Solo Trip Gone Wrong!

It was just another day, but for me, it was another struggle. Being a writer has never been easy, especially that you are financially dependent on your spouse, while his mother never left a stone unturned in taunting me about being an educated women and yet financially dependent. My blogs fetched me a few thousands that was definitely not enough for a successful household. That feeling of not being able to succeed started taking toll over me. One day, I decided to go to a place far away, away from taunts, away from household, away from negativity and away from the fact that people have sucked the blood out of me in the name of family and relations.

I was ready to go to any place where I could sit back and relax, eat a packet of chips and fries. My definition of a relaxing day is definitely having no one around. That doesn’t mean I had an idea of going to an abandoned house that gave me eerie vibe. Rather, I wanted to be close to nature, as close as possible, surrounded with plants and mountains from all sides. I lived in Delhi and my paternal home was located in Dehradun. I knew the safest place for me would be somewhere near my family, atleast they would my rescue if needed. So, I packed my bags and sent a text to my husband that I am visiting my parents for this weekend. I had actually planned a visit to a lesser known hill station that was not so far away from home, but far away from city hustles, traffic, pollution and random people. I did not have much to spend on a decent four star hotel, so, I decided to stay in a homestay, an isolated one, that was surrounded by a dense patch of trees.

What a beauty! That's what I exclaimed upon reaching the homestay early in the morning. It was slightly isolated from the usual crowd but still had reachable grocery stores nearby. The stay was inclusive of food, so I had nothing to worry about in terms of meals. The homestay itself was an old building, probably built around thirty years ago, and had a charming village theme to it. Shortly after I arrived, the receptionist appeared. He lived downstairs, while the first floor was designated for guests. I checked in, took the keys, and made my way upstairs to settle into my room.

The room was spacious, with a hill view from the glass window. I moved the curtains to get a better view and sunlight throughout the day. Not a breathtaking view, but enough to lift my mood. I could see hills at a distance and a dense patch of trees surrounding the rear end of the house. I freshened up soon and then sat near the window sipping a cup of tea. My mind was filled with random thoughts, how I was accused, what all happened after the wedding, how I could have managed the situation instead of getting pissed and then finally started to second guess my career choice. I was engineer, who was always drawn towards blogging. When I chose to become a freelancer, initially I got paid very well for the articles I wrote, in fact few of my collaborations were with top tier marketing agencies and one for social media, however, after getting married my career went for a toss. I was unable to manage household and work, thereby affecting my income. I stopped getting work as I used to, and that affected me adversely, especially when I had no emotional support or encouragement.

It was almost afternoon! All this while I was lost in thoughts and sat without food. I ordered meal, ate peacefully and then slept for a few hours. After a long time I had a very peaceful sleep and I ended up waking directly for dinner. It was 8pm already when the caretaker called me on phone. I realised there were a few miss calls and he had also knocked the door several times for delivering snacks. I ended up having dinner and tea together in the reception area where the dining table was placed. Then the caretaker checked with me if I needed anything else as he would not be available after 9.30 pm. He wanted to ensure that I had water and other necessary items before he left. I had several packets of chips and biscuits, and there were few bottles of water in the room. He left upon my confirmation and I headed to the window once again.

I started talking to myself, probably my way of ranting and getting it off my chest. I kept on talking for a while and realised there was an echo. I could hear it, not quite clearly though. How can there be an echo in a room that had windows opened? I ignored it without thinking much.

Little did I know, it was just the beginning!

While I continued talking, I felt like I was not alone. Quite a few times I felt sometime was asserting me when I was questioning myself loudly. After observing carefully, I realised I had kept the window opened. Was someone from other rooms hearing my endless rants? I peeped outside to check if I could find someone. I was quite dark to see a face. So, I asked “Is anyone there?” However, I didn’t get any response. I closed the window and sat on the bed with a packet of chips. I looked at the nutritional information given in the packet and asked myself “Will this packet of chips is enough to make me fat?”

“No, you won’t!” This time the answer was loud and distinct. I was literally scared! Did anyone breaking the room? I was shit scared about my safety. Covertly I took my pepper spray and walked towards the main door. I had to muster up courage to open the bathroom door, while I feared someone pouncing at me from inside. Still, I managed to open the door. But then, the bathroom was empty. I went few steps ahead and stood close to the main door to check if someone was standing outside. “Excuse me? Is anyone there? Are you standing outside the door?” Again, nothing to be heard. Suddenly the light flickered, as if the voltage had lowered and then within seconds it was back to normal. I didn’t understand anything, and then when I turned back I had the most shocking encounter of my life!

I saw a girl sitting on the chair that was placed near the window. I was so stunned that I could not move an inch further, nor did I look anywhere apart from her face. A pretty looking girl, wearing something white. I had never seen that face before! Nor I could look anywhere apart from her face, not even her feet or her dress. All I could see was a pretty, young face with long hair and a wide smile.

“Who the hell are you?” I asked her, bewildered at the sight. My mind stopped working and my body froze.

“Don’t worry! I won’t harm you. I heard everything you were saying throughout the evening and I couldn’t stop myself from hearing your story. Come, sit here! Why are you standing like an idol?”

Somehow my body was working at her command. I automatically started walking towards the bed and sat there. I was still terrified and unable to speak. So, I mumbled “Who are you?”

“I am exactly what you are thinking.” Suddenly I felt like I was released from some spell and now my abilities to think and react is back. I moved a bit and questioned myself, was that really a ghost? Do ghosts even exist? Is my mind tricking me into believing in ghosts? Am I going crazy? Am I schizophrenic? I could not utter a word more. But she said “No you are not schizophrenic, believe what you are not ready to accept.”

“Are you dead?”

“Yes. But that doesn’t mean I am here to harm you or kill you. I am here to hear your story. After a long time, I am hearing a woman rant about family issues.”

I couldn’t resist anymore and started crying. I had never been so scared in my entire life. Contrary to what I had heard or read about ghosts, this spirit appeared to be friendly. But how can someone trust a ghost? Will anyone ever believe this weird story? I ended up asking her what does she want from me. She had only one answer ‘Nothing!’. Then she assured me not to be scared as she is not some evil spirit and she has been wandering for years because her last rites could not be performed. As per her narration, she died during a flood five years before and her final rites could not be performed as her family ended up meeting the same fate as hers.

Then she told me “If you really want to get better at your work, I can help you.” That was crazy! For I had never heard a ghost ever help someone! That made me ask her again, “Are you really a spirit? If you are playing a prank, please stop this right now.”

“What will make you believe that I am dead?” And to this I immediately answered, “If you can fly!” Shit! She did fly! She rose few feet above and I did not understand what was happening to me. I wasn’t dreaming for sure, I pinched myself quite a few times for reassurance.

“Okay, now that you are asking me again and again about what do I want, I have something to offer you.” I became curious. She continued, “If you help me find my family or what had happened to them during the flood, you will rewarded with immense wealth. Will you help me?” My mind said no, but my words affirmed, as if I was hypnotised. “You don’t have to do much. Just take that Ouija board, and summon my family. At that moment, you have to allow me into your body so that I can talk to them. Once I get my answers tonight, I will do exactly as promised. I will be at your service till you desire!” Reluctantly I was convinced! I followed her directions and we did summon a soul. Something happened and she looked extremely happy. I guess she met her family! And then, as promised, I was about to witness a magical transformation in my life. It happened! The magic didn’t fail. As I left the next day, my career graph rose like never before. I was successful and had earned enough to survive.

I witnessed the best of the days when my I got everything it wanted! I was seeing everything, but from a distance. Yes, I witnessed everything my body did, without my soul in it!

I was trapped, inside that room for another year. Didn’t realise, the deal I struck that night would take my soul away from my body and she would walk away with it. It was so strange, none of my family members recognised that its wasn’t me. I kept thinking am I really going to be trapped here forever?

She returned, exactly a year later to that fateful night of my solo trip, she returned to that room. I pleaded with utmost sincerity, literally begged her to give me back my body, however, my distressed request was answered with a denial. I screwed up my own life! That night I found out the truth I had been looking for, a twisted tale of horror.

The story is dated back to twenty five years when a joint family used to live here, in this homestay. During a summer break, the children, basically five teenagers, got hold of an Ouija board and decided to summon a ghost just to prove a point that ghosts don’t exists. But, it was an unlucky day. Instead of summoning a spirit they accidentally called an evil spirit of a black magician who was killed by the villagers. She lured them into believing that she has access to a book which contains information about several places that has treasures. Anyone who has the book will automatically get hold of the wealth from the treasure box. That is why she was killed by the villagers, so that they could get access to the book and take away the hidden wealth. She resisted their attacks to safeguard the treasure. She could definitely show them where the book is placed, however, she could need a human body to reach till that point. It was an easy story to trick a bunch of teenagers who were exploding with curiosity and enthusiasm to embark on a journey of treasure hunt. They had no idea that the deal they were striking is going to lead them to the death of one of them, as whoever leaves their soul, is never going to get their body back. That body shall be possessed by the witch till the body disintegrates in nature. That cycle of tricking people to find treasures in return of their body for sometime led into many mishaps in that house. Finally, that house was sealed by a occult practitioner who had cautioned them not to venture inside that room where ouija board was sealed. If anyone does, then the soul trapped in that room would flee with someone else’s body leaving another soul to suffer till the next victim is found! Unfortunately, I was one of those dumb person who fell victim when my mind was battling an ocean of negative emotions. Now I am here, trapped in this room, waiting for my freedom!