Just Ghosting Around...

Five years Later

The existence of a ghost is dull compared to what one alive would expect- especially if bound to an empty house.

Even scaring the crows off the roof had lost its relish. The one source of entertainment came from the changing season and the other from the news channels I could flicker through from here to the neighboring house when it got empty. The view wasn't much but the confused look on the residents' faces when greeted by Arnab Goswami's voice was hilarious.

In the five years, I'd familiarized myself with the house and the family that lived here. In the absence of what used to be my own, there was this whole collection of orphaned memories.

"Like hell you're making me stay away from here. It's my friggin' home!" The newness of a human voice so close surprised me and I moved from the window I was hovering at.

Turning towards the newcomers of my abode, I tried to discern my own feelings at having a potential roommate. Undoubtedly, a trickle of apprehension was there but more prominently, there was excitement.

"You sure you want to face all of it again?" The voice was a man's, and as the lock turned and the door opened, I was greeted by my first glance of Nitya Vatsalya. The sole living member of her family.

"Abhi, it's been five years. I can't Ostrich it out anymore. I need to face it and move on." Her voice was calm, no hint of stress at reliving the memories of her deceased family.

The man sighed.

"I care for you, Nitya. You haven't told me the reason why, but I also know just how bad it was for you, before the accident. Get your closure, and you're welcome to stay with me and Shreya whenever you want."

"I know." She smiled at him, simultaneously pushing him out. "Now go to your daughter, she was crying when you came with me."

"Yeah, okay. Bye." After an awkward pause, he turned to go.