The Forest Ghost

Nine-year-old Raj was returning alone in the evening from his friend Krish's house far away.

- Dr K Rani

It was vacation time, so to see each other they had to go to each other's village.

That day Raj had lost track of time as they were deeply engrossed in playing a game. So, it took a while for him to return home.

There was a forest between the two villages, and many villages were located around the forest.

Wild animals did not live in that forest. It was used by the villagers to collect grass and wood. It was safe.

While returning, Raj saw a strange animal at the edge of the forest. At first, he thought a kangaroo was plucking leaves from a tree and eating them but he knew that kangaroos weren't found in this part of the forest. Suddenly, the creature turned around and Raj was horrified to see its face.

He shouted "Ghost! Ghost!" and ran all the way home and fainted as he entered his home. His mother, Rama, did not understand what had happened to him. What had happened that day before arriving home?

His face had turned pale, and seeing him worried Rama. She splashed water on his face. After some time, he regained consciousness but was still very nervous. Rama lovingly held him and asked him what had happened.

He hid his face under the sheet in fear. He could not say anything.

On the way, Aunty Meera had seen him running towards the house and screaming. So, she followed him home.

She asked Rama, "Is Raj fine?"

Rama said, "I don't know what has happened to him today."

Aunty Meera said, "I saw him scream on the road, and that's why I followed him to find out if he is alright."

Rama said, "I tried asking him, but he's not in a position to speak right now."

"I think a ghost has caught Raj," said Aunty Meera.

"What are you talking about, Meera? Gone are the old days when people used to believe in all that. I don't believe in such things!"

"Are you still thinking this despite seeing your son's situation?"