-Dr. Buddhi Malla
During my teenage years, there were rumors of partying about a midnight ritual involving approximately 29 ghost esumed to be the venue around 11:45 pm (as I had no watch), I sat on a pillar where distances to Kathmandu and Pokhara were inscribed. Nearby, clusters of Dhuseli plants provided me with a comfortable point to observe the unfolding events.
On the moonless night, a weird atmosphere enveloped the surroundings. Despite the palpable fear, I remained resolute, my mind conjuring vivid images of the anticipated spectacle—pigs with elongated tusks, varied manners, and giant sizes. Tales of mythical creatures and mysterious disappearances recounted by villagers only added to the ominous atmosphere.
As midnight approached, I strained my senses, wary of any signs of the rumored creatures or other hiding dangers. Suddenly, a whispering nearby frightened me, and I cautiously approached, only to discover it was a mere bird nesting in a nearby tree. Relief flooded over me as I exhaled deeply.
I had many thoughts running through my mind. I remembered that Ram’s (One of my friends) father had passed away last year, and his mat had been thrown just 100 meters away from where I was currently sitting. A few months later, a plant had sprouted in the exact spot where the mat had been discarded. I began to believe that this plant was cursed, and I became afraid of it, often running past that location whenever I had to walk by. Recalling this only deepened my fear, and I struggled to muster up courage while being alone with my thoughts.
Once again, another incident came to mind, this time from approximately three years ago. The body of a dog had been found just a few meters from where I was currently situated. Several months later, a night bus met with an accident, resulting in numerous injuries and extensive damage to the vehicle. Villagers speculated that the accident was somehow linked to the dog’s death. Recalling this event heightened my fear once more, yet I endeavored to remain composed.
Moments later, a van stopped nearby, its occupants eyeing me suspiciously. Concealed in the shadows, I evaded detection as they, likely suspecting me of a Maoist rebel amidst the ongoing insurgency, scrutinized the area. However, the arrival of a group of villagers returning from the Puja diverted their attention, and they departed without further inquiry. They might have assumed that I belonged to the same group and that I, too, was an innocent villager.
Despite my anticipation, the pigs never appeared, robbing me of the chance to witness the demonstration firsthand. Yet, reflecting on the night’s events, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude and relief. Had the villagers not arrived when the police were there, I might have faced unjust consequences at the hands of the authorities.
Though I missed out on the opportunity to witness the rumored ritual, the experience of braving the midnight expedition remained a defining moment in my life—a testament to courage and daring in the face of the unknown.
-Author Dr. Malla is a Banker.
