Another Go

Chapter 31: A box of memories

Rushav set the place in the map and started talking with the girls.
I was driving but my mind was stuck on the little girl.

Her face was vivid on my mind. I always wanted a baby sister. And that wish disappeared as mom left.

When Aarya called me Aarav Dada, a part of me felt so good. I felt I've known her since ages.

After one hour of drive Rushav made me stop. Maybe we reached the place he wanted to go. We parked the car and got out.

"The temple is across the bridge." Rushav said, pointing to the bridge besides us.

There was a very big river. Water was flowing on it's pace. The bridge was so long.

All of us started walking on it. After few minutes we reached the temple. It was a small temple. Then Rushav said his mom wanted him to visit the temple.

We bought flowers and offered it to the God. Rushav needed to perform a ritual so he stayed inside. Sumee stayed with him.

Anna and I came out and sat on a bench.

"What happened?" Anna asked.
"Huh?" I was confused.
"You've been staring at the ground from past 10 minutes." She said.

What? Did I doze off? No no, I shook my head saying I was okay.

"Aaru! don't lie to me." Anna held my hands.
"I always wanted a baby sister."I admitted.
"Make Sumee your sister." Anna spoke.

Thank God she didn't take her own name. I giggled. Anna never fails to make me smile.

After few minutes Rushav and Sumee came out. We went to one of the local hotel and ate, cause we planned on returning directly to home after that.

"Are you guys staying here for night?" The hotel owner asked.
"No, we are returning back." Rushav said.
"If so, leave it." The owner said in a relieved tone.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
"Just wanted to warn you guys if you were here to stay." The owner took a chair and sat beside us.
"This place is haunted." He added in a low voice.

What? Haunted? No way!!

"5 minutes walk from the temple, there is a grave yard." He added turning to us.
"Seriously?" Sumee asked, showing interest.
"We locals have seen it ourselves. Strange characters crying on the grave yard." The owner said and I got goosebumps all over my body.
Anna came nearer to me. I could feel her warmth against me.

"We people don't go out after 6 pm." He said.
"Let's stay here and test it ourselves." Sumee said in excitement.
"I can prepare a room for you guys." The owner said.
"What? No!" Rushav and I said simultaneously.
"It sounds fun" Sumee said, literally making a puppy face.
"It's dangerous baby." Rushav calmed her.

"Has the ghost have ever harmed anyone?" Anna asked in a curious tone.
"It hasn't done anything worst except from scaring people." The owner said.
"Wow! the ghost looks kind." Anna laughed. I couldn't help but laugh.

Opposing Sumee's wish we decided to go back. Thank God Rushav too agreed.

We made our way to the car. The whole way Sumee was turning back, saying someone was following us.
Gosh that was scary.

I drove for straight two hours. After that Rushav drove. Anna and Sumee were in the back seat.

Finally we reached Kathmandu at 6 pm. Anna called her dad saying she'll reach home any moment.
I was sad when she said that. I didn't want to separate from her.