The Mystery House

The ball went over the wall, and the kids looked at each other. For they knew they are in big trouble. They talked amongst each other and concluded that they could not ask their parents for help whatever happens. They decided it is best to leave the ball where it is. But Aman said he needed the ball or would be scolded by his elder brother for losing his ball.

Once again, after a good 10 minutes of discussion, they decided to help Aman retrieve the ball. Mustering all the courage and chanting their favourite dialogue, “All is well”, they all started walking towards the wall. Everyone was scared, each pushing the other person to go ahead. Tired of the pace they all were walking in, Kiran decided to lead the platoon, to finish up the task at the earliest and go back home before sunset. With a brave voice, he said. “We need to get home soon, guys; we have only an hour. Let’s get going.”

With Kiran in the lead, the kids finally reached the massive gate which would take them across. The kids went still as they observed the beautifully intricate design on the gate. Priya decided to break the trance and reminded them of the task at hand. Finally, after coming back to their senses with shaky hands, Kiran tried opening the rusty gate.

It took all the might of 10 kids aged 10 to 12 to push the gate. The old gate opened with a creaky sound, terrifying the kids. One step at a time, looking everywhere, they entered the old, mysterious, and supposedly haunted house compound.

Every step they took towards the house seemed normal to them and a little less scary. Yet with great caution, Kiran went towards the area where the ball might be. The other kids following him, hand in hand.

Since the sun was low on the horizon and about to set in half an hour, the kids found it difficult to search the ball. The overgrown grass and the long vines of the old Banyan tree added to their misery. Finally, searching for what seemed like forever, Chintoo saw the ball lying near the damaged fountain.

With a visible sigh and spring in their steps, kids ran towards the ball. Aman went ahead to pick up the ball. But then they heard something which made them frozen in place, and a chill ran down their spine.

From across the lawn, they heard a low growl. After a while, they heard leaves crackling as someone was coming towards them. Unsure of what to do, the kids stood frozen, waiting for whatever was coming towards them to reach them.

No one dared to turn around and see what was coming towards them, for they were terrified. The extent of their fear was seen when Sonu peed himself and started crying. Watching Sonu cry, Priya started sobbing, and like a domino effect, every single child present there started crying. They stopped crying only when they heard the footsteps come closer to them.

They could hear the breathing of whatever it was behind them, and when they thought it was awfully close to them, Aniket woke up with a jolt! Sighing loudly, he thought to himself, “It was only a dream! No need to be afraid.” And with that, he heard his mom call out to him for breakfast.

After breakfast, when Aniket met his friends, he told them about their dream. Everyone was shocked. Aniket asked them, “What happened, guys? Why do you all look so pale?”. Priya replied, “We all had the same dream Aniket! How is it possible?” “I am so scared!” said Priya after a while. And that was the cue, as they all ran towards their home terrified and avoided playing near the old mystery house for the rest of the vacation.