Hello folks who wonder if ghosts in haunted houses mooch off the same WiFi,

Why do we love haunted house stories?

Ghost stories and haunted houses have been part of folklore for centuries—long before people spent their days venting on social media, thinking they could solve the world’s problems with a post. That said, has there been a truly great haunted house story since the rise of smartphones and social media? I’ll wait.

There’s also something about exploring abandoned haunted houses that hits the perfect balance of "This is a terrible idea... but let's do it anyway!" The mix of fear, adrenaline, and curiosity keeps people coming back to places that should probably stay undisturbed.

Before we dive into the story of how I ended up sneaking into an abandoned house, let’s take a moment to talk about a tree you’ll see often in India—the Sacred Fig, also known as the Bodhi Tree.

Part of the fig and mulberry family, this tree produces small fig-like fruits that only animals, not humans, consume. Its tiny, hard seeds pass through the digestive systems of birds and bats unharmed. When these animals defecate—whether from the air or while perched—the seeds land in cracks and crevices, carried along with natural fertilizer (yes, poop). This helps them germinate and grow.

The Bodhi Tree is especially significant because it is believed to be the very tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. Because of this, it holds deep religious importance, and cutting one down is thought to bring bad luck and misfortune to those who dare.

It was no surprise when I was greeted by a sacred fig tree growing on the side of the abandoned house.

This house was built 30 years ago by a man who later moved to Dubai for work, started a family there, and always dreamed of returning for a vacation. But between job commitments and raising kids, he never found the time. Decades passed, and now, bedridden, he remains unable to return. His children have no interest in coming back to India or taking care of the house, which has slowly deteriorated under the wear and tear of time and the elements.

Yet, despite its abandoned state, the monthly utility bills are still paid, preventing the house from being demolished or sold. Stepping inside, I can’t shake the eerie feeling that I might be one of the very few people who have set foot in this house in the past 30 years.

Here is me exploring the living room and the kitchen.

But why are they hiding under the bed and inside the wardrobe?

It turns out that the same room is also occupied by a Barn Owl that haunts the pigeons. Even though they enjoy free accommodation in this abandoned house, they're still living in constant terror.

Despite the fear of living alongside a predator, the instinct to reproduce remains strong. Sure enough, I found a clutch of rock pigeon eggs tucked away in a hidden corner.