Chapter 2: The Unknown Shadow of the Night

The night was deep.

A fierce storm was raging outside.

It felt like this storm was a sign of some unknown danger.

Anha had fallen asleep while reading a book.

She didn’t even realize when sleep took over her.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

When no one opened it, a young man opened it himself and stepped inside.

Seeing Anha, a faint smile appeared on his face.

There was a novel lying on Anha’s chest.

It was clear that she had fallen asleep while reading it.

The young man was shocked.

His little sister Anha—reading a book?

These two things never go together!

Till today, he had never seen Anha even glance at a book.

He wondered in surprise—how does this girl even pass her exams?

Curiously, he picked up the book from Anha’s chest.

He started flipping through the pages…

And his eyes widened in shock.

What?

This girl?

She’s reading a romantic novel?

Arian (to himself):

“I thought she was so innocent…

And she’s reading this kind of book?”

Anger flared up in his head.

He started calling out to Anha.

But she was lost in sleep.

So, he brought a jug of water and splashed it straight onto Anha’s face.

Anha woke up with a jolt.

Anha (in surprise):

“What happened? Who died?”

In front of her stood her brother Arian,

And in his hand—that book!

Anha felt like the ground beneath her had disappeared.

Anha (in a trembling voice):

“Bhaiya! You’re here? Did you need something from me?”

Arian (angrily):

“You read this kind of book?”

Anha:

“No bhaiya… I mean… yes… I mean no…”

Arian:

“You’re lying to me?

If you didn’t read it, then how did the book end up with you?”

Anha (softly):

“It’s Suraiya’s book.

She said it was a good story, so I borrowed it just to read a little.

I must’ve fallen asleep while reading.”

Arian:

“Listen carefully, don’t read these kinds of books again.

Return her book tomorrow.

Now come downstairs, Ammu is calling for dinner.”

Anha:

“Okay bhaiya, you go. I’ll be there.”

As soon as Arian left, Anha let out a long sigh.

Anha (to herself):

“Uff! Today the storm really passed by just barely…”

She freshened up and went downstairs.

She saw everyone waiting at the dinner table.

She sat down next to her brother.

Everyone started eating together.

Suddenly, her father spoke,

Grabbing both Anha and Arian’s attention.

Anha’s Father:

“Anha and Arian,

If you have any plans for tomorrow or the day after, cancel them.

I need you both.”

Arian (curiously):

“Why, Baba? What’s happening the day after tomorrow?”

Anha’s Father:

“You both know Rayyan Chowdhury, right?”

Anha (in a bored tone):

“Who’s this ‘fence’ guy?”

Hearing her, Arian smacked the back of her head and said—

“You live in Bangladesh and don’t know Rayyan Chowdhury?”

Anha (angrily):

“I don’t know, so I don’t! Why hit me for that?”

Before anyone could say more, their father stopped them—

Father:

“Rayyan Chowdhury is not just famous in Bangladesh,

He’s one of the world’s top businessmen.

We’re working on a big project with his company.

So, he’s coming to our house the day after tomorrow.”

Arian was shocked!

“The Rayyan Chowdhury” is coming to their house?

While Arian’s eyes were shining with excitement,

There was not even a hint of interest on Anha’s face.

She quietly finished her meal and went back to her room.

As soon as she entered, she locked the door.

She sat down by the window.

Something inside her felt uneasy.

Who is this Rayyan?

And why does hearing his name make her feel so uncomfortable?

Just the thought of this man coming—

filled her with a strange fear.

But why?

She didn’t know—

Was she afraid for herself?

Or for her family?

This family was her everything.

She couldn’t bear to see any of them in pain.

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> “The name that made Anha’s heart tremble—

Will he become their savior?

Or the beginning of a strange curse?”

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