House of tales………Episode 1

#Houseoftalesepisode1

#houseoftalesepisode1

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Author: Rhituparna Chakraborty

#Disclaimer: This is an original work of fiction with no relation to any person/organism living or dead. Every episode, every character is a work of imagination. Any resemblance to any person, organism, place, character or situation is purely coincidental. There is no intention to hurt or rebuke anyone or any profession through this work. This story/episode cannot be copied, published or reproduced without the permission of the author RhituparnaChakraborty.

It was a typical village household. Zamindar Devi Choudhary lived with his family in his sprawling mansion in Ranjanpur. Devi Choudhary was known for his kindness. In fact, every member of the Choudhary family was kind. Devi Choudhary’s eldest son Ranvijay had a heart of gold. Devi Choudhary’s younger son Samarth was known as a protector. He could go to any length to help people. Ranvijay’s only child Deepika was the apple of Ranvijay’s eye. Deepika stayed in the city. Samarth managed the sugarcane business while Ranvijay managed the coal business. A lot of villagers were employed because of those two flourishing businesses. Devi Choudhary was in his late 70s. Ranvijay was in his 50s. Samarth was in his late 40s.

There were a lot of workers in the house doing multitudinous chores. Right from the gardener to the cooks to the entire housekeeping staff, the house would always be buzzing with people. Every time, someone came to meet Devi Choudhary, he/she could never leave without having a proper meal. Such was the hospitality of this family.

Deepika, Ranvijay’s daughter, was 22. She was pursuing her post graduation in journalism. She wanted to stay with her family in Ranjanpur but her grandfather, father and even her uncle wanted her to get the best education and nothing can be better than the city. The city near Ranjanpur, Vilasnagar had wonderful schools, colleges and universities. Deepika was sent to boarding school when she was only 7 years old. She had cried a lot, but her father would visit her often, ensure she stayed comfortably and safely and eventually Deepika got used to boarding school. On holidays, Deepika would wait for her dad to come. Ranvijay would come and take her to beautiful places on holidays. However, Deepika longed to go to Ranjanpur. Yes, it was true Deepika had severe dust allergy and once she had almost died because of breathlessness. The weather of Ranjanpur was never suitable for Deepika. This was one reason why, Ranvijay did not want Deepika to visit Ranjanpur even once.

It was Saturday today. Deepika waited for her dad to come. Usually Ranvijay would start from Ranjanpur early in the morning. He would reach Vilasnagar by afternoon. He would spend the afternoon and evening with Deepika and would go back to Ranjanpur next day early morning.

Deepika had a plan up her sleeve. When Ranvijay comes today, she would pretend she was unwell. Since her room mate and best friend Sonal was also not in town, today Ranvijay would certainly take her with him to Ranjanpur.

Ranvijay arrived. He waited at the reception of the hostel for Deepika to come. Deepika did not comb her hair, she put a light layer of a dark eye shadow underneath her eyes, which resembled dark circles. She walked weakly. Ranvijay was shocked when he saw her. He stood up immediately and walked up to her, patted her head and asked immensely concerned, ‘What happened to you Deepu! Are you okay?’ Deepika replied in a shaky voice, ‘I had fever last night. Sonal is also not here….’ Ranvijay gasped, ‘What! You had fever? Why didn’t you call me? I would have come yesterday itself. Come, let me take you to the doctor….’ Deepika said, ‘No Dad. I am fine. My warden did take me to the doctor. It’s normal viral fever. However, since Sonal is not here, I am scared of staying here alone.’ Ranvijay said, ‘But Deepu, your other friends are here….’ Deepika sobbed and said, ‘Why can’t I go home like the other girls…..’ Ranvijay tried to reason with her, ‘ Deepu, the dust in the village does not suit you, sweetheart.’ Deepika said, ‘I will wear a mask all the time dad. Please take me home…..’ Ranvijay was adamant in his decision. He will not take Deepika to Ranjanpur, no matter what. But before he could say anything, Deepika fainted. Ranvijay was startled. He screamed, ‘DEEPU…..’ Deepika mumbled, ‘Take me home….Dad….’

Ranvijay had no way out. He did not know what to do. He said a silent prayer and decided to take Deepika with him. Well, Deepika did not know why Ranvijay was reluctant to take her with him to Ranjanpur. Well, Ranvijay’s mother, Ranvijay’s wife and even Samarth’s wife, all of them had committed suicide. There was something in that house. Women of the Choudhary family never survived……….

To be continued………………..