The Ghostly Guardian

Devika used to reside in a very old house that had been renovated. Her residence was beautiful. The house had solid walls, high ceilings, huge comfortable rooms, and a swinging door between the dining room and living room.

From the time Devika resided in this big house, there were times when she would catch something in her peripheral vision - a flash, a slight movement, etc. She didn’t dwell on it as she had other things that required her attention being the single mother of a young child. But somewhere in her heart, she knew that there was something absurd in that place, especially in the dining and kitchen area.

On a Friday evening after a very long day at work, Devika was watching a movie upstairs in her bedroom with her son. The nanny had finished her work and had gone home. All of a sudden the swinging kitchen door which was kept propped open “swooshed”. She did not pay much attention to it thinking it was her apartment mates closing it for some reason. Then it happened again…and again….and again - it kept happening. She thought what the hell is going on? Why somebody is opening and closing the swinging kitchen door continuously?

Now was the time for her to pay attention to the swooshing of the door. Devika went downstairs and called her friends. She was surprised to see that not a single flatmate was present in the house at that moment. Now she was a bit scared. The door continued moving with a rushing sound. She called her roommates. They all were engaged elsewhere. Devika understood that someone was in that big house that shouldn’t be. She gathered courage and checked the scenario. When she reached the kitchen she found no one there but there was a gas leak! The whole downstairs reeked of gas.

Devika stood frozen in the kitchen, her heart pounding in her chest. The pungent smell of gas filled the air, creating a suffocating atmosphere. Her mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions - fear, relief, and gratitude all intertwined. The realization of how close they had come to a potential disaster washed over her, leaving her trembling. With shaky hands, Devika rushed to turn off the gas supply and opened all the windows, desperately trying to let fresh air in. The safety of her son and herself was her top priority, and she thanked whatever force had intervened to save them. But questions swirled in her mind. Who or what had been responsible for the continuous swooshing of the kitchen door? 

How had they sensed the gas leak when no one else had? As the adrenaline subsided, Devika couldn't ignore the fact that there was an unseen presence in their home. She had always been aware of peculiar occurrences, but she had dismissed them as mere figments of her imagination or the result of an old house settling. Now, it seemed undeniable that there was more to the story. Determined to uncover the truth, Devika delved into the history of the house. She discovered that many families had experienced strange phenomena, just like she had, but they had always sensed a protective presence rather than a malevolent one.

Devika sought the guidance of an elderly neighbor who had lived in the area for decades. Mrs. Kapoor, a wise and gentle woman, listened attentively to Devika's account of the recent events. She nodded knowingly and shared tales passed down from her own ancestors about the spirit residing in the house.

According to the stories, the spirit was believed to be that of a young woman who had tragically lost her life in a fire that consumed the old structure that once stood in place of the current house. It was said that she had perished in the dining area, where the kitchen now stood.

The spirit, known as Priya, had chosen to remain connected to the place she had once called home, protecting those who lived within its walls. Mrs. Kapoor assured Devika that Priya meant no harm and had only shown herself through subtle signs and movements. Priya's purpose was to safeguard the inhabitants and guide them away from danger, just as she had done that fateful evening. Devika felt a mix of emotions - awe, gratitude, and a profound sense of responsibility.

Days turned into weeks, and Devika started acknowledging Priya's presence. She would say a silent thank you whenever she caught a glimpse of movement from the corner of her eye or felt a cool breeze brush against her cheek. She understood that Priya was a guardian, a silent protector who had saved their lives by alerting her to the gas leak.

As time went on, Devika shared her experience with her friends and family, who were initially skeptical. But the authenticity of her gratitude and the sincerity of her words convinced them. Together, they formed a bond of trust with the benevolent spirit, and the house became a place of shared respect and admiration for Priya. The presence of the spirit no longer frightened Devika or her son; instead, it brought a comforting sense of security. They lived their lives surrounded by the love and protection that Priya provided, and Devika made sure to express her gratitude every day.

Years passed, and Devika eventually moved out of the old house, but her connection with Priya remained unbroken. She carried the lessons she had learned into her new home, fostering an environment of appreciation and acknowledgment for the unseen forces that watched over them.

Devika's experience transformed her perception of the supernatural. She had discovered that not all ghostly encounters were meant to terrify or harm. Some spirits were there to guide and protect, reminding us of the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms.

As she looked back on her time in the old house, Devika realized that it had been a gift, an opportunity to learn and grow. She treasured the memories and the connection she had forged with Priya, a guardian spirit who had forever touched her life and taught her the true meaning of gratitude and trust in the unseen.