A Road trip

It was that time of the year again when Akash and Priya decided to embark on a much-anticipated road trip. With the monsoon season in full bloom, they couldn't resist the allure of a romantic drive to the picturesque destination of Goa.

Excitement filled the air as they packed their bags, ensuring they had everything they needed for their adventure. The couple's hearts were brimming with anticipation as they set off in their trusty car, ready to create unforgettable memories along the way.

As they hit the open road, the raindrops danced on the windshield, adding a touch of magic to their journey. The lush green landscapes, adorned with vibrant flowers and swaying trees, painted a breathtaking backdrop for their road trip. The rhythmic sound of raindrops on the roof of the car provided a soothing soundtrack to their adventure. "This sound of rain is just so soothing, Akash," Priya gushed while holding his hand. "It makes you fall in love with me all over again, doesn't it?" he flirted.

The couple made frequent stops along the way, exploring hidden gems and capturing the beauty of nature through their lenses. Their social media feeds are filled with pictures and immediate comments from their loved ones. They ventured off the beaten path, discovering the quaint villages of Konkan, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. Each stop brought new surprises and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the world.

The couple indulged in local delicacies, savoring the flavors of the region, and immersing themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the places they passed through. They relished the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the hillside cafes, savored the tangy flavors of street food, and delighted in the warmth of the locals' hospitality.

As Akash and Priya immersed themselves in the breathtaking beauty of their road trip, a sense of unease lingered in the car. A young woman sat in silence in the backseat, her eyes devoid of warmth, and her stare unsettling. The contrast between the couple's joy and her mysterious demeanor created an intriguing tension. What secrets did she hold? What thoughts occupied her mind? The road trip, once filled with excitement, also carried an air of mystery.

Unaware of her presence, the couple continued to enjoy the road trip, allowing them to connect on a deeper level, away from the distractions of everyday life. They shared laughter, heartfelt conversations, and moments of pure joy as they discovered new places together. The journey became a metaphor for their relationship, navigating through twists and turns, overcoming challenges, and cherishing the beauty of the present moment.

"Are you sure you want to continue forward? We can take a halt here and reach Goa tomorrow," Priya asked, her voice tinged with concern as the sun began to set, casting long shadows on the road ahead. The fading light added an air of mystery to their surroundings.

"Don't worry, I have driven on these roads for donkey's years. Let's reach Goa and celebrate the night on the beach," Akash reassured her, his confidence unwavering. He glanced at Priya, trying to ease her unease, but there was something else that they were unaware of, a companion!

As the night grew deeper, the atmosphere in the car grew tense, the silence broken only by the sound of the engine and the occasional raindrops on the roof. The drive on the ghat was tricky with thick fog and no lights. Priya couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss.

As they continued their journey, the mysterious woman’s aura grew. Her eyes seemed to hold secrets, her presence casting an eerie aura over the car. Despite the unease that filled the car, Akash and Priya pressed on, their determination to reach Goa unyielding. The allure of the beach and the promise of a night filled with celebration kept their spirits high.

The road stretched out before them, disappearing into the darkness. Suddenly, a few headlights beamed into Akash's eyes, momentarily blinding him and causing him to lose sight of the road. The unexpected turn startled him, and Akash slammed on the brakes, bringing the car to a sudden halt. The screeching tires echoed in the night.

"Are you sure, Akash? This seems very scary!" Priya gasped, her voice filled with fear and concern. Her heart raced, and she gripped onto the edge of her seat, her knuckles turning white.

"Don't worry," Akash replied, his voice attempting to sound calm and reassuring. "I think the exhaustion of the day has made me sleepy. Relax, we should reach Goa in about an hour now." Despite his attempt to pacify her, Akash couldn't deny the unease that had settled within him. The unexpected encounter on the road had shaken him to the core.

Taking a deep breath, Akash composed himself and peered through the windshield. The headlights that had momentarily blinded him had disappeared, leaving only the darkness of the night. He carefully maneuvered the car back onto the road, his grip on the steering wheel tightening.

As they continued their journey, the silence in the car was palpable. Both Akash and Priya were lost in their own thoughts, their minds replaying the unsettling encounter. The road ahead seemed endless, the darkness enveloping them like a shroud of uncertainty.

Akash's focus intensified, and his senses heightened. He was determined to ensure their safety and reach their destination unscathed. The exhaustion that had clouded his mind earlier was now replaced by a heightened state of alertness. The young woman remained unfazed by the recent events, her posture unwavering, her expression unchanged. However, something had shifted within her. Her eyes, once fixed on the road, now shifted their focus to Akash. There was an intensity in her gaze, a piercing scrutiny that could send a shiver down anyone’s spine. It was as if she saw through his facade, delving into the depths of his being. Her unwavering stare seemed to hold a hidden message, a secret that only she knew.

Priya, in the meantime, had dozed off, the weariness of their journey and the unsettling incident had taken its toll on her. Meanwhile, Akash's excitement began to resurface as he navigated through the winding turns of the Ghat. Suddenly, a persistent honking sound pierced through the air, jolting Akash out of his reverie. At first, he dismissed it as an impatient driver behind them, but the honking grew louder and more insistent. Curiosity mingled with a sense of dread, compelling him to glance at the rearview mirror. To his horror, he saw the woman's face, now unnervingly close to his shoulder. A surge of disbelief coursed through him, rendering him momentarily speechless!

He turned around to have a look at her, and in his utter disbelief, he saw the face of the mysterious woman, this time wearing a haunting smile. The sight sent a chill down his spine, as her smile held an eerie quality that made his heart race.

Before he could process the implications of her presence, a sudden, deafening crash shattered the silence. The screeching of tires, the sound of metal colliding with barricades, and the toppling of objects filled the air. In an instant, chaos ensued.

The car had collided with the barricades, causing a violent upheaval. The world seemed to freeze for a moment as the car tumbled and crashed, finally coming to a halt.

Silence engulfed the scene, broken only by the distant sound of sirens approaching.

The next day’s newspapers reported a major incident on the Ghats involving a woman with a broken arm and a few bruises, and a deceased driver!

It is said that one can see their death before dying. In this case, Akash saw his death before he died. Next time, it can be….

Take care!