Just then, a loud splash from the river startled them. They jumped back, realizing they didn’t know what they were dealing with. With racing hearts, they exchanged glances, unsure if they should run or stay. The evening air felt heavy with mystery as they wondered what secrets the river held that night. The moon cast long, eerie shadows. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist.
To Bhanu, it looked like a man, tall and imposing. But to Madhu, it appeared as a beautiful woman. The figure chuckled, a sound like rustling leaves. "I am a seducer," the entity said, its voice a low whisper. "I change form, shape and size to match your desires, your fears. A curse binds me to this form. "
Bhanu was startled. Madhu, however, was captivated. The entity's words held a strange allure. The entity then said, “I heard whispers. Krishnavenni, the girl you adore, is getting married. ” Madhu gasped. He loved Krishnavenni but she was marrying another man.
"I can change that," the entity continued, its voice drawing closer to Madhu. "I can make her fall for you again. ”
A shiver ran down Madhu's spine. It was as if the entity could read his deepest desires. "How? " Madhu whispered, his voice barely audible.
"There's a price," the entity replied. "Your memories. My magic will alter them, subtly, over time. You'll remember a different version of the past, one where Krishnavenni is yours. "
Bhanu, still shaken by the entity's sudden appearance, tried to pull Madhu away. "Madhu, this is crazy! Let's go! "
But Madhu was transfixed. The thought of being with Krishnavenni consumed him. He was desperate. The entity had described Krishnavenni with such vivid detail – a detail Madhu himself hadn't even remembered. How could it know so much?
"I agree," Madhu said, his voice trembling. The entity smiled, a chilling sight.
The entity raised a hand, and a shimmering mist enveloped Madhu. Bhanu screamed, trying to grasp his friend. The mist absorbed Madhu completely, leaving only a lingering scent of damp earth and decay. Bhanu backed away, stunned, unable to process what had happened. He didn't know if his friend was gone, lost to an illusion, or bound to a chilling bargain. He ran from the riverbank, the image of the changing entity burned into his mind. The night's adventure had turned into something far more sinister than he ever imagined. He was left with a chilling uncertainty; what version of reality would Madhu remember tomorrow? And more importantly, what would become of him?