2 A.M. #Wattys2017#specialawardwinner#iceaward2017

Chapter 13

Days passed by, everything started to heal among the tribe. I stayed back to support and help these people. After the fire disaster lives were lost, resources were contaminated and hence had become useless. Every nook was still burning with pain. Crystals of combustion glittered in tint.

My heart weeped for innocent who had lost everything. I looked upon my options and requested to stay back and help.

There was considerable progression in reading dad's book. I read two more chapters in moonlit nights. Rohanthan was left thinking of the damsel day and night. Her beauty haunted him in his dreams. Everyday morning he rode on Mamba in search of her whereabouts.

The book said Rohanthan had developed a strong love towards the town and its beauty. His fun punches and drolly smirk had a go on the people. They loved him but, did he actually love them or just there land was a tough shot. None the less the woman of his dreams was still under cover.

After a long read of about 2 hours I shut the book and stare into blank space. Years ago I lived, I loved the same person I love now. So much has happened and so much is happening but still nothing is crystal clear.

I walk to my hut and lay back on the hard surface. It must be mid morning because the brightness outside is a slight fade of crimson. My body feels strained and in few minutes sleep envelops it.

.............................................................

It hurts very badly. Physically being tormented hurts very badly. What has soured me more is cuss words every minute. I ask him why? why me? but is just replied by that same old evil smile. Every time I hear foot steps the hair on my body straightens. I slump low for another round of torment.

The opera lights are always kept on. That's a single deed of mercy I have been shown. My neurons have become familiar to every nook and corner of the stage and seats ahead. The empty theater has grown emptiness into my soul. My body has forgotten difference between sleep and being awake. I am older than my age.

I hear it again, the thumps from hell for me. He walks towards my chair.

"Enjoying life?", a loud mocking laugh.

I just moan.

"I see you are doing so Rohanthan. This is how you made my people to enjoy their life right? You moan today in pain of those whom you made moan. You tore apart my land and took away my dad's bride in your clutches. Of what you did my mother suffered without his love. He never got over that bitch...THAT BLOODY DAMN BITCH.", a smack on my bloody face.

" I-I d-don't k-know w-what y-you are t-talking a-about.", I mutter with my remaining strength.

"YOU DON'T YOU DAMN IT! YOU DON'T?", another smack on my face.

"Please don't d-do t-this t-to me.", my voice tears apart in pain.

"Call for lord, I will still see to it that you don't live, you deserve to die in vain like you did last time", he walks out screaming these words in tremendous range.

I am left alone again. None of his words are making any sense to me. I have no idea where I am and why I am here in first place.

My mind travels back to El and our life before. We had moments and they are weighing my heart heavy now.

I feel her soft and tender hands in mine. We have walked the valleys of Rosefield hand in hand. Under the tallest of the trees I pin her and brush her cheeks. They glow red and my hungry lips crash on hers. We kiss till our body feels the fall of horizon.

My head turns towards the rising darkness. El lays her head on my chest and we watch the stars emerge. Together we watch the world go silent and feel the countryside bliss.

"I miss you Ella!", my head head hangs onto the side and continues staring into nothingness.