Blood.
On his hands.
Her expression shifted slightly.
"What's wrong?"
Karan didn't look away.
"I killed them."
For a brief second, the room went still.
Then Ananya stepped closer, her gaze steady—almost reassuring.
"They deserved to die," she said softly.
Karan's breath faltered.
"It's not your fault."
She moved closer and wrapped her arms around him, holding him this time—firm, protective. One hand slid slowly up his back, calming, grounding.
"Shhh…"
Her voice was gentle, but something darker lingered beneath it.
"Don't be scared."
She leaned closer, her lips near his ear.
"You're safe here."
A pause.
Her fingers tightened slightly around him.
"No one can come here."
Then, almost like a promise—
"This is our world."
And in that quiet, dim space—
Karan didn't pull away.
Ananya pulled back slightly, her fingers brushing against his pocket.
"Did you bring cigarettes for me?"
Karan said nothing. He simply took out the pack and handed it to her.
She slipped one out, placed it between her lips, and lit it. The tip glowed faintly in the dim light. She took a slow drag—
Then exhaled.
The smoke drifted straight into Karan's face.
He closed his eyes.
—
When he opened them—
The world had changed.
The dark room was gone.
In its place stretched an open landscape—lush green grass swaying gently in the wind, tall trees scattered like silent guardians. Nearby, a waterfall cascaded down with a soft, endless roar. Mist hung in the air, wrapping everything in a dreamlike haze.
The sky was overcast.
Tiny raindrops fell—cool and gentle.
Karan stood near his car, a faint smile forming on his lips.
Ahead of him—
Ananya.
She ran freely across the grass, her arms spread wide, her laughter blending with the sound of falling water. She tilted her face toward the sky, letting the rain touch her skin, her eyes closed in quiet joy.
For a moment—
She looked… peaceful.
Alive in a way the world had never allowed.
Then she turned.
Saw him.
And ran back toward him.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asked, breathless, her eyes shining.
Karan looked at her.
Only her.
"Yes… it is."
They stood side by side, facing the endless green, the waterfall, the drifting fog.
Ananya took another drag from the cigarette, her gaze still fixed ahead.
"I want a house in a place like this," she said softly. "Surrounded by nature… no one around."
A small pause.
"Just me… my husband… and our child."
She turned slightly, looking at him with a quiet smile.
—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The sound shattered everything.
Karan's eyes snapped open.
Darkness.
His room.
The dream was gone.
The knocking came again—louder this time.
He got up quickly and walked toward the door. Slowly, carefully, he moved the curtain beside the small window—
Two policemen stood outside.
Knocking harder.
Karan's chest tightened.
Police…
Are they here for Ananya?
His thoughts raced.
If I open the door… what if they find her? What if they take her away?
His jaw clenched.
No.
I won't let that happen.
I won't let my Ananya go.
"Break the door!" one of the policemen shouted.
Before they could act—
The door opened.
Karan stood there.
One of the officers stepped forward, irritation clear on his face.
"We've been knocking for so long. Why didn't you open the door?"
"Sorry, sir," Karan replied calmly. "I was in the bathroom."
The officer studied him for a moment.
"Hm."
Then his tone turned serious.
"Three men have been killed near your area—Raju, Gopal, and Shiva. Do you know them?"
Karan didn't react.
"Yes, sir," he said evenly. "I know them… but not personally. Just as neighbors. Nothing more."
The officer's gaze lingered on him—
as if trying to read something beneath the surface.
But Karan's face remained still.
"Have you seen anything… or heard anything?" the officer asked.
Karan met his gaze without hesitation.
"No, sir. I came back from work in the evening and went to sleep."
A brief silence followed.
"Are you sure?" the officer asked.
"Yes, sir."
For a moment, it felt like the air had stopped moving.
Then—
"Hm. Let's go."
The two policemen stepped back, their boots echoing faintly as they walked away.
Karan stood at the doorway, watching them until they disappeared beyond the gate.
Only then—
He closed the door slowly.
And exhaled.
A quiet, controlled breath—
But this time…
It carried relief.