Standing at New Jalpaiguri railway station, Abhi was continuously calling Rajat, but Rajat wasn’t picking up. The train was set to depart in ten minutes, yet there was no sign of Rajat. Both Rajat and Abhi had come to Siliguri for office work. Abhi worked at a central government office in Kolkata, while Rajat was firmly based in the same city.
When Abhi arrived in Siliguri, Rajat suddenly made plans for an adventurous trip to the hill station of Shillong. Rajat loved having fun and traveling with friends. Alongside his job, he was passionate about travel vlogging and had already gathered a significant fan following.
The train's whistle blew. A young couple, seemingly newly married, dashed past Abhi and boarded the train, panting heavily. However, Abhi was too worried to pay attention to them. He was beginning to believe this trip to Shillong might not happen. Perhaps Rajat had been joking all along. Abhi was fuming at the thought that trusting Rajat was a mistake. He vowed never to believe Rajat again and kept checking the time on his wristwatch as the train’s departure neared.
Disheartened, Abhi turned around with his luggage, ready to leave. Just at that moment, as the train was about to depart, Rajat appeared at the train door, shouting, “Abhi, I’m here! Hand over the luggage and get on!”
Abhi was stunned. He didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry. Rajat was already on board.
Annoyed, Abhi simply said, “This kind of behavior is not okay.” Rajat burst out laughing like a carefree kid. Abhi couldn’t stay mad for long. Soon, the two friends were deeply engrossed in their lively banter. As the train picked up speed, the chatter became more lively.
Abhi noticed two stylish young women seated on the berth opposite him. Both were wearing jeans—one paired with a yellow top, and the other with a red churidar. They seemed like recent college graduates and occasionally stole glances at Rajat. Rajat was handsome—the perfect bachelor—with fair skin and a clean-shaven face glowing with a bluish hue. Abhi, on the other hand, had a rather ordinary appearance and didn’t expect such attention. But Rajat appeared completely indifferent to the women, engrossed in his own stories as if unaware of their presence.
Rajat was busy explaining the travel plan to Abhi. “Once we reach Guwahati, we’ll head straight to Shillong. We’ll stay there for a night and then move to Cherrapunji, where we’ll spend three days.”
Hearing the name “Cherrapunji,” Abhi immediately responded, “Cherrapunji in the peak of the monsoon season?”
Rajat laughed and said, “Cherrapunji’s true beauty lies in the monsoon! In the heart of the rainy season, Meghalaya, the land of clouds, reveals its true magic as the clouds dance to their rhythm. That’s the charm!”
Rajat began delivering his travel guru insights, elaborating enthusiastically, “We’ll stay in a homestay. We’ll immerse ourselves in the raw, intense beauty of the torrential rains.”
Abhi listened silently, eventually teasing, “If the Meghalaya government hears you, they might make you their tourism ambassador.”
Their chatter continued late into the night. After finishing their dinner on the train, the two friends went to bed.
Chapter Two
The train reached Guwahati station an hour late. As they disembarked, Rajat said, “Don’t worry about anything. I’ve planned everything, booked everything, and our car will be here soon.”
Abhi replied, “I’ve always wanted to visit the hills with you. Finally, the dream is coming true.”
Hearing about all the arrangements, Abhi felt delighted. Rajat added, “Honestly, I’m glad you managed to take a leave. If your travel partner isn’t the right one, the trip feels wasted.”
Abhi checked the time—it was almost 10 a.m., yet their car was nowhere in sight. Rajat, growing annoyed, muttered, “If the car doesn’t arrive, we’re doomed! We’ll have to book another one.” Just then, a man appeared in front of them. “Aap kya Rajat Chowdhury hain?” (Are you Rajat Chaudhary?) the man asked.
“Yes, I’m Rajat,” Rajat responded.
The man said, “Main aap logon ka driver hoon. Chaliye mere saath.” (I'm your driver. Come with me).
With that, the driver picked up their heavy luggage effortlessly and began walking. Abhi didn’t like the driver at all. There was something off about him. His eyes looked cloudy, and his voice was coarse and cracked. He had a skinny build but seemed surprisingly strong.
Their car was a gleaming, luxurious white vehicle. Abhi thought to himself that at least the ride would be comfortable. The journey began with Rajat chatting nonstop. For some reason, Abhi couldn’t shake off his unease about the driver, who seemed strange. His face was completely covered.
Abhi asked, “Bhaisahab, aapka naam kya hai?” (Brother, what's your name?) The driver remained silent.
A few moments later, Abhi said, “Bhaisahab, gaana chalaiye na.” (Brother, please play the song).
The driver switched on some music—old Hindi songs. The car started climbing uphill, leaving Umiam Lake to the right. The temperature gradually dropped, the sky grew cloudy, and a light drizzle began.
When Abhi gestured to Rajat about the driver’s odd behavior, Rajat replied, “Don’t focus on him. Just enjoy the natural beauty.”
Rajat was busy recording videos on his phone for his vlogs. Occasionally, he pointed the camera at Abhi as well, all the while chattering away.
Eventually, they reached Shillong and checked into their hotel, located slightly away from the bustling Police Bazar. After two years of the pandemic, travel enthusiasts seemed to have flocked to Shillong like bees to a hive. There wasn’t an empty spot in sight.
As soon as they got out of the car, the driver unloaded their luggage and vanished with the vehicle in no time. Abhi was surprised. Just as he was about to say something, Rajat reassured him, “Don’t worry. He’ll be back tomorrow morning. He knows the plan.”
Chapter Three
Early in the morning, after finishing breakfast, the two friends set off in the same car toward Cherrapunji. It was Abhi's first visit to this place, but for Rajat, it was probably his twelfth or so. Rajat was rattling off every detail about the route, clearly familiar with every turn, while busily capturing photos and videos on his phone.
"This time, I want to make the travel video truly unique," Rajat declared. "I'll use a brand-new concept to design the video."
Abhi thought to himself about the many kinds of obsessions people have. Rajat's obsession with vlogging was already five or six years old, and he spent a lot of money every year on this hobby. Still, something about the journey didn’t feel right to Abhi. The driver was stuck in his mind—a strange, almost ghost-like figure who hadn’t spoken a word beyond a few lines on the first day.
When the car reached the middle of the road between Shillong and Cherrapunji, near the Mawkdok Dympep Bridge, Rajat shouted, “Roko, roko!” (stop, stop!) and got the car to stop. He jumped out enthusiastically and beckoned to Abhi, “Come on, Abhi! There’s a beautiful waterfall nearby. Let’s check it out.”
He pointed his phone at Abhi and began recording a video. “Please get out of the car slowly this time,” Rajat said. “Let’s retake this for better footage.”
“Why?” Abhi asked, visibly annoyed.
“This moment is going to be a highlight!” Rajat exclaimed.
Despite Abhi’s irritation, Rajat laughed it off and said, “This time, you’re going to be the star of the vlog! You’ll be famous.”
Reluctantly, Abhi stepped out of the car and walked a few steps. Suddenly, he had a strange feeling and turned back toward the vehicle. The driver was missing.
Abhi’s heart skipped a beat. “Rajat, where’s our driver?” he asked, his voice trembling.
Rajat, unfazed, tugged on his arm. “Come on, let’s go. It’s only a ten-minute walk to the Duwan Sing Falls. Don’t worry about the driver—he’ll be back. Let’s just enjoy this!”
While Rajat was absorbed in filming, Abhi followed him like a helpless shadow, forcing a smile whenever the camera pointed his way.
On the way back, Rajat insisted that they explore a narrow path leading down the cliffside from the bridge. Abhi hesitated but eventually agreed to descend a few meters, planning to return quickly. As he walked, a rock suddenly dislodged and rolled down from a spot near the car. Thankfully, it missed him by about ten feet.
Shaken, Abhi quickly climbed back up and saw the driver sitting in the car as if nothing had happened. The vehicle resumed its journey toward Cherrapunji.
The uneasiness in Abhi’s mind only grew. He couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was amiss. He thought, Maybe this trip wasn’t such a good idea. I can sense danger lurking around us. But he couldn’t share these thoughts with anyone.
Rajat’s voice broke through his thoughts: “We’re almost at Cherrapunji. Just fifteen more minutes to the Seven Sisters Falls.”
As they drove, the car took a turn from the main road onto a narrow, winding path. The landscape was a mix of open, grassy hills, shrouded in mist, with rain falling steadily. The sky looked as though it might collapse under the weight of the clouds. The car cut through the fog, moving steadily forward.
Abhi asked uneasily, “Where exactly are we going on this deserted road?”
Rajat replied, “To a secluded spot where we can stay for three days in peace. There’s no mobile network there, completely cut off from the outside world—it’s heavenly.”
Abhi’s heart sank. Being unreachable was not an option for him, especially with a government job. His boss often called him, and not answering could lead to trouble.
As the car pulled up to a beautiful single-story house, Abhi’s thoughts were interrupted. The house was nestled in the middle of a meticulously maintained garden, with a steep slope leading down one side. Surrounding it was a sea of dark and white clouds, like a plush carpet of mist. However, the area was eerily silent, with no sign of people anywhere.
As they got out of the car, Rajat called out, “Ashu Kaka, where are you? We’re here!”
He turned to Abhi and explained, “I’ve stayed here before. Ashutosh Mandal, the caretaker of this house, is a good friend of mine. He takes care of everything.”
Meanwhile, Rajat went back to the driver to discuss something. When he returned, he said, “The driver wants to take us back to the Mawkdok Bridge tomorrow. Apparently, he left something behind there.”
Abhi’s uneasiness grew stronger. What could the driver have left behind? And why did he need to return there?
Chapter Four
On the wooden veranda, Abhi was sitting and munching on tea and pakoras. Rajat’s tea had already gone cold, but he didn’t care. Rajat was walking along the mountain slopes, recording the carpet of clouds on his phone. Occasionally, he pointed the camera at Abhi, recording him as well. Abhi had struck up a good conversation with Ashu Kaka. He even told Ashu Kaka about the mysterious incident with their driver. After hearing it, Ashu Kaka seemed a bit worried.
In the course of their chat, Ashu Kaka said, "There’s been a tragic incident in this area recently."
Abhi asked, "What happened?"Ashu Kaka started to narrate, "Last week, there was a horrific accident on the Shillong-Cherapunji road."
Abhi asked with curiosity, "What kind of accident? I haven’t heard about it."Ashu Kaka explained, "Two tourists, just like you, were traveling to Cherapunji in a white car. It was the driver’s first trip."
Abhi leaned in eagerly, "And then?"
Ashu Kaka continued, "The car, along with everyone in it, fell off the cliff near Mawkdok Bridge. Due to heavy rainfall, the wreckage of the car and the bodies of the passengers haven’t been found yet." He added, "The villagers say that the driver’s spirit roams the hills of Cherapunji. Many have reported seeing a driverless white car on that road. Some say a group of tourists once boarded the car, and they were never seen again."
Abhi’s half-eaten pakora dropped to the ground. His instincts screamed that something bad was going to happen here. But there was no way to talk to Rajat, who was engrossed in shooting his travel video.
As evening approached, the weather worsened. The power kept going out intermittently. Heavy rain began, accompanied by flashes of lightning.
Ashu Kaka said, "Babu, what would you like for dinner? I’ll cook and leave for home. Don’t step out tonight; these are not good times."
Rajat replied, "Oh, come on, it’s only six in the evening. There’s plenty of time before dinner."
Ashu Kaka said, "Babu, I need to be home by seven. So, I’ll prepare everything quickly."
Abhi asked, "You won’t stay in the house? It’ll just be the two of us?"
Ashu Kaka replied, "I’ll come early in the morning. My wife stays alone at home."
Rajat chuckled and asked, "Ashu Kaka, how did you end up living here?"
Ashu Kaka grew thoughtful and said, "I was wandering the streets of Jalpaiguri in search of a livelihood. I couldn’t find any work. While roaming, I ended up here. Strangely, I met Rudy. Our languages were different, and we didn’t understand each other well. But eventually, she became my life partner. That’s another story for later."
Ashu Kaka added, "These days, everyone is scared because of the rumors of restless spirits. Rudy knows the secrets of the hills, and even she’s afraid."
Rajat brushed off the concern and said, "Ashu Kaka, just make some roti and spicy mutton curry. Also, prepare tea in a flask before you leave. We’ll have some fun tonight." Saying this, Rajat burst out laughing.
Turning to Abhi, Rajat said, "Don’t be so scared. We’re here together, aren’t we? I’ve stayed in this house before. Let’s sleep early and go for a morning walk tomorrow."
Abhi couldn’t say much in response, but uneasiness gnawed at him. Meanwhile, Rajat was perfectly at ease, chatting away, lively as ever. By now, it was half past eight. The TV wasn’t working. The chilly air and relentless rain outside only deepened the silence.
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed from the porch. Startled, both Rajat and Abhi rushed outside. They saw that only their room had light; everything else was in darkness. Using their phone flashlights, they ventured forward.
Rajat called out, "Ashu Kaka! Oh, Ashu Kaka! Where are you? What was that noise?"
Suddenly, Abhi screamed in fear.
Ashu Kaka was standing unnervingly close in the darkness. In a broken, eerie voice, he said, "Dinner’s ready. I’ll take my leave."
Ashu Kaka’s eyes didn’t blink. He was limping strangely. How had he changed so much in just a few hours? It was as if he wasn’t himself anymore but possessed by someone—or something—else. He coughed violently, his back bending grotesquely with each spasm. His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, even though it wasn’t that cold. Ashu Kaka was wrapped in a thick black shawl, which made his transformation even more unsettling. His voice, raspy and distorted, bore an uncanny resemblance to their driver’s.
Rajat asked nervously, "Ashu Kaka, what’s wrong with you?" For the first time, fear crept into Rajat’s voice too.
"Be careful tonight," Ashu Kaka said with a strange, mocking tone. Then, he disappeared into the darkness of the veranda.
Rajat and Abhi followed him to the porch, only to find that Ashu Kaka had vanished. Outside, it was pitch dark, rain pouring down in torrents. The occasional lightning lit up the garden, but there was no sign of Ashu Kaka. It felt as if he had melted into the darkness.
Everything felt ominously eerie to Abhi, as if the place was haunted. Yet, despite all this, Rajat’s phone continued recording. Annoyed, Abhi snapped, "Stop it, Rajat. Let’s call a car and get out of here right now."
Rajat replied, "Don’t be ridiculous. Where will you find a car now? We’ll have to spend the night here."
Chapter Five
Rajat tried to reassure Abhi with his words, but his own confidence was faltering. A strange unease hung between the two friends. They decided to eat quickly and go to bed. However, when it was time to sleep, another issue arose. Rajat couldn’t sleep with the lights on, while Abhi, paralyzed with fear, refused to sleep without them. This led to a heated argument between the two, with neither willing to compromise. Finally, they decided to sleep in separate rooms. Rajat went to the adjacent room and turned off the lights, while poor Abhi, after carefully locking the doors and windows, sat under the bright light. He was certain he wouldn’t be able to sleep out of fear, but he didn’t realize when exhaustion took over, and his eyes shut.
It was unclear what time it was when Abhi was startled awake by a gust of cold wind. He noticed the room’s light was off, and the curtain on the window was swaying in the breeze. A strange, bright light filtered in through the window. Heart pounding, Abhi approached the window cautiously. He distinctly remembered locking it before falling asleep. So, how had it opened? Torn between calling for Rajat and pulling aside the curtain, Abhi finally opted to peek outside.
Just then, a flash of lightning lit up the room! In the stark illumination, he saw a white car standing eerily still in the deserted garden outside. His mind raced back to what Ashu Kaka had said about the white car that had crashed. Could this be the same car? The car's left window seemed shattered, the door slightly scratched, and the front guard dented—as if it were the very vehicle from the tragic accident. His head throbbed with fear.
The car’s headlights seemed focused directly on his window. A shiver ran down Abhi’s spine, and he felt as though his breath was being choked. A sharp, piercing pain gripped his chest, and he began to sweat profusely. Then, in front of the window, a familiar face appeared—it was the mysterious driver of their car.
In a raspy voice, the driver said, “Sahabji, kahan jaane ki tayyari hai?” (Sir, where are you planning to go?)
Terror washed over Abhi, draining all color from his face. Letting out a faint, guttural groan, he collapsed to the floor. His left arm and leg twisted awkwardly, and his entire body began convulsing uncontrollably.
Seeing Abhi in such a state, the driver shouted, “Sahabji!” and jumped through the open window into the room. He screamed, “Rajatji, where are you? Come quickly!”
From the other side of the door, Rajat shouted back, “Abhi! Abhi! Open the door!” The driver unlocked the door, allowing Rajat and Ashu Babu to rush inside. They found Abhi sprawled on the floor, and Rajat hurriedly carried him to the bed.
Rajat cried out, “Abhi, open your eyes! I’m here now. There’s nothing to fear. I’ll explain everything. Just look at me once!” But Abhi was in no condition to respond.
Ashu Babu said grimly, “We need to get him to a hospital immediately. It looks like he’s had a heart attack from the shock.”
Rajat, Ashu Babu, and the driver carried Abhi to the car and set off for the hospital. Abhi’s body was limp, his head resting on Rajat’s lap.
Rajat, tormented by guilt, thought to himself how this was all his plan. He had orchestrated everything for his travel vlog. The strange driver and Ashu Babu were hired actors, mere pawns in his elaborate scheme. Abhi had no idea. Cameras had been installed all over the house to capture every moment of Abhi’s terror.
Tears streamed down Rajat’s face as he wailed, “Abhi, open your eyes! If something happens to you, my life is over. How will I face your mother? I just wanted to showcase your genuine fear in a haunted house for my vlog. Please forgive me, my brother.”
But Abhi was beyond hearing Rajat’s apologies. He remained lifeless in the car, unresponsive. Tears continued to flow from Rajat’s eyes as they sped through the rain-soaked mountain roads.
The car finally came to a halt in front of a small rural hospital nestled in the hills.