Maybe in next life (Discontinued)

1.

Trees so tall and huge, casting heavy shadows over the soil as far as one could see, rays of the setting sun peeking through the gaps in between them, providing the otherwise dark and seemingly gloomy place with some glow. 

The sky was coloured in gorgeous hues of orange, clear over the lake in the middle of the forest that was otherwise filled with tall trees, plethora of bushes and vines wherever you step foot. Snakes crawled over the trees, in between the bushes, soft, distant sound of hissing as well as the sounds of other insects filling the space like air.

Although the forest was beautiful, the sky painted with gorgeous hues of orange and pink and clear white clouds, luscious greenery and myriads of flowers surrounding the environment, it did not seem welcoming at all. It was an enchanting beauty, but one you would only want to admire from afar and never come even an inch close.

A forest so dense it might suck your soul in, trapping you in a beautiful but never ending maze of unsolved mysteries. The flowing breeze, although soft, seemed to be whispering tales of hidden secrets; secrets buried in the depths of this place.

The rustling of the leaves, gentle lapping of water against the shore of the lake and distant sound of animals, hauntingly eerie to the year yet rather comforting to the young man laying on the shore of the lake, his one hand dipped in the water, playing with it. His soft features shone in the clear lake, his eyes, a pretty brown colour, very wise and old yet filled with a hint of vibrancy and liveliness, stared back at his own reflection with an unfocused gaze.

A soft sigh escaped the man's lips as he withdrew his hand from the lake. Closing his eyes, he laid his face on the soft grass, feeling the breeze caressing his face, the sensation soft and tender, like a mother's touch- A mocking chuckle left his lips at the thought. Mother's touch? Like you know how a mother's touch feels.

Only a few seconds had passed when his eyes snapped open again, hearing footsteps behind him. He turned, his hand going to the dagger strapped to his boots as if it was a muscle memory; however his body relaxed immediately as he registered the familiar face of the intruder.

"Ahiraj," The man let out a breath of relief, tucking the dagger back in its rightful place. "It's you. You startled me."

The man, named Ahiraj, dressed in their familiar palace uniform, bowed slightly. "My deepest apologies, my lord. That was not my intention."

The young man sighed, a small smile slipping on his lips as he stood up. "No worries. May I know what brings you here?"

Ahiraj gave a curt nod, expression as solemn as ever. "I again apologize for disturbing you but Lady Visha had requested your presence so you may come with me." 

A deep frown etched onto the young man's forehead, but he quickly composed himself, simply following Ahiraj out of the forest.

After a second of hesitation, he asked. "Do you know why she wants to meet me?"

Ahiraj's answer was simple. "No, sir, I do not know. I have only been ordered to bring you to her chambers."

The man nodded, falling into his thoughts. Why am I being called? Did I do something? He wondered, his heartbeat fastening, feeling oddly anxious. No, I didn't. And even if I had, it's not that she's gonna eat me. I'm worrying for no reason.

His thoughts were cut short as he heard Ahiraj's voice addressing him again. "I apologise for speaking too much, sir, but being alone in the forest like this is dangerous for you. You need to be more careful, there are chances of attacks."

A smile pulled the young man's lips as he noticed the concern in Ahiraj's voice. "Don't worry, Ahi. I'm always armed."

Ahiraj did not looked like he was convinced, but nodded nonetheless, ending the topic. "If you say so."