Madhavan and the mysterious ghost (725 words)

 Madhavan Namboodiri, a man in his early forties, was steeped in religious devotion and spiritual practices, his unwavering faith centred on Guruvayurappan. His bachelorhood, a quiet act of defiance, troubled his aged mother and sister with whom he lived. Yet, Madhavan found solace in his rituals, remaining undeterred by societal expectations.

For years, he worked as a government clerk in Kerala, his life following a predictable, serene path. But when a sudden departmental reorganization led to his transfer to a remote town in Chhattisgarh, Madhavan accepted his fate without protest. With a small box, bedding, and a shoulder bag as his only possessions, he arrived at the desolate station early one morning, where a colleague named Mohanty waited to receive him.

Mohanty presented him with two housing options: one nestled in the bustling bazaar area, surrounded by people and noise, and the other—an independent but dilapidated house—secluded and quiet, closer to a temple.

"I'll take the second one," Madhavan declared. "I need peace for my prayers, and the proximity to the temple suits me well. Besides, I cook my own food."

Mohanty hesitated, his face tightening with concern. "I’d suggest the house near the bazaar," he said cautiously. "This other one, well, it’s... isolated. Not to mention, you’re new to the area and don’t know the local language well. There’s safety in numbers."

Madhavan raised an eyebrow. "What’s the real issue, Mohanty? Why is the rent so low despite it being an independent house?"

Mohanty leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. "The house is said to be haunted. No one’s lived there in years. People say a ghost roams the place at night."

Madhavan chuckled softly. "I’ve no fear of ghosts, my friend. If they exist, they’re no match for my faith."

Despite Mohanty’s pleas, Madhavan moved in, his mind untroubled by the supernatural warnings. The house, though worn by time and neglect, was cleaned up, and by evening, Madhavan had lit a lamp before the image of Guruvayurappan. The first night passed in peaceful silence, much to Mohanty’s relief.

But the peace was short-lived.

On the second night, after his usual prayers and recitation of the Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam, Madhavan woke abruptly at midnight, a strange heaviness pressing down on his chest. He sat up, gasping, and drank water, trying to shake off the oppressive feeling. When he lay down again, the sensation returned—this time stronger, as though an invisible weight bore down on him, suffocating him. He could feel a presence, unseen but undeniable.

Refusing to be cowed, Madhavan sat up and resumed reciting the sacred verses. Instantly, the heaviness lifted, and the room felt lighter. He continued praying until 2 AM before finally drifting into an uneasy sleep.

For the next few nights, the haunting repeated itself, till he commenced reciting Sahasranama though after 2 AM it did not trouble him. Each time, the presence grew more menacing, the weight on his chest heavier. Yet Madhavan’s resolve did not waver. He prayed with greater fervour, hoping to banish the sinister force plaguing him.

On the seventh night, however, the air in the house felt different. As he lay down after 2 AM after his prayers, the oppressive force unusually returned with a vengeance, nearly crushing him under its invisible weight. He could barely breathe, let alone sit up. Desperate, he cried out, “Oh Guruvayurappa! Why this trial? Please, save me!”

Suddenly, the pressure lifted. In the dim light, he saw it—a pale figure standing by the door, beckoning him with an unearthly but an elegant hand. It gestured urgently as if commanding him to follow.

Madhavan, murmuring "Narayana, Narayana" under his breath, got to his feet and followed the spectre outside. The figure glided through the night, leading him away from the house. And then, without clue, it vanished.

A deafening rumble erupted behind him. Madhavan spun around, his heart pounding. The house collapsed into rubble as if struck by an unseen force.

He stood frozen, unable to comprehend the horror he had just witnessed. What had saved him? Was the ghostly figure the same entity that had tormented him nightly, now turned saviour? Or had it been a divine messenger, sent by Guruvayurappan himself to answer his prayers?

Madhavan had no answers. But one thing was certain—he was ready to move near the bazaar.