For past 15 days my City has been buzzing with rumors of attacks by a mysterious shadow. Apparantly, a dark shadow which sometimes assumes the shape of a large black cat attacks people sleeping on the roof or in the open. Things have become so bad that people have fallen off the roof and seriously injured themselves. Nobody sleeps in open anymore. The following is a fictional account of the events through a child’s eyes. Please remember that this is a story and in no way true. The events and the eventual explanation exists in author’s imagination only.

PINTU’S DIARY

Today was a good day. I spent the entire day on the roof flying kites. I like 15 August. Papa says we gained independence on this day. I like independence. I like kites more. No school today. I got twelve kites. Added to six I had they were eighteen.Three got torn.Seven were cut by other kite flyers. I am still left with eight. I too cut three kites. A good day. Sometimes I wish I had a brother or at least a sister who would hold the Charkhi while I flew kites. Still, sometimes Ramu (my friend) comes over to do it. But he wants to fly kites and I have to hold Charkhi.Lot of pigeons live on roof. A few crows come too. A big Kite (the bird and not the paper one) usually sits on the TATA SKY antenna. Kites eat pigeons. But not this one. It sits there kind of peaceful. Does not do anything the whole day. I like the roof. Nobody disturbs me here. Ma is calling me downstairs. Better go or she will be angry.

*****

I am sad. Someone has been killing pigeons. I often find feathers and spots of blood on roof. The place has become scary. It feels cold in afternoon also. I will not come here. I will not fly kites. I wish I had a big and strong brother.

*****

 

I have not gone to roof for many days. I have to sit in living room and listen to Ma and aunty talk. All day they talk about Churail only. There is churail in city. She comes in night and attacks people sleeping on roof. Did she kill the pigeons? I will not go to roof alone. But I am bored.

*****

The Tribune

Mystery cat terrorises city

Thursday (Our local correspondent)The city is buzzing with rumors of a Mysterious Shadow which assumes the shape of a wild cat and attacks sleeping people. A number of people claim to have been attacked. A few have shown unexplained scratches on their bodies. One girl was seriously injured when she fell from the roof after an alleged attack by the Mysterious shadow. The district administration has dismissed this as baseless rumor. The SSP when contacted said that he has issued instructions for effective policing in the effected area to restore people's confidence. The president of local IMA has dismissed the rumors as phenomena of Mass Hysteria. As for the scratches he says they may be self induced.

*****

Pintu's diary.

 

We have new neighbors. Actually, they have been here for a month. Aunty visited us today. I don't like her. She has green eyes. I read in Harry Potter that witches have green eyes. In England the Churails are called witches. She has very red lips and pointed teeth. She asked me why I did not go to roof any more. She said she has often seen me playing on the roof as her window looks out to the roof. I ran to my room and did not come out till she was gone. I told Ma that she was a Churail and Ma laughed at me. Sometimes, grown ups are stupid.

*****

Ramu came today. We went to roof to play. All pigeons are gone. Where? Has kite killed all of them or is it the Churail? New aunty was looking at us from her window. She looked at us and licked her lips like a cat. I am afraid. We will not fly kites anymore.

*****

The Tribune

The cat hysteria continues

Saturday (Our local correpondent)The hysteria in the city about Mystery cat refuses to die down. Increased policing has not helped. There was a near riot in old city when two groups belonging to different communities clashed blaming each other for the menace. The District Magistrate and the SSP have appealed to all residents not to listen to or spread rumors. The City Rationalist Association has decided to start community policing to restore confidence in the populace. Meanwhile the number of people claiming to have been attacked by a large black cat, or a woman with flowing hair or a dark shadow keeps on increasing.

*****

Pintu's diary.

 

I am bored as I have nothing to do. I don't go to roof any more. Papa brought me a portable video game but I am bored with it too. Maybe I'll go to roof tomorrow.

*****

I will not stay here. I will go to Mama's House in Faridabad. Now I know who killed the pigeons. I also know who the Churail is. It is the aunty with green eyes. I was so bored in the afternoon that I went to roof alone. Ramu did not come and I don't have a brother or sister. I was busy playing with Marbles when I felt cold. I felt someone's eyes on my back. I turned and saw Aunty on her window. Her eyes were greener and lips redder than ever. She licked her lips the way a cat does. Then she smiled and called me. Her teeth were pointed like Dracula. And when she waved at me she had cat's paws instead of hands. I ran and ran and shut myself in my room. She knows that I know the truth about her. And she will kill me. I will not stay here. But Ma will not believe me. Papa will laugh when I tell him what I saw. So I'll cry and cry till they are forced to take me to Mama's house in Faridabad.

 

THE END

 

 

                   Link to Part II

This version has been written by Mivida G and all kudos for this should go to her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reunion started punctually. All the men were dressed almost identically in dark suits. But the women stole the show, dressed in glamorous saris and Punjabi suits. There were a few western dresses as well and everyone seemed animated. Venkat started the official proceedings after grabbing the mike. The guests sat in groups around small tables while Venkat called the class members and their families one by one and asked them to brief the audience about themselves. Maya seemed to have bonded big time with Mandira and was chatting animatedly with her. Tarun sat by himself, feeling slightly lost among the entire bustle.
Sunayana suddenly materialized by his side, 'where were you? I have been looking for you!' She looked absolutely beautiful in a royal blue sari.

 

“Hi how are you doing………….how's life treating you and why are you alone?”

 

'Well!' Sunayana replied, 'I am doing good. I have shifted base to US and except some major shocks which I have overcome life is treating me good, what about you?”

 

 'That's nice, dear.' Tarun replied, 'well, I have been married to Maya for Eighteen years .There she is' and he waved her over. Maya met Sunayana and then joined back with the group she had formed .Tarun continued talking about his daughter and professional life.

 

“So you are happily married and well settled ………….lucky chap”

 

Tarun replied, 'Happily …..Don't know but yeah, married?”

 

Sunayana was about to reply when her phone rang. She excused herself and went to a side to chat. When she returned to the table Tarun heard only the last words of the call “ok sweet heart, take your time………waiting, love you.”

 

Tarun somehow didn’t like those words but keeping his feelings to himself he greeted her back with a smile.

 She said, “Too suffocating here; let’s go for a walk in the lawn….”

 

He nodded and they moved. Sunayana broke the silence” So Tarun……your last statement .May I ask you if everything is fine.”

 

Tarun said, 'Yes. Absolutely, it's just that you know we men can never digest the fact that we are happy in our marriage While thinking in his mind, 'Dear Sunayana, everything is fine except me. I want to be with you. I still love you. I regret not conveying my love too you… now life has given me a chance I won't let it go'. Then smiling in his thoughts he said to himself, 'she too is in a relationship. What crap I am thinking.'

And he forced his mind back to the present.

Sunayana broke the silence, “Tarun, I know you were attracted to me in our college days. I was too ………and really when our college ended for few months I always regretted not taking a move. But then some months apart I met Vishal, the first real love of my life .Yes, first love ………..'Tarun hated this line.

'You know Tarun, we knew each other for 2 years as very good friends then we started dating for about 3 years and finally took the call and decided to get married.   We were madly in love ………..I felt as if I was living in a dream world……….But unfortunately, my dreams were all shattered by me losing Vishal forever in a plane crash…….Just one month before our marriage…………My world was shattered, Tarun.   For months I lived in a shock. But then time is the best healer I moved on with his memories and concentrated on my career. Then as time passed I finally met Richard. He was a colleague and then we spent time together. Though I was never inclined towards him…….I liked his company……..And finally Richard proposed and I accepted as there was no reason to say no. Though I told Richard that I need some time more to accept him. Finally after about 1 year of his proposal I got married to him. And now we are happily married, yes, really happily for 5 years'…in our small world…………Richard has a daughter from his first marriage. She is 15 and she too has accepted me………”

 

'But Tarun,' she continued 'even when I was alone …….I never had a thought about you ………..as I feel for me you were just a teenage attraction I never felt in my 3 lonely years that I need you by my side or that life would have been different with you. May-be you were just out of mind when out of sight. But yeah, I still smile when I think of my stupid deeds in college just  got a glimpse of you….but it was just a attraction…..Even  now I  can't  say Richard has taken Vishal’s place. Well, nobody can but I am happy with him”

 

“Hey, beautiful lady!” someone interrupted their conversation. Tarun turned around to see a person walking towards them. H e was an American, a good looking gentleman. Sunayana moved towards him and welcomed him with a hug.

 

Sunayana then introduced Richard to Tarun and they exchanged pleasantries. Then they excused themselves and moved inside.

 

Tarun sat by himself, oblivious to his surroundings and thinking, 'How beautifully Sunayana has moved on from Vishal to Richard. And how stupid I am. Just clinging on to the ghosts of my past and ready to spoil my present. And that too for a person who was never mine…………and would never be…….' And then he thanked god for never losing a loved one………..and suddenly all good times he had with Maya rolled back…….Suddenly she felt so special. And he knew how special she was for him. Even though he had lost the track for sometime…….thanks to Sunayana …….he has no doubts now.

 

He heard Maya calling,”Tarun, what are you doing alone here?” She was standing in front of him.

“Just thinking of old times. Been catching up with old friends.'

Maya gave him a questioning but teasing look. 'Girlfriends?'

'Well yeah…………….but not more important then my present which is you………..love you dear.” And he hugged her.

Surprised by the sudden gesture Maya asked, 'Are you okay?'

Tarun smiled, 'Yeah, more than okay. Lets get back to the reunion ceremony!' Thinking, 'and I bet it's my reunion with you too, Maya.'

 

The end.

 

 

 

 

                                                        Link to Part II

Here is a second version which was written with generous help from Sharath Godwa.

 

 

 

Tarun was sitting in his room and re-living the few seconds Sunayana had spent with him earlier in the evening. 'Wonder where she is now and what is her room number?' He thought. As if on cue the telephone rang. He picked up the phone. 'Tarun, it is me, Sunayana. I am in room number 108. Could you come over for a few minutes, please?'

'Right, I'll be there.' He had to think fast. He looked at Maya and said. 'Venkat is calling me to the Banquet Hall. I'll be back soon.'

With a rapidly beating heart he made his way to room 108 and rang the bell. The door opened and there she was. She ushered him in and offered him a seat. As he sat there looking at her Tarun was at a loss for words. Thousand of unsaid words welled up in his heart but did not find a way to his tongue.

'I don't know what to say, Sunayana.' He managed to articulate.

'Don't say anything. Just come here and hold my hands.' She commanded.

He walked over to her and held her hands. He felt an unaccustomed thrill.

'Sunayana. I want to say'..'

'Shhh. Don't say anything!'

 And they were kissing passionately. Years of suppressed yearning, desires and lust made an incendiary combination and they grabbed each other, tore at others clothes and made love on the bed. She was like a tigress in bed. In eighteen years of marriage, Tarun had never experienced anything like it. They went on an incredible roller coaster ride and suddenly they were spent, lying exhausted in each others arms.

'Sunayana, I have always loved you. I was a fool not to have done anything about it earlier. But no more, I cannot live without you anymore. I'll get a divorce. We'll be together forever. What about you. I know nothing about your life'.'

'Shhh. Don't say anything now. I had been waiting for this moment for a very long time. Let me experience it to the full. There will be enough time for talk later.'

And they lay together, savoring the moment. There was a sense of peace and fulfillment in Tarun's mind. He knew that he had found what he had been looking for all his life. Sunayana was the one to break the silence. 'Tarun, go to your room and change for the party. Let this little tryst be our secret. We'll talk later.' Tarun was reluctant to leave but he realized that what Sunayana was saying made sense and he made his way back to his room. He went to the bathroom and showered, his skin still tingling with Sunayana's touch. His mind was working at top gear; all his thoughts were centered on the woman he had just left.

 

 ****************************************************************************************

 The reunion started punctually. All the men were dressed almost identically in dark suits. But the women stole the show, dressed in glamorous saris and Punjabi suits. There were a few western dresses as well and everyone seemed animated. Venkat started the official proceedings after grabbing the mike. The guests sat in groups around small tables while Venkat called the class members and their families one by one and asked them to brief the audience about themselves. Maya seemed to have bonded big time with Mandira and was chatting animatedly with her. Tarun sat by himself, feeling slightly lost among the entire bustle. He was desperate for a glimpse of Sunayana. Bit Sunayana did not turn up. Tarun waited and waited but she never came. For a moment he thought that he had imagined the entire episode but the skin of his chest still ached slightly from her love bites so there was proof that he had not imagined the rendezvous. In the end, he could bear it no longer and he asked Venkat.' Where is Sunayana?' Venkat was slightly tipsy from the enormous quantities of beer he had been guzzling. 'Sunayana. She called on my mobile and said that she had to go back to Delhi for some urgent work. She said that she was sorry to be missing the party but she could not help it.'  

Tarun was shocked but decided not to push Venkat in his present state of intoxication. I'll take her cell number from him in the morning, he decided. Next morning, as they all gathered for breakfast, he took Sunayana's mobile number from Venkat. Venkat did not suspect anything as everyone was busy exchanging contact information and promises to keep in touch. Tarun was at a loss to explain her absence. He just could not understand what had happened and why had it happened. He understood the passion between himself and Sunayana but could not understand her sudden unexplained disappearance. He went on calling her mobile but every time he got the same message- The mobile you are calling is either switched off or out of range.

*****************************************************************************************

The next few days went by in a daze. He could not get Sunayana out of his mind. He went through his routine expecting her to contact him every moment. His sleep was disturbed. He had dialed Sunayana's umpteen times but to no avail. One day the letter arrived at his office address. He recognized the handwriting and tore at the envelope, dropping the letter in his hurry. He read the letter and sat quietly for a long time, stunned by the revelations. Few tears trickled down his cheek while he sighed for the unattainable. He cried for himself, for Sunayana and for their doomed love story which was destined to remain unfulfilled but for those few stolen moments of passion in a hotel room in Mussoorie.

 

————–Sunayana's Letter————

 

Dearest Tarun,

I know you will be anxiously waiting for a word from me. I know what I did was wrong. Firstly, I should not have called you to my room and secondly, I should not have run away. But believe me, certain things are pre-destined to be doomed and our love story is one of those. I am sure you will understand everything once I explain and will not have any bitter thoughts about me.

Tarun, I love you. I fell in love with you the first day I set my eyes on you. I loved you as an akward teenager and I loved you as an adult. I loved you with a single minded devotion and passion. But I was painfully shy and never articulated my feelings even to my closest friends. I knew in my heart that you were also interested as I caught many a furtive glances from you. I kept waiting for you to make a move but you never said anything. Thus the six years of med school were spent in quite desperation and unfulfilled passions.
After passing out of med school I hired by the multinational medical giant Pfizer. After a brief stint in their research division, I diversified to the business arm and gradually rose to head the marketing division in charge of South India.
  I met Rahul through mutual friends of our families, and although I found in him a quite and dignified young man, I never felt that stirring of passion I had felt through out our unfulfilled love. But gradually the gentle nudges and pushes from both families found us at the altar.
 The marriage was a disaster from the onset, and though both of us soldiered on to keep the relationship alive, we knew it was only a matter of time .Four years later we separated amicably. Luckily there was no offspring to bear the emotional scars of a failed marriage.
   When sorrows come they come not as single spy but as battalion of soldiers. Barely a fortnight after the divorce was finalized, one day at office when I was busy at a conference I felt giddy and a bit tired .I took the day off and rested at home .And thinking the tiredness was a result of the pressures of divorce, coupled with hectic office work, I ignored it and continued attending office. But a fortnight later when the same symptoms reoccurred, I knew it was trouble.
      The work-up was extensive, but the result was brief and brutal.  I have acute lymphocytic leukemia and you know what it means. At best, I have six months left and at worse'''''''.And then Venkat called. The call from Venkat  unleashed within me the memories and desires kept concealed for a very long time .I thought back to my medical college days and of the gawky young man on whom I had a crush. And I wanted to meet you at least one more time. The meeting in the Hotel Lobby set within me a maelstrom of emotions and desires I thought were long dead. I wanted to make love to you, I wanted to possess you, and I wanted to be fully alive at least once before dying. So I did what I did. Staying further would have unnecessarily complicated your life. I have nothing to offer you as I am dying. I don't want any sympathy. I will not contact you again. Do not search for me. You will not find me in this life at least. I am taking with me the precious memory of those few moments spent with you. I don't know if there is anything called perpetual love that transcends lifetimes. Maybe we'll meet again in another life, maybe we won't. But I am happy that I did what I did. Goodbye or should it be till we meet again.

Yours

Sunayana

THE END

 

                                                                    Link to Part I

They woke up late the next morning, a rare luxury indeed. 'How about some trekking. I need some action.' Sachin said. So after breakfast they set off on the short but steep climb to the Hanuman temple on the top of the hill inside the Air Force Station. This was restricted area but tourists were allowed to trek to the temple, situated on the hilltop also called Manki Point. The climb was far from gentle and they had to stop half-way to catch their breaths. 'I think this idea of yours has sinister ramifications. You want me to die of exhaustion so you are free to pursue whatever nefarious designs you have', huffed Anjali. Sachin just smiled as he caught his breath. The climb proved to be well worth the effort. The top of the hill provided panoramic views of the surroundings and they could even see the distant city of Chandigarh. The descent proved to be a relatively easy affair. They discovered a Tibetan eatery in the market and did full justice to the offerings of momos and thupka.

 The weather changed dramatically in the evening as dark clouds gathered and it threatened to rain. It started raining around seven. By eight it was pitch dark, the wind howled and shrieked and the house made ominous creaking noises. The rain lashed the surroundings with unabashed fury and they sat in the small lining room in enjoying the unaccustomed sights and sounds. 'It can't possibly get worse than this' said Sachin. The moment he said it the lights went out plunging the room in pitch darkness.  Using his mobile Sachin hunted up the candles left over from yesterday and lighted them. The candles flickered and spluttered sending out feeble yellow light which cast eerie shadows in the room.  And then the hail stones started falling making a loud noise on the tiled roof. There was a louder noise reverberating through the house. 'Someone is knocking on the main door. Who can it be at this time on night?' wondered Anjali. 'Maybe it is the caretaker.' Sachin said as he moved towards the door.

 He opened the door and peered out in the dark. A young man dressed smartly in jeans and a leather jacket was standing there. He was drenched and drops of water dripped off him. 'I am sorry to have disturbed you at this time of the night. I live nearby and was caught in the rain. I am used to walking around in the rain but then the damn hailstones started and I had to seek shelter so I thought'''..' 'Do come in.' said Sachin as he ushered in the stranger. He was reluctant to admit an unknown man at this time of the night but the fury of the elements left him with no other choice. The young man walked in and sat on a cane chair in the darkest corner of the room. 'I don't want to spoil the settee as I am soaked.' He said as an explanation for his act.  Anjali was concerned. 'Do you want a towel?' The young man gave a sad smile, 'Thanks m'am. I am okay. I love the rain and often roam around like this.' Sachin noted that the man had a deep scar running across his forehead. The young man noticed the glance and said, 'Mobike accident. I too drove a Bullet like you and the brakes snapped while I was going to Kalka last year. But I am here to tell the tale so that is good enough.' Seeing the surprised ex-pression on their faces he said. 'By the way, my name is Robin. I live around here. I saw you driving around in that bullet of yours yesterday. I even saw you taking an after dinner walk but did not disturb you. I am a bit of a Bullet fan myself. But you need to be very careful when driving around in the hills, particularly when going downhill.' Sachin was miffed, 'I have been driving a Bike for many years. I have never had an accident.' 'And you should not have one,' replied the stranger, 'Just get the brakes checked before starting off on every journey.' Anjali joined forces with Robin, 'I did not want to come on a bike. I wanted the car.' 'No, no, the pleasure of driving a bike is far more. Just be careful and get the brakes checked.'  By that time the hailstorm had petered out but the wind was still howling in the trees. Sachin thought, 'what a spooky night. It almost makes you believe in ghosts.'  Robin apparently read his mind. He said, 'You know, ghosts exist. I know it but please understand that all spirits are not evil. It has stopped raining and I must go. Goodnight and remember to get the brakes checked.' And with a polite nod he was off.  The light came on after a few minutes and Sachin and Anjali did not think much about the matter after that.

The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Kasauli looked washed and scrubbed and Anjali and Sachin started putting their things together as they neared the end of their brief holiday. As they handed over the keys to the caretaker Sachin asked him, 'Do you know this fellow Robin?' The caretaker gave a visible start, 'Sir, why are you asking me this question?'  Sachin said, 'we met him yesterday.' The caretaker paled visibly and asked, 'who did you meet yesterday and when?' Sachin said, 'Robin, The smart young man in jeans and jacket who lives around here. He said he also drives a bullet. Don't you know him?' The caretaker said, 'Robin was the only son of the owners of this Bungalow. He was a very kind hearted fellow and drove a bullet. He died in an accident last year while driving down to Kalka on his bike. He is buried in the cemetery out there. May his soul rest in peace.' He shuffled away leaving the dumbfounded couple behind.  Anjali was the first to find her voice, ' Don't you think we should get the Bike checked before commencing our journey?' They made their way to the market in silence and told the mechanic to give the bike a through check. ' Sir, the brake wire is about to snap. There is only one strand left. Thank God that you brought the bike for a check-up before driving back.' Sachin and Anjali could only gape in silence as the words echoed in their minds, 'You know, ghosts exist. I know it but please understand that all spirits are not evil. It has stopped raining and I must go. Goodnight and remember to get the brakes checked.'

The End