The Ghost on the Hill

It had rained a lot in Champakvan that year. There were floods, and Cheeku rabbit and Jumpy monkey's homes had been washed away.

- Kumud Kumar

Both of them spent a few months wandering around and sleeping under trees, but as winter approached, they felt the need for a new home.

Cheeku and Jumpy decided to build their house on a small hill where floods couldn't reach. Their sights were set on the same hill where other forest dwellers had their homes. They began constructing their new home on a vacant plot there.

A few days later, Blacky bear approached them while they were working and said, "Hey Cheeku and Jumpy, why are you building your house here? Don't you know this is the abode of the Hill Ghost?

Cheeku said, "Blacky, we don't believe in ghosts. But if a ghost does reside here, we assure you we won't disturb him."

Blacky was surprised by their response. He warned them, "You seem unaware of the dangers of ghosts. You will realise when you actually face one."

Cheeku smiled at Blacky's warning and asked, "Blacky, how many forest-dwellers has the Hill Ghost devoured so far?" Blacky sidestepped the question and said, "We offer delicious food to the Hill Ghost daily, in the hollow chamber under the peepal tree. That's why he doesn't harm us."

Cheeku chuckled and remarked, "Your ghost is peculiar, Blacky. He binges on delicacies and savouries."

Blacky left, saying, "Have it your way then. But if you are going to live amongst us, you will have to feed the ghost when it is your turn."

After Blacky left, Cheeku told Jumpy, "We need to do something about this Hill Ghost tale. Someone is exploiting the forest-dwellers' superstitious minds."

Jumpy agreed, "Indeed, Cheeku! This so-called ghost is deceiving everyone." They devised a plan to expose the Hill Ghost and teach him a lesson.