The curse

It's the next morning...

The ritual of bidding farewell to the bride was in progress. But, there was something else in the chatter of the villagers, the incident of last night. Vishwas stood alone, far away looking at Alpana crying and hugging her sister. The other crew members were inside, still dazed by the incident last night.

Crew 2: Mam, here (offers her a glass of water). You didn't sleep a wink. You will make yourself sick.

Mam: Worrying about me, idiot. Did you sleep? Did anyone of you? (Drinks).

Crew 3: Like we can sleep after what we witnessed last night.

Prayag: I am still confused to what happened last night.

Crew 2: Stupid or what? It was a ghost, a ghost was trying to kill that man (points to crew 1 who was sleeping on the bed). What are you still confused about? What is so confusing about it?

Prayag: Calm down man.

Cameraman: Mam, if you would like to, I suggest you see the video that I recorded yesterday. I copied it all into the laptop.

Mam: Yeah, I almost forgot about that. Well, let's see how this menace looks like.

Cameraman: Forwarding.

The video plays, cameraman forwards it to the part where he picks it up to aim it towards the bustling branches. But before he could move it, the ghost pops up and scares him making him drop the camera. The sight was just for a second but the jump scare freaked the audience.

Crew 2: Holy shit! What was that?

Cameraman: It is what you think.

Prayag: Well, I was sceptical if ghosts could be captured in camera, but now all my doubts are answered.

Mam: Can you pause it on the ghost? I couldn't see it.

Cameraman: Let me see (Tries many time but the picture is always a blur).

Crew 3: Looks like he dropped the camera as soon as it appeared and caused a motion blur making the entity unclear. No matter how many time you pause it, I don't think you will be able to get the picture.

Mam: (Rubs her forehead) Damn!

Cameraman: Sorry mam.

Mam: (pats on cameraman's soldier) This is not gonna do. The hard work of the past two weeks will go down the drain if we went back like this.

Crew 2: Mam, you don't mean...

Crew 3: This is crazy. Do you think it is wise to go back in there after what we witnessed last night?

Mam: Why are you freaking out? He doesn't attack until you are alone. We won't be alone this time. Everyone is adviced to empty their bladders before hand.

Prayag: But, if he won't show up, how are we supposed to capture it on camera?

Crew 2: Mam, with due respect, this is not funny. We have a man down, and thank God that he is only down not dead. I would suggest that we should get away from this paranormal crap and cover some events of the living. We are not cut out for this kind of thing.

Crew 3: I agree. I don't think we have the power to handle another event like last night.

Mam: (Looks at Prayag) You too,

Prayag: (Oblivious) Me, what?

Mam: (Swats cameraman) You say something too now. You think I want to die mysteriously. No one wants to die like that. But, tell me, what should I tell the boss? That the ones who were very eager to take the job when he first suggested like brave lions, got scared midway and ran back. Huh? Tell me.

Crew 2: But mam, we thought it was just a local man fooling everyone or a villager pulling pranks to attract attention to their village. We never knew it was the real deal.

Mam: You know (serious), he is gonna ask the money back.

Crew 2: Money back?

Prayag: Oh hell! Knowing him, he definitely would.

Crew 3: If we went back empty handed, he is definitely gonna ask for a refund.

Mam: Let's go then, we will pay him back together for all we spent here. Let's go.

Crew 2: (Nervous) Mam, I think we should try to get the ghost in reel one more time.

Mam: Well, now how would we do that?

Vishwas, tensed while looking at Alpana crying, unknowingly went closer. Upon realising, that he came some way from the cottage, looks back in disbelief to what just happened. Alpana leaves the group which was seeing off the bride and was going inside her house when sees Vishwas standing afar and looking at her in distress. She wipes her tears and forces a smile on her face and approaches him.

Alpana: How is your friend doing?

Vishwas: Huh?

Alpana: I asked how is your friend doing? Did he wake up?

Vishwas: Yes, I mean no, he didn't wake up yet but, he is alright, I guess.

Alpana: Is that so? Then why do I still see you dejected?

Vishwas: Because of you.

Alpana: Because of me, what did I do?

Vishwas: You cried, that's why.

Alpana: Because of me crying, why does it bother you?

Vishwas: I don't know. It just.... does.

Alpana: My sister is going to her in-laws house forever. That's why.

Vishwas: I know. She is supposed to.

Alpana: I will not see her daily.

Vishwas: You won't. But that doesn't mean you won't see her at all.

Alpana: I won't be able to hear her daily.

Vishwash: You won't. But that doesn't mean you won't hear from her at all.

Alpana: I won't able to eat her cookings daily(about to cry).

Vishwas: You won't. But that doesn't mean you won't be able to eat her cookings at all. Maybe, you should eat my cooking. I may not be that good as hers, Do you think she will teach me if I ask her?

Alpana: (Laughs but tear rolls down her cheeks, leans her head on his chest) I won't be able to play with her anymore.

Vishwas: Well, I think you are very old to play around like kids anyway.

Alpana: (resting her head on her chest) Am I really?

Vishwas: But, if you wish, I won't refuse to play with you.

Alpana laughs a little, but than begins to cry on his chest. Vishwas tries to embrace her in his arms but then pulls his arms back and instead pats gently on her head using his left hand.

Vishwas: (patting her) Don't cry so much now, or I will start crying too.

Alpana: I know.

Vishwas: You do, good then.

Alpana: (wraps her arms around him) Just a little.

Vishwas: (patting continues) Ok, just a little.

Bride goes with the groom. The people behind still remain. Alpana joins them leaving Vishwas back there. Alpana looks at him, Vishwas gestures her to wipe her tears properly and Alpana does so. Mam and Prayag walk out of the cottage. Santu notices and approaches them.

Santu: Madam, is what I hear true?

Mam: Mr. Santu, sorry we couldn't attend the ceremony yesterday. We had some unforeseen circumstances. I hope you forgive us.

Santu: Madam, I know what happened last night. I want you to confirm it.

Mam: Mr. Santu, don't worry, it was nothing, our guy fell sick, nothing much.

Santu: Madam, we are villagers, not idiots. The thing your friend is suffering through has happened to many of my villagers already. I just want you to tell me how your friend survived.

Mam: (Looks at Prayag, then looks at Santu) Ok, if you insist.

Alpana and her friends take her crying mother inside. Vishwas begins walking towards mam to see what was going on.

Mam: ..... And then your daughter opened the door and everything went to normal in an instant.

Santu: (Lost in thought after hearing that).

Mam: Mr Santu, Mr Santu...

Vishwas: What's happening here mam?

Mam: I was just telling him about the incident of last night and where the hell were you up till now, huh? We are going to continue with our efforts in capturing the ghost in camera.

Vishwas: You are not serious?

Mam: Damn right I am. You just get your ass ready.

Vishwas: My what?

Voices begin echoing in Santu's mind. The voice of Gudiya's father and Mam's sayings about Alpana. Inside, Riya whispererd in Gudiya's ear about the conversation last night regarding Alpana. Alpana and Jeet were consoling her mother.

Gudiya: (Whispers) My father said that! Well, now when you mentioned that, this happened yesterday as well. When she entered the city men's cottage, the dread I felt coming from inside, disappeared.

Riya: The same thing happened when we arrived at your house when your grandfather was possessed.

Gudiya: Who is she?

Riya: We can only wonder.

The crew left Vishwas behind alone at the village to take care of crew 1. They left for the forest in another attempt to capture the ghost in their camera. Crew 1 was still sleeping on his bed. Vishwas sat on the stair before the front door. Alpana arrives with a bowl of Gulab jamuns.

Alpana: (Offers) Would you like some?

Vishwas: (Smiles, takes the bowl) Ofcourse, thankyou.

Alpana: (sits to his right looking at him).

Vishwas: Hmm! This is really very good. This is not the same as yesterday though.

Alpana: Because I made it.

Vishwas: (Coughs) You... You made it.

Alpana: (Laughs) Yes. I am happy that you liked it.

Vishwas: I am happy too that I did.

Alpana: Your friend is still resting.

Vishwas: Ya, and mam made me stay back to look after him. I am worried what if the ghost came back and caught me this time.

Alpana: Don't worry, this time I am here. You are not alone. I heard he only attacks people who he finds alone.

Vishwas: I am glad that I am not then. But, won't your parents worry about you?

Alpana: Don't worry, I told them I am going to a friend's home.

Vishwas: Hey, that's nice. But you should not lie to your parents.

Alpana: Oh! Like you never lied to your parents ever.

Vishwas: Well, I never said that. But, I can atleast prevent you from committing that sin.

Alpana: Is wanting to see you a sin?

Vishwas: (mesmerized) You wanted to see me?

Alpana: (Blushes) Ya, you wanted to eat gulab jamuns made by my hands. So, I wanted to give you some.

Vishwas: Is that so? Well, Does thinking of your sister still makes you sad?

Alpana: Ya little, but someone told me she is not gone forever. So, I will see her soon enough.

Vishwas: Ofcourse, given that your sister wants to see you too.

Alpana: Hey! My sister loves me. She will yearn to see me soon enough.

Vishwas: Yeah yeah, she will. If she takes so much time, you should go and see her yourself.

Alpana: But, I can't go outside of the village. My father doesn't allow me to.

Vishwas: Why though? Well, don't worry, I will take you.

Alpana: Really, my father will whoop your ass.

Vishwas: Oh! And you think I will just take it. Don't think little of me, I will tie your father's ass to a chair and hang him upside down.

Alpana: (Laughs) Like you can. Even if you escape my father, my mother will intercept you.

Vishwas: No problem, a kiss on her cheek, and her love for me will peak.

Alpana: Perv, you will kiss my mother.

Vishwas: Why? I kiss my mother all the time.

Alpana: But she is my mother.

Vishwas: Why? Isn't your mother my mother as well?

Alpana: (Blushes) You! (Pulls away the bowl)

Vishwas: Oye! I didn't finish the sweets yet.

Alpana: (Taunts him, runs away).

Vishwas: (smiles, yells) Take care of your way home, alright. And go back to your own home, understood.

The news crew and Alpana cross each other.

Crew 2: (Shivering)

Mam: Damn it boy, I told you to hang back if you were this scared.

Crew 2: Ya, and be left alone to be the food of the ghost. I have seen horror movies, the one who is stray dies first.

Mam: Vishwas was there too you know, he didn't mind staying back. Grow some balls.

Others laugh...

Crew 3: (Giggles) Grow some balls!

Prayag: That's why I say, watch less horror movies. Imagination is ripping your butt now, isn't it?

Crew 2: Shut up, asshole. Here is a life and death situation and you all are not finishing up with your humours.

Camera: (Checking his camera)

Crew 3: What is it? Did you break it?

Cameraman: It is working fine, just this part seems a little loose.

Crew 3: Is that so?

Crew 2: It is a waste of time, I am telling you. We will never be able to catch him in the camera.

Prayag: Just have some patience, all right.

Crew 2: This patience of yours will make us all into patients.

Mam: For having a horrying ghost on the outskirts of their village, the residents are very casual and roaming cheerfully in the night. And my people are pissing in their pants.

Vishwas: (Gets up) Mam, how did it go?

Mam: Nothing except the chilling winds.

Vishwas: Chilling winds! In the middle of summer?

Mam: Get some rest everybody. We will be going again tomorrow.

Crew 2: (Dejected) Oh shit!

Prayag: (arms around his shoulders) Come on man, will you find any better chance to be adventurous than this?

Crew 2: Son of a bitch! Adventure.

Mam: How is he doing?

Vishwas: Still sleeping I am afraid.

Mam: Well, he did go through a severe traumatic experience. Let him recuperate.

Vishwas: Yes mam.

Mam: Well, I am gonna cook. It is already past 10.

Crew 3:Let me assist you mam.

Next morning...

Mam and her crew were conversing with the villagers who had witnessed the ghost themselves. They seperated into three groups speaking with people to know more about the entity. Mam was alone while crew 2 and 3 made a pair and Prayag and Vishwas the other. Cameraman stayed behind with crew 1.

Cameraman: (Fixing his camera).

Crew 1: (Comes out of the washroom) Where is everyone?

Cameraman: Out on gathering some Intel. How are you feeling?

Crew 1: (Wipes his face with towel and the ghost face appears, throws the towel) Damn it, that freakin ghost face keeps popping up everytime I close my eyes. I can't stay here any longer, I need to get out of here.

Cameraman: I understand your feelings bro. I have seen that hideous disfigured entity too.

Crew 1: Damn it man, you don't know. He spilt me in half and almost choked me to death. What do you know about hideous?

Cameraman : Whatever man, we are not going out of here without a single piece of evidence. Mam is firm about her decision.

Crew 1: Well, I am not going into that cursed forest again.

Cameraman: As you wish. I wouldn't too if it had choked me like you.

Prayag and Vishwas stood leaning on a well reviewing their notes. Alpana and Gudiya begin approaching them.

Prayag: Disfigured face, dragging itself on the right leg, hmm! What do you think?

Vishwas: This is what our man told us too. Gotta be a ghastly sight.

Prayag: Well, I will like to see it myself. I am curious.

Vishwas: And I on the other hand, would like to go blind before seeing that horrifying creature.

Prayag: (pokes him indicating Alpana is coming).

Vishwas: I noticed.

Alpana: Oh, Mr. Vishwas, what are you upto there?

Vishwas: (Looks at her) Just gathering information about the ghost.

Alpana: I see. Can we help?

Vishwas: If you know something about it.

Alpana: Well, I never saw it.

Gudiya: My grandfather was once possessed by that damn ghost. Maybe I can tell you something about it. Ask me. The ghost runs away seeing her, she doesn't know nothing.

Prayag: Oh! How so? Is she a goddess or something?

Alpana: There is no such thing known as ghost. It is all made up.

Prayag: Oh, what was it I saw the other day then?

Alpana: What did you see exactly?

Prayag: Well, it was...

Alpana: Nothing right. You all just hallucinated.

Gudiya: I don't know what world she lives in. After witnessing such cases almost her entire life, she refuses to believe on them.

Vishwas: Well, a optimistic mindset does strengthens ones will power. Maybe that's why the ghost is afraid of her. She refuses to give into fear.

Alpana: Fear makes you weak. And I have no reason to fear anything when I have my Mahadev with me.

Prayag: Mahadev as lord Shiva, right?

Gudiya: Yes. Anyway, let me tell you about my grandfather.

Prayag: (snatches the notebook from Vishwas) Ya, I am listening.

Vishwas: Oye!

Alpana: (pushes Vishwas away from them) Let them talk, you come with me.

Vishwas: What are you doing now?

Alpana: I want to learn about the city. I only read about it in my books. You live there, I want to hear about it from you.

Vishwas: Well, if you insist. How about I show you some pictures I took there?

Alpana: Pictures? But you don't have a camera on person.

Vishwas: Oh you will be surprised ( takes his phone out).

Alpana: (Interested) This is, this is a phone!? Where are its buttons?

Vishwas: It's a touchscreen. See.

Alpana: Woah!

Mam meets up with crew 2 and 3 and begins heading towards the cottage discussing about the intel they gathered.

Mam: Anything helpful?

Crew 3: Same mam, it will only show up when he finds you alone.

Mam: About its appearance?

Crew 2: Same as our guy told us. Broken face, shrunken ribs, dragging on its right foot, all the same.

Crew 3: And mam, those hallucinations, looks like it's a traumatic experience.

Mam: Just hearing about it gives me creeps. But, a job is a job, we need to see it through. And where are... (Notices Prayag and Vishwas flirting around with the girls).

Prayag: (holding pen on his notebook) And...

Gudiya: I went running into the forest alone.

Prayag: (with endearing gaze) And...

Gudiya: The two of the others followed me there.

Prayag: And...

Gudiya: Are you trying to lead me on?

Prayag: Actually I am captivated by the brave girl who ran into a haunted forest to get revenge for her grandfather. But, seems like my admiration is being taken in a different sense here.

Gudiya: Admiration huh! I thought you were just trying to keep me here.

Prayag: Maybe, you do feel good to my eyes, I should have you know.

Gudiya: Hmm, you are good with the words, aren't you?

Vishwas and Alpana were laughing while looking at pictures on the phone.

Vishwas: This one is of Mam's birthday. I don't know why people just not eat the cake, instead they start playing Holi with it. I was trying to avoid getting hit, but the jerk Prayag got me from behind.

Alpana: (Laughs) What is that white stuff? Is that the cake you are talking about?

Vishwas: You don't know what a cake is.

Alpana: Well, no.

Vishwas: Oh hell! You need to eat some. It's very delicious.

Alpana: How? I don't think the village has that cake you speak of.

Vishwas: Who said village? Come to the city, I will take you to a cake shop. I promise.

Alpana: Really?

Vishwas: Ofcourse, you want to see the city as well, don't you? Well, I am not a photoholic person. But, I got few shots of the landscapes during some reporting events. You wanna see?

Alpana: Please...

Vishwas: Ok, where it is? (Backs to the folder menu).

Alpana: What is this? This folder says the name of our village (taps on the folder).

Vishwas: Wait, that is...

Alpana: Oh! It's the photos of our village. Are these for your article?

Vishwas: (Nervous) Of..ofcourse, haha.

Alpana: Look, I am in this one (swipes), in this one too (swipes), in this as well (swipes), in this (swipes), this (keeps swiping and finds herself in every picture, looks at Vishwas).

Vishwas: (Tensed, looks in the air and fakes whistling).

Alpana: (Snatches the phone)

Vishwas: Alpana, wait.

Alpana: (Keeps swiping) There is not a single photo without me in it. In reality, you were trying to take my photo, weren't you?

Vishwas: Listen to me first, I, umm...

Alpana: Well, you tried to camouflage it brilliantly, including others in the pics.

Vishwas: It would have been weird if I had just taken your pictures, and specially without your permission.

Alpana: Foolish boy, I would have allowed you to take my picture if you had just asked me. But you just kept gawking at me from a distance. I think we would have never talked if I hadn't approached you the day before yesterday.

Vishwas: Well, I was scared. What if you had said no.

Alpana: But, what if I had said yes.

Vishwas: Then, I would have clicked many pictures of that beautiful smile to my heart's content.

Alpana: (Blushes)

Mam: Oye, you two. Are you here to play games?

Prayag: No..No mam, she was just helping us with the enquiry.

Mam: Is that so? The expression on your face wasn't very reporter like.

Prayag: (Coughs) Ahem!

Mam: And you two, Alpana!? What is going on between you two?

Alpana: I was just asking him to show me some pictures of the city. That's all.

Mam: Did you see? Are you satisfied? Can I take my boy away with me now?

Alpana: Yes madam, take him, I have not tied him here with me.

Mam: Come, Vishwas, let's discuss about how we will proceed tonight.

Vishwas: Y..yes. Right behind you. (Whispers to Alpana) You gave me permission to take your picture, right? (Walks away).

Alpana: Yes, take some good ones, alright.

Vishwas: (Thumbs up) Until next time.

This night too, they fail to capture anything and return disappointed.

Mam: You guys go ahead, I need some time alone.

They go ahead chatting...

Crew 2: I am telling you, this is all futile.

Mam stays behind, takes out a cigarette and smokes when she heard a sudden chatter coming from the direction of Alpana's house. She sneaks to the side of the house and eavsdrops on their conversation.

Gudiya's father:What I said made sense right.

Santu: Well, after hearing you and the citymen, I see only one conclusion. But, I sincerely wish that my daughter has that kind of protection. Maybe, it will free her from the curse my family has been suffering from all this years.

Gudiya's father: Oh, yeah, I almost fogot, seeing how cheerful and alive your daughter is. You haven't told her yet, have you?

Santu: Do you think I can? I don't want my daughter to turn into a walking corpse. Her mother Sapna forbade me too.

Gudiya's father: She did! Expected. She loves her to the moon.

Santu: We tell our kids ghost stories to scare them into doing what we want. But Sapna, she never told her any, instead she made her believe there is no such thing as ghosts. Even after seeing so many people possessed by that forest ghost, she refuses to believe their existence.

Gudiya's father: Is that an attempt to drive her away from the cruel reality? She will have to come face to face with the truth one day, you know that right?

Santu: I know. I thought of telling her the truth many times. But, Sapna pulled me back. Instead, she gave her the blind faith of Mahadev. Mahadev, ya right, he did not save my uncle, neither he saved her uncle, my little brother. I doubt he will save her. Just a god for say. You know how much it hurts when I see my brother's wife, living alone like that, crying evey night for my brother and her dead child. She is afraid of attending any family event. You know what she said, she said that big brother, don't invite me to Kalpana's wedding, that curse appears everytime I set foot in that house, in my house. Damn it all to hell.

Gudiya's father: Calm down brother, it's not your fault. It is rightly said, curses hit if it comes deep from the heart. It is sad that your family has to suffer from that curse for eternity.

But, I highly believe that your daughter, Alpana can break that cycle.

Santu: You do? But, I am still sceptical. And Sapna, who can make her believe this? If I could, I would send Alpana away from this village.

Gudiya's father: Don't even think about it. What would happen to the village if she goes away? The east forest ghost would definitely kill someone if her protection disappears.

Santu: Let me see you letting your daughter die for the village.

Gudiya's father: I...umm.

Santu: Ya, thought so. The hell with the village. I will save my daughter, if I get the chance by sending her far away from this cursed place. My entire life has been spent in this village. Only if I had been to the city, I might have been acquainted with someone trustworthy who would have looked after my dear daughter. Oh god! Atleast, save my daughter.

Gudiya's father: You say that, but will Sapna let her go? Like hell! She would rather have her live here her entire life than to marry someone and die.

Santu: But, it is a sin to keep your daughter at home after she gets to the marrying age.

Gudiya's father: Well, nothing can be done about it. You just have to bear that sin.

Santu: What will I tell her when her elder sister makes her aunt and her little brother's wife would walk before her with a child in her arms? When all her friends get married and settle into their new lives happily and taunt her for being there where she is now? Tell me brother (cries).

Gudiya's father: Santu, easy brother. Some one will notice. Wipe your tears.

Mam: (Hears all that and walks away).

Mam walks into the cottage. Others were sitting and chatting.

Crew 2: Mam, you are back. Take a seat here with us. Vishwas is cooking today.

Prayag: He said you seemed stressed, that's why he went ahead to cooking before you come.

Vishwas: (Brings out the meal) Here everyone, take you plates. Oh mam! I hope you like my cooking. I might be not as good as you, but I tried my best so that you could take a day off. Consider this as thanks from all of us for taking care of everyone here.

Mam: Well, I think I will.

Next day...

Mam walks out of her room and sees everyone in the veranda except Vishwas and Prayag.

Mam: Yo, I don't see Prayag and Vishwas. Where did they run off to this early in the morning?

Crew 2: Don't know mam, Vishwas pulled him along with him to somewhere. And Prayag took the digital camera with him for some reason.

Crew 3: Why? I heard them talking about clicking some photos or something.

Cameraman: Maybe, Vishwas loves to click landscapes photos. And there is plenty of greenery around the village.

Mam: (Looks out of the window and sees Vishwas and Prayag running towards the forest with the girls) Hmm, looks like the boys have found some good greenery to take pictures of.

Running towards the forest...

Gudiya: Hello, why are you taking us towards the forest? Wanna dance with the ghost?

Prayag: Stupid, don't you see this (lifts up the digital camera)?

Gudiya: What is that? Looks like a mini camera.

Prayag: Ofcourse, we are out to take some pictures around the greenery of the forest.

Gudiya: So? Why do you need us?

Prayag: Why? I thought you said you would help us.

Gudiya: But, I said that yesterd....

Prayag: Arey, throw dirt on yesterday, talk about today. Do you not want to come? Alpana?

Alpana: Well, I.. I don't have problem. I am in.

Prayag: See, she is in.

Gudiya: Ok, ok, let's go.

Vishwas: (Doing something on his phone).

Alpana: (Goes to Vishwas) What are you doing on your phone?

Vishwas: Well, I will be taking pictures using my phone. So, I am setting it to the highest quality.

Alpana: Photo of greenery?

Vishwas: No, I will be taking your pictures. He will be clicking other pictures.

Alpana: Just my photos?

Vishwas: Yes, I will have to go back to the city soon. I won't be seeing you. So I need something of you to sustain me there.

Alpana: (Blushes) Why you? Do you even realise what you say in the flow?

Vishwas: Why yes. It is the truth that I speak. Don't believe if you don't want to.

Alpana: Idiot (pushes him gently).

They enter the forest , where the sunlight escapes through the dense leaves covering the roof of the forest. The limited light felt like it was still evening inside the forest. Maybe the shades made the passing winds chilly or maybe it is something else.

Prayag was gawking at the roof of the forest. The escaping lights made it appear like the stars in the night sky.

Gudiya: Fascinating, isn't it?

Prayag: No doubt.

Gudiya: Shame, but because of the ghost, people stopped coming into the forest.

Prayag: (Begins clicking pictures)

Vishwas: (Steps ahead looking towards the light) Well, I think because of that the forest is still alive. If people come here, they will chop off the trees for some stupid reason.

Gudiya: Well, that's a positive way to look at it.

Vishwas: Has the ghost killed anyone?

Gudiya: Fortunately, no. It's because of that girl standing behind you.

Vishwas: Huh? (looks at Alpana).

Alpana: Wha... What did I do?

Vishwas: How so?

Gudiya: She scares the ghost away before it could kill anyone.

Prayag: Oh! And how does she do that?

Gudiya: Ask her. I am also curious about it.

Prayag: Why Alpana?

Alpana: What ghost? I don't believe in such things. I don't know anything about it.

Vishwas: Maybe, it is because she doesn't believe in supernatural.

Alpana: We are having this conversation again!?

Prayag: Just believing can do that.

Gudiya: Did you not see? Your friend got all better when she entered the cottage.

Prayag: Now when you say this, you are right. I didn't think about this before.

Alpana: If it happened, then it must be my lord Mahadev who cured him. He is all the magic and supernatural I believe in. My mother had taught me, there is nothing else except god.

Gudiya: Ok ok, we were here to take pictures right. Let's do that fast. If my father heard that I went to the forest, he will break my legs.

Prayag: No, can't have another ghost haunting the forest now, can we?(Clicks Gudiya's photo).

Gudiya: You citymen are just interested in ghosts, aren't you?

Prayag: (Clicking) Nope, we have much more things we are interested in. Just try me and find out.

Gudiya: Oh really.

Vishwas: Alpana!

Alpana: Huh? Say that again.

Vishwas: What?

Alpana: My name.

Vishwas: (Blushes, Coughs) Will you please lead the way into the forest?

Alpana: Say it na? Why?

Vishwas: We got pictures to take.

The cottage...

The crew is scared after something mam said.

Mam: So, does any of you volunteer?

Crew 2: Mam, this is madness.

Crew 3: Mam, think about it.

Crew 1: Don't you see what happened to me?

Mam: Then tell me, how are we supposed to progress any further? It's already more than two weeks. How long do you think the boss will allow us to stay here?

Crew 3: But mam, going alone in the forest is suicide.

Mam: We need to take extreme steps. We don't have any choice now. Now decide, who is going?

Everyone looks at each other in fright.

Mam: Figured. Well, I have two more guys I can ask to.

Crew 3: Mam, what if the one who goes in is possessed? How are you going to deal with it then?

Mam: I know a way. Today is going to be the last day of us here.

After taking pictures in the forest, they returned to the village laughing and taunting each other.

Prayag: Well, I will send you the pictures.

Gudiya: Or better, you should bring it with you the next time you come here.

Vishwas: That's a very good suggestion, Gudiya.

Gudiya: Isn't it, Vishwas Babu? Now your voice has stopped faltering. What has changed this?

Prayag: What not, who, say who changed him. Right, Alpana.

Gudiya: Ohhhh!

Alpana: (Blushes) Shut up you two.

Vishwas: Ahem! She didn't do anything, I was like this from the start.

Alpana: (Looks at him in surprise)

Prayag: Listen to him.

Gudiya: Don't take us as stupid okay. We can see everything, alright.

Vishwas: Alright, alright, enough fooling around. We didn't tell mam about this. She will get angry. We need to head back quick.

Alpana: Fine, see you, Vishwas Babu.

Vishwas: Now you too, do not make fun of me.

The girls walk away laughing. And the boys head for the cottage.

Prayag: Looks like you and Alpana are getting close. Good going.

Vishwas: Well, I feel like getting this close is gonna hurt.

Prayag: Uh huh! Looks like true love to me.

Vishwas: Love! Maybe.

They walk into the cottage and find serious tensions in the air.

Mam: Oh you two, come, we need to have a talk.

Prayag: Mam, we were just out to take some pictures, don't be mad.

Mam: Don't worry about it, I know. I am just worried if you would like what I have to say. Come, sit.

Vishwas and Prayag look at each other.

Santu was watching his daughter coming back from the forest with those boys. He stands before the girls with a serious face.

Santu: Where were you two?

Alpana: (Scared)

Gudiya: Arey uncle, we were just playing around the village.

Santu: What were you doing with those city men?

Gudiya: That, they wanted to take same pictures around the village. We were just guiding them.

Santu: Hmm. Is that so? Fine, go in.

The cottage...

Prayag: We heard about it. Her friend just told us about it. But Alpana herself doesn't believe that she has that power. You wanna risk a person's life on that.

Mam: It doesn't matter if she believes it or not but her presence wards off that ghost. There are plenty of witnesses around the village. And we just saw it ourselves.

Crew 3: But mam, have you considered that it could have been just luck? How can anyone be sure about it?

Crew 2: Ya, who will trust on a village idiot and danger their life like that depending on that girl.

Mam: Will you not call anyone idiot just like that?

Vishwas: (stands) I will go.

Everyone is surprised.

Prayag: (grabs his arm) Don't be stupid.

Vishwas: I trust her and mam. I will go and capture the ghost in my camera.

Prayag: Don't be blinded by that emotion, Vishwas. You know interacting intentionally with paranormal is dangerous.

Vishwas: I know. Everyone here knows. But, even so, we risked it coming here, didn't we?

Prayag: Ya, we did, together. Not mad enough to do this shit alone. Understood.

Vishwas: I am doing this for you all, so that none of you have to experience this horror.

Prayag: Vishwas!

Mam: It is settled then. Vishwas will go the forest tonight.

Prayag: I will go with him too.

Mam: No, he is to go alone. Or the ghost won't show up. You should understand that.

Prayag: But Mam...

Mam:Don't worry, I have plans for him. Till then, everybody, do whatever you want.

Vishwas: Well, I would like to eat something. I am hungry (goes to eat something).

Crew 2: Does he not worry about his life?

Prayag: He was, until you called that girl a village idiot.

Crew 2: Wha... Huh!?

The time draws near, as the evening sets in. Vishwas stood leaning at the well, swiping through his phone looking at the photos he took of Alpana. Santu, stared at him standing before his house, fixing his bicycle chain. Alpana, peeped through the front door post at Vishwas, but was scared to go out as her father was standing before her. Santu could notice that his daughter was eager to go out to Vishwas but he was unsure if he could trust him or not. He leaves his bicycle and heads towards Vishwas who was lost in his phone. Alpana's heart begins to race as she thought her father was about to quarrel with Vishwas. She hides herself inside to avoid seeing it.

Vishwas: (Swiping his phone)

Santu: (Arrives) Son.

Vishwas: Huh! (quickly puts his phone in his pocket) Yes, sir. How can I help you?

Santu: I just wanted to know how your work was coming along?

Vishwas: Ju..Just fine. I should thankyou and the villagers for all your support.

Santu: That's nothing son. Many city men came and walked away without getting anything out of the forest. They were all curious about the ghost. The interesting part is most of them didn't believe in such entities.

Vishwas: Well, none of them must have made contact with it. But, call it fortune or bad luck, that we faced it and believe that we will get out of it with something.

Santu: I wish you do. I guess you know my daughter.

Vishwas: Your daughter? Oh, the one who got married recently. Sorry sir, we couldn't attend the marriage even so you so generously invited us.

Santu: No, not that one, this one (points towards Alpana who was peeping at them through the door).

Alpana: (quickly hides).

Gudiya: (arrives, sees Santu talking with Vishwas, enters through the doors and finds Alpana hiding) Oye, your father is talking with Vishwas.

Alpana: I can see.

Gudiya: Don't tell me, he found out what we were up to. Your father loves you, but I don't think he will let any cityman take you away.

Alpana: (scared).

Vishwas: Yes sir, I do.

Santu: Looks like you two have become very good friends.

Vishwas: Sir, if you are worried about our relationship, then be at ease. I come from a cultured family. My mother has taught me how to respect and treat woman. I have not touched your daughter in any way that would make her uncomfortable. And I am not planning to. You can ask her for verification.

Santu: I see. It is very heartwarming to hear that. So, how many people do you have at your home?

Vishwas: My mother and father, big brother and his wife, and my younger sister.

Santu: Oh, that means you are unmarried.

Vishwas: Afraid so, sir.

Santu: Why though? You are a working man. You should have settled down by now.

Vishwas: Well, my family wants me to, but I don't want to end up with just anyone. I want to be with someone who would stay with me.

Santu: Why? Is there a problem?

Vishwas: You might not know sir, but being a journalist is not an easy job these days. You can already see, how long we have to stay away from our home for our job. Do you think anyone will stick with me for long?

Santu: That's a problem. So, your family doesn't say anything about it.

Vishwas: Actually, I don't live with them. My channel office is pretty far away from my home, so I have to stay in the quarters organised by my channel staff.

Santu: So you live alone?

Vishwas: Yes sir. Other staff members too live in the quarters, but most of them live with their familied, like wife and children and such.

Santu: Then that means you can live with your wife too.

Vishwas: But sir, I think you forgot, I don't have a wife.

Santu: What do you think of my daughter?

Vishwas: Daughter!? Your daughter Alpana?

Santu: Yes. Will you like to take her as your wife?

Vishwas: But sir!

Santu: Why? You don't like her?

Vishwas: I do but, are you sure? You just met me.

Santu: You are choice of my daughter. I know my daughter can never be wrong. I believe this is destiny that our Lord Mahadev has decided upon. And I can see in your eyes, that you are sincere about your feelings towards her.

Vishwas: What to say sir. It is just, if Alpana has no objection to it, I would love to have her as my wife.

Santu: But son, seeing that you are a brave man, there is one very important secret, you have to know.

Gudiya: He is taking his time. I am curious what they are talking about.

Alpana: Phew! Atleast they are not quarrelling.

Both of them see a car drive in into the village. Mam was watching at Santu and Vishwas conversing when the car pulls before her. A man, gets out of the car and walks towards the cottage. Hearing the engine sound, the other crew members step out to see who it was.

Man: Hello Miss, is this village named Marna?

Mam: Yes.

Man: Can you tell me the way to the next village?

Mam: It is through the forest, a straight road leads to the next village.

Man: Very thanks (about to get in his car).

Mam: Sir, wait, are you planning to go there right now?

Man: Yes, is there a problem?

Mam: It is almost night. I don't know if you would believe me or not, but there is a ghost in the forest who attacks alone people passing through the forest at night.

Man: Oh, is that so? Interesting.

Mam: You don't seem very surprised. I thought you would start laughing.

Man: (Laughs)

Crew 2: Mam, he is laughing. Looks like he doesn't believe it.

Man: I think I should wait the night out then. But, where would I stay in this village? Is there a hotel or something around here?

Crew 3: Just this cottage sir.

Man: Ofcourse. Looks like I will have to sleep in my car then.

Mam: (Curious) Sir, if you don't mind me asking, what business brings you here?

Man: Well, I heard a so called paranormal investigator died mysteriously in the another village. I am here to inspect that.

Everyone is surprised.

Mam: Inspect? Why?

Man: Because, (takes out his wallet and displays his identity card) I am a PACT officer or say paranormal activity control team officer sent here by the officials to inspect if the reason of his death is really paranormal or anything else.

Crew 2: Holy, an expert.

Mam: I suspected so.

Man: Looks like you are here to investigate the forest ghost. You are a news crew, aren't you?

Crew 3: How did you know sir?

Man: You can call it experience.

Prayag: Sir, I have a request.

Mam: Prayag!?

Prayag: I need your expertise. Will you help us?

Man: Ofcourse.

Prayag: Please sir, come inside. Let me tell you about everything.

Man: Let's hear it ( walks inside with everyone).

Mam: (Worried, Calls out) Vishwas! Come, we have something to discuss.

Vishwas: (Yells) Be right there. (To Santu) Sir, hurry, if you wish to tell me the secret.

Santu: I think you should go. Meet me later, I will tell you the secret.

Vishwas: Ok, I will see you soon sir. (Runs towards the cottage).

Prayag and others had explained everything to the PACT officer.

Officer: I see. Let him go then. It will be a valuable experience.

Prayag: But sir, he is just a normal reporter, he is not an expert like you.

Officer: I think you should trust your mam on this. If she says that the girl can ward off the spirit, then it may be true.

Prayag: That is the problem sir, it may be.

Officer: Why not send the girl along with him?

Prayag: Sir!?

Mam: That's a fabulous idea. It will prove my point and get my job done at the same time.

Vishwas: (Enters) Yes mam, you called me.

Mam: Here, meet a paranormal control officer, Mr Prashant Chaudhary.

Prashant: Hello brave boy.

Vishwas: Hello sir. Nice to meet you.

Mam: Get ready, it is about time. We are going into the forest.

Vishwas: Ok.

Mam: Give me the digital camera.

Cameraman: (hands it over).

Mam: Here (gives it to Vishwas), make sure you get the ghost's picture, alright. Come, let's do this.

Mam takes Vishwas outside. Prashant stands and begins to follow them.

Prayag: Sir!?

Prashant: (gestures him to chill).

They step outside. Santu was about to enter his house when Mam calls him.

Mam: Vishwas, you wait here. I need to talk to him about something (goes to Santu and starts talking to him).

Prashant: (Stands beside Vishwas) Nervous kid?

Vishwas: Well, a little. I am going to record something which I can't see but it can see me and hurt me. Being nervous is natural.

Prashant: Listen me kid, whatever happens, don't let the negative emotions overwhelm you. It cannot touch you until you yourself let it. The ghosts are negative energies, your negative emotions manifest them and allow them to merge with your negative energy which is produced by your negative emotions. So try to control your fear as much as possible and face them head on.

Vishwas: But, if it is visible, wouldn't it be able to touch me?

Prashant: It is visible doesn't necessarily mean that it can touch you. They try to intimidate you with their presence and appearance so that you give in to your negative emotions and that's when they win.

Vishwas: Thankyou sir, that's some good knowledge. I will remember that.

Prashant: I hope you will.

Santu calls his daughter. Alpana comes out all tensed.

Alpana: Yes Babu.

Santu: Accompany Vishwas to the forest.

Alpana: (Shocked) But bapu, ma...

Santu: I will handle her. You just take Vishwas to the forest and bring him back safe and sound, understood.

Alpana: If you say so.

Vishwas: (Confused to what was going on).

Prashant was shocked at what he was seeing. A bright hollow sphere was surrounding Alpana with radius almost of her height.

Prashant: Is that the girl lad?

Vishwas: Yes.

Prashant: (Laughs) Good, good, very good. Go on boy. You will come through this. I am sure.

Vishwas: I don't know why, but listening to you say that gives my mind some peace.

Mam: (gestures Prashant).

Prashant: (Shows thumbs up)

Mam: Vishwas, come.

Vishwas approached mam. Mam explains him everything and orders him to take Alpana with him. Knowing that any objection will be dismissed. He agreed. They set off, but Santu stops Vishwas.

Santu: (whispers) Come back son, and I will tell you the secret.

Vishwas: You just wait sir, I will be right back.

Alpana and Vishwas set off. Others watch them go. Prayag and others look at them from the cottage front yard. Prashant approaches Santu.

Prashant: I see you daughter is cursed Mister, isn't she?

Santu: How...How do you?

Mam: (shocked)

Prashant: I told you, I can see. But don't worry, she is blessed as well. And her blessing seems stronger than her curse. So she will be just fine.

Mam: Believe him, when he says that Mr Santu.

Santu: I believe in Mahadev, and I hope he doesn't disappoint me this time.

Way to the forest...

Vishwas: So?

Alpana: Hmm?

Vishwas: What's up?

Alpana: What's up meaning?

Vishwas: I was supposed to come alone to the forest. Why did your father send you with me as well?

Alpana: How would I know? I just did what he said.

Vishwas: You do everything as per your father's order.

Alpana: Not everything, jeez. Don't think that my father has me caged in the house. He loves me very much. But, it is a duty of mine, to respect my father's wishes. That's the least I can do for my father who cared for me all this time.

Vishwas: That's the quality of a very good daughter.

Alpana: Why? Are you not a good son?

Vishwas: Well, I can't decide that by myself now, can I?

Alpana: Right.

Entry into the forest...

Vishwas: (Takes out the digital camera)

Alpana: A camera! Are you planning to take pictures of the forest?

Vishwas: What do you think we came here for?

Alpana: (Swats Vishwas) Rude!

Vishwas: Easy, you would have made me drop the camera right there. It is expensive I should have you know.

Alpana: Sorry. Hold it tightly then, silly. You will drop it yourself and then blame it on me.

Vishwas: Thank God.

Alpana: Why thank God?

Vishwas: I didn't take enough pictures of you in the morning.

Alpana: Why? Prayag snapped many.

Vishwas: I am talking about my phone pictures. I am not satisfied yet.

Alpana: Not satisfied?

Vishwas: And here God gave me another opportunity. He must love me so much.

Alpana: (turns her face away blushing) Taking my photo is not such a big deal.

Vishwas: For me it is.

Alpana: What was my father saying to you?

Vishwas: (Tensed) That, I..umm..

Alpana: Why? You can't talk to me about it.

Vishwas: You really want to know?

Alpana: I do. Now tell me.

Vishwas: You sure?

Alpana: (pulls him by his collar) Will you tell me already?

Vishwas: He asked me to marry you.

Alpana: (Bewildered) What? (Leaves his collar) Are you telling the truth?

Vishwas: It is. I swear to god.

Alpana: (Nervous) So, wh..what did you say?

Vishwas: I said I am ready if Alpana has no problem with it. So, do you have any?

Alpana: (Smiles happily) Should I?

Then and there, the smile he saw on Alpana's face, confirmed, that she was the one.

Vishwas: (Enchanted) I love you.

Alpana: (Blushes and starts walking away from him).

Vishwas: (switches on his camera smiling to record what she would say).

Vishwas stood there with his camera pointed towards Alpana, when he saw a black humanoid figure with an axe hanging by his right hand standing in the direction where Alpana was going with a big devilish smile on its black face. Alpana does not notice it, even though it was right before her. Clearly visible to Vishwas, he stood there. The fear began to creep in raising his heartbeat. The camera was filming Alpana walking in that direction to the black shadow. The terror was unexplainable. He wanted to call Alpana, but his voice would not come out. As he takes a step towards Alpana, something pulls him from behind and takes him far away.

Alpana: (turns around) I love... (Vishwas vanished) Vishwas! (finds the camera lying on the ground, picks it up) Vishwas! Where did you go? This is no playtime. Vishwas! And here I was about to confess too. Geez!

Someone throws Vishwas on the ground and he rolls down to a distance. He quickly stands up and looks around and finds no one. Suddenly he felt a presence behind him.He quickly jumps behind and finds a female spirit, hovering above the ground, hairs like seaweeds flowing in the wind, the black lizard like eyes and there was no flesh around her mouth exposing her teeth and the nose was a hollow. Vishwas, like a statue stood there terrorised by that gruesome entity. It kept looking at it like a bird twisting it's neck around.

Ghost: (With a horrifying double voice) You..you..you scared? The... Fear...is...delicious... isn't it?

Vishwas: (Hyper tensed) You brought me here?

Ghost: (twisting its head again) Yes... you looked... delicious.

Vishwas: You want to kill me?

Ghost: I..want..to..savour..you.. (rolls its tongue out licking its invisible lips).

Vishwas: You are not the axe ghost. Who are you?

Ghost: (High pitch laugh) I.. am.. the.. curse.. you.. love, Mr...Mr... Vishwas.

Vishwas: (Thinks) A curse? (To the ghost) What did I do to attract a curse?

Ghost: I.. will.. not...let... her... be... a... mother.. If I...eat...you...the curse ...will...live.. (its mouth starts to stretch out wide exposing octopus like insides).

Vishwas: (Serious)You are a curse on Alpana, aren't you?

Ghost: (mouth returns to its original state)

Vishwas: (Glares at the ghost) You can't kill her, so you came for me. Killing me, will take away her chance to be a mother. I see, (walks closer to it) I am going to marry her.

The ghost screams in anger and swings its claw to strike Vishwas but it passes through. Shocked by it, it looks at its claw.

Vishwas: She is mine now. Take your curse and shove it up your ass. It will feel delicious.

Infuriated by his declaration, it starts trembling in rage. But before it could do anything, an axe comes flying towards it and takes it away. Vishwas saw the ghost and axe flew by his face. He looks in the direction to where the axe came from. The forest ghost stood there, staring at Vishwas with a wide grin. It slowly begins to approach Vishwas dragging his left foot. With the unbalanced voice, he kept speaking the same thing again and again.

Forest ghost: I am lonely, will you be my friend?

Vishwas stood there without doing anything. The ghost kept walking towards him. The curse comes flying towards it and extends it claw grabbing its face and takes him up into the sky. Vishwas was watching this standing on the ground. The axe out of nowhere, appears in the forest ghost's hand, he swings it backward and smashes it into the curse's face piercing it into its skull.The curse drops the forest ghost and screams in agony. It tries to pull the axe out of its skull. The forest ghost falls on the ground causing a wave clearing the dirt. The curse follows him and falls on the ground still pulling on the axe. He pulls the axe out and throws it away. He jumps on the forest ghost, grabs it head and drags it along the ground and bangs it on a tree and keep smashing it on it. Magically summoning the axe again, the forest ghost swings it around but the curse dodges it. The curse starts hovering higher. The axe ghost looks at him go. He starts jumping by striking the axe into one tree to another climbing the heights. Then he vanishes in the roof of the branches. The curse looks around. The axe comes flying and it dodges it but the forest ghost hangs grabbing the curse's neck from behind. They struggle in the air. The curse stabs it claw into the forest ghost's abdomen from side and pulls its intestine out. The forest ghost falls on the ground.

Vishwas was watching everything when a hand drops on his shoulder. He looks back.

Alpana: Vishwas! What are you staring at up there? I was looking everywhere for you.

Vishwas: Alpana! We need to get out of here, let's go (grabs her hand and runs).

Alpana: Hey! What's wrong?

The curse was about to eat the forest ghost when it realises that the two were running away. It gives out a high pitch scream and flies towards them leaving the forest ghost behind lying on the ground.

Running...

Alpana: Here, I got your camera.

Vishwas: (Takes it) Thankyou.

As they reach the edge of the forest and could see the light, they slow down. Alpana looks at him in disbelief. Mam and Prashant were surrounded by the crew members looking worried. Santu was waiting for them by his house. As they see the two coming everyone is delighted. Santu notices him holding his daughter's hand.

Prayag: (Runs towards Vishwas with joy) Hey my man, you came back.

Vishwas: (gives him the camera) Show this to Prashant sir.

Prayag: Where are you going?

Vishwas: I have somewhere more important to be (pulls Alpana along towards her house).

Alpana: Vishwas, what's going on?

Vishwas: (Stands before Santu) I have returned, sir. Now it is your time to fulfill your side of the bargain.

Santu: (Pats on his shoulder) I see you are ready. Come in, I will tell you everything.

They enter the house. Jeet is surprised by the scene.

Jeet: Sister, what's going on?

Santu: Alpana, you go with Jeet and do not come near this room.

Alpana: But bapu!

Santu: Did you not hear? Should I repeat myself?

Sapna: (appears) What is happening dear?

Santu: You come with me dear. We have something very important to discuss. Come son.

The three enter the room and lock it from inside. Alpana and Jeet just watched them go.

Jeet: What the hell was all that about Di?

Alpana: (nervous).

Sapna: What is this all about, dear?

Santu: (gestures her to sit down) So, son, the secret I talked to you about. I do not want to hide anything from you because it will affect your life in the future too. But you can choose if you want it to affect your future or not after hearing this. Your decision will be respected.

Vishwas: Sir, with due respect, I have already decided what I am gonna do. I just want to know the secret and confirm if it is what I think it is.

Santu: (Looks at Sapna in disbelief) Fine, then let me start. I will tell you a little story then.

The story starts...

A pregnent woman, lying on a cot, her mother-in-law, old and frail, with crooked back, walking with difficulties, was somehow taking care of her daughter in law.

Second son: (Ready to go) Amma, big brother had asked me to go help him with the bag of grains. He must be waiting in the next village.

Mother: Ofcourse, go and hurry back. Alright.

Second son: Ok Amma, until I return, take care of your daughter-in-law. Sister-in-law will be back soon with chhotu (Walks away).

Daughter: (Lying on the cot) Amma, have some rest. Sister-in-law will take some time returning back from master ji. It is pretty far from here and look at the heat. Don't strain yourself too much Amma or you will make yourself sick.

Mother: (Sits beside her and rubs her head gently) Don't worry, dear. This is the least I can do for the happiness you are about to bring to me.

Daughter: The heat is unbearable this summer.

Mother: Hmm! I heard many ponds dried up this time.

Daughter: Really! I just wish it doesn't bring another drought.

Mother: Talking about water made me thirsty (flips the cover of the pitcher), Oh ho! Looks like we are out of water. I will have to go and get water from the well.

Daughter: (Gets up) What are you saying? I will not let you go outside in this heat. The well is quite some distance from here.You wait here. Let me bring the water.

Mother: But dear, in this condition, it is not appropriate for you to lift weights.

Daughter: Don't worry, I will just bring half the pail enough to last until sister-in-law comes back.

Mother: But dear...

Daughter: Amma, you take a break (takes the pail and leaves).

Mother: I must have done some good in my last life that God blessed me with such a lovely daughter-in-law.

Near the well, there were mango trees, laden with green mangoes. Some children were playing under the shade of the trees.

Kid 1: You know, the pond at the end of the forest is almost dry.

Kid 2: No way, the mango trees around it won't have mangoes this year then.

Kid 3: Such a shame. But the trees here are loaded with mangoes.

Kid 4: It is because the well has plenty of water in it for every tree.

Kid 2: Should we get some mangoes? I am craving for some sour taste.

Kid 3: Ya ya, me too. I want some raw mangoes and salt.

Kid 1: Hey, you got a good aim. Why don't you hit some down?

Kid 4: Hmm, get me some stones then.

The fourth kid starts pelting stones at the hanging mangoes and begins knocking them down one by one. The other kids get themselves busy in gathering the fallen mangoes. The daughter-in-law, arrives at the well and begins lifting water from the well and pours it into her pail. She lifts the half filled pail with some difficulty and keeps it on her head. Before she could turn around to go back, a stone hits on her forehead and the pail falls on her stomach causing her unbearable pain. She fell on the ground holding her stomach and moaning in pain.

A kid reaches the mother in law.

Kid 2: Amma, Amma!

Mother: What is it? Why are you yelling? Don't you kids get tired in this heat?

Kid 2: Come hurry, Aunty got hurt badly.

Mother: What did you say?

She nervously, tried her best to walk faster to reach to her gate. She sees the other kids supporting the daughter who was half conscious and were bringing her towards mother. Mother fell on the gate crying uncontrollably. The kids leave the daughter in her lap. The daughter was having trouble breathing and couldn't keep her eyes open. Mother tried to keep her awake by gently slapping on her face.

Mother: (Crying) How did this happen?

Kid 2: She was filling water when she accidentally got hurt by one of the stone he (pointing towards kid 4) was throwing to knock some mangoes.

Daughter: (breathing heavily, tear rolls down) Am...ma, it...is... not..

Mother: Breathe dear, keep your eyes open.

The breathing of the daughter gradually slowed down and stopped. The kids stood there terrified.

Mother: (cries profusely) Oh god! My daughter, no, please. Don't do this. (Looks at Kid 4) You killed my daughter.

Kid 4: I didn't not do it on purpose, Amma.

Mother: I curse you, every second child in your family will die before they can see the face of their new born followed by the death of the new born as well.

The end of the story..

Santu: The kid is grandfather of my great grandfather. The curse has taken many lives till this age. The last life it claimed was of my younger brother.

Sapna: (Weeping)

Santu: (misty eyes) My dear daughter, Alpana, is the second of this generation. She will die if she gives birth. Do you understand what I am trying to say?

Vishwas: You don't want her to be a mother.

Santu: Yes, but that means you won't be able to become a father.

Sapna: (Surprised) What are you saying, dear?

Santu: Do you still want to marry her?

Vishwas: Sir, I love her. I will make her the happiest woman alive. I will not let anyone or anything take her from me.

Santu: I..am very happy to hear that. I wish you two a very long and happy life together.

Sapna: (Nervous) No, dear, this cannot happen. I will not gamble with my daughter's life.

Santu: (Happy tears rolled down his eyes, he walks out of the room wiping them, smiling) Alpana!

Sapna: (About to chase him) Listen, dear.

Vishwas: (Grabs her hand) Ma, wait, talk to me. Do you not believe me on what I said?

Sapna: No, I do not. (Yells) Dear!

Vishwas: Ma! (Puts his right palm on her right palm) I will not let anything happen to your daughter. A promise from a son to a mother. Mahadev will always be with her.

Sapna: (Stares in Vishwas's determined eyes).

Alpana: What happened Bapu? You called?

Santu: Where is Jeet? Jeet!

Jeet: (comes running) Yes Bapu?

Santu: Inform the villagers, Alpana will soon be married. Go.

Jeet: Ok, wait what?

Alpana: (Looks at Vishwas standing at the room's door)

Vishwas: (Smiles)

Alpana: ( Shy )

Vishwas: (Looks at the ghost and smiles who was hovering few meters away to the left).

The cottage...

Everyone was watching the video and the shadow before Alpana.

Crew 2: It...it...is the ghost. Isn't it?

Mam: It is.

Crew 3: He really did it.

Prayag: Looks like Alpana can't see it. She is heading right to it.

The video disbalances...

Cameraman: Oh no! Looks like he dropped the camera.

Alpana: (in the video) Vishwas! Vishwas! Where did you go? This is no playtime....

Prayag: Where did he go? Where did he go huh? (Yanks the cameraman)

Cameraman: What do I know?

Mam: This can only be explained by Vishwas. Let him come.

Prashant: (Watching the video standing behind everyone holding his chin) So, what do you think, fur ball? Is he worth it?

A human shaped ghost stood beside him with huge hairs touching the ground and covering his face and more than half his white cladded body. He just stood there saying nothing.

Prashant: Guess, we will check it out on our way to the next village tomorrow.