Everyone in the city knew about Room 13.
Some said it was cursed.
Some said people simply imagined things.
But no one ever stayed in it for more than one night.
The hotel itself was old—too old for a place still standing in the middle of a modern city.
Its paint peeled like dead skin, and the lights in the hallway flickered even during the day.
Yet people still came, because it was cheap… and because desperation makes people brave.
Or foolish.
That night, Aarav stood at the reception desk, his backpack hanging from one shoulder.
Rain tapped against the glass doors behind him.
"One room," he said.
The receptionist, an old man with tired eyes, typed slowly on the computer.
He stopped. His fingers froze.
"…Room 12 is available," the man said.
"Anything else?" Aarav asked.
A pause.
"There is Room 13," the man replied carefully, "but I don't recommend it."
Aarav smiled faintly. "I'll take it."
The old man looked up sharply. "Son, people don't sleep well there."
"I don't sleep much anyway."
Silence filled the room.
Then the printer buzzed, and a key slid across the desk.
"Third floor," the receptionist said quietly. "End of the corridor."
As Aarav climbed the stairs, the air grew colder.
The third floor lights were dim, and the hallway felt longer than it should have been.
Each step echoed like someone else was walking behind him.
Room 11.
Room 12.
And then—
Room 13.
The door looked normal. Too normal.
Aarav unlocked it and stepped inside.
The room smelled of dust and something… older.
The bed was neatly made.
The window was closed.
A mirror hung on the wall opposite the door.
Aarav dropped his bag and sat on the bed.
That's when he heard it.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
He turned toward the door.
No one was there.
His heart beat faster, but he laughed it off.
Old buildings make noises, he told himself.
He lay down and closed his eyes.
Then—
Knock. Knock. Knock.
This time, it came from inside the room.
Slowly, Aarav opened his eyes.
In the mirror, the reflection smiled.
And Aarav realized something terrifying—
He was not alone.