The rain was lashing down and the streets were flooded with water. Under the shelter of my favourite umbrella, quivering and almost drenched, I was rushing towards my house, thinking of my worried mother waiting for me. Meanwhile I realised there was a short path that led to my home.

Although, I had heard many rumours about the path being haunted, I still decided to take it since I had more pressing worries. Shivering, shuddering and shaken with fear, I kept moving forward. Suddenly, I felt someone following me. However, I did not turn to check and pretended that I did not notice it.

The weather was worsening and the only light source was the lightening that resulted from thunder. Reciting supplications and swearing that I would never step out again in such weather, I moved forward.

As I continued, the rain became harsh and frightening, hammering over my head. I motivated myself to walk on but soon gave up, looking for help. To my disappointment, my phone’s battery had died. Later, after walking for a couple of minutes, I finally saw a small house which seemed more like an inn. Gathering up all my courage I knocked on the door.

“Who is there?” a faint voice could be heard from inside.

“A person who needs your help urgently,” I replied.

After a long silence, the door opened with a creaking noise. A teenage girl with pale skin, messy hair, wearing torn boots and dull clothes, stood in front of me, looking astonished to see me.

“How may I help you lady?” the girl asked.

“Have mercy on me, provide me a shelter for some time. I have lost my way and it is raining hard,” I replied.

The girl smiled and invited me inside to join her, which I happily did.

After I entered the house, the door slammed behind me. The atmosphere of the house was gloomy, eerie and cold. The spider webs, dust and dirt made it seem as if the place had not been cleaned for centuries. Also there was no source of light. This seemed a little weird to me.

“Are you frightened?” asked the girl. I did not know what to answer, so shook my head instead.

She continued, “There are stories and rumours about this place. Some say souls live here, some say people disappear. I don’t know which one to believe,” the girl laughed hysterically.

I stood nervous and frightened. Before I could reply, she added, “Don’t worry, I have been living here for 16 years. I haven’t experienced anything like that. You shouldn’t believe those people. Hand me your umbrella, wash your face and give me an opportunity to be your host.”

I took off my raincoat and umbrella and then she showed me the way to restroom.

I seemed to have become completely blank, not knowing what was happening, as if I had lost all my senses. I quietly followed her. She was uttering chants and sang song in an absolutely unknown language. Her voice echoed through house.

Finally, I went to the washroom and opened the tap to wash my face and hands. As I looked up, I saw something which completely terrorised me.

On the mirror was the reflection of the girl I had just met. When I turned back, there was no one behind me. I rushed down the stairs with sweat dripping down my face when I heard, “Supper is ready.”

I looked toward the dining table and the girl was sitting on a chair, giving a mischievous smile. Gathering up my courage, I spoke, “I am not hungry. I think I should be going.”

“Make yourself comfortable and don’t make me angry,” she replied rather sternly. Terrorising me further, the girl made me sit and eat. As she was serving, I saw something that was strange. There was no reflection of the girl on the mirror placed behind her on the wall.

Reluctantly, I finished the meal. At last I decided to walk out of the house at all cost. I stepped towards the living area on my toes. To my disgust, the photo on the wall almost gave me a heart attack. It was the same girl and the picture seemed to be alive as the girl in the picture smiled at me.

Shrieking with fear, I rushed to the front door, with the girl coming after me, smiling wickedly. I remembered all the prayers and supplication my mother taught me. Reciting them, I unbolted the door as fast as my shaking hands could manage. I ran out and kept running for I don’t remember how long.

When I felt I had crossed the haunted area and was now somewhat safe, I realised I had left my favourite thing inside that house -- my umbrella!

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 19th, 2020