From many years, tales of ghosts haunting the pond were passed down. Some said it was the spirit of a woman who had drowned there years ago, seeking revenge on anyone who came near. Others believed it was the ghost of an old fisherman who disappeared at midnight and was never seen again. No one knew the truth, but everyone agreed—something was definitely wrong with the pond.

Leena, one of the brave young women in the village, didn’t believe in these stories. She was new to the village, having moved there a few months ago after living in the city with her aunt. Even her parents warned her about the pond, but she thought, Maybe it’s just a deep pond, and the story is a way to keep children safe from drowning.

One night, Leena decided to see the pond for herself. It was a warm, moonlit night, and the stars shone brightly. Wrapping a shawl around her shoulders, she quietly put on her shoes and slipped out of the house while her parents were asleep. The village was silent, with only the soft chirping of crickets in the distance.

When Leena reached the pond, it looked just as it did during the day, except the water now appeared dark, almost black under the night sky. Trees cast long, shadowy reflections on the surface, and a cool breeze blew through the air. She moved closer and peered into the water. For a moment, everything seemed normal. Then she heard a splash.

Leena jumped, her heart racing. She looked around but saw nothing. It’s probably just a fish, she whispered to herself, trying to stay calm. She was about to turn back and head home when she noticed more ripples on the water. At first, it seemed like a small wave, but then it grew larger, as if something was rising from the depths.

Leena froze, her eyes widening in fear. Slowly, a figure began to emerge from the center of the pond. It looked like a woman, her long, wet hair clinging to her face, and her skin pale as the moonlight. She wore a tattered dress that floated around her like mist, and her eyes stared directly at Leena.

“I knew you would come to see me one day, Leena. I’ve been waiting for you,” the ghostly figure said, moving closer.

“How do you know my name?” Leena asked, trembling.

“Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. Come, play with me,” the ghost replied.

Leena didn’t understand what was happening but mustered the courage to ask, “How do you know my name? Who are you?”

“Forget the old stories. Just come into the water and play with me,” the ghost said, grabbing Leena’s hand and pulling her into the pond. To Leena’s surprise, the water felt warm and comforting. They began swimming together, and for a moment, all of Leena’s fear melted away. She found herself enjoying the strange company.

As they swam, Leena asked, “I know you’re a ghost. Why are you trapped in this pond? Why haven’t you found peace?”

“You’re right, Leena. I am a ghost. But I chose to stay here because I wanted to meet you,” the ghost said softly.

“Why me? There are so many other young girls in the village,” Leena asked, confused.

“I don’t like strangers. I chose you because I know you. We’ve spent time together before,” the ghost replied.

“What? I don’t know you! You must be mistaken. Please let me go home. I can help you find the friend you’re looking for,” Leena said, panicking.

“Don’t worry, Leena. You can go home later. I’ve waited so long for this moment. Don’t you feel a connection between us? Do you feel unsafe with me?” the ghost asked.

“Actually, I feel safe with you. I’ve never dared to swim in a forest pond at night before, but now I’m doing it without fear. It feels like home. But then I remember you’re a ghost, and it scares me,” Leena admitted with a nervous smile. “What’s your name, friend?” she asked.

Looking sad, the ghost replied, “I don’t have a name. No one ever gave me one.”

“How is that possible? You must have been alive once. Surely your parents gave you a special name,” Leena said.

“I wish that were true, but I was never as lucky as you. I was never even born.”

“What? How can you be a ghost if you were never born? And how could we have spent time together before?” Leena asked, bewildered.

“That’s the truth. Maybe you don’t remember me, or no one ever told you about me,” the ghost said.

“Can you please tell me where we’ve met before?” Leena asked.

“Leena, I’m your twin sister. I died at birth,” the ghost said softly.

Leena was stunned.She held her hand tightly.She was speechless.