Don't Fall Asleep

Episode Four - A Creature on loose

Trying to keep my cool in the face of adversities, I contacted the bus operator and came to know that my daughter had suddenly halted the bus in the middle of the road, stating an emergency and got off near the market. My wife grew hysterical hearing the news and started screaming, while never stopping to blame me for everything . The teacher who accompanied my daughter later told the bus driver that Isha was not feeling well, so she had sent her home.

I immediately set off for the teacher's house but when I reached Mrs. Gomes's complex, an one hour drive from my place, she was not there. I had the class teacher's number and learnt from her that on the way to school Mrs Gomes came to know of her mother-in-law's heart attack and immediately had to return back, pack her bags and go. 'And where did her mother-in-law stay ?' I asked excitedly. 'Versova, Mumbai', Isha's class teacher said matter-of-factly.

After lodging a formal FIR at the local P.S. I was wondering how to face my wife back home, when I suddenly remembered that I still had the info about the seller on the app's order list . Opening the mobile app, I was surprised to find the address to be near the supermarket we frequented. I lost no time in reaching the shop only to find a closed board. The footpath peddlars told me that the man had shut down his shop once and for all. I jotted down the address of Raghu, the one famous for selling children's toys in the area. 'What made him decide to close his flourishing business of years ?' I felt devastated.

'Raghu had made a fortune in a couple of years of opening his tiny shop. He mainly bought made in China products smuggled through the Kidderpore docks. His offers being the cheapest, he had no trouble in procuring the orders. Since couple of months Raghu was disturbed. His consignments were suddenly being rejected by customers one by one . There were negative feedback on online shopping sites'.

'The police had also raided his shop a couple of times. I guess there was some business rivalry. The products were getting tampered midway. Yesterday he looked completely shattered'. 

'One glass special with extra malai' a young man ordered siding off his bike and the teaseller excused himself. 'Make it quick man, if you want to catch him. Raghu had told me he'll be going home tonight. His train leaves in two hours from now'. Hari, a hawker selling cakes and other snacks along with tea seemed to be a close confidante of Raghu, both hailing from the same village in Rajasthan.

The address showed South Kolkata and going by the traffic at that hour of the day. it'd take minimum two hours to reach. I knew I couldn't allow so much time. So I rode like a maniac dodging traffic signals and ignoring police sirens behind me . As it was the time of festivals, Kolkata was having a facelift resulting in blockades and traffic detours to facilitate construction of marquees, festooning of public spaces and carrying out lighting arrangements.

Coming halfway through I remembered that I haven't given a call home when my mobile rang. 'Isha had come back by herself' It was my wife's excited voice at the other end. I heaved a sigh of relief. But the next moment I failed to let go of a sneaking suspicion. 'Where is that thing now ? I demanded. She took time to answer. 'Actually Isha called out Mamma in her typical tone. Won't a mother recognize her child ? I had no doubt it was her. Maybe there is nothing eerie and this has something to do with her health. Come home and we'll take her for a check-up' my wife blurted put. 'But it was decided between us that you'd not open that door ' .. I clenched my teeth inadvertently.. ' .. That goddamn store room door till I returned' I spat out my frustration, cursing myself before cutting the line off.

Should I continue riding towards my destination or take a turn back to check my home ? I was in a dilemma now. On one hand I'd got to find my daughter, while on the other that doll .. that creature was let loose in my house. My wife's life was in danger. Without taking my foot from the accelerator I dialed my wife's number. Once. Twice. Thrice. But why wasn't she picking up the phone ?

I was at a loss. A police motorcycle screeched to a halt beside me and a young officer checked my licence and other documents but not before hurling a heap of abuses and threatening to put me behind bars the next time he found me flouting traffic rules. After greasing his palms substantially and promising to do the needful from then onwards, I continued driving and didn't realize when the wide, busy Southern Avenue had given way to quieter, narrow single lane of Joka.

The houses wore a deserted look in this part of greater Kolkata unlike those of the South which bustled with activities even at wee hours during the pujas. Promoter Raj was yet to claw it's way into this area and as such high rise apartments at every nook and corner was missing. I took a turn into an alley, as directed by the g****e map on my mobile screen, oblivious to where I was going. If there wasn't any open area ahead I won't be able to turn my car back leaving me with no option other than to ride one kilometre in back gear to get back into the main road, while returning .. But it wasn't the time to be bothered by such trivialities now. There was nothing important than finding Isha and carrying her back safe to her mother. The road ahead was illuminated only by my car's headlights with no streetlights in the vicinity. It was bumpy and less frequented, I found from the weeds having grown on the surface. Suddenly I was compelled to brake my car to a standstill, as there was a dead end.

A small, single floor building stood blocking my way. It looked dark and shabby. It was unlikely anyone lived here. With no living souls around, there was no way to confirm the address other than to knock and find out. ' Hello. Anybody there ?' My voice echoed in the darkness causing my heart to race. 'Raghu are you there ?' But still no answer. The rusty, metal door creaked open when I gave it a hard push and immediately a putrid smell caused me to feel sick to my stomach. Taking out my torch from the car I sneaked into the passage and immediately felt something run behind me.