Sneek Out

Zarna rolled down the window as Tej stopped the car. It was pouring; thunder and lightning made the atmosphere eerie than it already was.

Advika rubbed her palms peeping out of the window.

An ancient, ruined temple was visible from the car. "Nobody in plain sight," said Ray as he looked around. Maya removed a small device which looked more like a cell phone. "Seriously, Maya," said Advika and nodded her head. "Wait," said Ray as he turned to look at the device. "Is this a..."

"Yes, this device can detect ghosts," said Maya with a smile.

"Might I ask, from where did you get this device?" questioned Advika. "She works in the supernatural studies department, Adu," remarked Zarna. "I bet you stole it," said Ray and winked. Maya giggled and punched him playfully. 

"So, Maya," said Tej removing the seat belt. "Does your device detect any ghosts here, nearby? What's the range it works?"

"It can detect energies, negative energies up to a range of a few meters," revealed Maya and pressed a black button on the device. 

"Negative," said Maya as a green light flashed on the small screen of the device. "After me," said Tej and stepped out of the car wearing his overcoat. The others followed.

"Doesn't it looks like the Khajuraho?" questioned Ray as he shielded his eyes from the rain. "Yes," nodded Zarna and pursed her thin lips. 

Advika wore her spectacles and tied her hair into a ponytail. "Maya, I suggest you tie your hair," she said looking at Maya who had left her shoulder-length curly hair open. Maya quickly took the bow on her wrist and struggled to tie her hair into a bun.

Tej locked the car and they took a few steps towards the temple. "Any of you girls carrying a hairpin?" quizzed Ray flashing a bright smile. "Yes," replied Maya. "But why?"

"We have to break in the temple and library both," said Tej firmly. 

"I can't believe we're doing this," whispered Advika and removed her phone from her jeans pocket.

They cautiously walked towards the temple, looking around, making sure they weren't seen. 

"Hairpin please," said Ray extending his hand as they stood in front of the giant door of the temple. Maya handed him her hairpin and looked at him. She was doubtful of Ray being able to open the lock with just an ordinary hairpin.

Ray turned the hairpin a few times, and with a low sound, the lock opened. Maya was amazed. Zarna and Advika exchanged a look and smiled. "Good job," said Advika bemused. 

Tej let the way as they slowly pushed open the door and entered the temple closing the door behind them. Advika could feel her heart pound. Zarna held Advika's arm. "I'm beginning to feel scared," she said. Advika lightly pressed her arm, "me too," she replied. 

They removed their cell phones and switched on the flashlights to see the stairs.

"Might be at least 80 steps," said Ray looking at the stairs which led to the entrance porch of the temple. 

"Quick," said Tej and sped towards the porch for shelter. The others followed.

They removed their overcoat once they were inside the temple and had a roof on their head. 

The porch was spacious with a few diyas lit in the corners. 

"Let's explore," said Maya taking a step towards the hall of the temple. 

They went inside, examining the walls of the temple. It was made up of different rocks and slate. "Wow," said Zarna and touched the walls. 

"Look at this," said Maya.

The symbols of the five elements, fire, water, earth, air, and sky were inscribed on the wall. The roof above them was supported by four gigantic pillars. 

"Does that mean something?" wondered Zarna and glanced at Advika who seemed to be lost in thoughts.

"Adu," said Zarna and shook her. "Yes, I feel, it has to do something with the secrets of the elements or this temple maybe," she said. 

They touched the symbols and removed their hand instantly. "Ouch," cried Advika and Zarna.

The symbol shone; radiating white light. 

They looked at each other, puzzled. 

Maya looked at her hand. "Why would it hurt?" she wondered.

"Let's do this again," said Advika as kept her hand on the earth symbol. The others followed; their hearts pounding and hands trembling.

It felt like a blunt knife was held against their hand. 

The atmosphere grew cold. Advika could feel the calmness in the air. "Feels soothing, this air," said Zarna. 

They removed their hands; the symbol stopped glowing immediately. 

"It's just like the book, it stops emitting light as soon as we remove our hands from it," said Maya. "Maybe, we should look around for more clues," suggested Ray. Advika glanced at her watch.

12:30 a.m., it said.

They entered the womb-chamber, where the idol of Lord Shiva was placed. Advika joined her hands and closed her eyes. Others followed suit.

Please save and protect us from all harm and danger, prayed Advika.

They looked around the entire temple, scanning it for clues. The only thing they found was the symbol on the wall which glowed when they touched it.

"Can you hear that?" asked Advika. "Hear what?" asked Maya. Tej looked around, trying to find out the source of the sound. "The soft music," said Ray. "Yes, I hear it now," said Maya and glanced at Zarna. "Me too," added Zarna. 

"But where's it coming from?" wondered Advika and looked around. "Advika," said Tej. "You know the trick."

"Yes, Adu, go for it," said Zarna, excited.

Advika closed her eyes and concentrated on the sound, taking a step ahead. She stood there for a brief moment; contemplating the direction she should move in. 

"Who's there?" they heard a man shout.

"Shit!" cussed Ray. "I think its the caretaker or watchmen."

"Run," said Tej and made his way towards the door. The others behind him.

They sped towards the car without looking back. 

Their shoes pounded heavily across the ground causing mud to slash up their legs.

"Hit it," said Ray as he took his seat beside Tej who sat on the driving seat. Tej drove at full speed and stopped only when they arrived home.

Advika sighed. "That was close," said Ray, panting.

                                                                         ~~~~~~~

Ray and Tej sat on the dining table.

Advika gulped down a glass of water and threw herself on the sofa. Zarna sat on the adjacent sofa closing her eyes. Maya lay down at the foot of the sofa, holding her feet.

Ray chuckled. "You girls should try jogging," he said. Tej smiled. "Ray, I think we need to give them classes on fitness," added Tej. The boys laughed as the girls gave them a stern look.

"Shut up," whispered Advika. She was too tired to fight or even talk. 

"Jokes apart, but I wish we could find the source of that sound," said Tej.

"The timing of that man was..." said Maya and sighed.

"I hope he didn't see anyone of us," said Advika, catching her breath. "No, it was dark enough, plus, it sounded like it was an old man," said Tej. "Yes, his eyesight won't be that great," added Ray.

"We'll go again, but, after some days," said Advika. "Yes, that man would probably forget us by then," said Zarna.

"Let's sleep, we'll discuss in the morning," said Maya and dragged herself to the bedroom upstairs.