THE LADY OF SHALOTT

Chapter :3 (Grief to Furiosity)

Despite the winter chill, they stepped into the snow-filled backyard. They sat on the wooden
bench. Cold winds were blowing and Anastasia's hair was swaying gently. Anastasia shivered
with cold. Alexander sensed it . At that moment he had put on a brown leather jacket , he took
it off and wrapped it around Anastasia. She felt good.
Anastasia had regained her composure, as she knew that it was crucial for her ultimate
objective.
Anastasia:I wanna take Daddy's revenge.
Alexander:Don't get into these things. You aren't made for revenge.
Anastasia: No Alex! The memory of that day still haunts me. I am consumed by guilt for not
acting.
Alexander: This revenge will burn your innocence Ana!
Anastasia: If you can't support me, better you stay silent.(She replied with a slightly sharp
tone.)
Alexander:I am your well-wisher Ana! Trust me.
Anastasia ignored him and drifted into her own deep thoughts. Suddenly she came out of her
thoughts.
Anastasia: I completely forgot about Helena and Mommy. Poor Helena must be waiting for Dad. How will I face them, how will I tell them that I couldn't protect my Dad. Hh!(She sighed.)
Alexander: Don't overthink Ana!
A wave of pain flashed across her face, as Helena's words were echoing in her ears "I'll be
waiting with open arms Dadaa."
After couple of moments Alexander's mother called Anastasia and Alexander for dinner. As
soon as she completed her dinner, she went to sleep.
The next day was a sunny day. The sunlight was making the snow glow like "white-gold".
Anastasia's eyes opened with the intense light rays, streaming through the windows.
Anastasia put-on her slippers, and washed her face. She went to the backyard and sat on the
wooden bench, waiting for Alexander. Meanwhile her Granny arrived.( She was an aged
Russian woman, with normal features.)
She came towards Anastasia with a bent-back, and hugged Anastasia.(As she had already
been informed about Anastasia in the morning.)
Granny:Ah Anastasia! I gotta know about Nikola, a pious man, may his soul rest in peace.
Anastasia: But they have eaten a pious man. I won't cry and yellow anymore,Granny. Now our
enemies will cry. They will ask for death, but it won't be their destiny. I'll destroy "Eyaf" and his
family.( She can't pronounce "Ayyub".)
Granny: I am with you my Baby! Now go inside your Pa is waiting for you . He made our
famous bread for you. ( He can't step out due to ailness.)
Anastasia's eyes glowed;
Anastasia: I'd love to eat bread with grilled tomatoes and garlic.
Granny: Off course, my child.
They went inside and Anastasia met her grandpa. Now she was having home-made bread
with grilled tomatoes and garlic. Roxelena was also accompanying them, after few moments,
Alexander appears with red nose .
Alexander: You are here Ana!and I was looking for you outside.
(Alexander noticed that she looks normal.)
Anastasia: Come Alex, and have some.
Alexander: Ahh! again bread and tomatoes. I think this breakfast dish won't change
lifetime.After hearing his words she turned pale,as she remembered something. Regret
makes a person hollow.
Anastasia: Don't say this Alex. Don't be ungrateful .( She said in a deep tone.)
Alexander: Ok, next time I won't .( He replied with a deep smile.)
They were done with breakfast. Anastasia and Alexander were walking through the ancient
Moscow village.(Atsagat)
Alexander: I am happy for you Ana. You have taken control over yourself.
Anastasia: Thanks! I've to do this, as I have to make them suffer.
Alexander:Hhhh.....(He didn't like her idea.)
Anastasia: Won't you say anything Alex?
Alexander: you will find me always by your side .
Anastasia: My journey will start next week.
Alexander: Ok! I'll go with you.
Anastasia: No Alex, I appreciate your offer but, you won't go with me. I just need your support.
Nothing else.
Alexander: Ana! I'll definitely accompany you .
Anastasia: Alex! You don't have to come with me. Your Mom can't afford to lose her son, after
her husband. ( Alexander's father was killed in attack from ottomans.) What If something
happen to you?
Alexander: Nothing will happen to both of us. Now please end the discussion and I am going
with you.
Anastasia nodded.
Almost four days were remaining in the week and they passed peacefully. Alexander and
Anastasia were preparing themselves for upcoming journey. They took some food with them,
and Alexander secretly his father's sword. They didn't let anyone know about, why Alexander
is going with Anastasia.
The day at which they started their journey was also a sunny day. During their journey
Alexander was so concerned about Anastasia.
After a couple of days, they were in the same spot , where Nikola was killed. Suddenly a few
warm tears escaped from Anastasia's eyes. She wipped off her tears harshly with the back of
her Nikola's death scene rewind in front of her eyes. she remembered everything, that bloody
red water, that bubbles on the surface of water, that noise and everything. Also Helena's
words again started echoing in her ears "I'll be waiting for you with open arms Dadaa."
Alexander interrupted her;
Alexander What are you thinking Ana?
Anastasia:Ummm! I was just thinking about Kokie.( She lied . It was her first lie.) Ahh! Ana you
are losing something.
Alexander:Ok!.. I was worried about you.
Anastasia: Don't be worry about me, cause in your presence nothing will happen to me.
There was a big smile on Alexander face. ( A smile of person ...in Love ..)
The remaining journey also passed and now they were in Indian ocean.
Alexander: I am telling you this the last time Ana! Don't do this.
Anastasia: Alex! We have already discussed about it . Nothing will happen to me. Trust me.