A Tale of mystical love

          Ash fell down as Aman flicked the cigarette he was holding firmly, standing on a rock and lost in the the scenic beauty of the water falls on a fine day. He thought,"This hill station must be the birth place of beauty and elegance.". Many thoughts flowing in the form of stories and descriptions of nature in his mind, Aman is a young Indian author, tall handsome guy with curly hair combed backwards, pointy nose, leather jacket, lips are black and have a charismatic smile. A tourist bus came by and people from different places of country got down to view the waterfalls. He took a notice and again lost in his thoughts, he turned his head back towards them suddenly. He was sure he noticed someone, he watched a girl who looked familiar but couldn't place her in his memory. She was in formal dress, beautiful dark eyes, dimples in her cheeks, with make up and brown lipstick.

          Aman was struggling to remember who she was, surely she was someone familiar. his past flashed and paused at his high school. 'That's it! she is Arti! She has changed a lot,'he thought. He wasn't sure if she would recognize him, after all he was just another boy in the class whereas she was a beauty of the school. He pulled up some courage and he headed towards her, his heart was beating fast, he felt like he was walking towards himself. He almost reached her to say hi, "Is it you Aman! I am shocked! what are you doing here? how are you?",said Arti. He was surprised for a moment, he could only observe her lips moving,  he just stared at her, her words overflew his mind. He thought she has grown into a beautiful woman, her hair flowing down just like waterfall and a strand falling on her face which he wanted to brush it back her ear, he didn't even blink once, he couldn't resist mere scent of her.      

          "There Aman? What happened?",said Arti. He said," Hey... I was thinking about something. I am doing good. I should ask you what you are doing here. I stay here!"."That's great! it is a beautiful place, you are lucky to stay here. I am here on a tour, took a break from routine stressful life. I am a banker, you know how the life is. What are you doing?",said Arti."So.. banker huh? always a hard working person, I never thanked you for writing my physics assignments in 9th standard. I am a writer, just got my fourth book published.". Arti laughed recollecting the school days,"What can I say, I used to be studious. I never thought there is a creative person inside you, you could barely even paint."."Me neither, we never know how we turn up! How many days have you been here?",said Aman. "I have just reached here last night, I will be leaving tomorrow morning. It is good to see you."."I stay at a place nearby why don't you join me, I will introduce you the the actual place, you can get back to your bus by night.", invited Aman hesitantly hoping she wouldn't deny. Arti thought for a while and looked at his eyes, she didn't know what made her say 'yes', she joined him.

          They walked down the slant curved road sharing a few childhood memories, current life and the journey of their lives. Aman could barely concentrate on what she was saying, he couldn't take his eyes off her beautiful eyes and lips. She asked,"So, where are we going?"."To paradise! the place we are going is the best you can find in here, you may not find it in guide books but it is the most beautiful place I have seen in my entire life."."I wonder why beauty differs from person to person, why it has to be perspective," said Arti. "Because if eveyone likes the same, it would have made life much simpler. It is not always perspective, you look beautiful, no one can disagree with that.". Arti blushed taking her eyes away from him towards the ground. He added," You have changed a lot! your eyes remain the same, dark and attractive. If I would have known this I would have proposed you during the school days.". Arti laughed and said,"very funny, were you blind back then?",she winked. "I have been wondering about the same thing, how could I have missed the chance back then, I am not going to miss now, I confess to you at this moment" I love you juliet! you loveth me?". She said ," Ohh romeo! where have you been all these days, I have been waiting for you. I love you too.". They both laughed enacting the characters with humor.

          They have lost track of time, through the valley below them and sunset, mist on top of hills they went on talking for eternity and a romantic weather was as if set just for them. She felt cold, he gave his leather jacket to her. She felt the boldness and his strength covered with it, the warmth underneath made her feel safe as if a child is covered with a soft cloth by mother, she could never forget the scent of it in her life. It felt like she was held against his chest holding his broad shoulders, the safest place on the planet forgetting rest of the world.

          He said,"Close your eyes.".She asked him,"Why?"."Just do as I say!". Arti closed her eyes, he guided her through a path, she felt rocks beneath her foot each step she took. She heard sound of water flowing, birds chirping, a cool breeze swept her, she felt a chill even under the thick leather jacket. Amidst long trees they walked, he whispered in her ears to open her eyes. She stood there without moving a muscle touched by the beauty of the exotic lake , greenery around her, there was a wooden stand and a boat. He asked her to sit on the boat, they rowed into the lake. She was mesmerized with the beauty of the scene, she watched as his strong hands rowed the boat, water sprinkling on her. He asked,"So, you like it?"." I love it! it is in deed the most beautiful place that doesn't exist in guide books. You bring a lot of girls here?". He laughed and replied,"You are the first girl to be here, I always come alone. This is my secret place, you have to keep it a secret.". She laughed and replied that she would. She looked wonderful, he thought she completed the place, her cheeks were pink with cold, he observed her as she folded her legs and hands rubbing with cold, he thought she had the most beautiful neck with hair curling down. He stopped rowing as they almost reached middle of the river. He didn't know what happened, it was out of his control, he held her hands. A moment of silence.

          She slowly pulled her hands back. He was back to his senses, he felt guilty and apologized, asked whether she likes him. She said,"You are a good guy, I should have told you earlier... I am engaged! you made me forget who I was and took me into your world. I cannot be with you.". Aman was shocked and depressed, it was as if the happiness was sucked out of his life. He controlled himself and replied,"It's alright, you are not married yet. Who is the guy anyways?"."We have just met a few times, the marriage is fixed by our parents. I think I like him."."You think? he is the guy with whom you will be spending rest of your life and you think you like him! You are crazy, anyways lets keep him aside, you are here with me, that's all that matters to me."

          They again went back to their never ending conversation, it was getting dark. Moon was barely visible, birds were flying home, the orange light made the scene melodramatic, water was splashing along the boat, it was as if the nature was customized just for them. He stood up and sat beside her, their eyes were staring at each other's, he placed his hand around her shoulder, she didn't stop him. He could smell her hair, their eyes were closed, breath got heavy, heart beat was audible, he held her hand and he didn't think of anything else in the world neither did she, he kissed her, he could smell that unique scent of her only when one kisses the other. His hand reached her neck, their lips collided each other's, it went on for few minutes. It was as if they created their own universe and only both were present in it. She opened her eyes, she never felt more alive in her life, she touched his rough cheek, fingers wandering through his curly hair. He hugged her, she could feel his strong breath above her head, she never felt that safe ever. They both felt like the moment lasted forever.

          Arti hesitantly moved away from him with a sense of fear and guilt."I think we need to leave,"she said. He replied,"What is the hurry?"."I don't know, let us get away from here,"she said blinking her eyes. He rowed the boat back to stand and they started walking through a path with very long trees on both sides. Darkness was invading the sky,  it started raining, "Why don't you come to my place and stay? you can head back to your bus tomorrow morning. Don't take it the wrong way, it is a beautiful house to visit,"he invited her with still a bit of hope somewhere she might accept. She said,"I am sorry, I don't think that is a good idea, I will head back to the hotel where I am staying.". He was disappointed, inside she desperately wanted to visit his place but she wouldn't display that. She just wanted him to request more and more so that she could justify herself later that she went there because he insisted. "For old times sake why don't you come visit just once? We never know when we would meet each other again,"he insisted. She suddenly felt a surge of happiness, he told her exactly what she wanted to hear as if he could read her mind. She thought she would do anything for him!

          An old wooden house at high altitude with a chimney, lawn in front of the house with a table and two chairs, the path to entrance was curved and plants on both sides, a view of beautiful valley. She thought it was a dream house covered with such beauty. They both were drenched in rain, she hurriedly entered inside the house, a fireplace on the left of the hall, a sparkling chandelier, a beautiful warm carpet, place was furnished with Italian wood. They were shivering with cold, he lit fire and started to warm his clothes. The room was filled with red light of the fire, spreading warmth. It was an astonishing view from window with green hills covered by clouds, heavy rain and almost sun disappearing. She was standing near fireplace covered with wet formal clothes. He brought his clothes and asked her if she would like to change, he showed her a room. They sat down on warm carpet covered with woolen blankets in front of the fireplace, only sound of clock ticking and heavy rain were audible. He could hear his heart beating fast, he couldn't resist looking at her, her wet hair was disturbed after getting drenched in rain, she was rubbing her hands against each other. Then a strange thing happened, she got up and walked towards him, she sat beside him and cuddled him with her hands capturing him strongly, her head held pushed against his chest, the warmth was changing to heat, he placed a hand on her back and another on her head brushing down her hair and rubbing her cheek. They didn't even kiss, it was the most romantic moment in their entire life. "Will you stay here with me forever and ever?"he asked. She was silent.

          Sun rays hit Aman's eyes, he woke up and found himself sleeping there all alone. He found a note saying-' I had best time of my life! I want this memory to stay as it is and not to ruin it. Thank you - Arti'. He was shocked, he remembered the tourist service he found her with and rushed there with faith that she could never leave him. He got inside the office and asked if the tourists were still staying there and inquired about Arti. "Sir, I am afraid they left this morning, there was a girl Arti in the list that says she is a banker.". He dropped his heart, he felt angry and depressed, the pain was unbearable, he hoped it was a dream and he would wake up. Still no traces of hatred towards her, he hated himself for what happened. He thought it was just another encounter with a person to her but what he saw in her eyes, how could he be wrong about that? He felt it, his heart felt that there was love between them every second he spent with her. He cursed himself and headed back to home, it was the longest journey in his life to return to his home. It felt empty, he himself felt empty with a hole inside him which could only be filled by her. He couldn't stay at a place, he walked, he sat down, it was like there was nothing left in his life. He reached outside the house and sat on the chair that was in the lawn. There was a note on the table.

          'You loveth me Romeo?- Juliet'. He was surprised, his first smile of the day, his eyes looked for her. She was standing beside a tree. He ran towards her, so did she, they hugged each other tightly as if it was their last. "I couldn't leave, I was prepared to leave but my heart pulled me back to you. Can I stay with you?"she cried. He couldn't control his tears, he was angry that she left but the mystical love crushed the anger,"Yes,"he shouted,"forever and never leave me or this time if you leave I swear I will kill you." They both laughed and that moment lasted a thousand years.

dReAm!

       Santonio Goretti woke up with terror because of a scary dream during the night. He gets scary dreams often but recently the number has been increased. He is twenty years old, brave and tall with a fit body,small beard and sharp eyes. He lives with his mother Maria Goretti in the house of his ancestors, a deserted, very old and dark palace surrounded by forest with wild animals and native tribes. His father Adriano Goretti died when he was six years old, the reason of his father's death is still a mystery to Santonio, his mother never told him the reason behind it and she skips the topic whenever he asks her about it. Satonio studies at St. Francis college which is located in Marletta, a small town with different traditions.

       Santonio drove his car five miles and reached the college. Winter has arrived, college was covered in snow and looked gloomy. As usually he was late and ran hurriedly to the class room. He stood there in shock after noticing that it was empty. "Surprise" was written on the black board. He moved on to the next class which was also empty. He went to office to enquire about it and found no staff in the office. He checked the calender, it was Monday, he got confused and couldn't understand what was going on. Santonio called his friend Dangelo and asked, " Where the hell are you?". Dangelo replied, "we have a surprise for you!".Santonio asked,"What surprise? Why the whole college is empty? First tell me where are you?". Dangelo said,"I am at haunted Dojo,come fast." he hung up.

       Santonio had no idea what was happening, he was suspicious,confused and terrified. Haunted Dojo was an old house stuck by lightning, it was named in such a way because of death of the whole family inside the house. When the lightning stuck the house they were all burned to death screaming and suffering from unbearable pain. There was a legend about them returning from grave as ghosts after some rituals being performed by the tribes calling the help of nature-which was the cause of their death. There were mysterious deaths of persons in that house since many years. Santonio reached Haunted Dojo, called Dangelo and asked,"I have reached the place,why have you asked me to come here? Where are you?". Dangelo replied,"Don't ask, you will spoil the surprise. Come inside, I am in the dining room.". They used to go inside the building alone in childhood due to the challenges over bravery, so Santonio knew the location of the rooms.

       Santonio entered living room, it was very dark and dirty, covered with old spoils and spider webs, with old paintings of persons of family mentioned in the legend. He climbed the stairs slowly, which lead to the dining room after taking a left at the top of stairs. As soon as he reached the room, he couldn't breath because of the filthy smell which he may never forget in his life. He stood there stunned with the horrible and terrifying picture captured by his eyes. His heart stopped beating for a second, he couldn't move a muscle neither he could utter a single sound. After a moment when he was back to consciousness, he observed dead bodies murdered through inhumane ways, internal organs were pulled out of body piercing the skin and muscles, eye balls were removed from some bodies, few bodies had many needles pierced through skin covering the whole body, there were many more inexplicable means through which they have been mutilated.

       Santonio observing the room with heart skipping a beat, but couldn't notice Dangelo anywhere in the room. He shouted for him again and again, there was no reply and this was the most horrific moment. "Do you like the surprise?",whispered Dangelo from behind, Santonio turned back with fear and stood there in shock after looking at Dangelo covered with blood, holding a butcher knife with his left hand and eyeballs with his right hand. Dangelo said," Come friend, lets play with these eyeballs, fast!, or else they will eat us and we might end up in hell.".Santonio was confused, couldn't understand what he was saying, sweating like a terrified lonely child in a house. Santonio said with a cracked voice," Why are you doing all this?". Dangelo said," I don't know." followed by a huge laughter, he added,"Why are you all asking me the same question? Eloisa asked me the same question.". Santonio shouted with anger,"What? What did you do to Eloisa? I will kill you if anything happens to her.".Dangelo replied laughing,"I just wanted to play with her but she didn't listen, so I made her sleep by chopping her head off. I am very kind hearted, so I just made her sleep, otherwise I would have killed her.".

       Santonio shouted with pain, he rushed towards Dangelo with anger, holding a rod to beat him but slipped because of the trap by Dangelo, fell down and got hit his head with the ground, thereafter became unconscious. Dangelo shouted," Wake up! What were you thinking? I just wanted to play a game, why did you try to hit me?". Santonio became conscious, tears fell down his eyes and said," How can you kill her? she was our best friend since we were kids, we played together, ate together, went to school together!". Dangelo with anger shouted," I told you I didn't kill her, I just made her sleep.". Santonio held a rod secretly behind him, he acted as if he is becoming unconscious and hit Dangelo suddenly.

       Dangelo fell to the ground, Santonio rushed out of the nasty dining room, ran down the stairs, came running towards door and found that it was locked. He was trembling with fear, went on to search for another exit towards the backyard, got struck by a hard thing from behind, with a bleeding knee he fell at once. Dangelo said," You are doing a mistake, it is not a good choice to be my enemy, you have seen where my enemies ended up.". Dangelo was about to chop his head off with the butcher knife. Santonio said," How did you turn into this cruel animal, you used to be a kind hearted, loving person.". Dangelo said," I was like this all the time, how do you think Doriano died?". Santonio replied in shock," You killed him!! Yes, it makes sense, the blood, the knife and marks on his body, that were identified at the place of his death, which people thought was a suicide." he added," but why are you doing this? You considered him as your brother.". Dangelo said," They were all enemies of this town, they used black magic on me and caused me trouble.". Santonio said," They? What do you mean by they? You killed anybody else?". Dangelo  replied," How do you think Gavino, Leandra, Manlio died? I punished them" continued with laughter," I won't spare anybody who use black magic against me.". Santonio threw dust in his face and started running towards the tunnel which leads to the garden behind the Dojo.

       He crawled through the tunnel with an injured knee, Dangelo from behind caught his legs and tried to cut his leg off, Santonio kicked him and crawled through the tunnel and reached the garden. He ran though he was bleeding, his aim was to save his own life and more importantly to save the town from Dangelo. He rushed to Police Station and explained everything to them, Dangelo reached there and entered into the station with his butcher knife which was covered in blood. Santonio requested police to arrest him, police caught Santonio's hand and threw him towards Dangelo and said," Dangelo, do what ever you want but please don't hurt us with your black magic.". Santonio stayed on ground in shock, when the people whom you trust the most and feel safe around their presence turn into evil, where does one go for help. Santonio stayed there helplessly with no strength left in him, he just wanted to go back to home to his mother.

       "Dangelo! Wake up! you are already late to your college",shouted his mother Brigida Marino. Dangelo woke up in terror, he couldn't move, sat on his bed freaked out, covered with sweat. Dangelo Marino was a young boy, twenty years old, adventurous and confused, thin and intelligent, aimed to become famous. His father Eligio Marino was a farmer, they lived in a small town Anziona nearby Marletta, he studied at Francis college. Brigida said," Why do you look so frightened, you again had a scary dream?". This one was different, usually he used to be the victim but in this dream, he took lives of many. He started to college, confused between dream and the reality. "Late again!",shouted Eloisa from neighborhood. Dangelo confirmed it was just a dream, he remembered her chopped off head in his dream. Dangelo," Why aren't you coming to the college?". Eloisa replied with laughter," I am not feeling well.". Dangelo laughed and said,"How many times will you use that excuse! Anyway, I am getting late, I will keep moving. Have a nice day!". Eloisa winked and said," Tell Santonio that I asked for him.". Dangelo said,"Alright, Alright, I have to go now, bye!".Eloisa said,"Bye, have a nice ride."

       Dangelo drove his car to college and reached class. He stood there in vain, it was the most shocking moment of his life, class was empty and even more shocking thing was when he read "Surprise" on the black board. He went to office and found it empty, it was Monday. His cell phone rang, he lifted the phone from Santonio, confused. " We have a surprise for you in Hanted Dojo. Come fast",said Santonio and hung up. A tremor of fear passed through Dangelo's spine. He was shocked to death, that was the most terrifying moment of his life. Dangelo hesitantly went to haunted Dojo and to his surprise there were dead bodies everywhere and exactly the scene looked similar to that in his dream. He thought it was impossible, how could that even happen! Santonio was naked and chanting some Latin spells with a bloody knife beside him.

       Dangelo with fear ran out of the building and rode off to the railway station which was nearby. He took a breathe finally and started drinking water. A blow on his shoulder with a rusted rod! he shouted tearing his throat with pain. He turned and looked at Santonio praying and attacking him at the same time. Dangelo without thinking for a second, he ran towards his car, he got slipped and fell on the railway track, his leg got stuck in the junction, he couldn't move. The train was coming fast from the opposite side, Santonio was running towards him to kill him. Train was getting way too closer, he was fighting to move but his efforts were not useful. He closed his eyes giving up, the train rushed onto him and passed by.

       Dangelo was still alive! he realized he was in a dream. That was the scariest moment in his entire life. He was so terrified, for the first time he thought he might die out of fear, his pants were wet. He was lost, he couldn't do anything. He cannot die in a dream, he had no clue how to wake up from sleep. He roamed across but he didn't know what to search for. He was afraid what would happen if he was stuck here and never woke up. He jumped of a building and found that he was still alive.

       There was rainfall, he thought that it must mean something, soon he heard a familiar voice whispering "not again!", he woke up and found that it was his mother splashing water. I was the best moment of his life, he has never been more happy before ever. Each breathe was better and sweet. He hugged his mother thinking she would never understand how scary it would be to get lost in a dream and knowing already that it is a dream.

       He met Santonio and Eloisa and shouted,"I love both of you!". He hugged them tight and whispered in their ears,"never, ever leave me!!".