Part 1

6
th January, 2002

“Don’t react or say anything” said the voice inside my head, a constant presence since my birth. We all
have this inner voice, a mysterious companion we often overlook, yet rely on the most.
Nevertheless, I couldn't resist the urge to reply. "jaane do mujhe," I uttered and that was probably my
biggest mistake ever!

5 minutes ago

Am I awake?, I can’t feel anything, but my eyes caught the dim glow of a night bulb, the reflection of me
in the mirror across my room and the tape recorder on my table. Why was it on? I knew my eyes were
still closed. Was this a dream, a lucid dream?
No, it was becoming increasingly clear that it was a nightmare, one that was about to unfold.

Present

The next thing I knew, I suddenly lost control of my body. It was as if an invisible force was yanking me,
constricting my neck with a painful grip. Please chhordo, what are you? I was not saying out this loud, it
was still, my inner voice asking itself! I felt like someone muted me.
My attempts to scream were futile, leaving me gasping for air and pleading for help in silence. The
mysterious force didn't show any signs of sympathy; if anything, it was indifferent to...