Out of the blue

The house on the top of the hill looked so beautiful from where I stood. It was shaped like a dome or rather looked like one from here. The villagers said that a lady had been living there since 3 years...... Not much was known about her. I tried to speak to the local authorities and extract any information I could but to no avail. This all left me with no other option but to go up the hill myself and look into the matter.

The next morning I decided to start early and to my surprise found the path to the house an easy one. As I reached the door and was about to ring the bell, the door was opened by a middle aged man with a cheery grin. I was too astonished to speak so I followed him in and sat down on the couch next to the fish tank. I was looking around the beautiful landscape paintings that covered the walls when a loud bell rang through the house and almost made me jump. I was beginning to feel uneasy and wanted to return back without worrying about my report. Just as I was contemplating on my decision, the man appeared again with a tray filled with goodies.
I still could have left but I sat down and poured myself a coffee and was stirring in the sugar when that man wheeled in a veiled lady.
Setting the cup down I stood up and looked at the man and almost instantly the lady spoke. "I'm sorry for the delay, this is Mansingh - my attendant". We both greeted each other with a 'namsate' (slight bow made with hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointed upwards, in front of the chest.)
"You may sit down Samar. I'm sorry for my attire but I think its better for all of us." I could not comprehend anything and it further added onto my confused state of mind. Not wanting to sound rude, I finally managed to speak. 'How do you know my name? How did Mansingh know I was at the door without me ringing the bell? What's going on here?' Though I couldn't see her face, I knew she had a smile, " Drink your coffee Samar or else Mansingh will have to get you another one." Without pausing she continued, "So, you are here to check out the house!! What made you come here Samar?" Again, I could feel her eyes piercing me, forcing me to look down at the floor. The floor was weird, something about it....."Samar, do you want another cup? You didn't answer my question?"
As I went to drink the coffee, I saw an empty cup on the table. I was confused and frowned. I knew I didn't drink the coffee but this was all very weird like the floor...oh the floor....OMG I thought to myself there was no floor!!! WHAT I screamed aloud and realised my folly when I saw Mansingh frowning. I apologised and muttered, 'I er I read about this place and found it interesting, I wanted to know .....actually that reminds me, I don't know your name!'
"Adrika, that's my name." She turned her head and looked outside the window and then continued. "I too have my resources Samar and therefore I know all about you and as far as Mansingh opening the door" her voice trailed off as the earsplitting sound of the bell rang again and suddenly everything blurred..

The next thing I felt was cold water on my face and I slowly opened my eyes only to see mom standing with a glass in one hand and the alarm clock in the other. I jumped on the bed, 'How did I get here mom? How did you get me here from that house?' My mom hugged me and said, 'another bad dream Samar?? I think you should stop that project, it's been ruining you. Anyway hurry up, Mini will be here soon and you guys have to go somewhere I believe??' I nodded and smiled assuring my mom I was fine.
I was feeling pretty much zonked as I got ready. I went downstairs with my laptop and was checking out the report when Mini arrived. Being her cheery self she started talking about her report and we exchanged a few notes. ' Oh Samar, I forgot to tell you, my cousin Adrika is coming to visit us and will take us with her to that place. She said we could work while at her place.' My jaw dropped and I slowly narrated my dream to Mini. Now it was her turn to be surprised as she said Adrika did live alone in a dome shaped house atop a hill....but she did not have an attendant. So, I wondered who was Mansingh?? This might be interesting after all....well I hoped atleast and jumped onto the jeep.

To be continued......

© Trina Sarkar-Mohapatra, All rights reserved