Chapter 9: The devil.

"Bhaswar was right. You do know your way around in this forest." Dhruv rubbed the back of his head as he grinned at her brimming with pride.

Anaaya and Dhruv reached their village after playing in the woods for a little while. She was surprised to see people looking at them as they were gossiping something. Dhruv didn't pay any attention to it. He was busy chasing after a butterfly. When they entered their home, they found Bhaswar injured with small cuts and bruises all over his body. Anaaya was petrified to see the sinister look on his once gentle deep brown eyes.

Dhruv looked for Charu but she was no where to be found. Anaaya mustered up some courage as she took cautious steps towards Bhaswar, "What happened here?"

"Charu is gone. The chief took her." His words were cold, so cold to the point it sent shivers down her spine. Dhruv broke the tense air between them with a calm and collected tone,

"What does he want in return?"

"Anaaya."