The Curse Of Nayata: A Horror Story Of The Himalayas

Reminiscing The Past Horror

“Is it really necessary? It’s a kids group.  Think about their families and how much they trust us for sending their kids. Are we really to risk all that? Can’t we camp at another site near the shepherd villages…maybe at Barnala?”

“You know very well Yashu, that’s not possible. It would disrupt the whole order of the trek. Nayata camping is a must, if we want to reach the base camp on time.”

Yashvir got a little tense. He looked at Mannu, his fellow guide with a last attempt to convince him otherwise.

“Bhaiji, think about our team leader. She’s just a girl in her 20s. Such a brilliant trek leader…children love her so much! What if something bad happens like last time? What if the curse of Nayata…”

“Don’t talk rubbish Yashvir. She’s not alone. And she’s more than capable of handling any situation efficiently. Probably even better than any of us.”

Then lowering his voice a little, Mannu put his right hand on Yashvir’s shoulder and continued, “Look, what happened last time was unfortunate. But it was the trek leader’s fault. He shouldn’t have made fun of the local Devata. He acted very irresponsibly by mocking and laughing at the beliefs of the mountains. Sayani Madam is nothing like him. She loves and respects the mountains. Trust me, everything will be fine. Let’s just stay alert, and there will be nothing to worry about.”

Mannu signalled the team to start trekking again, after a 10-minute rest by a mountain creek. “Alright, my tigers and tigresses! Buckle up, put a smile on and let’s go! And don’t forget to collect trash wherever you find them in your eco-bags!” Before he could continue, Mannu noticed one of the girls was up to some mischief. “Maira…I can see you putting apple seeds in Tulika’s braids! Oh, you girls! Great then…no more tic-tac clips or hairpins. You should teach everyone to use fruit seeds, peels and leaves for hairstyling after dinner!” The 9-year-old girls burst into giggles at the vivid visualisation! Mannu joined them in the jest while following the end of the trail.

Yashvir on the other hand, couldn’t stop worrying. He still gets nightmares from last year’s incident, no matter how hard he tried to ward them off. Those eyes…that horrific night! What if the curse of Nayata is real? What if the Naag Devata gets angry again? And we lose…

“Uncle, can you stop for a second? I need to tie my shoelaces!” Yashvir’s thoughts were fortunately hindered when one of the boys called out his name. “Of course, my dear. You’re leading the whole trail anyway! Take your time and tie your laces properly this time, like we taught you, remember?” The kid gave a broad smile hearing the “leading the trail” statement and began to do the laces. Yashvir looked at the 10-year-old then took a deep breath while overlooking the Gangotri ranges at the backdrop. “How majestic!” he thought. Even after spending all his life in the Himalayas, her vastness and beauty still don’t cease to amaze Yashvir. He looked at the kid pulling his finger to indicate “I’m ready”. “So Rihan,” Yashvir leaned towards the boy and asked, “do you remember what we must always do while looking at the mountains?” Rihan excitedly replied, “Admire the beauty and bow in respect!” Yashvir smiled at the innocent eyes and appreciated the boy’s answer before resuming their walk.

It was a long day. Mannu and Yashvir along with the trek leader Sayani led a team of 12 kids to the Dayara Bugyal Top. Throughout the trek, the kids learnt how to walk through rocky terrain while admiring the spectacular views; drink directly from a flowing stream, and names of hundreds of wildflowers, plant species and the glorious mountain peaks. Yashvir would distract them during steep ascends by telling local tales of mountain gods and goddesses. Meanwhile, Mannu would keep the team entertained by singing songs, cracking jokes, and reciting motivational poems. The kids were exhilarated after reaching the Dayara Top at almost 12000 feet altitude. They were physically tired, but not mentally! They couldn’t stop chattering about climbing a mountain for the very first time in their lives!

“At one point I thought I couldn’t walk anymore! My legs are going to fall off”, said Sahil with his animated expressions.

“So did I”, Maira said, “but we finally did it! We are a great team! Thanks, Akanksha for that last push you gave me!”

“Of course!” Akanksha was a 10-year-old girl with admirable maturity and leadership qualities. “That’s what Sayani Ma’am taught us, remember? We must all trek together and help each other!”

“I think we are there! Wait…is that Rihan…dancing?” While swapping trek experiences, Sahil suddenly noticed a silhouette figure from a distance dancing and waving at them making funny poses. The gang cheered at the Nayata campsite discovery at last. They greeted Rihan with hugs and laughs.

Fearing The Future

Yashvir and Mannu were watching the cheerful kids from the dining tent.

“The least we can do is, stay awake tonight”, said Yashvir.

“Of course, we can take turns and stay awake”, Mannu agreed.

“And we also need to alert Sayani Ma’am.”

“Why bother her? When we are vigilant and alert, why fill her head with unnecessary ideas and stories?”

“No Bhaiji…you and I both know these are not just stories. How can you say that? You were there. It all happened in front of us. Or have you forgotten the night when Shubho sir ran towards me with that huge dagger? I thought that was the end of me. I saw the face…his blood-red eyes and devilish smile still keep me up at night. You witnessed Bhaiji what happened. We all knew it wasn’t Shubho sir that night. It was the curse. We have to at least alert Sayani Ma’am without giving any details. Please Bhaiji”, this time Yashvir was almost in tears while pleading.

Mannu realised it’s a delicate topic for Yashvir and he’s not entirely wrong. Mannu’s face hardened too a little while reliving last year’s incident. He was dealing with the same situation by repressing the memory as much as possible. But Yashvir was right. Sayani needs to be alerted. He held Yashvir’s shoulders and said softly, “Ok Yashu, we will tell Sayani Ma’am tonight after dinner. Don’t worry bhai, and try not to remember that night. I’m trying too. Let’s go and play today’s game with the kids.”

The Nayata campsite was one of the most beautiful locations of the trek. A large meadowland was in her full spring glory, proudly exhibiting her yellow, red, purple and white wild buttercup flowers. Bees and butterflies kept wandering perching momentarily on each buttercup before moving on to the next. This wonderland known as Nayata, was surrounded by pine forests with a clear view of the mighty Himalayan ranges. The vista was enchanting. Across one end of the meadows near the shepherd village was the Naag Devta temple standing atop a small hillock, away from the campsite, away from the population…like a lonely shepherd whose flock has long gone home.

“Alright kids, it’s time for the surprise now!” There was a murmur of excitement amongst the kids when Sayani entered the meeting area hiding something in her hands held behind. After enjoying the curious looks for a while, she brought forward a plate with a homemade chocolate cake on it and placed it on the green grass. The kids literally jumped in joy at this unexpected treat. The food on a trek is always nutritious and healthy which the kids always relished -thanks to the super efficient cook Vinod. But never did they dream of the possibility of a cake on their camp!

“You were all amazing today kids! Always remember this day when you climbed a mountain for the first time in your life. Cherish the moment because this is just the beginning of your trekking lives! Now dig in! And don’t forget to thank Vinod uncle for preparing this cake with his magical powers!!” The kids were ecstatic. Everyone cheered, clapped hands and thanked their beloved Sayani Ma’am for the brilliant surprise. After sharing a few slices with the kitchen team, they polished off the whole cake in no time.

“We Must Alert Sayani Ma’am!”

It was a long day. Sayani bid goodnight to each one of them separately at their tents before meeting up with Mannu and Yashvir at the dining tent to review the next day’s plan of action. The two guides were waiting for her but their faces didn’t look the same as everyday. Sayani noticed their change in expressions and body language.

“Is everything alright? Mannu, Yashvir? You look weird today.” She asked with a quizzical face while sitting down near the lamp. Yashvir and Mannu looked at each other. They opened their mouths a bit, gasped a little and then again stood there silently.

Sayani was now curious. Intrigued rather. She came closer to them and said with a chuckle, “Ok now you’re behaving like you’ve seen ghosts for real! C’mmon now! Spill it! What’s the matter with you two?”

Mannu and Yashvir both sat close to Sayani before Mannu started to speak, “Ma’am, it’s nothing much really. But we wanted to share a few things with you. You must have noticed the Naag Devata temple at the hilltop. Here the villagers and everyone in the mountains believe in the power of our deity, you know that. Most temples in the mountains are built far away from human settlements because the deity likes isolation and peace,” Mannu paused to take a few sips of water. Sayani was listening intently and nodding in agreement. She’s been doing this job for quite some time now. She understands and respects the beliefs of the locals. But she was still not sure what exactly Mannu was getting at.

Mannu continued, “This Naag Devata temple is no exception. We must not violate the rules of the mountains. We must respect…”

“But Mannu Bhai, I know all this already! And you know very well how seriously I respect everyone’s faith. What I don’t understand is, why are you telling me things that I already know. Or is there more? Is there something I’m missing out…please speak freely!”

“Ma’am you can’t…you shouldn’t sleep alone in your tent tonight! Please!” Yashvir couldn’t hold it in any longer and blurted out rather frantically. Mannu gave him a stern look before taking over, “What he means is, it’s better that you sleep in this dining tent here. Both Yashu and I will be here and take turns to stay awake. One of us anyway has to stay awake every night, in case the kids need something. Ma’am, this Nayata campsite has some infamous rumours about it. Why risk it? Please spend the night here…we are like a family. We must look out for each other, no?”

Sayani looked at both their concerned faces, thought for a moment and said,

“You’re right Mannu Bhai, we are like a family. But you should also know, I’m quite capable of taking care of myself. This is not my first trek, and neither will be my last! I appreciate your concern but there is no need for me to stay here.” Then she looked at Yashvir and held his hands, “And Yashu bhai, you worry too much! Relax a little! Nothing bad can happen if our hearts are pure, right? Remember you told me once?”

Yashvir did remember that statement. But what happened last year with Shubho sir made him question his own ideals and beliefs. He didn’t know anymore what to think or believe. He just wanted Sayani Ma’am to stay safe. But even after much persuasion, Sayani assured them both it would be ok. She even promised to wake them up if she felt anything odd during the night before retiring to her tent. Both the guides sighed in hopelessness. Mannu said, “We did what we could. Now all we can do is just stay alert. Do you want  me to take the first shift?”

Yashvir shook his head horizontally. “No Bhaiji! I’ll stay up. There is no point even trying…I won’t be able to sleep tonight anyway”. Mannu sighed, switched off his headlamp and slid under his sleeping bag to catch a few hours of sleep. He looked at Yashvir one last time before dozing off.

“Yashu”

“Ji Bhaiji”

“Do wake me up when you need to rest. Or if you need anything. Ok?”

“Ji Bhaiji.”

When Beauty Turns Into Scary

“Yashu…Yashu wake up!” Mannu whispered while he tried shaking Yashvir by his shoulder to wake him up. For a few minutes, Yashvir had fallen asleep while on patrol. Right that moment, Mannu had just awoken by a faint noise of footsteps outside their tent. Being trekking guides over the years, they had become very light sleepers. Their bodies got trained to become alert even with the slightest of sounds. They both sat up alarmed and listened to the footsteps. Quickly strapping their headlamps they grabbed a trekking pole each in their hands and peeped out. At first, they couldn’t see anything or anyone. Carefully they both stepped outside. Switching on their headlamps they scanned the whole site.

It was an ominous dark night. Millions of stars which were visible a few hours ago, got mysteriously capped under a thick blanket of fog. There was an unnatural chill in the air, aptly paired with the heavy mist. Spring nights aren’t usually like that. But one cannot predict the mountain weather – they change at the most unexpected of times. The serene green mountains have now turned into eerie dark figures. The sweet-smelling pine trees looked like tall old witches. It only takes the absence of light to transform beauty into terror.

“Look Bhaiji…there!” Yashvir pointed out towards the Naag temple. A chilled shiver ran down their spines at the sight. A hazy silhouette of a woman was standing near the temple premises. They headed toward the temple, with a strong feeling about who that lady was. They moved fast but cautiously, without making any noise. Just about 10 metres away, they recognised the woman. They could hear their hearts pounding. What’s Sayani Ma’am doing here in the middle of the night? Alone? She was standing facing the ridge, her hair loose, looking at the dark mountains. Silent and still.

Mannu called her in a very soft voice, “Sayani Ma’am! What are you doing here? Are you alright?”

Sayani looked at them and said in a deep, calm voice, “I just came out for a stroll. Thought I’d pray a little to the deity.”

“Ma’am it’s very late and dark,” Yashvir tried really hard to keep his tone calm. “Please let’s go back to your tent. You can come here in the morning again. It’s not safe…there are animals.”

Sayani looked at the mountains once more and nodded in a very obedient manner.

They led Sayani to her tent keeping a close watch. All the way back, she never spoke a word and kept walking in a daze. Yashvir didn’t like what he was looking at. Only prayed it to get over soon. Hopefully.

Before reaching her tent, Sayani stopped for a moment and said in that same cold voice, “It’s ok, I can go now. You two go back to your tents. I am fine”

Mannu and Yashvir both looked at each other. They thought it wouldn’t be a good idea to confront her at this moment. They were relieved she came back and that’s good enough. Yashvir wiped sweat off his forehead as he zipped up their tent.

“What did we just witness Bhaiji?” His voice was trembling. “What was she doing there? It’s the curse of Nayata…”

“Go to sleep, Yashvir. And let’s thank our gods tonight that nothing bad happened to anyone. Try and get some sleep. I’ll stay up. It’s just three hours. We’ll talk in the morning.”

Mannu’s firm voice was hard to ignore. Yashvir packed himself inside the sleeping bag but he took off his jacket. He was still sweating. Mannu zipped up their tent and silently waited for the sunrise.

After Sunrise…

“Good morning Ma’am! I saw a laughing thrush bird outside my tent! How exciting!” A kid greeted Sayani with a dazzling smile.

“Oh did you know? How lucky are you Kunzum! I’ve been trying for years but couldn’t ever spot one!” Sayani watched the kids basking in the fresh morning sun while sipping her black tea. That’s when Mannu and Yashvir asked her to come aside for a chat.

“Well looks like you two haven’t slept well”, Sayani’s normal behaviour as if nothing happened last night was proving to be mildly disturbing to Yashvir and Mannu.

“That’s right Sayani Ma’am, we couldn’t,” Mannu said in a complaining tone. “Now, would you please care to explain, why were you wandering at night? What was so urgent that couldn’t wait until morning? What a huge risk you took last night…you put us, yourself and most importantly the kids’ lives in danger. And for what? What was your spiritual emergency that prompted you to visit the temple in the middle of the night?”

Sayani listened to Mannu with confused wide eyes. Then she spoke in a puzzled voice, “What on heavens are you talking about Mannu bhai? You saw me…at night? I had a mild cramp so I took a painkiller last night and slept like a baby. I just woke up before dawn. But I don’t understand what are you saying…how could you? Are you sure?”

Yashvir and Mannu stood there like fools. They didn’t know what to say. They didn’t know what they saw. They simply stood there, frozen. They gazed at the Naag Devta Temple facing the riveting Himalayas. The eerie dark figure was green again.

All images are clicked by the author

Based on true stories. Thank you Mannu and Yashvir 😊🫶🏽