Something Wrong - The Phek

The train slowly came to a halt at Dimapur station.

The screeching of wheels against the tracks echoed eerily as mist and smog enveloped Platform No. 3.

It was so quiet that even the chirping of cicadas sounded loud.

Mr. Ashwin was the first to step off the train, followed by the rest of the family.Another boy also stepped out — he wore a red jacket, black track pants, and carried a backpack. His face glowed with excitement, unaware of the tension hanging in the air.

The full moon bathed the entire platform in a soft silver light. It was an aesthetic but haunting sight. The boy couldn't resist and started clicking pictures on his phone.

Mr. Ashwin decided to take a taxi to the bus stand.

As the family began walking off the platform, the boy looked around nervously. Realizing he was alone, he began following the Ashwins quietly.

"Who's that following us?" Padmini whispered.

"I don't know," replied Mrs. Ashwin. "But I think he got off the same train."

"Don't talk too much," Mr. Ashwin joked. "I've heard ghosts possess people with long tongues. Huhahahaha!"

"Papa!" Priya shouted, half-laughing, half-scared.

"I'm joking, dear," said Mr. Ashwin with a grin.

Just then, a light blue taxi approached the station. One of its headlights was broken.

Mr. Ashwin walked over and knocked on the driver's window. Through the dusty glass, he could barely make out a bald man with a thick beard and dull eyes.

The window rolled down slowly with a creaking sound.

"Yes, I'm Raman. What can I do for you, sir?" the man said, his breath reeking of alcohol.

Mr. Ashwin frowned. He's drunk, he thought. But we have no other option.

"We need to go to the bus stand. We're five in total, including two minors," Mr. Ashwin said.

A wolf howled in the distance. The night felt darker than before.

Mrs. Ashwin and the girls loaded their bags into the dikki (boot), then entered the car one by one. The old seats creaked loudly as they sat.

"Shall we start?" asked the taxi driver.

"Yes, of course. Glory to Maa Durga," Mr. Ashwin replied.

But just as the engine started, the boy in the red jacket ran forward and leapt in front of the taxi.

"AAHHHH!" Priya screamed.

"Demon! Demon! DEEEMOOON!" Padmini shouted.

"Oh, shut up!" Mrs. Ashwin snapped. "It's just that same boy from the train."

The driver stormed out furiously and grabbed the boy by the collar.

"You piece of shit! Do you want to die?" he yelled.

"I… I just need a ride, brother," the boy said nervously. "My name is Deep. I need to get to the Dimapur bus stand too."

"Sorry, the taxi's already booked," the driver said, shrugging him off.

"Please… let me come. I can't stay here alone. Please!" Deep begged.

"There's no space," Mr. Ashwin said firmly.

"I'll sit in the dikki, with the luggage. I won't bother anyone."

The driver looked at Mr. Ashwin.

"Well, I don't have a problem if your passengers are okay with it."

Mr. Ashwin hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright. Let him come," he said.

Deep quickly climbed into the back of the car with the luggage.

The taxi roared to life and disappeared into the darkness… carrying the Ashwins — and someone who wasn't meant to be there.