Suddenly his eyes opened, and he found himself in the middle of a forest. It was a dark, moonless night, and he had no idea how he had reached there. He looked around, and all he could see was trees and darkness He could hear low shrieking sounds of different animals and some shining eyes behind the bushes. He knew he was trapped. He did not know where to run. He tried to get up and found out that his legs were tied with the vines of the old trees around him. He could feel as if the trees were staring at him for disturbing their peace. The shrieking sound grew. He tried to release his legs from the strong clutches of the vines, but the more he tried, the more he was getting tangled in it. He could hear the rustling of dried leaves and looked towards it. There was no motion in that direction. Slowly he tried to slide towards the side and in the meantime was trying to remove the vines from his legs. He looked around for anything which could help him in escaping, but there was nothing except for vines and dry leaves. He was still confused as to what was this place. He had never been to this place. He did not see any option to escape from this situation when suddenly he saw someone in front of him.

'Who... Who are you?' She stood there silently looking at him.

'Are you...'

Before he could complete the sentence, she flew near him and looked in his eyes. She slowly tilted her head towards left, then to right. Slowly, he also followed the movement of her head as she did. Her face had the innocence of a child. She had doe eyes, sharp nose and beautiful lips. She said nothing and in a flash; she swept him away from that location and they were standing in a location near the bank of a lake. He knew the place. This lake was near his town. He thought, what was he doing here and who is she? While he kept on thinking, he saw her sliding over the lake and looking at him. He could not understand what happened when she suddenly came near him, and her facial expression changed. Big hollow eyes and nose, mouth wide open, face entirely wrinkled, her clothes suddenly changed from pure white to tattered dusty covered in blood. She came near him and let out an ear-deafening shout. He could not bear it and fell on the ground. He saw her flying around the lake. As he was looking at her with a horrifying look, suddenly the entire area became dark and after that, and his eyes opened.

He was lying on the bed sweating as he saw the fan moving slowly with a creaking sound. It was 2:19 am. He got up from the bed and moved towards the kitchen to get some cold water. He bent down a bit and opened the refrigerator door, removed a bottle and closed the door. As he stood straight, he realised someone was behind him. He could feel the warm breath on his neck. He stood still for a moment. Slowly he tilted his head towards left. He could see a dark shadow behind him. He adjusted his vision to see the reflection of what was behind him; he saw there was nothing behind him. As he turned around, he was startled and fell back as he saw someone standing in front of him. He shook in fear. He lost his voice; the bottle fell from his left-hand splashing water everywhere. He was on the floor trying to go back, but his back was stuck to the refrigerator. It was the same lady who came in his dream. Was that a dream or is this a dream? He could say nothing. The lady came nearer, and he could see her face. She had tears in her eyes, and she wanted to say something, but her voice was inaudible.

'Wh... What is it?' Abhay spoke slowly, looking at her.

She was trying to say something. She started flying around the room, throwing away objects and after some time she vanished in thin air, leaving Abhay lying in a pool of water with all the mess around created by her.

Suddenly his eyes opened, and he realised he was dreaming once again. He got up and checked the kitchen Everything was spotlessly clean. After that, he retired to his bed, but could not sleep, and he realised the sun was coming out, and he heard the chirping of the birds. He got up, had his cup of coffee and started getting ready for his office. He was still confused regarding the dream.

Abhay had his first dream when he was 5-year-old. He was so afraid and depressed that he had to be taken for counselling. But the dreams never stopped, and he made a pact with the dreams. He realised that these are not normal dreams. He could see what others could never see. He had the vision. His counsellor dismissed it as dreadful nightmares. He was on medication for a long time but still; the dreams kept on coming till he was twelve, when he understood what those dreams were. One evening he was coming back from his friend's place when he saw some police cars in front of a house. He stopped over to see what has happened. He saw the police taking a middle-aged man in handcuffs.

What is happening?' He asked a bystander.

'I don't know much, but heard that the police are taking him for questioning for his involvement in the murder of his wife whom he had reported missing a few days ago.'

Abhay stood there looking at the house. He was surprised by the involvement of the husband, but he did not express it. He knew about the murder, but he was not sure whether it was the husband or someone else. Once, while Abhay was coming back, he saw the lady standing outside on the balcony. Suddenly, her husband came and shouted at her to go inside. Abhay stood there for some time and thought about the lady. She never came outside. They never attended any parties, they both never used to go to any place together. Everywhere the man only used to go, including doing all the outside household chores. They remained aloof from their neighbours as well.

A few weeks ago, Abhay had a vision where he saw a lady covered in blood lying near a lake. It was a blurred dream but he, along with his friend, Vipul, were able to stitch all the pieces together and were able to realise that a murder had taken place in their town and they need to report it. They posted an anonymous letter to the police station informing them about the location of the body. Just a few days back before the letter, the husband had reported a missing complaint about his wife. The police were desperate for a clue and checked the location, and they found the body. It was an age-old lake, and no one visited the area as it was densely surrounded by forests and wild animals. Abhay could only tell the police about the body. He could not decrypt his entire vision.

Investigation started. The proof showed the murderer to be the husband, and that day while Abhay was returning he saw the police taking the husband for questioning. In a few days, the police got a confession from the husband, and certain eye witness stated seeing him carrying a heavy black bag in his car. The police filed a fool-proof charge sheet against the husband, and through the quick trial, the judge awarded him with life imprisonment. The husband never appealed in the higher courts and accepted the punishment, which further cemented the fact he had killed his wife.

The police revealed nothing about the letter, but they were thankful for the tip. In the coming years, Abhay and Vipul became their anonymous source who would provide them with important information. The police never tried to find them. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) was happy, as some unsolved cases were getting solved. Years passed, and the OC changed, but the information kept on coming, and cases were getting solved.

15 years have passed, and Abhay still has those visions. But this vision seemed to be persistent. This was different. He felt as it was like a dream inside a dream. I should stop watching Hollywood movies. Abhay worked as a senior hardware service manager for a multinational company. He preferred spending time with machines rather than people. He had no friends in the office, and people in the office thought of him as the strange guy. People were apprehensive about going to him for any hardware support, but as he was the best in his job, people reluctantly used to go to him. Abhay started for his office, but his mind was clouded by the last night's dream. I have to talk to Vipul.

With this, he messaged him, 'Meet me at our place at 8 pm tonight. I have a new one.'

He received a message, 'Ok, see you in the evening.'

Thinking about it, he punched his card and moved towards his cubicle and got busy with his daily work.

The bar was overcrowded. Abhay and Vipul were sitting in the corner of the bar. They kept the beers on the table, and they sat quietly. Abhay had informed him regarding the dream.

'Listen, Vipul. This is serious. I know the lake. This was the same lake where the police had found her.'

'Are you sure, Abhay? How can it be possible? No one visits that place.' asked a surprised Vipul.

'Exactly Vipul. That made the place a safe haven for someone to dispose of the dead body.' informed Abhay.

'So, what do you intend to do, Abhay? As usual, shall we inform the police?' asked Vipul.

He thought for some time and said, 'Let's go there ourselves. I don't know, but I am getting a feeling that this is not just an ordinary murder case.'

'Are you sure? We have always stayed anonymous and have helped the police to solve many cases. Why should we risk ourselves this time?' questioned Vipul.

'Listen Vipul, I understand your concern, but this time I feel like we have to get involved and solve it.' said a persistent Abhay.

Vipul had no other option than agreeing to Abhay. Vipul works as an IT analyst in the same MNC where Abhay works and prefers slaying demons and zombies in his Xbox console rather than fighting them in real lives.

'Even though I do not agree to you, but I do not have any option except for agreeing to be a part of your madness. I have been a part of your madness since so many years as well.' said Vipul with a laugh as they cheered their glasses.

'I have thought about it, and tomorrow night we would visit that place.' said Abhay.

With this Abhay finished his beer, called for the bill and said, 'You are paying this time.'

Vipul just looked at him and paid the bill.

They parked the car in front of the dense forest. They looked around and moved inside the jungle. They clicked their lights on and moved towards the jungle. The jungle was off-limits to all, but there was no one guarding the jungle except for the animals.

'You have been here so many times, but this is the first time you are coming here in real.' Started Vipul.

Abhay remained quiet as he was trying to concentrate on the route. They moved through thick dense trees, overgrown grasses and hanging vines all over which looked like snakes hanging all around. They could smell the damp earth amalgamated with old fallen leaves. The earthy smell had a calming effect on both of them. They cut through the vines and moved towards their destination. After some time, they reached an open area. The aroma of the forest was sweet. The lake reflected the moonlight, which looked like a thick sheet of silver covered the lake. It was soothing and yogi still. The lake made a faint splashing sound when it hit the banks. The thistles pricking his leg broke his thought, and he looked around for any clue. The owl hooted, and they could even hear the distant howls of animals. The place was not at all safe for anyone. At the other end, Abhay saw a slight disturbance in the lake's stillness at an end and pointed Vipul towards it.

'Vipul over there.' said Abhay.

They both ran towards that part. They stood on the bank of the lake and tried to look inside.

'I have to go inside.' said Abhay.

'Are you mad, Abhay? Let us inform the police and get them to handle this.' said Vipul.

'We have been doing it always, but this time I felt as if the spirit was requesting me to search for it.' said Abhay.

With it, Abhay dived into the lake. He went a bit deep inside it and looked for any clue which could help him. After some time, he came gasping for breath. He was panting when he came out of the lake. He sat on a rock and said nothing.

What is it, Abhay? Did you find anything?' questioned Vipul.

'I don't know, but I felt like there is something beneath the lake. We should talk to our friend in the police.' said Abhay.

A pair of eyes looked at them from within the dense forest. The eyes did not move until Abhay and Vipul left the place.

'Hello officer, how are you?' said Abhay.

'Who is it?' questioned Inspector Madhav in a grave tone.

'Sir, I think you know us.' said Abhay. With it, Abhay introduced him to Madhav.

'Ah ha, finally I get to talk to the Ghostbuster. You were always a ghost informer for our department, and I never expected that I would be the lucky one to meet you in real.' Madhav joked as he started the conversation.

'This time it's actually very serious, and I have some vital information which I want to share it with you.' said Abhay.

'Ok, meet me tonight at Anarkali bar at 8 pm.' said Madhav.

Madhav had been in this station for some time. He has been handling the area quite well and is quite famous for his strictness and honesty. He had been involved in many critical cases and has solved in successfully some with the help of Abhay and some on his own. Initially, he was sceptical about taking help from some anonymous source but looking at the trust of the department, he had decided to trust the source and the source never failed him. But today it was different. The source wanted to meet him in person. It is serious.

The bar was crowded as usual. People from all sections come here to enjoy their evening drinks along with the dance by girls. The shady blue light covered the entire bar along with the heavy music playing from the speakers which have seen far better days than now. The walls were covered with glass and the girls danced on a stage at the corner of the bar. Abhay and Vipul never liked to visit such places, but they had no option but to meet Madhav here. They came inside and saw Madhav sitting in the corner having his drink.

'Hello officer, how are you?' said Abhay.

Madhav was surprised at seeing two young guys standing in front of him. Dressed in casuals, they looked no more than 30.

'You are the ghostbuster. You both are just kids' Madhav was actually surprised looking at them.

'Excuse me, officer, I know we look young, but we are not that young.' said Abhay with a smile.

Madhav grinned and asked them to sit.

'So, finally, we met. I never expected that I would get to meet you during my service time. So you both send those notes, and how do you get the information?' said Madhav.

'Yes, we both do. He is my friend Vipul. He has been with me since childhood, and he knows about it all. We both have been together in it for many years. Tonight before giving you the vital information, I would like to tell you about our source of information.' said Abhay.

'So why did you not go your old-fashioned way?' questioned Madhav in his usual police mannerism.

'This case is different. I think the spirit wants me to solve it.' said Abhay in a low voice.

Madhav let out a huge laugh, 'What did you say? Spirit. Are you trying to scare me, kid?'

'I know you won't believe me but let me start.' said Abhay.

With it, he started informing all about his past experiences, how he came to understand his dreams and used it to solve crimes and help the police. In the end, there was sweat on the forehead of Madhav, and he gulped down his remaining whisky in a single shot.

' You are serious, right?' asked Madhav.

'You really think we are here to joke with a senior police officer.' said Vipul respectfully in a low tone.

'So, what do you want from me?' asked Madhav.

A faint smile spread across the face of Abhay, and he started, 'Information about any missing lady.'

'Sorry, Abhay, but I can't help you with it. Even if we have information, we can't provide you with it.' said Madhav sternly.

'Please officer, it's important. At least if we can go through some photographs of the missing girls, we would be very grateful towards you.' said Abhay.

After some thought, Madhav said, 'Ok, I am helping you because of times you had helped us for solving the cases. Come to the station tomorrow at 10 am, and I will show you some photographs. But only photographs and after that, you are on your own and you have to inform me about all the details.'

'Done, officer. See you at 10 am tomorrow.' said Abhay.

But Madhav never realised that this was the start of an epic team which would solve many cases in coming time.

There were some photographs with Madhav when Abhay and Vipul arrived. Without wasting any more time, he showed them the photos. Abhay inspected them carefully. Suddenly he saw a picture and was startled.

'She is the lady I wanted to talk about, sir. Who is she?' asked Abhay.

Madhav looked at the picture and went outside to bring the file. He did not want others to know about Abhay and Vipul and how Madhav was working with them. After some time, he came back with a file. He started to read it.

'Her name is Sheena. Her husband had come here a few days ago to lodge an official complaint about her. She had gone to her office and never came back. Her husband has been coming here every day to ask for an update. Now I think we all know what happened to her.' said Madhav with a tone of tension.

'Yes, sir, but why was she so determined about me going ahead with solving the mystery. I think we can solve the entire mystery once we go to that place.' said Abhay.

'Do you know the place?' enquired Madhav.

'Yes sir, not just me everyone in your department is aware of the place. That place is famous... or I can say quite infamous for one of the most gruesome murders this town had ever seen. Please, get your team and especially divers as we have to get inside a lake.' said Abhay.

With this, he gave the location and also followed with Madhav to the site. It took hours for the entire lake to be searched as they found seven decomposed, bloated dead bodies inside the lake. It shocked the entire team. This was not some murder case, it was a case of serial killing. They put all the bodies in separate body bags and sent for postmortem.

Madhav came to Abhay and said, 'I think this is why that spirit was asking you to solve it. It seems like a case of some cold-blooded psycho killer.'

They all looked at the bodies being packed into the body bags.

Abhay and Vipul sat in the office the next day as Madhav was out talking to a constable. After some time, he came back with some files.

'The autopsy reports are in. It was not easy to identify all the bodies found in the lake. All the bodies were decomposed beyond recognition. The team were able to connect the samples collected from the body with the DNA collected from the missing person's home. They were able to identify the bodies. We have informed all their family members, but what now remains to find who is behind all this?' said Madhav.

'We would like to help you with it.' said Vipul.

Madhav looked at them both. Except for the dreams, how else these two young boys can help him. 'Ok, tell me how you want to start?'