Mystic Flames

3

With no money and no memory of herself, where could she go but sit on a random footpath, hugging her knees tightly against her chest? The world around her was a chaotic blur. Pedestrians bustled by, their hurried steps and the rustle of their umbrellas creating a cacophony that echoed in her vacant mind. The drizzle began softly, almost a whisper at first. Still, soon it grew heavier, prompting people to rush towards shelter, their movements a flurry of desperate attempts to avoid the cold, wet intrusion.

She remained there, lost in a trance, oblivious to the raindrops that began to soak through her clothes, chilling her to the bone. The real-life moment seemed distant as if she were watching it through a foggy window, detached and disoriented. Her surroundings became an indistinct haze, each face, and each sound merging into a singular, overwhelming blur.

Amidst this disarray, a faint sensation of warmth crept into her awareness. She felt it above her, a protective shield against the relentless rain. An umbrella, held firmly, provided her a sanctuary. Slowly, her gaze lifted, tracing the slender handle up to the person standing before her. He was a silhouette against the grey sky, his features indistinguishable but his presence undeniably solid.

He extended his hand towards her, a gesture of kindness and concern. She looked at him, her eyes wide and unfocused, still caught in the web of her daze. Unknowingly, her hand moved towards his, guided by some instinctual need for connection. His grip was gentle yet firm, his hands pressing hers with a reassurance that pierced through her fog of confusion. The warmth of his touch was an anchor, a lifeline pulling her from the depths of her trance.

"Miss, you don't look well," he said, his voice gentle but insistent. "Let me take you somewhere."

"No... No, it's fine. I am fine. I am fine," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, a fragile protest against the overwhelming reality.

Then, something caught her eye. Her pendant, familiar and precious, hung around his neck, swaying gently with each movement. Her fingers reached out instinctively, brushing against it as if to confirm its reality. "It's you. You..." she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of confusion and recognition.

Before she could question him further, her vision began to blur. The world tilted and spun, a dizzying dance of colors and shapes. Darkness crept in from the edges of her vision, and she felt her strength ebb away. She swayed, her body giving in to the exhaustion and confusion that had gripped her for so long. The last thing she felt was his hands, strong and steady, catching her as she collapsed into unconsciousness, his voice calling out in concern as the world faded to black.

She wakes up on an unfamiliar bed, the sheets are soft and the room is filled with a gentle, warm light. As she lay there, she couldn't help but wonder if she was God's favorite child. Every time something bad happened, it seemed as though she always found herself in a safe, comforting place. When one door closed, another opened almost immediately, as if fate had a special plan for her.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she rose from the bed, her bare feet touching the cool, polished floor. She walked around the house, marveling at the elegant interiors—the soft glow of the ambient lighting, the intricate designs on the walls, and the tasteful decor that spoke of someone with a refined sense of style. As she wandered through the rooms, she searched for the owner or the person who had rescued her.

Then, she heard it—a heavenly voice singing from a nearby room. The melody was achingly familiar. "Isn't this the song I wrote? Who is singing this? And singing it so well?" she wondered aloud, her heart pounding with a mix of curiosity and anticipation.

She ran in the direction of the voice, her breath catching in her throat as she rounded the corner and saw him—the man who had rescued her. He was standing by a huge glass sliding door, looking out towards the ocean, his voice carrying the notes of her song with a grace that made her heartache.

He turned and saw her, a smile touching his lips. "You are awake."

She stared at him, her eyes wide with wonder. "Wow," she murmured, almost to herself. "He is so handsome and outwardly. His pupils are so intriguing, ruby-like with purple dust and golden hues. He also has a scent of sea coral."

"Miss, is there something on my face?" he asked a hint of amusement in his voice.

"No, no," she stammered, snapping out of her reverie. "Thank you for bringing me back here. If it weren't for you, I might be as good as dead."

"Miss, where is your home? I'll drop you there."

She sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. "I had an accident and I am left with no memories."

His expression softened with understanding. "Then, Miss, you can stay here for the time being. When you remember anything about your family, I'll help you find them. Also, don't worry, this is one of my temporary stay houses. I don't stay here overnight. Feel free to tell me if you require anything."

"Thank you!" she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I, Aaradhya, will repay your kindness someday. And once I find a way to earn money, I would like to pay rent."

He laughed softly. "Haha, okay. My name is Jalandhar."

"Deep in the water," she mused. "What a unique name. Oh, right, I heard you sing the song. You sing very well."

"Oh, I heard it somewhere. The girl who sang the song was like a siren."

"The girl that deserved your praises must be exceptionally good."

"It's true," he said, his voice softening. "She is exceptional and beautiful."

"Then you must like her a lot, huh?"

"Like?" he murmured, his gaze distant. "I probably got infatuated with her at first glance. I felt love like I have been in love with her for centuries."

"So, are you pursuing her?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Ah, no, not yet. I am afraid it's too abrupt. It might scare her."

At that moment, the sound of a conch echoed from a distance. He turned his head slightly, listening. "I have some unfinished business. I'll come to see you next time."

As he started to leave, she couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. "Huh? Did I anger him by mistake?" she wondered, watching his retreating figure with a mix of confusion and concern.

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1079 words

did you guys like Jalandhar's chico eyes?

Rose ^ ^