Barli sat on the worn wooden chair in the corner of his room, the soft glow of the evening sun spilling through the window, casting golden stripes across the floor. The air was thick with the scent of dust and old books, remnants of a life spent in solitude, yet tonight felt different. Tonight, he cradled his violin, the worn instrument fitting perfectly against his collarbone, as if it had grown there. He drew the bow across the strings, and a sweet, haunting melody filled the air, spilling into the quiet street outside. The notes danced like shimmering fireflies, weaving through the stillness of the evening. "Ahhhh," he sighed, lost in the music, fingers gliding over the strings, pulling forth emotions he barely understood. As the final note lingered, he leaned back, closing his eyes. He often forgot about the world outside, the worries and expectations, when he played. It was his escape, his refuge. But tonight, something tugged at him. A feeling, a presence. He opened his eyes and looked toward the window, half-expecting to see the shadow of a passing cloud or perhaps a cat slinking by. Instead, he found a figure standing just outside his gate. With a hesitant step, she moved closer, the last rays of sunlight illuminating her features. It was Neera, the girl from down the street, her dark hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall. She had come to listen. "Wow," she breathed, her eyes sparkling. "That was beautiful." Barli's heart raced, caught off guard by her sudden appearance. "Uh, thanks," he stammered, setting the violin down. He felt vulnerable, exposed in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Neera smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I didn’t mean to interrupt. I just... I heard you playing." "You’re not interrupting," he managed, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I usually play every evening." "Really? I didn’t know." She took a step closer, her curiosity evident. "Can I... can I listen a bit more?" He hesitated, glancing at the instrument. The thought of playing with her watching made him nervous, but her eyes sparkled with eagerness. "Sure," he said, his voice steadier than he felt. As he picked up the violin again, the initial shyness melted away. The music flowed, each note a thread weaving a tapestry of sound. Neera stood entranced, swaying slightly, lost in the melody. When he finished, her applause was spontaneous, a bright burst of laughter spilling from her lips. "That was amazing! You’re really talented!" Barli felt warmth spread through him, a mixture of pride and embarrassment. "Thanks," he said, a small smile breaking through. "It’s just something I love to do." "I can tell," she replied, her gaze intense. "It’s like you become someone else when you play." "Yeah, it’s... different," he admitted, fiddling with the strings. "It’s like all my worries disappear." Neera stepped closer, curiosity etched on her face. "What do you worry about?" Barli paused, the question hanging in the air. No one had ever asked him that before. "Everything, I guess," he said finally, his voice softening. "School, the future... and sometimes, if anyone will ever really hear me." Neera’s expression shifted, a mix of understanding and empathy. "I hear you," she said, her voice earnest. "Your music speaks. It reaches deep." He looked at her, surprised by her insight. She seemed to see right through him, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying. "Do you play anything?" he asked, desperate to shift the focus away from himself. "A bit of piano," she replied, her eyes lighting up. "But I’m not as good as you." "You should play more," he encouraged. "Everyone has a voice. I’m sure yours is beautiful." "Maybe," she said, biting her lip. "But I’m too shy." "Well, I’m shy too," he said, a grin breaking across his face. "But look at us now!" Neera laughed, the sound bright and infectious. "True. Okay, maybe I’ll try!" Their conversation flowed like the music, natural and unforced. They talked about everything—favorite songs, dreams of the future, and the small town they both called home. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the world into twilight, Barli felt a connection grow between them. "Hey, I have an idea," Neera said suddenly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why don’t you play for me every evening? I can bring snacks! Like, I don’t know, cookies or something." Barli chuckled, his heart pounding at the thought of her returning. "Cookies sound good. But only if you promise to keep listening." "Deal!" she exclaimed, her excitement infectious. Over the next few evenings, their routine blossomed. Neera would arrive, a bag of cookies in hand, and settle on the porch steps while Barli played. Each note seemed to draw them closer, each shared laugh weaving a bond that felt both new and familiar. One evening, as he played a particularly stirring piece, he caught her swaying gently, eyes closed, a soft smile painting her lips

The mysterious house Six years have passed since my father died. I don't want to leave our family home alone. But leave the house and go. I have a good job right away. There is no fulfillment without leaving home. Decided to rent the house. I left the key of the house to someone else. The house was surrounded by trees and greenery. It is possible to enter the house only after opening the gate and walking 50 m. My friend lives there alone. It will be dark. It was raining hard. He was resting tired after work. He went out to close the gate. There was a man sitting on that tree trunk getting wet from the rain. A 50 year old will see. He asked him .Who are you ? Why sit here and let it rain? He didn't say anything. He called him and walked home. Why are you getting wet in the rain to catch a fever? I will come now sitting in the verandah. He changed his dress and came back and looked in the verandah, but he was not there. He was nowhere to be seen. A good wind was blowing. He closed the window and lay down. All the closed windows were left open. He went to close the windows. He looked through the windows and saw the man sitting there again. After closing the windows, he went out and looked and he was not there. Walk in the rain at this age? He grumbled and turned away. Then he slept soundly. Went to office at seven in the morning. I had a slight fever yesterday because I got wet from the rain. Left office early due to fatigue. He bought fever medicine on the way. There are few houses nearby. However, plantation workers are regularly seen. Sometimes they come and talk. He boiled a pot of water and sat down to let it steam. Sitting under the blanket and taking in the steam. He felt as if someone was pushing him. Gasping, he shifted the blanket. There was something in my heart that was a bit sad. The next morning he went for a walk. He sat down under a tree due to exhaustion after covering half the distance. Under the tree was full of ants. There was an old man standing there laughing. He walked with me for some distance. He said he was a plantation worker and his house was 1km away. He turned and walked home. He met the old man again halfway. It's him. Did he get here so soon? He must be a man with some magical powers. Accelerating his pace, he entered the house.By the time he sat down on the sofa, the gate had slammed shut. I felt like someone was following me. Afraid to be alone. So he did not sleep that night. He took his phone and told his friend. You must come here tomorrow. It has been raining heavily for two days. He put the phone down and turned around to see someone standing by the window. He took the torch and looked. A photograph fell from above. He took it. It is my father's photo. He wiped it away. It sounded like someone was laughing. The photo seemed to be looking at him passionately and he went to sleep there. He lay down without closing his eyes. Something was happening outside. Some voices were frightening.He went out in the morning. He told things to the gardener he saw regularly. He walked away laughing. But when he walked again, he saw the old man he had met yesterday. He told him. Does he live in that haunted house? He said haunted house yes there is a ghost wandering around there. It is not safe for you to live there. I have come to work there two months ago. I can sense the presence of the Spirit. I will help you for now. He handed him a whispered plate and left. Keep this handy. He walked away without another word. He stood there shocked. That's when the friend's phone call came asking for directions. He was also taken home. He was given a cup of tea. Said to him. Do you feel any negative energy here? His friend replied no. But will you stay here for two days? So what's wrong with you? No problem, I will be here with you for two days. He roamed around his house and surroundings and told each story. . So they decided to eat two pegs. Now the mind got a courage. There is no such thing as a ghost here. If so, come here. He kept saying that he can show me. Decided to eat outside. They took the car and went out. There are no good restaurants nearby. A little distance to go. So ate. By the time I got back home, there was no electricity. Entered in the light of the phone. He saw the shadow of a man. That shadow didn't go away and that's when he really came to believe. He got scared and stood back. By then Karand had arrived. He ran and took the plate that the old man gave him. And so we sat up that night without sleep. He called me as soon as it was daylight. He told me all the information. The key is being handed back. He said I am not staying here. So I returned home. They returned after handing over the key to my relative. I decided not to go there and observe. The gate is open. I went inside. There it was beaten and cleaned. Forests were cut down. So when he returned from there in the evening. I forgot my wallet there. There are lights at night. I don't think I turned

In the heart of the sprawling kingdom of Eldoria, where golden fields kissed the azure sky, a young princess named Julia wandered through the vast gardens of the royal palace. At just seventeen, she was the embodiment of innocence, her laughter bubbling like the spring waters that fed the fountains. Flowers painted the landscape in vibrant colors, but it was the soldier, a mere mortal named Aiden, who painted her world in shades of longing. “Julia!” Aiden called, his voice strong and playful, echoing off the ancient stone walls that had witnessed countless tales of love and loss. He stood at the edge of the garden, clad in his polished armor, sunlight glinting off his sword in a dazzling display. The sight made Julia’s heart race. “I’m here!” she replied, her voice almost a melody, as she picked a delicate daisy and twirled it between her fingers. The world around her faded, and all that existed was the space between them, electric and charged. “Come closer,” he beckoned, a teasing smile pulling at his lips. “I won’t bite… unless you ask nicely.” Julia giggled, her cheeks warming at the playful innuendo. “You’re insufferable,” she said, though her eyes sparkled with mischief. She stepped closer, the grass cool beneath her bare feet. As she approached, Aiden crouched down, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter. “What do you wish for, my princess?” he asked, his tone shifting from playful to sincere. “To be free,” she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “ To run wild in the fields, away from the castle walls… and the expectations.” “Then run with me,” he urged, standing up and extending his hand. “We can escape for a while, just you and me.” But there was a shadow looming over their stolen moments. Julia’s father, King Alaric, had been growing suspicious of her frequent meetings with Aiden. The king, with his iron will and protective heart, had sworn to keep her safe from the dangers of the world, unaware that the greatest danger was the overwhelming love Julia felt for the soldier. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the garden as Julia hesitated. “What if we get caught?” she asked, glancing nervously toward the palace. Aiden chuckled, a deep, rich sound that resonated in the quiet evening. “Caught? By whom? The flowers? They won’t tell.” “If my father finds out—” “Then let him,” Aiden interrupted, the fire in his voice igniting a spark of rebellion within her. “You deserve more than the confines of this palace. You deserve to experience life, to feel the wind on your face and the grass beneath your feet.” With a deep breath, Julia took his hand, feeling the warmth and strength of his grip. “Okay,” she said, her heart racing with excitement and fear. “Let’s go.” They dashed through the garden, laughter bubbling from Julia’s lips as they ran. The scent of blooming roses filled the air, their petals brushing against her skin as they brushed past. Aiden led her to a grove of ancient trees, their branches forming a natural canopy that sheltered them from the world. “Here,” he said, panting slightly as they stopped, leaning against a sturdy trunk. “This is our secret.” Julia looked up at him, her eyes wide with wonder. “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her gaze drifting to the sunlight filtering through the leaves. “Like a fairytale.” “Then let’s write our own,” Aiden replied, stepping closer. “What do you want to do?” “Dance,” she said simply, the word hanging in the air like a promise. She twirled, her dress flaring out around her, and Aiden couldn’t help but join her, his laughter mixing with hers in a joyous symphony. They danced beneath the trees, lost in their own world, each movement pulling them closer together. Julia’s heart soared with each spin, each twirl bringing her nearer to the truth of her feelings. She stopped, breathless, and gazed up at Aiden, her heart pounding. “Aiden,” she said softly, the reality of their situation crashing back in. “What if my father finds out?” “Then we’ll face him together,” Aiden declared, determination etched on his face. “I’m not afraid. I love you, Julia.” The weight of his words sent a shiver down her spine, a mix of exhilaration and fear. “You love me?” she echoed, her voice trembling with disbelief. “More than I can say,” he said, stepping closer, his breath warm against her cheek. “Every moment I spend with you, I realize how much you mean to me.” Julia’s heart melted, and she took a daring step forward, closing the gap between them. “I love you too,” she whispered, the truth pouring from her heart like a river. “But what if it’s not enough?” Aiden reached out, cupping her face in his hand, his thumb brushing against her cheek. “We’ll make it enough,” he promised, his voice low and earnest. “Together, we can overcome anything.” But just as their lips were about to meet, a rustling in the bushes interrupted their moment. Startled, Julia pulled back, her heart racing.

Jackson is a loser at life. Born in a poor family, he learned life through hardships and pains. Mother taught me through suffering. Father was just a dream for me. It was my life lesson that convinced me of the value of a small pen that I use. A mother who is hungry and takes work will always be God to me. I believe that my mother's prayers and God's blessings helped me to travel far in life. I saw such a sentence in a magazine. I immediately thought. A world famous businessman? He has many experiences to share. I want to do an interview with Jackson. I decided to visit Jackson's house to get his permission. Called and asked to come. We decided to interview him as a business hero. But Jackson was out that day and had to wait a little longer. Only his wife and one son were at home. She was a poor woman with no expression in her roles. We were treated with so much love. Despite being so rich, there is not even a maid in the house. The wife works alone in the kitchen. The son is studying. I learned that they live a simple lifestyle. We were looking at old photos on the wall when Jackson came over. He told me to prepare for the interview immediately. We got ready and Jackson stood smiling in front of the camera. All my questions were answered accurately and in different ways. Jackson said he started the business when he was 16 years old. The discarded plastics are collected and bagged and sold for a small amount after 2 years. The business we see today started with the money sold. Jackson asked me a question during the interview. Are you interviewing me today because I'm a world-renowned businessman? But has an ordinary person been interviewed on camera like this? I haven't seen it yet. I replied yes. After that interview I felt like doing such an interview. It must have been a never-before-seen interview with a poor man or a beggar. About 6 months later I met someone like that. I saw joy and sadness at the same time on his 60-year-old face. He was a rich man. There were many possessions. After the death of his wife, there was a property dispute between his children. He left the house thinking that he would not hesitate to kill me for my property. He was rich, educated and the father of two sons. No one has come looking for him yet. I bought the man a full stomach. Talked about the interview. At first he refused, but he agreed to come. I gave him good clothes that day. He participated in the interview very happily. 1 week after the interview we got a call. Inquired about that beggar. He said he wanted to see him. I replied that I would try. He has not revealed who he is. He was only told to help him financially. I felt respect and love for him. He looked for the beggar on his way from the office but did not find him. But his call kept coming. I said things and understood. A few days later I met him by chance. He asked the beggar to come to the office. I called him as soon as I reached the office. Reached the office in the evening. He was very tense. Told to wait. I was busy with work and did not talk to him much. But I saw the beggar coming up. When he saw the beggar, he called his father and burst into tears. Seeing him, the beggar's face withered. The man burst into tears. Where did you search for your father all this time? The son burst into tears and sat his father on the chair. Forced to come with his son. . Father said no I will not come. I don't want old memories. Father should forget everything and come with me. The son held his father's hand tightly. The son walked to the car with his father. By that time, my father had collapsed. He was rushed to the hospital, but his father's life could not be saved. The son had to return with his father's dead body.