Sri stepped onto the gravel driveway leading to her grandfather's secluded vacation
home, memories of summers past flooded her mind. Surrounded by towering
mountains, the old Victorian house stood as a testament to her cherished childhood
adventures. Excitement bubbled within her as she anticipated revisiting the treasures
hidden within its walls.
But as she approached the front porch, a shroud of gloomy clouds loomed overhead.
casting a somber hue over the landscape. This was not the welcoming weather she had
hoped for. The chill in the air hinted at an impending storm, threatening to dampen her
spirits.
Undeterred, Sri crossed the threshold and ventured into the familiar interior of the
house. Despite the cozy atmosphere, a sense of uncertainty lingered. Would she be
able to capture the essence of this place on canvas, or would the looming storm wash
away her inspiration?
Sri, a renowned artist, first became famous when her painting was hung on the walls of a
very famous actor and apparently, he spoke about how perfect it fit his drawing room.
She is known for using subtle colors whose results are always vibrant.
In the following days, she enjoyed her time roaming around the house and setting up
her tools in the desired place where she could paint peacefully.
The painting procedure was anything but peaceful; it had been a week she was there
but not even a single painting was up to the mark. She was disappointed in herself.
Giving up painting for the day she went to rest a bit and talk with her parents.
While she was on call, she started walking around the house. She reached her
grandfather’s office. Her eyes fell on the wall right opposite the living room, where 3
paintings stood in its glory. But something was unusual.
She has a memory of that painting but something did not sit well. She remembers her
grandfather searching for the painting. She knew how the painting looked, her
grandfather was so happy when he acquired the 3rd painting. The 3rd painting on the
wall does not connect with the other two.
“There is no way Grandpa removed the third one,” she murmured to herself and started
hunting for the 3rd painting.
She stumbled upon a hidden room on the third floor—her grandfather’s treasure. Inside,
covered in dust and draped in darkness, hung a painting. Sri was shocked to see the
painting, which her grandfather searched so diligently. She did not think much and
started cleaning it.
As Sri stood before the canvas, her breath caught in her throat. A figure, draped in
shadows and shrouded in darkness, dominated the painting. Its hollow eyes bore into
her, while a wicked grin twisted its lips. She felt a chill creep down her spine, unable to
break free from the magnetic pull of the artwork's eerie presence.
She realized this particular canvas was just one fragment of a larger puzzle. The
concept was ambitious—a triptych comprised of three distinct portraits, each weaving its
narrative. The first two canvases, she remembered, had evoked serenity and warmth.
But this final piece stood alone, its unsettling aura setting it apart from its predecessors.
Their connection was palpable, each portrait contributing to a larger, enigmatic story
waiting to be unveiled.