Amidst the scorching heat in the plains, my two friends and I desperately longed for a vacation. We yearned for respite from the oppressive temperatures that seemed to cling to our very skin. After much contemplation, we decided to embark on a trip to Jammu, seeking solace in the cool embrace of the mountains. Our stay was arranged in the quaint town of Udhampur. From the vantage point of our hotel room, the view was breathtaking, seemingly stretching infinitely into the distance. As we gazed upon the panoramic vistas that stretched before us, our eyes were captivated by the mesmerizing beauty that surrounded us.

As we planned our exploration, we decided to rent a car and hire a knowledgeable local driver to guide us to the must-visit places in the area. The people we encountered were warm-hearted and engaged in a myriad of activities. There were those selling delicate flowers, others offering food for the fishes in ornamental ponds, and even individuals who would beckon passersby to pose for pictures with their pet rabbits. It seemed that everyone found their own unique way to thrive in this vibrant place. The place was alive with bustling vendors, and we couldn’t resist stopping at one of the small Maggi stalls to indulge in a quick meal.

On the second day of our trip, we had exciting plans to visit the serene Sanasar Lake and picturesque Patnitop. We indulged in horse riding, soaring above the treetops on the ropeway, and gliding along the serene waters in beautiful shikaras. The stunning surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for us to capture precious memories that we would treasure forever. To immerse ourselves in the local culture, we decided to don traditional attire and had ourselves photographed, embracing the vibrant traditions of Jammu.

As the day began to wane and darkness settled upon the landscape, we started our journey back to our hotel. However, fate had an unexpected twist in store for us. A man suddenly darted in front of our car, and despite our best efforts, a collision was inevitable. Panic engulfed us as we realized we had struck someone. To our horror, we discovered that the man’s young son was with him, and he appeared to be mute, unable to communicate his distress.

Fear and helplessness consumed us, but we resolved to assist the injured man and his son. We inquired if there was a nearby hospital where we could seek medical aid, knowing that our mountainous surroundings might pose a challenge in finding one. To our surprise, the young boy pointed towards a cliff with his finger, silently indicating the direction we should take. Sensing that he might possess knowledge of the area due to his residence, we hoped he could guide us to a hospital as well.

Throughout the ascent, our driver displayed suspicious behavior, repeatedly stating that he had never heard of any hospital or place of refuge on this particular hill. Despite our growing concerns, the gravity of the situation compelled us to persist. As we approached the cliff, a solitary cottage emerged, its faint glow barely piercing the surrounding darkness. As we stopped, the boy immediately ran out of the car and entered into the cottage by pushing the open door. A pungent yet oddly sweet smell pervaded the air, making us both recoil and succumb to curiosity.

Without uttering a word to one another, we carefully carried the injured man inside the eerie cottage. The driver, overcome with unease, opted to wait outside. The interior was even darker than the exterior, save for one room bathed in a mysterious light. An invisible force seemed to repel us from the room’s entrance, as if a strange gravitational pull barred our entry into an unknown realm.

Gathering our courage, we finally ventured into the room, only to find ourselves entranced by an otherworldly sight. Once we were into the room, it took us a few good minutes to figure what was around and where we were. A white noise, very similar to the one that comes from a radio, was constantly hitting our ears. After a really long time since the accident, my friends and I looked at each other, as if this was the only time we came back to our senses. There were glass jars filled with softly illuminated liquids adorning the shelves that lined the walls, casting an ethereal glow upon everything. On the floor below the shelves, the little boy sat motionless, accompanied by a few tourist bags. His expression remained frozen, devoid of any signs of life.

To our horror, the injured man suddenly broke free from our grasp, walking unaided toward the boy. Taking his place, he mirrored the child’s stillness and opened his eyes, revealing an identical, unnerving expression. A shiver ran down our spines. As our senses expanded, we noticed a figure with its back turned to us—a man wearing along white fur coat and a black fedora hat.

Slowly, the man turned to face us, and we recoiled in terror as we recognized the face of our driver. It dawned on us that the man and his son were themselves tourists ensnared by the malevolent driver. Realizing the trap that had befallen us, we acted swiftly, bolting towards the door, dodging the unseen forces that tried to impede our escape.

After what felt like an eternity, we found ourselves safely back in the car, driving aimlessly in a desperate bid for freedom. After navigating the treacherous mountainous terrain for twenty anxiety-laden minutes, we spotted the distant glow of a town. Seeking shelter for the night, we explained that we had lost our way, receiving the kindness of the locals.

The following morning, with the assistance of the townspeople, we secured a new driver who safely guided us back to our hotel. With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Jammu and departed for home, leaving the car abandoned behind the hotel. Overwhelmed by the traumatic events, we never spoke of the incident again, choosing to bury the chilling memory deep within our hearts along with the unsolved mystery of that cottage, but never shared with another soul.