Introducing : JustUtter's 2 Min Horror Stories

  As I write, my dog comes and nudges my hand and with that jerk my pen falls down. I look below the table, and it's dark in there, I probably don't want to wake up my family at this hour. I am getting a bit thirsty, so I blindly start searching for my pen, with my bare hands, digging inside the plethora of dust. I suddenly, find a pair of hands holding my hand, I move back, and fall down with a thud on the bed stand. While those eyes from down there stare back at me. There is a black shadow, beneath a lot of dust, moving around, but I remember the eyes. It was his eyes.....

Many people ask me why I've suddenly turned to writing horror. I believe that darkness resonates with me deeply, and I want to reciprocate by listening and paying attention to the shadows of the night. If you haven't already, I encourage you to explore my "2 Min Horror Stories," which I publish daily on "JustUtter."

This Halloween, I'm excited to launch the first installment of JustUtter's Horror Book Series, "Bhoota Gappa" (Ghost Stories in Odiya). "Bhoota Gappa" translates to "Ghost Stories" in the Odiya dialect, the language of my native state, Odisha, also known as Kalinga Rajya or Orissa, the land of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.

My journey into the world of horror began in 1985 when we visited my grandparents' house in Buxi Bazar, Cuttack, during our summer holidays. Stories were a fundamental part of our childhood, igniting our imaginations and transporting us to countless realms. My grandmother, my father's mother, was a master storyteller, regaling us with tales of ghosts, spirits, and black magic. She had experienced some of these events herself or had heard them from others. She called these stories "Bhoota Gappa." Her storytelling was captivating, always building suspense and leaving a lasting impression. I remember waking up in the middle of a dense jungle or by an isolated pond, surrounded by shadows that seemed to be closing in on me.

I've named this book series in honor of my grandmother, who, despite being married at a young age, continued to inspire me throughout her life. She was a voracious reader, devouring books in multiple languages and ensuring that her knowledge was vast. She wanted her daughters and granddaughters to have the same opportunities she did, even though she was a homemaker. Her passion for learning never waned.

Each book in this series will feature seven thrilling short horror stories, followed by a snippet of a larger, overarching horror narrative. The characters from the shorter stories will intertwine in this larger tale. Many of these experiences are being shared for the first time, drawing inspiration from real events and stories. Prepare to feel your heart race, your eyes widen, and your mind become foggy as you delve into the chilling darkness of these haunting tales. I hope you enjoy reading them and share your honest feedback.

Disclaimer:

   **This site has a collection of horror stories, that are being published for the first time. Some stories have been shared with me by my grandparents, my parents, my brother, my cousins, my uncle and aunties, and my school and college friends. Please don't use these stories anywhere else without my permission.