Ghost Friend

It is the old building. It is very big multi-storied building on the outskirts of the city. All the top stories are vacant for years. The open grave yard is next to the building. If you dare open the windows of north side, you can clearly see some burning corpse and smoke from fire there.

I came to the city for a job. Getting job may be easy, but getting house for rent is not so easy. Somebody gave me the address of this building and he said, “You look brave. So no problem, ghosts will not kill you.”

I am not worried about ghosts. I don’t believe that ghosts are there. Even if there are ghosts, they sure will be afraid of men who are more powerful than ghosts. My theory is that we have body and ghosts do not have body. They have to occupy somebody’s body and I am sure I don’t lend my body to any ghost, I know I am strong enough.

When I met the owner of the building, he said, “No advance is needed. Just give the rent also whenever you can. Occupy any one portion in the top floor.”

“What is the rent of the portion?” I asked.

“I told you, just occupy the portion and you decide what rent is reasonable. I believe that people are friends and friends will not defy.” House owner said.

I am obedient and defying is not my nature. So I thought to give him the best rent, sooner I get the job. Getting job is not a difficulty for I have good contacts from many people in good places in this city.

I have occupied Room No.7 on 7th floor. There are 10 Rooms on 7th floor and all are vacant.

The lift operator is Bernard. He told me that the lift will go up to 6th floor. I asked him in my cool voice what is the technical problem for this failure, when he said that the problem is his psychic one, as there are ghosts and no men live on this top floor.

“I am not a Ghost.” I said with confidence. He did not believe me. He looked at me as if I am a ghost.

So I got down from lift on 6th floor and walked in to 7th floor by steps. The steps are dusty and some cobwebs greeted me here and there. I opened the Room No. 7 on 7th floor. The lock did not cooperate for some time and I wanted to meet the owner. But in my last effort, the door is open. The problem is not with the lock, but the lock hole which is full of dust.

I put my luggage in the room. I have locked it again. Took the steps to reach the 6th floor and then the lift came to help me. I asked Bernard about good hotel where I can get good food for less price. He gave me the address of a food centre where middle class bachelors eat happily. He also eats there, so he also came and accompanied me.

We had our meals. While we are returning, Bernard told me, “I am sure you will not stay on 7th floor.  If any portion in other floors gets vacant I will tell you. Till then, befriend with ghosts.”

He also told me not to open the windows of north side to look in to the grave yard.

I smiled. Bernard left me again on 6th floor only. I walked and reached my room which is in silence and very frightening.

*****

I have cleaned my room well. I have spread the white bed sheet on the cot. I have changed the old pillow covers with new ones I brought.

Now I took a cigarette and lighted it. While taking the puff, I have opened the window of north side. There is pitch darkness outside. The chill air came in to the room, shivering me.

I saw the grave yard in distance. Two or three cremations are seen with burning fires, nothing else. I have opened a book “Historic Oddities and Strange Events” by Sabine Baring-Gould. I started reading the Snail-Telegraph.

It is half past twelve in the mid night. I want to sleep now. I forgot that I am in the ghost house.

I switched off the light. I am trying to sleep. But I could not sleep.

Some odd sounds are around me. Like someone is dragging something like a dead body on the floor. Some whispers. Some laughs. I thought, I am not lonely in my room.

I switched on. The door is perfectly locked. I checked it and then switched off the light. I again heard the sounds. I felt someone is besides me on my bed. My heart is beating heavily. But I have gathered my courage and put my hand on that someone who is invisible. He laughed. As if he is my friend.

“Hi, don’t touch me. You are tickling me.” I heard clearly.

I am petrified for a while. Then I gathered courage.

I somehow considered all this as a dream. I did not answer.

I did not touch the ghost again.

Now there is some commotion in the chair.

“I want a cigarette.” I heard.

This time my doubt is cleared. It is not a dream. Somebody is in my room.

“Take it. Don’t disturb me. I have to sleep.”

As I said this, a cigarette from my cigarettes pack came out and it is lighted and the invisible is smoking. I am sure, he is a friendly devil. He will not harm me, I thought.

“Hi, I am Charles.” The ghost said in a soft voice.

“I am Richard.” I said.

I also woke up, sat on my cot and lighted a cigarette.

“Richard, nice name, I have a friend by this name.” Ghost said.

“OKay Charles, why are you here?”

“What is this question? This is my house. So I live here.” Ghost said.

“What I mean to say, as you are dead, why you are here in this world?”

My question is clear and Charles is thinking to answer.

“You must know that this is my sweet house. This is my dream house. I built this for my wife Margaret. She is a devil. She sold this to my enemy as soon as I am dead in a car accident. Now she is also no more. I am searching for her, but I cannot trace her, I want to meet her one day and settle the revenge of selling this house to my enemy.”

Ghost of Charles said in emotion. I understood the reason for his staying in this world.

“You did not answer me.” I said.

“Why don’t you understand? I love this house as it is built by me. This is my dream house and I love to stay here in this house. I am also waiting for Margaret. Some day she will come here, until I ask her one thing, I will not leave this house.” The ghost said.

I was silent. I don’t know what to talk. Charles finished his cigarette and threw the butt from the north side window. I cannot see him, but I can feel him.

“Richard, I know you have come for a job, right?”

I heard and I said yes.

“I was bored all these days staying in this room lonely. Now I am happy I got you as my friend.”

I did not answer. Then again Charles told.

“Promise me you will not leave this room.”

“Why?”

“I heard what Bernard was saying to you. He suggested to swift to any portion that will be vacant on other floors. That I don’t like.”

“Why?” I asked with curiosity.

“All those floors are under Margaret’s control. So I dislike those portions. I don’t go there. I like only the portions in 7th floor and I like this 7th room very much where I was dwelling when I was alive.”

Charles said. So my doubt is clear.

“Okay. I stay here only, just for you.”

As I said this, Charles kissed me. I could not see him, but his cold lips are felt on my cheek.

“Richard, go to ‘Charles and Benson’ company in North Street tomorrow. Tell Benson that you are Richard from 7th room on 7th floor. That’s all. Rest I will take care of.”

After that, a light like thing passed through the door I understood that Charles was left.

*****

I am in North Street. I saw a glittering board with the name ‘Charles and Benson’ and I came to know that this is a big company of export and imports business with thirty years of good record.

I went in to the office and asked to meet Benson. I saw Benson who is in his fifty and he saw me with some unknown curiosity. I said I came for a suitable job and I told my qualifications.

“I am Richard.” I said.

“Richard?”

” I am Richard from 7th room on 7th floor.”

He stared at me with more wonder.

“How do you know Charles? You are so young?” Benson expressed his doubt.

I did not reveal the secret.

“Okay. I saw Charles in my dream last night. He asked me to give you very good job. This company is what Charles started and he gave me this company as his gift.” Benson said as if he is in some trance. I know that
Benson’s voice is sincere and he could not forget the help of his friend Charles.

I am new assistant manager in the company with unexpected high salary in five digits as the help of my ghost friend.

I kept my promise. I am still in 7th room on 7th floor. Charles comes, lights a cigarette and talks for a while and goes. No one knows that I have a secret ghost friend.

__END__