Chapter 1: The Announcement of the School Trip

The last school bell rang, echoing across the sunlit courtyard of Starlight Public School. Normally, children would rush out of their classrooms, chattering and laughing as they raced toward the school gate. But today was different. The students of Grade 5-B sat unusually quiet, their eyes glued to the door. Everyone had heard the whispers in the corridor during recess — something big was coming.

Just then, the door creaked open, and in walked their favorite teacher, Ms. Anupama. She wore her usual kind smile, but today there was an extra spark in her eyes. In her hand was a bright blue folder. The students straightened up.

"Good afternoon, children," she said, placing the folder on the table. "I have some exciting news."

The room instantly buzzed with whispers.

She opened the folder with a dramatic pause. “Our school is organizing a field trip to Raigarh Fort next week.”

A collective gasp rippled through the room, followed by shrieks of joy and disbelief.

“Raigarh Fort?” exclaimed Kabir, the class clown. “That haunted old place on the hill?”

“It’s not haunted,” said Siya, always the first to defend facts. “It’s a historic site.”

“It’s both,” grinned Aarav, the little filmmaker of the class. “And this time, I'm going to capture it all on my camera.”

Naina, the shyest of the four friends, raised her hand slowly. “Ma’am, is it… safe?”

Ms. Anupama smiled reassuringly. “Of course. We’ll be accompanied by three teachers and two official guides. We’ll leave early morning on the 10th and return the next evening. You must bring a signed permission slip by tomorrow. And remember — no wandering off on your own!”

The announcement filled the classroom with excitement. While some children began discussing snacks to bring, others argued over window seats in the bus. But for Aarav, Siya, Kabir, and Naina — the inseparable four — it was more than just a trip.

---

After school, the four friends sat beneath the big gulmohar tree in the courtyard.

“I read about Raigarh Fort,” Siya began, her eyes glowing. “It was built nearly 400 years ago. They say some rooms are still sealed… and no one knows what’s inside.”

Kabir made a spooky noise and waved his fingers. “Perfect place for a ghost party!”

Naina frowned. “Don’t joke. What if something really strange happens?”

Aarav leaned back on his elbows. “Then I’ll film it. Imagine—‘The Mystery of Raigarh’—a documentary by Aarav Mehta. Maybe Netflix will buy it.”

They all laughed, even Naina, though a flicker of nervousness remained in her eyes.

---

The next morning, the school buzzed with chatter about the trip. Some students were busy choosing snacks, others packed small notebooks to jot down historical facts. Aarav carried his camera like it was a part of him. Siya clutched a book titled Hidden Secrets of Indian Forts. Kabir brought binoculars and a fake mustache (“In case I need to disguise myself!”). And Naina… brought extra batteries for everyone, “just in case.”

On the day of the trip, the children arrived at school before sunrise. The sky was still painted in hues of blue and orange as the big yellow school bus revved its engine.

Ms. Anupama called out, “Everyone, form a line. We’re going to check your names and your gear.”

After roll call and final checks, the children hopped aboard. The bus was full of energy — songs playing, bags rustling, and voices overlapping in excitement.

Halfway through the ride, as the winding roads began leading them into misty hills, Siya pulled out her book again.

“Listen to this,” she said. “According to legend, there’s a hidden chamber in Raigarh Fort that only opens on full moon nights. It’s said that shadows walk the corridors and whisper to each other.”

“Sounds like a bedtime story,” scoffed Kabir, though his voice dropped just slightly.

“Whether it's true or not,” said Aarav, “I’m going to film that chamber.”

“I really hope we don’t find it,” Naina whispered, clutching the strap of her backpack a little tighter.

---

As they climbed higher into the hills, the bus rattled over pebbled roads. Dense trees lined the path on both sides. The sun was now behind grey clouds, and the air was cooler.

“Almost there,” the driver announced. “Once we reach, switch off your phones. There's no signal up there.”

As the ancient outline of Raigarh Fort came into view, the bus fell into a sudden hush. The fort stood like a giant shadow against the cloudy sky — crumbling towers, blackened stone walls, and massive iron gates rusted with time.

“This place looks like a ghost movie set,” said Kabir.

A lone man stood at the entrance. He wore a traditional dhoti, carried a wooden staff, and had a thin white beard. He looked at the children with a tired smile.

“I am your guide,” he said in a raspy voice. “Inside these walls, every stone has a memory. But some memories… should never be touched.”

The children glanced at each other, unsure if it was part of the drama — or a warning.

Aarav switched on his camera. Siya opened her notebook. Kabir adjusted his fake mustache. And Naina… just took a deep breath.

The gates creaked open slowly, as if reluctant to welcome visitors.

The adventure had just begun.

And Raigarh Fort — was ready.

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