When Earth Meets Sky

PROLOGUE: THE MANOR

The sun was just above the horizon, wading up in the tangerine sky, scattered     with blood flecked clouds, melting into the brisk air. The rustling of leaves sliced through the dense silence, as a cold morning breeze hit the lush trees.

A large raven perched upon the highest branch of a huge banyan tree, its body was so still except for its wind ruffled feathers, as dark as a moonless night. The beady depthless eyes of the raven were soley focussed on the manor ahead, its expression vaguely human–a pained expression of waiting.

The manor was a sight itself, with its elaborate windows and intricately carved wooden pillars, stark against the dirty walls with peeling white paint. The two storeyed building stood desolate, its lost grandeur long forgotten.

The typical traditional structure, looking atleast a century old, was isolated from the nearest town by a two hours drive, locking itself in the heart of a dense forest. The lawn in the front was laid useless with bushy weeds and dead grass, centered around a huge fountain with stone carved flowers with traces of tarnished silver and broken petals.

The fountain was once the epitome of beauty and craftmanship, but now, was a flimsy reminder of its servility to time and thieves. It now stood as a ghost of its past self, strangled by the vines of ivy flourishing around it.

The family that resided in this sprawling villa had a great eye for art and skill. Having been handed to him by his great-grandfather, the house was the second greatest pride of the wealthy lord, after his family.

While he was famous for his benevolence, the lady was widely known for her unparalleled beauty and intellect, they were different in every possible angle, except for their deep love for their baby daughter.

That day–a very normal day, fifteen years before, the weather was nicer than usual. The chubby little baby girl was babbling happily, holding her mother's hand. The lady too was cheerful, as she fondled her daughter.

To say she was excited was a gross understatement. And this was all because of the surprise vacation that her husband had planned for them. So it was natural that she wanted to make sure everything was perfect in the least.

Nothing could go wrong in this trip. She believed it to be a priceless opportunity to repair their strained marriage. And she was determined make things right this time.

As the string of thoughts occupied her mind, she sweeped her head around to check if all were set, istantly remembering to feed her dear pet. Placing her daughter on the couch carefully, she scooted the bird feed from the cupboard before running to her bedroom. She reached the farthest corner towards the french window, which lit up the entire room.

Opening the glass panel, she let the cool air caress her face, breathing in the fresh morning scent. A huge smile tugged her lips when she spotted the banyan tree across and let out a high pitched wistle.

Silence

She wistled again, This was not going to be easy. Her pet was angry with her for ignoring it all morning. The lady was too busy preparing.

"Kraa....." this time a loud rasping sound replied.

"There you go" she smiled at the small black figure standing on the window sill, placing the bird feed near it. "I know you can't be angry at me for long" she said looking at the baby raven apologetically.

"Eat everything real quick Rav, Iam going out with my family today. I will return tomorrow morning. Promise me, you will stay safe. Okay?" she whispered, ruffling the glossy feathers of the bird.The black bird nodded, looking at the lady intently as if it was listening.

A sudden horn blared, the lady jolted her head up to look through the window at a white ambassador on the front gate heading towards the manor.

"He's back" she chirped. The raven streched its wings, prepared to leave.

"Kraa..." it cawed flying out into the sky.

"Bye, Rav" she mumbled closing the window. Turning back, she bolted downstairs, squealing like a teenager, super thrilled about the trip.

The raven gazed at the white car treading out of the masion, as it sat upon the highest branch of the banyan tree–Waiting.

A/N: Iam really excited!!!
The manor in this story is a tradition chettinad house situated in the south of India(similar to the one in the picture above). It is a heritage site built with a ton of wood.
Rav is the name given by the lady to the raven.
I know it is short, but I have some shitty online exams for which I have to prepare,kindly forgive me.
And don't forget to vote and comment❤.