Mr. and Mrs. Ashwin had recently shifted from their old apartment in Lucknow. Now, they were preparing to move to a new posting in a small town named Phek, in Nagaland.
Venkat Ashwin, a military hospital doctor serving at a sub-junior post, and his wife, Sheena Ashwin, a school teacher, were packing up with the help of their three daughters.
The eldest, Padmini (12), the middle one, Priyadarshini (8), and the youngest, Suyanshi (3), were all busy sorting their belongings.
"Did you check the environment of your new posting?" asked Mrs. Ashwin.
"Well, it's a small town located in the mid-range hills," replied Mr. Ashwin. "It's sparsely populated, and there's only one military hospital within a 100 km radius. So, my workload could either be heavier or lighter—I'm not sure yet."
"Is there fog, Mumma?" Priya asked curiously.
"Yes, Priya. It's a hilly area, so there will definitely be fog."
"Yay!" Priya cheered.
"Padmini, did you finish packing?" asked Mr. Ashwin.
"Why are we leaving this house, Papa? We've been living here for so long—ever since you joined military service," Padmini said, a little emotional.
"I know, dear," said Mr. Ashwin gently. "But I serve my country. I have to go wherever I'm needed."
"But why not Delhi, Mumbai, or Bengaluru? Why the North-East? That place makes me feel lonely… and scared," she murmured.
"Don't worry, my little girl," said Mr. Ashwin, smiling. "There will be a big house for us there. Look at your little sister Suyanshi—she's not complaining about anything."
"She's only three years old, Papa," Padmini replied, and everyone laughed.
Soon, everything was packed, and the family headed toward the railway station.
Mr. Ashwin was a down-to-earth man. He enjoyed traveling with local people in trains and often struck up casual conversations with strangers.
They hired a taxi and loaded their luggage on the roof.
The taxi driver was quite the character. "Oho! Come on, make some noise for the desi boys!" he said loudly. "I'll take you anywhere—from hell to heaven, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, from Earth to the sky! Just say the word!"
"I just want to reach Lucknow Railway Station safely," said Mr. Ashwin, smiling politely.
"Ha! That's easy-peasy! Come on, everyone, hop in. Your journey starts nowww!"
After a few minutes of nonstop chatter, Mrs. Ashwin snapped, "Just shut up and drive carefully!"
They arrived at the railway station half an hour early. Mr. Ashwin checked his watch, paid the driver, and the family moved toward the platform and found seats in the waiting area.
25 minutes later…
An old woman appeared from the crowd. Her white hair was wild and messy, and her saree was filthy and torn. She walked straight toward Mrs. Ashwin and muttered, "Food… food…"
Feeling sympathetic, Mrs. Ashwin handed her a packet of snacks.
The woman suddenly threw the snacks on the ground and screamed, "I want flesh! I want human flesh! Give me human flesh! Give me! Give me!"
Priya and Padmini froze in terror. The old woman started biting her own lips and howled, "Don't go there! You'll be in trouble! There's nothing good waiting for you. Don't go there, my love…"
As she lunged toward Mrs. Ashwin, Mr. Ashwin rushed in and pushed the woman back.
She stumbled—and disappeared into the crowd.
Just then, the train arrived. The family, still shaken, boarded silently.
"Papa… are you sure it's safe to go there?" Padmini asked nervously.
"Yes, dear," Mr. Ashwin reassured her. "There's nothing to worry about. Sit quietly, put your earphones on, and enjoy the ride."
The kids nodded and tried to relax, but Mr. Ashwin couldn't shake off what had just happened.
Something didn't feel right.