ENCOUNTER WITH MANANANGGAL

At the Palace Resort, a young man was walking in the dark. He had planned to camp in the forest area near the resort. He geared up by setting up the tent and was doing a vlog about his experience on Livestream. He was answering the questions in the comments. Some new comments popped up stating:

"What are those red color things.... behind your back"

"Look at your back"

"Something just went past behind you"

The vlogger replied, "You guys always prank me with your comments; this time, I won't believe you guys." He continued with his vlog. He felt some water droplets dripping on his forehead. He wiped it with his hand. It was blood. He lifted his head and started to scream. The vlog livestream was cut off.

The next morning, the Philippines cops were searching the crime area. The vlogger's fiance, Lucy, came there. She couldn't bear to see the crime scene. Only some pieces of clothes with blood strains were able to be found. Lucy was crying out her chest seeing the clothes.

After witnessing the scene, the local people who came there started to scream ." It's definitely Manananggal"

"It's Manananggal". Even the cops got scared hearing its name. After some legal procedures, Lucy left for her country.

The local people started to remember the legends that their ancestors told them. People got scared to roam at night. They began to follow their old traditional remedy to escape from Manananggal. They spread garlic and salt around the house. People didn't leave the house, especially the groom-to-be, newlyweds, and pregnant women, as they were the primary targets of Manananggal.

In Chennai, Ashwat and his wife, Sunaina, who is 8 months pregnant, were getting ready to leave for the airport. Ashwat's mom was helping Sunaina carry the luggage, and Ashwat was getting the car started.

" Sunaina be safe and careful, call me from time to time dear"

"Mom don't worry I'll take care of my wife"

" Ashwat don't be too immersed in the resort, look after Sunaina. She can give birth any time, we have to be careful."

" I know Mom"

"Aunty take care, I'll call you after we reach the Philippines. Bye Aunty" They left the house.

After a few hours, they landed in the Philippines. Ashwat's subordinate was waiting to receive them from the airport.

" Hello sir I'm Daniel your PA in this branch of The Palace Resort"

"Hi I'm Ashwat and this is my wife Sunaina"

" Sir, I'll take you to the house allocated for your stay. Before that, Sir Do you want to have food at the Resort or shall I arrange for someone to deliver the food after we reach the house."

" Arrange someone to deliver the food, we can go to the house directly."

They reached the house. The guest house itself is a cozy, beautifully designed structure with large windows that offer stunning views of the ocean and the natural beauty. Inside, it was a spacious living area with comfortable seating, a well-equipped kitchen, and tastefully decorated bedrooms that promised a restful night’s sleep. The decor often reflects the Philippines vibe, with nautical themes, light colors, and natural materials.

" Honey this place is beautiful"

" Yes Naina (Sunaina's pet name), I’ll bring the luggage. You can freshen up first. "

" Hmm.. OK. I'll freshen up and come." She went to one of the rooms. Ashwat carried the luggage to the room. He came back to Daniel.

"Daniel, what happened in the forest area? My transfer date was moved forward because of the incident."

" Sir a Vlogger has disappeared, only the blood-stained clothes have been found. Because of his livestream people believe he must have been attacked. But we couldn't find anything related to the vlogger except the clothes, so rumors of Manananggal were spreading fast so they needed you in a hurry as you are an expert in Management."

" what is Manananggal?"

"Sir it's a blood-sucking and human flesh-eating creature that can separate its upper body and has the bat-wings".

" Do people believe in it? It might have been a wild animal. Whatever, arrange food for the night also. We will meet tomorrow at the Resort."

"Yes sir."

After he left, they both freshened up, and Jacob delivered the food." Sir, it's Jacob, I'm one of the members of the cooking department of the Resort sir."

"Hello Mr.Jacob "

" Sir, your food."

"Thanks. Ah…  Mr.Jacob, can you find a female maid to assist my wife? My wife is pregnant. I need a maid to work here from tomorrow and she must also cook."

" Sir, can I send my wife to assist madam."

"Yeah sure, please come tomorrow morning with your wife. So I can introduce you to my wife"

" Sure sir, I'll bring my wife"

"Mr.Jacob can you bring food till tomorrow morning"

"Sure sir"

Jacob left the place. Ashwat and Sunaina ate the food.

" Honey I'm going to call Aunty. So it's your job to unpack and assemble the things."

"Ok, my dear Queen."He kissed her on the forehead and did the chores.

The next morning Jacob and his wife Maria came there. Ashwat and Sunaina welcomed them. They sat on the sofa and continued the conversation."Honey this is Mr.Jacob's wife, she will assist you."

" Hello I'm Sunaina"

"I'm Maria. "

" Have some Tea " Ashwat served them.

" We have only the Indian ones here, Mrs.Maria can you recommend some local drinks "

" Mam she is from China. I was studying to become a cook in China. She was my neighbor. We fell in love with each other. We got married just three weeks ago. My mom works in a fish market. Maria is alone at home. So I suggested that she work here."

"Oh! You guys are newlyweds"

" yes madam"

"What is your Chinese name, Mrs.Maria?"

" It's Li Mei, which means a beautiful plum flower."

"Nice name."

"Oh it's getting late Honey Jacob and I are leaving, take care ." He kissed her on the lips, touched her baby bump, and said "Daddy is leaving to make money for you babies, don't trouble mom too much. Bye Honey"

Saying that they both left.

In the resort, Ashwat was meeting with the resort members to reduce the negative impact of the vlogger's death on the Resort. Maria and Sunaian had become close, as Maria was just a few years younger than her. Maria was curious about the baby since she might also get pregnant since they had just got married. Sunaina was pregnant with Twins.

Later in the evening, Maria prepared the garlic and salt mixture to spread around the house. Sunaina saw that and became curious. "What are you doing, Maria?"

"Oh I'm preparing garlic and salt to prevent us from MANANANGGAL"

"What is that?"

" Mam you don't know !? There was a murder recently in this area, it is said that Manananggal ate a person."

"Is it an animal?"

"No mam it is a female who sucks blood and eats human flesh and it can separate its lower body from the upper body and it will hunt at night by using only its upper body by flying with its bat wings."

"Do you believe in this Maria?"

" I don't know mam, but my mother in law said the full story about it"

"Oh, can you tell me Maria?"

"Sure mam, In 1580's before Christianity spread among the Visayas, they lived as tribes. Their chief was called Datu. The tribe had a social hierarchy system which consisted of Maharlica, Aliping Namamahay, and Aliping sa Guiguilar."

"oh .. it's interesting."

" Maharlicas are the nobles who must accompany Datu in war, Aliping Namamahay are the commoners who cannot be sold as slaves and can also have property and wealth but they must serve Maharlicas, and at last Aliping sa Guiguilar, they are the slaves who can be sold to other tribes ."

" It is said that the younger sister of the Datu fell in love with a slave. Knowing that the Datu family he and his newly wedded wife, her pregnant elder sister, and her other brother who was about to get married in a month drugged her and kidnapped the slave along with her and took them to the cave which was deep inside the forest. "

" The whole family killed her lover in front of her eyes, she was heartbroken and swore to take revenge on them. Angered by her words they killed her brutally by cutting her body into two."

"What? How could they do it?", said Sunaina.

Maria continued, "Her soul did not rest in peace as she swore to kill them. It is said that the 12 priests of the devil who lived during that period revived her with some rituals and gave her this form. She got the power to seek revenge but couldn't remember her family member's face. So it is said that she is killing the newlyweds thinking it's her elder brother and sister-in-law, groom-to-be as her other brother, and pregnant ladies as her elder sister."

"What? If that’s the case, Why the murder didn’t take place before? And, Why is my hubby transferring to deal with this problem related to the  Resort's reputation and goodwill? " Sunaina asked.

"There is a reason mam. After the birth of Christianity in these areas during the 16th century, the priest from the Church used his holy water, salt, and garlic to attack it and made a casket in the cave and sealed it. So it was trapped there for years."

"But due to the recent earthquake, the cave had severe damage and it is said that the casket had been broken a little which may have unexpectedly released it, So the people here believe that the Manananggal might have escaped," Maria replied.

She continued" So people are using garlic and salt to protect themselves when they are roaming at night for work. As the saying goes "Prevention is better than a cure."

" Ok I agree with your concept, but yesterday we didn't put these around our house," said Sunaina.

Maria bought the mix near Sunaina, and her morning sickness kicked in again causing her to vomit because of the smell of garlic. She moved to the washroom and vomited. She came out cleaning herself," Oh God! My morning sickness has returned."

"Mam don't worry, I will put the garlic outside the house. The smell can’t disturb you inside the house. And yesterday, my husband put Salt and garlic around your house.  When he visited you to give you dinner at night, he came to know that you were not from this place and he did it for you mam." said Maria.

"Thanks, Maria"

"Ok mam I'm off home."

" Ok bye"

Days passed. Maria, Jacob, Ashwat, and Sunaina became close best friends. Ashwat even visited Jacob's home to pick him up for work. Jacob introduced his mom to him. Even Sunaina talked to them frequently via video chat. Since she rarely went out because of her pregnancy. Ashwat almost solved the problem with the murder case and the resort's issues. Ashwat and Sunaina were sitting on the sofa, and Sunaina shared Manananggal's story with him. Ashwat listens to her. Later, Maria finished the dishes and came to the hall. " Mam, tomorrow I can't come to work. Today we are traveling to the city, so I will not come tomorrow."

" Are there any celebrations in the City ?" Sunaina asked out of curiosity since she hadn't left the house since she came here.

"No mam, tomorrow is my birthday, so we are going to the city to celebrate." As the resort is near the seashore outside of the city, the great ambiance of the town is missed here, but we can feel the embrace of nature in this area.”

"Honey give me some cash in Pesos"

Ashwat gave her his wallet." Maria since I didn't know it was your birthday tomorrow, we didn't prepare any gift, so please accept it." She gave 25000 Pesos to Maria.

" It's ok mam," Maria said.

" No, please take it. Maria, when you return we will celebrate your birthday again with me " Maria accepted.

Jacob came there to pick up Maria. They both left. Since it was getting late, they both took the shortcut in the forest. In the dark forest, the Manananggal was lurking over them from behind, flying above them. Jacob felt a shiver in his spine as if someone was piercing from his back to his heart. " Maria Run," he said, trembling. "what?" Maria was confused by his behavior. " Maria run, don't turn back, Please" Then a growl came from behind them, Maria understood the situation. Tears started to flow from her eyes. " Go and hide Maria, I have a wooden knife" Hearing that she was a little relieved as it was the only weapon that caused damage to the Manananggal. She ran faster and hid behind the big tree. Jacob distracted it by shouting and when the Manananggal came near him he stabbed it in the heart, but it did not kill it. It only caused minor damage to it. Manananggal sucked his blood and ate his flesh, crushing his bones and leaving behind clothes with blood stains.

Maria came out from where she had hidden and came to find Jacob, all she could see were the clothes with blood stains. She cried loudly in pain. She hugged the clothes and cried out his name with remorse, which made Manananggal come to her. Seeing it, she checked her pocket to get the garlic and salt, but the pouch where she kept the garlic and salt had fallen into the place she had hidden. In the end, she went through the same horror as her husband.

Two days later, Sunaina was waiting eagerly for Maria's return, but she couldn't reach her through her mobile phone. She became anxious. That day, Ashwat came home and shared the horrible news with her. Sunaina could not bear it, she cried her heart out. " Naina, please don't cry. I can't bear to see you cry."

"Ashwat, can we meet Jacob's mother?"

"yeah honey, please stop crying."

The next morning, Ashwat and Sunaina went to Jacob’s home and saw an old lady who had lost all her life motivation sitting and staring at the picture of her son and daughter-in-law.

Sunaina and Ashwat aren’t familiar with the language. Hence with  Daniel’s help, they consoled her. They gave her some provisions and said " Mam we will be leaving this country in a week, if possible will you join us? Think of me as your son." Ashwat requested. Daniel translated it.

." Why are you doing this? " she asked them with confusion. Sunaina replied, "Because you are our friend's mother and loneliness is a living hell, no one must experience it. Please live with us. "

She didn't reply to anything. Ashwat said" Mam I will arrange for the things for your visa just in case you agree to come with us. So when we are leaving we will come and meet you. If you want to join us, we will take you with us, mam. Now we are leaving ". The three of them left the place.

They reached home. Ashwat had urgent work in the resort so he left the house. Sunaina, who was depressed, forgot about the precautions suggested by Maria. It became darker. Ashwat called Sunaina," Honey it will be past midnight when I return, so be careful, eat something.

The lights went off suddenly, she said to Ashwat who was on call," Honey the power went off. I'm scared honey." Suddenly, she heard a growling sound in the hall. "Ashwat something is here.... Ashwat .... something is coming forward flying towards me....", when it came to touch her it was pushed back by the power of her gold chain which has the dollar of the Hindu god Narasimha.

" Naina Naina wait I'm coming Naina ...." He ran to his car. Daniel, who saw this, followed him and asked for the details.

" Sir, what happened?"

"The Manananggal took my wife"

" Sir if you go to her you will also die...."

" If she isn't here, there is no point in my life to live. I'm going..."

" Sir, wait I'll also come with you."

In the house, the Manananggal was triggered by the Sunaina's guard against it. It used its magical power and held her indirectly without direct contact with its magical power and flew to its cave. Sunaina was screaming in fear. But she calmed herself and sent the location to Ashwat since her hands were not fully tied. While entering the cave her sandals fell off her foot.

The Manananggal went to hunt again, locking her in its casket. The casket was so big, the size of The Manananggal.

There were tiny broken places here and there in the casket, so there was no lack of oxygen. But she was tired. She had no strength to break open the casket. The Manananggal left to continue its hunt. Its lower body was guarding the casket.

Ashwat and Daniel reached the cave. Daniel gave him a wooden knife and said," It is the only weapon that can kill it, I usually always carry it ."

They entered the cave. Ashwat saw the sandals of Sunaina.

" It belongs to Sunaian."

Ashwat switched on the torch in his mobile and saw the surroundings of the cave. The cave was painted with the story of the Manananggal including the way to kill it."

"Daniel look at this, the only way to kill it is to burn the lower part of its body and then stab the upper part with a wooden knife "

" Sir, do you have extra fuel in your car?"

"Yes"

" Sir, I will go and get it and come. You are going to find the Madam."

Ashwat agreed and moved inside into the cave's deepest part, all the bats flew outside making noises that made the lower part of the body move towards the place where the sound was coming. It came closer to Ashwat and tried to kick him, but it got hurt by the chain he wore, which is the same as Sunaina. And it flew and fell to the corner of the cave near the casket.

The pain felt by the lower part of the body was felt by the Manananggal. It rushed back to the cave. Daniel hid in the car seeing it. After it went inside the cave, Daniel followed it silently from behind. Hearing the growl made by the Manananggal, Ashwat got shivers in his spine. It attacked him with its magical powers, he was thrown away by its magical power and got hurt by hitting the rocky walls of the cave. His hands were scratched and blood was leaking from the wounds on his head and hands.

Ashwat removed his chain, tied it with his wooden knife, and got ready to fight with it. Daniel silently went near the lower part of the body, poured fuel on it, and burnt it. The Manananggal growled loudly in pain. Daniel noticed the casket and opened it, he shouted" Sir Madam is here. She is alive."

Ashwat felt relieved, The Manananggal went to Daniel as he touched the casket. Daniel noticed it and threw the garlic and salt pouch that he used to carry with him on its wings. The wing in which it came into contact with garlic and salt started to burn on fire. Ashwat thought it was the right moment and he stabbed it in the heart with the knife which was tied to the dollar chain. Manananggal's upper body turned into ashes.

After a moment of silence, Ashwat stood up and went to Sunaina. He carried her to the car. Daniel burned the casket and followed Ashwat. Ashwat put the chain on the entrance of the cave so it could prevent it from once again Manananggal were to come.

Daniel drove the car to the nearest hospital. All three of them got treated. Daniel and Ashwat woke up first. Ashwat went and sat beside Sunaina's bed. He held her hand tightly and kissed her hands.

After a few hours, she woke up and saw Ashwat sleeping while sitting in a chair holding her hand. She called him," Honey... Are you alright?"

Ashwat who woke up to her words, said," You stole my words? I should be the one asking you."

" Is the baby alright?" she asked him worriedly.

" Yes, our baby is fine."

"Everything is over now."

'" Honey, I'm missing our home. "

"ok, we can leave in five days."

After a few days in Chennai. In a hospital in the maternity ward, Ashwat, his mom, and Jacob's mom were waiting anxiously.

The doctor came out and said the children were safe. You have a boy and a girl as twins. But Ashwat was more worried about his wife than the gender of the baby." How is my wife?"

She is fine. You can meet her after a few minutes.

Sunaina was moved to her room and she gained consciousness. Ashwat, his mom, and Jacob's mother were standing beside her. Ashwat's mom and Jacob's mom were holding the children. Ashwat hugged her and kissed her on the forehead.

"Ashwat asked," What can we name them? We have a boy and a girl."

" It must be Jacob and Maria,"

Ashwat, They were the only friends I had in my life. After growing up in an orphanage, you and Aunty are the only people I have. Just like you, the only friend I ever got was Maria. So we can name them Maria and Jacob."

Ashwat agreed and nodded his head and hugged her. Sunaina held the babies and kissed them.

THE END.

MY NAME IS SUBRAJA KARTHIKEYAN AND MY PEN NAME IS 1000 OCEAN OF STARS. PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR VALUABLE COMMENTS ABOUT THE STORY.

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