THE EPICS OF VEDVERSE

On the same day at night....

The forest was cloaked in an eerie silence that night, save for the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by a chilly breeze. The path was dimly lit by a crescent moon, casting elongated shadows that seemed alive. Kishan, a worker at the Shimla resort, trudged along the winding forest trail toward his home. He shivered, not just from the cold, but from an unease that had settled deep in his chest.

From a distance, two yellow eyes glowed, unblinking, watching his every step. As he neared, a faint growl echoed through the trees, sending a chill down his spine.

A sudden blur of movement behind him made Kishan stop in his tracks. His heart pounded like a drum, the sound deafening in his ears. "Why does this forest always feel colder than it should?" he muttered under his breath. The cook's warnings played repeatedly in his mind, each word now laced with regret.

Quickening his pace, Kishan glanced over his shoulder, only to see fleeting shadows dancing in the moonlight. A guttural growl echoed again, this time closer, its vibrations resonating through the cold air.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a massive footprint embedded in the soil ahead. His legs froze for a moment, but before he could react, a dark green liquid dripped beside him, sizzling as it touched the ground.

"Who's there?" he called out, his voice trembling. "If this is some prank, stop it right now!" His plea was met with silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves above him.

As he turned around, a massive creature emerged from the shadows. Its monstrous form loomed over him, its glowing yellow eyes filled with an almost intelligent malice. It howled, a sound so primal and terrifying that it shook Kishan to his core.

He screamed and tried to run, but the creature's speed was unparalleled. It lunged, its claws slashing through the air, and Kishan's cries were swallowed by the howling wind.

---

The following afternoon, the resort's receptionist rushed into Mohini's office, her face pale as a sheet. "Madam, it's Kishan. He… he's been found dead."

Mohini's heart sank. "What happened?"

"The doctors say it was a wild animal attack," the receptionist said, holding up a photograph. "But… it's horrifying. His arm and leg are missing, and his head…" She trailed off, unable to finish.

Mohini stared at the photograph in shock, her hands trembling. Arjun, who had overheard the conversation, stepped into the room.

"The doctors mentioned the bite marks," the receptionist continued. "They said the jaw size doesn't match any known animal. It's… monstrous."

Arjun's breath hitched. A wave of déjà vu swept over him as he recalled the creature from his recurring nightmares. Could it be the same one?

---

Later, as Arjun sat alone, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together. The strange madman Pashupati, the cryptic warning from the cook, and now Kishan's brutal death—it all pointed to something far beyond mere coincidence.

"Arjun, what's wrong?" Mohini's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "You've been so quiet all day."

"I… I don't know, Aunt Mohini," he admitted. "It's as if these incidents are connected. It feels like they're trying to tell me something."

Mohini placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes, strange things happen for a reason. Trust in God's plan, Arjun. He'll guide you."

He nodded, her warmth easing his troubled mind. "Thank you, Aunt Mohini. You're like a mother to me."

She smiled. "And I'll always be here for you."

---

That evening, as Arjun wandered the resort's guest corridor, a raised voice caught his attention. He peeked through a slightly ajar door to see Aditi, her face flushed with anger as she argued on the phone.

"I can't believe you're canceling!" she snapped. "You promised you'd be here."

She hung up abruptly, storming out of the room, only to find Arjun standing there. Her eyes narrowed. "Were you eavesdropping on me? One day of friendship, and you're already stalking me?"

"No, no, it's not like that!" Arjun stammered, holding up his hands. "I just… heard you arguing and thought you might need someone to talk to."

After a moment of awkward silence, Aditi sighed. "Some friends bailed on me. I was counting on them, and now I'm stuck here alone."

Arjun's expression softened. "Well, if you're feeling lonely, I'd be happy to keep you company. This resort has a lot to offer, and I promise you won't be bored."

She raised an eyebrow. "And why should I trust you?"

"Because," he said with a mischievous grin, "I'm an excellent tour guide. Plus, I guarantee I'll make this vacation unforgettable."

After a beat, Aditi couldn't help but laugh. "Fine. But if you bore me, you're buying me dinner."

"Deal," he said, extending his hand.

As she turned to leave, her foot slipped on the polished floor. Before she could fall, Arjun caught her in his arms, steadying her.

"See? I've got you," he said, his voice low and charming.

Aditi blushed, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. "Thanks," she mumbled, avoiding his gaze.

With a smile, he gestured toward the cafeteria. "Shall we?"

As they walked together, the mysterious shadows of Shimla seemed to fade, replaced by the blossoming warmth of newfound companionship.