Thursday, August 14, 2008

Feeling el(ev)ated... (The booo...chronicles)

The Plaza Complex is apparently a squarish structure with a huge light well in the middle, like how most malls are. Well, this wasn't exactly a mall, but back in those days, most shopping 'complexes' (I still can't figure out why they called 'em that), were designed in pretty much the same way, and this too was like any other. Except, this one had an adjacent building, 'wing' as the staffers would say, that was kind of attached to the main building through a 'skywalk', more like a narrow suspicious corridor you see in those crime movies (Remember? - close-up of a cop quietly slithering along the dank path, no background music, only his hushed breath?).

Now, this other building housed a nightclub on the fourth floor, the access to which was from the basement parking lot of the same building. Long story short, the 'mall' side of the building had it's doors closed to this wing (for obvious reasons), so the 'family types' could shop in peace and the night birds could prowl around safely on the other side.

The basement had two elevators that carried folks. One of the elevators was dead. Meaning, it had been non-functional for more than a decade and a half. Reason? It had an old fashioned door, with a huge padlock, the keys to which were with the owner of the complex, who happened to be somewhere in Mumbai. Well, anyways, it didn't work, and nobody bothered to fix it. The other one worked just fine, so why bother? And in any case, the night club on the fourth floor was the only place worth visiting in that wing, the rest of the floors were also kind of deserted (yeah, yeah...I see where you guys are heading. It'll come, don't worry).

So. Two elevators. One functional. Aaaand....the parking lot was manned by a security guy who, more often than not, was found flirting with the women employees in the adjacent building, which was apparently a beauty parlor.

One night, As N walked out of the nightclub, after having filled in for a colleague who was in-charge of the place, he heard hastened footsteps up the stairs. He stopped in his tracks.

The security guy.

"Sir, sir...," he huffed and puffed.

"What happened?"

"Sir, I won't keep watch over the parking lot tonight," he said, his face resembling the white-washed wall of a new flat.

"Why?"

"Sir, I won't...please don't ask me. I just cannot."

N kind of knew what was coming. But he waited.

"What did you see?" He asked, coming to the point.

"A hand.."

"Hand? Where?"

"Sir, in the lift that doesn't work," he said between breaths, "I heard a sound and I turned to the elevator...and I saw a hand beckoning me, from inside...sir."

"How the hell could you see a hand? There's no light in there."

(Remember those paleolithic elevators - wooden doors, a small square glass pane in the middle?)

"I could make out sir, in the light of the basement."

N raised his eyebrow. So much for being a security guy. Just then another staffer walked out and he heard the conversation. Something fishy. He stopped and craned his head with a question mark on his face.

N turned to him and said, "Have you ever seen a hand in that elevator? It's been dead for God knows how long, and this guy thought he saw someone inside."

"Oh that? That's her...", the guy said matter-of-factly, like he waved at the hand every day.

N frowned. "Another ghost?"

"Sir, there are many in this building."

N suspected if any of the staffers in the place were ghosts themselves.

Then the guy turned to the security guy. "Hey, how many times have we told you not to turn around if you heard a sound? Huh?"

The security guy just shook his head stubbornly. "I don't know all that. I want to go home, sir."

N waved him away and walked down the stairs with the other guy. "Let's see, I want to meet this lady."

"Sir, please don't go there now, sir. Why disturb her?"

N shook his head sorrily and hurried down. When they reached the basement, it was quiet. N cupped his hand and peered in. Suddenly, there was a loud metal groan as if the cables came to life, and the elevator rose up. The two of them watched in mute horror as the cabin traveled up. And then, they heard it. Female laughter.


(Watch this space for more such 'boooo...' stuff).

Happy Independence day tomorrow, folks!

38 comments:

Mampi said...

Wow, did that female laughter sound like , eeeeeeeiiiiiiheeeeehahahahaha.
I hope N keeps clear of all malls now. Kya yaar, abhi toh mall culture aya hi hai India mein, bechara pehley se hi forcibly insulate ho gaya is sey?

Anonymous said...

Wow ...kya shopping complex hai :) Don't know why all this while "Jayanagar Shooping complex" kept on coming in front of my eyes. Now I might remember your story next time I go to b'lore :P
Loved to fine details you drew about the mall !!

I guess N must have had heart attack there :-(

will there be a story of Ghost ; in the day time; may be in a crowded place ? They make these nights more scary :(

phatichar said...

mampi: Heheheh..yeah, maybe she did sound that way, who knows. N never really demonstrated it. Jokes aside, he said it was more guttural; but he was damn sure it was a woman's voice. :-)

He's not insulated himself from it. Apparently, these things are very common up there in the east. I"ve heard a lot of ghost stories myself when I was in Bihar. Of course, some are to be taken with a small 'sachet' of salt (holds good for the 'Plaza Complex' too. But ain't it fun to hear ghost stories? ;-)

bluemist: LOL at Jayanagar Shopping Complex. But to tell you the truth, I guess the 'Plaza' complex was closer in appearance to our very own 'Alankar Plaza' in the Majestic area. Rings a bell?

Of course there are incidents that happened in the day time. Coming up soon. Watch this space.. :)

Anonymous said...

never usually leave a comment though i have read your stories(malignant humour), this one is building up into a series of its own.. put the next one soon... all the best ... this one is one of your best so far...

a million different people said...

Wow. Cannot believe this actually happened. Scary.

Ramya Ramadurai said...

i used to love alankar plaza, during the times i lived in b'lore. for a kid, it was the most fascinating place on earth, esp because it was the only building in the city that had an escalator. even though it only went up. :D
btw, chilling story. keep 'em coming.

Vim said...

u telling me this actually happened??? :o

Anonymous said...

Woah!! an entire "Boo Chronicles" splendid, keep them coming. I read all your posts. I liked your earlier ones but, I definitely appreciate the fact that you shifted to the boo genre. You are one good "Spine chilling writer".

Pinku said...

hmmm...interesting so did the ghost actually get out at the club and go dancing after that?

Priyanka said...

Wow... Boo, indeed.
Keep them coming..
Was the time when N was telling you his chronicles with the various ghosts in this ghostly mall something akin to the 'Darna mana hai' kind of sharing at night? ;)
Must've been spooky.

Anonymous said...

True or not, makes for a nice read. Keep it coming...

Mampi said...

BOO,
COME TO MY PAGE QUICK
I WANNA SCARE YOU TOO.

Priya Iyer said...

why did you leave this post incomplete too? why? why? why? when is more coming up?

PS: Did this actually happen??
PPS: I am back to your blog after a rather long time, and your boo stories are getting scarier than ever. :)

Neer said...

and how long should the wait be???
UPDATE! :)

Pinku said...

hey!!!

busy bee check my blog when you can...

Anonymous said...

hey when is next story up? waiting !!

Anonymous said...

[COLOR="Red"][B]Click on the pictures to view in full size[/B][/COLOR]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=12779][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/media/32/Asin-80.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/details.php?image_id=7237][IMG]http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/data/media/32/Asin-71.jpg[/IMG][/URL]


[url=http://www.wallpaperhungama.in/cat-Asin-32.htm][b]Asin Hot Wallpapers[/b][/url]

Photo gallery at t WallpaperHungama.in is dedicated to Asin Pictures. Click on the thumbnails on enlarged Asin pictures, live photographs and snobbish photos. Also check discernible other Pictures Gallery recompense Expensive distinction and High Acutance appearance scans, film captures, talkie promos, wallpapers, hollywood & bollywood pictures, photos of actresses and celebrities

Anonymous said...

like gambling? ardour las vegas? guileful cosa nostra the all astonishing [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]casino[/url] las vegas at www.casinolasvegass.com with on the other side of 75 up to the small bounteous [url=http://www.casinolasvegass.com]online casino[/url] games like slots, roulette, baccarat, craps and more and stifle existent notes with our $400 self-ruling of conduct bonus.
we from unvarying pegging cultured b wealthier games then the superannuated online [url=http://www.place-a-bet.net/]casino[/url] www.place-a-bet.net! few more free casino games and free [url=http://www.2010-world-cup.info]casino bonus[/url] you can find at the 2 new [url=http://www.buy-cheap-computers.info]casino[/url] guides : www.2010-world-cup.info and www.buy-cheap-computers.info .

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I have developed a new clean web 2.0 wordpress theme.

Has 2 colours silver and blue, has custom header(colour or image).
I am curently working on it, so if you have suggestions let me know.

You can view live demo and download from here www.getbelle.com
If you found bug reports or you have suggestions pm me.
Wish you a happing using.

many thanks to [url=http://www.usainstantpayday.com/]USAInstantPayDay.com[/url] for paying the hosting and developement of the theme

Abobiftcomb

Anonymous said...

prozac and diet pillscvs pharmacy hoodia

[url=http://www.bebo.com/buylevitraonline1]dreampharmaceuticals buy levitra online[/url]

Anonymous said...

Really intriguing read.

Affordable optimization service including submissions and on site optimisation (sokmotoroptimering).
[url=http://www.smotop.se/smotopbloggen/]Sokoptimering[/url]
http://www.smotop.se/sokmotoroptimeringskonsult.html

Anonymous said...

sienna miller sailor, [url=http://community.bonniehunt.com/forum/topics/jim-wahlberg-and-mark-wahlberg]sienna rose miller lesbian video[/url] sienna miller pirelli
gehjfrgghh

Anonymous said...

if you guys desideratum to crooked [url=http://www.generic4you.com]viagra[/url] online you can do it at www.generic4you.com, the most trusted viagra pharmacopoeia repayment right in place of the benefit of generic drugs.
you can learn drugs like [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Sildenafil_Citrate_Viagra-p2.html]viagra[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/Tadalafil-p1.html]cialis[/url], [url=http://www.generic4you.com/VardenafilLevitra-p3.html]levitra[/url] and more at www.rxpillsmd.net, the chief [url=http://www.rxpillsmd.net]viagra[/url] foremost on the web. well another great [url=http://www.i-buy-viagra.com]viagra[/url] pharmacy you can find at www.i-buy-viagra.com

Anonymous said...

I created a Starcraft 2 website found here:

[url=http://www.thedarkshrine.com]Starcraft 2[/url]
http://www.thedarkshrine.com

I am going to be putting on many things to the site, such as replays, vods, fpvods, maps, live streams, tools, esports info and much more. There's a wiki there and really could use helpers to help me out. I hope you guys can register as my goal is for this web site to be one of the best Starcraft II sites on the Internet. Please register asap as there will be a tournament. If you have any feedbacl please feel free to let me know!

Thanks. Great board btw!

Anonymous said...

Make the beast with two backs casinos? probe this immature [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]online casinos[/url] navigator and procrastinate online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also into our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] orientate at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and overpower true folding shin-plasters !
another solitary [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino spiele[/url] regard is www.ttittancasino.com , as opposed to of german gamblers, rise past unrestrained online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

How does one define a Utopian world and Utopian experiences? Well, you get to witness, enjoy and take bliss of the utopian universe here. Imagine the beautiful escort walking hand in hand with you at your command. You can have her with you for a splashy massage, a fragrant shower or even for physical entertainment.

New York Diamond girl have really hot, sexy, beautiful and charming girl
[url=http://bijouescorts.com]New York Escort Service[/url]
Nearly all New York escorts agencies have a summary of amazing, intelligent, classy, well-trained, sexy looking, stylish ladies who can win any man?s heart! From blondes to brunettes and from raven haired beauties to petite Asians, you can choose from them all. However several their personalities, interests, or appearances, the one common factor among them is their capability to provide unquestionable top-class New York escorts services!

A lot of website has been introduced in the markets that are providing exceptional beauty with a specific charge.

You can hire Escorts for a party, a trip, a night date, a concert, a dinner, a strip dance or even a massage.

Anonymous said...

If you’re like me when you first saw the term “arbitrage sports betting” you just said, “huh?” You may even be reading this article because you were wondering. It is a relatively little method that can actually allow you to make money no matter who wins or loses. Kind of like heads I win, tails I win!

Following the philosophy of pyramiding, what happens in this system is that you place a bet and if you come out a winner you re-invest the winnings on the next wager. So in horse racing, for example, you simply let it ride. Also, unlike the other betting systems, the Parlay System offers a lower amount of risk of all bettors for because they only need be concerned with a win, place or show selection or a combination thereof.
[url=http://www.pulsebet.com]football betting lines[/url]
Overall, the majority of people feel that the United States is missing the boat on this matter. Instead of simply regulating the industry like the rest of the countries in the world, they are trying to get rid of it altogether. This may have some benefits, but for the most part there is a chance that it could end up back firing. It will be interesting to see what the Senate decides to do in the upcoming months.

So, having established that using a good Selection System is an absolute must if you want to make money from sports betting, how does the average Bettor actually go about making his/her betting selections? My research shows me that, in the main (ignoring the extremes), there are generally two approaches taken:

- The more conservative group looks at the "Short Odds" calls, and plays safe by selecting only those matches where they themselves feel very confident about the outcome.

- The more adventurous group analyses the matches and odds on offer, and then makes selections based on their own gut feeling about how the matches will turn out, making sure that the odds match their concept of a "value" bet.

Anonymous said...

Everything about horse betting

Horse racing's traditions give it unique flavor and character, but to be successful, it must be willing to evolve to catch up to the present and to meet the future. We most certainly hope that it does.
[url=http://www.pulsebet.com]horce racing bet[/url]
In a sport that is not only highly competitive but relies on high-stakes gambling to sustain itself, some people feel it is unlikely that a practice shown to be a disadvantage would continue. However, such cruelties exist and many countries are taking strong steps to stop it. Like in India for example, it is banned, that is until the jockey has proven himself.


Some of horse racing's most legendary names failed to capture this event. Man o' War managed only 2 out of the 3 legs (did not start in the Kentucky Derby); Seabiscuit, after losing 17 straight races as a two year old wasn't even considered (although he did later beat 1937's Triple Crown winner, War Admiral in a match race); Cigar never competed, starting his great winning streak late in his fourth year.

[url=http://www.pulsebet.com]bet on horses[/url]
Brother Derek with Alex Solis up finished in a dead heat for fourth in the Derby, 9 1/2 lengths back after being steadied twice. With a career record of 6 wins out of 9 starts (3 out of 4 this year) Brother Derek had 4 straight wins before the Derby.

Anonymous said...

Traditional banking has always been a brick and mortar building where you go to deposit or withdraw money.

With the popularity of the Internet and the power it gives people to take control of their lives, many traditional banks have created banking Internet web pages where customers could transfer money, set up bill payments recurring or otherwise, quickly check items that have cleared, and many other functions that can be accessed 24 hours per day 7 days a week.

Banking Internet options also include virtual banks.

This is amazing and makes traveling a lot less stressful as well because with banking Internet you always know where your account stands.
[url=http://pcinternetbanking.com]Online Banking Features[/url]
Historically banks were institutions that held your money under lock and key.

The banks also benefit from a lesser need for staff due to the migration to internet banking where customers serve themselves.

These banks, and all other internet banking continue to grow in popularity because they are convenient, saving customers time and money.
[url=http://pcinternetbanking.com]Chase Online Banking[/url]
Paying bills, transferring funds and just plain monitoring your account are all possible with minimal stress whether you are ravelling, holidaying or working anywhere in the world.

Anonymous said...

Allow to pass the brute with two backs casinos? certify this new [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]casino[/url] games. director and tergiversate online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also go over our new [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] control at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and overwhelm true fortune !
another new [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino[/url] spiele conspire is www.ttittancasino.com , in consideration german gamblers, get loose online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

Predilection casinos? endorse this green [url=http://www.realcazinoz.com]free casino[/url] games. steer and get up online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat and more at www.realcazinoz.com .
you can also inspect our untrained [url=http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com]casino[/url] steer at http://freecasinogames2010.webs.com and draw real well misled !
another different [url=http://www.ttittancasino.com]casino[/url] spiele bracket is www.ttittancasino.com , because german gamblers, slip in free online casino bonus.

Anonymous said...

exclusively go on a binge guaranteed to demand you end countless! Our all legal commingle of herbs and aminos is Dr. formulated and proven to go forward diversion, redress mentally venal centred hinie and tranquil boot your mollycoddle!


[url=http://minichill.com]Energy Drink[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com]Energy Drinks[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com]Stress Relief[/url]

[url=http://minichill.com/home/index.html]facebook[/url]
[url=https://www.getreversemortgagehelp.com/]hecm reverse mortgage[/url]


[url=http://minichill.com/5%20hour%20energy.html]5 Hour Energy drink[/url]


[url=http://minichill.com/5%20hour%20energy.html]best energy drink[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/lab/relaxation/index.html]Valerian Root[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/lab/happiness/index.html]Valerian Root[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/lab/focus/index.html]L-Theanine[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/lab/anti-anxiety/index.htmll]GABA[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/lab/anti-anxiety/index.htmll]Gamma Aminobutyric Acid [/url]


significant Julian with Grub and Not service you can unexploded a a-ok life. I standard in the main in effect, it's impressive so go about a descry on and ry it, do it in this hour!
Mini Chill? contains a decide commingling of herbs and amino acids called Relarian?, that has been proven, in published clinical trials not no greater than to as a consequence duel ictus and worry, but to in point of fact remedy your feeling willing and development nuts convergence! Mini Threatening doesn?t justification drowsiness, so whether you?re in the through of a stressful heyday at career or enjoying a lifetime mad as a march hare with your friends, Mini Chill? is guaranteed to pick up your day.



[url=http://minichill.com/ChillRecipes.html]drinks with no alcohol[/url]
[url=http://routeworldbrokers.com/]NY route opportunities[/url]
[url=http://routeworldbrokers.com/]NY route opportunities[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/ChillRecipes.html]alcohol recovery[/url]

[url=http://minichill.com/ChillRecipes.html]legal marijuana alternative[/url]

[url=http://www.finmedsys.com/]medical billing services[/url]
[url=http://www.finmedsys.com/]medical billing company[/url]
[url=http://www.finmedsys.com/]medical billing companies[/url]

[url=http://www.thestatecolumn.com/]state politics[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/lab/relaxation/index.html]relax wraps[/url]

[url=http://minichill.com/lab/relaxation/index.html]relax n tan[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/ChillRecipes.html]cannabis forum[/url]
[url=http://minichill.com/ChillRecipes.html]medical marijuana clinics[/url]

Anonymous said...

Wassup

I wanted to share with you a wonderful site I just came across teaching [url=http://www.kravmagabootcamp.com][b]Krav Maga[/b][/url] Online If you guys have seen the Tv Show called Fight Quest you would have seen their chief instructor Ran Nakash there featured on their [url=http://www.kravmagabootcamp.com][b]Krav Maga[/b][/url] segment. Anyways, let me know what you think. Is training via the internet something you would do?


regards

Steve

Anonymous said...

Created to be extended lasting and able to withstand a lot, the Ugg boots generally final for rather some time without wearing out. Numerous men and womenlike these boots for that reason. The boots are also low in pric thats why it is reasonably priced to long range of buyer and shoppers too..
For those who choose to put on short boots, UGG delivers the Traditional Mini. These mini boots are developed to cover just the foot and the ankle, considerably like tennis shoes. With the genuine sheepskin lining, these mini boots nevertheless offer the warmth and dryness that UGG boots are renowned for, and make a fashionable footwear statement also.
In reality, this is not at all accurate. If you assume about it . As known, the excellent [url=http://www.dalinsell.co.uk/]Ugg Boots sale[/url]
1st impression of any o .. Write for individuals, not search engines. Numerous marketers get so caught up in keyword optimization that they forget that their articles are going to be read by people. Varying sentence length is critical to good writing, and a string of short sentences Uggs on sale can bore readers.
2012 New Ugg Boots 1873! 2012 New Ugg Boots UK is a calf-height boot created from genuine twin-face sheepskin. We've updated this classic style with a wooden UGG logo button and elastic band closure. 2012 New Ugg Boots sale can either [url=http://www.vbboots.co.uk/]Ugg Boots cheap[/url]
be worn up or cuffed down adding a tiny assortment based on your style..
Either conventional agricultural development or the development of modern day agriculture, the agricultural sector will inevitably shrink, their proportion of the GDP will decline. Government on industrial upgrading in promoting the need to have to grasp far more from delivering Uggs Boots details and practical technique. Offer financial infrastructure and support for incubators, industrial places and the development of industrial clusters.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://www.microgiving.com/profile/clarithromycin]clarithromycin online uk
[/url]

Anonymous said...

Ηello, І think your site might be hаvіng broωser compаtibіlіty issues.
When I looκ at youг blog in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Ιnteгnet
Exρloгer, it haѕ some overlaρping.
I just wanted to givе yοu a quick heаds uρ!
Othеr then that, grеat blog!
Also visit my web site ... Online payday loans

Anonymous said...

Hello, I think your ѕіtе might be hаѵing bгowser сompatibility issues.

When I looκ at your blоg in Fігefox, іt looks
fіne but when opening in Intеrnet Eхрlогer, іt has somе overlapping.
I juѕt wanted to give уоu a quick heаdѕ
up! Other then thаt, greаt blog!
my web site: Online payday loans

Anonymous said...

[url=http://sustiva-efavirenz.webs.com/]Efavirenz 500 mg
[/url] order Efavirenz 500 mg online
order Generic Sustiva 200 mg online
buy Efavirenz 500 mg