Love or Retribution?

Chapter 1

Bhargav did one final sweep around his home stay/inn before signing off for the night. His eyes automatically went towards the deserted, bush clad house down the slope as always.

It has been 20 years, since the break in and murder, many had tried to occupy the house since then, but as if being loyal to the owner who build her from scratch, she never let any one stay in her for longer period of time.

Not like she was haunted or anything, but some how when people start their stay there something always happens in their life which forces them to move away from the place itself, some time good,  some time bad.

"If only that murder had not occurred, she would still be there with me", he thought.

"Bugsiii, after we grow up, I am going to get married to you, will you marry me?", the 7 year old girl's voice echoed in his ears amidst sweet giggles.

His eyes as always filled with tears.

He was 5 years old when she was born, and still remember how soft and delicate she felt against his tiny arms.

She opened her teeny beady eyes and looked at him, her petal like lips parted with a smile and she wrapped her tiny fingers around his not so big finger tight and that very second, their souls connected and  he knew for sure, she is going to become an integral part of his life

"I am still waiting for you my love, still waiting, I know one day you will come back to me", he murmured to himself and switched off the light.

Exactly at that moment the light inside the deserted house got switched on.

She walked into the house, her brain flashing the memory of her 7 year old self running around the house carefree.

"Subha, stop, you are going to get hurt", her mother's voice echoed in her  ears followed by a vision of her.

"Ayo, how did you get hurt kutty ma?", a vision of her father holding her flashed in front of her, making her eyes fill to the brim

"Where do you want me to keep your luggage ma'am", the elderly cab driver asked looking at the woman in her late 20's, which brought her out of her trance.

"Here is fine, thank you so much uncle, here, this is for you", she replied with a smile and gave him a 1000 rupee note, apart from his taxi fare.

"Thank you so much ma'am", he replied with face full of teeth, reflecting his happiness.

"Are you here as a tourist?" he asked clearly intrigued.

"No, I have bought this house, I will be living here" she replied looking around.

"Oh, Okay", the driver replied in a confused tone looking around the spider web clad house.

"How can you sleep here tonight ma? I can drop you at a hotel for the night and send a cleaning crew tomorrow, this house has not been occupied for years", the driver said with real concern.

"Thank you uncle, but,  it is fine, I want to stay here, I have my sleeping bag for tonight, tomorrow I have arranged for a cleaning crew", she replied looking around the house.

"Okay ma, this is my card, call me in case you change your mind or if you want to go any where", he replied while handing her his visiting card.

"Thank you so much, just one favor, any idea where I can get some food to eat here, my roaming data has not kicked in yet, so unable to access any of my apps", she asked while checking her mobile.

"Since this is a hill station, it becomes dark really soon, so almost all establishments close by 8 pm, and this area is slightly remote, so quite difficult to get a delivery at this time.", the driver replied with little regret.