Author: Manoj Roy

When Ankita finally turned away from the television, she realized that her comic book had disappeared.

“Where is it? It was right here. I didn’t even move from here…”she mumbled as she looked around the room.

“What happened, Ankita? Is everything alright?” asked her mother.

“Ma, I left my comic book on this chair while I was watching television, but now I can’t seem to find it,” said Ankita.

“It must be somewhere around here; it couldn’t have walked away. I am sure you will find it,” said her mother.

Ankita was clueless. She was certain that she had kept the book on the chair before she started watching television.

Just then, her friend, Mayank, who lived in the neighborhood, dropped in.

“It’s good that you have come, Mayank,” said Ankita’s mother. “I am going to the market, so both of you can keep each other company.”

After her mother left left, Ankita told Mayank about the mysterious disappearance of her comic book.

“You must have kept it somewhere around here. Let’s search together. We are sure to find it,” said Mayank.

“Oh, wait! Before that, let me first get your bag for you. I have kept it here safely,” said Ankita.

“Yes, please get it right away before it goes missing too!” joked Mayank.

“Oh, no! It is missing!” Ankita exclaimed.

“What? Are you serious?” asked Mayank.

“Yes, I am! Why is everything going missing today?” wondered Ankita. She was beginning to get worried.

“I am sure they are all here somewhere. You must have forgotten where you put them. Just relax and calmly try to recall all that you did today,” suggested Mayank.

Ankita started thinking about the things she did that day.

“And while you are at it, let me cheer you up with your favourite chocolate,” said Mayank smiling.

Ankita immediately brightened up. “Thank you! Where is it?” she asked cheerfully.

“I left it on the sofa⎼” he said turning towards it. “Hey! Where’s the chocolate? I left it right here when I came in,” said Mayank surprised.

“Didn’t I tell you that there is something wrong here? I think this is the work of a ghost,” said Ankita.

Mayank started thinking. “Hmmm...The other day, I couldn’t find my bat and I looked for it all day. Do you know where it turned up later? In the bathroom!”

“In the bathroom? How did it end up there?” asked Ankita.

“I was covered in mud after my cricket practice. So as soon as I reached home, I headed straight for the bathroom. I took the bat along with me, too. But after the bath, I completely forgot about it. The next day, when I couldn’t find it, I calmly retraced my steps and found it in the bathroom!” said Mayank.

Ankita laughed. “Good job, detective Mayank!” she teased him.

The friends kept chuckling as they started searching for the missing things. They searched every nook and corner of the living room but did not find the missing things.

They then searched Ankita’s room and still found nothing.

“Do you want to search the bathroom?” Ankita suggested playfully. This sparked another bout of laughter. The two then eventually did look in the bathroom, but found nothing.

“This is so puzzling!” said Ankita frustrated.

“I just don’t get it. Did someone come in from the outside?” Mayank asked.

“No,” answered Ankita.

“Then where did these things go?” Mayank thought loudly.

“This is my fault. I was watching the television all day and the ghost used the opportunity to steal my things. I should have gone out to play with Buddy in the garden instead.”

“By the way, where is your dog Buddy? I haven’t seen him today,” said Mayank.

“Oh, he must be sleeping near the stairs. He had been nagging me to play with him since morning,” said Ankita.

Mayank found Buddy lying quietly near the stairs. The dog started wagging his tail happily on seeing Mayank.

Mayank was petting him, when suddenly, he called out to Ankita, “Ankita, come here. Quick!”

“What happened?” asked Ankita, rushing towards Mayank.

“I have found your ghost. Here he is!” said Mayank pointing towards Buddy.

“Buddy?” asked Ankita with surprise.

“Yes! All the missing things are here in his basket. Buddy must have picked them up and put them here,” said Mayank.

“But why would Buddy do this?” asked Ankita baffled.

“Maybe he is angry at you. Instead of playing with him, you chose to watch television. And usually you do go with him to the park on Sundays,” said Mayank smiling.

“You’re right, Mayank,” said Ankita. She then hugged Buddy and said, “I am sorry, Buddy. I ignored you instead of playing with you.”

“Come on. Let’s take Buddy to the garden. There is no knowing what he will hide next!” said Mayank.

“Yes, you are right. We don’t want Buddy, the ghost to strike again!” joked Ankita.

The friends laughed and made their way to the garden with Buddy in tow.