Downpour of Shadows: A Suspense Thriller

Sakshi entered the busy railway station amidst the heavy downpour, clutching her umbrella tightly. The Pawan Express, scheduled to depart at 2 PM, was her escape route from the mundane to the necessary. However, the news buzzing through the station set her on edge. A serial killer had been targeting women aged 30-35 on trains, attacking them in the washrooms. Sakshi fit the profile perfectly, and her anxiety grew as she overheard people discussing the grisly details.

Determined not to let fear overwhelm her, Sakshi scanned the crowded waiting area. Her sharp eyes caught sight of a kindly looking couple in their late 60s. She approached them and struck up a conversation, quickly winning their trust. They offered her a seat on the bench next to them, and she gratefully accepted, feeling a slight sense of security in their presence.

Sakshi's keen observation skills went into overdrive. She watched every passenger, noting their behavior and appearance. The train finally arrived, and she boarded with the couple, finding herself sharing a berth with them and a young man with peculiar looks—broad shoulders, a thick beard, and bushy eyebrows. The elderly woman leaned over and whispered, "He looks like the murderer."

Despite the unsettling comment, the day passed in relative peace. They shared food and stories, with laughter masking the underlying tension. As night fell, the atmosphere in the compartment grew heavy with suspense.

At midnight, Sakshi checked her watch and silently prepared herself. Her demeanor changed, her eyes reflecting a steely resolve. From her backpack, she retrieved a steel cycle chain. She winded the cold and heavy chain in her hands. Moving stealthily in the dark, she approached the washroom, her heart pounding.

As she neared, she saw someone entering the washroom, about to lock the door. The mid-aged husband stood outside, his eyes darting nervously. Without hesitation, Sakshi punched the guy on the face, grabbing him and throwing him to the floor. The young man with the bushy eyebrows appeared, ready to assist.

The mid-aged man was stunned, unable to comprehend the sudden attack. Sakshi kicked open the washroom door, yanking the mid-aged woman out with a hard shove. She unwound the steel chain and threw it to the young man, who helped her bind the couple's hands. They kicked and fought back, but Sakshi and her accomplice were relentless.

The commotion drew the attention of other passengers, who gathered, confused and alarmed. Just as they were about to intervene, Sakshi shouted, "Stay back! We're from the crime branch. This couple has killed more than seven girls. There's a girl in the bathroom. Someone please help her out—she's in shock but unharmed, thanks to our timely intervention."

A murmur of disbelief and relief rippled through the crowd. A few brave souls stepped forward to assist the terrified girl from the washroom. The elderly couple lay on the floor, their murderous stint shattered.

Sakshi and the young man, now revealed as undercover agents, secured the scene. The rain outside continued to pour, but within the train, justice had been served. 

-Sharon Lasrado