Author - Jui Purohit.

*Click here for Part 2*  Anjali stared at the painting. "Yes, it's the same one that I've seen in my grandfather's cupboard. An 'unframed' portrait, he has kept it in the chest that he locks up. But I got to see it once while in his room. When I inquired about it he had said it's a gift. But as it was very old he said he didn't frame it", Anjali said. "Gift! You didn't ask him from whom? Who would gift a portrait of an unknown woman? Why would anyone? It's not a Monalisa or a Madam X", Shalini let out a weird laugh. "Shalini how did you know this? How did you paint this? Who are you?", Anjali was also scared now. Raghav held Anjali closer and said, "Who are you please don't harm Shalini. Please we beg of you". "Beg! That's how it was, eons ago. I had also begged. But no one listened to me. Anjali your grandfather, Raghav's grandfather and Sham's grandfather, never cared. I was in love with ...

 "Let's not go there. It's a haunted house. Why do we need to do this?", Sham said, his voice was shaking. "Hey! Now that you've challenged me, you want me to step down? What will that make of me?", Anjali said, her voice was stern. "Raghav, yaar, stop her please. She won't listen to any of us, but you", Sham insisted. "Koi nai yaar, let's see kya hota hai, chalo, keep walking", Raghav was keen too. "Anjali, watch your step. There's no light in here", Shalini held Anjali's hand. "What are we four? Some Fantastic Four or something? Are we superheroes?", Sham blurted his obtuse thoughts, while others shush'ed him. "Keep your voice low. We are going in", Anjali was at the door of the secluded bungalow. It had a huge courtyard but the grass was withered. The trees around had huge trunks, that meant they were rather old. The porch ceiling had cobwebs. "It's like a purani haveli (ol...

*Click for Part 1*  Sham screamed in fear when the amorphous silhouette surged closer and in a moment Shalini's phone was hanging mid-air. The flashlight beam swaying up and down. While Raghav, Sham and Anjali were terrified watching this dance of light, suddenly a lantern hanging at the corner of the room lit up, dimly. Shalini was sitting under the lantern on the throne like chair, holding a brush in her hands. There was an easel in front of her with a canvas. Raghav and Anjali stepped towards Shalini. Sham whispered from behind, "Had told you there's some exorcism in here, Why did we come here...Shalini...". Shalini swiftly turned towards them and in a stereo phonic voice said, "This had to happen. I knew you would come here". Raghav, Anjali and Sham stood aghast. Was that a ghost? Really? They couldn't believe their ears. Shalini started to paint with the brush, stroking on the canvas. "Anjali, where had you been for so many years? I was waiting...