In a quiet neighborhood of Baranagar in Kolkata lived Amal De, his wife Sathi De, and their nine-year-old daughter Tithi De. Amal worked in a private company, and Sathi was a homemaker. Because of his busy work schedule, Amal rarely got enough time to spend with his family throughout the year. So when Tithi's summer vacation began, Amal decided that they would go on a trip to the mountains.
After a lot of discussion, they decided to visit Singalila National Park. The place, surrounded by mountains, forests, and peaceful natural beauty, seemed like a dream destination.
Day One: Journey from Kolkata
Early one morning they reached Howrah Railway Station. Their train was the Darjeeling Mail, which would take them to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station.
The station was crowded with travelers. Tithi had never seen such a big station before and became very excited.
"Dad, such a huge train! Are we really going to the mountains?"
Tithi said, jumping with excitement.
Amal smiled and said,
"Yes dear, our adventure begins today."
The train departed in the evening. Outside the window there was darkness, with occasional lights from small villages flashing by. Sathi opened their food box and served dinner to everyone. Soon after, the three of them slowly fell asleep.
The next morning the train arrived at New Jalpaiguri Station.
Day Two: NJP to Singalila
From NJP they hired a jeep. The vehicle slowly climbed the winding mountain roads. All around them were green forests, floating clouds, and cool mountain air.
Tithi leaned out of the window and said happily,
"Mom, look! The clouds are almost within our reach."
Sathi, a little nervous, said,
"Don't lean out like that, dear. The road is very curvy."
After several hours they reached a small homestay near Singalila National Park. The place was very quiet and isolated. Dense forests and hills surrounded it.
The elderly owner of the homestay showed them their room and said softly,
"Please don't go outside much at night. Strange sounds can be heard from the forest."
Amal laughed and replied,
"Probably the sounds of wild animals."
But the old man had a mysterious smile on his face.
Day Three: The Beginning of Mystery
On the very first night they experienced something unusual.
Around two in the morning, Tithi suddenly woke up. She heard what sounded like footsteps outside.
Tap… tap… tap…
Tithi quietly walked toward the window and looked outside. In the dark forest she saw a faint white light moving slowly.
She whispered,
"Dad… Dad… someone is outside."
Amal got up and looked through the window, but by then nothing was visible.
"Maybe fireflies or someone's torchlight," Amal said.
But deep inside, Tithi felt it was something different.
Day Four: A Strange Experience
The next day they went exploring inside the national park. From the mountain ridges they could see the beautiful view of Kanchenjunga. Tithi ran around happily enjoying the fresh air and scenery.
In the evening they returned to the homestay.
That night the strange sound came again.
This time it was not just footsteps. From far away it sounded like someone singing. A mysterious tune drifting through the mountain air.
Sathi said nervously,
"Amal, do you think that's really someone singing?"
Amal did not answer. Even he felt a chill run down his spine.
Tithi again looked out the window. This time the white light was clearer. It looked almost like a human figure, yet not exactly human.
The glowing figure seemed to stand there for a few moments, as if observing them. Then slowly it disappeared into the forest.
The strange thing was—nothing harmful happened to them. Instead, Tithi felt the presence was calm and peaceful.
Day Five: Tithi's Strange Attraction
From the next day onward, Tithi seemed strangely attracted to the forest.
She kept saying,
"Dad, I want to see that light again tonight."
Sathi became worried.
"Amal, I think it's not safe for us to stay here anymore."
But Tithi did not want to leave the mountains. She even said she felt someone from the forest was calling her.
One night she suddenly woke up and started walking toward the door.
Sathi quickly held her.
"Where are you going, dear?"
Half asleep, Tithi whispered,
"They are calling me…"
Hearing this, Amal decided he would not wait any longer.
Day Six: Decision to Return to Kolkata
Four nights had already passed. On the morning of the fifth day, Amal decided they would return home immediately.
Tithi looked very sad.
"I want to stay here, Dad…"
Amal gently placed his hand on her head and said,
"We will come back again someday. Now let's go home."
They took a jeep back down the mountain roads to NJP Station.
As they boarded the train, Tithi looked back at the distant hills one last time.
For a moment she felt she saw that same white light glowing in the forest again.
But this time, it seemed as if the light was saying goodbye.
Final Chapter: The Mystery Remains
After returning to Kolkata, Tithi sometimes talks about the mountains.
Occasionally at night she says,
"Dad, they were good… they were our friends."
Amal and Sathi look at each other silently.
Even today they cannot explain the mystery of those four nights in Singalila.
But one thing they are certain about—
Something exists in those mountain forests.
Something that is not human…
Yet not frightening either.
And perhaps someday they will return again—
to discover the truth behind that mystery.
The End.