CHAPTER 1: The Calm before a Storm

DELHI, INDIA.

The room was dark as the curtains blocked the sunlight from entering the room. Riya entered the the room, taking soft steps, she stood in front of a man. The man seemed to be in his early fifties with grey hair on his head and a timeworn face with wrinkles on his forehead. ''Hello sir, I am Riya Sharma'' a sweet voice said . The man who sat leisurely, now build up his posture and sat straight. With a smile on his face he said ''Oh! we are very happy to have you here miss Riya , thank you for accepting our offer and joining our college''.

''I am honored sir, thank you for the scholarship''.

''Very well then , you may take counsel from the staff at administrative office for further information and can collect other necessary things from there as well ''.

''As you say sir,I'll take leave now,Thank you''.

Saying so, Riya left the principle`s cabin. The room became quite again, just the the way it had been before she entered it.

The old man now was looking at the door.'' She is the best in academics and she is very charming. A beauty with brains for sure. Impressive''.

After collecting her schedule,college guide and ID card from the administrative office ,Riya now went straight to her dormitory. From her bag she took out the keys the woman at the office had given her.The woman had told her that she had to share her room with a second year student.

Riya opened the room and entered it. The room was well setup, with two single beds both attached to the adjacent walls with one of the bed having a window from which the college ground was clearly visible. There were also two similar looking study tables with a huge cupboard and a mirror.

Riya started unpacking her belongings and began to organize them in the cupboard and shelves.

In no time the once half empty room now appeared complete. Riya took a look at herself in the mirror and decided to take a refreshing bath. After undressing herself she turned the shower open.

The steaming hot water began to pour out from the shower, Riya simply stood under it and tried to tell her brain not to think about that night, but all the effort went in vain. She gave up and closed her eyes. Riya knew very well that she could never stop thinking about the incident which changed her life, which destroyed her family and left her devastated.

3 YEARS BACK,

HYDERABAD, INDIA.

''Ding Ding' ',The bell at the door rang. Outside the door was a young girl standing who was about 14-15 years old .The girl was very pretty. She had a sharp little nose, deep black eyes and in contrast to that were her rose pink lips. She had a fair,glowing skin and her silky hair was tied up in a ponytail. Her uniform which was a white shirt tucked in her maroon above the knee skirt complimented her flawless body. She wore a school ID card which read Riya Sharma.

Riya who was concerned about being scolded by her parents for reaching home late noticed later that the door wasn't locked from inside. Strange thing it was, as her parents never left the door open especially during late evenings. Who in the world wanted some uninvited guests (mosquitoes) to come over and give them unwanted gifts?(diseases of course).

Riya went in, only to find the house was much calmer than always. Little did she know that this was the' Calm before the Storm'. A storm which would change her life forever.

The house was a two-storey building which was much bigger from inside rather than how it was seen from outside.Then suddenly it started to rain, but Riya was too preoccupied with looking for her parents that she forgot to put her headphones on.''Dad, Mom please if this is a joke, then its too serious to be one.''As soon as she told that she heard a thunderclap which made her panic.

''Mom, you know I am scared of the thunder. Please come help me''.

There was no reply, Riya then proceeded towards the staircase which led her to her and her parents`s room. Too scared of the thunder, she first went into her room to find her headphones, the headphones always helped her get distracted from the thunders. The thunder,on the other hand taking advantage of her weakness made another sound. Riya couldn't find the headphones. Now she moved to her parent`s bedroom hoping she would find them. In a low voice she said ''Mumma,Dad''before she hesitantly opened the door.

What came next from her mouth was a loud scream''Aaaaaa.....''.