Completed 1997 was the year when they had met in the beautiful yet dangerous valleys of Kashmir. She was a journalist, eager to make her career and he? He was in the Indian Army as a Captain back then. Flowers of love had bloomed and their bond became stronger day by day. But, it was in 1999 when the Kargil War took place, shattering families. While the whole nation had celebrated the victory, it was the families of the martyred who had suffered the most. Avantika was one of them. This is a story about Avantika, her finding her love and losing him as soon as everything started falling in place. Word count- 20k to 30k words

I hear the knell of the bell- Ominous. Warning. Chilling- beckoning lost souls- Melancholic. Menacing- a solemn monotonous reminder of time long past. Of another future waning into existence back into the arms of the abyss. How many times has it been? How many times have I relieved the same life?- over and over again, like a broken vinyl record stuck on that one particular irritating cacophony. How many times have I seen those stabbing gazes that look at me as if I am worse than a disgusting curse?- an unholy thing that should never have existed. How much more covering of my eyes, ears, and mouth must I repeat?- A show of how grateful I am for their mercy and grace that they have let me live. Can I do this one more time for the sake of those precious to me in the future that I know so well? _________________________________________________________________ It has been a long time, but here's the prequel of my other book; She Becomes a Passive Villainess-Not! Please Enjoy! Disclaimer: arts are not mine.