Hello Mr. Oberoi,

This is Anika Rathore, working at Metro Times as a senior journalist. The main purpose of this email is to request permission to visit your property in Kolapur. That haveli has been very attractive to me since I read about it. It is said that any man who visits that property with an impure heart never comes back. I don't know if you are aware of this or not, but this is what history claims. It is also said that the thakurayan's soul roams around the mansion.

I know it's hard to believe, and that's my main reason for wanting to visit the place. Since it belongs to you, I thought it best to get a permit directly from you instead of going through your managers. I would need just a half-day permit; I won't take long. I hope you will consider my request.

Thanks and Regards,

Anika Rathore.

He read the email and was almost frozen to see the name. Slowly, whatever he had seen in his dream came into his vision. He couldn't see anything clearly but could hear her voice, the pain in her tone when she spoke. Yet, she had made him courageous with her words, which helped him achieve success after facing numerous troubles and discriminations. Her advice, "Study well. Be independent. Be straightforward. Never bow your head to anyone. Keep this in mind," echoed in his head. Without waiting, he clicked on the display picture of the Gmail account and was startled to see the same smile on her face. He was seeing her for the first time but badly wanted to hug her and tell her, "I am there for you, even if the whole world goes against you."

"Oh no..." he whispered. Tears crossed his eyes for the first time. He had never cried for anything in his life but cried looking at her picture for the first time. He felt his heartbeat racing so fast that it might stop at any moment if he wasted any more time. He tried finding her mobile number but the account was locked. He felt like an obsessed hero from a film when he called one of the best hackers to find her mobile number. He was ready to pay 12 lakhs for that one piece of information. Meanwhile, he typed the reply email to her.

Hello Ms. Rathore,

I just now received your email which provided much information about my property. I am fascinated to learn about it. I would like to join your team to visit my property. I have been so busy I never got the opportunity to go there myself.

Shivaay Singh Oberoi.

CEO

Oberoi Industries.

He replied to the email and impatiently waited for her response. He didn't know the reason, but his heart pounded against his chest. He had never waited so eagerly and keenly for anyone before. Shortly after, another email popped up.

Feeling great to get an immediate response from you, Mr. Oberoi. And I thought you knew the ritual there. No men are allowed inside. If they go, they will never return. And I am the only person who will be going there. If you want to join me, it would be my pleasure, but please keep in mind the things I have told you.

Regards and Thanks,

Anika Rathore.

His heart finally relaxed to see the immediate response. He also got her number through the hacker and immediately transferred 15 lakhs to his account. He now had her number and an opportunity to go with her. Everything was happening so fast, and he still couldn't understand it all. He was merely following his heart, without considering the reasons. He believed everything would have a reason behind it and typed the reply email.

Yes, Anika Rathore. I have heard about it. But as it's my property, I have to visit once before making any more decisions. We will meet directly at the venue, i.e., the entrance of the Forbidden Forest, at 10 in the morning. Hoping for your arrival.

Shivaay Singh Oberoi

CEO

Oberoi Industries.

Will be there on time. Again, thanks for the help, Mr. Oberoi. You have no idea what it means to me.

Regards and Thanks,

Anika Rathore.

"Khanna, have you contacted her? She should feel comfortable," Shivaay asked Khanna in a cold tone. He was worried about making a poor first impression on her. He was doing everything for someone he had never met in real life, not even once, but he cared deeply about his first impression on her.

"Sir, one problem. She gave her contact number, but it's been unreachable since last night. We have been trying," Khanna said in a low tone, feeling the cold glare from Shivaay. But he had to tell him, seeing his desperation.

"Oh. Okay. Didn't I share her residence with you?" Shivaay asked while tapping his phone. Khanna looked at him shockingly. As far as he knew, Shivaay had only known the journalist for the past two days, and they were just exchanging professional emails, which Khanna always kept an eye on. But when he gave him her residence, Khanna was beyond shocked.

"Sir!" Khanna asked again.

"Khanna. Do. What. I. Say!" Shivaay said in his rudest tone, and Khanna's phone chimed with a new notification.

"Sir! The residence is in Pune," Khanna said.

"Don't you have contacts in Pune?" Shivaay asked him and went to his room, leaving Khanna in a shocking state. Khanna contacted his circles and went to her house, but the house was locked. He reported that to him, but that didn't stop him from leaving for the haunted haveli.

He reached the venue on time. His heart tightened, but that didn't scare him anymore. He stood at the entrance, waiting for her, but she didn't come. Khanna went to search for her while he stayed alone at the entrance of the Forbidden Forest. His eyes fixed on the trees and the path that led towards the haveli. He was terrified but determined. He would definitely overcome all fears to find the answers.

"Sir, she is neither on her way nor in her house," Khanna reported to him. By then, it was 8 PM. He didn't want to go back. He desperately wanted answers. He felt like his whole life depended on it. But his fear didn't let him enter. Then, he heard the same sobbing sound along with groans deep inside the forest, which made his legs walk towards it.

****