The Photo

Nepal is known for its peaceful mountains, green forests, and quiet villages. But behind this calm beauty lies a secret that has been hidden for centuries. People from outside may admire this land, but they have no idea what truly lies beneath.

You might be wondering, "What is this secret?" Well, the truth will unfold as our story begins.

And so, the journey starts...

"Are you still awake, Shapra?"

Shapra looked up from the dusty shelves, startled by his mother's voice. "I was just about to go to bed, Mom. I'm looking for my old books from last year."

Shapra was a sixteen-year-old boy living in Jhapa, Nepal, with his parents. At the moment, he was exploring through the storeroom, searching for his old Class 9 books for a school project.

"Alright, but don't take too long," his mother called from the other room.

"I won't!" he replied.

Shapra sighed, brushing his hair back. "Ugh! I can't find them anywhere." His eyes scanned the shelves until they landed on a small, worn-out box tucked in the corner. "Maybe they're in here."

He pulled the box closer and pried it open. Inside, he found an old photograph buried under layers of dust. He picked it up and sneezed as the dust scattered into the air.

"Just a picture of Mom and Dad…" he murmured, rubbing his nose. But then, his eyes widened. "Wait… what is that behind them?"

A strange glow surrounded his parents in the picture, almost like a portal to another world. He squinted, tilting the photo in the dim light. "It must be a green screen effect," he chuckled. Then a mischievous grin spread across his face. "Oh, this is perfect. I'll show it to them tomorrow and mess with them a bit. I'm a genius!"

He placed the photograph safely on his desk and stretched. "But for now, sleep."

11:20 PM

Shapra turned off the lights and climbed into bed, the photo lingering in his thoughts as he drifted off.

7:50 AM

The next morning, Shapra woke up feeling excited about his little prank. He grabbed the photo and walked into the kitchen, where his parents were having breakfast.

He put on his best serious face, slipping the photo into his pocket before stepping forward.

"Mom, Dad…" he started, pulling out the picture. "What is this?" His voice was firm, his expression accusing. "Tell me the truth."

His father's spoon clattered against the plate. His mother's hands froze midair, gripping her cup tightly.

"Shapra…" His father's voice was unusually tense. "Where did you find this?"

"Tell us," his mother added, her voice barely above a whisper, her forehead glistening with sweat.

Shapra raised an eyebrow, his smirk fading. "Whoa, I was just joking. What's up with you guys?"

His father exchanged a look with his mother before taking a deep breath. "Shradha… I think it's time we told him."

Shapra's amusement turned to confusion. "Wait… what do you mean?"

His heart pounded as he watched his parents' expressions shift from shock to something else—something deeper, heavier.

What secret were they hiding?

To be continued...