After they finished their meal, Raman arrived in his car.
Raman stepped out and said, "Sir, your luggage is completely safe—no need to worry."
"Thank you, Raman," Mr. Ashwin replied.
Deep frowned. "So what was the problem with the car?"
Raman shrugged. "I couldn't pinpoint it exactly. Must be some minor issue."
Mr. Ashwin glanced at Raman, then asked, "And what about the sudden fog? Any idea why it appeared?"
Raman rubbed his chin. "I still don't know, sir. I think it could have been a trap set by robbers."
Padmini spoke up, her voice trembling. "No, I'm certain some dark power caused that fog."
Mr. Ashwin raised his hands. "All right. Let's forget about it for now, shall we?"
"That's true," Deep muttered, folding his arms. "But it was the strangest thing I've ever encountered in my entire research career," he added, his eyes lingering on Padmini.
"Raman," Mr. Ashwin said, "can you help me find a bus to Old Phek?"
"Of course, sir. You just unload your luggage while I check the bus stand for any departures to Old Phek," Raman said, heading toward the station.
Mr. Ashwin nodded. "Okay."
Deep's curiosity got the better of him. "These events make me even more determined to uncover the truth."
Padmini shivered. "And make me more fearful."
"Fear is humanity's greatest enemy," Mrs. Ashwin observed.
Deep responded respectfully, "You're absolutely right, ma'am."
Raman reappeared. "Come on—there's a bus to Old Phek leaving in five minutes. Hurry!"
The Ashwin family and Deep hurried toward the bus.
"Why are you coming with us?" Padmini asked Deep.
"I'm heading to Old Phek for my own research into dark and supernatural forces," he replied.
Padmini said nothing.
Mrs. Ashwin turned to her husband, "Venkat, could you buy snacks for Priya and Suyanshi?"
Mr. Ashwin laughed. "I'm busy loading our luggage—snacks will have to wait."
Mrs. Ashwin frowned in disappointment but said nothing.
They reached the bus and began loading their bags when the conductor approached.
"Big brother, where to today?" he asked Mr. Ashwin.
"Old Phek," Mr. Ashwin answered.
"Old Phek, huh? The bus doesn't usually go there. Anyone asking must pay thirty rupees extra," the conductor explained bluntly.
Mr. Ashwin hesitated for a moment, then handed over the money.
Deep reached into his pocket. "Sir, excuse me—may I have my ticket?"
Mr. Ashwin shot him a frustrated glance. "When will you withdraw money from the ATM?"
"I'll do it as soon as we reach Phek," Deep promised.
"Good. That should be your first task when we arrive," Mr. Ashwin replied.
The driver climbed aboard and started the engine.
"Conductor, will the bus go to New Phek first?" Mr. Ashwin called.
"Of course, sir. New Phek comes before Old Phek," came the reply.
As the bus lurched forward, wind swirled through the dense, lingering fog.