Neonika and Heeranya were having the time of their lives in the kitchen, giggling and chatting as they worked together to prepare dinner. Their bond was special—Neonika had always treated Heeranya like her own daughter, and it showed in every little gesture, especially in the way she had designed Heeranya’s room with utmost care and love.
Meanwhile, Rishi had his own plans brewing. He sneaked into Heeranya’s room, his lips curling into an evil smirk as he worked swiftly. He inserted a horror sound CD into the system, making sure it would play at just the right moment. Then, he carefully attached a glow-in-the-dark devil painting on the wall—one that would only be visible in complete darkness. Satisfied with his masterpiece, he grinned devilishly and slipped out of the room unnoticed.
In the living room, Heeranya’s excitement bubbled over as she spotted a familiar figure.
With a mischievous grin, she tiptoed up behind Raj Arka—Rishi’s father and her father’s best friend and also her friend and her own beloved confidant. She quickly placed her hands over his eyes.
“Guess who?” she chirped.
Raj chuckled, playing along. “Hmm… is this my little princess?”
Heeranya beamed, removing her hands. “Friend! I missed you so much!”
Raj turned, pulling her onto his lap. Just as he was about to reply, Rishi wasted no time and leaped onto Raj’s other knee.
“Dad!” he grinned.
Raj let out a small groan, now carrying two energetic kids. He looked between them, noting the silent exchange of glances and smirks.
“All right, what’s going on in those little brains of yours?” he asked, narrowing his eyes playfully.
And just like that, the floodgates opened. Both Heeranya and Rishi started ranting at once, each trying to outdo the other with complaints.
Before Raj could even react, Neonika’s voice called from the dining area.
“Dinner’s ready!”
Everyone settled for Dinner
Heeranya’s eyes sparkled. “Uncle, come on! You have to try the payasam I made today.”
Raj’s brows lifted. “You made it? Then I definitely need to taste it.”
Rishi scoffed. “Be careful, Dad. I don’t want to see you in a hospital bed tonight.”
Heeranya gasped dramatically, turning to Neonika. “Aunty, look at your son! He’s always teasing me!”
Neonika and Raj exchanged amused glances. “Rishi, enough. Come join us for dinner,” Neonika instructed.
Despite his usual teasing, Rishi secretly loved payasam—especially when Devika made it. He picked up his spoon and took a bite, expecting disaster. Instead, his eyes widened slightly at the taste. It was… delicious.
Without another word, he continued eating, completely focused on his plate, ignoring everything and everyone around him.
Heeranya shot him an annoyed glance. Monster! No—stupid monkey monster! she thought. Not even a single compliment? His ego is bigger than his head!
After finishing his meal, Rishi abruptly stood up. “Mom, I’m done. Good night.”
Before anyone could say anything, he hurried up to his room and shut the door.
Neonika sighed. “Arey, Rishi! At least drink this milk.”
Heeranya smiled. “Aunty, let it be. I’ll take it to him on my way to my room.”
Neonika nodded, handing her the glass.
After dinner, the house slowly settled for the night. With the milk glass in hand, Heeranya made her way to Rishi’s room. She pushed the door open and peeked inside.
The room was dark, the only light coming from the hallway behind her. She frowned. No sign of him.
He must be in the washroom, she thought.
°°°°
Rishi smirked to himself as he crept into Heeranya’s room, his plan falling into place perfectly. The room was soundproof—no one outside would hear a thing. He quickly hid in a corner, his fingers hovering over the play button of the horror CD he had set up. He could barely contain his excitement.
Moments later, Heeranya entered the room, completely unaware of his presence. She turned off the lights and sighed tiredly before collapsing onto her bed.
A wicked glint flashed in Rishi’s eyes. Showtime.
With a single press of the button, the eerie sounds of whispers and wails filled the room. The chilling creaks, distorted voices, and sudden, sharp screams echoed in the darkness.
Heeranya’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded violently against her ribs. She scrambled to the corner of her bed, curling into herself, her hands shaking as she covered her ears. Her mind screamed at her to move, but her body refused to obey.
Then she saw it.
The faint glow of something sinister on the wall—a horrifying devilish figure, its ghastly face illuminated by the darkness.
A strangled gasp escaped her lips before everything faded into black.
She slumped lifelessly against the bed, her body cold and unmoving.
Rishi waited, expecting her usual outburst, a scream, maybe even a pillow thrown at him. But there was nothing. No reaction. No sound.
The silence clawed at his chest.
Frowning, he cautiously stepped out from his hiding spot. “Heeranya?” he called, his voice uncertain.
Still, no response.
As his eyes adjusted to the dimness, he finally saw her.
His stomach twisted in horror.
She was motionless, her face pale, her lips slightly parted as if the life had drained out of her.
“Heeru!” he yelled, rushing to her side. He shook her gently, panic clawing at his throat. “Kitten, wake up! It’s me, your monster! Open your eyes, damn it!”
No response.
His heart pounded. His prank—his stupid, careless prank—had done this.
Without wasting another second, he ripped the glowing devil painting off the wall, flung the horror CD out of the system, and threw them both far from her sight. Then, rushing to the bedside table, he grabbed a glass of water and sprinkled it over her face.
Slowly, she stirred, her eyelashes fluttering weakly.
Rishi let out a shaky breath of relief. “Heeranya! Thank God,” he muttered, his voice thick with guilt.
But as soon as her eyes fully opened, terror filled them again.
“Rishi… go away!” she whimpered, trying to push him back with her trembling hands. “That devil—it’ll come for you too! Please go before it takes you too!”
Her voice was broken, drenched in fear, and it shattered something deep inside him.
Even in this state, after what he had done to her, she was still worried about him.
Guilt crashed over him like a tidal wave.
How could he have been so cruel?
Rishi swallowed the lump in his throat. “Shhh… Heeru, nothing’s here,” he whispered, cupping her face gently. “Look at me. Just look at me.”
His voice was softer now, filled with regret, as he tried to bring her back from the terror that still clung to her like a shadow.
Heeranya slowly opened her eyes, scanning her surroundings, her body still trembling from fear. The moment she saw Rishi beside her, she didn’t hesitate.
She threw her arms around him, holding on tightly.
“Rishi… please don’t leave me alone,” she whispered, her voice shaky. “The devil… it’ll come back.”
Rishi’s heart clenched. He had never meant for his prank to go this far, never imagined it would shake her like this. Guilt weighed heavy in his chest.
He pulled her even closer, his arms wrapping around her protectively. “Hey, Firefly… look at me,” he murmured, gently rubbing her back. “I’m here… I won’t let anything happen to you. Please, don’t cry.”
Slowly, Heeranya relaxed, her breath evening out as she rested her head against his chest.
For a moment, she just listened.
The steady, rhythmic beats of his heart—strong, constant, comforting.
She closed her eyes, letting the sound calm her.
Rishi, feeling her soften in his embrace, carefully laid her down beside him, still holding her close.
“Heeru, say something…” he whispered, desperate to hear her voice again.
She took a deep breath. “I’m just listening to your heartbeat, Rishi… it’s like music. It gives me peace.”
Rishi swallowed, his own heart aching at her words.
A comfortable silence settled between them, the kind only the closest of friends could share.
Then, after a moment, he whispered, “Heeru… I’m sorry.”
A small smile tugged at her lips.
“You don’t even want to know why I’m apologizing?” he asked, surprised.
She shook her head slightly. “No.”
“Why?”
Instead of answering, she looked up at him, her eyes filled with a silent request.
“Rishi… sing a song for me,” she murmured. “Please. Help me fall asleep.”
Rishi sighed, shaking his head fondly. “Heeru…”
“Please, Rishi,” she pleaded softly, her fingers clutching his shirt. “I just want to hear your voice.”
He couldn’t say no to her.
With a deep breath, he began to sing, his voice low and soothing.
Outside, the stars twinkled a little brighter, as if watching over them, as if blessing the unspoken bond between them.
Wrapped in the warmth of his voice, Heeranya’s eyes fluttered shut, and soon, the world faded away into peaceful slumber.
Rishi smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
And with that, he too closed his eyes, drifting into sleep beside his Firefly.
