Siddharth's POV

After 3 days...
I stayed outside Ann's cabin the whole night. Her mother was with her sitting on the chair by her bed. I still remember the gleaming eyes of her parents when they heard she woke up. They almost cried with relief, they were overjoyed. Their watery eyes held so much hope.    

"Siddharth you can go home and take some rest, I am here!" Latika aunty, Ann's mother told me as she saw me drowsy in sleep, sitting on the empty chairs outside her cabin room. 

"No aunty! I will stay!" I replied to which she smiled.

"Thank you, dear!" She spoke as she excused herself and went on to check on Arundhati in the room at the end of the corridor. Even though it was not necessary yet someone always stayed here with them. We feared what if Rita came back. Ann told the police what happened, although it was unbelievable yet it was true Rita tried to kill them. Her intentions were unclear and after that day we haven't found any trace of her. The police were trying their best to best to find her, so until she was in their custody we couldn't leave Ann or Pihu or Arundhati alone, what if she attacks them again.   

After Latika aunty came back to Ann's room, I got up and went to the washroom to splash some water on my face to remove the drowsiness. I brought a coffee from the cafeteria and came back. Latika aunty almost fell asleep on the couch. She must be too tired. She has been spending the nights in the hospital from the day it all happened. Taking a sip of the warm coffee I looked through the glass window of Ann's cabin, she looked so peaceful, asleep on her bed. 

I was really happy to be able to finally call her mine. Things have improved a lot lately. Her sister's condition was much better now and so was Pihu's. Both of them have gained their consciousness back and were out of danger. Sam like me stayed outside Pihu's cabin most of the nights. Although he hasn't been able to tell her how he feels about her yet. Almost every day some of our teachers, classmates, and friends came to visit them. They would be released soon. I have already planned a surprised welcoming home party for them.

Almost two weeks have passed, Ann's condition has improved a lot and so is Pihu's and her sister Arundhati's. Yesterday their parents went back to Dubai, they are currently working on a project there. Aunt Latika and aunt Nicole wanted to take their daughters back with them, but everyone finally convinced them to let them stay here. I can understand their worries but it will be a huge problem for them to shift to another school, that too in a different country in the middle of the year. Moreover, I too wished they stay back. I would have really missed Ann if she left now. 

It was decided that the house will be sold off once the home loan is paid. We have decided to bury the secrets of Nidhi as it was buried within that house. Although whenever I recall those pleading teary green eyes of her, a feeling of despair wash over me. I wished I could do something. But sometimes it's better to leave some mysteries unsolved, the secrets that were buried many years ago and were eventually forgotten, maybe it was for the best. 

They are currently living with us till they find an apartment or a house on rent for them. They were really hesitant about it but I, my brother and my grandma persuaded them a lot and finally, they agreed. I honestly don't want them to find any place. Stay here with us. 

Ann's POV

"Good night love!" Sid wished as I was about to walk to my room. I turned around to meet his mesmerizing eyes looking at me with happiness in them and his lips were beautifully curved into a smile.

"Good night Sid!" I wished him back, smiling as I stopped near the door of my room. His room was just next to mine. It was around 12:30 at night. We were doing our home works all this while.

"I guess the whole house is asleep now!" Sid said, his voice was husky and a little rough. I looked at him in confusion unable to understand why he said that while as he took few steps towards me, resting his shoulder on the edge of the door of my room. His hands were folded near his chest. His hair a complete mess yet most tempting. He was wearing a black T-shirt paired with his ash track pants which made him look even more alluring and absolutely amazing. I couldn't help but gaze at him. Damn this handsome guy is mine! He looks like a greek god even in his most casual attire!  I said to myself, I could feel my cheeks, even my ears burning up. Shit! stop blushing Ann! I tried to scold myself trying to hide my embarrassment.  

"What are you thinking Ann!" He asked raising his left eyebrow smirking, bringing me back to reality. 

"Nothing! What would I be thinking? Nothing at all! Good night!" I replied trying to act cool, blushing, and was about to turn back to my room when he caught hold of my hand. I turned around to look at my wrist, then at him confused. He was smirking, amused. You are enjoying this aren't, you, Sid? I thought, seeing his slightly flushed face. God, he looks even hotter when he is smirking!

"Going somewhere?" He asked playfully walking inside my room closing the door behind us. 

"Yes! Bed! Have to sleep! Got school tomorrow!" I replied acting all defensive. 

"What if I slither in?" He asked, chuckling a bit, looking at my already flushed face turning redder.

"W...what? No!" I resorted, my voice a little nervous and embarrassed which made him chuckle even more.  

He bit his lower lip involuntarily as he moved forward, towards me. A sly smile was carved on his lips. The more he stepped forward, I took a step backward till my back plastered with the hard wall.

We were inches apart. I could feel his warm breath against my skin. All of a sudden his expression changed from being a playful one to a serious one. His eyes were so intense so full of passion. 

"Oh! I love you so much, Ann!" He whispered as if talking to himself. His lips parted slightly as his gaze shifted to my lips and then traveled to my eyes as if asking permission to let him kiss me. I averted my eyes trying to hide my blush and I nodded slightly in acceptance and looked up. His eyes looked at me with desire as his large hands lifted my face lightly, I closed my eyes as soon as I left his soft warm lips crashing into mine. Our lips tangled in perfect harmony. There was a slight resistance as he deepens the kiss, but I submit myself to his dominance. Eventually, my hands went around his bare neck pulling him close. He plastered me more with the wall with his chest. He pulled my left leg up around him to lessen any space that was left between us.

Bitting softly on my lower lips his warm lips found their way down to my bare neck. He kissed so passionately that a soft moan escaped my lips. My hands found their way through his silky black hair. Grabbing him tightly as I supported my whole slender body on his muscular physique. His lips lingered around my collar bone then traveled down. His one hand was around my waist encircling it tightly so that I couldn't escape and his other hand pinned me to the wall.

All of a sudden we heard a soft knock on our window. A little startled, Sid groaned breathlessly, hating the interference. Chuckling a bit, I immediately pulled myself apart. We looked in its direction. There was nothing there, only the trees by the far end of the backyard, swaying lightly with the wind outside. A little confused we took a step towards the window when I suddenly tripped and was about to fall when Sid held me.  so 

"Hey Ann! you okay?" he asked, holding me in his arms, helping me to stand up.

"Y...yeah!" I replied, holding him, trying to stand up, my face turned red with embarrassment. I never realized my legs felt so wobbly, I was completely breathless. He smiled, a sense of pride reflected in his eyes when he realized the effect he had on me. We went towards the window and opened it to find Nidhi standing in the backyard. 

"Nidhi!" We both exclaimed looking at her. Our smiles vanished and an uneasy sensation of fear crept into our hearts. Her green eyes looked sad. We both exchanged worried looks as we were both afraid, nervous, and agitated after knowing who Nidhi actually was.

She gestured for us to follow her. We both looked at each other, gulping down the cavity in our throat we decided to follow her. Is it wise to follow her? Maybe she wanna show us something! Will it be wise to go with her? But do we even have a choice here? I asked myself while climbing down the window. We both followed her into the darkness. It was quite scary as there was no one around only us in the middle of the night. Moreover, it was quite cold and windy outside. We were not even wearing proper warm clothes. I was freezing. Sid bought his hands around me to keep me warm. 

She took a turn from the main road and lead us through an unpaved road through the woods. We follow her through the darkness unaware of where she was leading us to. The cold, dewy leaves slid across our skin, the thorny bushes scratching our skin as we walked on through the black trail snaking through the undergrowth of the tall trees. It was quite foggy around, so it was even hard to see. Her small petted body walking in front of us brought shivers down our spine. There was something cold in her eyes, which made us follow her afraid of refusing her. After a while, we found ourselves at the old mansion. The haunted mansion of the Snow family. 

"No way Nidhi! Why did you bring us here?" Sid asked her, his voice trembling with fear. We both looked at each other feeling absolutely terrified. She just gestured us to follow her without saying anything. The house looked dilapidated dark and gloomy. We walked inside the house following her. As soon as we stepped in, a melodious solitary tune hit our ears. It was the same melancholy piano tune that we have heard most of the nights we have spent here.

We were perplexed. But Nidhi went on walking. We followed her. The dark house looked creepy and so shabby. I couldn't believe after seeing its condition now, that we had lived here once. Nidhi brought us to the attic and guided us to that dark hidden room where I was locked by Rita and where Nidhi died. She opened the door and walked in. As soon as she went in she disappeared amidst the ghastly darkness. We were left confused.

"Do you think Nidhi wants to show us something?" Sid asked me after a while of silence among us. 

"Yeah... I guess so. But what could that be?" I asked him in return. We both looked at each other in confusion.

"Anwesha ... " suddenly I heard a faint whisper of a woman calling my name lingering in the cold air. 

"Did... You hear that?" I asked Sid holding his hand. 

"Yup I did!" He said bringing me closer to him, his voice was worried. The dark house surrounded us, the distorted tune of the piano became more and more crooked, sinister yet so mournful.   

"Let's get out of here!" Sid said looking around the darkness. I nodded in acceptance and I hurried downstairs with him, almost running. But mentally I decided to visit this place tomorrow after school. I really wanted to know what Nidhi wanted us to see.

School went great the following day. All welcomed us back today. It was so much fun. Pihu and Sam really looked great together. Sam is so caring about her, but he still couldn't say her how he felt for her. 

"Guys see you tomorrow!" Pamela said waving us goodbye.

"Hey, Pam!" I called her as she was about to cross the road to reach the bus stop on the other side.

"Yeah?" she asked. 

"You okay? You are looking a little tired!" 

"Yeah, just a little exhausted! I will just sleep and it will be okay." She replied and excused herself as she boarded the bus to her house. She looked a little too pale today, there were dark circles underneath her eyes, and she seemed so low. I hope she is okay! I thought as the others joined me. We haven't got any coaching classes today so all were going home after school. Well, winter was coming too. 

"Bye Pam!! See you tomorrow!" We wished her as the bus left. Buying ice cream from the small shop nearby, Anirudh and Ashis left on their bicycles while I, Sid, Pihu, and Sam walked back towards Sid's car. 

"Hey let go and have coffee before going home!" Sam said looking hopeful at us.

 I knew why he wanted to have coffee, to spend a bit more time with Pihu. I chuckled thinking how shy Sam was.

"Why don't you and Pihu go?" I asked, "well actually, we would love to have coffee now but you know Sam we have to leave for some important work!" I replied smiling at him. Sid looked at me as if asking what work do we have now? I gave him a glare to shut up his mouth. I just wanted to give Sam and Pihu some time of their own. 

"Okay! I guess we will only go then!" Sam said looking at Pihu and us. Pihu smiled in acceptance and they went to the cafe that we had discovered near the woods.

"Why did you do that?" Sid asked me after they left. 

"So that both of them could have some time of their own, stupid!" I replied shaking my head. I am in love with an adorable idiot!  I thought chuckling on my own. 

"Oh..! Got it!" Sid said more stupidly all the while grinning. I smiled at his innocence. 

"But Sid we really have to deal with some unfinished business!" I said to him as we slid inside the car.

"What unfinished business?" he asked turning the key to ignited the car. 

"How can you forget already? Nidhi! Remember! She wanted to show us something yesterday! Let's go and find out what!" I said looking at him hopefully. 

"But Ann... won't that be risky? Going back to that house? Moreover, your mother and sister will be really tensed if they come to know that we are again getting involved in all these supernatural matters... In fact all will be worried!" He replied while driving. His eyebrows were frowned together, while his voice showed his concern. He was worried himself.  

"Well, we will not tell them!" I replied with an awkward smile.

"Seriously Ann!" he asked with his straight unamused face, as he turned his head toward me. He had an 'not hapenning' look on his face.

"Okay sorry!" I said giving up, "but Sid, do you really think these paranormal thing are over?" I asked taking a deep breath. He looked at me with confusion. Sighing I turned my gaze to the other side, the sun peeking behind the tall pine trees, following us as we drove through the twisty, steep and rugged mountain road, "whatever we do... we can never really get out of all these supernatural matters until and unless we solve the mystery that surrounds it. Let's please just go and find what she wanted us to see!" I requested him. 

"Okay... But no taking risks!" He replied. 

"Promise! No taking risk!" I replied feeling happy. He smiled at my joyful composure and we drove off to the Snow Mansion.

The old house looked so gloomy even in this bright afternoon. We walked in, the wooden floor creaking underneath our steps. We headed towards the attic where Nidhi brought us yesterday. Switching on the flashlights of our phone we walked inside the darkroom of the attic where Nidhi had died years ago. 

The room had an awkward awfully bad smell in it. We covered our noses with our hands and walked around a bit almost tripping over the scrattred furnitures of the room. Even with our flashlights and the faint light from the open door, the room was yet very gloomy and dark. 

So we decided to break open the black-painted windows first. As we broke the black glasses of the windows the room got illuminated with a bright golden-orange hue from the setting sun outside. Tiny specks of dust seemed to dance in the shaft of the afternoon setting sunlight that entered through the broken glasses. We coughed with the dust around. Turning around we saw the dilapidated room, coved in thick layer of dust, cob webs covering almost every corner, mold covering the broken furnitures and the floor. Suddenly amidst the dust our gaze caught sight of something horrible, our eyes widen in shock we froze in fear. In front of us in the far corner of the room there lied a skeleton. The skull was tilted to the side, towards the window as if looking outside through the broken glass. There was a dress somewhat white in colour wrapped around it which was completely torn and dirty. The dead body had rotten away due to time and it was the reason why this room had this awful smell of rotten meat.

"Is this what Nidhi wanted us to discover?" Sid asked, his voice was low, he was shocked and disturbed. 

"I guess so!" I replied as we walked towards the degrading skeleton. It was a skeleton of a kid, "maybe be she wanted us to bury her properly so that she could pass to the other side." I replied all the while looking at the skeleton. 

A sensation of grave despair made my heart ache in pain. How can someone do this to a child? How can someone be so cruel! I asked myself looking at the harrowing sight in front of me, the words from Nidhi's diay still lingering in my memory. It was her, it was definitely her. She was sitting on the ground leaning on the side of the bed facing the broken windows. By the sitting way of the skeleton, I could understand that Nidhi just wanted to go outside or at least look at the beautiful sky one last time before she dies. But she couldn't and she passed out sitting there in the darkness hoping to see light for one last time.

I never realised when a tear rolled down my eyes, I felt really sad for her. By now Sid had already called the cops here. Involuntarily I walked in front of the skeleton. It was holding a file in its arms, wrapped in dust and cob-webs. What is this? I asked myself as I pulled it out of her grip. Going through the yellow worn-out papers in the file  realised it contained all the prescriptions of her mother. It also contained the post mortem report of her mother's death.

"Sid!" I called out. He was looking outside the broken window for a long time towards the direction at which Nidhi's skeleton was facing.  

"Huh?" he asked turning towards me, taken by surprise. He was a little distracted.   

"Look at this!" I said showing him the worn-out brown file. He immediately came and grab the file and went through the prescriptions and the post mortem report. 

"Now this is something! The report stated that poisoning was the reason for the death of Nidhi's mother, but all knew Nidhi's mother died due to tuberculosis!" Sid said looking at me his eyebrows frowning.

"That means Nidhi was correct. Her mother was actually murdered by the caretaker Miss. Woods. But then why didn't her family believed her when poisoning was written in the post mortem report?" I asked looking at Sid completely confused. 

"Because they never really got to see the real post mortem report!" Sid said while pulling out another piece of paper just like the one we were holding, "This was the post mortem report that was shown to all!" He said giving it to me to read. 

In this report the reason behind the death of Nidhi's mother was given as Tuberculosis. 

"No way! A fake report was created! Oh! poor Nidhi! But why didn't she said about the fake report to her father or to her family?" I asked. 

"Don't you think Ann she was too young to even understand all these. Remembered what she had written in her diary? She wrote her mother speaks to her in her mind and she only told her that she was murdered! Nidhi just knew maybe these papers could help her to prove it and nothing else she was too young to even understand all these !" Sid said putting the papers back in the file.

All of a sudden we were startled with a knock on the door... 

Hey, my dear readers, stay tuned for more. I hope you all will like this chapter.

With love
-Anusree