Some Ghost Some Experience

The Doll Maker’s Journey

Once upon a time, there lived a doll maker named Govind. He was an expert at his craft, creating attractive dolls that he sold during the Dussera festival.

A Lost Path

One day, while on his usual rounds, he lost his way in the dark forest. He could hardly see any houses along the road. Finally, he spotted a tiny light in the distance and walked toward it. He arrived at a house dimly lit by a kerosene lamp, where an old man welcomed him hospitably.

A Strange Request

The old man said, “Friend, put your basket down and rest here. While I cook a meal for you, share something interesting to pass the time.”

Govind set his basket down and replied, “Sir, I don’t know any stories; I am an illiterate person.”

The old man then said, “Very well, sing a song then.”

Feeling Defeated

Again, Govind shook his head and said, “But I can’t sing.” Every request the old man made seemed impossible for him to fulfil.

Frustrated, the old man declared, “As you cannot amuse me or interest me in any manner, you cannot stay here. Be gone, fellow.”

A Surprising Encounter

Feeling disheartened, Govind left the old man’s house and walked a short distance until he came upon a tree where another man was cooking food over a fire.

The man beckoned to Govind and said, “Ah! There you are, Govind! Come and stir this soup; I’ll be back soon.” Without waiting for a reply, the man got up and walked away.

Surprised to hear his name, Govind forgot to stir the soup. Realizing he needed to follow the man’s instructions, he hastily began to stir the large iron pot filled to the brim. However, as he waited a long time for the owner’s return, impatience grew within him.

The Talking Pot

Frustrated, Govind shouted, “Sir, sir, the soup’s done! Come and eat!” Suddenly, a voice spoke near his elbow, saying, “Shut up, fool. Stir the soup properly; it’s only half done.”

Startled, Govind looked around but saw no one except the rattling pot. With a mix of fear and realization, he understood that the pot had spoken. Trembling, he picked up the ladle and began stirring again, but his hand shook so much that he accidentally upset the pot, which flew into the air and landed on his head with a loud thump.

A Frightening Experience

Yelling at the top of his lungs, Govind ran as fast as he could back to the old man’s house, frantically recounting his bizarre encounter.

The Spirit Revealed

The old man chuckled and said, “I thought you claimed not to know any stories. Remember, experience is the best teacher, and you can always share such incidents to amuse others. Yes, you can stay here for the night.”

Relieved to have a place to sleep, Govind was unaware that the man by the cooking pot and the old man were the same. In truth, a spirit lived in that house, delighting in scaring unsuspecting travellers with its tricks.

An Uncertain Future

Poor Govind; no one knows what happened to him afterwards.