The mysterious tree-dwelling spirits

In the small town of Saharanpur, where summer nights were notorious for their stifling heat, a peculiar tale unfolded beneath the blanket of stars. In those days, people sought refuge from the oppressive warmth by sleeping outside their homes, on terraces, or in courtyards. This story passed down through generations, began with the granduncle of our storyteller, a man whose encounter with the supernatural would forever etch a haunting memory in the family lore.

One sweltering night, the granduncle decided to embrace the coolness of the open sky and lay down for a peaceful slumber in the courtyard. Little did he know that the tranquility of the night would soon be shattered by an otherworldly experience that defied explanation.

As the night settled in with its inky darkness, the granduncle began to feel an unusual sensation at the soles of his feet. It was a gentle, rhythmic massage, sending shivers down his spine. Initially attributing it to the affectionate gestures of his wife, who lay beside him, he dismissed the sensation with a contented smile. However, when he inquired, his wife denied any involvement, casting a perplexed shadow over the peaceful night.

Confused and intrigued, the granduncle decided to investigate the source of this mysterious massage. Night after night, the sensation persisted, growing more intense with each passing moment. Despite confronting his family, all of whom vehemently denied any participation, he became convinced that this was no mere hallucination. Determined to unravel the truth, he concocted a plan to expose the unseen presence that lurked in the shadows.

The following night, feigning deep sleep, the granduncle lay still, anticipating the gentle touch that had become both an enigma and a disturbance. True to his expectations, the mysterious massage returned. In an instant, he sprang into action, kicking out with such force that the unseen masseur tumbled to the ground. Before he could catch a glimpse of the intruder, it vanished into thin air, leaving him bewildered and shaken.

The next morning, unable to contain the weight of his experience, the granduncle confided in his aunt. Fearing the worst, she gathered the neighborhood's ladies for an urgent meeting. It was during this gathering that the chilling truth emerged, woven into the fabric of local folklore.

According to the elders, spirits were said to inhabit the ancient trees that surrounded Saharanpur. These ethereal beings, as the tales recounted, roamed the night in search of restless souls. Whispers spoke of their unique penchant for giving massages to those they deemed worthy, yet their intentions remained shrouded in mystery.

The granduncle's bravery in the face of the supernatural garnered both admiration and concern from his family and neighbors. The terrified aunt pleaded with him to abandon his nocturnal outdoor slumber, fearing the wrath of these mysterious tree-dwelling spirits.

As the story unfolded, the family grappled with the age-old question of whether the massages were indeed the work of restless spirits or if there existed a more rational explanation. The town buzzed with speculation, and the granduncle became an unwitting hero—a man who had ventured into the realm of the unknown and emerged with a tale that blurred the lines between reality and folklore.

The chilling account of Saharanpur's tree spirits lingered in the minds of its residents, becoming a cautionary tale shared during moonlit nights. The granduncle's courtyard, once a sanctuary for peaceful sleep, transformed into a place marked by uncertainty and the ever-present awareness of unseen forces.

In the end, the granduncle's tale left a lasting impression, prompting each listener to ponder the mysteries that lurk in the darkness, hidden beneath the veil of night. 

Whether the massages were the spectral caresses of ancient spirits or a figment of an overactive imagination remained an unanswered question—a mystery that added an extra layer of intrigue to the enchanting nights of Saharanpur.