Night fell.
The city grew quieter.
Too quiet.
Ananya tucked Ayaan into bed.
"Stay close to me tonight," she said softly.
"Okay, Mama."
She turned off the lights.
Minutes passed.
Silence.
Then—
A sudden noise.
Click.
The door lock.
Ananya's eyes snapped open.
Her heart started racing.
She got up slowly.
"Aarav?" she whispered.
No answer.
Another sound.
Footsteps.
Inside the house.
Her blood ran cold.
She grabbed Ayaan and held him close.
"Mama… what's happening?" he whispered.
"Stay quiet," she said, her voice shaking.
The footsteps grew louder.
Closer.
Closer.
Then—
The door creaked open.
A shadow appeared.
Ananya's breath stopped.
And a voice spoke—
"Miss me?"