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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3. Ghosts in Ink

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Chapter 3: Ghosts in Ink

POV: Rukmini Roy

Aanya sank to the floor of the Silence Room, the weight of her mother's diary heavy in her lap. Outside, the rain drummed a steady rhythm, as if nature itself echoed the unrest inside her.

The diary's cracked leather cover was cold to the touch. She hesitated, then opened it to the first page.

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October 5th, 2008

> Aanya is hiding something. I see it in her eyes—nervous, restless. She told me she and Naina were studying at the library last weekend, but her hands betrayed her.

Naina has grown distant too. There's a darkness hovering around them, a secret they refuse to share.

I'm afraid this will break us all.

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The words stung. Aanya swallowed hard, memories rushing back.

That weekend—at the school retreat—was supposed to be harmless. But it had changed everything.

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October 7th, 2008

> Caught a glimpse of Naina crying alone in the backyard. She didn't see me.

I wanted to ask what was wrong, but fear held my tongue.

I should have spoken. I should have done something.

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Aanya's throat tightened. She remembered how Naina's laughter faded, how her friend's bright eyes dimmed in silence.

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October 10th, 2008

> Mr. D.S. visited today—too close, too smiling. Asked about Naina.

His questions felt like knives.

If what I fear is true, we are all in danger.

She had to know the truth

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Aanya closed the diary and stared at the locked chest in the corner of the room. The past wasn't just ink on pages—it was a locked door waiting to be opened

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