Was it Spooky enough ? - I

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Keeping themselves away from the job, children and household responsibilities was not easy for any of them. And after planning for many months, in fact years, it seemed to be possible for these four friends, now, to steal a day from their humdrum and jostling existence. They: Ananya, Chitra, Pranamika and Ujjaini decided a Saturday for their getaway.  The planning was made on a weekend so that it would be a holiday and their spouses would be available to look after the family- ‘the typical woman life, which says- manage the life before one enjoys’.

The day would be spent in sight-seeing and the night at a homestay between the hills and lofty pine trees. The scenic beauty of this location was too mesmerising in this nearby hill station from their place of domicile. And it was evident from the amazing photographs available of this homestay in the internet.

The sojourn for their day trip began at 9A.M. on a Saturday. It was their day off from the household chores, so preparing breakfast for the family, in the morning, was also not included in their schedule, while, they had their morning meal at a small cafĂ© enroute. It was a wonderful journey with loads of music and chatter. And as planned the day was spent in rambling and climbing filled with joy and laughter.  After the luncheon and a few more gleeful expeditions, they proceeded to the homestay.

Ah! What a bewitching view and environ it was; filled with tranquillity and splendour; free from pollution and city hustle.   

They were allotted the only room in the top floor with a wide and open balcony attached to it. The balcony faced the huge lake across the narrow lane. The cool breeze was constant throughout with the unanticipated drizzles. The temperature was unelevated thus soothing enough as compared to the nearby city from which they had arrived.

The four ladies were enthralled.

After they had finished scrutinising the entire expanse of the allotted area, they freshened up and were ready to enjoy the evening near the bonfire, arranged by the owner. The intensity of the rain augmented as the night approached. The temperature had dropped to much lower degree by then and fire was the only option left to comfort them along with hot food and beverages.

‘What about this locked almirah?’, Chitra enquired while noticing the weird white door cabinet kept at the corner of this huge room. Jokingly Pranamika replied, ‘May be there is a dead body inside it. They had murdered someone and kept it safely inside a lock.’ And the room echoed with their loud laughter.

At 12 midnight after the fun filled evening and night, they headed for the bed. As there was a single double bed, two of them, Pranamika and Ujjaini slept on it while Chitra and Ananya used the extra thick mattresses to prepare the bed for themselves on the floor. They all fall asleep soon.

But. At 1 A.M., there was a clinking and rattling sound of some utensil being thrown on the ground. Chitra, Pranamika and Ujjaini woke up with a startle.

To be continued...

                                                                                                                  

To be continued…

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