Why do ghost stories have such a hold on our imagination? There is something delightfully compelling about listening for the sound of anklets in midafternoon or scanning the dark for floating figures in white sarees. Every state in India has its list of ghosts to engage or frighten us. Interestingly, our Indian ghosts make their homes on trees. Walking under the tamarind tree or the drumstick tree at noon was always a scary prospect as a child. WHAT IF something held you captive in the tree?
Based on the real-life experiences of our aunts, the events in this story were narrated to us kids during a Nilachoru or moonlit dinner. A dark terrace, the moon playing hide and seek with the clouds and casting shadows all around you, the sounds of swaying coconut trees that play tricks on your mind and annoying older siblings or cousins who startle you now and then make Nilachoru the perfect setting for ghost stories. We hope you enjoy this story as much as we did.
The Shadow Behind the Well
After visiting friends, Aadi and her cousins walk through a mango grove on their way home. She is a little spooked by the shadows, and one of the boys starts teasing her about the ghosts of the mango grove. Putting on a brave face, Aadi tries to bluff her way through Arun’s litany of spirits. Eventually, the older cousins intervene. But then they see the shadow behind the well! What could it be? A ghost? Or something else??
Before the night is over, Aadi shows her mettle, and Arun is gracious in acknowledging defeat.
Read and Enjoy!
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