Love is a Curse

A story of two people who were born for love...

But hidden behind that love is a curse.

Not every love story begins beautifully. Some loves begin with a simple introduction. Some begin with friendship. And some begin with an incident that changes an entire life.

This is one such story.

A boy...

A girl...

The love that begins between them is about to change their lives forever.

But one day, he discovers a truth—the death of the girl he loves more than his own life is written by her hands.

He cannot leave her. He cannot hate her. He cannot stay away from her.

Because she is his entire world.

But every moment he spends close to her brings him one step closer to his death.

Why is his death written in her hands? Will she really be the one to kill him?

A mystery that enters their lives is about to uncover not only the truth behind their love, but also the dark past of an entire village.

Is their love truly a blessing? Or is it a curse that has been haunting generations?

To find out...

Step into this story.

PART 1

Time: 5:30 PM

Secunderabad Railway Station

As always, Secunderabad Railway Station was crowded with passengers. Trains were arriving and departing on one side, while the noise of passengers, announcements, and tea vendors filled the station with chaos. Amid all that commotion, six friends were sitting together in one corner, discussing what they should do.

There were three boys in the group—Sanjay, Sai, and Uday—and two girls—Bhargavi and Manasa. Sitting among them was Shivansh.

He was twenty years old, friendly by nature, and extremely close to his friends. Since their college had given them holidays that day, they had decided to go somewhere together. But even after discussing it for nearly two hours, they still hadn’t decided where to go.

Hey... how long are we going to sit here like this? Sanjay asked impatiently.

Exactly! Someone suggest a place. Let’s just go somewhere, Uday said.

Just then, Shivansh placed the water bottle in his hand beside him and looked at everyone with a smile.

Guys... anyway, college has given us holidays, right? Let’s plan a proper trip. This time, we should all go somewhere together.

Okay! everyone said at the same time.

But immediately, Bhargavi made a thoughtful face. Fine... but where?

It should be somewhere new, Sai said.

Bhargavi suddenly looked at Shivansh and smiled. I know a place.

Where? Manasa asked.

We’ve all visited our respective hometowns. We’ve seen everyone’s villages and had fun. But... She deliberately paused for a moment. None of us has ever seen Shivansh’s hometown.

Everyone’s eyes immediately turned towards Shivansh.

Yeah! Sai said. That’s true. We’ve been to everyone’s hometowns, but we still don’t even know where yours is.

This time, let’s go there, Uday said.

Shivansh simply smiled and shook his head.

How will we go? I don’t even know where my hometown is.

What? Sanjay asked in surprise.

Yes, guys. You know my parents come to college to see me. But they’ve never taken me to our hometown. I’ve been raised at my uncle’s house since I was a child. I don’t even know what my hometown looks like. I don’t even know where it is.

There was no humor in his voice. A faint sadness lingered behind his words.

Bhargavi slowly asked, You mean... you don’t even know your own hometown?

Shivansh nodded. No.

For a few moments, everyone fell silent.

Then Uday spoke. That is true. But then, how are we supposed to find the address?

Your uncle knows, right? Sai asked. Let’s ask him.

Sanjay immediately interrupted. If he was willing to tell you, wouldn’t he have taken Shivansh to his hometown all these years?

That’s true, Manasa said. Let’s make some other plan. Why struggle this much just for this trip?

Shivansh also nodded. That’s better. Except for my uncle, nobody knows our address. Even if we ask him, he won’t tell us. Let’s choose another place.

What other place? Sai immediately said. We’ll go to your hometown ourselves.

Sanjay laughed. Then where are you going to get the address from?

Manasa immediately pointed at Shivansh. He’ll take us.

Bhargavi and Uday burst out laughing.

Shivansh laughed too. Even if we ask my uncle, he won’t tell us.

He won’t tell us if we ask, Sai said quietly.

Everyone looked at Sai.

But we can find out without asking, right?

How? Uday asked.

Bhargavi immediately laughed. This guy knows black magic! If he performs a couple of spells, Shivansh’s uncle himself will come and give us the address.

Everyone burst into laughter.

But Sai didn’t laugh. There was something thoughtful in his eyes.

Shivansh suddenly became silent too.

Address... he thought to himself.

Then, a spark appeared in his eyes.

Wait a minute...

What happened? Manasa asked.

My uncle has a habit.

What habit?

He writes a diary every day. Whatever happens, wherever he goes... he writes everything down. That diary is with me now.

He immediately opened his bag and took out an old-looking diary.

Everyone gathered around him.

Shivansh opened the first page. There were some old writings on it. As he was reading, he suddenly stopped at one particular place.

What is this?

On the very first page was an old photograph of a goddess. Behind the photograph, the name of a village was written.

Ramapuram Ammavaru.

Ramapuram... Shivansh slowly read.

That must be your hometown! Sai said.

Shivansh carefully looked at the photograph in the diary.

There is also something written here about a big temple. But...

But what? Sanjay asked.

It says this temple was closed when I was born. And it was never opened again.

The moment he said that, everyone looked at one another.

Why? Manasa asked.

Shivansh shook his head. I don’t know. There is nothing else about it in the diary.

Then if we find the address of this temple, we’ll know the address of the village too, right? Sai asked.

Shivansh nodded. Yes. But I don’t know if anyone still remembers this temple.

At that very moment, an old man was walking past them. His eyes fell on the photograph of the goddess in the diary.

He suddenly stopped.

He stood there for a long moment, staring at the photograph.

Ramapuram Ammavaru...?

Shivansh immediately looked up.

Grandfather... do you know this goddess?

The old man came closer.

Shivansh handed the diary to him.

The old man looked at the photograph and slowly nodded.

I know her, son.

Is this temple in Ramapuram?

Yes, son.

A look of happiness appeared in Shivansh’s eyes.

Really, grandfather?

Yes. It is in Ramapuram. That is our Zamindar’s village. I am from the same village too.

Are you going to Ramapuram?

Yes, son. I go there all the time.

Shivansh suddenly smiled.

Then... will you take me to Ramapuram too, grandfather?

The old man smiled. Oh... does one need luck for that, son? Of course, I’ll take you.

We’ll all come, grandfather.

Come, son.

Just then, the sound of a moving train could be heard in the distance.

The old man pointed towards the railway track. There, son... that train is going towards Ramapuram. Come.

Shivansh smiled. You go and sit, grandfather. I’ll bring my friends.

Alright, son.

The old man walked ahead.

Shivansh ran back towards his friends.

Guys... we’re going!

Where? everyone asked at the same time.

Ramapuram! To my hometown!

Happiness immediately appeared on everyone’s faces.

A village they had never known about until then had suddenly become a journey waiting for them.

They bought their tickets and boarded the train.

The train began to move.

Sitting beside the window, Shivansh looked outside with a smile.

What will my hometown be like?

For the first time, a small sense of excitement filled his heart.

Sanjay played some songs. Sai began teasing everyone. Bhargavi and Manasa started taking photographs. Uday began recording a trip video.

That night, they all said the same thing.

We’re going to Ramapuram and having the time of our lives.

But they had no idea...

The journey they had begun with so much happiness was about to open a chapter in their lives from which they would never be able to return.

The Next Morning — 7:00 AM

The train stopped at Ramapuram Station.

One by one, everyone got down.

It wasn’t a big city. It was a small, quiet station, with green fields stretching into the distance. The morning mist had not completely disappeared yet.

Shivansh stood there for a few moments, looking around.

Is this... my hometown?

Happiness was visible on his face.

Just then, his phone rang.

He thought about calling his father, but immediately changed his mind.

No... I’ll go home and surprise them.

The old man walked ahead, showing them the way.

Come, son.

They all began walking behind him.

A narrow path ran through the green fields. The sounds of birds filled the air. The morning breeze was cool.

Everyone enjoyed the beauty of nature around them.

Then they noticed a little boy playing along the way.

The old man called him.

Come here, son...

The boy came closer.

The old man took a chocolate from his pocket and placed it in the boy’s hand.

Son... do you know where the Zamindar’s house is?

The boy immediately nodded.

Yes, grandfather.

Can you take us there?

Come.

The boy started walking ahead.

They followed him.

After walking for a while, a large house came into view.

A man was standing in front of the house, looking as though he had just returned from the fields. He washed his hands and feet and was about to go inside.

Shivansh suddenly stopped.

There was happiness in his eyes.

Dad...!

The man immediately turned around.

It was Satya.

The moment he saw his son standing before him, happiness flashed across his face.

But that happiness lasted only for a moment.

Then his expression changed into fear.

Shivansh...?

Dad!

Shivansh happily ran towards him.

But Satya stepped back.

Why did you come here?

Shivansh smiled.

Surprise, Dad! We all came on a trip. I wanted to see my hometown...

Leave this place immediately!

The smile on Shivansh’s face disappeared at once.

His friends also looked at one another.

What, Dad...?

Go back.

But why?

Satya’s voice trembled.

For all these years, we’ve stopped you from coming to this village. Why did you come back now?

I didn’t even know where this village was, Dad. I came here with my friends...

Who brought you here? How did you find out about this village?

How did you come without telling your uncle? his father asked.

My uncle doesn’t know, Dad... I didn’t even know the address of this village. But I found it in his diary.

Everyone standing there suddenly fell silent.

I didn’t even know where this village was, Dad.

Sanjay stepped forward.

Uncle... you saw your son after all these years, and you’re not even asking if he’s alright. You’re telling him to leave. We came all the way here.

Manasa also spoke sadly.

Yes, Uncle. You’re not even asking us to come inside.

As they spoke, a woman came out of the house.

Vasantha.

Shivansh’s mother.

The moment she saw her son, happiness filled her eyes.

Shiva...!

She took a step towards him.

But immediately, fear appeared on her face too.

Why... why did you come here?

Shivansh looked at her sadly.

Mom... you’re asking me the same thing too? I’m your son, aren’t I?

Tears filled Vasantha’s eyes.

It’s not like that...

Then what is it?

I am your son, aren’t I?

Vasantha looked at him as though her heart had broken.

Why are you saying that, son...? she said, trying to come closer to him.

But Satya stopped her.

Vasantha...

You stay there, Shivansh,” Satya said. “It is not good for you to be here.

Why?

Because... if you stay here, we don’t even know whether you’ll survive.

Everyone was startled by those words.

What are you talking about? Sai asked.

Satya immediately looked at Vasantha.

Vasantha! Enough. Don’t say anything more.

Shivansh was shocked.

Mom... what are you saying?

Satya tried to control himself.

Nothing, son. You came, you saw us, right? Now you should go back.

No, Dad. I’m not going.

Shiva...

I came to my own hometown. I came to my parents’ house. Then why are you asking me to leave?

His voice became heavy.

No one answered.

Are you hiding something from me?

Vasantha lowered her head.

We aren’t hiding anything from you, son...

Then why can’t I stay here?

Sanjay also asked.

Can’t a son stay in his own hometown, Uncle?

Pain was visible in Manasa’s eyes.

We know how much he has suffered all these years because he wanted to come to his hometown.

Bhargavi, Sai, and Uday were also looking at Satya.

Tears rolled down Vasantha’s cheeks.

Do you think we weren’t suffering? We were suffering every single day too. But who knows our pain?

Shivansh walked towards her.

Then what happened, Mom?

Satya remained silent.

After a few moments, he finally spoke.

Some things are just like that, son... It is our fate. We cannot change it.

What kind of fate, Dad?

Satya didn’t answer.

Vasantha looked at her son and slowly said,

Shiva... you shouldn’t stay here.

Why?

Please...

No, Mom.

Tears filled Shivansh’s eyes.

For all these years, you kept me away from my hometown. Now my hometown is right in front of me. My parents are here. And even now, you’re going to send me back?

His voice broke.

I won’t go.

Satya silently looked at him.

Finally, Vasantha folded her hands.

Shiva...

No, Mom.

Please, son...

All his friends looked at him too.

Shivansh suddenly said firmly,

Then tell me! Do you want me to stay or leave?

No one spoke.

If you ask me to leave one more time... I swear, it’s as good as me being dead. As far as you are concerned, I’ll be dead. I will never come before you again.

The moment she heard those words, Vasantha trembled.

Why would you say something like that, son?

Satya was shocked too.

Why are you making such a promise?

Sanjay placed his hand on Shivansh’s shoulder.

Hey, idiot... why are you making such a promise over such a small thing?

Sai also said,

Calm down, bro. We’ll figure something out.

But Shivansh shook his head.

Just let me stay here. That’s all.

With tears in her eyes, Vasantha came closer and held his face in her hands.

You’re my dear son, aren’t you...? Try to understand us.

Sanjay spoke softly.

Uncle... please let him stay. We won’t stay for long.

Sai, Uday, Manasa, and Bhargavi also tried to convince her.

Only fifteen days, Aunty. Once the holidays are over, we’ll all leave.

Shivansh also said,

I’ll leave as soon as the holidays are over, Mom. I won’t come back here again. But please let me stay for these fifteen days.

Vasantha looked towards Satya.

Satya remained silent for a long time.

Finally, he slowly nodded.

Alright. Stay.

A small smile appeared on Shivansh’s face.

But Satya immediately added,

But there are some conditions.

Vasantha suddenly looked at Satya.

There was fear in her eyes.

Don’t...

Satya ignored her.

First condition... no one is allowed to step outside the gate of this house.

Shivansh looked at him in surprise.

What?

You are not even allowed to go into the backyard without informing us.

He paused for a moment before stating the second condition.

Second... no one is allowed to enter your grandfather’s room upstairs. Especially you.

Shivansh frowned.

My grandfather’s room?

Vasantha immediately changed the subject.

That is something you don’t need to know.

Sai couldn’t stop himself from asking.

Uncle... what’s inside that room?

Vasantha gave him a stern look.

That is none of your concern.

Shivansh was about to ask something when Satya stated the final condition.

Satya simply nodded.

Yes.

Why?

Satya gave no answer.

Shivansh looked towards his mother.

There were tears in Vasantha’s eyes.

He couldn’t understand anything.

But one thing was becoming clear to him.

There was a powerful reason why they had kept him away from this village all these years.

What that reason was...

No one was willing to tell him.

Finally, Shivansh slowly said,

Alright, Mom... I’ll stay these fifteen days the way you want me to.

But Vasantha was still afraid.

Satya... have you forgotten why we kept him away all these years? The day we’ve been waiting for is getting closer. Without Adi Parashakti’s grace, we—

Vasantha!

Satya stopped her in the middle of her sentence.

For a few moments, the two of them looked at each other.

Whatever has to happen will happen, Satya said.

Shivansh, however, couldn’t understand the real meaning behind their words.

He stepped inside the house.

His friends followed him inside.

But none of them knew...

That the fifteen days they were about to spend in this house would not be ordinary holidays.

From the locked room upstairs...

A faint sound was heard.

Tak...

As if someone had slowly walked on the other side of the door.

Shivansh immediately looked upstairs.

There was no one there.

But inside that locked room...

An old lamp that had remained unlit for many years...

lit up on its own.

END OF SCENE 1