lost love

NIGHTMARE

After washing up, I sat before the mirror looking at that ugly red patch. What worried me most was how I was going to explain it to Mom. I first took out the ointment and applied it and then poured a glass of water to take pills, then sent a message to my boss for a week's leave extension.

In a few minutes, my phone rang. I knew who was calling. I prepared myself and accepted the call before I could open my mouth. My boss shouted from the other end. It took me almost half an hour to make peace with her. Although I have been the best in my job, still, bosses are never satisfied.

I wanted to be a writer, but until now I have not been able to complete my book. I always get stuck. I don’t even remember how many times I have rewritten the story. Every time I finish something, it just doesn’t feel right, or the end never satisfies me.

The knock on the door took me out of my thoughts. I got up to get the coffee I ordered before, and as I opened the door the waiter entered, placed my order on the table, and left, closing the door behind him.

I walked towards the balcony while sipping my coffee. I needed this strong coffee as I had to work. The boss agreed to my request to work from home, so I am not on leave anymore. I was supposed to return today but this fire incident.

I prefer staying in Shimla as I don’t want to face Mom's questions to worry. I have been ignoring her calls for the last few days. I know I can’t do that once I get back to Delhi, so it’s better to stay here and heal at least for a week.

I made myself comfortable on the couch with my laptop on my lap and started my work. Once immersed in my work, I lost track of time. It was almost 3 a.m. when I completed my work after forwarding it to my boss, I was so sleepy and tired that the movement I got into bed sleep took over me.

I was sitting in the crowd. Everyone was laughing and having fun and in another second, there was no one around me. I walked around in the empty hall, and then the curtain started to burn. I shouted for help but no one responded. I wanted to run but, as if my legs were glued to the ground, I couldn’t move an inch from my spot. I screamed for help in pain as the fire started to burn me, and then I saw a black figure running towards me. As he came close, I saw his face. Then a burning curtain fell above me and I screamed and sat up.

I took many deep breaths to calm down. I was drenched in sweat. After a few seconds, I got hold of myself and realized I had a nightmare. But it was so real, especially that face. How is it possible? He died 5 years ago. Those years I had many dreams about him, but nothing was like this one. Why would I see him in that fire? How could he be there?

Slowly, I got hold of myself and walked into the washroom to wash my sweaty and tear-stained face. I looked at myself in the mirror. My face still looked pale, this dream had shaken me. I asked myself, again and again, how could he be there?

After coming out of the washroom, I sat paralyzed on the bed. I was in no mood to eat anything. Then a thought came to my mind. About half an hour later, I took a taxi to the nearest police station to inquire about the person. I have to find out who saved me.