Illusions - Part 1

Shaina was busy penning anthology of ghost stories. Her frantic publisher , Mr Wang, was calling her for every minute updates. Irritated by his constant calls, she kept her phone on silent mode. However the calls didn't stop. Her phone kept vibrating and disturbing her concentration. She finally picked the call, "What is it ?", she asked rudely. "Well ! Don't be so rude. I am only calling you to check the progress of your work.", he replied. She closed her eyes furiously and opened them after cooling her mind. "How will I complete the book if you bother me every single minute , Mr Wang?", she asked calmly. 

He giggled instead of apologizing for his mistake. "Ok then you continue with your work. I will keep checking on you.", he said shamelessly. She hung the call on him. She stared blankly at the monitor. "Damn that publisher and his calls ! Now I am out of ideas. How shall I proceed with this story.", she wondered. After relentlessly thinking ,she got up to take a break. She strolled out of her work station/ bedroom to the long corridor.  

The red carpet on the floor and the rich teak wood walls gave the royal touch to house. She was indeed a royal. Her great grandfather's ancestor once ruled the large city which was divided into smaller cities after independence. He lost his rule, privileges and title after absorption of the princely state to new dominion of India or Republic of India except for the palace due to his friendly ties with the then ruling political party.

The long corridor lead her to the large library. It contained huge shelves filled with thousands of books that were either read or untouched. At center of the library was regal leather chair next to a table where the phonograph record player was placed. The vinyl was already placed on the player. She played it . She sat on sofa while enjoying soothing beats of the music. She didn't realize when she drifted to sleep.  

She opened her eyes suddenly. The music had stopped playing. The room was completely dark. She was scared of darkness. She tried to get up but something seemed to hold her legs to the ground. Fear enhanced within her as she wasn't able to get up. She slowly bent down to touch her legs to see why she wasn't able to move. She felt cold hands on her legs. Her eyes grew wide. Her heart skipped a beat. 

She screamed loudly. Suddenly something dragged her out from the chair. She looked up to see who it was. A horrifying looking monster was dragging her leg. That monster was similar to one she had been writing about. She tried to hold on to the carpet but the monster's strength was too powerful. She hoped that it was just a dream. She closed and opened her eyes several times . It was not a dream. In fact it was reality.

(To be continued)