Two childhood friends, Deeptashree and Induniva, chose a secluded British-era bungalow in North Bengal, nestled in the dense forests of Dooars, to spend some time amidst the serene hills. The bungalow seemed shrouded in mystery.
As they sat on the veranda after dinner, the sound of crickets and an unknown bird's cry filled the air. Induniva was always the brave one, while Deeptashree wasn't comfortable with the darkness.
"Hey, Induniva, why did the caretaker warn us not to enter the room at the end of the veranda?" Deeptashree asked in a hushed tone.
Induniva laughed it off, "Oh, it's just a ghoult story to scare tourists. Let's go check what's in that room."
Despite Deeptashree's protests, Induniva dragged her to the locked room. The room wasn't locked from the outside, just a rusty chain hanging. The door creaked open as Induniva pushed it.
Inside, there was a musty smell, and the room was freezing cold. Moonlight fell on a broken mirror. Deeptashree saw a shadow standing beside Induniva in the mirror – long hair, wearing a white saree, but its face was unclear.
"Induniva, let's get out of here!" Deeptashree shouted.
Induniva turned, confused, "What's wrong?"
Deeptashree pointed at the mirror, but Induniva saw nothing unusual. She laughed, "You're just being paranoid, Deeptashree."
But as Induniva spoke, her voice changed – it became hoarse and heavy. She approached the mirror, her hands moving towards her throat as if someone was strangling her.
"Induniva, what's happening?" Deeptashree tried to intervene.
Induniva pushed her away with unusual strength, her eyes turning red. She whispered, "It's been years... someone's here to end my loneliness..."
Deeptashree realized the danger and tried to apply a sandalwood mark on Induniva's forehead. A loud scream echoed, shattering the window panes. The white shadow vanished into the darkness.
Induniva collapsed. The next morning, they found themselves lying outside the bungalow. The caretaker said, "I warned you, it's the room of the Memsahib who committed suicide."
They left immediately. On the way back, Induniva whispered, "You saw it too, Deeptashree. In the mirror, I wasn't seeing myself... I was seeing someone else."