Mystery of the Snow Ghost

Meeta, Kaushik, Rajveer and Reena could hardly sit still for they were finally going on a holiday together!

- Sudha Vijay

Being the eldest, Rajveer felt it was his duty to explain the world around him. The others called him “Mr. Know It All.” But secretly, they loved listening to him.

After arguing about who would sit near the window or who had packed the most snacks, the journey to the snow-covered Manali began.

After travelling by car for several hours, they reached their destination by noon. The cousins were staying together in a cute cottage with their family. There was a small garden out back with pear trees and after lunch, the children went to play outside in the garden.

“Let’s play hide-and-seek!” Rajveer announced.

Kaushik covered his eyes and began counting loudly, “One … two … three …”

Before he could reach ten, the other three rushed to hide. Meeta giggled and slipped behind a pear tree. Rajveer crouched behind a bush, while Reena hid near a bench.

“Ten! Ready or not, here I come!” said Kaushik.

Kaushik walked around seriously, like a detective. Suddenly, a “meow” sounded from behind a bench.

That must be a cat! Kaushik thought as he peeked behind the bench.

Meeta immediately came out jumping, startling Kaushik.

She burst out laughing. “It was me! I just cleared my throat.”

Kaushik had his hand on his heart. “You gave me a scare.”

Just then, Rajveer came out of hiding and pointed to a bush that shook hard.

“Shhh-shhh!” he said.

Kaushik yelped. “What’s behind the bush now!”

Meeta said, “Relax. It must be Reena.”

Reena crept behind her and whispered, “BOO!”

Meeta screamed for half a second, then laughed. “Reena! I’m not scared ... okay, maybe a little.”

But the bush shook again.

Before anyone could react, a monkey came out of the bush and climbed the nearby tree branch.

“It was just a monkey,” said Rajveer.