The Mansion on the Hill - By J. Sharuthi

Written By: J.SHARUTHI

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

J. Sharuthi presents an intriguing tale titled "The Mansion on the Hill" in the Short Story category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This captivating piece invites readers into a world of mystery and discovery as it explores the supernatural elements surrounding a seemingly haunted mansion. Sharuthi's creative narrative challenges the boundaries of reality and fantasy, making it a compelling read for those who appreciate suspenseful storytelling.

About the Work

The Mansion on the Hill unfolds with an atmospheric blend of mystery and suspense. J. Sharuthi skillfully crafts a narrative that plays with the concepts of time and reality, drawing readers into the eerie setting of a haunted mansion. The story's mood is enriched by vivid imagery and a contemplative exploration of human curiosity and its consequences. The theme of time manipulation adds a unique twist, engaging readers in a thought-provoking journey.

Creative writing

Original Submission by J.SHARUTHI

The Mansion on the Hill

Date: 08 / 10 / 2026

Everybody in my village thought the mansion on the hill was haunted. But I was determined to find out the truth. I don't believe their ghost stories as I don't have my belief in such fantasies. One evening I got to the mansion. When I stood in front of the desolate door a deadly wind blew. I opened the door and saw dark corridor inside. As soon as I entered the candles on the each pillar of the hall lighted. I noticed that between every pillar there was a book moving by itself, floating in mid-air. I perceived that there was a bleak stage. On the stage there was an uncanny ancient looking box with a gold symbol on the top and letters, I couldn't understand. I ventured toward it.

The stage wood floor creaked every step I took. I opened the chest slowly. I got curious. As I opened the chest I saw timer clock inside it. It had gold metal ancient border. I took it despite the uneasy trembling in my hand. I took a look at it. I started the timer with a curious thinking of what could happen. My thinking caught me not discern that the book between all the pillars which were moving stopped moving. As if the time has stopped, I staggered through the corridor speculating everything that could happening. As I was moving I heard dread rustling noise behind my shoulders. I turned around fearfully. Behind me I saw large, blank shadow with red fierce eyes. It was like staring into my eyes. It was growling. But I couldn't move at all.

Every instinct told me to run but I froze at the spot because of fear. The atmosphere became oppressive. The creature started speaking, “I am the god of time. Lately because of the human race I couldn't do my job properly. Now I am going to pass this job to you. You can freeze the time using that precious time. But you can't use it at all the time. Every time borrowed from now is taken from the future.”

Then it disappeared. Then a dark realization hit me. Every time I use the timer to freeze time, my own lifetime shortened. It was a consternation feeling.

At a moment I felt someone calling me. It was soft but worrying voice. It almost felt like I was being woken up. Suddenly I jerked upright to find my teacher standing in front of me. I was sitting in a classroom. I could recognize. I had a paper on my desk. There was a blackboard that said “Creative writing competition - 2026”. I deduced that it was a story I have been writing all along. But as I started writing I heard something clinging in my pocket. I felt it with my hands and realized that it was the timer from my story.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse literary talents. Open to writers worldwide, the competition showcases creativity across various genres, encouraging participants to express their unique voices. This event is a testament to the power of the written word in connecting cultures and inspiring audiences globally.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to J. Sharuthi for sharing "The Mansion on the Hill" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your story's intriguing exploration of time and mystery offered a captivating journey into the unknown. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.