Miranda Mansion:  The Haunted Encounter

 

During the late 80’s, somewhere in Shimla town.

 ‘Man, it’s getting late can you accelerate a bit more … The sky is getting darker too, it might downpour anytime bro,’ Daniel riding pillion on black Royal Enfield said to Rishi. Both were the best of buddies returning from college after attending today’s session.

On the roadside to their route back to home was an old British era abandon mansion which was their parting point.  This mansion was famous in the town for two things, one for its magnificent structure and the second for being haunted. The tales of this mansion being haunted were passed down from generation to generation sparking both curiosity and fear among the residents of the town.

 

The entire mansion compound was guarded by a wall of around 5 ft’ which anyone could easily trespass.  At the front there was a huge, rusted iron gate always kept locked and on the right side there was a black marble plate encrypted with bold white letters ‘Miranda Mansion’. Just near the gate there was a covered cemented slab where people used to rest for some time while returning after their hectic work.  

 

Every day Rishi would halt his bike there and both the friends used to rest for a while and have a cigarette together before parting, this was their daily affair.  Daniel used to walk the elevated lane passing the mansion gate towards hilltop just a half kilometer walk by the forest, whereas Rishi would take ride adjacent left lane connecting towards the main market.

 

Miranda Mansion gate was their rendezvous, as usual they used to part their ways from there but today something fateful was waiting for them.

It was just around 5 pm in the evening but gave a feeling of night because of the dense dark cloud that had hovered in the sky. 'Bro… look at the weather isn’t it getting awesome…how about some quick shots at the Roxie Bar?'  

 

'Are you crazy…it’s getting dark and might rain anytime, I need to get back home soon?  Some other day, we will plan.' Rishi said while gripping the handle to accelerate. They had just crossed the Mansion gate and there was a jerk in his bike and the ignition stopped abruptly.  

‘Oh no baby …not now.’ Rishi murmured and asked Daniel to get down. He halted the bike and tried hard to set the ignition but no use. He kept on kicking, no luck.

 

‘What the hell, why don’t you sell this antique rusty crap’ Daniel said while taking out the cigarette packet.

‘Don’t you dare say anything to my beauty beast.’ Rishi was irked.

‘Okay Okay, I am sorry. I know it’s your darling, a darling who ditches you every time.’ Daniel said sarcastically.

Rishi just gave a dreadful look but didn’t utter a word this time. He was more concerned about fixing the issue, so he grabbed his toolkit and started inspecting the bike. 

The road was deserted, just two of them, not a single person passing by. Daniel went near the cemented slab and sat there while enjoying his puff.

‘Bro this Mansion looks awesome, wish I owned this?’

 ‘I mean Man, look at the colossal structure...it's heaven on earth, only a maniac would abandon such a beauty.’ He said gazing at the abandoned Mansion gate.

.

Miranda Mansion was a magnificent old colonial red brick multi storey structure in the town. This Mansion witnessed a splendid view from any direction in the city even from a faraway distance. The mighty Mansion always gazed proudly from behind the creaky strong black iron gate which was scary enough to bring chilling spine among the people who pass from the deserted road even during the daytime. The compound was massive, spread over 10 acres with the mansion in the center surrounded by pine trees following parallel on both sides. There was a huge white marble water fountain on the front which has been dried and dusted since decades whispering the unfold secret about the lifeless Mansion.

 

This Mansion was famous all over the city for two things, one for its elegant architect and more than that for the paranormal activities. No one had ever dared to enter this building since decades but today something unusual was going to happen. The Mansion was going to have a new hostile visitor that may irked the restless souls.

‘Do you have any idea why this place is abandoned? Does anyone stay here?’ Daniel continued while still staring at the mansion.

‘This mansion was once owned by a Royal British family and the only survivors were his 10 years old daughter Miranda and her Granny. Infact this mansion was built by the owner in the name of his beloving daughter Miranda. Both Miranda and her Granny luckily survived because they were not present at the mansion during the gruesome incident.’ Rishi replied while still engulf fixing his bike.

‘Oh shit?? What incident Bro?’ Daniel got curious.

‘I don't know exactly but my grandpa had once told me, the British family was murdered during the peak of Quit India agitation.’ He paused and looked above at the sky to ensure there was no rainfall and continued again.

 

‘Some mob forcefully entered and torched this mansion with people inside...which include his wife and 3 servants, till his last breath he fought with them and tried to save his wife who was soon expecting her second child.’ Rishi continued his narration and Daniel was listening to him patiently.

 

‘He begged the mob to at least let her pregnant wife go but angered mob didn't pay any heed and burnt them alive. Not only that he was forced to watch his wife being burnt alive, he kept struggling and begging but no one came to rescue him and later he was thrown inside the burning room too.’

‘Man that's inhuman. I can't believe this was done by our own people during that time in the name of revolt.’ Daniel replied taking a large puff, he was still staring the mighty mansion.

‘Okay tell me more what happened afterwards.’ Daniel was curious.

Rishi continued, ‘Granny and Miranda were so terrified after the incident that they left the country same day. Since this was the last memoir Miranda had from her family, she never sold this property. Beside that people also say this mansion is haunted.’

‘Haunted?? Are you kidding?’ Daniel gave a sarcastic smile.

‘No Man....I am serious, since you guys have shifted just few months back, so you don't know the history about this mansion. This place is haunted, and everyone knows about this. You can ask any old people here.  That's why no one dares to enter this compound.’ Rishi replied.

‘Comon Rishi don't talk childish... we pass the mansion everyday… have you ever seen any ghost here?’ He patted Rishi’s back and laugh loud.

‘Bro... that’s because people don’t dare to trespass the compound so they are safe...if anyone dares to do that, he will not be alive.’

‘No bro that’s not the case, my father once told me. Haunted stories about this place is just cook up by the druggist here, this compound is haven for anti-social elements and lot of illegal works happens here after the dark.’ Daniel asserted while getting up from the slab.

‘What Rubbish... I have never come across such incident ever.’. Rishi outcast his statement.

‘Okay... if this place is haunted then what is that security guard doing here.’ He said pointing old man dozing on the chair.
‘Nothing has happened to him; I have seen him since the first day in this town.’

‘That’s because his 3 generation has been servant to the Royal family and he is the relative of the same people who died in the riot that night.’ Rishi replied.

‘Even he just roams under the compound but does not dare to enter the building. The other reason is the owner of the mansion really pays his family very well, you have no idea how much he earns.’ Rishi continued.


‘Whatever… Still, I don’t buy your statement, this is just a rumor.’ He affirmed.

‘Come let’s go inside and find the truth.’ Daniel said stabbing the cigarette under his feet.

‘Are you crazy? Don’t you ever think of stepping inside the compound. Can’ t you see the warning board, it’s both risky and illegal. I am almost done, just 5 minutes and we are good to go.’ He said while his hand was busy with the toolkit.

‘Rishi are you scared; don’t say you are? Man, an educated people like you talking rubbish. You are a law student, and you are talking shit.’

‘Hang on, I will have a quick visit and will be back before your dead beast is alive again.’ He started walking towards the gate.

‘ No man, it has nothing to do with your education, its haunted and everyone knows that. There are many things beyond science and logic.’ Rishi replied.

‘Comon Rishi be a sport? Let’s a have quick look alteast, the Mansion is so majestic, I want to get the feel.’ Daniel was now getting hooked with the Mansion.

Till now Rishi was taking this light but when he saw Daniel’s eagerness getting intense, he shouted … ‘Please Bro, this is not fun, I am serious.’

 
Daniel sarcastically said ‘Man, I never knew you are so coward.’

‘Rishi Oh yeah…. What do you think of yourself, Mr Bravo.  If you are so courageous why don’t you go alone, why you need me.’

‘Daniel laughed, ‘Ohh  wow wow...I can go Bro,  but I bet you can’t.’

‘Yes I can’t, I am sacred. Now if you can, then please go ahead.’ He challenges Daniel.

‘Really? Do you think I can’t go alone?’ He asked Rishi.

‘Yes you can’t? I bet you can’t.’ He replied being firm.

‘Challenge accepted, If I can’t, 100 bucks and a treat at the choice of your restaurant from my side. If I succeed, you need to do same…agreed?’ He pointed with thumbs up.

‘Yes … agreed Bro.’ Rishi gesture with pointing his thumb too.

‘Be here for few mins…  I will go inside and come back in one piece.’ Daniel said while moving towards the gate.

Rishi was standing there watching him, while Daniel got near the gate. He pushed the gate, but it was locked. Few meters away the old man was dozing off peacefully.

He turned back and gestured. ‘This is locked.’

 

But no worries, there are other ways to get inside.’ He said and went towards the compound, which was hardly around 5 feet, Daniel being a tall and athlete guy. It was not a big task for him.

Rishi realizing that Daniel was damn serious now, he ran towards him and pulled his hand.

‘Enough man, are you serious? Let’s go back, this is very risky, not a good idea and besides that it’s getting dark too, inside there can be anyone, may be even some anti-social elements, let’s not be foolish. Let’s go back.’ He said pulling him back.

‘There can be legal consequences too. Can't you see the trespassers warning sign board.’ He continued.

Daniel, pushed him back and said, ‘I will go no matter what happens, a challenge is a challenge, I cannot back out.’

‘Daniel don’t be crazy, if it’s about challenge, I know you have the guts.  I will treat you anyway and I admit you are brave. Now let’s go back, the bike is fixed. There is no point of staying here anymore, it can rain anytime.’ For some reason Rishi could sense within that something bad was going to happen, so he insisted Daniel to reconsider his decision.

‘Man, it’s not about the treat…it’s about proving that there is nothing like ghost or spirits. I have given my word and I can’t back out. I will show you that there is nothing inside.’ He said jerking his hand away from Rishi.

‘You just wait here; I will be back in 5 mins.’ He said and went towards the boundary wall. Daniel was a tall, athlete guy, he first took a few back steps and then ran towards the wall and took a big leap and got hold of the top of the wall and with full strength pulled his entire body. Within seconds he was on the other side.

Rishi’s heartbeat was on rise while Daniel came near the gate and gesture flexing his arms and smiling.

Rishi came running near the gate to convince him to come back.

‘See I’m inside nothing wrong. You poor fellow, getting scared unnecessarily.’ He laughed.

‘Just be there, I will take a quick look inside the building and come back. Man, I can’t wait anymore. I want to see the mansion from inside, just a quick sneak peek Bro, you hang on there.’ He said and turned back and started walking casually.

Rishi shouted, ‘Man that’s enough. You proved there is nothing to be scared of, now come back. It’s getting dusk, we will come some other day.’ 

Daniel waving his hand while walking ‘No man, not yet… As I said, I will go inside the building and will come back in jiffy. You just be here and have one cigarette, I will back soon.’ He started moving towards the Mansion. With very calm pace he surpassed the security who was still dozing on the chair.

Rishi was still standing near the gate watching him disappear. With every step of Daniel, Rishi was getting tense. This guy is just paranoid; he will get both of us in trouble someday.  He said while looking at the sky which was covered with greyish clouds but still no sign of rain. But it might start raining anytime soon. He turned his head but could not see a single person anywhere around. The road was just deserted, and the dense fog gave a dejected feel. Literally this made him shiver from inside.

‘I will kick his butt once he comes back,’ he murmured while taking out the cigarette from the packet. He lighted one with shaking hands and started taking large puff.

While Daniel was slowly moving towards the Mansion. He was carefully observing the surroundings. Miranda Mansion was artistically very beautiful, the huge sloping green roof looks majestic, and the red brick exterior gave it an elegant look. No doubt it was the most artistic structure in the entire town.

As he was stepping closer, he started feeling heaviness in the air and sudden drop in temperature. Though he was wearing a thick black woolen jacket, he started feeling the cold. He was slowly moving his steps forward. There was complete silence in the surroundings, only the chirping of crickets could be heard from far away. He paused for a while and stood there to closely look at the frontal view of the mansion. Those mega size windows though looked old but surprisingly there was not a single sign of dust, as if someone has just cleaned it.

As he was touring the mansion from outside, he suddenly felt something strange, he felt like the presence of someone very near him. He turned back in reflex to catch hold of the stranger but to his surprise no one was there.  He grins and pats his back head on his stupidity.

He then went ahead near Mansion, the roof covered passage was clean and connected to the main door. He then went around to have a close look around the building. The building was still in well maintained condition, not a single damage. There was huge lock hanging on the main door.

He moved a little ahead on the left and saw some broken windowpanes and half charred door, the room inside was fully damaged and dark. He carefully inspected the damaged area. He was convinced this was the room where the gruesome incident took place. Recalling the incident gave him goosebumps, he could sense the smell of burnt wood and the screaming of the helpless people inside. 

He started visualizing the gory scene looking at the ransacked kitchen area, how painful the situation would have been for the British family, he thought in his mind. As he was still engulfed in the inspection, all of sudden he saw a shadow flickering and passing from the kitchen and moving to the next room. It happened in such quick succession; he could not realize this was real or his illusion. 

He moved ahead and peeked to the other room window but could not see anyone. As he was gazing through the window, he noticed there was a wooden staircase connected to the next floor just attached by the side of the door. The mansion looked just awesome from inside, there was huge chandelier all around the drawing room. A life size family portrait but this was not clearly visible. This must be their drawing room, he thought while still peeking from the outside window.

He was tempted to go inside. He inspected the surrounding, it was calm and serene, the guard was nowhere around.

He slowly came near the door, which was not locked. He tried to push the door but it was jammed, he put some more strength, but the door was adamant to move. He kicked it several times cursing it but no use.

What the fuck... goddamn, it’s not opening, wish I could get inside somehow, frustrated, he looks around and realize there were some broken windows panes. He tried his luck there, he put his hand in one of the windows and was busy trying to unbolt, ‘ouchhh, what the hell’ he screamed and pulled his hand back, his wrist was hurt by the sharp broken windowpane, blood started dipping in the muddy ground. 

‘No matter what happens, I will go inside for sure,’ he murmurs. He then tied his wrist with the handkerchief and gave a second attempt, this time he twisted the jammed bolt with his full strength and luckily it opened. He had a sigh of relief and pulled out the window with a smile, his face glowing victorious. 

‘Nothing can stop me from getting in’ he murmured and put one of his feet on the wooden slab, he was just about to leap inside, creaking sound followed by an object with an lighting speed; and before he could react, the thing hit on his face, he screamed loud and with huge thudded sound felt on the ground... a flock of bats just pass above his head while he was still lying on the ground.

He started breathing faster and was looking at the sky which was getting duskier.
‘What the hell... stupid bats.’ That was scary, he said. While trying to get up, he saw the flicker shadow again passing by near the second-floor windowpane before he could realize what was happening ...  He saw a huge object falling from the top of mansion, he just flips to other side and the objects got smashed on the ground... he looked up and again saw the shadow flickering around again.

‘What the fuck... that’s crazy.’ There is definitely someone inside the mansion he was convinced by now. He got up and went near the window again and was about to jump inside but his jacket was tuck by something from behind, he turned around to check and was shocked to see saw the same old security guard, who was staring at him furiously.

‘Who the hell are you and how did you get in?’ The old man screamed.

Daniel got petrified looking at his face, the old man continued screaming at him and raise his stick to hit him, but Daniel just dives at the right time and the old man lost his balance and fell on the ground.

Without wasting a second, he ran towards the exit gate; while he was running, he could hear the old man’s scream. While outside the gate Rishi was impatiently waiting for him. He saw Daniel running towards the gate, he came near the gate. Daniel stopped near the gate to grasp some breath, he was panting badly and lay down on his knees.

Rishi shouted, ‘What the hell happened Bro?’

Daniel still gasping replied, ‘the old man is after me, he caught me near the Mansion, somehow, I manage to escape from his grip.’

‘Fuck, I told you this is not right, you will put both of us in trouble, now get up and let’s leave this place before the security arrives.’

Yeah…Daniel said while getting up…Bro, but I saw someone inside the Mansion for sure.’

‘Fuck off with your story, get the hell out of here first’ Rishi screamed.

Rishi saw the security coming towards him with great effort, but his pace was weak and sluggish because of his old age.

Rishi screamed ‘Daniel run…he is just behind you.’

Daniel turned back and saw him approaching about 200 meters away. He got up with full energy and ran towards the wall and took a long leap and in seconds he was on another side of the compound. ‘Bro start the bike fast,’ he screamed.

Rishi was running while taking out the key from his pocket. He haphazardly puts the key on the hole and kicks the bike for ignition, he throttles the handlebar while waiting for Daniel.

 

‘Hey Bro quick’ he screams and Daniel runs at full pace, he jumps and sits on the back and in seconds they both disappear from the sight.

After riding for a few minutes, Rishi halted the bike and asked him to get down. He was furious.

‘What the hell were you trying to do? Do you have any idea, what could have been the consequences, if he had caught you? You could be jailed for trespassing the private property.’

Daniel grabbed Rishi’s hand and tried to pacify him. ‘Relax bro, nothing of that sort would have ever happened. The old pity man is not strong enough to catch hold me of me.’

‘Oh Oh Mr Bolt…don’t be so over confident, hope he didn’t recognize your face. Otherwise, he can file a police complaint and it’s not a big deal for the police to find someone in this small town.’

 

‘Relax bro…I don’t think he could recognize my face; our confrontation was just for fraction of second beside that he is an old man.’ Daniel said while taking out a cigarette from his pocket.

‘Let’s hope and pray so’, Rishi said taking the cigarette packet from his hand.

‘Chill Bro! Nothing of that sort will happen’. He said while releasing smoke in the air.

‘Whatever my Dad said was true… there must be something illegal going there in that place.’ He said taking the puff quickly.

‘What nonsense are you talking?’ Rishi replied.

‘No Bro… I sure shot saw someone on the top floor’. ‘He said in excitement.

‘Are you crazy? No one stays there except the security guard.’ Rishi rebuked his narration.

 ‘No Man, I definitely saw someone, not once but twice flickering around the windowpane.’

 

‘Are you sure Man?’ Rishi asked with an intrigued expression.

‘Yes, though I didn’t see his face but I saw shadow of someone hovering around the windows twice. Last time when that huge glass pane fell on the ground. I saw the same shadow staring at me from the top floor.’ And he narrated the entire incident to him.

 

‘Whatever it may be… but it’s very risky. We should avoid crossing the lane for few weeks now.’ Rishi said while throwing the cigarette butt.

‘Yeah agreed, common let’s leave its already late.’ Daniel replied.

‘Bro can you please drop me till home…its very dark now.’ Daniel said while sitting on the back of the bike.

‘Hey, no problem man, sure will drop you home’. He said and started the bike, and both headed towards their destination.

Weeks passed and slowly things were getting back to normal after that incident, though they became more cautious while passing the Mansion and now they have stopped halting there as before.

College annual fest was approaching, Daniel was leading this event. So, he used to stay in the college post classes to monitor the progress. Sometimes Rishi used to accompany him and if not, he would take a cab and return home.

Soon Friday arrived and tomorrow it was day for Annual fest.

‘Hope everything is finalized in terms of tomorrow’s fest. Rishi asked while both came out from the classroom.’

‘Yes, everything is in place as planned, just some decoration pending and a mock speech for the presenter which we will do today.’

‘Oh great…. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s event and your play.’ Rishi replied as coming out of the corridor.

‘Hey Man…you can leave for the day; I think it will a bit late today. Need to ensure everything is perfect.’ Daniel replied.

‘Okay Bro…. Take care and try to leave asap. Have proper rest before the big day, it’s been hectic for you since last couple of days.’ He said and smiled.

‘Yup Bro…planning to leave by 7pm… catch you tomorrow then.’ Daniel responded and hugged Rishi and both parted ways.

Daniel headed towards the auditorium where all the volunteers and participants have gathered. He got engrossed with them to finalize on the preparation and by the time everything was done it was past 10 pm.

Most of the people had already gone and he was left with just a couple of volunteers. He asked the security man to switch off the lights and headed towards the parking area.

 

‘Thanks, guys, for all the support, I know it’s very late and my sincerely apologize for that. Let’s meet here at the schedule time tomorrow morning.’ Daniel said and waved goodbye.

He sat on his bike and kicked the pedal, but the ignition didn’t happen. He tried again but no result.

‘Damn, what the hell is wrong with this today,’ he said while hitting the pedal continuously but of no use.

He looked at his watch, it was already quarter past 10 and there was no way he could get mechanic to fix this. He asked, Amit one of the volunteers to drop him near the city junction as he was going in the same direction.

Amit agrees and Daniel joins him. Both left the place and after 20 minutes ride, they reached near the city junction.

Daniel asked him to stop and get down there. Amit offered to drop him till home, but Daniel declined and said he will get down here, will have a cigarette and then head towards home, it’s just few mins distance. 

He waives bye to Amit and heads towards the nearby pan shop, which was the last shop open in that area and was about to close.

Daniel asked for a pack of cigarettes and paid the shop keeper. He lights one cigarette and heads towards his home. He is about to cross the Mansion gate and it suddenly starts drizzling. 

There is a sudden drop in the temperature and Daniel starts shivering. He increased his pace and brisk while puffing the cigarette, he was just crossing the mansion gate and stumbles, his pace gets distracted by the shimmering light coming out of the mansion, he pauses for seconds and by reflexes turns to see the building. The very moment strangely the drizzling turns into intensified rain with gusty wind. He ran towards covered concrete slab to save himself from getting drenched.

‘What the fuck, this weather is a bitch.’ He murmurs and starts feeling very cold. He curses himself for not taking lift from Amit till home. Now he is stuck here in the cold, dark night. He realized the road was almost deserted by now and just a few cars plying with high beam light gushing towards the lane splashing water all over. He just wished this pouring gets stopped anyhow. He is waiting there patiently and after some time the rainy storm switched to drizzle again. He thought there was no point in waiting anymore and he should head towards his home as it was already late. 

He stepped outside and rushed towards his home, the road was completely dark with just a bit of shimmering light coming out from far away houses, surrounded by complete silence only a bit of wind and rain sound accompanying him. He increased his pace, just a few meters after the turning, he saw someone ahead of him holding a big umbrella brisking at his own pace. That sight made him feel better, he sighed with relief.

 

 ‘Thank God, alteast now I see someone walking in same direction in the dark night’.

There was a low beam of light hitting the road and the person was following the light, as Rishi increased his pace and reached near that person, he understood the light was coming from his torch which was tilted towards the road. He came near the person and in a hesitant voice ask, if he was heading towards the hilltop. 

The man just nodded his head without even looking at him, Rishi then request can he come along with him in his umbrella and that would save him of getting drenched in the rain. 

This time the man just replied in crisp "yes", Rishi hesitantly came under his umbrella and slowed down his steps to match the pace of the man. While walking Daniel gave a quick sneak peek towards the man who was walking quietly. He was very tall and well-built man. He had old British hat on his head and wore thick long black coat which was below his knees. He had also covered his face partially with black scarf that was draped around his neck. Because of that his face was not clearly visible in the dark night. 

He might be a man in his mid-40s that Daniel could gauge from his voice and physical appearance. He walked steadily with one hand holding the big umbrella and torch in the other hand that was diligently focusing on the road. The man didn’t utter a word and was quietly walking at his medium pace.

They walked in silence in slow pace and just the footsteps doing the talk. Daniel found his attitude awkward, but he didn’t pay much heed and just wished to reach him home as soon as possible. 

To break this awkwardness, Daniel started the conversation,

‘Do you stay near by Sir?’

‘Yes’. The man responded in single word without even looking at him.

‘Cool, I also stay near the hilltop near the old pine tree. Where exactly is your house.’ He enquired again.

‘My house is down near the city crossing.’ The man again replied in crisp.

‘Ohhh I thought you too stay near the hilltop… then where are you going during this late hour towards this direction.’ Daniel asks him again with a confused tone.

‘I am going to meet someone near the hilltop to pass a message to him.’ This time his voice was a bit rude, as if he was not enjoying this conversation.

‘Ahhh ... I see. Is that so urgent that you are going at this odd hour in the rain to meet him.’

This time the man turned his head a bit towards him and replied, ‘yes …it’s very urgent.’ 

Daniel tried to look at this face but again in the dark night, it was very less visible with Umbrella and hat on his head.

‘Shall I help you with holding that torch, your hands might be aching, so you can at least free one of your hands.’ He said while putting hand forward to hold the torch.

 

‘No, it’s fine, I can manage.’ The man said with a stern voice taking his hand a bit away.

Daniel finds this gesture very hostile but kept quiet.

‘I mind managing my business in my own way, I hate anyone’s interference.’

'My apology sir, I really didn’t mean that way, just wanted to help you a bit.'

The man didn’t respond this time, and both kept walking quietly again.

Daniel found his behavior very strange and rude but was ignoring this. 

He continued. ‘Sorry, I forgot to mention my name, I am Daniel and you?’

‘Henry.’ The man again replied with a heavy voice.

‘You have a different accent I must say.’ Daniel replied while slowly walking towards the lane.

‘Yeah…That’s because I am not from this place.’

‘Ohh…is it, where are you from?’

‘Bradford, UK.’

‘Wow …that’s cool, what are you doing here then.’

‘I came here for some specific purpose.’ The man replied in crisp and silent followed again.

Daniel was not happy with his one-liner replies, he found him to be somewhat arrogant. The rain was continuing, and he still had a good 10-15 mins of distance to cover. It was very dark, and he thought it’s better to be with this man, he will save himself from being drench.

‘Oh, I see, what’s that, if I may ask?’

‘I am looking for someone since past few weeks, who had barged into my personal property.’

‘What do you mean? Did someone rob your house?’ Daniel asked, being curious.

‘I don’t know what his intention was, he ran away before I could get hold of him. So I have been making a round daily with a hope to find him someday.’

‘Oh, I see, that’s a very nasty thing to do.’ Daniel replied. That’s must have pissed you.

‘Yes, to the level, that I want to grab that bastard and teach him a lesson.’

 

He said gruntly. Daniel got a bit scared by his last word. He started shivering, was this the result of being petrified or he was feeling cold. 

‘It’s very cold, that’s quite unusual in the month of July.’ He said to change the topic while taking out the cigarette packet.

 

‘Do you want to have it?’ He offered while lighting one for himself.

‘No Thanks, I don’t smoke.’ The man replied in short.

 

‘Hope you don’t mind If I continue.’ Daniel said while releasing smoke in the air. The warmth of the cigarette made him feel a bit better.

‘No… I don’t interfere in anyone’s personal business.’ The man replied with strong tone.

‘Thank you, wish everyone had mindset like you, the world would have been a better place to live.’ He said while releasing smoke in the air with a sarcastic smile. 

 

There was complete silence again both were walking quietly and few minutes later reached near the hilltop.

‘Cool… I reached. I need to go this way, he said while stopping at the junction. Can you see, few meters away, the shimmering light coming out from the balcony of that two-storey house is where I stay.’  Daniel said, pointing towards the house.

‘Thanks a lot … which way are you heading Mr…? My sincere apology, I forgot your name.’ He said while throwing the cigarette bud and forwarding his hand to bid adieu. 

The moment old man holds his hand, he sensed a familiarity, as if he knew Daniel. Raining got intense followed by thunderstorm. Daniel was about to turn to leave, he felt a grip on his hand.

‘Wait…young boy. I am not yet finished, you can’t leave’ and with his last words, the grip became firm.’

‘Sorry I didn’t get you?’ Daniel was confused by his last word.

‘Don’t you want to know, who that person was that barged my mansion. You would be glad to know I found him.’

 

‘But just a few minutes back you said, you don’t know him and still searching.’ How come you suddenly found him.

 

‘Do you recognize his face if you can give a bit description? I can help you out.’ Daniel said politely.

‘No need anymore, I found him.’ Daniel found his statement weird but ignored it.

Where….Who…I don’t see anyone except two of us? He replied with a confused tone.

The man ignored Daniel’s word and calmy said…..‘Everyone has their own space and privacy, and this should be respected, if people find this cool to poke nose into others affair, then they need to be taught a lesson for life.’ 

 

‘Nothing will happen Henry, people will still do the same thing.’ Daniel replied in affirmation.

‘How can be you so confident young Man?’ The old man said while still keeping his head down.

‘Yes because, I have seen this all around.’

‘Ohhh…  I see…That’s wrong notion, young man. This happens because people like you make this happen. You bloody rat generation need to learn respect for someone else privacy.’ Daniel was taken aback by his abusive words.

‘Excuse me Sir’, he replied in reflexes.

‘Who the hell gives you the right to interfere in someone’s else life?’ The old man continued with a scream.

Daniel got petrified, with his sudden aggression.

‘Hey Henry, chill, there is nothing to get so personal.’ It was my general opinion and tried to release his hand from his grip.

‘Do hell, with your opinion. Yes, there is a reason to get personal.’

‘Who the hell gave you the right to enter my property?’ He screamed with such aggression that teared the dark silence apart.

Daniel wasn’t ready for such aggression.

‘Hey Hey…Man chill… cool down. What made you so high.’ He replied in terrifying tone.

‘You, fucking swine, it’s you who made me burst.’ He screamed and the torch fell from his hand.

There was complete darkness now and Daniel was totally confused and scared too, he could not understand a single word, the man was talking and felt a firm grip in his hand.

‘What have I done? I don’t even know you, Infact we had met just few minutes back.’

‘Have you lost your mind old man? And please leave my hand.’ Daniel raised his voice too and somehow managed to escape his grip.

Daniel was about to turn to leave the loud voice followed again ‘Who the hell gave you the right to trespass over my property, my Mansion?’ 

There was utter silence for a few seconds and the rain just became intense with thunder and lightning accompanying it perfectly to create a panic atmosphere.

 

‘Your property, your Mansion?’ Daniel was still confused, what the hell was happening.

Before Daniel could get his sense back, the man turned towards him and grabbed by his wrist again. The wind became insane and turned into a storm, the old man’s umbrella got blown away.

‘Hey…what the hell are you doing, leave my hand.’ Daniel shouted, trying to escape from his grip. 

Though Daniel was a strong built athlete but could not get himself released, he tried with his full strength, but the old man hand didn’t even budge by an inch, the grip was solid as rock.

‘Who the hell gave you the right to enter Mirandaaaaa Mansion…the Man screamed that pierced the rain and struck with the lightning?’

 

The moment Daniel heard the name Miranda Mansion, he started freezed for a moment in shock.

‘How did you know that?’ He fumbled in fear.

The man twisted his forehand and replied, ‘it’s my mansion and I live there.’

‘Whattttt?’ Daniel screamed in pain as his hand was getting screwed like a bolt.

‘Who are you?’ Trying desperately to escape the man’s grip.

 

‘I am Henry… the owner of the mansion. I am the same Henry whose mansion was burnt by wicked people like you, you all killed my pregnant wife too.’ 

‘Even after giving so much grief, you can’t let me rest in peace. People like you keep on trespassing my private space. You find this cool; you enjoy barging into someone else house.’ And the twist got tougher.

 

The name and his narration made Daniel petrified.

‘Let me go …Pleasseeeee.’ He begged in pain.

‘Not so soon you creep. I am yet to get an answer…who the hell give you the right to do so?’ He roared in that gusty night.

 

‘Ouchhhhh…you are hurting me. Please forgive me, I am really sorry.’ 

 

‘It’s too late to feel sorry’ he pulled and grabbed his wrist more vigorously. There was a loud thunder with lighting again and wind became fierce too, the old man’s hat blew in the air and his charred face became visible in that haunted night when the lighting stroked. His eyes looked fiery red, Daniel screamed and tried with his full strength to get himself released from Henry’s grip.

 

‘I will not go there ever again. I admit my mistake, leave me for Godsake.’ He pleaded in pain.

 

‘I bet you won’t be able to do so anymore…you won’t be able to trespass anyone’s private space anymore.’ Henry roared in anger and started dragging him.

 

Daniel was trying his best of strength to pull apart in other direction, but Henry was pulling him towards him so easily just with his one hand. This tug of war hardly lasted for a few seconds and Thassssssh a huge sound followed that could be heard till far away. But it was confusing, was this sound of thunder or a giant slap. Daniel came to realize it soon after he fell on the wet road. Henry held one of Daniel’s leg and started dragging him ferociously. He turned and slowly started moving downwards back to the city road.

 

‘Hey, wait, please …let me go. I am sorry. Where you are taking me.’

 

Henry was just quiet and kept on moving slowly. The rain became more intense equally accompanied by the thunder and lighting and slowly the screaming of Daniel vanished in the dark dense rainy night. There was complete silence, and both were gone….

Next day morning in the auditorium, Rishi was looking for Daniel, but he was nowhere. All his batch mates were also looking for him desperately. The play was about to begin but the lead was missing.

 

Rishi was confused and so were the other participants too. Where the hell is Daniel? Rishi was talking to himself. 

They all waited for Daniel, but he never came, and the play was finally called off.

 

While returning, Rishi noticed his bike in the parking area and luckily found Amit there. He checked with him in case he was aware, since Amit was co-actor in the play. Amit narrated the entire night story and breakdown of his bike and how he gave Daniel lift till the city crossing.

 

Rishi sensed something is definitely wrong, he immediately decided to pay visit to Daniel’s house.

 

He requested Amit to take him to Daniel’s home. He sat behind his bike, and both left the college. After 30 mins they reached Daniel’s home. Rishi rushed to press the doorbell, the door was opened by the maid, she informed, no one is there at home right now and got to know, everyone has rushed to Hospital. 

 

Rishi was shocked to hear; Daniel had met an accident, but he could not get much clarity how and when it happened from the maid. So, both rushed to the city hospital. After enquiry in the reception and as guided by receptionist, Rishi and Amit both rushed to the third floor ICU ward. He saw near ward; Daniel’s mother was crying profusely, and other family members were trying to console her. Rishi was confused, what the hell was happening. 

 

He went near Daniel’s mom who was still crying in trauma. The other relative said that Daniel had been inside the ICU ward since morning and had not yet got his sense back fully. Rishi, out of shock and curiosity went inside the room. The moment he came near the bed, he saw a man lying unconsciously on the bed cover almost fully with bandage, his left leg was tied up seems like fracture. He faced had sorts of bruises seemed like someone had blasted him like hell and right cheek was turned blue, as if someone had slapped him really hard multiple times. While he was wondering what the hell could have happened to his best friend.

 

He saw Daniel’s dad coming in along with a police inspector and the doctor. He stood there with them and came to know from doctor that Daniel’s ribs were broken, and there were multiple fractures including the jaw area, there is blood clot in his brain on the right side.  He gained sense for a few seconds and as soon he opened his eyes; he was screaming and was petrified, as if he had encountered some horrific incident. But was unable to explain as he had lost his voice. He just screamed in panic and then again went comatose. 

 

‘This is what has been happening since morning, he just screams in pain and then falls unconscious.’ Daniel’s dad narrated this to Rishi in a stressful tone.

 

The police recorded the statement of the doctor, his dad and also of the person who had brought him to the hospital. 

 

Rishi was in deep shock and stood there with Daniel’s dad. During the conversation with him, Rishi came to know that the old man had found Daniel lying unconscious in pool of blood outside Miranda Mansion gate.

 

Rishi became speechless and his spine chilled as soon he heard the name of Miranda Mansion, he left the place hastily. While walking out of the room he was recalling the Doctor’s conversation with the police, that how even after thorough investigation, they were confused and yet failed to come to any conclusion. What exactly happened to Daniel? There were injuries all over his body but yet no clue how this happened, as there was no sign of him getting hit by any motor vehicle or any goons thrashing him, there were no finger prints found on his body.

 

Rishi instinct what could have happened to Daniel and somewhat he blamed himself too for this horrific incident, but he knew this as well, that no one is going to believe him, if he narrates them the truth, so he thought it’s better to shut his mouth.  Rishi called Amit who was waiting near the corridor and left the place quietly with a mix bag of guilt and sorrow.

 

 

 

The End!

 

Impressum

Texte: @Ritesh Prasad
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 30.09.2023

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