Aisha

Finally, after graduating, I came to India in my village to spend my mini vacation. India has always been a place of culture, heritage and superstition. It is evening now, so I was going out for a walk, but my dear mother told me not to go out because there can be a ghost outside. I don't believe in any of this nonsense because I am a modern girl and plus I am not at all imaginative so I huffed and went outside.

I found a place to sit comfortably on the grounds, the weather was so pleasant, and the wind was kissing my cheeks. I felt so light; I removed my guitar and started playing my latest piece which I made. I closed my eyes and felt the song touching my soul and ended the song peacefully.

Clap.

Clap.

Clap.

My throat felt dry, no one is here I thought to myself.

"Who is there?" I asked. No answer.

Now it is absolutely dark and the wind is going through the tall trees making a sad, eerie sound. My breath was heavy and my heart started thumping so fast. I gathered some courage and asked again, "Who is there?"

"It's me." I could hear the voice but still couldn't see anyone.

"Where are you?" I asked.

I was frantically looking around myself.

"Here" A small girl of about eleven years walked towards me. I was relieved somehow slowly my body returned in its normal state.

I smiled heartedly and asked her, "what is your name and why are you out at this time, sweetheart?"

"Didi, I name is Aisha. I want to play."

"But your parents must be worried."

"Yes, maybe, but I want to listen to your music, please." She was so cute, who was I to say no to this cute little girl.

I sang two songs to her and she giggled, she was happy that was evident. With her, I lost the track of time.

"Your parents must be worried about," I told her worriedly.

"Your parents are not worried about you." She crossed questioned.

"I don't know, I think they are fine," I answered honestly.

"I think you should return to your house." She advised me.

"Well, you are not the big one here cutie. "I said.

"Well, then I am not going home if you are not going." Said she.

"Okay fine stubborn girl, first I'll leave you and the ill go home because it's too late to roam around. Okay?"

"Okay." She smiled.

I walked her to her house and she said that she will go inside on her own. I was fine with it because I was already late. She took a promise from me that I'll go straight to my house from here.

I walked back to my house and saw a great crowd around my house. My mom had a minor heart attack because she thought something had happened to me.

I thanked God to save my mother, I had no one on this earth other than her.

Later that night I thought that I should also thank the little girl. So, I went to her house the very next day, I knocked on the door, one elderly man opened the door, "Would like to meet Aisha." I said

"Excuse me." He said in an alarmed tone.

"I brought her home yesterday night. I want to thank her, for mother is alive because of her." I said.

"Come inside beta, hear drink this first." He said handing me a glass of water.

"Where is Aisha?" I asked after drinking the glass of water.

"There." He said pointing towards the photo frame.

It said Aisha Gupta – 1999-2010.

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