AUTHOR’S NOTE
You hold in your hands a puzzle. I am Anand, and I have crafted this narrative with twists and turns designed to keep you guessing until the very last page. The threads of the story are intricate, the motives shrouded, and the answers elusive. Pay close attention to the details, for within them lies the key to unlocking the truth. Are you ready to delve into the darkness and piece together the fragments of this suspenseful tale?
Copyright © 2025 Anand Kumar Sharma
All rights reserved
The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author. No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission of the author.
Prologue
Year: 2017
Nestled amidst the verdant foothills of the majestic Garhwal Himalayan range in Uttarakhand, India, lies the enchanting hill station of Mussoorie, often affectionately known as the "Queen of the Hills." A haven of tranquillity, it offers breathtaking panoramic views and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Secluded from the lively heart of Mussoorie, yet embraced by the captivating natural beauty of the Himalayan foothills, stood Sunshine College of Science. Its picturesque setting provided a peaceful and less crowded environment conducive to learning and personal growth. At Sunshine College of Science, the pursuit of knowledge transcended mere rote memorization and the pressures of standardized tests. Academics were envisioned as an exhilarating journey of discovery, intricately interwoven with the awe-inspiring natural world that enveloped the campus. The curriculum encouraged students to explore, question, and connect their learning with the environment around them. The first day of college buzzed with nervous excitement as a new batch of students embarked on their academic journey. Among them was Siddhant, a handsome and intelligent young boy who had successfully cleared the rigorous entrance examination to secure a coveted spot in the computer science engineering program. On this pivotal day, fate introduced him to Rehan and Seema, and an immediate camaraderie blossomed, forging the foundation of a strong friendship. Rehan also became Siddhant's roommate in the college hostel, further solidifying their bond. Later, Manisha joined the college a little late due to unforeseen personal circumstances, which initially placed her at a disadvantage in her studies. Recognizing her potential and the challenges she faced, a compassionate teacher suggested her to seek assistance from Siddhant, who had already established a reputation as a bright and exceptionally helpful student. For Siddhant, Manisha's request felt like a welcome opportunity. He had felt a special connection with her from the moment he first saw her in class, and the prospect of supporting her academic endeavours filled him with quiet anticipation. Soon, Manisha seamlessly integrated into their close-knit group. By a stroke of serendipitous luck, Manisha was allotted the same room in the hostel where Seema resided, further strengthening the bonds within their burgeoning circle. The friendship between Siddhant and Manisha blossomed organically, nurtured by shared interests and mutual respect. As time gracefully passed, their connection deepened, subtly evolving into something more profound than mere friendship. Manisha harboured tender feelings for Siddhant and intuitively sensed a reciprocal affection, yet she patiently waited for him to make the first move, cherishing the unspoken understanding that existed between them.
The passage of time marked their progression into the second year of their engineering studies. This academic milestone also welcomed a fresh influx of students who directly joined the college, having successfully completed their diploma courses. Mona, Mahesh, Sunita, and Vivek were among these new additions, each bringing their unique personalities and experiences to the campus. Mahesh and Sunita arrived at Sunshine College with a pre-existing bond, their hearts already intertwined in a loving relationship that had blossomed during their time at the same diploma college. Vivek, a close companion from their diploma days, also joined them, and it was not long before all three seamlessly integrated into Siddhant's vibrant friend group, enriching its dynamic with their perspectives and camaraderie. For Siddhant, the arrival of Mona brought an unexpected surge of joy. They were cherished school friends, their bond forged over five years of shared laughter, confidences, and unwavering support. Unbeknownst to Siddhant, Mona had long harboured romantic feelings for him but had never found the opportune moment to express them. Siddhant, on the other hand, considered Mona a deeply trusted confidante, someone with whom he could unreservedly share his innermost thoughts and secrets. Even after their paths diverged after school, they diligently maintained their connection, their voices often bridging the distance through long telephone conversations. Siddhant had always confided in Mona, sharing the tapestry of his life with her. However, the preceding months had been challenging for Mona, as she navigated some difficult family issues that had unfortunately disrupted their regular communication. But now, fate had brought them together once more, placing them in the same class and within the embrace of the same close-knit friend group. Rehan and Seema, perceptive observers of the burgeoning connection between Siddhant and Manisha, were both aware of Siddhant's growing affection. With gentle encouragement, they urged him to articulate his feelings to Manisha before the opportune moment slipped away. Meanwhile, Mona had also been meticulously planning to confess her long-held feelings to Siddhant, her heart filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation. However, destiny had a different script in store. Unfortunately, her timing proved to be just a little off. Siddhant, brimming with excitement and a touch of nervousness, confided in Mona that he had fallen deeply in love with Manisha and was determined to propose to her. The revelation struck Mona like a thunderbolt, leaving her utterly shocked and emotionally devastated. Despite the turmoil within, she displayed remarkable composure, masking her profound disappointment and offering Siddhant sincere encouragement to pursue his heart's desire. And then, the anticipated moment arrived. It was the day of the final examination for the third semester, and a palpable sense of relief and excitement filled the air as everyone eagerly looked forward to the upcoming holidays. But before the students dispersed for their well-deserved break, Siddhant finally mustered the courage to reveal his heartfelt feelings to Manisha. To his immense joy and relief, she reciprocated his emotions, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she accepted his unspoken proposal. And just like that, the best of friends embarked on a new chapter as lovers, their bond deepening with a newfound tenderness.
As the academic calendar turned, they all found themselves in their third year of engineering. The group, now comprising Siddhant, Mahesh, Vivek, Rehan, Manisha, Mona, Seema, and Sunita, had become a well-recognized presence within the college community. Whether it was excelling in their studies, demonstrating prowess in sports, or showcasing their talents in cultural activities, their collective brilliance shone through in most endeavours they undertook. Siddhant and Manisha’s love for each other blossomed beautifully, their connection serving as an anchor within the group. Siddhant continued to share a particularly close bond with Mona, Rehan, and Seema, often confiding in them about his joys and concerns. A sense of harmony permeated their lives, and their college experience was characterized by shared laughter, memorable adventures, and the unwavering support of true friendship. Everything seemed to be unfolding in a tapestry of happiness and promise, until one fateful day when an unforeseen tragedy struck, shattering their idyllic world: Vivek was murdered. The vibrant energy of their close-knit group was abruptly replaced by shock, grief, and an unsettling sense of vulnerability, casting a dark shadow over their once carefree college life.
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