2003. I used to be a metropolis reporter in Calcutta when the journey bug first hit me. I needed to enterprise on a very unescorted, solo journey. Aside from work journeys throughout the vary of 100 kilometers going someplace for nothing however enjoyable was until then, out of query.

However the place would I discover my sense of freedom and stretch my wings? I made a decision to go to Darjeeling – the hill prime magnificence that crowns Bengal and which I had at all times heard tales of. A buddy’s father who was posted within the hill station as a bureaucrat, had simply vacated his lodging. The home was nonetheless empty as the brand new district Justice of the Peace had nonetheless not moved in. Which meant, that I may reside within the log home on my own, no less than for per week. This was additionally the primary time I used to be visiting a hill station ever.

Darjeeling is a quaint hill station, lined with lush tea gardens (Credit score: Shutterstock)

So, I took a prepare to New Jalpaiguri after which hopped on to a variety rover service that took by means of a pointy mountain drive to Darjeeling. The sharp hairpin curves of the hill drive was intestine wrenching initially.

Lastly, the automobile took us to Darjeeling. It was an April morning and there nonetheless a nip within the air by afternoon. A porter approached and requested the place I wished to go. Tulip Terrace, I stated.

That’s every thing I used to be informed by my buddy and I additionally was informed that I ought to go to the bungalow of an official and decide up the keys for Tulip Terrace which was to be my deal with for the week. The porter someway managed to search out the home.

It was proper subsequent to a cliff and at a distance, a bunch of college youngsters have been taking part in within the playground. 

I dropped by baggage on the gate. There was no soul round and known as my buddy who stated that the keys have been ready for me. I walked as much as the opposite home the place I used to be supposed to select my keys, the individual there requested me my title and fortunately gave me the important thing and launched me to a guard named Sanjay.

Sanjay was from Nepal however had settled in Darjeeling he informed me on the way in which to Tulip Terrace.

He unlocked the principle door and there I walked right into a sprawling bungalow. There was a drawing room with a fire which appeared to have been unused for years.

Then he took me inside and confirmed the mattress room which was proper on the finish of the home. It had glass home windows by means of which solar was streaming into the room. The mattress was clear and lined with a white bedsheet. The wood ground was lined with a wall to wall inexperienced carpet. Nonetheless everytime I might step, there could be a hole thud.

There was a small door on the alternative finish which was locked. I used to be shortly knowledgeable that the home didn’t have a useful water heating system or a kitchen, however heat water for ingesting will probably be provided by Sanjay each morning. Thus giving me this transient, Sanjay vanished. It was already round 3pm and I made a decision to vary into recent garments after which go and take a look at the mall.

I used to be additionally very hungry. On the mall, I checked all of the curio retailers promoting jewelry, scarves and masks. It was fascinating. I walked a bit forward and found a Glenary’s. I ordered some meals and a pot of Darjeeling tea. Via the home windows the solar drenched mountains have been making a picturesque view. I don’t keep in mind what number of refills of tea I had requested for, taken in by the fantastic thing about the valley beneath. The hillside slowly lit up like a cluster of stars. I made a decision to get again to Tulip Terrace. It was previous seven and it was darkish. All retailers had shut down there was nothing within the mall space aside from a number of individuals speaking loudly to one another close to a store with half its shutter down.

They have been talking the native language. After which I froze. I couldn’t recognise the street I needed to take to get again to the bungalow. I had picked two paranthas from a store subsequent to Glenary’s which was going to be my dinner.

With nothing however my intestine feeling as a map and radar, I took off on a lane which I believed ought to lead me again. With a obscure recollection, I began strolling down a lane which appeared acquainted after which shortly, I found it was a mistaken route. I walked again to the principle street once more.

Darjeeling, the crowning glory of West Bengal (Credit score: Shutterstock) 

As I attempted to determine the precise means, I heard a whirl of bikes. A gaggle of native boys began following me as I walked. At this level I felt a bit of scared. Anyway, they stated one thing to one another which I couldn’t perceive after which speeded off. A robust wind had began blowing by then. The street was pitch-dark and there was no signal of Tulip Terrace.

After someday I lastly discovered the fork that I realised would take me to the bungalow. The place appeared nothing like the way it checked out 3pm. It was silent. The college was shut clearly. I unlocked the door and switched on the lights. Locked the door behind and went straight to the bed room. It was very chilly and there was additionally no room heating. I shortly ate the paranthas. And acquired underneath the quilt.

Simply after I thought that I used to be lastly protected, one thing else began. I caught some unusual noise, from the opposite aspect of the locked door. One thing, like approaching footsteps after which as if the toes have been crushing dry leaves underneath them. I believed I might faint. What if the door burst open and a few unnatural creature walked proper into my bed room.

On the skin there was a raging storm. The tall deodars have been swaying wildly and the wind rustling by means of the leaves was making an odd orchestra mixed with a drunken brawl between a two males, which was floating into the air and mixing in. I had no prayers to hope and such a state of affairs. I left the lights on and don’t know the way or when, went off to sleep.

Within the morning, I heard the doorbell. I used to be pleased to search out myself alive after the nightmare of the earlier evening. I went to the zoo. There was Sanjay. Dutifully reporting to work with a bottle of scorching water. I thanked him after which he requested me how my day went and if every thing was okay. I simply casually threw him a query — every thing was wonderful Sanjay, however at evening, I heard this unusual noise reverse my bed room as if somebody was strolling proper exterior it. What may it’s?

“Oh it was me madam. My room is on the opposite aspect. I got here to eat dinner earlier than going again for my evening obligation on the ADM’s home…”

I’ve felt scared many occasions whereas travelling solo afterwards, however by no means as a lot as how I felt on the Tulip Terrace.