Today, the morning at Haripur was not at all like any other day. Every day, there were calls of peacocks and the sweet chirping of birds, but today was something Ruchika had never imagined — not even in her worst nightmares.
Her eyes had not opened to the melodies of birds, nor was any peacock calling somewhere in the village. Today, she was woken by the screams of people and their agonized cries full of pain. She had never heard such terrifying sounds. These voices shook her to her core, leaving her so paralyzed with fear that she couldn't gather the courage to open the door and see what was happening outside.
With trembling hands, Ruchika slowly opened the door of her house, fear gripping her every movement. The moment she opened the door, what lay before her eyes...
A few days earlier...
Ruchika's grandfather had sat together with the village chiefs from some neighboring villages, discussing important matters. At that time, they had received the news that some strangers had been spotted wandering near the villages — people who didn't seem to belong to this country. The issue was not limited to Haripur alone, but the other village heads didn't find it serious enough and decided it was best to keep things quiet. Grandfather had tried his best to make them understand, but no one paid attention to his warning. Yet, sensing danger himself, her grandfather had already made some necessary preparations on his own, so that if any trouble ever arrived, he could face it.
Now, grandfather always kept a gun with him for his own safety.
Today...
When Ruchika opened the door and looked outside, it was as if the entire village was drenched in blood. Blood was splattered everywhere. Her mother's corpse was lying right outside the door, and Ruchika couldn't comprehend anything. Her grandfather's body was also lying beneath a nearby tree, the same gun he carried for protection still in his hand — he had likely died trying to save his daughter-in-law.
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