Life sure was a mysterious beast. Things you never imagined, could happen and change the course of your existence. Jahan felt like she was at a turning point, and regardless of which forked road she took, she would end up lost. Last year, if anyone had asked her about her plans, she would never have guessed they would include solving a murder mystery. Yet, there she was, trying her best to find out the truth behind Meena's death.

"Are you sure we're on the right track?" she asked the umpteenth time, sure they were lost and Maalik was too stubborn to admit it.

"I know exactly where I'm going," he sighed, "what I don't know is, why are you following me?"

"You said, you knew the family Meena was supposed to visit that day. I want to meet them too and discover why she was going there and then didn't." She understood why his patience stretched thin, but she didn't appreciate his tone, which made her feel like a nuisance.

"If you had waited," he said, while trying to move through the overgrown bushes, "I would've told you everything tomorrow."

"And I should just trust your word? What if you killed her? You definitely wouldn't tell me the truth then."

"Seriously, Jahan," he chuckled, "if that's your reasoning to follow me in the jungle, there's something wrong with you."

His comment made her laugh. He was right, of course. If she suspected him of murder, she wouldn't have followed him like an idiot. But the odd thing was, she trusted him completely. her friends had often called her naive, but she had never believed someone the way she did him.

When they met in the woods and during the dreadful night, she had wondered about his intentions. She had even considered him a murder suspect, but her suspicions didn't last long. And a big part of it was Mahdi's attitude toward him. She might not be worldly, yet she could tell the older man believed Maalik's story, which made it easier for her to do the same.

"I don't get it," she huffed, from exertion and not annoyance.

"What don't you get?" he asked, absentmindedly.

"If someone lives here, why is this path overgrown with vegetation?" Taking deep breaths, she began to doubt her sanity. Maybe she should've waited at the hotel instead of following Maalik. She was no expert hiker and this path was treacherous.

Maalik paused and looked over his shoulder to make sure she was okay. As he watched her struggle, he extended his hand and she took it gratefully. Jahan might have loved hiking but she was no expert. The trail was forcing her to cross her limits.

"I didn't want to drive." He shrugged. "I don't think the family hikes whenever they want to visit the town. It used to be a famous trail but maybe no one has used it in a long time."

She was an idiot because up until then, she thought it was the only way to reach the family they were looking for. The absurdity caused her to cringe, but she tried not to show it. Maalik must already think her a fool. She didn't want to give him more fuel to make fun of her.

Instead, she said, "You might be right. We haven't run into anyone since we started the hike. Even I know that's strange. Thrill seekers love this kind of thing. Don't they?"

"Ahan," he said, without looking up. He was focused on avoiding the rocks that seemed to have appeared by magic.

Jahan followed close behind, her hand still clutched in his. The path had become uneven and slippery. It was like a narrow ribbon, weaving through the thick forest and mountains on one side. The sound of rushing water was the only clue that a river flowed downhill parallel to the trail on its other side. The trees prevented them from seeing water.

The afternoon sun kept the cold at bay. The breeze was nice and Jahan was glad she didn't wear the heavy coat. Today, they both wore light jackets and jeans for comfort. Loose stones and sudden drops demanded their unwavering attention and the two were quiet. The silence between them brought her attention to the sounds of nature. She heard the call of a hawk and the rustling of leaves. And the steady crunch of gravel under their boots was comforting. But, in the peaceful tread, she felt dread creeping up on her uninvited.

As they ascended higher, the smell of moist soil gave way to the crispness of the thinning air, tinged with the subtle aroma of alpine flowers. To distract herself from irrational fear, she said, "I have been wondering how did you find the family Meena planned to visit. Do you know why she was coming here that day or why she didn't?"

"Her parents mentioned it to me. And as to your other questions, I haven't a clue. But I want to know."

"Do you think it's related to her death?" She heaved with effort. Every breath reminded her of the trail's unforgiving nature. It didn't help that the air became thinner with every step upward.

"Do you want to rest?" he said instead of answering her question. "It's about half an hour more, but we can take a break. You look tired."

"What gave it away?" She tried to smile, but her breath caught in her throat when she saw something move behind Maalik.

She jumped and Maalik turned, but the bush went still. Neither of them moved for a heartbeat as they waited for someone or something to attack them from behind the leaves. They sighed in relief when nothing happened and it became clear that a small animal probably caused the movement.

"Is it just me or has it gotten dark suddenly?" Jahan looked up trying to glimpse the sun, but saw nothing. Only moments ago the sunlight filtered through the leaves had cast shadows among trees, but now, it was too dark for the daytime.

"Don't worry," Maalik's tone was calm. "It's not unusual. Clouds must have gathered overhead. Weather can change in an instant around these parts. Maybe resting isn't such a good idea, after all. We don't want to be outside if it starts raining."

They resumed their climb. With his help, she was able to continue and after a while, they reached their destination. The lone cabin stood surrounded by trees, under a canopy of branches that seemed to be reaching for each other.

A small porch with rocking chairs was the most inviting thing Jahan had seen. As soon as she saw it, she wanted to run to it and sit down. But Maalik stopped her.

Pulling her away, he said, "Stop, something isn't right. It's too quiet and I don't see smoke from the chimney."

"Maybe they're out," she said, not understanding his concern. Even if the owners weren't around, they could wait. They had hiked for hours, and she didn't see any reason why they couldn't sit on the perfectly comfortable-looking chairs.

"No, that's not it. Don't you feel anything?" He was still holding her back by the arm.

His tone stopped her and she moved closer to him. He was right. She had been too tired to think straight, but now that she paid attention, she noticed something odd. An overgrown hiking trail was one thing, but the cabin also appeared vacant.

"Let's check the other side."

Trying to make as little noise as possible they moved around the cabin. The front was even worse. There was a car in the driveway, but by the looks, it hadn't been used in years. Its flat tires, faded and peeled paint, body covered with rust and dust, in addition to the shattered windows told them the story of its slow and gradual decay.

The gravel driveway had disintegrated, making it apparent that no one had used it in years. But then why the cushions on the rocking chairs looked pristine and new?

"Don't you think the front and back sides of the cabin are different?" she whispered.

"You noticed?" he whispered back.

"What do you think we should do?" Jahan wasn't sure if they should knock on the door or retrace their steps down the mountain.

Maalik was thoughtful before saying, "Maybe approach from the back?"

He posed it as a question but didn't wait for her answer. She followed his brisk walk to the back porch of the cabin. Whether it was because of the heavy curtains or there wasn't anyone inside, the cabin was dark.

Maalik knocked on the door, and they waited.

Nothing happened.

Jahan became impatient. "Are you sure this is the place Meena wanted to visit? Maybe I was right and we lost our way." She looked around in anticipation. Her mind envisioned Meena arriving at the cabin alone. What was she even wanted to do here?

"Her father gave me the address. This is the right place and he might not have known why Meena was visiting this abandoned-looking place, but I can guess."

"You can?" This shocked Jahan because she had been racking her brain and coming up blank. Why would anyone live in a place like this to begin with?

"Yes, I have recalled who owns this place." He didn't look happy about it. "And I wish you hadn't followed me."

"Why? You think I might harm your friend. That's not very nice, Maalik." Boomed a voice behind them.

Jahan jumped and Maalik cursed.

They hadn't heard any footsteps, not a twig had stirred, and the woman had appeared out of thin air.

The newcomer chuckled. "Why do you you two look like you have seen a ghost? You are standing at my doorstep." She raised her brows as if to say, 'You were looking for me, and here I am.'

Jahan noticed how tense Maalik was, yet it didn't make her weary because the woman in front of them looked anything but dangerous. She wore traditional long black robes, adorned with cowrie shell embroidery. She also wore the intricately designed Khalpol. Jahan knew many women designed their headdresses and was impressed by hers. Chitrali shoes completed her traditional attire.

"Reshma, I didn't know you still lived here," Maalik said, his voice tense.

"Then who were you looking for?" Reshma said. "Or should I say what?"

The woman's smile didn't falter and Jahan had an odd realization; she liked making Maalik uncomfortable. And not for the first time, she wondered who Reshma was. She looked to be in her fifties. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, seemed to miss nothing, and there was a grace in her movements that spoke of a life once lived with purpose. Jahan's curiosity grew; what secrets did this enigmatic woman hold? And how were they connected to the mystery that brought them all here?

As the silence grew, Jahan took the lead. "Excuse him. Maalik seems to have lost his manners. I'm Jahan and we hoped to talk to someone who lived here. If that's you, then we were looking for you."

"Ah, so it's about Meena." The woman guessed. But how she reached that conclusion was unclear to Jahan.

"Let's go," Maalik took Jahan's hand and tried to walk around Reshma, who stood between them and the porch stairs.

"What's your hurry?" Reshma said and cackled.

For the first time, Jahan became scared of the older woman, who had appeared friendly until then. Now, she looked at them with menace. Not understanding the change in the woman's mood, Jahan could do nothing but stare with anticipation.

Maalik's jaw was clenched and his grip on Jahan's tightened. Yet, he said nothing.

"You shouldn't have come here," Reshma said. "You shouldn't have returned. I warned you. You did this. And whatever happens next, will also be your fault. Remember it."

As if on cue the clouds thundered, making Jahan shiver. Hot tears welled up in her eyes and she didn't understand her intense reaction to Reshma's accusation. She knew the woman could only be talking to Maalik, but for a brief moment, she felt like Reshma was accusing her.

"Maalik," she whispered and hated the tremble in her voice.

"We're leaving," he said as if declaring it to the world.

Reshma bowed and stepped aside. The gesture made Jahan sigh in relief, and they left without a backward glance.