The Hidden Door
Nine-year-old Meera, with her long, black hair braided with colorful ribbons, explored her grandmother's sprawling Haveli in Jaipur. The Haveli, a sprawling mansion, bustled with the sounds of her family preparing for the evening's celebrations. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She loved wandering through the labyrinthine corridors, her small fingers tracing intricate carvings on ancient wooden doors. Today, however, she felt a tug towards a particular tapestry, depicting a fierce tiger hunting amidst vibrant wildflowers. Curiosity bubbling inside her, she tugged gently at the edge of the tapestry. With a soft click, a section revealed a hidden door, its wooden surface worn smooth by time. Intrigued as she was, she hesitated. The air around the door seemed to hum with a strange energy. She glanced around. Nobody noticed her fascination as they were engrossed in their pre-festival chores and chatter. Should she open it? The thought of uncovering a secret sent a thrilling shiver down her spine. Taking a deep breath, Meera pushed the door ajar.
The Crimson Courtyard
The hidden door opened into a small, forgotten courtyard, bathed in the cool shade of a towering banyan tree. Its leaves rustled gently in the breeze, creating a soothing melody. The courtyard’s walls were made of deep crimson brick, almost startling in contrast to the Haveli’s brighter colors. A weathered stone fountain stood in the center, its basin cracked and dry. But what captured Meera's attention was an inscription etched into the fountain's base: a complex riddle written in ancient Rajasthani script. The words seemed to glow faintly. 'Only when the sun kisses the shadow of the peacock, will the path reveal its glow,' the riddle read. Meera frowned. What on earth did it mean? She carefully copied the riddle into her notebook. A peacock statue, its emerald and sapphire feathers vibrant despite the age, stood proudly guarding the western wall. As she studied the riddle with growing fascination, she noticed a strange pattern on the ground near the fountain—faintly etched symbols that seemed to respond to the sunlight. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Could solving this riddle lead her to an even greater mystery?
