A few days had passed since that strange evening at the park, but the memory of it still lingered in the air. The friends gathered again at their usual spot near the old bridge, this time with a clear purpose—to finally plan their trip properly. Aarav arrived first, already flipping through his notebook, determined to organize everything. Soon, Tanushree and Kritika joined him, laughing about who would scream first when they actually reached the fort. Abhay and Talvinder walked in arguing about cameras, while Sangeeta calmly followed, and Advik stood quietly near the tree, observing everyone as usual.
Preetham was there too.
This time, he wasn't silent. He looked more focused, almost serious, yet that faint, unusual smile still stayed on his face.
"Alright," Aarav said, clapping his hands. "No more random ideas. Today we plan everything—meeting, time, route, responsibilities. No confusion tomorrow."
"Finally," Sangeeta said. "Someone is being sensible."
"Hey, I'm always sensible," Aarav replied.
"Yeah," Talvinder smirked, "especially when you plan haunted trips."
Everyone laughed.
Preetham leaned forward slightly. "He's right, though. If we're doing this, we should plan properly. No mistakes."
His tone was calm, but something about it felt… different. More certain.
Aarav nodded. "Exactly. So first—meeting place and time. Same spot, here, near the bridge. Easy for everyone."
"Agreed," Tanushree said.
"And time?" Kritika asked.
"5 pm," Aarav replied. "We leave together. No one comes late."
"5 pm?" Abhay raised an eyebrow. "That's almost evening. Perfect time to meet ghosts."
"Relax," Aarav said. "We'll reach before it gets too dark."
Preetham smiled faintly. "Darkness might help."
They all paused for a second.
"Help with what?" Talvinder asked jokingly.
Preetham shrugged. "With the experience."
Kritika laughed it off. "Okay, mister mysterious."
Aarav flipped a page in his notebook. "Next—transport. Jeep or bikes?"
"Bikes are risky," Sangeeta said immediately.
"Jeep is better," Abhay agreed. "Safer and easier."
"Plus, no one wants to get lost halfway," Tanushree added.
Aarav nodded. "Jeep it is."
Preetham quietly added, "Take the forest route."
"Forest route?" Kritika frowned. "Isn't that longer?"
"No," Preetham said calmly. "It's shorter. And… better."
"Better?" Talvinder smirked. "Or scarier?"
Preetham's smile widened just a little. "Both."
Aarav grinned. "Done. Forest route it is."
"Now roles," Aarav continued. "We need everything organized."
Kritika raised her hand immediately. "Snacks and drinks. I'm not going anywhere without food."
"Of course," Talvinder laughed. "Most important job."
"Laugh all you want," Kritika said, "but you'll be the first one asking for chips."
"True," Abhay said. "Give her the snacks responsibility."
"Done," Aarav said, writing it down.
"Tanushree—you handle navigation. Maps, directions."
"Got it," she said confidently.
"Abhay—camera and recording everything."
"Yes!" Abhay said. "Finally, my talent will be appreciated."
"Talvinder…" Aarav paused.
"Ghost protection," Talvinder said dramatically. "I accept."
Everyone burst out laughing.
"Sangeeta—first aid and safety," Aarav continued.
"Obviously," she said.
"And Advik…"
Advik looked up.
"You just observe. Stay alert."
Advik nodded silently.
Then Aarav looked at Preetham. "And you?"
Preetham leaned back slightly. "I'll make sure everything goes as planned."
Something about the way he said it made the group go quiet for a moment.
They began checking their items—torches, batteries, water bottles, bags, and basic supplies. Kritika counted snacks twice, Abhay tested his camera, and Tanushree checked directions on her phone.
"Did anyone bring extra batteries?" Abhay asked.
"I brought ten," Kritika said proudly.
"Ten?" Talvinder laughed. "Are we lighting the whole forest?"
"Better safe than sorry," she replied.
Tanushree smiled, but her eyes wandered toward the trees for a moment. Something felt strange, like someone was standing there. Watching.
She shook it off quickly.
"Alright," Aarav said, closing his notebook. "Everything is set. Tomorrow, 5 pm, same place. No excuses."
"Done," everyone agreed.
Talvinder stretched. "This is going to be fun."
"Or terrifying," Sangeeta added.
"Same thing," Abhay said.
They all laughed again.
Preetham stood up slowly, looking at each of them one by one.
"Just remember," he said quietly, "stick to the plan."
"Relax," Aarav said. "Nothing's going to go wrong."
Preetham smiled.
This time, it felt deeper. Stranger.
"Let's see," he said softly.
A faint breeze passed through the trees, carrying a chill that none of them could explain.
But they ignored it.
The plan was set.
End of Chapter 2