~Nancy Rauniar~
Once upon a time, in a cold, dark night, when the temperature dropped to -20 degree Celsius, the wind was blowing. The wind was so chilly that it gave you the goose bumps that reaches to your bones, in that night there was a girl, who was on her way to home, all alone, in the deserted path. The clocked chimed past midnight. The girl’s name was…… uh, so this is how every story starts right?
Well, my story is about what you can is paranormal or miracle, that I couldn’t say.
So, this is the story about what happened to me a few years back. Uh where are my manners ?
I should at least introduce myself .. well, I am Bess Harrison and I am a journalist in local paper named “The Post “. I love working there…..how can I not? Since it the most read newspaper all over the country. It covers every single thing, from every murders, corruptions to the latest gossips involving celebrities.
But mind you, we don’t write rumors, we only write the information that is verified and certified. So the viewers get to read only the truth. That is why, it is the most loved newspaper nationwide. It was my dream to work there, as an editor and reporter.
And I was on the cloud nine when I was selected there. I couldn’t believe at first when the newspaper gave me the call for my selection.
Mr. Ben is the chief of my department – The Editing Department. He is the most respected man and the most hated man in our department. His work style is always up-to date, smooth and perfect but this only one habit, it kills every members. His doing things before time. He wants every single thing to be done before time.
Because of this habit many people working with him left. Only who can endure him can work with him. Well I guess, the thing about respect might be wrong.
Anyway, let me start my story, which I don’t think I can ever forget.
_____________
“Finally! I am finished with my work” stated Irene stretching her arms over her head.
“Good for you, I still need to complete my work.” I said to her totally focusing on the work
“I really don’t understand Mr. Ben. Why does he have to make us complete the work before even deadline?” She exclaimed signing
“I don’t know that myself . He has a phobia of perfectism . But lets not forget, if we complete our work before deadline, we get complete rest afterwards.” I said finally looking at her.
“Yes, but that’s even more stressful.” She said frustrated
“But we cant do anything about it, can we? we need to keep our jobs” I said reasoning with her.
She nodded in agreement. “Well, I’ll get going now . Finish your work fast and go safely” she said to me.
“You too! Bye, see you tomorrow” I called over.
Meet Irene. She is 27 years old and a mother of two adorable kids. She is my closest confider. Whenever I have problems I can freely discuss with her except my parents.
Great I finally finished my work I exclaimed .
It was a long tiring day at office . I thought of returning back to home. I looked at the clock and it showed 11:30 . I actually never stayed this late, I always finished my work before ten but due to the upcoming festival at my hometown – Dharan, I had to prepare a report on it, which I had to finish before the deadline otherwise I would be finished by the hands of my lovely chief . Note my sarcasm please. Since this time, miraculously I only had to write one report I was happy….Now I can finally go home and have some rest. Watch a good movie and have a good night sleep.
I stood up and cleaned the mess around my table, papers were all over my desk . pencils and pens fallen some on the ground and the stand on my table. I collected my belongings and locked the door of my cabin.
I started going down the stairs when I saw someone’s shadow crouching and lurking near the door. My heartbeat started running faster, but gathering my courage.
I asked “Who is down there ? Show yourself up. You don’t want to go to police-station right? I got nothing in reply but felt someone’s presence beside me and ..
“Boo!!!” I shrieked and heard someone laughing uncontrollably.. and as always the joker – Dan was there on the ground laughing his heart out.
“What the hell Dan? You scared me to death” I said , no actually shouted at him. My felt my heart was beating at the speed of 90 miles per km against my chest.
“I am sorry, I am sorry but it was fun to see you like this ” he said still laughing.
I glared at him and told him “Stop laughing ok? It’s not even funny.”
“Ok, ok I am sorry” he said trying to hold his laughter.
I rolled my eyes and asked him “What are you doing late at this night ?”
“I had to complete the report that passed the deadline ” replied Dan chuckling.
This is Dan we all know. Always finishing his work after missed deadline.
“Anyway what are you doing late at this night?” asked Dan
“I had to complete the report you know, but excuse me now, I’ll be leaving for home” I replied back.
“Alright goodbye. Drive safely. Don’t hit anyone on the road” said Dan before going to his cabin.
What was that? I am a good driver ok? I passed for my driving license in one try only I thought.
Anyway, I left the office and went to the parking lot for the car.
It was dark there since the tube lights were not working. I fished for my mobile phone in my purse and switched on the flashlight.
Again, I fished for the car keys in my purse and unlocked it. I sat inside and started it but as my luck would have it, it wouldn’t start . Groaning, I remembered that the service deadline of the car passed a week ago.
What a bummer!
Well, It look like I have to walk all the way home on my foot. So much for resting and watching movies. Note the sarcasm. I came out of the parking lot and looked up in the sky, only to see the clouds covering the moon, not a single stars could be seen and faint thundering could be heard . It was eerie and ominous. You know, I hate thunders. I always makes me jump .I started walking down the road .
“Crap! It’s almost midnight !!” I said aloud seeing the wrist watch. It’s damn too late.
I started picking up my the pace even more faster (since it twenty-five mins walk to my home). The road was deserted, not a single soul could be seen. The temperature also dropped. It was around 10 degree Celsius. I hugged my coat closer to me and started walking faster.
I couldn’t shake off the eerie feeling surrounding me. I felt as if eyes were following me all the way . Every single note of my movement is made.
Then as luck would have it, it started raining and thundering .Too loud for my liking. Groaning, I looked here and there for a shelter and luckily found one – a closed shop. I ran there and had to wait for the rain to stop. Now I am even more damn late .
“I think I need to call my dad to pick me up” I said muttering to myself. I took my phone out and started scrolling through the contacts when I remembered that he was out of town.
“What a day! Can it be even worse?” I said aloud.
Finally the rain stopped after half an hour. I again started to my destination. As I was walking down the road, I suddenly heard someone shouting and calling.
“Is it my name?” I thought aloud. I froze.
Now, I was freaking by this time. Totally sacred by now ( I am not much of believer in ghost and stuff but I have to admit this was scary. Of course you will be scared, if someone starts shouting at the middle of night and I am no exception. ) I broke into a run . Wearing heels were not helping.. “I can do it! I can see my colony, I am almost there” I shouted in my brain. When someone grabbed my arm and yanked me to face the person. He was a middle aged person, maybe around forty-five, around six feet tall. Piercing blue eyes , pointed nose. He was covered in overalls, a hat on top of his head and a muffler around his neck. Actually he looked as if he came from 90s. Weird, but this is not the time.
“Miss!” He said and jerked me out of my thoughts. Fear coursed through my veins as I came back to reality.
“Sir! I don’t have anything for you . Please leave me” I said.
He immediately dropped my arm . I was ready to run but ~”Miss! Don’t go to your home . There is danger lurking” he said in low chilly voice. This stopped me and I faced him and said “What!? And why should I believe you ? You might be some serial killer, just killing people ” I couldn’t stop myself from saying that. Too late for that. I am literally stupid.
“If you want to save your parents and home you need to believe me please” replied the man ignoring the part about serial killer.
“Let’s say even if I believe you, how could I trust you? You are just a stranger !” As I roamed my eyes over his dressing. Weird .
“I know but trust me, I will not hurt you. Please, just once listen to what I want to say?” Said the man.
I gave him a look that said unbelievable.
“Ok, this will make you believe I guess” he said showing me his id card. “Actually, I am a retired detective” he said to me.
Even though he looked weird and sounded chilly. I came to conclusion he won’t hurt me. Call it an intuition. I know, I am stupid to do that, but I am willing to take the risk. Well he seemed genuine.
“Ok. I’ll listen to you , but remember that if you try anything funny, then you see what I’ll do ” I said in threatening voice (hoping that it actually sound like that)
“Kids of this era”. He murmured shaking his head .
“What?” I asked .
“Nothing. Listen me very carefully” said the man.
“You see, I was having a peaceful night walk, when a man came running and crashed into me. I was waiting for him to say sorry but he ignored me and gave string of curses and ran to his partner, “What to say ? Children of this era”. Said the man.
“You know, I am a very inquisitive guy. I love mysteries and stuff. Even though I am retired now, I couldn’t help it. I can smell a mystery from a mile ” He said dreamily.
“Will you tell me what happened after that ?” I said impatiently.
“Sure.”
“So, to teach him a lesson I followed them till they reached an abandoned house, you know on the hill behind your colony. A sort of path goes to it”
“That’s not a house, it’s a mill” I said smirking.
“Well…whatever. So many things have changed”
“Anyway” he sat up straight.
“Then heard them talking about your parents and robbery .”
“Ro-robbery?! Woah!” I exclaimed but,
“Hey! but how did you know that it’s my parents they are talking about ?”
He became blank for a second then spoke in chilly voice that made me involuntarily shiver.
“Who doesn’t know your parents? Well they are the richest in this areas and basically they were actually watching your house”
I raised my eyebrow .
“Don’t you believe it ? Right now, they are outside your home.”
“What the hell? How do you-“
“Ever heard of the word “Instincts?” he said sarcastically.
“Grumpy grandpa” I muttered under my breath.
For a second his eyes softened before returning to normal.
(Did I see that correct ? Who knew grumpy is a softie? Who would have thought of that ? )
“So you mean to say, uh, that your instincts say, that they are breaking in my house at this time?” I said with suspicion interlacing my voice.
“100 years of experience” he said grinning.
“What was that?”
By the time he finished, I started to realize that my own house is going to be robbed.
What the heck is going on? This is too much for a day!
“Hey! Wait a second. How did you know where to find me ?” I asked, proud to even think this question. What can I say I am weird.
“What do you expect ? I know every single detail of yours. From your birthday to your last boyfriend’s name ” he said looking at me unbelieving.
(Creepy much ?)
“Now don’t you start to think, that I am stalker, I know every single detail of our neighborhood. I have lived my whole life here. They used to call me a walking encyclopedia of this colony” he said bragging himself.
“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go to police-station right away ?” I said ready to kick some asses.
“Well for your kind information kid .Even if you inform them. They’ll reach here by tomorrow, till then you don’t know what will happen” he said as it is a matter of fact .
Well actually it is. The police station is in the other town .
I started to panic. As I realized what he said is true .
“We need to do something . I can’t –“ I choked.
” You-you will help me right ?” I said in whisper, because a couple doing a night walk stared at me as if I have grown two heads . Weird.
“Of course. That’s what I am here for. I can’t afford to lose my valuables” he murmured.
What?
“Here is my plan ….”
_____________
“Holy Moly! You were correct, when you said that there will be robbers at hou-“
“Shh! Don’t talk so loudly. Do you want us to get killed?” The man said slapping his hand over my mouth.
“Sorry” I said sheepishly.
“Anyway, do you think the plan will work? Isn’t it kinda simple?” and dangerous I thought.
“If we don’t try, how can we know?” he said pointing
“You are not sure that this will work for you? I said horrified. How come I am trusting this guy? I pondered.
“If we are careful, then the plan will work perfectly fine and for god sake shut up for a while” he said irritated.
I was speechless. This was so rude. Yup, totally rude.
I glared him as I tried to call on my dad’s number.
“Hello? This is Alex Harrison. If you want to connect with me please leave a message”
Voicemail? What in the world does this mean?
I tried my mom’s number, only to hear the same stupid voicemail again.
What are they doing by putting voicemail like that? Here I am worried to death about them and….Ugh!!
“What happened?” he asked.
I didn’t reply back but just kept on staring at the words written in my message box.
“Honey, don’t forget to eat while you are working and do the laundry that you have kept for two weeks for god sake. Will meet you after two days. See ya soon. Love, mom.”
“You are so weird. How can you forget to eat? I mean…come on, I know you are a journalist and it’s a lot of work but-“ he kept his hand over his mouth from laughing.
And then ladies and gentlemen, it finally crashed to me that my parents left yesterday for some business work and I totally forget about it.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“It’s a good thing, that your parents are not at home. The police will reach here in three hours. Why the heck they are situated so far away. I didn’t know? Mixture of amusement and irritation showed on his face.
“What happened to you? Come out of the shock will you? Focus on the mission.” He said to me.
“I am here. Ok? Has anyone told you that you are very rude?” I said dryly.
He ignored me but kept on looking at the three shadows down the footpath that leads to my house, covered in black from head to toe. Typical. We are actually waiting for them so, we can make some move.
#FLASHBACK
“Listen, we will wait for them from behind the bush to keep an eye on their moves. So that once they break into the house, we will follow them through the backdoor silently as possible and then we will arm ourselves with guns (did I say that our family has license to use guns in case of any horrifying situation) and pepper-spray knife anything. Since, they will not switch on the light-“
“Why won’t they switch on the lights? Won’t it be easy for them” I asked him.
“They don’t know that, you will be not be in home at that time. And when they will break the largest safe, we will attack them. Understood? And by the safe, why have they changed it to so large. Its so easy to find and attract attention” he said looking at me.
“Yes, I understood the plan but about the safe I don’t really know.” I also thought about it but failed to come at any conclusion.
#End Of The Flashback
“By the way, in this dra-situation I forgot to ask you your name. So, what is your name?” I said keeping a strong lookout at my house.
“It’s G- Look!!…
“Goddamn-it !!”
Well, it look like our plan got backfired . They are going through backdoor. Now what do we do ?”
“Let’s hope that, they do not get their hands on guns” he said calmly
I gave him a look of disbelief.
How can anyone be calm in this situation. Like seriously?
“Let’s go inside. They are in living room right now” he said in urgent voice.
So we stood up quietly and started tiptoeing down to the backdoor. I opened the door with key I had. I always kept an extra key to the backdoor with me. Sometimes, of my late work I had to come to home late.
We went inside. I closed the door softly behind me .
“You know where the guns and sprays are kept right ?” He whispered to me.
“Of-course” I said in duh tone. As if I don’t know .
I went to the corner where the cabinet was and clicked a small button down the cabinet .The drawer attached to the cabinet, started opening slowly without making any sound coming . Thank God that dad had greased it . He is the fixer of our house. You know what I am talking about. Right?
I picked up the guns from there and also the pepper sprays , which were kept on the right side of the rack, where cutlery were kept .
“Woah! When did you guys installed this. I never knew about it” he whisper-yelled to me.
“And why in the world there is the need for you to know ?” I asked him incredulously, while giving him a gun and a pepper spray. I kept the pepper spray at my back pocket and held the gun in my hand.
He ignored me while arming himself .
Now armed with potential weapons we quietly followed to living room to see the shadow of the robbers heading towards to my parents room .
We heard the opening of the door and some shuffling.
“They are opening the safe right now”
“What ? How do u know ? “
“Let’s go up and show them who is the boss” said the man with a determined look on his face.
“But-
“Come on. We don’t have time.” He said urgently.
“Ok then, here goes nothing” I muttered under my breath
I started following him upward to my parents room but as luck would have it or as clichéd as it sound, I mistakenly tossed the vase down and came the loud crash .
“Are you serious? Said the man.
“Take cover now!”
We heard loud whispering and as we were tucking behind the couch to cover ourselves we heard a loud shout –
“Stop!!”
We heard a click sound and then the light flooded the whole room.
I turned around – “Uh hi guys ??” ( seriously I am saying this?) I said to the two robbers who were now rushing down the stairs .
“What are you doing here ? Who are you ?” Asked the robbers with black eyes .
Now he got me mad . See the nerve of the guy . He is asking me what I am doing in my own house . Just great .
“You know, I should be asking you this question . What are you doing here in my house ?”
“Wasn’t she in her room sleeping?” Asked the other one with brown eyes .
“Never mind now, since we have some company let’s have a party” said the voice behind us. Ladies and gentlemen, last but not the least the third robber with green eyes said while he was staring at me .
Those eyes felt familiar. I have seen it before but couldn’t place it where.
“What do you say about it ? Shall we?” said the green eyed guy, as all of them came towards us .
I shared a look with my partner and If you say the hell broke out, then you had be correct because the hell did broke out.
As the guys were coming to us from opposite side, we charged straight to them. I took out the pepper-spray from my back-pocket and sprayed directly into one of the guy’s eye. Even though he was in pain, his grip on my hand didn’t loosened but I had an advantage, I kicked him in his shin and gave a forceful punch to his stomach, such that he fell to the ground moaning and groaning.
“Ow my hands hurt! Next time think before robbing ones house” I said looking at the man.
“Duck!!” I heard my partner shouting and did as told, only to see a vase flying over my head, which smashed to the nearby wall and broke into millions of pieces. My mom is going to kill these guys. It was her favorite-antique piece .
I turned around to see the black eyed man charging toward my partner, who was currently busy punching the blue-eyed man. The man looked horrified as if he couldn’t believe his eyes to what was happening to him. As if he saw a ghost. Pathetic fool.
I didn’t have time to shout a warning, so I ran and shoved the black-eyed man to the side. I kicked him where the sun couldn’t shine and gave two resounding slaps on his face.
My hand was bloodied and bruised. It was throbbing painfully, but I didn’t stopped. The man fainted. So much for muscle. Can’t even fight a girl. I was feeling proud of myself, but it’s not the time .
As I stood up, something crashed into my head. Grabbing the back of my head I turned back to see, the green-eyed man with the gun in his hand.
“I admit you are quite strong but its pity, you messed up with a wrong person” he said to me holding the gun towards me.
The room was spinning from the hit but I didn’t lose my nerve, I pulled out my gun and took a shot, before blacking out and someone screaming my name.
__________________________________________________
“My baby. Please wakeup soon” it sounded familiar and I realized it was my mom was speaking.
“She will wakeup soon honey. Our baby is stronger than you think, see how she managed to stopped the robbery at the home” I think it was my dad who spoke in proud tone .
I tried to open my eyes but due to the bright light, I closed it again.
“Mom” I spoke in low tone since my tongue stuck to the roof
of my mouth due to dryness.
I opened my eyes again to see the white colored wall and I.V line sticking to my hand. I was confused for a whole minute and it all crashed . The robbers, the man, the fight. Every single thing.
“Thank God” my mom said as she came rushing to my side and gave me a gentle hug.
“You are an idiot to fight those robbers alone. What if something happened to you? It could have been more serious.” My dad scolded me. But my mind only registered the word alone. What is he talking about?
“Dad, Mom.. what happened? What is going on? Where is my par- I mean the man? Is he alright? Why am I here in hospital?
How come you are here? Where r-”
I was interrupted by a new voice.
“Good. Now you are awake, so let me check you” said the man in the white coat. Oh! it’s the doctor.
“Calm down honey! We will answer your questions but first let the doctor check you out. Ok?” Dad said in comforting tone as I gave them a nod, still thinking about the situation.
“Ok. I am done. You just need three days’ rest and you can go to home tomorrow. I have prescribed you some medicines. Take those on time and you will be fine. Take care ” Said the doctor leaving the room.
“So. Tell me where is my partner? I mean the man in overalls ? Where he is? Is he alright?” I said to my parents as the panic stared to surround me .
“Hun calm down. There is no need to panic” My parents said and shared a look and came to my side, sat on the bed and then started explaining.
“Sweetheart when you fell unconscious, the police arrived at the right moment. Thank God for that, and took the robbers to the station. We got the call from the chief and took the first flight here and came rushing here. You-“
“You were very brave Miss Harrison” said someone interrupting my dad.
I looked in the direction of the voice to see a middle aged man wearing police uniform .
“Chief, did you get the information on why the hell did they tried to attempt a robbery at my home? That man nearly killed my daughter” said my dad getting protective.
“Dad, it’s fine now” I said giving him a reassuring smile.
“Yes Mr. Harrison. Those robbers are the part of the gang, that we were after a long time. Have you heard about Black spider gang right?”
My dad nodded in agreement. This gang was a notorious group, that was wanted internationally. I remembered since our newspaper published an article on the robbery made by them. That is why one of the guy’s felt familiar.
“Apparently, it seems that the gang decided to raid your house to take the painting of yours.”
Painting? Huh? Oh now I remember. That painting was painted by my great grandfather. Sir George Third Harrison. It was made by him. It was very beautiful and detailed. This painting was about the love of his life. Yes, my great grandmother Aliana Harrison. My grandmother was on the swing with a beautiful smile on her face, her hair flying all over. The swing was attached to the tree, near the lake. It was so mesmerising . It felt real as if I am present there. I heard that this one was his favorite. That’s why it was never sold, even though it costs millions of dollars. Now, I see why the attempt to robbery was made at our house . . I also heard that he was a great guy . One thing that always fascinated me was, that even though he was a millionaire, he became by selling his art pieces, he never left his job as detective. He was passionate about his hobby and job. My dad always told me the stories related to his work, which was in turn told to him by him.
“But your daughter was very brave. She single handed fought them. They actually needed the ambulance to carry them.” He said chuckling.
“It looked as if she gave them a nightmare. They were trembling, moaning and groaning. And kept on repeating the word ghost” the chief said now laughing.
Ghost? Huh? as I thought to myself
“Chief what about the man? Is he alright ?” I asked him.
“Man ? What man? There were no one other than those three”
“Huh? You are joking right? The man with overalls and had a piercing blue eye. His look was of 90’s. Because of that man, I came to know about the robbery. He helped me all the way. He also helped me fight him. Uh yes, he is an retired detective”
“What? Please explain from start”
And I repeated the whole story from start to end.
“But there was no one present, when we arrived. Are you sure about it?”
“Are you serious? He helped me all the way and you are asking me if I am sure? Are you kidding me?” I said angrily
“No one was there. But if you want, you can give us a sketch of the man. And will find him for you. Ok?”
“Ok. I had be grateful for that. Thank you” I replied back disappointedly.
I am really feeling disappointed. He didn’t even said goodbye to me before he left. He never told me his name. That’s what I had like to think .
____________
It’s been months from now, from the day robbery took place. The police failed to find him. My partner. He disappeared the day of robbery, never to be seen again.
I was disappointed and angry about it. But as the months passed by, I lost the hope to ever see him again, for not able to say thank you to him for his help.
____________________________________________
“Happy birthday darling !” my parents wished me simultaneously. Today is my 22nd birthday.
“Thank you guys !!” I replied to them, giving them a kiss on their cheeks.
We were interrupted by the ring of the bell.
“It looks like your friends has also arrived” my mom exclaimed happily.
I went to the door to be greeted by Happy Birthday’s, hugs and kisses. I was feeling very happy.
“Thank you guys for joining the party. It means a lot to me” I said happily to the people present in front of me – Kim, Dan, Bianca and Jason.
“Oh come on girl! How can we not celebrate your birthday. You are our best friend” Replied Kim. My bestie. We grew up together and did every single together, bad or good. Well she is my partner in crime. So, I think it makes sense.
“Come inside guys.” I said guiding them to living room.
It was best two hours my life. We cut the cake. Played some games and watched movies. Relished our childhood memories. I have no words to explain. It was the best day.
I said goodbye to them and slumped on the couch, to open the gifts given by them.
Kim gave me a beautiful dress with matching choker. Dan collaborated with Jason and gifted me a new iPad, which I am grateful since, mine broke and I was in need for it desperately. Bianca gifted me a stylish digital wrist watch which will remind me to do the things when I forget them to do it. Well you know, how careless and absentminded I can become at times .
“Now it’s time for our gift” my dad said, as they sat in front of me .
“Here is the key to your new car” he said while giving me the key.
“Car!! Oh my god !! You are the best. I love u guys” I said, giving them a tight hug and rushed outside to see my baby.
It was a sparkling black BMW. It was beautiful. MY dream car . I can’t believe it.
I turned and gave them, again a tight hug. I did not waste any time and took out my phone, clicked a pic and posted on my profile. Well I can’t help it.
We came back inside. I chatted with my parents for some time, gave them a good night kiss and we all retired to the room. So long .
I came to my room. I changed to t-shirt and shorts, ready to retire after a long eventful and amazing day.
Something caught my eye ..
I went to my desk to see a beautifully wrapped present and a letter by its side .
Who left me these? Maybe one of my friends I guess, as I thought to myself.
I opened the letter with trembling hand which was addressed to me by none other than my partner, the one and only man whom I did not heard from months. I was shocked.
It read as-
Dear Bess,
Firstly, a very Happy 20th Birthday. Wish you all the happiness of the universe. I know right now your mouth is hanging from shock, so close it before flies enters it.
I realized my mouth was hanging open so I closed it. Thank God, no one was near me. It was embarrassing to say at least and again focused on the letter.
I know you are upset with me, that I didn’t even said you goodbye to you before leaving. Trust me it was hard for me . I couldn’t come to see you. It broke my heart but I had a reason. You need to understand it. In this short time with you, I came to know you as a courageous, beautiful and a brave girl. You never gave second thought while you spoke. It’s amazing that you are so similar to my love of life. I know you are confused right now. But trust me, just open the gift and you will understand everything.
I was shocked. I opened up the present. It was old and rusty album. I took the album and sat on the bed cross-legged to see. The photos were old, with dates and slogans written down the each one. It consisted of my grandad, grand-mom, picture of a young dad. One photo was really laughable. It was of my granddad, whose hair was slick with ketchup and he was trying to lick it. There were different photos of my grandad and dad.
One photograph in particular, nearly gave me a heart attack. It felt as if the world stopped around me .
It was the photo of the man who helped me to avoid robbery . The same piercing blue eyes. The same overalls. He was holding a trophy. Near him stood a women.
Below the picture was written-
“Sir George 3rd Harrison and Aliana Harrison. The trophy was given to me for being the best detective of the year. It was an amazing day. I got to share it with her ”
I took a gulp. The more I looked, the more shocked I became.
There was a family photo. He was in the middle with a baby in his hands. Curious, I looked closely to recognize it as me. I knew my great-grandfather died at the age of 94. He saw me . He held me .
Then it became all clear. He came back to save the painting and me. It all made sense. When I was around him, the temperature always seemed cold. His voice was chilly and hollow. He knew everything about me. He came back to save his valuable. I understood now .
The robbers were shocked because they couldn’t see him punching and hitting him.. That’s why they kept repeating the word ghost as said by chief. Oh My God! Till now I was with a ghost. With my great grandfather. He was a ghost .
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. I was scared. I couldn’t believe what happened with me.
I picked up the letter and continued reading.
I think by now, you might have understood who I was. Why I was helping you? You are my own blood. How can I let you get harmed, when I knew I could help you? You are very brave Bess. I am happy to see that same fire as that of your great-grandmother. You won’t know but your first words were “grandpa”. I was on the cloud nine at that day. It was the best day of my life. Even though I couldn’t spend much time with you, I enjoyed every single moment with you while was alive.
I knew what was going to happen. I knew that your parents were going away. You will be alone when you had to fight those thieves. I wanted to protect what was mine. Sometimes we come back to protect what is ours. But now it’s time for me move on. Go back to my beloved.
Dear Bess, I know right now you have different emotions stirring inside you. I can understand it. It’s eerie to suddenly know that your ghost grandpa was with you all the time to help you. I couldn’t help but smiled at this. It’s creepy. I admit.
I know you will grow up, as a strong person, same as your great -grandmother was. You share same spirit as her. It was amazing to meet you again .
Bye baby girl. Take care.
Love grandpa
P.S There is a gift for you in the drawer. Open it. It belonged to your great-grandmother, but now I want you to have it and also ,the painting is in your possession now. Bye Bess.
I was crying by the time I finished the letter. It was overwhelming . Should I believe what I saw ? Should I believe what happened with me ? My grandpa came back to save me. I was not scared anymore. Yes it’s weird, but there is a comforting feeling that I got to see him again .
I reached my drawer and opened it, to find a beautifully craved box. I opened it. It was a necklace, simple yet so beautiful. It was twisted around till it reached the stone – emerald. A rose was craved on it and below it “Forever” was written. It was enchanting. I wore it, never to take it off .
I knew what I had to do. I went to my window, opened it and whispered “Thank you for everything grandpa”
The wind was blowing lightly until I heard “Always baby girl”
By Nancy Rauniar
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(स्रोत : रचनाकार स्वयंले ‘नयाँ रचना पठाउनुहोस्‘ बाट पठाईएको । )
