That night, I just couldn't sleep. The windows left open to let the coolness of the night seep in began to rattle incessantly. 

The weather forecast never mentioned anything like this—strange. The wind was a bit strong today, blowing the curtains towards my face as if wanting to touch me, trying to reach to me frantically to whisper something in my ears. 

Something else caught my attention a faint creaking sound, but couldn't figure out from where it came from. I pondered and shook my head dismissing my vague fears.

The little girl was running down the corridor, was she trying to hide from someone? No, she was giggling and ducking behind a door—she was playing hide and seek. He was trying to find her. "Sweetie," he would call out searching for her as she continued running between the pillars. "Honey, where are you?" he would call out again. But after sometime, he would stop and she could not hear his footsteps anymore. The little girl would call out for him, again and again, but in vain. She couldn't hear her own voice, how could he....

Buzz –the sound of the alarm clock pulled me out of my slumber. I didn't know when I had passed out, but it wasn't a restful sleep. The wind, the creaking sound ----what was happening?

I brushed aside the thoughts and strained my eyes to read the time, it was 5 am. I have 45 minutes to get ready and catch the flight, hurry up girl!

Ping! A message flashed on my cell phone. It was from Evon.

Hey Zelia! Good morning. Hope you slept well. Once you reach Goa, don't forget to check your email----I have a surprise for you! Ciao! Have a safe journey ;)

I replied with a thanks and quickly tapped on the Uber app to book a cab.

The travel bag was already packed and propped up against the wall. All I needed to now was a quick shower and a hot cuppa tea.

While I watched myself in the mirror as I draped a scarf I was wondering whether I was hallucinating when I heard the creaking sound last night , or was it real?

Ping! The cab had arrived. I kissed mama's photo frame a silent goodbye and left.

The crisp morning breeze sort of soothed my nerves. The airport was as busy as ever. Smiling faces of the air crew brought some gladness in my holiday mood. As the plane took off smoothly I bid farewell to my dear Mumbai---I'll be back soon!