For the past few days, Aryan and his friends had been enjoying life, sharing laughs and creating memories together.
One morning, as Aryan was getting ready for college, his mother called out to him.
Aryan's Mother: "Aryan, can you go visit your grandparents this evening?"
Aryan: "Sure. I'll head over after my tuition class."
Aryan's Mother: "Alright. I'll inform your grandmother."
Aryan: "Okay."
Later that day, after attending college and finishing his tuition, Aryan made his way to his maternal grandparents' house. As he entered, his grandmother greeted him with surprise.
Grandmother: "Aryan, you've come?"
Aryan: "Yes, Grandma."
Grandmother: "Did your mother tell you why she sent you here?"
Aryan: "No, she didn't."
Grandmother: "Alright, just wait here for a while. Your uncle Govindo will explain everything once he arrives."
Govindo Mama—Aryan's maternal uncle and cousin to Aryan's mother—arrived a few minutes later. After a brief conversation with Aryan's grandmother, he asked Aryan to accompany him next door to his house.
Without much explanation, Govindo Mama led Aryan inside. As Aryan stepped into the main hall, he was struck by the sight of a large havan kund (ritual fire pit) being set up at the center of the room.
Aryan: "Mama, what's going on? What is this ritual for?"
Govindo Mama: "It's about your uncle—Jadav Shah, my brother and your mother's cousin. Something strange has happened to him. He's terribly ill, and the doctors can't find anything medically wrong. We believe someone has cast black magic on him."
Aryan's eyes widened slightly, but he remained composed.
Aryan: "What do the doctors say?"
Govindo Mama: "Nothing—his reports are all clean. That's why we've called in spiritual help. The priests believe that having a close blood relative—like a nephew or niece—present during the ritual will make it more effective. And we called you specifically because we know you practice martial arts—you can protect yourself if anything goes wrong."
Aryan: "I can handle myself, don't worry."
Soon, two priests began the preparations for the ritual. Their master gave a subtle nod, and disciples entered, carrying the unconscious body of Jadav Shah. They gently placed him near the fire pit, surrounded by the chanting priests.
As the chants intensified, a strange tension filled the air. The flames flickered unnaturally, and Jadav began to stir. His eyes fluttered open, and a low groan escaped his lips. Sensing a change, the head priest signaled the others to increase the intensity of the chants.
Suddenly, Jadav began to tremble violently. The priests chanted louder, and Aryan, along with Govindo and a few others, rushed to restrain him. But the force inside Jadav was growing stronger.
Without warning, Jadav's voice shifted—deeper, darker, otherworldly. With a powerful thrust, he threw off everyone holding him, sending them flying across the room. He rose to his feet, rage burning in his eyes.
With a brutal kick, he shattered the havan kund, scattering embers. He turned and struck two nearby priests with such force that they were launched into the air, crashing into the walls. Then, he stormed toward the main priest with murderous intent.
Seeing the rage and unnatural strength in Jadav's movements, even the senior priest stepped back in fear.
But before Jadav could move another inch, a firm grip landed on his shoulder, pinning him back.
It was Aryan.
He had grabbed Jadav from behind and was holding him with unshakable strength.
Aryan knew—this was no longer his uncle. His eyes had seen it, with the divine sight he had inherited from his training. A dark spirit had possessed Jadav's body. A malevolent entity was using his uncle as a vessel.
Jadav struggled violently, trying to break free, but Aryan held on. With a swift move, Aryan shifted his weight and flipped Jadav forward, slamming him to the ground.
Then came a voice—no longer Jadav's, but something more sinister.
Jadav (possessed): "How dare you… try to stop me?"
Fear spread across the room. Everyone froze.
But Aryan stepped forward, his gaze unwavering.
Aryan: "Yes, I dared. What will you do about it?"
Jadav (possessed): "You have no idea who I am."
Aryan: "You're a spirit… a dark soul sent by someone to take control of my uncle's body. But I see you. I know what you are."
The room fell into a stunned silence.
Even the entity inside Jadav paused, glaring at Aryan.
What will this dark spirit do next?
Can Aryan exorcise the spirit and free his uncle?
And more importantly—can Aryan uncover the force behind it all and restore his mother's peace?