Showing posts with label Ghostly Experience of Shaniwar Wada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ghostly Experience of Shaniwar Wada. Show all posts

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Ghostly Experience of Shaniwar Wada (Continued2)

"Sahab , jack kharab ho gaya tyre badalne mein thoda aur time lagega , andhere mein kuch dikh nahi raha " Tukaram shouted. Vishal replied "Theek hai". This worried us as we might have to wait longer.

The old man started getting up and asked "why don't you stay with us tonight , its already raining and its cold" "We are 5 people including driver" "Koi baat nahi" said the other man "I am care taker
of Lal Mahal this other person is watchman , we will make arrangement for all of you in our quarters , you may leave tomorrow after tea" "Alright then" said his companion "Ask you friends to comre here , its 12'o clock already, we will drop you at the quarters and then we have to get back on duty"

I agreed and sent Vishal to bring down the girls. I thanked the old men "Its so nice of you sir to offer us shelter. Thank you very much sir" Those two men got up and started walking "Follow us" said one of them. I was following them and they were entering in a dark alley. I heard Jahnvi shouting , "Chetan ruk ham aa rahe hain" I turned back and stopped for them for a while , when they reached closer , I looked for the watchman and caretaker. Watchman was standing there , I asked "Where the caretaker has gone?" "He went ahead to make arrangements for you" replied the watchman coldly. He was a bald old man in his fifties very much like Om puri. We started following him Aditi broke silence "Sir how long you are working as watchman?" Watchman turned back and looked at Aditi narrowing his eyes "Since very long , I don't remember exactly" he turned back started walking."What a weirdo he is" Janhvi giggled "Shut Up" said Vishal "Buddhe ne sun liya to sadak pe rat bitani padegi" watchman entered in other alley. The watchman stopped and entered in an old house we followed him , we saw that caretaker has laid down beds and filled a pot with water. "Here you are" said caretaker looking at us "I have made all the arrangements , toilet is in the backyard" and with pensive tone he said " remember do not go near the backyard under any case as it might be risky" "why" asked Vishal "On the other side of backyard near banyan tree there is Narayan Darwaza ,don't go there" and both of them left. We had some water and settled down , none of us was feeling sleepy we were talking and cracking jokes, when suddenly Aditi asked all us to be quiet for a while.
None of us was feeling sleepy we were talking and cracking jokes, when suddenly Aditi asked all us to be quiet for a while. We heard someone groaning with pain. Every body was terrified , I tried to go out and see who was groaning , Vishal and Tukaram accompanied me. We came out it was raining again , while making our way in the direction of groaning sound we saw caretaker lying under banyan tree "Ahhhh , please help me I was passing through the road just then I got slipped" "where is the watchman?" Tukaram asked "He has gone on the round". "Its OK we will take you to the quarter" We supported him , he tried to stand but he couldn't "I think its a fracture" said Tukaram "There is a clinic nearby drop me there tomorrow" "sure" I said we again helped him to stand we began walking supporting his shoulders."I forgot the keys , they must have fallen under the tree could you please get them?" "Fine" I saidI turned back and went towards banyan tree , I tried searching key bunch under the tree but as it was dark and raining so couldn't find any."Run Chetan Run" shouted somebody I looked forward and was shocked to see the caretaker in front of me. "How the hell is he standing there?" I said to myself and turned to face Tukaram 'Noooooo! Don't you turn back" but it was too late...
"Noooooo! Don't you turn back" shouted care taker but it was too late I saw that the duplicate care taker dissolving in air and it fused in to Tukaram. He fell down , Tottaly scared when I went to see him , he got hold of me and I saw that Tukaram was laughing hysterically and he twisted my left hand. I groaned with pain. I was unable to understand why is behaving in such manner "He is possessed , everybody run for your life" shouted caretaker on looking at Jahnvi, Aditi and Vishal coming out. He was beating me and was abusing me. He clasped my neck and began twisting it . I looked at others crying for help , but saw horror in their eyes their faces turned stark white in fear. SPLAT! Vishal threw a brick on Tukaram's back but his grip didn't loosned. Tukaram did not even looked at him.Without releasing his around my neck , he elongated his hand snapped his arm straight back and grabbed Vishal by the shirts' collar and I saw him flying over me he fell down on the ground and lost his conciousness
I could feel the bad hot breath of Tukaram on my neck, He was grinding his teeth, he firmly held my neck and increased pressure .I tried to getaway but it was impossible, I began chanting God's name as this was the last hope. All my friends were looking at my awful situation. I looked up wards at the banyan tree and shouted "Ram" at top of my voice collecting all my strength seeing my death was nearing."Hrrrrrrrrrrrr" snarled Tukaram rolling his eyes wildly. I could literally hear my heart beats thumping in my ears. He was tightening his grip by each passing second. He tried to strangle me. My eyes began to pop up. In state of helplessness I saw watchman coming running towards me, he hurled his stick to hit possessed Tukaram , and it struck right on his nose. Tukaram at once released me, watchman hurriedly pulled me and asked dumbstruck caretaker "Get me the gangajal hurry up make it quick! Caretaker was standing still, Watchman angrily said "GET ME THE GANGAJAL NOW!"
Caretaker was shocked by these words and ran to quarters. Tukaram had fallen on his knees fondling his wound. It was now oozing. By then caretaker had arrived with a small bottle of gangajal watchman seized it and opened its cork, poured some water on his right hand muttered some mantras and hurled the water on Tukaram. As soon as the gangajal was sprayed on Tukaram , he shooked his head violently and slumped . I moved forward to look Tukaram but watchman stopped me "stay away from him, I will see him" Watchman gradually moved towards him. Tukaram had closed his eyes tightly and was breathing heavily , watchman caressed his forehead , Tukaram got up slowly , his nose was still oozing " It’s OK now , seems he is out of danger" said watchman we moved closer , Vishal too regained his consciousness and we together supported Tukaram.....
Watchman handed bottle to Tukaram he emptied the bottle in a moment, he was still breathing heavily and we can listen to his heart beat. We came back to quarters settled down; girls were very scared with this high voltage breath taking incident. I asked them to relax and to retire in bed. Caretaker was still turned pale in figure "Its OK" Vishal said "Chowkidaar chacha ne hamari jaan bacha lee" "I want to stay something" exclaimed Caretaker looking at watchman and turned towards us. "Shhhhhhh" I said "Don't disturb him" pointing finger to Tukaram who was sleeping "We will discuss it tomorrow" "Right" watchman said in a firm voice "Get him to the nearest hospital tomorrow , I have fixed the mess , no need to worry. Good night. I am going back on duty” Caretaker wanted to follow him but watchman stopped him "You look after them, stay with them tonight” Watchman said and left the scene. We thanked watchman for saving us, he smiled and left. Vishal bolted the door. We were very tired and throwed ourselves on bed. It had been a long tyring day.

I woke up next morning with ringing of Alarm I rubbed my eyes and got up, turned off the alarm it was 7:00 in the morning. I throwed a glance on others they were still sleeping. Caretaker was sitting in corner, shivering and he was looking at the ceiling. On realizing that am awake he said “Chetan, I need to tell you something" .....

On realizing that am awake he said “Chetan, I need to tell you something" "One minute” I said "Natures' call. I will talk to you later; tell me where the hell is toilet" "He showed me the direction and I rushed there got myself relieved. I washed and rinsed my face by splashing water saw even Vishal had got up. Wiping my face I came towards him
"Munh haath dho kar fresh ho le, jab tak ye log jaagte hain, hum chai pi kar aate haain" Vishal nodded and left. Caretaker was still eagerly waiting for me "Chetan... please listen to me" It irritated me “Arey uncle kaan mat khao, ruko thodi der ek to kal raat nind bhi nahi aayi sir bhari ho raha hai" I said “I ll talk to you after having tea" Vishal came back and we were about to leave just then watchman arrived " Are you going out for tea?" "Yes" replied Vishal "Just wait for me am coming too" watchman rushed inside. Caretaker was now visibly upset at sight of watchman asked me "Lets get out, I need to tell you something" Vishal looked at him angrily "Arey ye kya natak laga rakha hai uncle? thoda sabr nahi rakh sakte? subah se dimag ka dahi kiye ja rahe ho??? Watchman uncle ko aane to do , arey kal ham sabki jaan bachai unhone" "Arey meri baat to suno" said caretaker pleading.

Just then watchman arrived, caretaker got silent. We walked down the road. It was a beautiful morning . Hawkers were selling papers, and milkman were in hurry. We saw some florists selling flowers and garlands; Vishal in relaxed mood was humming old Hindi song. We reached to Chaai Tapri. Watchman broke the silence "Mashallah! You have got a beautiful voice" I looked at him curiously he continued "So how was your night? I hope all was well" "What are you saying uncle?" exclaimed Vishal "You only saved us from that evil spirit, don't you remember?" "Me?" questioned watchman "Yes uncle you muttered some Sanskrit mantras and sprayed gangajal on possessed Tukaram last night " "How is this possible? I was sleeping in corridor of Laal Mahal after dropping you at the quarters and I don't know Sanskrit, leave vedas , I am muslim" said wondering watchman clearing his position. We were startled by this revelation "Yahi to mai tum log ko bataane ki koshish kar raha hun" burst out caretaker "Then who the hell was he who saved us last night?" Vishal and I asked in unison
"Then who the hell was he who saved us last night" Vishal and I asked in unison
“Calm down boys has a seat “said care taker. We sat on the benches of Chaai Tapri . Vishal ordered Chaiwallah “Chotu 4 cutting lana ” . “Bhaisahab zara khaskiye na itni jagah chore baithe hain “ another customer of Chaiwallah said sitting on the bench and pressing us hard , he threw an angry glance at us .Caretaker continued "He was none other than reagent Raghunath Rao " he said "What???????" we jumped from our seats shouting again. “Isn’t he dead” asked Vishal looking at caretaker
“Arey ye kaun bevade log pi ke aate hain tapri pe savere savere?” The other customer was puzzled. Caretaker and Watchman were smiling. “Are sir kya ho gaya?” Chaiwala came towards us and looked at us “ Har do minute mein aap dono kudi laga rahe ho ? Itni jagah chorr ke baithe ho , jasti chillam chilli nai karne ka baki customer log ko taklif hota hai” said Chaiwallah angrily and handed us water mug. We looked around . I, Vishal and other customer were sitting on the bench, I was wondering where the watchman caretaker duo had gone within second. I took the water mug I splashed some water on my face and bent down to wipe my face , I handed the mug to caretaker , he held it for a sec and I heard it falling down , I looked there and I saw that angry customer was wet. “Are ye kya kar diya , Mere ko bhiga diya” “I am sorry but I was giving that mug to one of our friend” I turned to caretaker and asked him “Mug kyon nahi pakda” “Hawa se bat kar rahe hai pagal” customer said , I saw caretaker smiling
And suddenly a street dog came there and started barking looking at the corner where Care taker was standing. “What the dog barking at?” Chaiwalla was puzzled.

Chaiwala looked around the corner to see as why dog was barking . "There" other customer pointed the direction Dog was barking at . I saw that Chaiwala passing through the body of caretaker and caretakers' body split in to two parts like a jelly , when Chaiwala walked forward it squeezed through like a viscous toothpaste. I was watching this was crazy enuff to see something like this happen , I was stunned. It seemed that Caretaker and Watchman were only visible to us.One was laughing while the other was screaming. A terrifying, inhuman siren of a scream teared our ear drum those two transformed into an old Maratha warrior and then bike riders so fast that human eye could barely follow it
.We reacted instantly, we started walking fast looked back and , we broke in to running and leaped away from them and it seemed both of them were disappeared. We reached the quarters and found that door was closed I kicked the door and it opened. "What happened?" said Janhvi. Aditi and Tukaram were looking at us in surprise.

"Lets get out of here , this place is haunted" Vishal shouted "and that caretaker , watchman are ghosts". "Whaat????" Janhvi and Aditi cried "Yes believe me , run for your life . We stayed there for some more time while Vishal got the car repaired. "Hurry up these Ghosts may hardly let anyone go , I know , am reciting Hanuman Chalisa." said Vishal "Yes please do it " I was worriedly "but I don't think it will be of much help " "so run , run for your life" shouted Janhvi "before these ghosts come here" . "Its Ok Janhvi relax" I said "let him complete his recitation , this will protect us from evil powers atleast"Girls got ready , all this while Vishal was reciting Hanuman Chalisa , nothing bad had happened. We came out of the quarters waved hand to get an auto rickshaw. "Excuse me" an old person said I turned to look the person. It was an Old lady "Did you spend last night in this quarter?" "Yes" I said "We stayed in these quarters last night , but.." The lady interuppted me "Oh my God!!" rolling her eyes and then she asked " Have you experienced something abnormal" "Well , yes , I did" Suddenly then a taxi arrived , door opened and Vishal dragged me "Come in the car , lets get out of this haunted place" he asked Tukaram who was sitting in the drivers’ seat . All the others sat on back seat . We locked the door . The lady laughed hysterically , ignoring her laughter Tukaram slammed the car in to reverse punched it, lighting up the tires on the footpath and we drove away with highest possible speed. I looked at Vishal he was still reciting his hanuman chalisa , while the girls were stunned. Aditi broke in to tears “I have never experienced such horror in worst of my nightmares” Janhvi consoled and stroked her cheek “Its’ OK Aditi , alright? The worst has gone” “God is great” I sighed and uttered those words “Yeah… 2-2 bhooton ko itne pas se dekhne ke baad samajh aya tere ko” Vishal taunted and even in that situation nobody could resist their smile.

*************************The End*************************

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Ghostly Experience of Shaniwar Wada (Continued1)

Raghav looked upwards and with a deep sigh started narrating the story in a low tone "After Panipat war Peshwa dynasty had suffered alot . Their crown prince Vishwasrao and Peshwa's brother and Commander in Chief Sadashivrao Bhau died in the war. After listening the news of humilating defeat of his army , Shrimant. Nanasahib Peshwa too passed away of shock. His son Madhavrao succeeded him and ruled for quite some time . Raghunathrao , younger brother of late Nanasahib was appointed as a regent to the young Peshwa, but he tried to interfere with the administration. He soon fell out of favour with the Peshwa, and even tried to conspire against him by joining the Nizam of Hyderabad against the Peshwa. The alliance was defeated and Raghunathrao was placed under house arrest. After Madhavrao's death in 1772 his younger brother Narayanrao a 13 year old succeeded him. Raghunathrao was released from house arrest. He then became the regent of Madhavrao's younger brother Narayanrao. Together with his wife Anandibai, Ragunathrao plotted to arrest his nephew Narayanrao , he sent a letter to royal gaurd Sumer Singh Gardi in marathi to arrest Narayan rao , the message was intercepted by Anandibai his wife and she replaced the word word "dharaa (धरा)" and make it read as maaraa (मारा) or 'kill'. The miscommunication led to the Gardis killing him in the presence of Raghunathrao.Thus Anandibai went down in history for changing ‘dha’ to ‘maa’ and abetting the killing of the young prince. On seeing the guards coming after him the young prince fled inside the fort towards his Uncle’s place Badami Mahal crying “Kaka! Mala vachva!” (Uncle! Please save me! His uncle stood and watched Narayan Rao being killed. Narayan Rao was hacked into so many pieces that it had to be carried in a vessel through the door.
After listening to this story a chill ran down my spine. "How sad!!" exclaimed Jahnavi . I looked at the wrist watch "Its 7:00 pm we should get back to work now" and we came to our desk. I performed health check. Aditi's call had ended so she wanted to go out for a break but it started raining. Aditi came at my desk , I was telling Jahnavi about our daily activities and project plan. Aditi asked "So how is it going?" Jahnavi replied "God.There are so many applications and so many scheduled jobs to monitor , I don't know how I will be able to do it" Just then whole floor flashed in a lightening "Thuddddddddddddddddddrrrrrrrr" somewhere outside the building the lightening had struck. With the thundering sound of lightening Jahnavi startled "Take it easy" Aditi said and patted her.

"Anyways , Is anyone coming at the canteen? I want to have a coffee" said Aditi. Vishal said " Are you crazy? In such a weather you want to go down? Bheeg jayegi. Better have coffee from vending machine and its 8:00 PM already , please wait for 20-25 minutes , it will stop raining or we'll call up canteen and place the order" "OK fine" Aditi said. Raghav finished his work and came at my desk.

Aditi and Jhanvai went to coffee machine and retrurned with mugs. Aditi brought some biscuits , she offerred us and said "Chetan , Vishal and me are in your cab tonight. Cab vendor called me when you guys were out for tea and asked that other cab has gone for repair" "Fine , even Jahnavi will have a company" I said picking up one biscuit. "Hey bye the way where do you stay?" Aditi asked Jahnavi "I stay at Ganesh road, its close to Shaniwar Wada" Jahnavi replied and politely refused the biscuit "Thanks for the biscuit but I can't take it, I am fasting today you see its Pitru Amavasya......"

"I stay at Ganesh road, its close to Shaniwar Wada" Jahnavi replied and politely refused the biscuit "Thanks for the biscuit but I can't take it, I am fasting today you see its Pitru Amavasya......"

We started discussing about our job and office politics. I asked Raghav and Vishal if they would like to join me tomorrow for outing. Vishal agreed but Raghav denied as he had other plans on weekend.Suddenly I remembered Raghav's story about young prince and said "Hey Raghav , Shaniwar Wada is on our route, its also an amavasya today whats the chance if the ghost of young prince appears today ?" at this Aditi started coughing terribely , the biscuit had choked her throat and she was breathing heavily. Jahnavi gave her water bottle. She emptied the whole bottle and snarled at me "Forget it. I am not coming with you , I will call vendor and he will arrange separate cab for me" "Comeon , Aditi don't act like a child , you know we have just one cab tonight and we won't let you go alone , you know how risky it is for woman associate travelling alone in late hours" I tried to persuade her "Alright , but don't go from that Shanivarwada route its haunted , today is newmoon day and spirits are likely to be seen either on newmoon day or a fullmoon day" She said in trembling voice "And yes, today is Pitru Amavasya , so its damn sure young prince will be waiting for us" said Vishal teasing Aditi. Jahnavi was surprised
and said "So you also know about Shaniwarwada haunting?" "Ofcourse I know it" exclaimed Vishal "Everybody in Pune knows it , but I haven't come across any such spirit till now" everybody was now listening him "I had been to Shaniwar wada and seen its light and sound show , the fort is almost in its ruins , a fire broke out in 1818 and nothing left inside the old fort" "Still people believe it haunted" Raghav said. "People believe anything , as long as I don't meet a ghost, I won't believe these stories" Vishal said firmly , I backed him "Yes same goes with me".

Suddenly the lights were gone , due to heavy rain it was lightening. "Satyaanash! maine abhi abhi job chalaya tha , ye light ko bhi abhi jana tha" Vishal asked in a disappointed tone "Ye generator bhi chalu hone mein ghanto lagate hain" It was 8:45 PM , Raghav said "I have called in the canteen , they will be delivering the food on our desks" he looked at Jahnavi and said " I have orderd potato chips and lassi for us" . It was still dark only 2-3 lights were there as they were backed up by generators , my desk was in dark so I couldn't do routine checks. Food arrived and we had our dinner together. Just then support cell rang it was Avinash , Vishal picked up the phone "Haan bhai bol. Kya late ho jayega?" Vishal spoke to him and then informed "Avinash had called and said that today they will late as the new driver has arrived for pickup and also it is raining heavily" "Yes , abdul had informed us that there will be new driver" replied Jahnavi.

Lights came back and we started our routine healthcheck monitoring jobs etc , 2 hours passed and next shift people arrived "How is everything today?" Avinash asked me "Arey jab Chetan bhai shift mein ho kya darna? have fun Good Night!!!" Vishal said urned to me "Mujhe naye driver ka miss call ayaa hai , inko HandOver de do mai niche ja raha hun" Avinash said "I am feeling sleepy yar is everything OK with the system?" I given him proper Hand Over and he went to his desk he saw Jahnavi and greeted her "Hi Jahnavi" "Hey Hi Avinash" replied Jahnavi. "Jahnavi" said Aditi "Am going downstairs , Chetan is also going down , come we are already late today" "Ya , ya coming!" said Jahnavi and rushed towards us. We took our seats in the cab Raghav had already leaft as he came with his bike. "Aye Please driver bhaiyya , shaniwarwada ke pas se mat lena" pleaded Aditi to driver Tukaram. I asked him "Do you know the directions?"

"Aye Please driver bhaiyya , shaniwarwada ke pas se mat lena" pleaded Aditi to driver. Jahnavi started her prayers. Vishal said jokingly "Matlab aaj bhoot se mulaqat ho kar rahegi" I laughed , Aditi got irritated at this "Shutup both of you" She said angrily "Vishal kabhi to serious huaa karo , hame 20 kms jaana hai aur mausam kharab hai" I looked at Jahnavi she was engrossed in prayers.There was silence in the cab no body spoke. We had reached the university circle , just before the e square , I saw driver was not in his senses we were about to collide with a divider , just then I pushed him. "Hey" I screamed , he opened his eyes and on seeing the flyover divider he stopped the car by pressing the lever with his legs. Car stopped with a screech. "What nonsesne?" Aditi shouted at driver "You were sleeping , abhi accident ho jata to?"
"Sorry madamji wo jara aankh lag gayi thi please aap meri complaint mat karna" driver was frightened on looking Aditi. "I will drive the car , you go and sit with Vishal" I said and came on drivers seat "Aao brother" said Vishal to driver "jara ghadi to ghadi jhapki maar len" "Isko har waqt majak hi soojhta hai , abhi driver se majak kar raha hai abhi accident ho jata to?" asked Aditi. Jahnavi was shocked too "Are you sure you will be able to drive in such a stormy weather? Should I call Avinash? He will arrange separate cab for us?" She asked worriedly."Don't worry I have drived in worse weathers , this is cakewalk for me" I replied. I started the headlights and pulled the handbreak. I started the car and applied gear. I turned on the radio. We were heading towards Shivajinagar ST stand , just then we heard announcement in radio that Dengate bridge and other bridge are submerged under water and river mutha has crossed the danger level. "Bad news folks" I said. "It means that we now have to go from Shivaji Bridge and pass through Shaniwar Wada" Vishal said

"Shittttt" both the girls shouted. "Sirji raat mein wahan se jana thik nahi hai upar se aaj kali andheri amawas ki rat hai , bekar mein risk mat lo" driver tried to dissuade us. "Kya naam hai aapka?" I asked the driver "Tukaram" he replied "Haan to tukaram, hamare sath ladies hain itni raat ko inhe lekar kahan jayenge? Inke ghar pe log pareshan honge" I explained him our condition "Wo to thik hai Sir ji lekin jaan hai to jahaan hai , abhi sare pul pani ke niche ja chuke hain, Shivaji bridge bhi pani ke niche chala gaya to kya kar loge?" "Shubh Shubh Bol" Vishal said angrily and exchanged glance with driver. Driver got quiet at this. "Please Chetan" Pleaded Jahnavi "Man jaao" "No way , my uncle is heart patient, he will worry for me if I don't return home" I changed the gear and accelerated the speed. "Tell him that you will be coming tomorrow, call him right now" Aditi suggested. "No use" said Vishal showing his mobile "Network is gone. we don't have any other option but to pass through Shanivar wada" We had crossed the Rahul Cinema and were heading towards Sangam Bridge road , just then I saw some bikers coming from opposite direction , I slowed the car , they approached towards us , I lowered the glass window "Don't go forward the river is flowing over the bridge" "But we have to cross the river we have to go home" said Vishal "Take right turn and proceed through Shivaji Maharaj Road , we are going on that way, you may follow us if you want to" said those strangers. We agreed and I drived following them. We were now approaching towards Shivaji bridge . Just then I applied break. Car stopped with screeching sound...........
Car stopped with screeching sound. "What happened? shouted all "Nothing a black Cat just came in the way" I said we saw a black cat with ferocious yellow eyes crossing the road. "Its a bad omen" Jahnavi scared "Lets go back Chetan" "No need to worry dear we are following the bikers I turned towards her and said , I turned back and saw that those bikers were waiting for us on the otherside of bridge. They were waving hands as if they wanted to convey us something. I started the car again and moved towards bridge. As our car was passing through bridge we saw a water column rushing towards us. "Sir ji , Press the accelarator padel with full force , baadh aa rahi hai , kisi bhi waqt pul pani ke niche chala jayega" I was dumbstruck at the the sight of rushing water and my left leg pressed the accelerator padel , the car zooomed and with in few seconds we were standing on the other side of bridge. As soon as we crossed the bridge we saw water column devouring the bridge. Shivaji Bridge had gone under water . We escaped within few moments. "Thankgod" we said "Mujhe to laga tha ki yahin jalsamadhi ho jani hai" Vishal said "Shutup Vishal" Aditi scolded him "Aren't you guys feeling cold?" Jahnvi asked shivering . We experienced that the September night was as cold as December. "Really" said Aditi just then I heard Tukaram calling me from back "Chetan sir where are those bikers by the way, it seems we have missed them?" all turned to face Tukaram. We were shocked to saw that we were hardly 50 meters away from Shaniwar Wada
"Chetan sir where are those bikers by the way, it seems we have missed them?" all turned to face Tukaram. We were shocked to saw that we were hardly 50 meters away from Shaniwar Wada "Chetan lets go its so cold out here" Janhvi reiterated then Aditi came forward her eyes widened with terror , She was trembling with fear "H..Have yy..you ggguys noticed?? We are standing in front of Shaniwar Wada?" She holded my left hand tightly and shouted "Lets get out of here" "OK , OK Aditi we are going but we have to see where those bike riders have gone" I answered her "To hell with bike riders , I am feeling damn scared lets get out of here" Aditi was about to cry. We approached towards car and taken our seats , Tukaram sat on drivers seat and was sitting besides him. He turned the key in ignition , a security key flashed on the dashboard , started cranked slowly and its exhaust pipe smoked , this happen 2-3 times. "What happened?" I asked "I will have to look again" replied Tukaram. He tried again and car started we felt relieved , he took a left turn and we entered in alley , Shaniwar Wada was on our right side. Just when we were passing through alley the car wobbled and Tukaram applied brakes with full force. "Sir Tyre is punctured" We got down annoyed , we were standing on lonely road besides Shaniwar Wada. The eeriness of traquil moonless raining night made us uncomfortable , we were wet and shivering. Girls were sitting in the car,I and Vishal had opened the dickey , Tukaram came there and pulled out the jack and spare tyre. He began replacing the tyre.He said "Sir I will do it , you don't worry" Vishal was searching something in his pockets , I asked "what happened?" "Cigarette ke liye machis dhund raha hun" replied Vishal "Sir ji gadi mein padi hai le lo" Vishal extended his hand and took matchbox. "Stay away Vishal" Aditi warned him "I don't like smoking"
"Stay away Vishal" Aditi warned him "We don't like smoking" Vishallooked at her angrily and said "Tukaram bhai aap in ladkiyon ke sath yahin tuk ruko , jab tyre replace ho jaye to hame bula lena , ham zara sutta mar ke aate hain"
"Jyada dur mat jana sahab" Tukaram said in concerned voice . We began walking , Vishal offered me one , I lit it and took a puff , we saw a bike lying on the ground , we gone there and I realized "This is the same bike those guys were riding ,I remember the vehicle number its MH12 ET 9448" "Ya man" Vishal replied in a low tone. We saw two men on the otherside of road sitting and they had made a temporary fireplace. They had covered themselves with a shawl were wearing turbans. They were appearing like Old villegers. We reached to them "Have you saw two people passing through the road , they have left their bike" I inquired. "We didn't see any" replied one with a chilling voice. We stood there for a moment thinking how to react just then the second person asked Vishal "Who are you? What brings you here at such an unearthly hour?" "We are employees of an IT company we were coming from work , we were late due to bad weather" I narrated our situation and pointed finger towards our car "and now our car has broken down , driver is fixing it" "I see" said the old man.

"Sahab , jack kharab ho gaya tyre badalne mein aur time lagega , andhere mein kuch dikh nahi raha " Tukaram shouted. Vishal replied "Theek hai". This worried us as we might have to wait longer.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Ghostly Experience of Shaniwar Wada

This incident happened last year , when I was working in an IT Company at Pune. I was staying near Budhwar Peth, and since am in to Support jobs so had to work in 24x 7 shifts. The company had availed cab facility for the associates working in shifts so I used these cabs to commute from/to office.

I had recently moved in this area as my maternal aunt had to rush to Phoenix , US , where her son lived with his wife . As my bhabhi suffered miscarriage and there was no one to take care of her , my aunt had no other option but to go there and look after her. Before leaving she insisted me to come and stay there till she comes back and to look after her husband who was heart patient. I moved at her place in late August 2009 after dropping her at Mumbai Airport.

I still remember the day when this incident happened. It was 18th September 2009. Uncle had gone for Yoga classes and on Fridays he used to visit hospital for routine medical check ups.

I was given evening shift that day. It was a Friday and I was pretty much relaxed as I was planning to go out with friends next day. It was 11'o clock in the morning when I was awakened , my cell phone ranged.

It was 11'o clock in the morning when I was awakened , my cell phone ranged. I missed the call , I was surprised to see the cab drivers' number , I called back and
he picked up the phone
"Chetan saab apka pata kya hai? mai abdul driver bol raha hai" I was pissed off .

"Are abdul bhai abhi 11 baja hai , pickup 12:45 ka hai" said I. Abdul replied "Mere ko pata hai sahab mai us area mein naya hai islliye direction puchne ke liye phone kiya" I explained him directions to reach home. I took shower and had lunch. I looked at the clock it was 12:30 PM. I received miss call from Abdul, I came down and we started heading towards office.

He took a turn and we came on main road. "Bas sahab, main road pe aa gaye" Abdul said and started radio. We reached near Shaniwar Wada and Abdul turned the cab in an alley as there was pickup for another associate.

We reached near Shaniwar Wada and Abdul turned the cab in an alley as there was pickup for another associate. Abdul gave a miss call on the given number in the schedule. He turned towards me and said "Nayee madam aaye hai , aaj se apki team join karegi" "Yes , I know" I said I had received the mail of TL few days back but I haven't met her so far as I was working in Night Shift last month. Few minutes later a pretty girl approached towards cab, abdul promptly opened the door , she
got in and said "Hi!" with a smile looking at me , I smiled back and said "Hello. Am Chetan" "Am Jahnvi" she replied "Nice meeting you"

I said. We were now passing through Shaniwar wada , near the bridge we saw several men women were offering obulations on the banks of river.Looking at them
Jahnvai ask "Do you know if there is Durga Temple in nearby area , you see am new in Pune" I replied "Oh yeah , one is near the university circle , its called Chatushringi Temple , you may board the city bus and get down at university circle" "Thanks" She replied with a smile " Tomorrow is first day of Navratri and I am planning to go to temple" "Its OK" I said smiling back "So you are quite religious, right? You must be fasting in Navratri" "Yes" She said blushingly . Our car had to stop as we saw a group of people carrying deadbody crossing the road. Abdul said "Kyaa saab aaj kal bahut
log mar rahe hain" "Thanks to swine flu" I said "and why these people have to perform obulations?" Jahnvi replied "Its Pitru Amavasya , today"

Jahnvi replied "Its Pitru Amavasya , today" "and what is that?" I questioned again She started explaining "Its a newmoon day wherein people offer obulations for their dead relatives and forefathers" There was traffic jam now which mean that we had to wait for another 10-20 minutes, so I just thought to pass the time in chatting about these traditions "and how these obulations are accepted by the dead ones?" I inquired , She replied "They offer food to preists , poor and animals , they believe that their dead relative will come in any form and accept the food" "I don't believe this how is this possible that a dead one will have food?" I said "Its' just a superstition" Jahnvi said "Look Chetan.You don't believe these rituals , but don't call it a superstition just because you don't like it" Jahnvi continued "You see every person is judged according to his karma , the one with good karma go to heaven and the one with bad karma go to hell after death , but there is intermediate state wherein a soul has to travel to their respective destination , these obulations serves as refreshment to these deceased souls" I interuppted her and said jokingly "You mean Ghosts , don't you?" She looked irritated but replied "I only call them as atripta atma" I laughed , at this abdul said "Saab ghosts do exist" I said "Shutup yaar" Abdul said "Nahee saab , ye bagal ke Shaniwar wada mein Kahta hai bhutiyaa hai" Just then a truck behind us blowed the horn. I asked "Abdul ji pahle piche ke bhoot se to jaan chhudao , kab se horn baja raha hai" Abdul moved the car , the jam was cleared "Arey sahab , we are too late , now we have to reach office at the earliest"
Abdul moved the car , the jam was cleared "Arey sahab , we are too late , now we have to reach office at the earliest"

Abdul dropped us in the office and said " Saab main drop ke liye nahi aaunga , chutti pe ja raha hun naya ladka aapke drop ke liye aayega wo aapko miss call deyga aane par" I said "fine" and moved to office. We arrived at our desk and Jahnavi went to meet manager. I was busy in checking emails when our Manager Prakash asked "Chetan" I turned and saw Jahnvi standing besides Prakash " I want you to meet Jahnavi she is new joinee, and Jahnavi please meet Chetan , he is one of senior associates in the team" both of us formally exchanged the glance , I said "I already met her in the cab" I formally wished her and Prakash said "Fantastic, Chetan. Please prepare training plan for her, you know Amit is on leave , Deepak is coming in night so I am tagging her with you for KT sessions" then he turned to Jahnavi "Please do not hesitate to contact me if you come across any problem" and left.
I asked her to take seat "I will have to prepare training plan by the time I do that, you may check the emails, that workstation belongs to Amit, he is on leave" It was almost 6:00 in the evening all people had left for the day as it was friday. Me , Jahnavi and some 2-3 people were the only remaining associates on the floor. I was almost done with training plan had monitored some routine jobs and was about to send helath check reports , I heard Jahnavi screaming...

I heard Jahnavi screaming...

I was startled to listen her screaming , I leapt her desk and asked "What happened? Is everything OK?" She had covered her face with palms and shivering with terror. Other associates arrived at the scene. "Kya huaa , Kaun Chillaya?" asked Aditi "Haan yar, kisi ke chillane ki awaz suni" said Vishal. Jahanavi was trembeling with fear she showed her finger at the keyboard , a lizard was lying there. "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! shooo!!! shooo!!" screamed Aditi "Am scared of lizards" "Let me call the office boy , he will throw lizard away" said Vishal "No need" replied I "I will throw this creature
out" I folded the newspaper looking it lizard closely moved towards it. Lizard left the keyboard and came at desk it unhurled its tongue and captured an insect. Just then with full power I hit the lizard with the folded paper and SPLAT! lizard was lying there upside down and dead. "Its disgusting!!" Jahanavi and Aditi said in unison "You killed the poor creature? Shame on you , now who is going to clean this mess???" "Calm down girls" Vishal said laughing "I have already informed the office boy he will clean it up" he turned to me "and Chetan , good job bro. Manager Parakash ka gussa bechare Chhipkali pe utar diya , this is not fair" I replied "Arey kahan yaar , ek to in
ladkiyon ki madad karne jao aur upar se inki gaali suno" "Well this is the world my dear friend. Jo madad karta hai vahi gali khata hai" Vishal said smilingly "Its almost 6:15, lets go for tea , other job is scheduled to run at 8:00 am CST , I have to monitor it. Jaldi chalo warna canteen band ho jayegi" I nodded and we were about to leave when Jahnavi said "Hey Chetan wait we are coming too" she got up from chair and went to bathroom "Great" Vishal said and whispered "Ladki impress ho gayi bawa!!" I ignored his comment and asked Raghav "Hey dude wanna have tea?" Raghav replied "Ya just a minute , let me lock the system" Vishal was getting impatient now "Chalo yaar! badi zor ki bhookh lagi hai ...

Vishal was getting impatient now "Chalo yaar! badi zor ki bhookh lagi hai, Aditi aren't you coming?" Aditi looked at him and said "No, am on the conference call , You guys go and please get me a sandwich" "Fine" Vishal said and handed her support cell phones "Please take care of these phones , please take the call if it rings". Aditi placed the conf call on mute and said firm tone "No way! am already on an important call , OSC is asking me for inputs , you take care of these cellphones" Vishal made face and took the cellphone , just then Jahanavi arrived and we came down. Vishal looked at Jahnavi "So , this is your first day in the shift , isn't it?" "Ya" replied she Vishal holding my neck tightly said "Our Chetan bhai doesn't shares knowledge and
expertise with anyone , make sure you extract knowledge from him , he is so cunning" "Abey kya kar raha hai? Marega kya?" I said and tried to release myself from him She laughed and said "Yes I will see to it". We reached canteen Vishal took a burger and started eating it. I buyed tea for all and asked Raghav and Aditi. "What will you like to have?" "Nothing" both said atonce " I am fasting today". "Both of you have fast today?" Vishal said "Anything Special? Kis khushi mein bhai Karwachauth hai kya aaj?" "No its Pitru Amavasyaa" said Raghav "Right" Jahnavi said " and people observe fast on this day" Vishal folded his hands and came infront of Raghav "Dhanya hai prabhu sal mein 365 din mein se 300 din aapka fast hi rahta hai" he said jokingly "Comeon Vishal." said Jahnavi "Don't make fun of him" Vishal said "Oh I was just joking , I see both of you are quite religious , tum dono ki khoob jamegi" Raghav didn't said anything and Jahnavi's expressions changed , I just arrived on the scene "Chalo yar Chai aa gayi chal kar kahin baithte hain" We sat around a table , after taking a sip I realized Raghav and Jahanavi had not taken anything "Yar aap logon ne kuch nahi
liya" "Inka fast hai aaj" Vishal said taking a sip "

Vishal said taking a sip "What amavasya was it?" "Pitru Amavasya" said Jahanavi. "Yar tum fir shuru ho gayi?" I said "Kyu kya hua?" asked Vishal , I narrated the whole
incident to him how people were offerring obulations for their dead relatives and caused traffic jam. "Ridiculuous. I don't know why in 21st century people believe in such superstitious ceremonnies" Vishal said , just then Raghav said "Hey , may be you don't believe it but such incidents happen. The spirits get satisfied when their living relatives offer food in their name" "You mean Ghosts?" said Vishal jokingly "Not really , but if the living relatives don't offer the food in the name of dead forefathers , then spirit may turn the life in to hell" replied Raghav."Tell me Raghav , do you think if a dead man will haunt his children and grand children just because they don't offer obulations or food in his name?" Jahnavi said "Its not like that Chetan , you see
when a person dies all the relations get snapped too , after death the last rites and shraddha karma are supposed to be carried out by the elder son and on each pitru amavasya food and obulations must be offerred in his name else these spirit gets disturbed and trouble their own family , you know these spirits only want to get out of their sorry state , this food serves as refreshment to them in journey towards abode of Yamraaj" "Exactly" said Raghav appreciating her explanation. "OK guys , I must go now , the scheduled job is about to start, I must monitor it else Prakash will kill me and no body from our company will attend my last rites" said Vishal "Shutup!" said Jahnavi "and take care , bye" Vishal left the scene. "I don't believe this" I said just then Jahnavi remembered something "Hey Raghav" "Yes Jahnavi" "Your are from Pune right?" "Yes am a localite" Jahnavi turned towards me and asked "You remember Chetan, that cab driver was saying that Shaniwar Wada is haunted?" then she turned towards Raghav and asked him"Is it really haunted?