Chapter-1

“Why is a goodbye so difficult..?” asked Ayesha

“Maybe because we don’t get a second chance to do it, unlike your scholarship process.” said Zeshaan with smile on his face.

Zeshaan Siddique, a focused and shy individual; and the student representative of scholarship department, Kalongi Junior College.  Zeshaan’s love for automobiles  made him one among nerd species found in the upper-east section of Kalongi library.

Ayesha thought to herself “Is this the right time to tell him..? ..how do I frame it ?..You are more than a scholarship saviour to me..? or..”

“Goodbye Zeshaan! You have helped more than any of my friend could and very sorry for the extra trouble I have caused you. All the best for last board exam.” was all that she could say. Her insecurities held her back once again. Zeshaan was not even her friend but he was her classmate who she thought has retained her faith in humanity.

Zeshaan gulped down so many emotions as he always did and replied, “All the best to you too!… you didn’t cause me extra trouble and…. ” Zeshaan checked his phone as a message beeped. He was on cloud nine now.

“Someone special?”  asked Ayesha

“Yes, she is in India now… I need to make an urgent call….umm...Goodbye!” replied Zeshaan hurriedly in an excited tone and rushed to his hostel room.

8 Years later (Present)

Sujoy, Pari, Sameer and Ayesha had gathered at Sujoy’s farmhouse in Gandhinagar district which was around 75 km away from Kalongi town. It was Kalongi Junior College’s Silver Jubilee this year.

“See, I told you all this would be convenient for all us. Kalongi isn’t as convenient as Google thinks. Maybe that is the reason our parents admitted us to Kalongi College for 11^th and 12^th class.” said Sujoy in a sarcastic tone relaxing himself on the comfy sofa. Sujoy was a perfectionist and undoubtedly the board topper of Kalongi College.

 It had been eight years they all last met but their friendship was still the same. They were grown up adults but this day they turned into teenagers…crazy teenagers as they were once.

“Look what I have found…Our Grandpa is so adventurous ,Sujoy…now let us experience some thrill and fun have together.”, exclaimed Pari, the super bubbly girl and Sujoy’s  sister, as she kept Ouija board the on the round table surrounded with sofas.

“I have already seen some YouTube tutorials, see I have got these candles too…white ones represent good spirit and black ones represent evil spirit…So let’s call Ananya Madam’s ghost and...” said Pari as she completed the Ouija board setup and lit the four white and black candles each.

“You are dumb Pari, how can you call the ghost of a person who is alive??” Sameer raised his voice before Pari could complete her sentence.

“Not Pari but you are dumb Sameer!! It has been 8 years and you have the same to say? We all have seen her burning alive in front of our college’s rector house.” saying this Ayesha started starring at the floor to calm down her senses.

Sujoy somehow handled the situation and as no one wanted to be a broth spoiler, all agreed. The lights were put off. The dim light of the candles and the cloudy late evening just added a lot to the thrill. They sat around the Ouija board and placed their index finger on the planchette kept on the board. Pari guided everyone as per the tutorial. They closed their eyes and followed her sincerely. But there was no movement of the planchette….even after 10 minutes scenario remained the same. And now Sameer had got a chance to prove his point.

Before Sameer could utter a word, Sujoy’s cell phone ranged. It was Rekha, their classmate and Sujoy’s crush who had called him to enquire about the Silver Jubilee. Sujoy gave her the details in a subtle tone and ended the call with a blushing face.

“Sujoy why don’t you propose her this time?” asked Ayesha notoriously as he took back his position and placed his index finger on the planchette.

“And why don’t you propose Zeshaan this time, Ayesha?” replied Sameer spontaneously.

“Zeshaan…?”

“Yes,  Zeshaan... Zeshaan Siddique!”

There was a gust of wind… the curtains were blowing in the strong wind. It felt like something just entered the room. 5 out of 8 candles were blown off. One white candle and two black candles remained lit. Shivers ran down through their spine as they sensed a strange energy in the room now.

Ayesha’s face turned pale, hundreds of thoughts had hit her mind, “Is this a ghost indeed ?…..Zeshaan’s …. But how?...he is alive..!! we chatted on social media just few moments ago.!”