The following morning, we woke up feeling energized and excited. Although the events of the previous night were still on our minds, the stunning scenery around us and the anticipation of another adventure quickly improved our mood. Our destination for the day was Paradise Lake, a beautiful body of water nestled in the valley below. Locals often spoke of its remarkable beauty and the abundance of fish in its crystal-clear waters. We planned to spend the day fishing and later enjoy a barbecue by the lakeside.
The winter morning was crisp and refreshing. Cool mountain air swept through the valley while soft golden sunlight slowly illuminated the landscape. The surrounding peaks glowed under the first rays of dawn, and a delicate layer of mist drifted among the trees.
At around 8:30 in the morning, our group met near the hotel's dining area. None of us wanted to remain indoors when such magnificent scenery awaited outside. We ate a quick breakfast consisting of toast, boiled eggs, and hot tea before preparing for the day ahead.
Once breakfast was over, we gathered our fishing gear and headed toward the lake. The route was a gentle downhill walk that took only a few minutes, yet every step felt enchanting.
Towering pine trees lined the trail, and dry leaves crackled softly beneath our feet. The fresh scent of pine mixed with the earthy smell of damp soil. Birds sang from the branches overhead, filling the morning with cheerful sounds.
Before long, the forest began to open, revealing the valley beyond.
Then we caught our first glimpse of Paradise Lake.
The sight was breathtaking.
Nestled in the center of the valley, the lake appeared almost unreal. Its transparent waters mirrored the surrounding mountains, creating a perfect reflection. Gentle ripples sparkled beneath the sunlight, while smooth stones could be seen beneath the shallow edges. Snow-capped peaks stood majestically in the distance, and dense green forests surrounded the shoreline. A thin layer of mist floated above the water, glowing softly in the morning light. The entire scene felt peaceful and untouched, as though we had discovered a hidden corner of heaven.
For several moments, none of us spoke. We simply stood there, admiring the magnificent view.
Eventually, Abdul broke the silence.
"Subhan Allah... this place truly deserves to be called Paradise," he said quietly.
We walked toward a large flat rock beside the lake. It provided an ideal spot to sit and fish. The water beneath it was deep and dark, becoming even deeper farther from the shore.
Since it was winter, the lake was freezing cold. Falling into it could have been extremely dangerous, so we made sure to remain cautious while sitting near the edge.
Soon we unpacked our fishing equipment and cast our lines into the water.
The tranquil lake became the center of our day's adventure. We waited patiently, watching the lines disappear beneath the surface.
Fishing demanded patience.
At times, long stretches passed without any activity. Then suddenly a line would jerk sharply, and excitement would erupt among us.
"I've got one!" someone would shout.
Laughter echoed around the lake as friendly competition developed over who could catch the largest fish.
The cool breeze, peaceful surroundings, and gentle sounds of moving water created an unforgettable atmosphere. It felt as though time itself had slowed down.
Without realizing it, several hours slipped away.
By midday, we had already caught a respectable number of fish, but none of us wanted to stop. We continued fishing throughout the afternoon, steadily increasing our catch.
Eventually, we had more than enough fish for our planned barbecue.
Satisfied with our success, we decided it was time to prepare the meal.
We collected dry branches and wood from nearby areas and built a small fire. The warmth felt especially pleasant in the chilly mountain air. While the fire burned steadily, we cleaned the fish near the shoreline.
Their silver scales gleamed brightly beneath the sunlight.
Once cleaned, we seasoned them with salt, pepper, and various spices. The aroma quickly spread through the air and made everyone hungry.
The fish were then placed over the fire to roast slowly.
The crackling wood and sizzling fish created a tempting scene. Before long, the fish developed a beautiful golden-brown color and were cooked perfectly.
We wasted no time digging in.
Peter took the first bite and immediately smiled.
"This is incredible!" he exclaimed. "I've never eaten fish this delicious before. This trip has been worth every moment."
Everyone laughed and agreed. Whether it was the freshness of the fish or the magical surroundings, the meal tasted extraordinary.
After eating, we relaxed beside the lake and admired the scenery. The breeze became cooler, and the daylight gradually softened.
The afternoon slowly gave way to evening.
The sun began sinking behind the mountains, stretching long shadows across the valley.
As sunset approached, visitors started leaving.
Families packed up their belongings. Anglers gathered their equipment. Tourists snapped a few final photographs before departing.
Within a short time, the lakeside became noticeably quieter.
Unlike the others, however, we chose to remain.
We wanted to experience the lake after dark.
As I watched people leave, curiosity got the better of me. I approached a man who was preparing to depart and asked why everyone seemed eager to leave before nightfall.
He looked at me with a serious expression.
"No one stays here after sunset," he said.
His answer surprised me.
"Why not?" I asked.
His face grew more solemn.
"Because once darkness falls," he replied, "this lake belongs to the devil."
His words immediately captured our attention.
The man then shared an old local legend.
According to him, about twenty-five years earlier, a beautiful young woman named Sundri lived in a nearby village with her parents. She was admired throughout the region for her beauty and gentle nature.
At the same time, a powerful tribal chief controlled the area.
One day, he saw Sundri at the lake and became obsessed with marrying her.
He repeatedly sent marriage proposals and tried to use his influence to win her over, but she refused every offer.
The rejection wounded his pride.
Determined to get what he wanted, the chief eventually resorted to force.
One day, while Sundri was collecting water from the lake, he arrived with several men and attempted to abduct her.
Realizing she had no way to escape, the frightened young woman made a tragic choice.
To preserve her honor, she threw herself into the lake.
The icy waters swallowed her, and she never emerged.
The man lowered his voice as he concluded the tale.
"People believe her spirit still remains here," he said. "Those who stay after sunset are never seen again."
After delivering his warning, he left without another word.
We stood quietly for a moment.
The story was unsettling, yet it only increased our curiosity.
After discussing it among ourselves, we decided to remain by the lake and discover whether the legend contained any truth.
As evening deepened, the sky shifted from gold to orange, then crimson, and finally deep purple.
Soon the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
The moment darkness settled over the valley, the atmosphere changed.
An uncomfortable feeling spread through the air.
The beautiful landscape that had seemed so welcoming during the day suddenly felt strange and unsettling.
Although we had flashlights and weapons with us, the growing silence made us uneasy.
Then the distant howling of dogs echoed through the valley.
Their mournful cries sent chills down our spines.
About ten minutes later, we heard something else.
At first it was barely audible.
It sounded like faint sobbing carried by the wind.
We exchanged nervous glances.
Gradually the sound grew louder.
What had begun as distant crying transformed into a piercing scream filled with agony.
The horrifying noise echoed across the valley, growing stronger and more unbearable with each passing second. It felt as though the air itself vibrated with sorrow and terror.
Our curiosity vanished instantly.
Fear took its place.
"We need to get out of here," someone said.
No one disagreed.
As the scream intensified, we hurriedly packed our belongings and started back toward the hotel.
Then we noticed something near the water.
A dark figure stood beside the lake.
It resembled a woman.
For an instant it appeared clearly, then vanished.
Moments later it emerged again.
The shadow seemed to drift along the shoreline, appearing and disappearing among the darkness and mist.
My heart pounded.
None of us dared stare at it for long.
Driven by fear, we hurried up the trail as fast as possible.
At last we reached the hotel and felt a tremendous sense of relief.
Later that evening, we cooked the remaining fish and ate dinner in near silence.
The screams we had heard and the strange figure we had seen remained fresh in our minds.
Afterward, exhausted by both excitement and fear, we returned to our rooms.
One after another, we fell asleep.
Yet the memory of Paradise Lake after sunset stayed with us long afterward, becoming an experience none of us would ever forget.
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Author’s Note: This chapter was edited with AI assistance for grammar, readability, and flow.
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