January 29TH 2002
We were rehearsing for our performance for the annual function. The function got postponed because a
girl jumped from our college building. I got chills when I heard her name. I was terrified, but I thought,
"No, it’s not what you are thinking."
"Aah, girl, I am so exhausted. We've been practicing for the past 3 hours, but we need more energy," I
exclaimed.
Aadvita chimed in, "I feel the same, yaar. It's the last time, let's give it our all. Team, line up!"
Lakhavni added, "Yes, let's go! Aag laga denge. We are going to be the highlight of the show!"
It had been almost two weeks since that incident. My body had fully recovered, surprisingly with no
major injuries. But my mind and soul were scarred. I still couldn't shake the memories of that day. It was
definitely not a mere case of sleep paralysis; I was damn sure of it. But when I watched the CCTV
footage, it seemed to contradict my memories. I didn't know what was going to happen next, but at
least I hadn't heard any other voices. Maybe, just maybe, I could live a normal life again.
After rehearsing, we had a few classes, and then I headed straight to my hostel. I had an urge to read my
diary:
"Dear diary,
You won't believe what happened three days ago. It was April 2, 1995. Three people moved into the
house nearby, and I was thrilled to have new friends. The family included a woman and her two daughters. I tried to strike up a conversation with Sayma,one of the girl. She seemed very scared, and
she was stammering, I didn't know why. In the evening, I went to their home with a plate of gajar ka
halwa as a welcome gift. My mother makes the best gajar ka halwa. But when I arrived, the door was
open. I peered inside, and it was pitch dark. Just as I was...