Few minutes after madame Krishna left, I cleaned up the house and hurried to the market.
Hours later I returned to cook the meal, scooping them into sacred plates which were used in serving priests.
I didn't understand why time ran so fast, it seemed like it had an agenda of its own to catch up with.
Why would anyone want to harm Sir Ajun? I kept asking myself. Black magic was only used for severe cases of land struggles in my small town or out of envy.
Yes Envy! I said out loud as I snapped up from the soft couch I sat on, this must be the reason. Sadly, I broke into tears again.
Cheer up Piya, I consoled myself. Tonight I will speak to the dead myself, I said this with a strong conviction in my heart, what ever ritual is performed tonight, I will recite the mantra of truth.
While I was still deep in thought, I could hear footsteps approach the main door, each football preceded a bell ding. Madame Krishna must be back, this is good news after all, I said as I threw the left hem of my yellow sari over my right shoulder rushing down the stairs, hoping to reach the door knob before she they did.
Namaste baba, I greeted bowing my head to the elderly priest who stood in front of me, he had a scary white beard and a charcoal tattoo on his forehead.
Namaste! My child he answered.
Come closer, he beckoned on his assistant, a skinny young boy who seemed to have fasted a lot, one of the criteria of becoming a priest in a temple. He held a light brown tray which contained a coconut, a tiny clay pot, a locket and a half melted candle.
I have to perform the rites before stepping into your home, the priest said turning to Madame krishna. Of course baba, she nodded.
He held the tray and stretched out his hand in a circular pattern, causing the candle to re ignite it fire.
In no time, he proceeded into the house and I served dinner.
For now we rest, the priest said. We have traveled a long journey and we need to relax our minds.
By 2.30, the ritual shall begin and you shall get the answers you require, he added.
His room was already set, but he refused to sleep in there, he preferred to sleep in the room where Sir Ajun's corpse was kept.
I too was tired, I needed to rest as well but It didn't turn out as planned.
I had barely rested enough when I began to hear cups break in the kitchen, the consistent pattern pulled me from my deep sleep.
I rushed out, picking the kerosene lantern that was lit beside me since the lights in the room began to flicker.
It was 2.50 already, the priest and his apprentice were already awake including Madame Krishna.
I slowly stepped into the room where Sir Ajun's corpse was laid but the ritual already began.
He is up, ask him what ever you have to, the priest said. I couldn't believe me eyes when I saw Sir Ajun's dead body sit upright, how is this possible??
I questioned as I walked closer.
Where are the documents? Madame Krishna asked.
What? What documents? Why would she need any in a time of grief?
Sir Ajun had taught me that a document was a book or paper which contained important information about things but what would Madame Krishna do with any now.
Answer me Ajun, she cried out.
Your siblings will be in this house anytime, for the sake of our son answer me, she added.
There!! Sir Ajun said pointing to a portrait that hanged on a wall and Madame Krishna left to get it.
Can I say something to him? I asked the priest but he didn't respond, then I realized he had been reciting mantras and wouldn't respond to any one.
I recited the mantra of truth by heart as i approached the half living Sir Ajun.
He began to move in a weird way as I got closer, Sir I called out as I reached for his hands but he had his face buried in his laps.
Won't you look at me? His masculine warm voice hit my heart like a wave.
Nooo! Don't look at him, the priest shouted.
Folktales had taught me it was bad to look a ghost in the eye but Sir Ajun wasn't a ghost.
Just when I was about to respond, my breath locked up in my throat and I could feel my head turn without my permission.
Sir Ajun stood on his feet and touched my shoulder, I felt a bit paralyzed but this feeling left as he walked out of the room, heading towards Madame Krishna.
I didn't bother bout the priest as he stood like someone who had seen a ghost unable to move his arm or leg.
I rushed after Sir Ajun and I met him in the center of the double way stair case talking to Madame Krishna.
She must have found the document as I saw a lot of papers in her hand.
Won't you hug me my dear wife, sir Ajun asked but Madame Krishna resisted, still sobbing.
Why did you do it? I could hear Sir Ajun's voice echo in the entire house
Why? he added.
I'm sorry, she answered sobbing.
No you're not, sir Ajun shouted and this anger caused all the light bulbs to break in the corridor.
I was lost and speechless, Madame Krishna killed Sir Ajun? Why? I felt my legs go weak as it could no longer hold the weight of the truth I discovered.
Daddy! Ajay ran to Sir Ajun , but his mother resisted.
That's not your daddy she said, its a bad spirit.
Just then, the priest's apprentice came out of a room sprinkling water on sir Ajun's body, it seemed to burn him as he groaned in pain and visible smoke came from his skin as a result of the burns it caused.
He kept saying words which caused his lips to move endlessly.
Slowly Sir Ajun's body fell on the floor but Ajay seemed to have suspended in the air.
Why did you kill me? Ajay asked as his eyes had turn black and he seemed to have been possessed by his father's spirit.
There's a knock on the door, won't you open it mummy? Ajay said as he accompanied the question with a hysterical laughter.
Maybe I will, he added.
He stretched his hands to the door from the center of the stairs and what I would call impossible happened.
The bolts seemed to have removed themselves and the knob bended.
Ssssssssshhh, the door opened allowing the rays of the moon penetrate the house through a small opening and suddenly a strong wind came opening the double door to its breaking point.
A dark smoke rushed in, with laughs in its midst and madame Krishna seemed to choke on it.
I rushed to help but it was too late, the apprentice didn't make it neither nor did I.
Yes I died that night and I promised Ajay to bring more kids to join him in playing in the other world.
And that is why I tell you this story dear child, didn't mummy tell you not to play in haunted houses? Too bad you didn't listen.
By 3am when I comeback to light up the lanterns, I'll tell you why Madame Krishna killed Sir Ajun but for now, I'll introduce you to sir Ajun.
I am the HOUSE KEEPER.
The end.
