Chapter 6: A Glimpse Too Late

The night of the festival arrived, and Satya stood amidst the glowing lanterns and lively crowds, his heart racing with anticipation. He scanned every face, every corner, hoping—knowing—that she had to be here.

The music, the laughter, the swirling colors of the festival should have been mesmerizing, but Satya could only focus on one thought: She was here once before. She has to be here again.

His fingers clenched around the strap of his bag, where his sketchbook rested. He walked through the bustling streets, past vendors selling sweets and artisans painting delicate patterns on lanterns. Every now and then, he caught glimpses—long hair flowing past, a silhouette in the crowd—but every time he turned, it was someone else.

Until he heard it.

Two girls talking near a small jewelry stall.

"Did you see that girl earlier? The one in the white and blue dress?"

"Yeah, she looked like she was searching for someone. She left just a few minutes ago."

Satya's chest tightened.

He rushed toward them. "Excuse me! The girl you were talking about… where did she go?"

One of the girls looked at him curiously. "Oh, um, I think she went toward the old bridge. But I don't know if she's still there."

The old bridge.

Satya didn't wait to ask more. He turned and ran.

Too Late Again

The bridge was quiet when he reached it, away from the noise of the festival. The soft glow of lanterns reflected on the water below. His breath was heavy as he scanned the empty path.

She was gone.

He took a step forward, his fingers brushing the wooden railing. For a moment, he thought he could still feel her presence, like a shadow lingering just beyond reach. He looked down at the ground. The only thing left behind was a faint imprint of footsteps in the dust.

He had been seconds too late.

Frustration burned in his chest. He was so close. But she had slipped away again, like a dream fading the moment you wake up.

Then he noticed something.

Resting near the railing, half-hidden by the wooden planks, was a tiny, delicate piece of jewelry. A silver anklet with intricate carvings. He picked it up carefully, running his fingers over the cold metal.

A sudden image flashed through his mind—

A dimly lit room, candlelight flickering against old stone walls. His hand reaching out, fastening the same anklet around someone's ankle. A soft laugh, a voice whispering his name—

And then, darkness.

Satya gasped, the vision vanishing as quickly as it had come. His fingers tightened around the anklet.

This wasn't just a coincidence.

This was a clue.

And he wasn't going to let her slip away again.