Faith
(Inspired by real events)
{1}
June 30, 2018
Aditya was just getting finished with the last patient he had on his schedule — an obese man who always felt guilty and disgusted with himself after eating way more than what he should; but had no control over his appetite. Browsing through his medical records, he was explaining the treatment plan for him when the intercom rang.
- “yes, sister Agatha, just five more minutes and we will be done,” said Aditya to his sixty-five-year-old PA after picking it up.
There was a pause at the other end then Agatha replied, “Doctor, a kid has come to meet you. He says it is urgent.”
- “tell his guardian to come tomorrow. I have to leave early today for my anniversary party. You know this.”
“I’m afraid that he’s very adamant. And doctor, he has come alone & he says that he knows you.” Informed sister Agatha while scrutinizing the kid in school uniform sitting in the waiting area. “He seems pretty shaken.”
Aditya sighed and put down the receiver. He looked at his watch, and then at his obese patient. He quickly scribbled medicines for him and said, “come after a month for review, and please don’t miss these medications this time.”
As soon as his patient left, Aditya heard a soft knock on his door.
“Come in,” said Aditya reluctantly, as the boy, not more than fifteen, entered his chamber wearing a familiar school uniform, carrying his school bag on his back and holding a piece of paper in his hand.
Aditya froze. His mind went blank for a second. His heartbeat sped up a little bit when he saw his face, which was the same as that in the laminated photograph facing him on his desk.
It’s not every day you see a look-alike of your dead son.
{2}
October 9, 2008-Entry in Punit’s Diary:
Papa again came into my dreams yesterday night. I saw him standing near the old Banyan tree we had back at our home in Rajasthan and pointing towards the tree and then looking back at me. I saw tears in his eyes. I think Papa is trying to say something? What it could be? Is he not happy in heaven…?
I asked Jignesh bhai if Papa came into his dreams too, and he said no. It’s alright, papa loved me more than he loved him… I am the younger one after all.
Meena, my wife says that my dreams have meanings. Maybe papa wants me to be the banyan tree of this family. I feel the same. I won’t let you down papa. I will try my best to make our family happy and prosperous. I hope you keep guiding me from above. I will arrange a puja tomorrow for your soul’s salvation. I promise you that I will pray as you instructed me to in my last dream. Sorry papa I cannot chant the mantras as my voice is gone now… so I will recite them in my head with the purity of my heart.
Things to buy:
Mother’s orthopedic oil for her knees
Saree for Pavitra’s sister
Pencil box for Shubham
Fruits
Things for tomorrow’s puja
Order plywood from supplier for shop
Ps: I should ask Divyanka Beti to teach me how to use the internet. Lalaji’s business boomed after he started taking orders online.
{3}
June 30, 2018
“Sir, Rishabh and I were best friends since fifth grade. Our teachers used to call us Ram-Lakhan due to our similar appearances. I saw you many times picking him up after school. That’s how I know you.” Said Gaurav after sipping a whole glass of water.
Aditya was calmer now. He was just surprised at first because of the striking resemblance between Gaurav, who just walked into his office, and Rishabh, his son who died in a car accident. Aditya always blamed himself for Rishabh’s death because on that fateful day, he was drunk driving and lost control of the car. Though two years have passed by and life has moved on, a father could never forgive himself for this. Nor could his wife. Right now, they were going through a toxic divorce procedure and were living separately, but the judge who was a common friend of theirs suggested socializing and giving their relationship one more shot as they were still young. Still, he delayed his anniversary plans to help Gaurav because, in a way, it felt as if he could connect once again with his son.
Suppressing his inner feelings and turmoil, he listened to everything that Gaurav had to say. What he learned was quite surprising, and unlike anything, he had heard before. It was very evident why he was so shaken and scared. Even Aditya felt the same. And he wondered what he could do about it. Also, everything had to be verified. After all, he’s a kid.
“Did you tell your parents that you are going to visit me today?” asked Aditya.
“No sir. I suppose my mom might be a little worried by now, considering I’m already late by two hours. I should be going now; my dad shouldn’t know I was here.”
“On the contrary, I think we should talk to your dad regarding this. Otherwise, there’s not much I can do.”
Gaurav recoiled with fear. His eyes widened and he almost shouted, “no sir, please don’t talk to him about any of this. We were told not to talk about this to anyone. My family will not allow me to go out if they found out that I spoke to you.”
Aditya knew in his heart that Gaurav’s fear was justified. But it was also true that he needed to talk to an adult.
“Gaurav beta, you came to me for help. I can’t help you or your family if you don’t allow me. Please trust me. I will talk to your dad and convince him to bring your uncle Punit here tomorrow. Otherwise, I can also inform the police. Do you want me to?”
“If the police came to our house, then it will be a very big issue. What will my friends say?… It’s okay sir. You may call my dad. But promise me that you will convince him. Otherwise, soon we will be in big trouble.”
{4}
July 9, 2015- Entry in Punit’s diary:
The path to attain Moksha is not easy. It demands discipline. It demands sacrifices of the self, and detachment from the world. Son, intensify your correctional efforts. Even though you go astray in your efforts, I thank you for making course corrections and sitting together under one roof. You have been the pillar of this family. I gave you your voice back. Following my commands and religiously practicing the pujas have done well for our family. Now listen. Five souls are wandering with me. They will attain salvation only if you improve yourself. You must be thinking that paying obeisance at Haridwar will free us. But the after-world doesn’t always work in that way.
These four persons — Ujjwal Singh, Meera, Dayasagar, and Gangubai are wandering as my companions. They also wish that you all do the right actions and make your life successful. If our regular tasks are accomplished, we will return to our abode. Your mother Lakhsmi does not believe in God. but you must understand that everyone in the family should be a part of the final ‘vat-Tapasya’ or everything we have accomplished till now will be in vain.
Punit stopped writing and gradually came out of the trance-like state.
“Is he gone?” asked Lakshmi, his mother, whispering.
“Yes. For now. But he is angry.” Replied Punit and started reading his diary.
{5}
Aditya took a moment to understand the situation. He had not expected this.
In front of him, sat Mr. Jignesh, Gaurav’s father with folded hands. While Gaurav depicted him as a strict father, the first impression Aditya got from him was that of a harmless person, who held doctors in quite a high regard.
“Mr. Jignesh, what Gaurav told me is a matter of great concern. Let us take a moment to think about how this can affect the mental health of your whole family, especially children.”
Jignesh looked at his son, his expression blank.
“Ok, sir.” He replied.
“He was talking about some strange rituals and superstitious acts that your family has been doing for quite some time. Is it true that you indulge the kids in your house in the same?”
To this, Jignesh smiled faintly and said calmly, “Sir, what my son told you is an overstatement, some may be a figment of the imagination of a teenage boy. Sometimes, he makes up stories for no reason. I am surprised that he came to ask you for help. Fact is, we are religious people who believe in God. Our forefathers taught us how to offer prayers. We are just following our culture. Now, some say it’s superstition, we believe it’s faith. My son is a kid now, he will understand the values of our culture once he grows up.”
Aditya was surprised at the simplicity of the answers. Jignesh was not wrong. But the things Gaurav told him were in contrast with the conversation Aditya was having with Jignesh. Did Gaurav cook some vibrant story from something that’s just considered normal? Why would he? Something was off. So, Aditya thought it best to come directly to the point and confront him.
“How would you explain your brother’s behavior? I’m told that you all believe that sometimes your late father possesses him and instructs many illogical things. And you blindly follow whatever he says. Is there a rational explanation for all this?”
At this, Jignesh shook his head in dismay. He was getting visibly irritated by now.
“Tell me, doctor, you believe in God, right? I see a small idol of Ganapati over there, so I assume you do. But have you ever seen him? No.
Still, you believe in him and you worship him. A Muslim or a Christian will not worship Ganapati. They do different things, for their deities in different styles according to their culture. Do you judge them as well? No. So what makes you think that my brother is instructing illogical things? Who will decide what’s the right method of puja and what’s not? For a man of your education level, you sure were hasty in making accusations towards our family, believing the words of a child. We do not do black magic sir, so stop assuming things. Punit has been the pillar of our family, and through our prayers and the instructions of our father through him, has made us financially stable and well-settled. It’s not easy to maintain a joint family of eleven in a big city like this. We are thankful that we have Punit with us. He is not a mental- rather, quite the opposite. Everything need not be explained by science.”
Aditya understood quite well that Jignesh was delusional as well as a religious fanatic. He looked at Gaurav, who was continuously looking down and scribbling something on the piece of paper he had brought and was not able to meet his eyes even with his father. Under the current circumstances, he, as a psychiatrist could do nothing. Still, he decided to give it one last shot.
“I think that it will be helpful if I talk to Mr. Punit once. Maybe-
“For what? Giving shock treatment to him and messing with his head? Let’s go, son. I have had enough of this nonsense. We are a respectable family. We don’t need your help. Now please excuse us. We have a marriage to plan.”
As Jignesh and Gaurav were about to leave the room, Aditya closed his eyes. The painful memories from the night of his son’s death flashed before his eyes within a nano-second.
“The dead don’t talk, Mr. Jignesh. The dead don’t talk.”
***
As Aditya was about to leave his clinic, he found Gaurav’s paper lying below his seat. He picked it up.
A corner of the paper was torn off. And the rest of it had a sketch of a banyan tree with hanging roots, along with just two words: Vat-Tapasya.
{6}
June 24, 2018- Entry in Punit’s diary:
Everyone should think in one direction with more determination than the last time. As this is done, the way forward will be paved.
Get rotis delivered at 10 pm and Lakshmi should feed rotis to everyone. Don’t force Lakshmi to eat. She may eat after the act at 1 AM.
Everyone should be blindfolded properly, and nothing but the zenith should be visible to the eyes. A chunni or a sari should be used along with a rope. Use dim lights. Lakshmi can lie down in the other room if she can’t stand. The extra wrap around the hands should be doubly wrapped with a handkerchief. Children may use stools to stand up. Punit should ensure that everyone is properly blindfolded, hands tied and gagged. Cotton is to be put in everyone’s ears. Lalit will signal when to start the chanting. Chanting may continue for 10–15 minutes. Keep a bowl of water on the table. During the chanting, it may seem that the sky is shaking and the ground is trembling. But do not panic. When the water turns red, I will free you all. The amount of devotion will determine the outcome. Carry out the act between midnight and 1 am. You can help each other while coming down. Contemplate, and do not worry. Don’t worry about Punit’s health. His problems are because of my visits. Fear not. Worship the banyan tree for seven days at a stretch with devotion. If someone comes home then do it the next day. Choose Thursday and Sunday as the day of the act.
{7}
June 30, 9:30 pm
“Divyanka, just re-check if everything needed is in place or not. We won’t be able to get any stuff at night if anything goes missing.” Said Punit’s wife, Meera while looking at the arrangements. “I brought some extra stools, just in case.”
“Chill, Maami. We have been doing this for the last six days. We got everything covered, don’t worry.” Said Divyanka, grabbing a quick bite of the freshly-made Samosas.
“Just check one more time, Beti. You know how he behaves if everything is not updated.”
To this, Divyanka said, “ok Maami, but I still don’t understand why it is necessary to do this every single day. I have to leave for work early morning. I get sleepy at work. If my boss catches me, he may as well kick me out!”
“Nothing big is achieved if not paid with sacrifices, Beti. After we complete this ritual today, all bad energy shall leave our house and we will be rewarded will long and healthy life. Have faith.”
“As you say, Maami. But I can’t say that I’ll miss these rituals after I get married and live with my husband.” Joked Divyanka and started counting the cloth pieces lying in front of her.
“You’ll see what happens today, Beti. And when you see, you will believe.
I’m going downstairs to check on Shubham. He’s stuck to his mobile screen the whole day. Didn’t even go to school today.”
Meera went out of the room and took the stairs. She met a tired Jignesh and sweaty Gaurav on her way down.
“How come he’s so late today?” asked Meera quizzically.
“Nothing, Bhabi. Gaurav had to go to a friend’s home to borrow a book.” lied Jignesh, and quickly changed the topic- “Have you seen Babita?”
“Yeah, she is in the kitchen.”
“And Punit?”
“He is in his mother’s room.” Said Meera and hurried downstairs. Time was less, and a lot had to be done.
Jignesh couldn’t risk telling the truth that his son had nearly jeopardized today’s ritual. But everything is under control now. He mentally made a note to deal with this later. Now was not the time.
“Go to your room and bring me your phone now”, Jignesh told Gaurav. “And remember, enough funny business for today.” Said Jignesh and proceeded to find his wife Babita.
“Yes, dad.” Said Gaurav and went upstairs.
As he was about to cross his uncle Punit’s room, he saw that the room was not locked and was unoccupied. He looked back- he saw no one. Probably his sisters, Mansi and Nikita were in the prayer room.
He quietly slipped into Punit’s room and hurriedly started pulling the bedside drawers.
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{8}
June 30, 10:00 pm
Aditya reached the venue quite late. Gaurav’s depiction of the banyan tree and the words ‘vat-Tapasya’, were not adding up. Despite spending two hours on the internet, he could find nothing of substantiality. Afterward, he started getting too many calls that he could not ignore. Freshening up in the clinic itself, he went directly to the venue.
“What is this, Aditya?” asked Niharika, his wife, mockery and irritation evident in her voice. “You were supposed to wear a tuxedo. Not to mention being straight four hours late at your anniversary party. I had to handle all your friends. I suppose you are tired of trying?”
Aditya looked at her. She looked beautiful in her black gown, holding a glass of champagne.
“I’m sorry. Something important came up. You won’t believe what happened today-
“More important? Of course, it is. At least you could pretend to try, for Rishabh’s sake.”
“Niharika, you matter to me. And Rishabh was my world. But I don’t care about most of these false, two-faced people. I know you can’t tolerate me alone anymore and that’s why you prefer crowded places to meet me… but believe me when I say that –
Aditya paused. His phone was vibrating in his pocket. He quickly took it out and saw a WhatsApp message notification. It was from an unknown number. ‘This message has been deleted’- it read. Not once, but twice. Someone had sent two messages and then deleted them in haste. Also, there was no profile photo.
“You know, for a moment I almost believed you. But you’re still the same.”
“Is Rao here??” Aditya blurted.
Niharika got irritated. “I’m not finished yet. Listen-
Another message came from the same number. It was a location. Aditya could open it just in time to track the place nearly 25 km from him. In no time, this message got deleted too. it was of the area where Gaurav lives. Why would he be texting the location of his home? Aditya dialed the number, but it was switched off. He must have written his phone no. on the torn part of the paper and kept it with him. Bravo, Gaurav. But why he was so desperate?
“Just tell me if Rao has come here or not! It’s super urgent. Honey, I will explain everything later. Please.” Aditya almost shouted, but his voice had quite an emotional tone attached to it.
Niharika was taken aback for a moment. “whatever”, she said “He’s at the bar, as usual. I Don’t think he is in the state to talk anything else other than nonsense right now. So, you guys-
“Thank you,” said Aditya and almost sprinted towards the bar.
“Men,” said Niharika and sipped the remaining champagne from her glass.
{9}
Rao was Aditya’s childhood friend. A brilliant historian by profession, he was a professor at a prestigious university in Hyderabad. He had come to Delhi as a guest lecturer three days ago. And when Aditya asked him to come over for the party, he readily agreed.
“Rao, Rao! I need your help.” Said Aditya, out of breath.
“Hi, Aditya! Happy Birthday, bro.” waved Rao, clearly confusing the occasion under the influence of alcohol.
Normally Aditya would lecture him about the benefits of being sober but this time he let it go.
“Thanks, I need you to look at this,” said Aditya and took out the piece of paper Gaurav left in his office from his pocket.
“You draw like shit, man.” Said Rao and started laughing. “Why do you have this in your pocket anyway?”
“No time to explain. Just tell me if you have seen or read about anything like this.”
“Umm…Yaa, I think I have.”
Aditya never expected to hit the bull’s eye so soon. “You have? What is it?”
“Right there, behind you.” Said Rao and pointed behind Aditya. Aditya turned and saw a banyan tree at a distance.
“For real?” said Aditya, “just take a good look here. Concentrate.”
“Ok,” said Rao and took out his reading glasses from his breast pocket. “But you got to tell me why it’s so important to you.”
“Yeah, I will, if you remember any of this tomorrow morning after your hangover.”
“Not funny”, said Rao and started examining the paper. “It does not appear anything more than a rough sketch of a banyan tree. But the words ‘vat-Tapasya’ has some significance. It’s a ritual where the persons perform puja and worship a banyan tree to be blessed with a long and healthy life, or for material gains. They tie a sacred thread around the trunk of the tree symbolically. Sometimes, women may tie dupattas, sarees also in hope of protection of their suhaag.” Said Rao and looked towards Aditya.
“And?” said Aditya expectedly.
“That’s all I got. I’m a historian, you idiot, not a pandit. Also, I need another round.”
“There you are,” the female anchor for today’s party appeared out of nowhere. Niharika was standing behind her, along with the event manager.
“Can I have your attention please! Ladies and gentlemen, let’s put our hands together for our lovely couple, Aditya and Niharika!” The anchor announced without any warning.
Aditya quickly slid the paper into his pocket and let out a well-practiced social smile. Hired photographers started taking pictures of the couple. The DJ started playing a well-known groovy track, and the crowd cheered for Aditya and Niharika, urging them to do a small dance step, which Aditya politely declined as he was a terrible dancer. But the champagne in Niharika had a different effect. She started dancing, quite unhindered, unaware of her surroundings.
Aditya yanked her hand and pulled her away from the crowd.
“Leave me alone!” said Niharika, half-sleepy.
“Let’s take a picture together,” said Aditya. “Like old times.”
“Okay, just one. Then I wanna dance.” She spoke in the same sleepy voice.
Aditya took a quick selfie with his phone. Instantly, Niharika grabbed the device, “Let me see!” she said.
As Niharika zoomed on their selfie, Aditya stared at her. She was still so beautiful and full of life. Aditya cursed himself for their present situation.
“Whose diary is this, Adi?” Niharika would call him Adi only when she was scared of something. “I swiped our selfie for other photos in your gallery and found this.”
“What diary?” asked a confused Aditya while being handed over the phone.
It was a photograph of a diary page dated June 24. Aditya shook with fear as he read the content. Then it hit him. It must have been auto-downloaded when Gaurav sent the file before he deleted all his sent messages.
My God. Gaurav. He was telling the truth.
Aditya looked toward a worried Niharika.
“I have to leave right now.” He told her.
“What’s going on Adi? You’re scaring me.” Said Niharika as Aditya walked towards his car.
Aditya turned. “Someone is in danger because of me. I could have stopped it from happening. I have to try now.” He paused. “Niharika, please don’t give up on us. I haven’t. I promise I will make it up to you for today.”
{10}
“It is time”, said Punit.
The prayer was over. Lakshmi had fed rotis to everyone. There was thick smoke in the prayer room as a result of burning incense sticks as well as the fire burning on camphor on a plate. A bowl of water was kept beside the fire.
“Women will prepare the children first. Babita will tie Meera. Then Jignesh will do the same for Meera. I will tie Jignesh, and mother will tie me and then go to the adjacent room.
Keep faith in the act and rise above the mortal world. We shall chant the mantra not just with our mouths, but with our hearts in it. Salvation is near.”
One by one, they all obeyed Punit’s orders, some sharing the same vision, others just out of habit or influence. The final act was just one step away.
{11}
Aditya parked his car at a distance, as quietly as possible. He took out his phone and clicked on the location Gaurav had sent him. He checked his watch. It was already past midnight on 1st July 2018.
Doctor’s Day.
He reluctantly put on a pair of gloves and started walking. It was a narrow road. There were shops on both sides of the road but luckily every one of them was closed by this time. He passed a window through which he could hear a TV. But more than the sound of the television, he could hear his heartbeat.
He found the correct house after cross-matching with Google’s satellite image. Oddly, the house had 11 protruding pipes on one side of its wall. Some houses in congested areas install small pipes through their walls for ventilation, but this was a bit too much. He crossed the iron gate and went inside. He saw a dog with a collar sleeping there and stopped abruptly. Though he was not very intimidating, he could sound an alarm. Aditya proceeded with caution.
Aditya stopped in front of the main door of the house. He could hear some chanting coming from inside. His heartbeat picked up more pace. He was not sure anymore what he should do. Suddenly, he felt that all this was a very bad idea. He cannot just enter anybody’s house.
But Gaurav was too desperate for help. He was an intelligent boy, just like his son. He looked around to see any alternative entry into the house. There were none. Sighing, and undecided about what to do, he pressed his ears against the door to hear what kind of chanting it was. To his surprise, the door gave away due to his weight. It was not locked.
The chanting grew stronger. Aditya decided to take advantage of the sound and proceeded slowly towards the source, which was coming from upstairs, fully aware of his surroundings. The dim lights of the house instilled confidence in him. But not enough. He cursed himself for coming here alone. Also, he was trespassing in an unknown, weird house. What if he got caught? He could be sent to jail. But on the bright side, this family will not continue the ritual today, as per the diary entry. That was worth a try.
‘Steady, Aditya. All you have to do is to observe them from a distance, and intervene in case of any danger to Gaurav.’ he told himself.
The chanting stopped suddenly. There was a brief silence, followed by some rapid clicking sounds. There was smoke all over the place. amid the smoke, Aditya saw the silhouette of a small boy coming toward him. It was Gaurav, and he was signing him to go away. Then he disappeared behind the smoke.
“wait,” said Aditya in a muffled voice. He just wanted to make sure that he was okay. Then he could leave this sick place. but he was gone.
Aditya reached the first floor. He took the cover of the corner-most room’s wall to see where the family members were.
He did not know that what he will see next, will haunt him for the rest of his life.
From an iron mesh in the ceiling of the courtyard, the whole family was hanging in the air from their necks. Their hands and legs were bound with cloth pieces. Even their mouths were gagged. Everyone’s faces were almost covered, in an attempt to blindfold them. It was a blood-curdling sight. Several stools were lying in front of them. He could never imagine a more horrifying sight. Aditya’s voice choked. He stood there, perplexed. He could not move. He could not scream for help. The dangled bodies hung in front of him, lifeless. Suddenly, behind one of the hanging bodies, Aditya saw the silhouette of a short person, probably a lady wearing a saree. To his disbelief, she just removed the stool from beneath one of the family members. As Aditya ran towards the struggling body, the old lady disappeared under the cover of the smoke. On reaching there, he could hear his groans. This man was alive. He held the legs of the waggling body to relieve the pressure on his neck.
“I got you! Stay with me. Don’t move! I will try to untie your hands, and then you can remove your ligature!” screamed Aditya. But he could feel his limbs losing power. Before he could untie his hands, he became lifeless.
Aditya stayed there, unsure what to do next. There was a killer on the loose. This family did not plan on dying; rather, they were tricked into doing so.
He looked around and counted a total of nine bodies hanging from the ceiling’s iron mesh, while another kid’s body hung from a nearby window grill. But Gaurav told him that they were a family of eleven. So, who is the kid Aditya saw near the stairs? Was he hallucinating? He wished this whole experience to be just a bad dream.
“Gaurav! Gaurav !! shouted Aditya on top of his voice.
Suddenly, there was a large thud behind Aditya’s ears. It took a moment for Aditya to realize that he had been hit on the back of his head with something heavy. Something warm dripped down his neck. He collapsed to the ground on his knees, leaving the body he was supporting, and put his palm on his neck. It was blood.
Mustering all his remaining strength, Aditya turned, only to see the old lady in white saree holding a metal idol, ready to strike again. her face was pale, she was breathing rapidly, and her eyes appeared blood-red. In the dim light, she looked like something which many may consider a demon.
“Please… stop… no…” Aditya mumbled, raising his hands to avoid another impact. But he knew that his end is imminent. This old lady, the eldest of the family, did not even spare her own family. Why would she spare him?
The old lady spoke in a very strange dialect aggressively. Her voice was so sharp that Aditya had to press his ears to avoid pain. It appeared as if she was not herself. In layman’s words, she was possessed.
As she was about to hit Aditya again, something or someone grabbed her neck from behind, and she dropped the idol from her hands and tried to free herself and avoid choking. The level of aggressiveness this woman of at least eight decades of age showed, was unprecedented. Aditya shook his head, squeezed his eyes, and tried to concentrate on what was going on. He was on the verge of losing consciousness. It appeared as if someone had tightened a belt around her neck and pulled her back.
Before the unknown assailant dragged her into the adjacent room, Aditya had one good look at his savior, before finally losing his senses and drowning in a vast pit of darkness.
It was his son.
***
Aditya opened his eyes in a hospital.
His head was pressure bandaged, and he felt disoriented. As he tried to get up, his head hurt like hell.
“Slowly, Adi”. He heard Niharika’s voice, just with a lot of hoarseness. “it’s okay… you are safe now.”
Aditya could not imagine by what miracle he was still alive. He had so many questions running through his mind. He was sure of the same about Niharika. They both narrated their stories to each other.
Niharika got scared of his behavior at the party and followed his car. He lost him on the narrow roads for a moment but luckily found him quick enough. It was her who drove him to the hospital after finding him unconscious.
“Why did you come so late?” asked Aditya, and then suddenly came up with the answer himself. “Of course, the dog.” Niharika had cynophobia, an intense, irrational fear of dogs.
As for Aditya, though his experience was freakishly extraordinary and going through the details once again was like re-living all those moments, the fact that he made it alive from the murderous place was enough for him.
“So, who killed the old lady?” asked Niharika.
Aditya looked away. He was not sure how she would take the answer.
“The correct question is, who saved my life”, said Aditya, “and you wouldn’t believe me even if I told you. Nobody will. That’s exactly why we cannot report this to the police. Because nobody will believe us. It is a secret we have to take with us to our graves.”
Aditya did tell her about Rishabh, and how he was trying to protect his father since the time he entered the house. He could not explain how. Maybe, the line between the worlds of the living and the dead was thin at that house. Or maybe, the ritual opened a portal between these two worlds. Maybe, the smoke played tricks on his mind and he hallucinated most of the things. Maybe, indeed, there is so much that science cannot explain yet. But one day, it will. Till then, this case remains to be one of the most baffling ones in modern times.
