a woman holding a lantern in front of a tree

In a small village tucked away in the heart of India, there stood an ancient banyan tree at the edge of the forest. Its roots twisted like skeletal fingers, and its shadow lingered ominously, even under the midday sun. The villagers avoided it, whispering tales of those who dared venture near it and never returned.One evening, Meera, a curious and skeptical young woman, decided to challenge the old superstitions. Armed with a lantern and her courage, she walked toward the banyan tree despite her grandmother’s pleading. The air grew colder with each step, and an eerie silence blanketed the surroundings, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves.When she reached the tree, she noticed strange markings etched into its bark, symbols she couldn’t understand. The lantern flickered, casting fleeting shadows that seemed to move on their own. She laughed nervously, dismissing her fear, and reached out to touch the tree. The moment her fingers brushed the bark, a chilling whisper surrounded her."Why have you come?"