The phone in the rooms rang next morning at 7 am ,giving the students a wake up call. They were to gather at the restaurant at 9 am for breakfast . So everyone got ready and went for breakfast and the days activities were discussed . That day they would go for sight seeing ,do a little bit of shopping on the Mall road,have lunch and come back to the hotel. So looking forward to the day ,all excitedly boarded the bus . The bus halted at a stop and after that it was all on foot. The weather was cool so nobody minded the walk. The day passed by quickly and after having a sumptous lunch ,they returned to the hotel. Two hours rest and they would gather again for tea and group games were organized for the evening. Rajat and Ritik went up to their room No. 104 and stood near the balcony door. The incident of last night kept playing on their mind. Since it was still daylight, they opened the door and stepped into the balcony. Behind the hotel was a dense forest and now they were convinced it must have been the sound of a wild animal. " But the shadow "? " What was that " ?.Still confused they locked the door and came inside. An activity filled evening passed and everyone enjoyed thoroughly. After dinner all came back to their rooms. The other two boys in 104 started teasing Rajat and Ritik. " Don't scream again in the middle of the night . Did you see a ghost ? " They were laughing ,making fun . Exhausted after the days walk and activities they all went to sleep.
A low howling sound woke up Rajat again. He checked his mobile ,it was 3 am. ' Not again ' he thought . What is going on at this time of the night ! He did not want to disturb the others so he quietly got out of bed and tip toed to the balcony door. With shaking hands he removed the curtain and again saw a dark shadow outside. Gathering up courage,he focused his flashlight to see clearly,but it was gone. He was scared and confused at the same time. " What is going on " he thought . Is it a ghost or am I imagining things. Maybe its the shadow of a wild animal ,he consoled himself. But his sleep had vanished and rest of the hours he kept tossing in bed.
Next morning Rajat woke up with a heavy head. He did not say anything in front of the boys and quietly went about the days routine. That day the activity was going on a walk through the forest . So lunch was packed and everyone eagerly started the walk. Rajat also felt better and took part in the ' Treasure Hunt ' organised by the manager. The winning team would get a gift so everyone participated whole heartedly. The day passed by quickly and they returned back to the hotel late evening. Before going up to their rooms , Rajat called Ritik and told him about the incident that night. " Maybe you imagined things " said Ritik. Rajat just nodded and they went to their rooms.
: To be continued ( concluding part tomorrow)
© Rhyme with Ruchi