BEYOND EXPLANATION

Rumila had been driving her car on the National Highway for
last about two hours. It was 6.15 pm and instead of usual
daylight at this time of the year it was close to darkness. She
looked at the rapidly gathering cloud over vast expanse of sky
with apprehension. It appeared that a severe storm was about
to hit and that would make her position very precarious. She
was in no mood to drive through the natures fury. But she
hoped that she would be spared.

The dark menacing clouds rapidly descended so low that they

seemed to engulf her car and the surroundings. Soon splatter
of rain hit her cars wind shield and the roof with increasing
intensity and deafening sound.

She stopped her car at the side of the road but in that low
visibility she could see no sign of any human habitation. There
appeared nobody around for miles. Neither was there any
traffic on the road that she could see.

Sitting in her car she endured the loud sound of thunder, rain
and the occasional lightning for about 45 minutes. Darkness
was enveloping by that time. The nature seemed to be
gradually becoming benign.

Rumila sat pondering; thinking what would be her next step.

She never wanted to drive in the incremental weather that
night, fearing another onslaught of storm. Neither she wanted
to stay in the car.
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She looked around when she spotted a faint outline of a house

about quarter of a kilometer ahead on the right side, almost
hidden behind a hillock. It was some distance away from the
highway.

It occurred to her that somebody in the house might give her

shelter for a few hours till dawn. Though danger of unknown
was very much in her mind, she felt that was a lesser menace
than sitting in her car alone.

Deciding finally she came out of her car. Rain was falling very
lightly and the darkness was absolute. She had her torch and
with the beam looked around.

In that black curtain of darkness she could see a faint light

coming from the direction of that house. It seemed that
somebody did live there.

Locking her car and in the beam of her light she carefully made
her way towards the house. Eventually she could see a tiny
cottage with faint flickering light emitting from behind a partly
opened curtained window.

Hearing crunch of gravels on the ground behind her, she

swiveled her torch back to see an Old man coming towards her.
He was dark and of short height wearing a turban and village
attire.

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Who are you madam? He spoke. His voice was low and heavy
sounding that of an educated man.

She replied I am stuck in this storm with my car and dont

want to drive in this weather. Can somebody in that house give
me shelter till daylight?

The Old man looked at her for few seconds and nodded. Yes
that could be possible but there is no one there. I am the
caretaker but I am going home. There is however a candle
burning inside and a few kept on the table

She looked at the cottage. No problem, I can stay there for

few hours if you allow me

He took out a key. Of course, I will open the door and started
walking towards the cottage. She followed.

Once inside she was taken aback by the interior which was
clean, well kept with all requisite furniture and furnishing.

Be comfortable madam the Old man said. There is a kitchen

which has all you need. He started to move when he turned
and said but please dont be afraid if you hear strange sounds,
thats usual in this house. He smiled.

Instantaneously Rumila felt that he was referring to something

paranormal
which
made
her
acutely
uncomfortable.
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Throughout her life she had the fear of ghost for which her
family including her husband Rohit always laughed at her.
She blurted out, just a minute.. do you mean ghost?

The Old man heard her. Cant say, but are you afraid?
She gulped hard and nodded weakly, fear clearly reflecting in
her face.

He looked at her intently and then said then think of God and
that person whom you trust the most. ...you will not be
afraid. I had a daughter just like you and I used to say the
same thing to her also.

He smiled again and was gone.

Rumila tried to settle in but her fear was making her feel weak
and her mouth turned dry.

Suddenly she heard a strange noise in the kitchen and her

palpitation increased. She could not get up and check. Her legs
became feeble. A stifled cry came out from her.she covered
her mouth.... her eyes opened wide! She thought that she
would faint.

Then she heard a knocking on the door. Her fear mounted. She
stared at the kitchen and then at the door. Her numb senses
told her that perhaps the Old man had come back! She shakily
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got up, keeping the kitchen as distant as possible, and reached

the door.

On opening the door she was so pleasingly surprised that she

rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

Her husband, Rohit was standing in the doorway with a smile.

My sweet . Surprise. surprise..!! Never expected to see me
here, did you? He came forward his eyes twinkling.

His familiar presence and voice started a calming effect on

Rumila. She just closed her eyes for a moment and pointed
towards the kitchen. There is somebody there . I am
sure..

What the hell! Rohit said and walked in the kitchen and after
few minutes came out laughing. Well trust the rats to create a
scare. Dont worry there is nothing to be afraid of. He sat
down on a small sofa near the kitchen.

Rumila was profoundly relieved and asked how he managed to

be there at that time. His answer was simple. He had an
urgent official work and had to drive down when he saw
Rumilas car. He could see the light in the cottage and came
looking for her.

The night passed peacefully with Rumila occupying the single

bed and Rohit curling on the sofa.
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The morning brought clear sky, golden sunshine and cool

breeze. That night seemed to be a distant nightmare.

Rumila and Rohit had a light breakfast in the kitchen and

looked around for the Old man but he was nowhere to be seen.
After that they drove away in their respective cars towards
their destinations.

In the late evening that day Rumila was back home. She
parked her car and walked towards the door expecting to open
it with her keys.

She found that the door was already open. Bit surprised she
walked in to find Rohit sitting in the drawing room looking
through some office files.

So you are back before me? Rumila flung her purse on the
sofa and sat down.

What are you talking? Rohit asked. I did not go to office.. in

fact I didnt go out at all today. Not feeling well. He grimaced.

Rumila stared at him. What are you saying. last night we

were together in that godforsaken cottage in the middle of
nowhere..

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Rohit scowled and denied vehemently.

She took hold of herself and explained last nights incidents in
detail. They stared at each other for long moments. The
extraordinary situation dawned upon them! There was
somebody in that cottage to assure and give courage to Rumila
to pass the night peacefully. But he was not Rohit. And he
didnt touch Rumila. Who or what was that? Can that be a
benevolent spirit? Can anybody give any explanation?

20th August 2015

AMITAV GANGULY

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