Real Story Happened in Uttaranchal !@#$%^&*()_+

An ancient stone built mansion located in deep woods of Dirac, which is one of the widest rainforest in Uttaranchal. As popular is the latter for its scenic beauty, botanical wealth and variety of animal species, equally notorious has been the existence of this ill-fated house. After the tragic death of Mr. Kunal Johor, the owner of this mansion, the house was assumed to be deserted. However, there was not a single opinion about this, within the local residents.

Some vouched to have seen lights in the house, which glimmered to show their existence, deep in the midnight. Some sweared that they saw a human figure in the windows. Some claim to have seen Mr Kunal Johri himself. However, nobody could provide for the correctness of any information produced about this house, till date. There was some strange and horrifying enigma associated with this huge mansion, which prevented even most steadfast men to take its concurrent shortcut to Uttaranchal. Apart from 2000 elephants which migrate to Uttaranchal every year through this dense forest, only the men of supreme velour choose to take this route.

Most of them never returned. The ones who returned, either claimed to have seen nothing, or were too frozen to speak anything about the house. Often during the night, strange loud sounds were heard coming from this house. No-one could judge as to what kind of sounds they were. But the sounds came as if they are coming from underground, and were so savage that every time they came, they set chill down the nerves of residents of Dirac. Rumors became stories…and stories became tales….years passed and it became a custom to make travelers aware of the hazardous path and the supposedly haunted mansion…..

Tonight the sky is pouring generously all over Dirac. In fact the stormy winds and the crackling noise of the clouds make it a gruesome night. One light is lit inside the house. Though from outside, it does not give any spectacular view of the interiors of the room, as the window is closed and curtained. However from the glow of the light, it could be clearly stated that it was a reflection of a bon-fire. A critical observer could have even pointed towards the smoke coming out of the chimney. The house was definitely occupied by someone…or something; as for the time being. But difficult to say who or what occupied it…..

A tall, very tall figure was speedily and silently approaching towards the main door. It stopped on the main door for a while, turned left and then right as if it was looking for something then looked at the glowing light intently. Then the figure walked towards the main door. Stood still for a while and then knocked on the door…There was silence after the first knock on the door. For a long time there was no answer. The next knock came more aggressively. A cold voice asked ferociously from inside…“Who? ““It’s me! A lost wanderer in this forest.

Can I seek a shelter for the night?” There came a low, grouchy giggle from inside… and after a few seconds, the door opened slowly…half way. Behind the door, there stood a man of normal height, maybe in his early thirties, average built, dark, curly haired and hazel eyed. His short forehead and broad eyebrows reflected a man of fierce temperament. He raised his lantern and gave an inquisitive look at the figure standing in verandah.

The figure was more than 6 feet tall. His enormous structure, clad in most perfect taste of formal wear and long overcoat, gave him a more massive look. His long straight hair, fair glowing complexion, hawk like nose and straight jaw-line provided him with an expression of domineering, but a resolute man. While he stood expectantly, but as if determined that he will gain entrance to the house, he spoke up further ““My jeep has broken down, a little away on the other side. I saw the light glimmering and thought you might be awake to offer me a shelter in this house, until the rain stopped.”

Pinning his eyes on the intruder, the host replied: “We are ourselves refugees in this god-forsaken house. I don’t see how I can not permit you to come in. But I will let you in on only one condition.”“I think I can come inside the house on any condition” - Intruder“Let me tell you something about the house that you are about to enter. My own house is at quite some distance from this place. Being a local resident, I am aware that this house is popular within the locales, not for its beauty, but for the ill fate that it has brought to its inhabitants.

I am myself willing to quit this place as soon as possible. Had it not been for my companion who cannot stand the stormy rainfall, I would have never come to this house for shelter. You shall not blame me for opening the door and letting you in, should you have to suffer from anything inhuman.” - Host“Oh! Is it just that? I think, instead of dying in a stormy cold night in the forest, I would happily die in some inhuman but warm interiors of a house.” - Intruder On this, the host somewhat reluctantly opened the door and showed him in.

Entrance brought him to a lofty hall. Decorated with a remarkably unique variety of antique furniture and curiosities. Towards the right, there stood a huge mantelpiece with bon-fire underneath it. Apart from the bon-fire, and a couple of candles burning on the center table, rest of the room was completely dark.

And besides the fire there stood the most stunning beauty of Uttaranchal. A blonde young lady, somewhat tall, dainty, and with most winning, spiritual blue eyes. Though she stood remarkably still. Like a statue…or more like dead. Her white face, dry lips and questioning gaze made him feel very uneasy for a moment. He would have continued standing there, wordless, had it not been for this introductory voice which intervened.“She is Preet, my sister; and Preet, this is Mr.…” – Host“K… (Cough) Kabir. Kabir Vora.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you Kabir.

I am Harsh Vardhan.” – The host introduced himself.“Mr. Vardhan….”“You may call me Harsh” – Harsh cut him abruptly.“Okay, Harsh…. If I am not mistaking, aren’t you that popular poet who has given a new dimension to romantic poetries nowadays?” – Kabir asked while taking a seat in one of the huge chairs in the hall. “Nah! It is too exaggerating to say that one can think of any sort of romance or poetries in these horrifying woods of a rainforest.

I personally look at Love as just a change in the hormonal regime.” Harsh took his seat as well, while he continued “We just make up a mediocre peaceful living in the outward bushes of Dirac. And that is all about our life. What do you do, by the way?” “I am a tradesman. I often come here for researching the botanical amusements in these bushes. What I discover, is what I sell for value, to the leading Pharmaceutical companies in India.

I was on such expedition today and my inquisition absorbed me deep and deeper in this jungle. When I realized the time and place, it was too late. It had already started raining.” – Kabir“When do you plan to leave?” – Preet asked too straight-forward a question. Kabir was totally taken aback at this to-the-point invasion. However, he smiled and looked back into her eyes and said mischievously“Now that I am in, I don’t see why I should think about leaving…”
There was something very aggressive and intense in Kabir’s expressions.

Maybe because of the determination or the calmness with which he said it, Preet felt uneasy in her seat. Totally unaware of such unanticipated retaliation, she continued to gaze into his eyes. Though, Kabir had very passionate eyes. They had the potential to swipe any woman off her feet. “Hahaha! I hear you! It will be foolish to think of jumping out in that stormy rain when you have a cozy ambience handy.” Harsh interrupted again. “Mark my words, Kabir.

Now even if you choose to go out, we will not let you go…..” Harsh uttered his last words with immense seriousness. He looked straight into Kabir’s eyes, smiling sarcastically. For a moment they sat staring at each other as two mighty warriors who have entered into a live or die competition. Kabir was trying to evaluate the deeper meaning of this outward hospitality shown by Harsh.They would have continued staring longer, but suddenly roared penetrating till the depths of everyone’s heart, from very underneath the ground on which the Villa stood…that furious and shrill cry.

So vigorous was its intensity that it shook the stone studded walls of the mansion and set everybody’s hearts thrilling within…“What was that?” Kabir asked curiously“I did not expect it to come so early. It hasn’t been long since when we heard it some time ago. That’s what I made you aware of, before entering the house. This entire place is doomed.

Most of them, who entered in this house, never went back. Those who went never spoke to anyone else thereafter.” – Harsh said nervously looking around. Preet’s hands were quivering. She felt totally broken into pieces, by the fearsome sound. She was struggling to gather herself together. But more than that, she was trying to pose a calm expression.

As if nothing matters to her much. Kabir thought of saying some soft words to make her feel comfortable. But something stopped him from doing so. He instead continued speaking to Harsh… “What do you know about the history of this house?” – Kabir“Nothing more than what the local residents talk about this house.

Though what they say, is more than enough for one to conclude.” Getting up from his chair, Harsh started walking within the hall and narrating the myth “This house was owned by Mr. Kunal Johri. A man of principles and the one who contributed most of his wealth towards the well being of the local poor residents. He had a reputation of being a very friendly and cheerful man. Seldom did someone see him annoyed or upset with anything.

But during his last days…” While walking Harsh reached up to an open window of the hall, and leaned against it, looking outside at the pouring rain and dark skies, with an expression of a recalling face, he continued “ …during his last days he was not easy with something. He did not speak to anyone about what is bothering him. He was growing more and more introvert.

Many of his friends, tried to make him speak. But he just plainly continued to assure that nothing was wrong and he was just not keeping well for a few days. During his last two days, he did not meet anybody. There were no visitors to this place. He was all alone, in this huge mansion. That night he asked his staff to take a leave early.

He went to his room, and closed the door. Next day the maid found his dead body in the room. With his pistol sitting in his hand, one shot fired right through his head and blood splashed all over. She ran out to call for help. Within 2-3 minutes she came back with neighbors and all other servants of the house. To their surprise, they did not find any body in the room.

There were of course blood stains on the bed and the revolver too. But body was missing. They all searched everywhere in and around the house. But nobody could ever find out where his body disappeared. Police tried to investigate further, but went clueless. They tested the DNA of the blood stains and compared them with the DNA of the blood on Mr. Kunal Johri’s razor.

It matched perfectly. It could not be understood why Mr. Johri committed suicide. And how his body disappeared in air. Mr. Johri had no rivals. He owned very less, which he had chosen to donate to the needy. This house was inherited from his father and was equally owned by his brother, Karan who was in Gulf for some business. Karan was himself very rich, and cared little about this villa. As soon as the news was out, Karan was wired.

But they just got a reply wired by Karan that he is unable to come instantly and to carry on with the funeral immediately. Karan did not show up, ever again. As there was no dead body, there was neither funeral, nor autopsy.” Harsh now turned towards Kabir and Preet, while he continued to rest against the window. “Later on police closed the investigation on the case.

But ever since the sudden death of Mr. Kunal Johri, there have been strange incidences happening in this villa. Someone vouched to have seen Kunal walking in the woods, and around this house. The spectator later went insane, and was sent to the asylum. There have always been strange noises around the house…just like the one we heard some time ago.

Although these noises kept most of them away to come anywhere near this place, some did choose to inspect the cause. As I told you….very few of them returned, albeit thunderstruck. And now we three are held in this mansion.

That’s all I know about this house.” – Kabir concluded his story.“Three?” – Kabir looked surprised“Yes, three. You, me and Preet. Who else?” – asked Harsh, who was dumbfounded at this question.“So who was the one who just passed from outside the window?”- Kabir asked impatiently. “What are you talking about? There are just we three here. No-one else!” – Harsh was shaken on Kabir’s words. He looked outside, but in vain. There was nobody outside.

“Where is your driver? In the car?” – Kabir continued to question. “Kabir, I don’t understand what is wrong with you” Harsh panicked. He again peeped out of window to see for someone or something. But there was nothing outside. “Preet and I drove together up to here. We have no driver. I can still see my car outside. Come here I will show you…” Harsh waived his hand towards Kabir, asking him to come near the window. Kabir walked up “You see that open hood car out there? That is my car. There is no driver. All is as it was.

You must have had a delusion.” – Harsh was uneasy within. He was not ready to accept the thought that there was someone fourth outside, around the house. “Harsh, I would lay thousand to one, if there was no-one outside. My expeditions to the jungle have gifted me with very strong vision. There is nothing that can escape my sight, or delude me.” – Kabir was firm on his words….“Will you please stop that? There is nobody here, except us” Preet lost her patience. She was already uncomfortable with the ambience of the house.

“I will go out and see for myself” – Kabir started walking towards the door. Preet and Harsh glanced at each other. Harsh ran and got into Kabir’s way.“Kabir, don’t go outside… Kabir, listen to me. If there is something ….or someone outside the house, it is for good that it has not chosen to come inside” – Harsh pleaded“I am not afraid of no man” – Kabir retaliated“Kabir, I don’t know if this sounds correct to you, but whatever is out there, is No Man….and is far beyond our powers. If it invades us, we have the only choice to die, or to fight against it.

And for such situation, we better be prepared. Out togetherness is our strength. If we go individually, we all will die.” - Harsh said in a pleading voice.“Sorry to disappoint you Harsh. But I don’t need anybody. I have the courage to stand alone.” – Harsh was still finding a way to the door.“But I need…” – softly came Preet’s voice. Kabir looked back with surprise.

“I mean…. If you two could sit together, inside the house…without necessarily having to go out and invite troubles, I will feel more comfortable and safe.” - Preet“Am I talking to the girl who was impatiently waiting for me to go out, ever since I have stepped in?” – Kabir smiled at Preet, and stopped trying to go to the door. “If you can understand, Kabir. Your going out at that time, wouldn’t have mattered anyways. It was probably safe for you, and safe for us. But now I am not sure whether you will be safe outside” …and suddenly realizing what she said, Preet changed her words “And so will not be any of us.”

“Are you trying to save me? or save yourself ?” Kabir asked sarcastically.“Whatever you think!!! Just please don’t go out. Do you hear me?” Preet’s patience was at its extreme end. Her eyes were full of tears. Kabir got quite on this extreme resistance. “Okay….only if you say so.” Kabir leaned against the mantelpiece “I don’t stop for everyone though.” – Very keenly Kabir uttered his last words. Preet looked up in Kabir’s passionate eyes.

They spoke more than any words could express. Preet blushed and walked back towards her chair. Harsh relaxed in his chair as well.They all sat silent for a while. Harsh cracked the ice by a sudden unexpected question to Kabir“I sniffed mild fragrance when I was around you. Which perfume was it?Kabir startled for a moment. Slowly he replied in low voice“I was researching antibiotics in the nearby valley. The valley had a lot of small pink flowers, exceptionally fragrant. I must have carried some of them, or their fragrance on my overcoat.”Harsh continued looking suspiciously towards Kabir. He was not happy with Kabir’s answer. Something in Kabir’s answer was not true….

Kabir changed the topic…“Do we have cards to play?”“I don’t know. I don’t carry pack of cards with me, wherever I go” – Harsh replied arrogantly. He was still looking suspiciously towards Kabir.Kabir got uneasy and got up from his chair. “Let’s see if this house has any pack of cards.” – Kabir walked towards a large writing table in the hall. “You are looking for a pack of cards in a haunted house?” – Harsh asked violently.

“Why? Don’t we already have chairs, tables and other amusements? So why not cards? And do we have any other entertainment?” – Kabir replied calmly“Can’t you just sit and talk?” – Harsh got impatient as Kabir started inspecting the drawer of the table, looking for cards. He didn’t find any…So he walked towards the huge Elmira. “Talk about what? Introduction round is over…” In search of cards, Kabir sat down and pulled the bottom-most drawer of the Elmira and found an old album. He curiously opened it…and his eyes gazed wide open on the album.


He sat there …totally speechless… There came a horrifying crackling noise of the clouds and flashes of lightening from outside which, for a moment, clearly reflected Kabir’s dreadful expressions. Kabir got up and said “….or maybe there should be another round of introduction”Walking slowly ahead towards the center table, where Harsh and Preet were sitting, he turned the album towards both of them. On the first page of the album, there was Harsh’s photograph…and below was written… With a big sigh, shrugging his shoulders, Harsh leaned little forward, resting his elbows on his laps, he sank his face in his palms.

As if he thought for a few seconds and then stood up, smiling towards Kabir and Preet. Both Kabir and Preet were surprised at his smile, but they pinned their eyes on Harsh. Smiling to himself, Harsh walked slowly towards the window, passing Kabir…..while Kabir walked opposite to Harsh, towards the chair in which Harsh was sitting. Kabir and Harsh were now standing back-to-back, while Preet sat completely thrilled, between them, in her own chair.

The silence broke with Harsh’s voice“I should admit. It does not make sense to escape the fact. After all, I don’t have to be afraid of anything! What will you do? Hang me you cannot!! “Then he turned towards Kabir and Preet and with dreadful expressions on his face, Harsh concluded “Because I am already dead! “Preet gazed at Harsh with terror in her eyes.

This statement shook her nerves. “Meet me! The very soul of Kunal Johri! Ha ha ha ha ha!!!” – His loud laughter roared throughout the hall. Preet alarmingly got up and ran behind her chair, near the fire. She was dropping down terrified. “Prepare to die, or run you stupid fool!!! “ – Harsh continued Kabir, still standing with his back towards Preet and Harsh, was humming some song very calmly…the tune was vicious and humming very low…Harsh got furious.

He repeated “I give you the last chance to leave, or thou shall die!!”On this, Kabir stopped humming his song and roared“Stop kidding, will you? I know that you are no the devil in this house!!” then with his eyes closed and brows knit closely, Kabir turned his face towards Harsh and Preet………and said”Because the devil, is ME !”Upon this, Kabir opened his eyes. And for a minute, both Harsh and Preet stood like statues with their eyes wide open…looking at Kabir.

The pupils of Kabir’s eyes had become flaming blood red in color. Kabir bore the most disturbing expressions on his face. Loosing her cool, Preet ran away from Kabir. But that only brought her near Harsh. She stopped and shook with double fear. With bated breath, Preet ran back towards the fire and picked out a small piece of burning wood and with shaking hands she held it against both of them one by one.“D. Don’t come nun... Near me.” Preet was trembling with fear.“Stay out of this, Preet. I don’t intend to hurt you. My prey is in front of me.” Kabir said, looking towards Harsh.

“You think you can scare me with that? I think it’s time for you to die. I give you the last warning!!! Don’t mess with the walking dead, Kabir” – Harsh retaliated.“You have seen me smile! Now see me laugh!!” – Kabir laughed a wide roaring laughter. And there were clearly visible, his excessively grown pairs of Canine teeth. Kabir stood there posing like a perfect Vampire …. Or more perfectly like a red eyed savage hound eager to pounce on its prey.

“Do you believe now??? I am the ghost!! And I am sick of the games that you are playing in my jungle!!!” – Kabir said furiouslyHarsh stood calm and still. Finally he said.“Is that all you got to show? Those lenses and those fake Dracula teeth which you put up when we were talking back to back?? Bad show, Kabir…. You want to see a real time evidence for a ghost? I will show you…” – Harsh then looked at Preet and said to her “You may choose to come with me or to stay here…whatever you wish. I know I can deal with you later. But currently I don’t want to unnecessarily scare more crap out of you. What I am going to show to Kabir is….”Then Harsh turned again towards Kabir and said

“…. my own dead body! Which had disappeared in the air, after my death? After showing that to Kabir, I am going to kill him. “Kabir was taken a back. Preet’s heart was set pounding. She looked at Kabir. Kabir shrugged his shoulders and with a sigh, he removed his red lenses and the teeth. But within himself, he was still happy with something. He said to Harsh – “Show me….where is your dead body. ?” Kabir then walked towards Preet and whispered in her ears “You should be safe here.

Stay here for another 15 minutes. If I don’t return, run for your life….out of this house, into the woods in front of the house.”“I am coming with you, Kabir. I can’t let you go with him alone” – Preet rejected Kabir’s plan.Kabir held Preet by her shoulders and said in a convincing voice “I will be none the worse into a trouble alone, if I don’t have a companion. Please wait here…”Preet was not convinced. But she knew that it was the only option at that point.

She agreed to stay back.“Let’s go Kabir!! My dead body is awaiting you! “Harsh said sarcastically.Kabir picked the album, and started walking towards the door, anticipating Harsh to come with him. Harsh stood where he was…and said: “Not outside, Kabir. My body does not have a grave as yet. It is inside the house. Follow me!!” Kabir curiously followed Harsh. Together they took up the broad hallway, adjacent to the other side of the hall.

There were rooms on both sides of the hallway. As they walked through the passage, darkness surrounded both of them, cutting their connection with the outside world. Kabir lit his cigarette lighter…and in that little light, they walked ahead to the end of the passage. A big door opened with creaking noise inside the bedroom of Mr. Kunal Johri. Harsh switched on the light of the room. Kabir took a glimpse of the room.

This was the same room in which Kunal’s body was found, and later disappeared. There was a huge bed on one side of the room and towards the other there was a big Elmira made in costly teakwood and carved artistically. All the little curiosities in the room had a touch of antiquity and style. An old telephone was sitting next to the bed, on a small table. Harsh walked to the phone and dialed a secret number without picking up the receiver.

And Viola!With creaking noise, there opened a small door on the floor. “Enter that pit, and you will see my dead body” – Harsh.“You go in first” – Kabir objected“The ball is in your court now. Take it or leave it. Whether you get to see my dead body or not, does not make a trifle of difference to me. You are going to get killed anyways.” – Harsh was adamant on his side.

Kabir thought for a while. He walked near the entrance, and sitting down, he peeped in. He just could see a small foldable wooden stairway going deep down. Nothing else could be seen inside. Time was running out. Kabir had no time to decide. He looked up towards Harsh, who stood their smiling at Kabir. Deciding to him, with the album still held in one hand, Kabir entered through the door and took the stairs down. He had yet not climbed far down when he heard Harsh’s voice from upstairs: “Enjoy your death Kabir! Good bye!!”

And the door closed behind him. Kabir climbed up and tried to push the door. But in vain. In this attempt, he missed a step and came tumbling down from the stairs. Stairs ended in air, and Kabir dropped further around 10 feet down….but not on ground. He had fallen on a polythene bag, stuffed with something.Kabir rolled aside and tried to search the album which he dropped while falling down. But it was too dark. He tried to check with his hands, as to what he fell upon. But he could understand nothing. The stuff was long, broad and fully wrapped in polythene.

He switched on his cigarette lighter. And what he saw in that light was terrible!He was lying besides the dead body of Mr. Kunal Johri, wrapped in a polythene bag. For a moment, Kabir felt that it is dead body of Harsh. But then he had seen Harsh just a moment ago, who had closed the door behind him. Kabir could not understand a thing out of this. Was it really a ghost of Kunal Johri? He looked around for the album so that he could match Kunal’s photo with the dead body.

He found the album just besides the body of Kunal Johri. He opened the first page and matched the photograph with the dead body. The dead body was indeed, Kunal’s dead body. Confused, Kabir turned to the next page. And there revealed the mystery.Next page of the album had photograph of Kunal and Karan, together. They were twins! Kabir got entire picture clear in his mind. With the album in one hand and lighter in the other, Kabir looked around the room.

The scene would have sent chill down the nerves of most fierce men. All around Kunal’s dead body were scattered…dead bodies of many men who had come to evaluate the house. Kabir was about to proceed ahead with his inspection, when again, he heard that shrill fearsome cry which the house was very famous for. This time it was the loudest. As if it was coming from just besides Kabir.

Kabir raised his light high in the air, which spread the light farther in the room. And he was stunned! Dropping his jaw and with terrified face, Kabir stared in total amusement. What Kabir saw, couldn’t help him but utter “ Now, what the HELL are YOU???? “In front of Kabir there stood a huge, gigantic beast, rusty brown in color, around 15 feet tall, with its two enormous teeth protruding out, each teeth at least 2 feet long, and his flaming red eyes pinned upon Kabir.

It was none other than one of the mightiest and most huge wild Savannah Rainforest Elephant. And to add up to the plight, the beast was angry! He was held there for years, fed with less / very less food which just kept him alive and was made to roar every now and then. He had marks all over his body, which clearly stated that he was beaten mercilessly sometimes, to make him give that shrill cry. Whatever was tossed down from the door above, the Elephant had pounced on it. None of the men which came tumbling down could ever win a battle with this huge beast. It was apparently no match to their strength.

And now, Kabir was standing against him, fully astonished.“Absolutely Macho!!” Kabir exclaimed to himself the elephant pounced on him and Kabir started running around the room for his life. There was very less room available to run. Kabir switched off the lighter, thinking that elephant will not be able to see him in dark. He was right. The elephant was surprised by the sudden darkness for a while. But he got further agitated and sniffed Kabir out.

The elephant did not take too much time to corner Kabir. All in panic, Kabir removed his overcoat and flung it across on the elephant’s face. The elephant raised his trunk and pulled the overcoat away from his face. But before the elephant decided to pounce on Kabir, as if a miracle happened, the elephant calmed down.

He placed the overcoat gently down on the ground and started sniffing it. The overcoat was carrying the fragrance of his most beloved flowers, which were in the nearby valley. Years ago, he had come sniffing these flowers, away from his family and friends, and had got lost in this jungle. And then for years thereafter he had not been able to smell them or taste them. The mighty beast totally mellowed down and came down on his knees.

He continued sniffing the overcoat and Kabir alternately. Kabir gave a big sigh of relief. At least he didn’t have to worry about a beast in that dark room anymore. All that he needed to now was to find a way out. Kabir took a detailed inspection of the room. He found 3-4 microphones hanging over the place where the elephant stood. The wires of these microphones were penetrating through amplifiers which amplified the elephants roar into hundreds of decibels and passed it on the several small hidden speakers situated outside the above house.

This loud noise could have definitely created a terrific impact on the audience. Though there was no way Kabir could follow the wires and find a way out. The walls of the room were very strong. Ones which even this giant elephant couldn’t break down in so many years. But how could the elephant be brought into such a room? He could not have been dropped from the above door, definitely. Kabir looked further and he found a huge door made of steel.

The door was strong and flexible to any thundering smashes that the elephant could have given to it. Moreover it had pointed projections all over, which prevented the elephant to try to break the door. Time was running out and Kabir had to find a way out of the room, back into the house…where Preet was awaiting for him.Suddenly his eyes caught a glimpse of small ventilation situated high above on the wall adjacent to the door. Kabir was sure that he could pass through it. But the question was how he will reach up to that window. He thought to himself and then smiled happily.

He went near the elephant that was meanwhile sitting on his knees and looking at what Kabir is up to. “Macho! I have a proposition… You get me out here, and then I get you out this room! Deal?” – Kabir Macho sat there, looking confused. But he shook his head as if he understood that Kabir needed his help to get out of the room. Kabir then sat on Macho’s back and asked him to stand up. “Stand Macho! Stand! Yes …That’s perfect…..just near that wall.

Take me there! Good! Now stand still here…that’s it! Excellent!!” - Kabir stood on Macho’s back and reached the window. In one jump he was half way through….Hanging in the window, half in and half out…Kabir looked outside. A long time after, he was breathing fresh air again. The rain had stopped. There was no guard around. The window, although on the top of the room…was just leveling against the ground. Kabir had just to slide his way out.

As soon as he came out, he looked back and Macho was looking expectantly towards Kabir. Foolishly he was thinking that Kabir will find a way to drag him out through that ventilation. With his big eyes pinned on Kabir, innocently he was waiting for Kabir’s next move. Kabir smiled back at Macho and said “Hang on a little more buddy. I can’t pull you from here. I will open the door for you”

Macho stepped back and looked towards the huge door. And sat there waiting for it to open. Kabir crawled swiftly towards the other side where the door was located. The door being just beneath the ground level, a sliding trench was dug from a little away from the door, up to it. Due to heavy rainfall, the trench was full of water. If the door was locked, Kabir would have had to dive into the water and open the lock. Kabir was expecting at least one guard at this door.

He looked around expectantly, and there he found one guard sitting with his back towards Kabir, totally unaware of what has happened, smoking his cigar heartily. Kabir took swift steps up to the guard and before the guard could understand anything, Kabir knocked him unconscious. Then rapidly he searched the guard’s pockets for any keys which he may have.

He found one big key which must have been for a big lock on the big door. He happily grabbed that key and came back to the door. Now this was a real challenge. Kabir had to jump into the trench full of eater, search for the lock, and unlock it. Ideally he wouldn’t have done that. But Kabir had given a gentleman’s word to Macho. He took a deep breath and jumped into the pit.

Struggling for some while, he found the lock and he immediately unlocked it with his key. As soon as he unbolted the door, the water pressure flung the door open inside the strong room and along with the water, through the open door, Kabir got drained back into the room, just in front of Macho! Macho was looking with joyful eyes towards Kabir. “So we here….meet again!” – Kabir said happily, looking towards MachoMacho curled his trunk and gave a happy roar!

Kabir and Macho rushed out from the door. Kabir bade a happy good-bye to Macho and rushed from behind the house, to the main entrance. He had to take care of Harsh now, and save Preet from his hands. When Kabir reached the entrance, he saw Harsh pulling Preet forcefully towards the car. Preet was trying to resist, but her strength was no match to Harsh’s powers.

“Are you forgetting something?” – Kabir shouted at Harsh.Harsh turned and looked surprisingly towards Kabir. “What will I do alone in this house. Lets all three of us go together” – Kabir said to Harsh sarcastically.“There is no place for three here, Kabir. I did not expect you to win the battle against that mighty beast. But although now that you managed to escape him, I am sure you will not be able to escape my bullets” – Harsh pulled out his revolver and pointed it towards Kabir“I should have killed you long time before.

Now I will not waste time in talking” –Harsh said frantically and prepared to shoot. Kabir still stood there, laughing heartily at Harsh. Before Harsh could understand why Kabir is laughing his heart out, as if by magic he got lifted in air. He dropped his gun and lost the grab on Preet’s hand. Preet escaped quickly and ran towards Kabir.Both Kabir and Preet stood looking at Harsh who was hanging in air….grabbed in the trunk of Macho!!

Kabir whistled his secret tune and out came from the bushes in front of the house, a team of armed policemen. “Now would you like to give up and confess, Mr. Karan Johri? – Kabir asked calmly“Who are you?” – Harsh asked ferociously“ACP Kartik Raj!” Kabir answered Preet and Harsh gazed at Kabir with amazement. “You didn’t tell you were a cop!” – Preet“I was on my mission” – Kabir“Will you bring me down please?” - Harsh“Not until you confess.

We are all eager to hear!” – KabirHarsh gave up and started to speak…“Okay okay…. ! I tell ya the entire truth. My brother, Kunal, was an idiot. I had come to him with a golden proposition. It would have made us so rich. But he had to refuse. And so he died.”“What proposition?” – Kabir interrupted“This forest has a treasure which no other forest can ever provide to us. 2000 elephants traverse through this forest to migrate to Uttaranchal, every year.

Imagine the amount of Ivory that could be traded across to gulf, if we could kill even 1% of elephants every year. Within no time, we could have been millionaires! But he never agreed to it.One day I asked to have a word with in person, over this issue, discreetly. Nobody knew of my visit to him that day. He was so overconfident that he will convince me out from this. But he had to die! I had planned everything. Only Kunal and I knew of the secret entrance to the strong room. That night I shot him with his own revolver and created a suicide scene.

I wanted someone to vouch for his death. Hence I awaited the first spectator. When the maid saw the dead body, she ran out calling for help. I took the opportunity and wrapped the dead body in polythene and dropped him down in the strong room. Then I locked the door and fled from the window out in the forest. I had hired a private chopper which will take me back from the forest to gulf.

When I received the wire, I replied purposely asking to continue with the funeral. I wanted to be the least one that is suspected in Kunal’s death. All sailed well and things settled down in a week. I had to now scare the residents in the nearby vicinity, so that they desert the place …and nobody else thereafter, would dare to come back to this place. I could have then carried on with my Ivory trade without interruptions. This elephant was not included in my plan.

But when I saw that God had sent him to just contribute to my existing plan…..I was overjoyed. I locked him in the strong room and made him shout every now and then. My small hidden speakers amplified the noise and sent frightening signals to the nearby villagers. Most of them called off from the place. A few of those who chose to come to the house and see what the noises are all about…..were shown to the strong room where they died.

Preet was a real time intruder, whose car had broken down. She required shelter, and unaware of the history of the house, she came inside the house. When I was about to kill her, you knocked on the door. I threatened her to not speak a word about me, to you. Or else I will kill both of you. She remained quite throughout the whole scene.Rest is what you all know for yourself….But one thing that I didn’t understand is, how on earth, did you come out of that strong room?” – Karan ended his confession and looked curiously towards Kartik.

“I would explain…..but your brain will explode” – said Kabir sarcastically.Holding Preet’s hand in his, Kabir glanced passionately towards her. Preet blushed and smiled back. “Okay buddies! I think you can take him to the cell now…!” – Kabir ordered his men but before they could step ahead, Karan got smashed down to ground with tremendous velocity. With his body all aching and bruises all over, taking his last breaths, Karan curled over to see Macho…his death. Macho raised his foot, and with all hatred filled in his eyes, he pounded it on Karan.

With his leg on Karan’s dead body, Macho curled his trunk and gave a hearty satisfied roar of his revenge!