The Reflection Room

An abandoned palace known to the locals as "Bhabishyer Bari"—the House of the Future—was situated on the outskirts of Sylhet, concealed by a dense forest and a winding, narrow road. Even though it had been deserted for decades, lights occasionally flickered through its broken windows, and on evenings when there was no moon, a faint hum could be heard coming from inside. Arif, a paranormal enthusiast and university student, had long been interested in the location. People that entered Bhabishyer Bari either went insane or were never seen again, according to his companions' warnings. However, cautions just stoked Arif's interest. He made the decision to bring his camera and flashlight to the mansion one late November evening in order to record what he discovered. The cold air brushed against his skin as he entered through the creaking iron gate. The mansion's outside walls were choked with vines, and each window appeared to be a monitoring eye. Surprisingly, the front door was unlocked. It moaned open with a shove.

The cold air brushed against his skin as he entered through the creaking iron gate. The mansion's outside walls were choked with vines, and each window appeared to be a monitoring eye. Surprisingly, the front door was unlocked. It moaned open with a shove. Every surface within was covered in dust. There was a strong odor of mold and decay. His feet groaned on the planks. Arif strolled carefully, mumbling commentary to his camera while capturing everything. Then he discovered it: a sizable chamber at the end of the corridor with the following sign over it: "See Yourself— Reflection Room. Recognize yourself. Arif went in, intrigued. Except for a huge mirror that filled the far wall, the room was deserted. Despite its age, it was immaculately polished. No stains or cracks. Arif noticed something odd as he got closer: his movements did not precisely match those of his reflection. The reflection paused before raising its left hand when he raised his right. The reflection did not smile when he did.

His skin pricked with goosebumps. He tried to shrug it off by whispering, "This must be a hoax." His image blinked then, but he hadn't. The door abruptly slammed behind him. His flashlight died after flickering. His chest swelled with panic. He shouted and pounded on the door, but nothing came out. He turned to see that the mirror was reflecting something else instead of the room. A precise replica of the Reflection Room was found inside the mirror, although it was not deserted. There was a different Arif, grinning. It was a twisted, knowing smile, not a warm one. The other Arif beckoned with a finger up. Arif moved closer against his will. Something tugged at him, as if the mirror had lost its solidity. He tried to flee and yelled, but his body failed him. Step by step, his feet advanced until he was just inches from the glass. He reached out like the reflection did. Their palms made contact. The world went dark as Arif felt icy lightning pierce his veins.

Gasping, Arif woke up on the Reflection Room floor. Everything appeared to be typical. Once more, the door was open. His flashlight was functional. He told himself it was a dream and laughed uneasily. He was relieved to see sunshine peeking through the woods as he stepped outside. He dialed Eshan, his pal. "I was in Bhabishyer Bari, bro. The night was spent. It seems unsettling, but nothing occurred. The line paused for a long moment. "Who is this?" It is me. Arif.” Eshan responded softly, "No." "Arif passed away a year ago. In that residence, they discovered his body. He had lost his eyes. He had a twisted face. Arif stopped. "What—what are you discussing? I am still here— The call ended before he could say anything more. To see his face, he turned on his front camera. His face was not what he saw. It was the mirror's warped smile. It gave a wink.

Nobody really knows what happened to Arif since that day. He became insane, according to some. Some others think he is still yelling silently in that mirror. Visitors to the mansion, however, occasionally claim to have seen a figure in the mirror calling them forward and waving at them. Awaiting you is the Reflection Room. Additionally, it is constantly looking for a new face.