rao explained how historical property records could disappear through legal disputes, transfers, and incomplete archives.
But he didn’t mention the Anand family’s full history.
He didn’t mention any names.
And he didn’t explain why the file was incomplete.
Finally…
He closed the folder.
“That’s all for today.” The students applauded.
Professor Mehta thanked him.
Students began leaving the hall.
I remained seated for a few seconds.
My mind was racing.
The key.
The photograph.
AH-27.
Anand House.
Everything was connecting.
But I still had no idea…
Why had Mr.
Rao brought that particular key?
And why had he looked at me…
As if he already knew who I was?
The seminar hall slowly emptied.
Students gathered their notebooks and left in groups.
Kabir was already complaining.
“Two hours of history…” “I deserve extra marks for surviving.” Riya laughed.
“You didn’t even take notes.” “I was mentally taking notes.” “Sure.” Ananya looked at me.
“Vena, are you coming?” I glanced toward the stage.
Mr.
Rao was still there.
“I’ll come in a minute.” “Okay.
We’ll wait outside.” They left.
Arther paused for a moment.
“Everything okay?” I nodded.
“Yes.” He looked at me for a second longer.
Then followed the others.
Mr.
Rao was putting his documents back into the leather folder.
I slowly walked toward him.
“Sir?” He looked up.
“Yes?” “I wanted to ask about Anand House.” His hands stopped for a moment.
Then he calmly closed the folder.
“What would you like to know?” “The file number…” “AH-27.” His expression changed slightly.
“You remember it?” “I saw it in the college library.” He nodded.
“Good.” I hesitated.
“Is the file still available?” “Not here.” “Then where?” “The original records are held by the City Records Office.” He paused.
“Although…” “Some related documents were transferred to the Central Research Library.” My eyes widened slightly.
“The same library mentioned for our field visit?” “Yes.” I thought about the brass key inside my backpack.
There was no way I could ask him about it directly.
Not yet.
Instead, I asked, “Sir…” “Why is Anand House important?” Mr.
Rao looked at me carefully.
“Because some properties are valuable because of what they contain.” “And some…” “…because of who once lived there.” My heartbeat quickened.
“Who lived there?” He didn’t answer immediately.
Instead, he asked, “Why are you interested in Anand House?” I froze.
“I…” “I came across the name while studying old city records.” Mr.
Rao gave a faint smile.
“Curiosity is good.” “But don’t let curiosity turn into assumptions.” His words reminded me of my own rule.
Find proof.
He picked up his folder.
“If you’re genuinely interested…” “Attend the field visit.” “The archives may answer some of your questions.” “Some?” “Archives rarely give you the whole truth.” He walked past me.
Then stopped.
Without turning around, he added quietly, “And Vena…” I froze.
He knew my name.
“You should be careful about what you choose to open.” I turned toward him.
“What do you mean?” But he had already walked away.
I stood alone in the seminar hall.
My mind was filled with questions.
How did he know my name?
He had never spoken to me before today.
Unless…
He had already seen my name somewhere.
Or…
Someone had told him.
I slowly reached into my backpack.
My fingers touched the small pouch containing the brass key.
For the first time…
I wondered whether I should even take it with me to the field visit.
Because if that key really belonged to Anand House…
Then sooner or later…
Someone would recognize it.
And I wasn’t sure…
Whether being recognized was what I wanted.
I left the seminar hall slowly.
The corridor outside was almost empty.
My friends were waiting near the staircase.
Kabir raised his hand the moment he saw me.
“There she is!” “Professor Rao’s lecture almost turned you into an archaeologist.” I smiled.
“Maybe.” Riya looked at me carefully.
“You’ve been unusually quiet.” “I’m just thinking about what he said.” Ananya nodded.
“It was actually interesting.” Kabir sighed.
“I still prefer practicals.” “At least the microscope doesn’t give mysterious speeches.” I laughed.
For a few seconds…
Everything felt normal again.
We walked toward the college gate together.
Kabir was discussing the upcoming field visit.
“I’m telling you…” “The museum will be boring.” “The library will be worse.” Riya frowned.
“Then why did you register?” “Because all of you are going.” He said it so casually…
That I smiled.
Sometimes friendship was strange.
People didn’t need a reason to stay.
They simply chose to.
At the gate…
Everyone went in different directions.
“See you tomorrow,” Ananya said.
“Bye.” “Take care.” I waved at them.
Then started walking home.
Halfway there…
My phone vibrated.
I stopped.
Unknown Number.
Another message.
“You spoke to Rao.” My heart skipped.
I looked around.
Nobody seemed to be watching me.
Another message arrived.
“Good.” I frowned.
I typed: Who are you?
The reply came almost immediately.
“Someone who doesn’t want you walking into a trap.” I stared at the screen.
My fingers moved again.
What trap?
This time…
No reply came.
I waited.
Nothing.
I put my phone away.
Whoever this person was…
They knew about Mr.
Rao.
They knew about Anand House.
And somehow…
They knew about my movements.
That was no longer a coincidence.
When I reached home…
My adoptive mother was in the kitchen.
“You’re back.” “Yes.” “Wash your hands.
I’ve made your favorite dinner.” I smiled.
“Okay.” For a moment…
I simply stood there.
Watching her.
The warmth in her voice.
The ordinary concern.
The way she had waited for me.
A thought crossed my mind.
“Were they really pretending?” Nikhil’s words from my previous life returned.
Your adoptive parents never loved you.
I immediately pushed the thought away.
I didn’t have proof.
And I had promised myself…
I wouldn’t judge anyone without it.
That night…
I opened my notebook.
Under AH-27, I wrote another line: Mr.
Devendra Rao knows something.
Then: Unknown person is watching the investigation.
And finally: Central Research Library — Field Visit.
I stared at the last line.
The field visit wasn’t just a college trip anymore.
It might be my first chance to find an actual answer.
I closed the notebook.
But before turning off the light…
I checked the brass key once more.
A.H.
17.
I whispered, “Who are you supposed to open the door for?” Then I placed the key back inside the pouch.
This time…
I wasn’t afraid of the mystery.
I was ready to find out where it led.
The next morning…
College felt unusually normal.
No mysterious messages.
No strange visitors.
No unexpected clues.
For once…
I almost believed I could forget everything for a day.
Almost.
As I entered the classroom, Kabir was already standing near the notice board.
“Everyone!” “Come here!” Riya looked at him suspiciously.
“What happened?” “The field-visit list!” He pointed toward the newly pinned sheet.
“The final names are here.” Ananya walked closer.
“Did they select everyone?” “Let’s see.” The four of us moved toward the board.
Arther stood slightly behind us.
Kabir ran his finger down the list.
“Found mine!” “Ananya…” “Riya…” “Arther…” He continued.
Then stopped.
His eyes moved back up.
“Wait.” “What?” He pointed at another name.
Vena.
“You’re selected too.” I smiled.
“Good.” Kabir raised both hands.
“Perfect!” “All five of us are going.” Riya laughed.
“You’re more excited than anyone.” “Obviously.” I looked at the list again.
My name was there.
Nothing unusual.
Just a student’s name among dozens.
But beneath the list…
Something caught my attention.
A small note had been attached by the department.
Students must carry their college ID cards during the visit.
Normal.
Completely normal.
Still…
My thoughts went back to the brass key.
I couldn’t take it out during the trip.
Not without knowing what it opened.
“Vena?” I looked up.
Arther was standing beside me.
“You okay?” “Yes.” He glanced at the list.
“You’re thinking about something.” I smiled slightly.
“Just the trip.” He nodded.
“It should be interesting.” Then he walked toward the classroom.
The bell rang.
Everyone hurried inside.
Professor Mehta entered with another sheet of paper.
“Before we begin…” “There’s one important instruction about the field visit.” The class became quiet.
“The Central Research Library has a restricted archive section.” “Students are not permitted to enter it without staff authorization.” My attention immediately sharpened.
Restricted archive.
So there really was something beyond the normal library.
Professor Mehta continued.
“You’ll remain with your assigned groups.” “No wandering around.” “No touching old documents without permission.” Kabir whispered, “So basically…” “We’re not allowed to have fun.” Riya whispered back, “It’s an academic visit.” Kabir sighed.
“Exactly my problem.” A few students laughed.
I looked down at my notebook.
Central Research Library.
Restricted Archive.
AH-27.
Three things that shouldn’t have been connected…
Yet somehow were.
Then Professor Mehta added one final sentence.
“One archivist will be joining us during the visit.” He checked the sheet.
“Mr.
Devendra Rao.” My pen stopped moving.
Rao.
Again.
This wasn’t a coincidence anymore.
The field visit…
The archives…
Anand House…
And the man who seemed to know more than he was saying.
I slowly closed my notebook.
Whatever waited inside that library…
I had a feeling Mr.
Rao would be there to see what I found.
The bell rang.
The classroom slowly returned to its usual noise.
I closed my notebook and tried to focus on the lecture.
But my thoughts kept returning to the same things.
Anand House.
AH-27.
The brass key.
Mr.
Rao.
And now…
The restricted archive.
After class, Kabir caught up with us in the corridor.
“So!” “Three days until the field visit.” Ananya smiled.
“You’re counting already?” “Of course.” Riya shook her head.
“I’ve never seen anyone this excited about a museum.” “I’m not excited about the museum.” Kabir pointed toward himself.
“I’m excited about getting out of regular classes.” Arther quietly said, “At least you’re honest.” Everyone laughed.
We stopped near the college garden.
Ananya looked at Vena.
“Are you bringing your camera?” “Maybe.” “You should.” “The museum might have some really interesting exhibits.” Vena nodded.
“Good idea.” For a moment…
She almost forgot about everything else.
Maybe this really could be just a college trip.
A normal day with friends.
Nothing more.
Then her phone vibrated.
She checked the screen.
Unknown Number.
One new message.
“Don’t take the key.” Vena froze.
Her smile disappeared.
She immediately looked at her backpack.
The brass key was inside.
Another message arrived.
“Rao knows what it opens.” Her heartbeat quickened.
She looked toward the others.
Nobody had noticed.
Vena quickly typed: Then tell me what it opens.
The message showed: Delivered.
She waited.
No response.
She tried again.
Who are you?
Nothing.
“Vena?” Ananya’s voice pulled her back.
“Are you alright?” Vena locked her phone.
“Yes.” “Just a little tired.” Ananya studied her face.
“Are you sure?” Vena nodded.
“Yeah.” She forced a small smile.
“I’m fine.” That evening…
Vena sat at her desk at home.
The brass key lay in front of her.
She stared at it for several minutes.
Then carefully picked it up.
A.H.
17.
The unknown sender had told her not to take it.
But why?
If it was dangerous…
Why had they sent it to her in the first place?
Unless…
The key wasn’t meant to be used yet.
Maybe it was meant to prove something.
She opened her notebook.
Under the key’s details, she wrote: New warning: Do NOT take key to library.
Then beneath it: Why does Rao know about it?
She closed the notebook.
For now…
She would leave the key at home.
No matter how curious she was.
Because this time…
She wasn’t going to walk blindly into someone else’s plan.
The next morning…
Vena arrived at college early.
As she approached the classroom…
She noticed a folded piece of paper lying on her desk.
No name.
No explanation.
She opened it.
Only one sentence was written inside: “If you want the truth about Anand House, ask Rao about Room 17.” Vena stared at the words.
Room 17.
Her eyes slowly widened.
The number engraved on her key…
Wasn’t random.
It had been pointing toward something all along.
She folded the paper carefully.
The field visit was only three days away.
And now…
She finally knew what question she needed to ask.
“Room 17.” I read the sentence again.
Then folded the paper and slipped it into my notebook.
My eyes moved toward the classroom door.
Students were slowly arriving.
Everyone was talking about the upcoming field visit.
No one seemed to notice the small piece of paper in my hand.
Kabir dropped into the seat beside me.
“Three days!” “Are you excited?” I smiled faintly.
“Yes.” “Good.” “Because I’m already planning the entire trip.” Riya looked over.
“You mean the entire food schedule.” Kabir grinned.
“Obviously.” Ananya laughed.
Arther remained quiet, looking through his notes.
Everything seemed normal.
But for me…
It wasn’t.
During the break, I found an opportunity to speak to Professor Mehta.
“Sir?” He looked up.
“Yes, Vena?” “About the field visit…” “What about it?” “Will students be allowed to visit different sections of the library?” He shook his head.
“Only the areas assigned to your group.” “Some sections contain fragile records.” “So students won’t have independent access.” I nodded.
“Understood.” I hesitated.
Then asked casually, “Sir…” “Does the library have rooms numbered individually?” Professor Mehta thought for a moment.
“Most archive areas are organized by collection.” “I’m not sure about room numbers.” “Why?” I quickly smiled.
“I was just curious.” He nodded.
“Ask Mr.
Rao when we reach there.” That answer only made me more curious.
That evening…
I returned home.
The first thing I did was open my desk drawer.
The brass key was still there.
I picked it up.
A.H.
17.
The mystery was becoming clearer…
But not the way I wanted.
Someone had deliberately sent this key to me.
Someone knew about Anand House.
Someone knew about Mr.
Rao.
And someone wanted me to find Room 17.
But I still didn’t know whether that person wanted to help me…
Or was leading me somewhere.
I put the key back.
Then opened my notebook.
At the bottom of the page…
I wrote one final question: “If Room 17 is connected to Anand House…
what happened there?” I closed the notebook.
The answer could wait.
Three days.
Only three days until the field visit.
And this time…
I would go prepared.
Not with assumptions.
Not with blind trust.
Only questions…
And the courage to demand proof.
This chapter was a little different from the previous ones.
Vena is slowly discovering that the mystery surrounding her past life, Anand House, and her real family is much bigger than she expected.
And now…
Room 17.
But here’s the important question: Who is actually helping Vena?
Is the unknown person genuinely trying to protect her?
Or…
Are they simply guiding her toward something they want her to discover?
And what exactly does Mr.
Rao know about Anand House?
The field visit is coming soon…
And I have a feeling that Vena’s “normal college trip” might not remain normal for very long.
Keep reading.
The real mystery is only beginning.
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