"Some deals cost more than you can ever imagine. Some awaken something that should never be disturbed."

A crowded school corridor. Students laugh, chatter, and rush past. But Arjun sees only her.

His best friend notices immediately. She pulls him aside, arms crossed.

"You like her, don't you?"

Arjun hesitates. Then nods.

"Set me up with her," he pleads.

She sighs, shaking her head. "She's not interested in love."

But Arjun is desperate. He'll do anything.

She narrows her eyes. "Fine. On one condition."

He listens intently.

"You must always talk to me. You can't ignore me for her. You have to tell me everything about your relationship. And... you cannot cross any limits with her."

Stolen novel; please report.

Without thinking, Arjun agrees. He doesn't realize he's making a deal that will cost him more than he ever imagined.

The Fall of a Friendship:

Slowly, the connection between Arjun and his best friend begins to fade. Lunch breaks become about her, not them. Inside jokes disappear. Late-night calls are no longer with his best friend but with his girlfriend.

Then one day, his best friend looks him in the eyes and says the words that will haunt him forever:

"One day, your girlfriend will leave you. And when that day comes, you will come back for me... but I won't be there anymore."

The Awakening:

That evening, Arjun meets his girlfriend near the school's deserted water filter. The sky is grey, light rain drizzling. The moment is perfect.

His first kiss is about to happen.

He leans in. Wraps his arms around her. Closes his eyes.

Then—suddenly—his grip tightens.

His breath turns heavy. His body shudders. His muscles tense unnaturally.

His girlfriend's eyes widen in terror.

"Arjun...?"

But this isn't Arjun anymore.

A voice, deep and ancient, emerges from his throat—chilling, powerful, echoing through the empty corridor.

"तस्य केवलं आरम्भः एव"

("This is only the beginning.")

Then comes the laughter. Cold. Inhuman. Endless.

His girlfriend stumbles back, screaming. She runs. She doesn't look back.

For the first time in 13 years—Bhairaa has spoken.

And now, he's awake.

Now that Bhairaa is awake, will Arjun ever be the same again?