Hidimba-The forest maiden

2

I woke up from the nightmare. They were too much real like they actually happened. And the irony was that they really did. Sleep enveloped me into its ever-healing presence only to destroy my soul again and again with this nightmare.

I looked at the forest. My beautiful forest of fir, cedar and mahogany. Where flames of the forest ignite the soul and orchids put them down to sleep. Where in a deep ravine flowered blue lotuses and a forest full of dark creatures.

I looked at the dark sky only lit by a moonlight. Its silver rays falling spreading a strange peace. But not for me. My stomach churned to think what I would do when night would be at its peak. In the wakeness of the night, in the lullaby of the moonlight.

Time to go, I went straight down of the Branch of the tree where I was sleeping into the streets of the forest, filled with dried leaves and insects. I had powers. I am a forest maiden. Hence the whole forest was my friend. I passed through the similar routes, with sleeping snakes and crying wolves. With an owl looking intently at me its yellow eyes piercing my soul . I knew a family of Manav's were camped just a few meters away. With an old woman and five manly sons. I saw them when I looked for my prey. My brother's prey. I had counted my steps to their way since I could not carry a firelit torch with me.

Any time now I thought with guilt. Why do I have to do this? Did I really love my brother or I did it because I was afraid of him? the question was always left unanswered