Bani's POV -
On the Road to Mahabaleshwar,

The car ride was filled with chatter, Gauri constantly switching the music every few minutes. One moment, a loud upbeat Bollywood track was blasting, and the next, a soulful Arijit Singh melody took over.

"Gauri, seriously? You have to pick one and stick with it!" Bani exclaimed, rolling her eyes as her sister, sitting beside her, grinned mischievously.

"Kyun? Road trip ka maza tabhi aata hai na jab songs switch hote rahein. Tumhe kya samajh, Miss Boring," Gauri teased, throwing a playful glance at her older sister.

Bani crossed her arms, shaking her head but smiling despite herself. "Okay, okay, fine. But no more romantic numbers. I can't stand another minute of it."

Gauri, of course, picked the most over-the-top romantic song she could find in her playlist. "Perfect! Here comes the love guru's playlist!"

"Gauri!" Bani groaned, making a mock attempt to grab the phone from her sister's hands.

Their father, sitting in the driver's seat, chuckled as he watched his daughters bicker. "Girls, if you keep this up, I'll put on my old ghazals. How about that?"

Both sisters gasped in unison. "No way, Papa!" they said together, laughing.

Rekha, their mother, gave them a knowing smile from the front seat. "Maybe I should have packed earplugs. The two of you never change," she said, reaching back to offer Bani a piece of homemade khakra.

"Meri fault nahi hai, Ma. Gauri's just-" Bani started, but Gauri interrupted.

"I'm what? The fun one? The cool one? The pretty one?" Gauri said dramatically, striking a pose as much as the cramped backseat would allow.

Bani couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. "Haan, haan, Miss World, you're all of that."

"Damn right," Gauri said with a wink, before finally settling on a playlist with a mix of upbeat travel songs.

The road stretched ahead, winding its way up into the hills as the city gave way to more serene and lush landscapes. The change in scenery brought a wave of calm over Bani, though the chatter between her and Gauri didn't stop for a second.

As the car rolled into the narrow road leading up to their ancestral home, Bani felt a rush of memories flood her mind. Mahabaleshwar-the place where she and Gauri had spent countless childhood summers running through the fields, playing hide-and-seek in the large, old haveli.

But now, as they neared the mansion, there was something different about it. The air seemed heavier, the skies above were clouded, and the once lively estate looked eerily quiet.

"Wow... humari childhood ka adventure spot," Gauri commented, looking out of the window. "It's been so long since we were here. Remember when we used to race down that hill?"

Bani nodded, but her smile was tinged with a strange unease. "Yeah... I remember. Everything looks the same but... different."

As they drove up to the entrance of the mansion, Bani felt a twinge of nostalgia mixed with something more unsettling. The large iron gates creaked as they swung open. The mansion stood tall, majestic in its old-world charm, but the windows were shut tight, dust gathering in the crevices of the grand stone walls.

Her father pulled the car to a stop, and the family began to climb out. Bani stood still for a moment, taking it all in. The mansion was beautiful, no doubt, but it looked forgotten, as if it had been locked away for ages. The trees around it had grown wild, vines creeping up the walls. The once lively fountain in the front was now dry, its stone figures weathered by time.

"Yeh toh bilkul haunted lag raha hai," Gauri joked, though there was a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Bani shot her a glance, but couldn't argue. The place did give off a strange, eerie vibe. She felt a sudden chill despite the warm air. "It's just been a while since anyone's been here," Bani said, trying to shake off the feel.

As Bani stepped forward, sudden image flashed in her mind-.

"Come on, di !" Gauri's voice broke through her thoughts, nudging her forward. "What are you waiting for?"

Bani shook her head, forcing a smile. "Nothing, just... memories." She stepped inside.

Gauri wrinkled her nose. "Looks like this place hasn't been touched in years."

Their father placed a hand on her shoulder. "Well it will be cleaned and then tomorrow
morning we can perform Pooja .Till then we will life at the house of your uncle Ramesh .After Pooja we can stay here too.The workers are cleaning the mansion already I will go and check it all "

Bani nodded, but that uneasy feeling from the car ride was still there, stronger now. The memories of her childhood here were warm and happy, but something about the mansion now felt different.

As she looked around, taking in the familiar yet distant surroundings, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to this visit of hers.

Brushing the thought aside, Bani tried to focus on the excitement of being back in Mahabaleshwar. This was her vacation place where her grandparents used to reside after them nobody lived there-her childhood retreat. But even as she told herself that, the house seemed to whisper a different story.

And it wasn't a comforting one.

"Bani let's move we should move towards Ramesh Bhai's house it is near only your father will bring the car."said Rekha as Gauri and Bani followed her.

**************************
Back in Mumbai.

Veer's POV - At the Club

The club was loud and vibrant, but Veer wasn't really into it. He sat at a table, staring at his drink, lost in thought.

Arjun and Ponky came over, looking lively. Arjun noticed Veer's distracted mood. "Hey, Veer, what's wrong? You look like you're in another world."

Veer sighed. "I had a weird dream last night. It was about a girl and some blood. She kept saying, 'You betrayed me.' It felt way too real."

Arjun's face grew serious. "That sounds troubling. Sometimes dreams like that mean something. Have you tried to figure out what it might mean?"

Veer shook his head. "Not really. It's just been on my mind all day."

Ponky, who had just joined them, said, "Maybe it's nothing. Dreams can be strange."

Arjun thought for a moment. "I know someone who might help. There's a sage in Mahabaleshwar who helps people understand their dreams. I can arrange for you to meet him."

Veer looked interested. "Mahabaleshwar? I've never been there. Do you think this sage can really help?"

Arjun nodded. "Definitely. My grandmother lives there, so I go often. The sage's name is Shankar ji. He's great at meditation and might help you understand your dream."

Ponky joined in. "Mahabaleshwar sounds like a nice change. Fresh air and beautiful views."

Veer smiled. "It might be just what I need. A trip and some guidance. I'm in."

Arjun smiled back. "Great! I'll talk to my grandmother and make plans. We can go as soon as possible."

Ponky raised his glass and grinned. "Here's to new beginnings and hopefully finding some answers."

Veer clinked glasses with them, feeling better about the upcoming trip. "Cheers to that. Let's hope Mahabaleshwar helps."

The party continued, but Veer's mind was already on the trip and the chance to solve the mystery of his dream.

************************************

Bani's POV -

Morning light filtered through the windows of Ramesh Uncle's house, bathing the room in a soft, warm glow. The aroma of freshly cooked parathas and spicy sabzi wafted through the air, mixing with the lively chatter that filled the kitchen.

Bani, dressed in a bright, traditional sari, joined her family at the breakfast table. Gauri, her younger sister, was already seated, happily munching on a paratha.

"Bani di , come on! You don't want to miss Chachi's special breakfast," Gauri said, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Good morning, Bani!" Ritu Chachi said with a beaming smile as she served her food.

Bani returned the smile, her heart lightened by the familiar comfort of family. "Good morning, Chachi. Everything looks delicious."

Ritu's daughter, Meera, sat beside Bani, her bright eyes full of curiosity. "Bani Didi, what's the most exciting thing you've done lately?"

Bani laughed softly. "Well, not much. Just the usual-work and study. But I'm looking forward to the Pooja today."

Rohan, Ritu's young son, jumped in excitedly. "I can't wait for the Pooja! I heard we get to play with sparklers later!"

Ritu smiled indulgently at her children. "Rohan, don't get too ahead of yourself. There's a lot to prepare for first."

As they chatted, Bani felt a sense of warmth from the playful banter of her younger cousins. They added a sense of normalcy to the morning, easing her anxiety about the mansion.

After breakfast, the family set off for the mansion. The drive was quiet, each person lost in their thoughts. As they arrived, the mansion loomed before them, a mix of grandeur and weariness from years of neglect.

Bani took a deep breath, stepping inside the mansion. The smell of incense and old wood greeted her.
Gauri said"I can't believe how much time has passed. Do you remember all the fun we had here as kids?"

Bani nodded, her expression contemplative. "I remember. It's strange. Everything looks so different now, but the memories are still vivid

As they family walked into the mansion. She noticed Jayesh, standing in a corner, his gaze locked on her. His reaction was a mix of shock and something deeper, though he didn't say anything immediately.

"Jayesh kaka," Bani said cautiously, "it's been so long."

Jayesh's eyes widened. "Bani? I didn't expect to see you here. You've changed so much."

Bani smiled politely. "It's been a long time. How have you been?"

Jayesh nodded, though his expression remained troubled. "I've been well, just... surprised to see you."

"Di, come we have to prepare stuff for Pooja. Come on mumma is calling us."said Gauri well shaking her head . Gauri was never fond of this old man, one of their relatives well she hated all relatives like most of the Indian kids except some good ones the rate ones.

The Pooja commenced with traditional rituals and prayers. The room was filled with the soft hum of chants and the scent of incense. Bani stood near Jayesh, both immersed in the ceremony. The old chandelier above them swayed slightly, a reminder of the mansion's age.

Without warning, the chandelier gave a sudden lurch and fell, crashing onto the floor near where Bani and Jayesh were standing. The room erupted in gasps and shouts as the glass shattered.

"Are you okay?" Bani asked Jayesh, her voice trembling.

Jayesh looked shaken but nodded. "I'm fine. That was too close."

Raj rushed over, his face pale with concern. "This is not safe. We should leave."

Ramesh, having overheard, intervened. "Raj, please don't be hasty. It's just an accident. The house is old. We haven't seen you in years. Stay for two more days at my place. It's long we haven't had the family together"

Ramesh's voice softened, showing earnestness. "I assure you, we'll take care of everything. Enjoy your time with us."

Bani, seeing her father's indecision, stepped in. "Dad, let's stay. We can make the most of this time together."

Raj sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Alright. We'll stay. But we'll be cautious."

___________________________________
Veer's POV -

In Mumbai, Veer and Ponky were getting ready for their trip to Mahabaleshwar. Their mother fussed over them, making sure they had everything they needed.

"Don't forget your jackets. It can get cold there," she said, packing their bags with care.

Ponky, trying to lighten the mood, chuckled. "Mom, we're not going to the Arctic. We'll be fine."

Their father walked in, holding a slip of paper. "Here's some money for your trip. Enjoy, but don't cause any trouble."

Veer accepted the money with a grin. "Thanks, Dad. We'll make sure to have a good time."

Their father raised an eyebrow. "No wild parties. I don't want any trouble."

Tapish joined them, adding his own playful warnings. "You guys better behave. I don't want to hear any stories about misadventures."

Veer laughed. "We'll behave ourselves. Promise."

***************************

The drive to Mahabaleshwar was filled with excitement. Veer, Ponky, and Arjun chatted about their plans and the beautiful landscapes awaiting them.

"This trip is going to be great," Veer said, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. "I've been looking forward to this."

Ponky nodded. "And maybe it will help solve some of those dreams you've been having."

When they arrived at Arjun's grandmother's house, they were greeted with warmth. Arjun's grandmother welcomed them with open arms and a big smile.

"Welcome, dears!" she said, embracing them. "I've been waiting for you. Let me get you some refreshments."

Veer and Ponky enjoyed the lively conversation, teasing Arjun's grandmother and listening to her stories. The atmosphere was light-hearted and filled with laughter.
_____________________________________
After the Pooja,

Later that evening, after the Pooja, Bani tried to shake off the unsettling feeling from earlier. The mansion, despite its grandeur, felt eerie. The chandelier incident had left everyone on edge.

At dinner, Bani sat with her family, trying to focus on the conversation despite her unease. Meera and Rohan added a bit of levity with their playful antics.

"Bani Didi, can you help me with my drawing?" Meera asked, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"Sure, Meera. What are you drawing?" Bani replied, trying to focus on her cousin's excitement.

Rohan, meanwhile, was showing off his new toy car. "Look, Bani Didi! It's the fastest car ever!"

Bani smiled, appreciating their attempts to distract her. "That's awesome, Rohan. I bet it can go really fast."

"Well di let's visit the hills and explore mahabaleshwar as a adult we never explored it before We will have fun .We can take Meera too with us."whispered Gauri in Bani's ears with excitement.

"Nice idea I will inform maa and we can go." replied Bani .

"Put tell mumma that we will visit places that are near only or else she will try to come with us .At palces like hills you know na how protective she gets."said Gauri being smart.

"Ok gauri something more you want now."said Bani aware of her sister's antics.

"No di basss itna hi"said Gauri getting up to eat something after all food is her love.

As the night came , everyone left to sleep while Bani kept thinking about her memories of their old mansion.She always felt kind of peace their whenever she visited her grandparents there but today all she could feel was restlessness.

Meanwhile, Jayesh in his house couldn't sleep a little all he left was fear of his karma.