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The morning sun peeked through the curtains of a neatly organized bedroom. A boy lay asleep under a soft blanket, his breathing calm and slow. His name was Akhil.
He had jet-black hair, a sharp jawline, and fair skin. His build was a little slim, but his face had an innocent charm. His closed eyes hinted at someone who dreamed big, and the trophies on the shelf beside him spoke of discipline and hard work. Cricket medals, debate trophies, and academic shields—he was the kind of boy any parent would be proud of.
The room was tidy and warm. Posters of space and adventure films hung on the walls, along with a softboard full of pinned timetables, sticky notes, and doodles. A photo frame stood near his bed: his family smiling together.
The door creaked open. A woman in her early forties walked in—Meena, his mother.
She smiled lovingly at the sight of her sleeping son. "Akhil, happy birthday, betu! Now wake up! Don't be lazy, or you'll be late for school!"
Akhil blinked open his eyes and smiled. "Thank you, mummy…" he said sleepily.
From outside the room, a deeper, slightly groggy voice called out, "He woke up? Happy birthday, Akhil." It was T.R. Verma, his father, entering with a proud grin.
"Thanks, Papa!" Akhil sat up, rubbing his eyes.
"Happy birthday, brother…" a sleepy voice echoed from the bed across the room. It was Nikhil, his elder brother, just past 20, still curled under his blanket.
Meena turned to Nikhil. "Come help me in the kitchen."
"Yes, yes…" Nikhil grumbled, rolling out of bed.
Akhil jumped up and rushed to the bathroom. A few minutes later, in crisp school uniform and polished shoes, he emerged from the room, adjusting his backpack.
"Okay, I'm leaving!" he called out.
"Come back soon!" his mother replied from the kitchen.
Akhil dashed out, running down a narrow stone path that led from his house to the main road.
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Scene Change – Manali Mall Road
Akira stood silently at the bus stop. His eyes scanned left, then right, observing people with his usual calculating stare.
Suddenly, someone bumped into him from behind.
"Oh! I'm sorry, my mistake," the boy said, panting lightly. It was Akhil.
Akira looked at him, silently measuring him. Akhil offered a small, polite smile before boarding the bus. "Thanks for forgiving."
As the bus drove off, Akira's lips curled slightly.
"Interesting…" he murmured.
He turned and began walking towards the bustling Mall Road of Manali. It was lively—filled with tourists, children, and street performers. People were clicking selfies, laughing, holding shopping bags and cotton candy.
Akira sat on a bench near a chaat stall. He stared at the joyful crowd, unmoving.
"I can't wait... but I should control myself. I need to choose the right sheep to hunt."
His lips curled into a sinister grin.
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Scene Change – Japan
John sat hunched over his desk, eyes fixed on a video recording looping endlessly on his laptop.
He slammed his fist on the table and shouted, "Why can't I find any clue?!"
He stood up and, in a fit of rage, threw the laptop against the wall. Pieces scattered across the floor.
"Kento… I'm sorry," he whispered.
A knock interrupted the silence.
"Come in," John said coldly.
A man in a hat entered. "She went to school today. She looks… fine."
John nodded. "Thanks. You can leave."
As the man turned, he glanced at the shattered laptop and smirked. "Still thinking about Akira, huh?" He laughed and exited, closing the door behind him.
John looked around his cluttered room—trash, clothes, and empty bottles were everywhere.
"I should clean my room today," he muttered.
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Scene Change – School, Manali
Akhil sat in his classroom, a warm smile lighting up his face.
His classmate nudged him. "Nice day, right? Birthday boy, what are your plans?"
Before Akhil could reply, the school bell rang.
He stood up with his bag and said, "I'm going to meet someone."
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Scene Change – Market
Akira remained seated, watching people pass by. His eyes narrowed as he saw a familiar group walking through a nearby shop—Akhil's family, carrying birthday items: cake, balloons, decorations.
"Target spotted…" Akira whispered. "Now I just have to follow."
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Scene Change – Outside Restaurant
Akhil waited near a three-star restaurant called "Himalaya Haven." He checked his watch.
Suddenly, two girls ran up behind him.
One of them, Ritika, taller and energetic, slapped his back playfully. "So! You're giving us a birthday party, huh?"
The other, Kritika, shorter and more gentle, laughed. "Ritika! Don't hit him on his birthday!"
Akhil chuckled. "It's fine. Come on, let's go inside."
They ordered food and began eating happily.
"How's the party?" Akhil asked.
"Pretty good, bro!" both replied in unison.
Ritika teased, "What about tonight?"
Akhil smiled. "Spending time with family, of course."
They all laughed and continued chatting. After a while, Akhil checked his watch. "It's already 5 PM... I should leave. The bill's already paid."
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Scene Change – Evening, Path to Home
Akhil walked the same road he had taken that morning, but this time his steps were slower. A strange feeling settled in his chest—an odd silence, a hollow sense of something missing.
He reached home.
The front gate was slightly open.
He frowned. "That's weird…"
He stepped inside. The lights were off. The main door was unlocked.
"Maybe it's a surprise party," he thought.
He pushed the door and entered the living room.
"Happy birthday to you… Happy birthday to you…" sang a deep, eerie voice.
The lights flicked on.
Akhil froze.
His eyes widened in horror.
His entire family was dead.
His father was slumped on the sofa, blood pooling beneath him. His mother lay on the floor, eyes wide open in shock. His brother was hanging over a chair, lifeless.
And there, sitting on top of their bodies, casually licking the blood from a knife… was Akira.
"Happy birthday, Akhil," Akira whispered, smiling darkly.
Akhil dropped his schoolbag. His knees weakened. The world blurred.
"Y-You…" he gasped.
Akira stood up slowly, stepping over the corpses. "You are Akhil?I remember you.. you looked so innocent… so perfect. I just had to destroy you."
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