A Short Story by Debodeepto Basu

My Experience in Shimla

 

After our school's Annual Examination has ended, I was planning to go to a hill station but couldn't decide where to go. One evening, I and Ravi, my colleague, were having a cup of tea. I asked him if he could suggest me a beautiful hill station. He said, "Well, we are going to Shimla next week after checking some copies. If you wish, you may also join us." I said, "That sounds great! So when are we leaving?" "March 5th," he said.

 

                                           After my checking was done at the airport, I noticed that Ravi and his family haven't arrived yet. Only 15 minutes were left for the flight to take off. At last, I had no other choice but to board the flight. When I lost all hope of Ravi and his family, I saw them boarding the flight while panting. When I asked him the reason, he told me that he had woken up too late.

 

                                           When we arrived at Shimla Airport, I asked Ravi where will we be staying at, and he said that he had already booked two hotel rooms online.

 

                                           In the car, Ravi's nine-year-old daughter, Pinky, complained to me about how long his daddy had slept, his infamous snores, and many more things. Then we witnessed the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life; snowfall. It was my and Pinky's first time seeing snowfall, so we were observing it with fascination. Although Ravi and his wife had seen snowfall, they also seemed excited.

 

                                           After completing our sightseeing, we had our dinner in the restaurant of the hotel. We said goodnight to each other and returned to our individual rooms. I was tired and went to sleep soon after.

 

                                           I dreamt of an old man in a grey suit, saying, "Please help". The next morning, I told the dream to Ravi. He laughed and said, "You have gone crazy after teaching students." However, her wife told me that it is a serious matter and I should meet a paranormal expert.

 

                                           Two more days have passed, and I have been seeing the same dream. Ravi advised me to consult a psychiatrist, and so I did. When I went to the doctor, she said that three more people had dreamt the same thing and took medicines from her and later ran away in fear. She gave me some medicines and assured me that I will not see those dreams again. But nothing happened after taking the medications. I saw that same dream every day, and after that, I have adapted.

 

                                           One day, when I slept, I saw that old man saying, "See you on the 13th". In the morning, I thought about it but didn't tell anything to Ravi or his family, as he will definitely ignore it sarcastically.

 

                                           

                                           The day finally came. I woke up, had a cup of tea with Ravi, went out for sightseeing, had lunch outside, then continued sightseeing, and after that, finally came to the hotel. I had dinner at the restaurant of the hotel and then

 

went to my bedroom. When I turned off the lights and moved towards my bed, I heard a voice "Welcome, sir". Although I was mentally prepared and recognized the voice, I became a little scared. I saw an old man with a cigarette in hand, sitting on the chair, dropping ash on the ashtray.  I gained confidence and asked, "Who are you? And why do you always come to my dreams?" The man replied, "I will tell you everything. But first, please have a seat." I sat on the bed. Then he started. "I was a rich businessman of Bombay and came here for weather change. I stayed in the same room. Here, I had made my will, which stated that my properties will be equally distributed among my two daughters, one son, and my beloved wife. But I didn't give a single rupee to my nephew, who is a gambler and a cruel-minded person. After he knew about the will and no money on his fortune, he killed me in anger and buried me in the snow." He then told me the location of his body and continued, "Most people get scared and run away when I try to take help from them, but you didn't. So I want you to find out my body and arrest that criminal. Can you?" I replied, "Yes'. He said, "Goodnight, sir".

 

                                           The next day, I woke up and without wasting a single minute, I went straight to Shimla Police and took them to the location. It was indeed the man's body. After that, his nephew was arrested. He immediately confessed what he had done. I was then surrounded by media personnel, asking a ton of questions. While answering them, I heard that same familiar voice say, "Thank you, sir. Goodbye." I understood that the gateway of heaven had finally opened for him, and I am always grateful to God for making me a part of such a work of freeing a soul.