HUNT OR HUNTED PART 2

He was totally confused and he had never been in such a situation. The drizzle had turned into a rain but he could still see where he was.
He checked his shotgun and pointed it into the air. He fired a shot and waited. The sound of the shot was loud. He ears hummed and he listened for a reply. There was none. He shouted to his friends and called for help. There was no reply.
The rain was getting heavier and he could barely see twenty metres ahead. He tried to look for some shelter; a tall tree or something better. His hopes were high but a tall tree would attract lightning. He did not want to be struck by the thousand volts from the sky. He was right as lightning flashed and thunder followed. It would be foolish to stay under a tree.
He trudged on and on and hoped to find a shelter of some sort. But in the middle of the jungle who would build a hut or a shed.
He was indeed a lucky man. The jungle was already in darkness but as the lightning flashed, he saw a hut. He could not believe what he saw. Were his eyes playing tricks on him? Was it due to his paranoid feeling?
For a second time, the lightning flashed and for a split second he saw the hut again. His heart pounded with excitement as he was sure of what he saw. Was it a trick or an illusion? He was actually running straight towards the hut regardless of who or what built it; regardless of who or what was inside. It would be better than being soaked in the rain and the fear of being struck by lightning.
At the door of the hut he stopped and breathe heavily. It would be impolite to barge in without being invited. Whoever was inside would be offended if someone rushed in unannounced.
He rapped on the flimsy door and waited. There was no reply. He called out aloud because the thunder had muffled the knock on the door; he assumed. He waited again. As he was feeling cold and wet, he could wait any longer. He opened the door slowly and expecting to find the inhabitants shocked but he was relieved as the hut was bare and totally uninhabited. The light emitted from the lightning shot through the cracks on the walls and the roof. He was now sure that the hut was indeed empty.
He felt a sense of relief as he could get some shelter away from the rain. He would explain to the owner later when he returned later; he thought to himself.
He switched on his torch light and surveyed the empty hut. It was indeed vacant except for the floor that was littered with dried leaves and branches. Not a single piece of furniture was seen. The only sign of use was a small blackened patch of branches that had been used for a fire. That gave him an idea. He gathered the leaves and the branches and twigs that were in the hut.
Then he took out his box of matches; luckily they were wrapped in a container so it was still dry. He struck a match and made a small fire. Next he removed his jacket and shirt and dried them near the fire. It was warm and he gave out a sigh of relief.
But, sad to say, that sigh of relief was a short one. Read on.

HUNT OR HUNTED PART 1

My Standard 4 class teacher, Mr. Hong Eng Kooi, was a great story teller and he had the knack of making the class attentive and interested even when it was dark and rainy. When the evening was dark and windy, we knew that Mr. Hong would have a tale for us. It was because teaching and learning was impossible with the rain splashing in through the open windows and the lightning and thunder making us lose concentration.
One evening, the sky was threatening and the clouds were building up in the horizon. Mr. Hong, asked us to keep our stuff into our bags and move the desks and chairs to the middle of the classroom. From experience, we knew that the rain water would splash into the classroom through the open windows. Our windows were bare except for the iron mesh across it.
We were excited because we knew that there would be a tale; short or long, it would not matter as long as we could listen to some eerie or frightening tale. Mr. Hong seemed to have a handful of such tales.
When everybody was gathered in the centre of the classroom, he told us a strange but true tale. After the tale, I leave it to you to decide of its legitimacy.
He came from Sitiawan, a town you would pass through on your way to Lumut. If you want to buy preserved cuttlefish or dried prawns, you can find them here. And if you want to savour fresh seafood, you are in luck here.
At time he was an avid hunter just like many folks in Sitiawan. Many of them had licences to go hunting in the jungles nearby. As planned, Mr. Hong agreed to meet the usual friends at the edge of the jungle one Saturday evening. He had packed an array of light snack of coffee, biscuits and some tidbits. Of course he had his shotgun, a hunting knife, a box of matches and a torchlight.
At the usual meeting place, he met the other three buddies. After the usual greetings and exchange of the latest happenings, they started their walk into the jungle. The weather was fine with a clear sunny sky. It was around 3 o’clock so they had a few hours before sunset. That was what they wanted; to be able to see the animals in the jungle.
They moved quietly and only whispering occasionally. They had a strange feeling; the jungle was as quiet as a graveyard. Normally, they could hear chirping of birds and the call of some animals. But that evening was abnormal indeed. Everything seemed odd and even the breeze was not felt. The leaves were still and the only sound was the footsteps on dried leaves and occasionally the breaking of twigs.
Their hopes were not dampened and they expected a change of luck later in the deeper part of the jungle. After about half an hour it was still the same. So they decided to break up and go separate ways. Maybe this would be better as they could move silently without disturbing the inhabitants in the jungle. Each took one direction and promised to meet the next morning at the foot of the tallest tree.
Mr. Hong moved quietly and stealthily among the bushes and listened with all ears for any sounds to indicate the presence of animals. He was disappointed but nevertheless he trudged on. By then the sky had turned dark suddenly and thick dark clouds gathered above indicating the great possibility of a thunderstorm.
After a few minutes, a light drizzle had started and Mr. Hong felt that he was lost and he could not see the tall tree they had indicated. He panicked and started going around in circles. This was because after walking for a few minutes, he was back at the same spot. He was totally out of his wits.
As an experienced hunter, the only way to get help was climb up a tree and look around. He did that but that was of no help. The next thing was to yell and call for help. He tried that but there was no reply. The jungle seemed to have enveloped him and his call seemed to echo off.
If you are in such a situation, what would your next course of action be.

The Boy On The Hill

Have you ever been alone in a quiet and distant place. I do not mean a dream or your imagination but a real experience. If you have experienced it, I can bet you would have cringed and shivered at the thought and chills still travel down your spine.
As a kid and the eldest of the siblings, I would usually accompany my parents to the vegetable farm especially during weekends or school holidays. It was my duty as the eldest to help out in the family chores. I was quite timid and naïve then.
One such place was a plot of land on top of a low hill.where the trees and bushes were cleared It was planted with chilli plants. This hill was a short distance from the actual farm where my parents planted the other stuff like spinach, cucumbers, long beans and lady’s fingers. My dad, mum and the other siblings (girls) were there to help pluck and pack the vegetables into the baskets.
As a boy, I was asked to carry out my task alone. I had to carry a four-gallon container to collect or pluck the ripe and red chillies from the hill. I dreaded the chore not because of having to do it alone but for another reason. Let me explain in detail.
As I have mentioned earlier, the hill was a short distance from the actual farm. If you had shouted the sound of your shout would not be able to reach the others. Furthermore, from the top of the hill, I could see the Chinese graveyard. I could even see the tombstones sticking out of the ground. Can you imagine the situation?
With the container, I walked reluctantly to the hill. I opened the wooden gate and climbed the hill. I tried to make some noise by beating or hitting the container. I also used a stick to beat the tall grasses in case a snake should be hiding there.
I moved from one chilli plant to another to pluck the red and ripe chillies. The chilli plants were planted in rows so I had to move from one row to another. I kept my ears pricked to pick out any unusual sound. The chirping of birds were distant and it gave me a sense of comfort. Sometimes, strange sounds could be heard. Maybe it was imagination or my fear that I thought I heard footsteps of something. I could even hear whispers and other strange sounds.
Whenever I heard a strange sound my heart started to beat faster and my breathing became heavier. I assured myself that it was my own breathing and nothing else. I stopped and looked around. When I was sure there was nothing, I moved faster and collected the chillies. I did not dare to stare at the tombstones that were located a short distance away. I feared that I would see the things associated with the dead.
I could see my parents every now and then but to shout at them was useless. They would not be able to see me. Still I had to complete the little task. So on and on I moved from row to row of the chilli plants. I plucked them as swift as I could. When I reached the last row, my heart beat faster and I became even more excited. I knew that the end of the fearful task was to end soon.
I plucked the last of the chillies and carried the container and walked down the hill. After closing the flimsy wooden gate, I walked quickly from the dreadful place. I reached the farm and showed my parents the collection. They smiled and asked me to have a snack before I help in other chores.
I shall never be able to remove the scene from my memory. It was a blessing in disguise because I have learnt to braver and my parents believe that it was a part of training to face the future and to be independent

Our Faithful Dog

As I said earlier dogs can be faithful, protective and understanding. They know how to obey and be loyal to their owners if they are treated well and loved.
There was one particular incident that we had never expected. It was truly a show of true grit, bravery and courage.
We were all having our dinner at about 8.00 pm. I was in the primary school; probably in standard 3.
During that time, we normally had our dinner at 8.00 pm. The reason was simple. My mum or my grandma who would prepare our meals also had to help out in the vegetable farm. So after returning home, it was quite late. Only then would they prepare dinner. As kids then we would normally prepare the rice at about 6.00 pm. The dishes would be prepared when my mum or grandma returned. The dinners were late but all of us enjoyed the meals together. That is why I strongly believe the saying ‘a family that eats together, stays together’. Even now that we are all married and we have our own families, our relationship is strong as a rock. Incidentally, I had 5 other siblings.
So, let us get back to the dinner. Normally our dog would wait for us to finish our dinner and then he would have his share with any left-overs of the dinner. He would never bark or make a fuss about his late dinner.
That particular night, he was barking furiously and seemed out of control. He was barking; not as us but at something or somebody.
We all thought that some intruder had invaded his territory. Or it was a stray dog outside the compound.
My dad and mum shouted at him to make him quiet but the din was worse. It was unbelievable. So all of us left the table and went out to check the disturbance. He was looking and barking at the side wooden wall of the house. My father suspected something amiss. He got his torchlight and aimed the light at the source of the annoyance.
We saw a hole at the base of the wooden wall. My mum immediately suspected a snake was hiding in the hole. Her intuition was correct. She asked my grandma to quickly boil a pot of water while we all kept watch in case the snake slithered away.
We kept ourselves at a distance because we were inexperienced in such matters. My dad and my mum got long rattan rods that were kept for such purposes. They held them ready in their hands.
After a few minutes, my grandma returned with a pot of boiling water. My mum took the pot carefully and with precision poured the steaming water into the hole. She quickly backed away. My dad was ready with the rattan rod in hand. We being naïve moved closer but were shouted at to move backwards.
From the light, we saw something emerging from the hole. The dog was even more excited at the sight of the snake. My grandpa held him tightly. It slithered quickly out of the hole and tried to get away. If not for my grandpa who had held him tightly, our dog would have pounded and fought with the creature.
The snake apparently in pain due to the onslaught of the boiling water slithered and wriggled away. My dad moved as quick as lightning and whacked the creature. With just two strokes of the rod, it stopped and was motionless. The dog was even more agitated and tried to lurch at his enemy. When we were absolutely sure that the snake was dead and that it did not pose any danger, the dog was released. It charged and stopped at the dead snake. It smelled and touched his enemy with his paw. I bet he was also checking it to see if it was still alive.
It was left there for us to see. The dead snake measured about 2 metres; black and spotted. The width of its body was the width of an arm. I was not frightened but I felt pure excitement to see it killed because if it had been left alone and allowed to enter the house, our lives would be in danger. It was a black cobra, the deadliest and one of the most poisonous snakes.
I also came to know of a sad incident when one of our relatives; a distant one was bitten by one and was dead before she was sent to the hospital. This will be another strange tale.
Later my father lifted the dead creature with the rattan pole to a disused mining pool nearby and he threw it into the far end. That was the end of the curious incident and one of the many encopunters with snakes especially the cobras.

My dog Part 1

These creatures can be really cute, playful, mischievous, loving and active. Some on the other hand can be nasty, aggressive and fierce.
I had the experience of being chased, bitten, barked at and frightened by some of the later.
The memories of my encounters with dogs are the topic of this memoir.
As a kid I grew up in the village and many families kept dogs. They still do. We had several dogs and they dies one by one as they aged. They were not the well-known species but common ones. The wonderful thing about them is that they are not picky or choosy whe nit came to food. They ate what we cooked or the left-over of meals. Next, they were also really protective and loyal to the members of our family. They were never aggressive when we fed them; even when we removed their bowls while they were eating.
I knew of some which growled aggressively when their bowls were touched or removed. They are those that felt that their territory had been threatened or disturbed; just like humans, we get annoyed or angry when we are provoked.
There is this scene that is still very vivid in my mind. I was sitting at the entrance of the front door at night. At that time I was probably four or five years old. I was actually for the family canine to return. It had apparently gone out to wander and to look for its own kind.
I could still hear the words my mum said, “Go to be. You don’t have to wait for him to come back. It will return later. When you wake up, you will see him.”
I was quite reluctant as I loved the dog very much and I did not want to lose it. Dogs have often been knocked down by vehicles or poisoned or killed by people. Anyway it was there the next morning when I woke up.

To Shake or Not To Shake his Hand

In a small village near Gopeng, an Indian boy had to work in the rubber estate in the morning and study at night in Ipoh. From Monday to Friday that was his routine. In the morning, he helped his family supplement the income by tapping rubber trees in the estate. In the evening, he took up an accountancy course in Ipoh, about 16 kilometres from home.
Every evening, he would ride his bicycle from home along a lane to the main road. He would park his bicycle under a tree beside a Chinese temple. As the days went by he befriended the caretaker of the temple. He was an old man who was a friendly and jovial person. Jega, the student in the story and Ah Pek, the caretaker would chat and exchanged news and happenings while waiting for the bus.
In the evening, after his class, he would take his bicycle from under the tree and said goodbye before riding slowly home.
In those days, crime was unheard of and everybody was helpful. Life was difficult but everybody worked hard to maintain life and the family.
The strange tale took place one Friday evening. It was a cool and windy evening as Jega cycled to the temple. Thunder was heard in the distance and lightning flashed once in a while. Jega knew that rain would follow. He cycled faster as he knew that there would be shelter at the temple or even under the tree.
He approached the designated spot but he felt a little strange and sensed something amiss. The temple was in complete darkness and the usual oil lamps were not lighted. Maybe Ah Pek had gone home or he forgot to light the lamps. He called out to Ah Pek a few times but there was only silence. Even the insects were missing. The usual incessant crickets and the night creatures were quiet. This added to the already deadly silence except for the occasional flashes of lightning and the booming of thunder from afar. Rain had already fallen but luckily it was a drizzle.
He hoped that the rain or the drizzle was maintain it intensity until the bus arrived. He was lucky as the bus stopped as expected. The driver also knew that he would be waiting there. He hopped on with the usual greeting, paid the fare and took his seat.
After the class, as usual he got off the bus and crossed the lonely road to get his bicycle. The temple was still in darkness. His only explanation was the same. Ah Pek could have gone home or gone for a holiday.
Without looking around anymore, he got on his rickety bicycle and started to cycle home. The shower had been continuous and had turned into a ran. Pools of water were everywhere but luckily he was familiar with the road. He avoided the potholes and the puddles of water.
Up ahead was the small, narrow wooden bridge across a river. The bridge was only made for bicycles and the very few motorcycles; a handful at that time. He got off his bicycle as it was risky to cycle on the bridge. In times like these, the bridge was slippery and dangerous. Even the very brave ones had to tow their bicycles on the bridge to avoid any mishaps.
The rain was incessant and it made Jega quite disturbed and at the same time feeling cold. The sound of the water flowing under the bridge was loud and seemed to warning him.
He was just about to lift his bicycle onto the bridge when he felt a sudden chill going down his neck. It was the rain probably, thought Jega as he started to tow old faithful.
He could barely see the other end of the bridge because of the rain. But he was sure he saw a figure at the other end of the bridge. The rain could really play tricks with me, thought Jega. He was even more certain as he strode along. It was not any trick of the mind or the rain. Right in front of him, stood a boy, about his height from where he was.
What on earth is he doing there in the rain? Why is he standing in the middle and not moving away? He must be mad to be there in the freezing rain. Jega thought and thought as he struggled along.
The distance was only ten metres when he noticed that the boy was his best friend from the village. There was indeed something strange on his face. Normally, he had a broad smile that showed all his shining teeth, but here he was standing rigid with a sad and sorrowful look.
Another metre and it suddenly struck him like a bolt of lightning. He remembered that this best friend was found drowned in the river right under the bridge. He was speechless and his heart weighed a ton. He remembered seeing his body lying on the bank of the river after being fished out from the river. He was wailing his heart out for his dear friend. The other family members were calling his name and asking him to wake up. The recollection was so vivid. He had forgotten the cold and the rain and the sound of the water flowing under the river. He was lost and he seemed to be in another dimension.
He could now clearly see the sad and sorrowful features. His eyes was blank and lifeless. Slowly he stretched his right hand, an indication that he wanted to shake Jega’s hand.
Jega was totally absorbed by what he saw. He was in a trance. He was not frightened nor fearful. His heart was heavy. He wanted to shake the hand of this friend. In his mind he knew that this friend does not exist physically but spiritually.
He immediately knew that his friend wanted to say goodbye to him.
Now, I have to ask you readers. Would you shake the hand of this friend?
Jega did just that and do you know what transpired then.
Jega felt a terrible cold stabbing his heart and he fainted. He woke up three days later. He was lying on his bed at home. He opened his eyes and instantly his parents and family members were shouting and holding their palms together and praying aloud. He was lost for words. He was unable to comprehend the situation. The only memory was the journey home after class. The last thing that he remembered was towing his bicycle on the bridge.
His parents asked him a thousand questions but they were shot all at once and he had no time to arrange his thoughts.
The only question on his mind was why there was such a commotion in the house. Then his father said that he was found lying on the bridge in the cold rain by Ah Pek who was on his way home. Nobody could explain the cause and even the doctors were baffled. The doctors could not offer any explanation and had told the parents to take the boy home and hope for a miracle.
On the bridge? Then it struck him hard and intense. He then remembered the friend on the bridge and the out-stretched hand. He then clearly remembered he had shook hand with his best friend. The hand was cold and icy. There was not a single sign of a firm hand shake. It was more of a touch than a handshake. That was the last thing that he could remember. He slowly related his journey home until the handshake. His family members finally understood the whole incident.
They also related what happened during the three days when he was unconscious. He has only uttered the name Ravi several times when he was brought home by Ah Pek on his bicycle.
Ah Pek being the knowledgeable one knew there was something to do with the boy found dead in the river a few days ago; Ravi to be exact.
Ah Pek had bought some offerings of food and fruits and carried out a simple ceremony to appease the spirit of Ravi. It was all done with the consent and the cooperation of Jega’s family members.
Finally Jega wept and prayed that the spirit of Ravi would be free.
This is another story that is suitable for the Festival of The Hungry Ghosts. But this story was a true case of the supernatural that happened in 1971. Never mind what people say about superstitions but things like this do occur. We can never explain things that seem ridiculous.
If you have any such strange but true tales, do share them.
Thank you.

You Will Regret

Two weeks before the wedding, Sakura was busy preparing and getting everything she needed happily. She was very excited as she was going to marry her wonderful man after two years of courtship.

Her parents were even more excited as her only daughter was finally getting married. They were in cloud nine. They booked the best dinner at a five-star restaurant.

One morning, she received a note through the post. She opened the envelope half expecting a card or a letter from friends congratulating her. There was a note but the content was short. There were only two lines.

Don't marry him. You will regret the rest of your life. Miko

She was surprised but not bothered as she thought it was only a joke from a friend. Her friends often played pranks and maybe this was one of them.

The next day, she received another note with the same message. She just tossed it into the waste paper basket. On the third day when she got another note with the same message, she was a little agitated. She took the note and met her fiance at a cafe. Her fiance read the note and just laughed it off. He only told her to forget it.

One week before the wedding, there was another note but with a longer message.

I told you not to marry him. You have not heeded my message. You will regret it for the rest of your life. Miko

It must be the work of some sick person. That was the thought that ran through her mind. She completely forget about the note this time.

Two days before the wedding, her close friends and former classmates organised a night out to celebrate the last two days of being single. She was happy beyond words but at the same time sad that she would not be able to enjoy her carefree lifestyle. She was going to miss her colleagues and buddies.

At the party, she was informed that they had invited Miko, a long lost classmate. She cound not really remember who she was but her name was familiar. The writer of the notes.

Her friends explained to her that they had often humiliated and made fun of her when they were in school. Miko had often cried in class and had severl times tried committing suicide. Only then that Sakura remembered her. She immedaitely felt sorry and at the same time was afraid to meet her. At one point she wanted to leave the singles party but her friends retained her.

It was a blessing for her too as Miko did not turn up that night. She was relieved and enjoyed the rest of the night.

On the day of the wedding, she received a parcel. Thinking that it was a present from a friend, she quickly opened it. She was shocked and dumbfounded. There was a headless doll with a note attached. The message read:

This is the last warning. Don't marry him or you will really regret fro the rest of your life. Miko.

She showed the items to her fiance but he just brushed them aside and telling her to forget the whole thing.

The wedding went smoothly without a hitch. People cheered and commented the couple. She was very happy.

That night, after the dinner, the newly married couple sat in their honeymoon chamber. They were enjoying a little wine and laughing.

Her quietly whispered into her ears not romantic words but these:

I told you not to get married. You will now regret it.

The voice was female in nature and it came from her 'husband'.