The Mystery of Room Seventeen - By Arundathi Wijerathna

Written By: Arundathi Wijerathna

Category: The Mystery of Room seventeen

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Meet Arundathi Wijerathna, an evocative storyteller whose latest entry, "The Mystery of Room Seventeen," adds a thrilling layer to the Short Story category at the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This enthralling tale, penned under the moniker Mistry and Triller, transports readers to the eerie confines of Blackwood Manor. As secrets unfold within the walls of this mysterious estate, Wijerathna crafts a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing her remarkable storytelling prowess.

About the Work

"The Mystery of Room Seventeen" is a masterful blend of suspense and intrigue. Wijerathna envelops readers in a chilling atmosphere, where every creaky floorboard and shadowy corner holds a clue. Through vivid imagery and a gripping plot, the story explores themes of trust and deception, weaving a narrative that is as tantalizing as it is unsettling. The subtlety of the literary style leaves the readers with lingering questions, long after the last word is read.

Mistry and Triller

Original Submission by Arundathi Wijerathna

The Mystery of Room seventeen

By Arundathi Wijerathna – Sri Lanka

Chapter 1: The Unlocked Door

Rain battered the windows of Blackwood Manor as seventeen-year-old Evelyn Hart stepped inside. Her aunt, Victoria, had disappeared three days earlier, leaving behind a strange message:

“If anything happens to me, never trust the person who finds you.”

Evelyn had come to discover the truth.

The mansion was silent except for the ticking of an antique clock. On the staircase, she noticed muddy footprints leading towards a locked room marked 17.

Strangely, the key was already in the lock.

She turned it.

Inside, dust covered the furniture, but a fresh cup of tea sat on the desk. Beside it lay a photograph of Evelyn standing outside the mansion—taken that very morning.

Someone had been watching her.

Suddenly, the door slammed shut.

A whisper came from behind the curtains.

“You shouldn't have come.”

Contd/2

Chapter 2: The Hidden Recording

Evelyn searched desperately for another exit and discovered a loose floorboard. Beneath it lay a small recorder and a bloodstained letter.

She pressed PLAY.

Her aunt's trembling voice filled the room.

“The person responsible is someone you know. The evidence is hidden where the house remembers everything.”

Then came a loud crash, followed by silence.

Evelyn's hands shook.

Suddenly, footsteps approached the door. She hid inside a wardrobe as someone entered.

Through a narrow gap, she saw polished black shoes.

“Find the photograph,” a man's voice ordered over the phone. “She must never discover what happened that night.”

The footsteps moved closer to the wardrobe.

Then, a phone rang downstairs.

The intruder hurried away.

Evelyn escaped through a narrow passage behind the wardrobe, carrying the recorder and letter.

Contd/3

Chapter 3: The Terrible Discovery

Following her aunt's clue, Evelyn examined the antique clock in the entrance hall. Behind its wooden panel, she discovered a hidden compartment containing documents and another photograph.

It showed her aunt beside the family lawyer, Mr. Collins.

On the back, someone had written:

“He was declared dead in 2012. But he never died.”

A floorboard creaked behind her.

Mr. Collins stood at the bottom of the staircase.

“You've found it,” he said calmly.

Evelyn backed away.

“You killed my aunt!”

He smiled. “Your aunt is alive. But she knows something that could destroy me.”

He reached for the documents.

Suddenly, police sirens echoed outside.

Evelyn had secretly sent the recording to the police before leaving Room 17.

Mr. Collins was arrested.

Contd/4

Chapter 4: One Last Message

At sunrise, Evelyn finally reunited with her aunt.

But as they left the mansion, Evelyn’s phone vibrated.

An unknown number had sent a photograph of Room 17.

Below it were six words:

“You arrested the wrong man, Evelyn.”

She looked towards the mansion.

Behind an upstairs window, a shadow slowly disappeared.

The real mastermind was still watching.

And this time, he knew her name.

THE END

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, is a prestigious event celebrating literary talent worldwide. It provides a platform for writers to showcase their creativity and passion across various genres and styles. This competition fosters a vibrant community of storytellers, encouraging unique voices and diverse narratives that captivate and inspire audiences globally.

Thank you, Arundathi Wijerathna, for sharing "The Mystery of Room Seventeen" with us at the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your captivating narrative and intricate storytelling have enriched the competition. We look forward to witnessing more of your literary journey and the intriguing stories you have yet to unfold.

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.