Episode 7: The Hidden Path

  FADE IN.

  SCENE 1 - THE STRANGER REVEALS HIMSELF

  The flickering candlelight dances along the stone walls of the ashram. Neel and Niki stand tense, staring at the figure who emerged from the darkness—a man dressed in a sharp suit, yet exuding an ancient, unshakable presence.

  Neel narrows his eyes, whispering to Niki.

  NEEL: "Are we sure this guy is human?"

  The figure takes a slow step forward, his polished shoes barely making a sound against the stone floor. His long hair is tied back, and his beard is neatly trimmed. Yet, there is something unsettling about him.

  ???: "You have sharp instincts, boy. But whether I am human or not... does it matter?"

  Neel instinctively shifts into a defensive stance, his energy stirring inside him. His fingers tingle with warmth, ready to react.

  NIKI: "Who are you? And how did you get in?"

  The man smirks, crossing his arms.

  ???: "You should be asking why I followed you here in the first place."

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  Neel glances at Niki, then back at the man.

  NEEL: "Wait—you told me no bodyless creature can enter this ashram. Then how did he get in?"

  Niki stiffens. She had been sure the ashram’s barriers blocked spirits. So how...?

  The man exhales through his nose, amused.

  ???: "A good question. And one that proves you still don’t understand the true nature of this world."

  With slow precision, he lifts his hand. Shadows ripple around him, bending and shifting unnaturally.

  ???: "I am Mahabir. A Naga Sadhu. And I have been watching you both for some time."

  The air grows thick. Niki tenses, her fists clenched. Neel swallows hard.

  SCENE 2 - THE INVITATION

  Neel’s heart pounds. He doesn’t know whether to trust this man or prepare to fight.

  NEEL: "A Naga Sadhu? Wearing a suit? That’s new. Thought you guys lived in the mountains, half-naked, chanting mantras."

  Mahabir chuckles, the sound deep and knowing.

  MAHABIR: "Times change, but we do not. We simply adapt to the world around us."

  His eyes flicker with an ancient wisdom that makes Neel uneasy.

  NIKI: "Why were you watching us?"

  Mahabir’s smirk fades slightly.

  MAHABIR: "Because something ancient is stirring. Something neither of you are prepared for. And I needed to confirm if you were the ones meant to face it."

  He takes a step back into the shadows, then gestures toward the door.

  MAHABIR: "If you want answers, follow me."

  Neel hesitates, glancing at Niki. She seems just as uncertain, but there’s no mistaking the gravity of the situation. After a long pause, she nods.

  NIKI: "We follow. But if this is a trap—"

  MAHABIR: "Then you can try your best to defeat me."

  His grin returns, sharp and unreadable.

  Neel exhales, shaking his head.

  NEEL: "Well... this just got a whole lot more interesting."

  As the trio steps out into the night, the ashram’s candle flames flicker violently, as if whispering a warning.

  FADE TO BLACK.