Tulpa: Myth or Reality

Tulpa: Myth or Reality

20 mins
395



 The Human Brain can play tricks on you if you are emotionally weak and can wreak havoc on your life or it can help you improve your present life. There are still experiments going on to understand this human brain of ours since many decades and it has aroused the curiosity of many people since ages that how can a brain that can produce 'The Last Supper' & 'Mona Lisa' also can devise Nuclear, Thermo-Nuclear, Chemical and Biological weapons for human misery and destruction. On one hand, the brain has given humanity geniuses like Pluto, Aristotle, Botticelli, Newton, Einstein, Edward Jenner, Madame Marie Curie, Dr Christian Bernard, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and Buddha, William Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw and other great men in various fields of human progress and cultural enhancement; and on the same hand have also given us Chengis, Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin, Osama, Baghdadi, Idi Amin and all the sick twisted and pervaded people who have caused such untold misery, death, destruction and grief on such a scale that we are still ashamed of calling ourselves civilized.

Anyways, the story I am going to tell you is that of a man who created an entity out of the power of his mind and used it for his unfulfilled desires and emotions, but which later on came to cause much grief and harm to him and to the people he loved, cherished and cared for the most.

 

Sanjay Kumar was a middle class, an ordinary man with a loving wife Gayatri and two kids Anuj & Reena. Sanjay was a small-time writer who had written few books for children in horror fiction and also was a painter who used to get some artistic jobs. His wife was a banker in a big bank. Both Anuj and Reena were studying in a public school and both were brilliant in their studies and also in extra-curricular activities. People used to be jealous of Sanjay & his family because of their status as a loving and happy family and also especially also because of Gayatri, who despite being very beautiful and efficient in her field was completely devoted to her husband and doted on her kids. People sometimes humorously jived that it is because of Gayatri that Sanjay has such a great family and a fulfilling life." This always riled Gayatri and she used to get upset over such kind of comments on her family but Sanjay used to take this lightly and calm her down. Even in social gatherings Sanjay and Gayatri were subjected to such kind of comments but despite that, both of them maintained their lightheartedness. 


But somewhere deep down even Sanjay used to feel the same about his family, though he never once brought out his true feelings in front of anyone. He also somehow felt that despite their happiness and success, there was always something missing and he used to think of methods to fulfill that void; now that maybe through bringing gifts for the family, or taking them out on vacations, also spending quality time with them despite his schedule. He was also on the lookout always for a big break in his stories which could bring him more fame, success and money.

 

So after many attempts, he succeeded in writing a story which he named ''The Tulpa' and the story was of a person who creates an imaginary friend through the sheer power of mind and which later on is the cause of much grief & suffering for the character in the story, for this Sanjay had to a lot of research and he thought will bring in the desired results and for that he contacted his friend and agent Anil. Anil was a childhood buddy of Sanjay and completed his graduation from the same school and college with Sanjay. Now he was a successful book publishing agent in one of the biggest publishing firms and it was he who had given Sanjay his first break.


 Therefore he was both elated and curious when he received a call from Sanjay inviting him for coffee at a nearby cafe. Thereafter getting over with the pleasantries, Sanjay got down to serious business and showed him the manuscript. At first, Anil was a bit hesitant but after going through the whole manuscript, he immediately realized that this was an opportunity to make millions and also to get in big leagues. He knew for that he had to betray his childhood friend's trust and friendship, and he also knew that what he was about to do was wrong but his mind was filled with greed at the time. So with a solemn face though internally he was very excited turns towards Sanjay and said that ‘it’s okay, but these days nobody likes to read a book, rather they would go for digitized version and that too if any publisher agrees to publish his book’. Looking at the crestfallen face of his friend Anil says that he will try his best to get it published but for that, he needs a copy. Sanjay readily agrees to give his only copy as he completely trusts his friend. So they part on a promise that Anil will keep him updated. 

 

So Sanjay waits for any positive news from his friend in the following weeks, meanwhile, Anil manages to convince and connive with a publisher Vikram Rathore, who is as mean and selfish and corrupt like Anil that they will get the book published but in Anil's name as he also sometimes used to write and do a book launch on this. When Vikram anxiously reminds Anil about Sanjay and what he will do when he comes to know about this and his treachery; Anil says that ‘ he has given his only copy to me and what proof does he have that it's his manuscript and if things get serious, then I know how to deal with’. When Vikram asks that 'What of the soft copy?’ Anil says that it will be taken care of. With that, both of them close the deal and forget about it.


Now, it's been months and Sanjay has not heard from his friend or got any update on his manuscript when suddenly one day he receives an invitation from his friend Anil inviting him to his book launch party. At first, Sanjay is surprised that how come all of a sudden Anil has written a book and that too after months of no contact with him nor any update on his manuscript?. But despite that Sanjay feels happy and anxious to go to the party which Gayatri feels is a waste of time and also that something is amiss.

 

So with much curiosity and anxiety, Sanjay & Gayatri decide to go to this book launching party at Anil's house. It is here that Sanjay gets the biggest shock and betrayal of his life from his best childhood friend; as they reach Anil's house, Anil warmly welcomes them and facilitates them comfortably and then everyone is quietened down, he drops the bombshell on Sanjay!. It seemed as if it was a prelude to something like this.

It is then that Anil announces the reason for having this party as he has written a book called 'The Tulpa', and it is very soon going to be launched in the market and there he also discloses that discussions were going on making a movie and a television series out of his book. 


At first, Sanjay doesn’t believe what he has heard, so he turns towards a shocked and ashen face Gayatri who confirms the terrible truth that Anil has launched Sanjay's book as his own and has grabbed the movie and television deal. Gayatri is so overcome with anger that she walks up to Anil and slaps him on the face and demands to know how come did he betray his friend and steal his work? and for what some fame and money?.


Anil just looks at her and smiles in front of a shocked gathering and says’ What proof does she have that it's Sanjay's work and even if it is Sanjay's manuscript, then where is it?’. Sanjay meanwhile is too stunned and shocked to reply and he just takes his family away from the party. He keeps quiet during the whole way back home and this further infuriates Gayatri, who is already fuming with rage. As they reach home Sanjay is completely devastated but he decides to keep his grief inside as there is no point in raving and ranting. He checks his laptop to see whether the soft copy of his manuscript is there or not, but to his expectation, he finds that the soft copy has been deleted from his laptop. He then remembers that some time ago he was facing some software issues and he had told Anil about it and it is he who had sent Sonu the technician to take a look at his laptop. Sanjay now can connect all the dots and then he decides to have his revenge on the people who destroyed his dream, his life and stole his only hope of making it big.


From that time onwards Sanjay, all of a sudden becomes very reserved and silent. He starts distancing himself from Gayatri and the kids and all the acquaintances, which is rather surprising and quite disturbing for Gayatri. She has tried many times to talk to him, but he never responds and leaves the room whenever Gayatri is trying to start a conversation.

There is a further weirdness in Sanjay’s character in the coming days. It is as if something has come over Sanjay and he behaves erratically. He even leaves the house and goes missing for days; doing what nobody knows as he doesn't carry any mode of communication with him on his frequent disappearances. But as he disappeared; so does he reappear all of a sudden.

  

This goes on for many days and months when Gayatri starts to lose control of the situation and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. It is then one day a very old friend of Sanjay comes in to visit him, this friend Gaurav has been the best buddy of Sanjay along with Anil and they go back a long time. Sanjay further complicates the matters by not even acknowledging his friend’s presence. Things come to such a point that Gayatri is forced to threaten his separation, but he is oblivious to everything. 


      Then one day, all of sudden Sanjay comes out of his self-imposed exile and is in a very jovial mood and starts interacting with his family and playing with the kids. He even promises to make it up to them by taking them out for a picnic, movie and a grand dinner. At first, Gayatri is at a loss of words to find Sanjay as himself again after so many days. She is also surprised that what the reason was for this sudden transformation and she asks him also but Sanjay says that he felt guilty for his behaviour and wants to make it up to her and the family and also he will let her know in time.

All this while Anil, Vikram were having a gala time. With the successful launch of his book, offers were pouring in Anil's lap and Vikram was also getting richer and gaining business because of this, even Sonu, the technician was quiet in demand because of his skills. 


Then one day, when Sanjay decides to take out his family for the promised picnic, movie and dinner, is the time when life starts turning for all of them. As Sanjay was having fun with his family on a Sunday and enjoying the day, on the other hand, Sonu was also enjoying himself at his place with music and drinks when suddenly he sees a shadow near the TV stand. At first, he dismisses it ass nothing, but then when his glance falls over the spot, he sees that the shadow has moved! Sonu clears his alcohol-induced haze in his mind and takes a closer look and is terrified as he senses the shadow slowly taking shape of a human and moving towards him with a malicious grin. At first, Sonu calls out to the shadow and asks ‘ Who is there?’, but getting no reply from the shadow; gets more scared and tries to flee from the place but to his surprise, he realizes that he cannot do that. Then as the shadow moves in closer, Sonu begs the entity not to kill him and whatever he did; he did it on Anil & Vikram's instructions. The shadow doesn’t seem to care and inches closer and then there that is the last that is seen of Sonu.


Meanwhile, Sanjay is completely unaware of what is happening. A few days later, Sonu's body is found near the roadside ditch, his neck broken at an odd angle and complete terror in his eyes. The police start investigating this as it is murder and in their investigation, they find that Sonu had installed CCTV cameras in his house. This proves to be a turning point for the police in their investigation as they find that the camera had captured the CCTV image of another person and that person was Sanjay! So they go to Sanjay's house and start interrogating him, but to their surprise, they find that Sanjay had an alibi on the night of the murder as he was out with his family having dinner. This they get it confirmed from Gayatri & the kids and also even the restaurant where they had dinner also vouches for Sanjay.


The officer Prashant is surprised at how can a person be at two places at the same time!. This is a question that will baffle Prashant further on. Meanwhile, Vikram gets scared and nervous upon hearing the news of Sonu's death and rushes straight to Anil and talks about his apprehensions and panic, he says to Anil that ‘ I think that Sanjay is finally lost it and is on a path of revenge’. Anil dismisses this and reassures Vikram that ‘ He has no balls for such an act and anyways he has no proof that we have his story, so relax and by the way, the police are also investigating into the matter and also questioning Sanjay, so no need to worry’. Saying that both of them start discussing further plans on their newfound fame and glory over drinks.


After some time when it is late in the night, Vikram and Anil decide to call it a day and Anil drops Vikram back to his home. Vikram's house is quite big and amazing considering the amount of money he has spent on it, but today he is all alone because his wife has taken the kids to their maternal grandparents' home and no one is there except Vikram. Vikram though drunk decides to have a few more drinks before calling it a day by watching his favourite show on the TV. 

After around half an hour when Vikram is quite cosy in his couch with a drink in his hand and watching television is when he hears his doorbell ringing quite loudly.


At first, he is startled by the noise but just ignores it and goes back to watching tv, but then again two minutes later the calling bell rings is the time he thinks that who can come at around 11:30 p.m. to his place?. Anyways he gets up and opens the door only to find that no one is there, he looks around but can't see anyone. He closes and just as he turns his back, again the bell rings, this time he is quick to open the door but again he can't see anyone. So this makes him irritated and angry and he slams the door shut and as he is making his way towards the couch, the bell rings the third time! and this time Vikram is so pissed and about to pounce on anyone who is outside. As he opens the door all his anger and stupor vanishes as sees Sanjay standing there with the same sneer as seen in Sonu's case.


Vikram gets scared though he doesn't show it and Sanjay is not bothered to answer Vikram's questions that ‘ Why are you here at this time of the night? & how can I help you?’ Sanjay just enters the house and the next day Vikram is found hanging by the neck from the ceiling fan. When Vikram's family returns the next day; they find that the main door is open and sensing that something is amiss, as they enter the house, they find Vikram's body hanging by the ceiling and a suicide note. It is then Vikram's wife hysterical and crying loudly calls the police and also says to Inspector Prashant that ‘ Vikram was not the type to commit suicide and it must have been Sanjay", 


On hearing this Prashant gets alert and asks her about her husband's whereabouts the previous night and also who all he had met that night. While further investigating Vikram's suicide/murder, Prashant finds that here too there were CCTV cameras installed and when he looks into them, he is mystified. He finds Sanjay standing at the entrance to Vikram's house, on seeing this the police again get hold of Sanjay for questioning, but this time also Sanjay has a very strong alibi and his wife Gayatri says that he was sleeping in his bed from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. the next day.

 

Meanwhile, the media starts building pressure on the police to catch the killer as the general public is afraid that there might be a serial killer on the loose.

 On the other hand, Gayatri also starts to have doubts on Sanjay as she comes to hear of Vikram's apparent suicide/murder, she though knows from the deep of her heart that Sanjay can't even hurt a fly but still the doubt lingers on. Sanjay, on the other hand, senses the dilemma going on in Gayatri's mind and tries to reassure her that he had nothing to do with these deaths; though internally he feels a deep satisfaction. While all this is going on Anil now gets serious and starts thinking that what Vikram had told him a few days ago might be true about Sanjay. So he decides to directly go to Sanjay and confront him about the whole matter.


One day he indeed goes to Sanjay’s house and directly barges in and starts throwing accusations on to Sanjay without taking into consideration the fact that Gayatri and the kids were also at home. Anil in a fit of anger says that ‘you are a coward and when you could not prove your point, you started your to take your revenge by killing them’. All this while Anil is ranting on in front of an astounded Gayatri and the kids, Sanjay just calmly looks at him and says that ‘ I did not do anything wrong then and neither did I do anything wrong now’. Anil is startled by his answer and also so put off by his calm demeanour, that he storms out of the house by warning Sanjay that if anything happens to him then Sanjay will face the consequences. Saying that he storms out of the house and drives back home. 

 

As Anil stays in a condominium, his apartment is on the 10th floor of the building. So while going up to his apartment Anil plans on calling the police and confirming his suspicions about Sanjay. As soon as he enters his apartment, he sees that Sanjay is already present there which surprises him because he had just left Sanjay's house after having a virtual showdown with him and now he is present here. He thinks that how can that be? how can Sanjay come before him and so quickly? he even poses these questions to him. The figure that is similar to Sanjay does not bother to respond to these questions and rather counters him by posing a very curious question, he simply asks ‘Prove that I am Sanjay?’ Anil gets startled by this absurd statement and also looks a little bit confused and nervous. Still maintaining bravado. He tries not to get intimidated by the entity and tries to laugh by saying’ how stupid can you get?’ Though the entity in front of him does not bother to reply and just moves towards him.


All this while putting up a brave front, he was also nervously retreating towards the window. The next thing people on the ground see is that Anil jumping off from his window and falling straight down to earth dead. People start panicking and screaming and they call the police. When Inspector Prashant comes to the scene, he finds that apparently, Anil has jumped from his apartment window and on further investigation in the apartment; police find a suicide note detailing how he, Vikram & Sonu had betrayed Sanjay and how they had stolen his manuscript and called it their own. It also describes Sonu's complicity in the crime. The police than are convinced that Sanjay is the killer and they proceed to arrest him on evidence and also due to intense pressure from senior officials, and media.

Sanjay though is innocent of all these murders fails to convince the police and they take him for questioning.


Here a curious thing happens, which is while under interrogation Sanjay finally meets his own Tupla!, who is smiling now and asks Sanjay that is he happy now?. When Sanjay requests this being to stop all this killing, it becomes enraged and says that it won't stop as it has just started and now the next victim is going to be Gayatri as she also harangued him in the beginning. 

Hearing this Sanjay gets afraid and begs the being not to hurt his family but the being does not bother to respond to his entreaties. The most curious thing is that while all this was happening, nobody else could see or hear anything that was going on between Sanjay and the entity. When suddenly one of the constables gives out a warning that Sanjay has somehow managed to give the cops a slip and has escaped. When Prashant comes to know this, he realizes that where will Sanjay go and decides to go there.


Upon reaching his house, Sanjay finds that Gayatri and the kids are watching television. Seeing Sanjay, Gayatri becomes alarmed and is concerned for his safety. Sanjay all of a sudden sees the entity slowly making its way towards Gayatri and the kids and then he warns them for their lives and tells them to run for their lives. It is then that Gayatri becomes quiet alarmed looking at Sanjay's expression of nervousness and apprehension that she asks him ‘ What is the matter? why are you so scared and why should we run for our lives?’. Sanjay then tells her the whole story of his mysterious disappearances, his self-imposed sequestration and his becoming quiet was because he was involved in researching how to create a Tulpa and how to control it. He also tells her that all these killings were done by this entity and now it has become bloodthirsty and it's after Gayatri and the kids because they too did not support him in the beginning. 

While all this is going on, the Tulpa materializes and in a fit of anger and hatred, hurls a knife towards Gayatri and she gets cut on the shoulder.


At the same time, Inspector Prashant also reaches the spot and is surprised to find a duplicate of Sanjay. At first, he takes time to understand the situation, but when he sees that the entity is trying to hurt Gayatri, he tries to intervene but is knocked unconscious on the ground and his revolver flies a few meters away from him. The real Sanjay, on the other hand, gets very scared and tries to stop the entity but unfortunately is unable to do so. He then quickly writes a confession detailing the whole story and somehow manages to retrieve Prashant's gun. He points it at the entity and fires but nothing happens and it moves ahead to harm Gayatri; that is the time Sanjay realizes that it was his creation; his mental image and it can only be destroyed when the creator kills himself. He points the gun at himself and with a last loving glance at his wife and the kids, shoots himself. Meanwhile, Inspector Prashant regains consciousness and tries to stop Sanjay but he is too late. Gayatri, when sees that Sanjay has killed himself as the entity, is also destroyed the moment Sanjay falls dead to the ground, breaks down and starts crying hysterically. Inspector 


Prashant meanwhile tries to console Gayatri that at last Sanjay has got justice as he shows her Anils's suicide note and the details of his betrayal and other crimes. One thing which Inspector Prashant says while leaving that ‘this is the most strange case in my entire life and 

the lesson I have learned is that you should not dabble in things which are beyond your control.’ Saying that he takes leave of a grieving Gayatri and her kids and leaves their house.



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