Mahendra's Fear of Ghosts

Mahendra, the protagonist of the story "The Ghosts," is portrayed as a brave and fearless character. However, there are instances in the story that suggest he may have had a certain level of fear towards ghosts. Let's examine the reasons behind this claim.

1. Belief in Ghosts
- Mahendra's belief in the existence of ghosts is evident from the beginning of the story. When his friends start discussing ghosts, he actively participates in the conversation, sharing stories he has heard and expressing his views.
- His belief in the supernatural is further highlighted when he willingly agrees to spend a night at the haunted house, despite knowing the potential risks involved. This indicates that he has a certain level of fear or curiosity towards ghosts.

2. Reluctance to Go Alone
- While Mahendra initially agrees to go to the haunted house alone, he quickly changes his mind and insists on bringing his dog, Moti, along. This sudden change in behavior suggests that he may have been apprehensive about facing the ghosts alone.
- Mahendra's reluctance to venture into the haunted house without any company indicates a fear of the unknown and a desire to have someone or something familiar by his side for reassurance.

3. Timidity in the Haunted House
- Once inside the haunted house, Mahendra's behavior exhibits signs of fear. He becomes startled by various sounds and movements, constantly seeking validation from his dog.
- His trembling hands, racing heartbeat, and sweaty forehead further indicate his fearfulness in the eerie environment. These physical reactions are commonly associated with fear and anxiety.

4. Screaming in Terror
- One of the most compelling pieces of evidence suggesting Mahendra's fear of ghosts is when he lets out a blood-curdling scream upon seeing a ghostly figure. This intense reaction is typical of someone who is genuinely terrified.
- Mahendra's scream reveals his vulnerability and the extent to which he was affected by his encounter with the ghost. It is unlikely that he would have reacted so strongly if he did not have a deep-seated fear of ghosts.

Conclusion
While Mahendra is generally portrayed as a brave character, several instances in the story "The Ghosts" suggest that he may have had a certain level of fear towards ghosts. His belief in ghosts, reluctance to go alone, timidity in the haunted house, and intense scream all point towards a genuine fear of the supernatural. These elements contribute to the overall suspense and tension in the story, highlighting the human response to the unknown and the fear it can evoke.