Chapter 5

The college playground was bustling with activity on Sunday morning. Students were chatting excitedly, lugging their bags, while teachers tried to maintain order. Mr. Nikhil, a strict but well-liked teacher, stepped forward.

Mr. Nikhil: "Students, make a proper line! You're not children anymore!"

The murmurs quieted, and the students hastily formed a line.

Principal (raising his voice): "Listen carefully, everyone. We have a total of 150 people going on this trip—125 students, 13 teachers, and 12 staff members. Some students couldn't join due to lack of parental permission or health issues, but we'll ensure everyone here has a memorable experience. Now, let's head to the train station!"

A cheer erupted as the students began moving toward the waiting buses that would take them to the Bhopal Railway Station.

At the station, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Students craned their necks to see the train, which stood ready on the platform.

Madhav (to Raj): "We'll grab a spot in the same cabin, right?"

Raj: "Of course, buddy. We'll make it our little base."

Nearby, Priya was practically bouncing with excitement.

Priya: "I'm so thrilled! This is going to be amazing!"

Anika (nodding): "Same here. I've been waiting for this trip for weeks."

Rupali pointed toward Miss Kajal, who was handing out seating arrangements.

Rupali: "Let's head inside; Miss Kajal is assigning our seats."

With that, the students hurried into the train, each searching for their seat while laughing and teasing one another. Madhav, Raj, and their group found their cabin and settled in, ready for the long journey to Himachal Pradesh.

At Simla Railway Station, the students stepped out of the train, their excitement palpable. The cold mountain air was refreshing, and many began taking selfies and photos of the scenic view.

The Vice Principal stood in front of the group, commanding their attention.

Vice Principal: "Alright, everyone! We'll be heading to my cousin uncle's villa by bus. Stick together, and don't wander off!"

Rohan glanced at his phone to check the time.

Rohan (to Raj): "It's already 2 p.m. When will the buses arrive?"

Raj: "Relax, man. Just follow the Vice Principal like everyone else."

As the group began walking toward the bus parking area, Madhav pulled out his phone to snap a quick photo. Satisfied, he slipped the phone back into his jacket pocket. Suddenly, he felt something unfamiliar.

His heart skipped a beat as he reached in and pulled out the gold coin.

Madhav (thinking): "How? I left this in the flamingo statue in the college garden! How did it end up here?"

He inspected the coin carefully, his mind racing.

Madhav (thinking): "Did someone find it and slip it into my pocket? But who? And why?"

His thoughts were interrupted by Raj's voice.

Raj: "Hey, Madhav! What's taking you so long? Let's go!"

Snapping out of his daze, Madhav quickly slipped the coin back into his pocket.

Madhav: "Yeah, I'm coming!"

He hurried to join the others as they boarded the buses. Sitting by the window, Madhav couldn't shake the unease growing inside him.

As the bus began winding its way through the scenic mountain roads, he stared out at the beautiful landscape, gripping the coin in his pocket.

The buses came to a halt in front of the massive Arya Villa, a grand structure surrounded by lush gardens and snow-covered trees. The students buzzed with excitement.

Girl in the bus: "This area is stunning! The villa looks like something out of a fairytale!"

Rupali (to Anika): "I was so tired, but this view… it's like I've been recharged!"

Nikki, still seated in the bus, muttered to herself: "Whoever owns this villa must be insanely rich."

The students, teachers, and staff began filing out of the buses, their eyes widening at the sight of the elegant villa. At the entrance, an old man in a wheelchair waited, his presence dignified despite his frail appearance.

The Vice Principal stepped forward and bowed slightly, touching the old man's feet for blessings.

Old Man: "It's okay, my boy. No need for formalities."

The College Principal approached the old man with a warm smile.

Principal: "Thank you, Mr. Arya, for your hospitality. Because of you, we didn't have to book a hotel."

the old man, chuckled softly: "It's no trouble at all. Your Vice Principal is like a son to me. How could I miss the chance to host his students on their first trip to Shimla?"

He turned to address the students.

Gaurav Arya: "Welcome, everyone! My name is Gaurav Arya. I hope you all have a wonderful stay here."

In the crowd, Raj whispered to Madhav:

Raj: "He's really old. And did you notice? He doesn't have legs. Must've been in a serious accident."

Madhav nodded absentmindedly, his mind still preoccupied with the mysterious reappearance of the gold coin.

As everyone explored the villa, the atmosphere brimmed with excitement. Students and teachers marveled at the villa's beauty, its intricate carvings, and the serene snow-capped surroundings.

Miss Kajal (with a content sigh): "What a spectacular area! And the silence… it's so peaceful."

Anika (breathing in the cold air): "The weather here reminds me of my hometown."

Priya (curious): "Your hometown? Where's that?"

Anika: "A small village called Nefani, near the Assam-Nagaland border."

As their conversation continued, Madhav lagged behind the group, feeling uneasy. His mind circled back to the gold coin now hidden in his jacket pocket.

Why did it return? he thought, gripping the pocket tightly.

At the villa entrance, Old man addressed the group with a warm smile.

Gaurav Arya: "The first floor will be for the boys, the second for the girls and teachers, while the principal and I will remain on the ground floor. Don't worry about anything; my staff will take care of your needs. For now, rest and settle in."

The students nodded, excited about their accommodations. Madhav, Raj, and Rohan began climbing the staircase to the first floor.

As Madhav passed by, the old man suddenly froze. His cheerful demeanor shifted to something more somber. A strange, familiar sensation coursed through him as his eyes fixated on Madhav's back.

Old man (to himself, whispering):

"This boy… Why does he feel so familiar? And… something unsettling surrounds him."

Despite the odd sensation, Old man didn't speak. He simply watched as Madhav and his friends disappeared up the stairs.

In his room, Madhav sat on the edge of the bed, staring at his jacket pocket.

The morning at the villa was bustling as students prepared for the day ahead. Madhav, after freshening up, managed to rouse Raj and Rohan, though the two grumbled about wanting more sleep.

Madhav (sternly): "Come on, guys. We have a long day ahead. Breakfast first, then the tour."

By the time all three were ready, Mr. Nikhil was making his rounds, ensuring everyone was up.

Mr. Nikhil (knocking on doors): "Everyone, hurry up! Breakfast is ready, and we're leaving by 9 sharp!"

Downstairs, the large dining hall was abuzz with chatter. Students marveled at the lavish spread prepared by the villa staff.

Anika (wide-eyed): "Look at this! So many options—Gujarati dhokla, Marathi poha, South Indian idlis, and even simple toast and butter."

Rupali (laughing): "It's like a mini food festival. What should we try first?"

Meera (rolling her eyes): "Why don't you just eat instead of narrating the menu?"

The group laughed, and plates began to fill quickly. Madhav, however, picked at his food, his thoughts drifting to the gold coin hidden in his jacket. He scanned the room, wondering if anyone noticed his unease.

Raj (teasing): "Madhav, stop daydreaming and eat something. You'll need energy for all the walking today."

Madhav (forcing a smile): "Yeah, you're right."

As everyone settled in, the vice principal entered the hall, clapping his hands to get their attention.

Vice Principal: "Alright, everyone! Enjoy your breakfast, but don't take too long. We leave for the tour in thirty minutes. Be punctual!"

Excitement filled the room again as the students quickly finished their meals, eager to explore the sights of Shimla. Meanwhile, Madhav couldn't shake the strange weight in his pocket, silently hoping the day would pass without incident.

As the bus began its journey through the winding roads of Shimla, the students buzzed with excitement. The crisp mountain air flowed in through the slightly open windows, adding to the freshness of the morning.

Aman (loudly from the front): "Guys, this is going to be awesome! Let's see who clicks the best pictures today."

Alok (grinning): "I'll win that for sure! My phone camera is unbeatable."

At the back of the bus, Madhav, Raj, and Rohan settled in their seats. Madhav, still preoccupied with the mysterious reappearance of the gold coin, tried to distract himself by engaging in conversation.

Raj (leaning forward): "So, guide, what's the first place we're visiting?"

The guide, a cheerful man in his early 30s, stood at the front with a mic.

Guide (enthusiastically): "First stop: Jakhoo Temple! It's famous for its giant Hanuman statue and breathtaking views of Shimla. But beware of the monkeys—they're clever and love snatching sunglasses and food!"

The students chuckled, some already taking out their cameras in anticipation.

Anika (turning to Priya): "Hanuman temple sounds nice, doesn't it? I've heard the climb up is steep but totally worth it."

Priya (nodding): "Yeah, I'm excited. I just hope these monkeys don't ruin our day!"

Miss Kajal (smiling): "Don't worry, just don't feed them, and you'll be fine."

As the bus wound its way through narrow, scenic roads, Madhav stared out of the window, lost in thought. The lush greenery and misty mountains should have been calming, but the gold coin in his pocket felt like a burning weight.

Rohan (nudging Madhav): "Hey, you alright? You've been awfully quiet."

Madhav (forcing a smile): "Yeah, just soaking in the view."

The bus slowed as it approached the base of Jakhoo Hill, and the guide's voice boomed again.

Guide: "Alright, everyone! Get ready to hike a bit. Jakhoo Temple is at the top, and it's about a 15-20 minute walk from here. Stick together and enjoy the climb!"

The students cheered, grabbing their backpacks as they filed out of the bus.

When all students reached the Jakhoo Temple, Rupali said to Priya, "Look down there. A few minutes before we arrived, we were looking at the Lord Hanuman statue."

Priya said, "It's a really beautiful And the city buildings look very nice."

One monkey snatched Alok's eyeglasses. Alok tried to catch the monkey, and Aman helped him.

Rupali (laughing): "Alok, forget it! That monkey isn't giving your glasses back!"

Priya (smiling): "Monkeys here are too smart. You should have been more careful!"

Aman (to the monkey, holding out a packet of biscuits): "Here, take this and give back the glasses!"

The monkey stared at Aman, then at the biscuits. Slowly, it dropped the glasses on a nearby rock and grabbed the biscuits.

Alok (relieved, picking up the glasses): "Thank you, Aman! You're a lifesaver."

Aman (grinning): "Next time, keep your glasses in your pocket when you're near monkeys."

The group burst into laughter as Alok adjusted his glasses and sighed in relief.

Rohan (looking up at the statue in awe):

"It's incredible how tall and majestic the statue is! You can feel Lord Hanuman's power just by standing here."

Guide (nodding): "Yes, this statue is 108 feet tall, one of the tallest in the world dedicated to Lord Hanuman. And it's not just the height; it's the spiritual energy of this place that makes it so special. Now, everyone, say it with me—Jai Shree Ram!"

Students and teachers (raising their hands):

"Jai Shree Ram!"

The chant echoed through the temple grounds, filling the air with devotion and energy.

Madhav (to himself, clasping his hands in prayer): "Bhagwan, give me strength to face whatever is happening. Protect me ."

Priya (to Anika): "The vibe here is so peaceful. It's like all your worries disappear when you're standing in front of Hanuman ji."

Anika: "True, this place feels magical. Let's take some photos to remember it."

The group spent some more time exploring the temple, offering prayers, and enjoying the serene view of Shimla from the hilltop .

As Madhav stood in front of the towering statue of Lord Hanuman at the temple, his mind drifted back to the moment on the bus.

"Why did the coin react like that?" he thought. He touched the golden coin with his right hand, and it became so hot, almost unbearable to touch. So, I left my jacket with the coin .before I came to this temple.

Guide (clapping his hands to gather everyone's attention):

"Alright, everyone! I hope you've all taken blessings and enjoyed your time at Jakhoo Temple. Now, our next destination is the Himalayan Bird Park. It's a short drive from here, so let's head back to the bus."

The students began to descend the temple steps, chatting excitedly.

As the students and teachers boarded the buses, excitement filled the air. Nikki, always eager, urged everyone, "Come on, guys, let's move faster! We don't want to waste time—we have more places to explore!"

"One bus is here, and the other two buses are over there in the back."

Madhav, Raj, and Rohan found their seats at the back of the bus. Priya, Anika, and Rupali sat a few rows ahead, chatting and laughing. The guide, seated in the front with two assisting staff, checked his notes and spoke into the mic, "Alright, everyone, our next destination is the Himalayan Bird Park. It's just a short drive, so sit back .

Guide (taking his seat at the front): "Get ready, folks! The Himalayan Bird Park is a haven for nature lovers. You'll see some rare and beautiful birds there. Let's roll!"

The bus engine roared to life, and the students cheered, excited for their next adventure.

At the Himalayan Bird Park, the vibrant colors of the birds dazzled everyone. Teachers and students wandered around, marveling at the rare species on display.

Mr. Nikhil clapped his hands to gather attention. "Alright, boys and girls, take a good look at these birds! Observe their beauty carefully."

Miss Kajal added with a smirk, "Because Mr. Nikhil might quiz you about them when we get back to college."

A chorus of groans erupted from the students. "Nooo, sir, please!" they protested.

Mr. Nikhil chuckled. "Alright, alright, no quizzes. Just enjoy."

Meanwhile, Rohan nudged Madhav. "Hey, look at that bird over there! What's it called?"

Raj squinted at the bird's shimmering feathers. "Yeah, what's the name of that one?"

Madhav glanced at the bird and replied confidently, "That's the Himalayan Monal."

As the group moved forward, Madhav noticed an old blind man sitting silently on a wooden bench, clutching a walking stick. Though he appeared calm, his sightless eyes seemed to follow the students' movements with an unsettling intensity.

Madhav hesitated for a moment, feeling a strange unease, before Rohan pulled him along. "Come on, we're moving to the next enclosure!"

The blind man remained seated, an eerie presence amidst the lively chatter of the students.

Meera said, "I like aquatic animals more than birds."

Alok smirked, adding, "Seriously, Meera, Goa would suit you better with all its beaches and marine life."

Aman chimed in, "I'll gladly arrange a bus or train ticket for you if you want to head there right now."Meera frowned slightly but didn't respond to Aman's teasing.

Meera gave them both a sharp look but remained silent, clearly uninterested in engaging further.

Nearby, Priya approached Miss Kajal and asked, "Ma'am, do you know where the washroom is?"

Miss Kajal nodded and pointed. "Yes, Priya. Follow this path, then take a left. You'll see the washroom sign."

"Thank you, ma'am," Priya replied and headed off.

Madhav glanced again toward the blind man. But he is not there.

Madhav's eyes darted around the park, searching for the blind man who had mysteriously disappeared from the bench. Maybe he left, Madhav thought, but an unsettling feeling lingered.

Meanwhile, Priya reached the washroom area and was startled to see the blind man standing there. He turned his head slightly in her direction and said in a deep, calm voice, "Hello, miss. Can you help me?"

"Yes, sir," Priya replied hesitantly.

The blind man nodded. "Could you guide me to the men's washroom? I'm a bit lost."

Priya pointed to the left. "It's over there, sir. Just a few steps ahead."

"Thank you," he said with a faint smile, his milky-white eyes eerily reflecting the light.

Later, around 4 PM, all the students and teachers gathered near the buses. Mr. Nikhil and Miss Kajal checked that everyone was accounted for. One by one, the students boarded the buses, chatting excitedly about their day.

The guide said, "Our next destination will be tomorrow. It's already late. For today, we will go to the villa so that you all can rest." Then Alok said, "Sir, we have time. We can go to one more place." Then the guide asked, "Where?" Alok said, "Chadwick Falls."

The guide paused for a moment, considering Alok's suggestion. "Chadwick Falls, huh?" he said, looking at the students who were eagerly awaiting his response. "Well, it's getting late, but I suppose we could squeeze in a quick visit. It's not too far from here, but remember, the sun will set soon, so we have to be quick."

The students cheered, excited by the idea of exploring one more beautiful spot in Shimla. "Alright," the guide said with a smile, "But we need to stay together and be careful as we walk to the falls. No wandering off."

The bus turned toward Chadwick Falls, and as they approached, the cool mountain air seemed to grow crisper. The guide spoke up again, "The falls are known for their scenic beauty, but it's a bit of a hike down to the viewpoint. Make sure you're ready for it."

When the bus reached Chadwick Falls, all the students came out. The guide led the students toward the scenic Chadwick Falls, where the sound of the water cascading down the rocks filled the air. The cool breeze was refreshing, and everyone marveled at the beauty of the falls. Nikki, excited about the new place, asked, "Where are the other two buses?"

The guide turned to her and replied, "I've asked my other staff; the other students will come here tomorrow. For now, it's just us here."

Raj, sitting in the bus, stared at the golden coin in his hand. The cool, shiny surface reflected the light as he turned it over, his curiosity piqued. He had seen Madhav keep it in his jacket earlier, and now, here it was, in his hands. "What is this?" Raj mumbled to himself, still unsure of what it really was. The weight of the coin felt heavy in his palm, as if there was more to it than just gold.

He glanced around to make sure no one was looking, and then he slipped it into his pocket, deciding to figure it out later. As he stepped off the bus, he tried to push the thoughts of the coin out of his mind and focus on the breathtaking view of Chadwick Falls.

The students nodded, settling into the peaceful atmosphere of the falls. Some took photos, while others simply stood in awe of the natural beauty around them.

At Chadwick Falls, the cool breeze created a refreshing atmosphere, and the students were enjoying the moment. Rupali shivered slightly, saying, "It's feeling more cold here." Priya, standing next to her, agreed, "Me too, it's chilly."

Rohan and Madhav were immersed in the beauty of the waterfall, capturing the scenery in their minds and on their phones. The sound of the water crashing down into the pool below was both soothing and energizing.

As the students wandered around, taking in the sights.

Aman, who was walking ahead with Raj, accidentally nudged him. "Watch out!" Raj exclaimed, stepping back a little. Aman, noticing his mistake, "Oh, sorry, Raj. Didn't mean to push you."

Madhav, Rohan, and their other friends were enjoying themselves at Chadwick Falls when Raj heard a sound coming from the forest.

Raj felt his heart racing as he heard the voice again. It was unmistakable. His mother's voice calling him from the forest. Confused and disoriented, he stood still for a moment, trying to convince himself that it was just a trick of his mind. But the sound persisted, clearer this time. It was definitely her voice.

"This isn't possible," Raj muttered under his breath, still unsure of what was happening. The forest was quiet, but the voice seemed so real, and it was calling his name. He couldn't ignore it. His feet moved instinctively toward the trees, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. He had to check.

As he ventured further into the forest, the trees grew denser, and the air became heavier. Raj's heart was pounding, each step taking him deeper into the unknown. And then, suddenly, there she was.

Standing in front of him, almost as if she had materialized from thin air, was his mother. She looked just like he remembered her—her soft smile, her kind eyes. "Raj," she said, her voice filled with warmth and concern. "I've been waiting for you."

Raj stood frozen, unable to comprehend what he was seeing. His mind screamed that something was wrong, that this couldn't be real, but his heart ached with a desperate need to believe it. He reached out to her, his hands trembling.

"How... how are you here?"

Raj whispered, his voice shaky. "You... you died so long ago."