Mayank’s Living Nightmare!

Mayank Sethi was a young, healthy 26-year-old man who loved life to its fullest. He was a tall, fair, and handsome looking guy and could charm anyone with his disarming smile. He was a hard, dedicated professional who was working in one of the top software companies in New Delhi. That’s why he was the popular guy in his office, in the neighborhood, and at all social occasions and parties. His girlfriend, who was a fashion designer and was as pretty as any girl could ever have been; was head over heels in love with him and completely doted him. His friends Rishabh, Varun Tanya, Amit, Colin and Priya were his fast friends since his school days. The best part you know is that despite Mayank being extremely rich, he was down to earth and the most humble human being you could ever possibly know!

It was on a Saturday evening when all of the friends had gathered for a weekend party at Rishab’s place and had been planning to do something unusual that weekend. All of them were giving different ideas when Varun said “let’s go and watch the latest horror movie, guys.”

“I have heard it's quite good.” He added.

Colin, Tanya and Rishabh were pretty excited and wanted to go; whereas, Priya was scared and showed her disapproval while Amit was also a bit hesitant.

When Mayank asked Amit “what’s wrong bro?”

“You don’t like horror movies too like Priya?” He laughed.

“It’s not that I don’t like horror movies or I am scared,” Amit replied.

“It’s just that there is something uncanny about these horror movies and it is said that they act as portals to the other side.” He added further.

Everyone in the room was stumped to hear this and they looked curiously at Amit. Mayank burst out laughing.

“You got to be kidding me, bro.”

“There is no such thing as ghosts or demons, spirits etc.”

“They are all made up to scare little children and to make money from gullible people like you,” Mayank said in a joking way.

Even Sriya, Mayank’s girlfriend was a bit hesitant a first but she chose to keep quiet.

“It is your choice that you don’t believe in such things as spirits or the afterlife.”

“But according to all the religious texts and world cultures, you would get the apt treatment after you die and enter the next world,” Amit added feeling a bit indignant.

“Hah! There is no such thing as heaven or hell.” Mayank responded.

“It is all here. You get all the results here on this plane.” He further added with emphasis.

Seeing that this discussion was taking a metaphysical turn and getting serious, Colin, Rishabh and Tanya intervened and diverted the topic. Somehow they managed to convince Amit and Priya to come along. So all of them trooped together and went to watch the horror movie ‘The Exorcist’.

Afterwards, they had dinner and went along their way. During the dinner, everyone laughed and mimicked the cast of the movie. Mayank was the one who was making the most jokes about it and made everyone laugh. Only Amit remained stoic and silent throughout the dinner and drinks. Little did Mayank know that his happy wonderful days are soon going to take a strange twist. His zeal for living a happy life would be thrashed in the next few coming days.

As everyone went along their way Colin and Rishabh had to drop Mayank off seeing his extremely inebriated condition, despite his protests. So they dropped him off near his house at Vasant Kunj, one of the poshest areas of South Delhi. His house was designed in the style of a bungalow, the front porch had even had a swing and a hammock attached to it! With lush gardens as you enter through the gates. There were a lot of flowers blooming in the garden which also further enamored you to stay at such a place. His house had four floors and as he lived with his family, each of the floors was divided into four sections. His widowed mother lived on the ground floor, his elder brother with his family lived on the first floor, his elder sister with her family lived on the second floor, and Mayank had the 3rd floor to himself. The fourth floor was empty and all extra furniture was kept there. It also served as a place for storage.

Coming back to the story, Mayank wanted to be dropped off a little ahead of his house.

“Are you sure? Colin asked.

“Of course! I don’t want anyone to see me in this condition.” Mayank laughed.

“And anyway, it’s just a few minutes of walk, I can manage it from here guys.” He added.

So they dropped him off and drove off. Mayank stood there for a few seconds and thought about the evening. It was extremely hot that day, even during the night-time. So Mayank decided to have one last smoke before he rushes to have a cool bath and relax under the air conditioner.

As he stood under the lamp-post to light his cigarette, the lamp suddenly flickered for a few moments and went off.

“Damn these electricity department people.” Mayank cursed.

As he was enjoying his last smoke of the day he felt a sudden cold burst of wind gust past him. he thought what was that. He kept on smoking when suddenly

“Mayank...” Someone whispered.

He turned around immediately but there was no one!

A few minutes later, again “Mayank...”

The sound was very low and it kind of echoed all around him. He looked around but could see no one at this time of the night. He had finished his smoke by this time and started to walk towards his house. The footpath on which he was walking was covered with gravel and sand, so it made a crunching sound with every step he took. Just a few paces from his house he could hear a small crunching sound coming from behind him. As if someone was following him. He again turned around but could not see anyone. He chose to ignore this and went straight for a cool bath and have a good night’s sleep. That night went off uneventfully!

The next day was Sunday, so Mayank could relax a bit though yesterday’s incident kept bugging him throughout the day. In the evening Amit came over and they relaxed some more over evening tea Amit said: “I am sorry buddy for being so hypersensitive yesterday.”

Mayank “Relax dude. It’s nothing though you have a valid point.”

Amit when saw that Mayank was coming around to understand his point of view suggested something for Mayank, which later on would be completely life turning.

“Why don’t you read the book ‘Supernatural Realms Of The Underworld’?” Amit said.

“It will give you a better perspective on how I see things.” He added.

Mayank gave it a thought and said okay. He ordered the book online in front of Amit. After a couple of hours, Amit took his leave and left his place.

Now, Amit lived near Dhaula Kuan, the central part of Delhi. His house also came under the Green Belt Territory and that’s why there were lots of trees along the way. Somewhere in the middle of the road while Amit was driving, his car sputtered and stalled. Amit was surprised. In a few moments, his car came to a complete halt at an empty stretch of road.

“Damn! Amit exclaimed. This had to happen now when no one is nearby.” He thought to himself.

As he was trying to contact a mechanic, he suddenly saw a cloaked figure sitting in the back seat!

“What!” He jumped in surprise.

The moment he turned around there was no one there. He again looked at the rear-view mirror, and again he could see someone sitting behind. This went on for a few moments. Amit started getting scared and nervous as he even could not get out of the car! Then all of sudden, the cloaked figure sprung his long bony skeletal like hand and with surprising speed pierced Amit’s heart and started crushing his heart. Amit could not understand what was happening. All he could feel was the intense pain. He could not even call anyone for help! In a few seconds, Amit collapsed on the driver’s seat, not knowing who or what was the cause of his death. The cloaked figure just vanished into thin air after that.

Passersby notified the police about a car standing on the side of a road for two days. Inspector Vijay Rawat came to the scene and took stock of the situation. According to initial reports, Amit had died of a massive heart failure.

Mayank, however, was oblivious to this as all of the rest of the friends were. He was having strange experiences of his own. That night, as he was sleeping he had a very strange dream.

He dreamt that he was in a strange place. The whole place was covered in mud and slime; the place looked like a valley. The whole valley had a sad grim atmosphere. He was surprised but kept on walking further.

Just a few meters ahead, he saw a group of people walking in a single straight line with their heads bowed down. It seemed odd to Mayank that these people were shuffling instead of walking! He went up to them and tried to talk to them.

“Hello, excuse me?”

“Can you tell me where am I and what is this place?” Mayank asked one of the people.

That person did not seem to hear him or seemed to deliberately ignore Mayank and kept on walking.

Mayank was affronted at this. He tried again to ask him “Hello..... I am talking to you? Are you deaf?”

Again, the man did not respond. Mayank then went to the next person and again got the same response. This went on whenever Mayank tried to talk to anyone. Then all of a sudden, he saw a blinding flash and heard a loud trumpet-like sound! Before he could understand anything he saw two hooded figures rushing towards him at extraordinarily high speed! He thought of avoiding them but could not and they caught up with him. Mayank got the biggest scare of his life when he saw their faces. Their faces were like those of dead zombies and their eyes were like red-hot coals! Their face was so hideous that Mayank was too paralyzed with fear. He somehow managed to escape from their clutches. This time he woke up with a start. He was sweating all over. He looked around and saw that he was in his room.

“It was a dream.” He thought.

The next day, being a Monday, Mayank thought of discussing this with Amit at the office, since both of them worked at the same office.

Here he got the next shock of his life when the police came and informed the office that Amit had died of a massive heart attack the police also confirmed that it was in the initial reports and investigations are underway. Amit was speechless with shock and surprise.

“He was fine yesterday.” Mayank thought.

He was also disappointed that he would not be able to get an answer for the strange dream he had. His family during the evening time was also saddened to hear about Amit’s sudden and unfortunate demise. That night, he again had the same dream. It continued from he had left the night before! Mayank found himself running at full speed. After he had covered a bit of a distance, he saw a lake which was full of the souls of dead people! He was taken aback. These souls were scrambling, climbing over each other’s backs to reach the shore. They screamed at Mayank to help them. But he was stunned to react. These souls all had melting faces and they were making all kinds of noises. All of a sudden, a huge ball of fire appeared from nowhere and took a shape of a human face. It opened up its huge mouth and gobbled up all the souls of the lake.

Mayank woke up startled and perspiring a lot despite the air conditioner working fine. The worst part was he saw Amit also there scrambling like the rest of the souls. Meanwhile, the book he had ordered had been delivered to him.

Now the real troubles started.

Mayank, in his curiosity, started reading the book. It described the various punishments one got for his deeds in the afterlife. It graphically details each of the Underworlds as described in various world cultures.

The more he reads the more he starts getting scared.

His dreams continue to plague him.

This time he sees in his dream, or nightmare, as you, might call it, that he falls into a ditch while trying to escape the hooded figures running after him.

They finally catch up with him and pull him and string him up by his legs!

He starts screaming and begging them to let him go. But they just stare at him with their hideous faces and ignore him. Mayank again wakes up covered in sweat.

Sometimes he dreams that he is being chased by a giant fire-breathing rooster. 

Other times he is being roasted live over a fire! Mayank even sees himself being put in a big jar of boiling oil!

 Sometimes red-hot iron rods are pierced all over his body!

Sometimes, he is eaten up live by huge three-headed snakes, regurgitated and eaten up by other strange monstrous creatures!

Every time Mayank wakes up sweating and scared. The irony of the situation was that he could not share this with anyone, not his family, as everyone would laugh at him and make fun of him.

The worst part of his nightmares was that they kept on increasing in intensity.

One time he dreamt that he was crossing a bridge and all of a sudden a terrible old hag appears in front of him in the middle of the bridge! 

She gives him an evil smile and Mayank is terrified as he sees that the old hag has red hot orbs as eyes, her mouth is full of broken black stained razor-sharp teeth!

He tries to escape from her clutches but she catches hold of him and starts dragging him screaming for help.

Mayank is so terrified that he decides not to sleep for the whole night. The next day, he looks haggard and tired. His family members are concerned about him. But he decides to keep quiet when they ask him “What’s wrong Mayank?”

Mayank just looks at them and says nothing.

If you think his troubles are over, think again!

Now, things take a turn for the worse. As if it was not enough for Mayank to experience these nightmares; they start coming alive too in his normal routine!

One day, Mayank was walking along the road deep in his thoughts when suddenly he was accosted by a hooded figure.

“Excuse Me?” Mayank said.

The hooded figure just looked up at him and gave him an evil grin. Mayank was paralyzed with fear and shock as the figure was the same one he had seen in his dream!

Mayank somehow managed to ignore him and walk past him all sweaty and trembling with fear. The next day, he was so haggard, his eyes were sunken deep into the sockets that his office colleagues were stunned and shocked to look at him like this. They always knew Mayank to be dressed up and look dapper in his attire.

Now, again stranger things started to happen with Mayank. One night as he was about to retire to bed, he saw that the window in his room was open. So he went and closed it.

It again opened by itself.

Mayank a little surprised went back and closed it again.

The third time the windowpane flew open with ferocity and a strong gust of wind entered the room. Mayank again was forced to close the window pane more tightly this time. A few minutes later, the book, which was lying on the table opened by itself and a strange ball of fire started flying around the room.

Mayank was too afraid to even utter a sound. The fireball flew around in circles and then it seemed to stop and hover over Mayank’s bed!

Mayank was paralyzed with fear. He could not move an inch, nor could he utter a sound.

The ball fire changed into a human face and opened its mouth to gobble up Mayank!

That’s what it seemed to Mayank at the time. He closed his eyes tightly and wished for it to go away. A few seconds later, when he opened his eyes, there was nothing there. Everything was as normal as before.

All this hurt Mayank’s life. He could not sleep properly. His health began to deteriorate. He even stopped going to the office regularly, and this affected his performance. Most of the time he would remain cooped up in his room. He did not even call his girlfriend, or friends; neither did he meet them when they wanted to meet him. His family was surprised and concerned with the sudden transformation in Mayank’s strange behavior. His friends were concerned for him as was his girlfriend, Sriya. She one day decided to pay him a surprise visit. As she entered his room she could feel something was not right in the room.

The temperature of the room was extremely hot despite the air-conditioner going at full blast.

She saw Mayank lying down on the bed staring at the ceiling with a blank expression in his eyes.

“Mayank what’s wrong? Why aren’t you picking up my calls?” She asked.

He just looked at her blankly.

“Your friends are also quite worried about you.” She added.

Mayank just stared at the ceiling. Sriya could see something was wrong with Mayank. His eyes were blood-shot red and sunk deep inside the sockets. His body had become frail. He had a tired, worn-out look on his face.

Sriya got frustrated as she was the only one who was talking. She went up to Mayank and laid a hand on his shoulder. She jumped back stunned. His body was burning up.

“Mayank, what’s wrong? You can tell me.” She said.

Mayank looked at her and tried hard to say something but could not. He pointed at the book and a diary kept beside it. He beckoned her to read the diary.

As Sriya went up to the table and opened the book, a strong gust of hot air seemed to blow past her. She did not understand but as she ruffled through the pages and read the diary, in which Mayank had scribbled the things happening to him, she got scared.

She got really scared and wanted to get away from the room.

“I have to go now.” She said and left his house.

On the way, she called his friends and asked them to meet her the next day. As she kept walking lost in her thoughts, she could sense somebody was following her. The more she walked harder, the more it felt to her that someone was following her. But she could not see anybody!

She panicked and ran into an alley. Here as she turned back she saw a hooded figure. That was the last that was seen or heard of Sriya!

The next day, when Mayank’s friends waited for Sriya to tell them what was wrong with Mayank. They waited for a long time and even tried calling her but there was no response from her side!

“She is not picking up the call,” Rishab said.

“Call her once again and see if she picks up this time,” Varun said.

“No, she is not picking up the call.” Rishabh was frustrated.

So, all of them decided to go to Sriya’s place and ask her about the problem. But they were surprised to find that Sriya’s house was locked since the day before. When they asked around, people said that she has not come back since yesterday!

So they file a missing persons' report with Inspector Vijay Rawat.

At first, the inspector is hesitant to file a report but when he sees the earnestness in their eyes, he complies with their request.

The first question he asks the friends “When did you last see her?”

“We did not meet her rather, we talked over the phone,” Priya says.

The inspector is a bit suspicious of the friends but promises to investigate the matter. He next visits Mayank’s house. Mayank is oblivious to all this and when informed, he just could show his sadness and grief.

Inspector Rawat was, on the other hand, surprised to see Mayank’s condition asks his family

“What’s wrong with him?”

“We don’t know.” His mother says, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye.

“Have you shown him to a doctor?” The inspector asks.

“We have shown him to many doctors, experts in medical fields, psychiatrists. All have failed as nobody can describe what’s wrong with him.” His mother says in a choked tone.

Varun, one of Mayank’s friends decides to go visit Mayank unannounced. He visits his house and sneaks up to Mayank’s room. Here he sees that Mayank’s condition has deteriorated further. He could not recognize his friend. Mayank was staring blankly at the opposite wall and mumbling something which only he could hear.

Varun was shocked and speechless to see his friend in this condition.

“Hello buddy, how are you?” He asks.

“Long time you haven’t met us. We are all worried about you.” Still, no response.

“Mayank, what is the matter with you, man?” Varun asks in an exasperated tone.

Mayank just looks at him with tears welling up in his eyes. He weakly points at the same book and diary lying on the table.

Varun turns and sees the book opened to a specific page and the diary beside it.

Varun goes up t the table and starts riffling through the open book. He is taken aback by the contents of the book! He is further shocked when he goes through Mayank’s diary!

This time, Varun, after reading the whole diary decides to take the book and the diary along with him. He quickly puts them in his backpack, which he always carries. While he was returning home, Varun also feels that someone is following him! But he starts chanting a holy mantra and after some time, he senses that everything is alright. He now calls all his friends and discusses the things in the book and the diary. All of them are naturally shocked and speechless to respond.

Who wouldn’t be, you tell me?

Now, Varun and Rishabh start researching the book and its contents! They also somehow manage to contact Paranormal Investigator Paramjeet Sengupta, the famous Paranormal Investigator and a world-renowned Psychic!

They meet up with him and explain everything to him in detail after the pleasantries and introduction.

Paramjeet remains quiet for some time, as if in deep thought. Then he says “I would like to visit Mayank.”

His friends readily agree and take him to Mayank’s residence the next day.

One thing I forgot to mention was that there was a sudden transformation in Mayank’s attitude. It seemed that it was not Mayank and rather someone else who was inside his body!

Another thing which was mysterious and strange was that the book had mysteriously reappeared back on Mayank’s table and whosoever tried to touch it, Mayank would behave most erratically!

His mother once tried to clean his table and as soon as she touched the book Mayank grew agitated. Strange sounds started emanating from his body and in a deep growl he said

“No...”

His mother got scared and rushed from the extremely hot room.

Getting back to the story, as soon as Paramjeet set foot inside Mayank’s house, he could sense that something was wrong here! He went up to Mayank’s room and could sense that someone or something was watching him closely!

As he tried to Mayank, he got no response. But as he tried to touch the book he was surprised at the ferocity of Mayank’s voice.

“No.............!” Mayank glared at him. It felt that hot fiery balls of fire were shooting up from his eyes.

Paramjeet immediately understood that it was a demonic possession!

He told his family and friends about it and they were all scared and worried for Mayank.

“Don’t worry, he will be alright,” Paramjeet promised and went out of the house.

The next day, he contacted Father Francis, the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church and a certified Demonologist and an Exorcist!

Not wasting much time, Paramjeet went and met Father Francis and gave him a detailed description of everything. Father Francis, after hearing everything said “It’s Malachi!”

When Paramjeet asked who Malachi was. Father Francis said, “He is one of the primary and most dangerous demons in Hell!”

“He wants to possess Mayank and take his soul back with him! He wants to establish through Mayank, the kingdom of Hell on Earth!”

Paramjeet was surprised at this.

“Why only Mayank?” He asked.

“Because he is a non-believer in heaven or hell.” Father Francis replied.

“What happened to Amit and Sriya?” Paramjeet asked.

“Unfortunately, they became victims of Malachi. As he did not want anybody yet to know of his plans.”

When Mayank watched the horror movie, it was then only Malachi had made plans to possess him. Father Francis further added. All his friends were terrified and concerned for Mayank.

“Don’t worry. I have fought Malachi in the past also. I will not let his plan succeed.” Father Francis assured his friends.

The next day Father Francis, Paramjeet, Rishabh and Varun and two of Father Francis’s assistants went up to Mayank’s residence. They had already acquired permission for an exorcism to take place. As soon as they entered Mayank’s house, they could sense that the demonic entity knew that they were here and tried to put many hurdles in their path.

Somehow, father Francis and Paramjeet, along with the rest of the people manage to enter his room. Here, they encountered a ghastly and terrible scene!

It seemed like they had entered hell! Everywhere they could hear screams of tortured souls. There was fire blazing everywhere. Putrid and terrible smells of burning flesh were emanating from the room!

Mayank was no more himself; rather a huge, terrible beast with locked horns, red hot balls of fire welcomed them!

“Welcome, Father. It’s been long since we met.” The entity said looking at Father Francis.

“I know who you are, you filth of hell. Begone! Let this poor soul live his life.” Father Francis said.

“Ha...... Ha....... Hahahahahaha........” Mocked the entity.

“Do you think that I am going to leave him?” The entity asked.

“Yes, you will.” Father Francis replied.

“Never.....”

“Amit & Sriya tried to obstruct me. I got rid of those poor unfortunates.” It proudly remarked.

Mayank who was desperately struggling trapped inside was so saddened to hear this. Father Francis and Paramjeet could feel that his soul wanted help.

Father Francis took out the Holy water and started sprinkling it on Mayank and the surroundings. He also instructed his assistants to start holy verses from the Bible. He began reciting the Holy Bible.

At first, the demonic entity tried to resist, but could not. Who can resist the power of the Supreme One? In a few minutes, the entity got defeated and slunk back to the depths of hell from where it had come. Mayank gradually came back o life and everything came back to normal. Even the temperature of the room got back to normal as before.

Everyone saw that Mayank had become normal and alright again. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and profusely thanked Father Francis and Paramjeet.

They just humbly and politely nodded in acknowledgement and took their leave from there.