The Turn Of The Night

Chapter 1

Aarush cycled down the pebbled red path while the sky darkened as clouds accumulated to set up a dark silverish hue across the horizon. The bright skin scorching sun was hardly visible. 'Noooo noo I gotta reach home before it rains , or i am in trouble today' thought Aarush.

Only the previous day he had broken a vase perched on the television stand and got scolded by his grandpa. If he was late again he would surely be grounded. Today in the school he had flunked his Environmental Science while all his friends got top marks. Obviously he was utterly downtrodden.

As soon as the clock struck 5 in the evening Aarush cycled down to the place he frequently visited. The place had a tropical setting with dusty dirt paths winding around the various ponds. The place had a wide variety of wild flowers from the blue bellworts to bee balms and arrowheads. Aarush often seeked solace here in the times he felt sad.

But today was unlike other days. The sky was dark with clouds peppered with scant rays of sun and it was only 6'O clock. Aarush knew he had to reach home before it started to rain.

He took a right to the water pole dashing down the street. He neared the market as he felt the first drop of rain. '2 minutes just 2 minutes ...gosh pleaseeee' wished Aarush. The repair shop closed as he hurried on his way. In front of him was the graveyard and some smoke suggested a recent final pyre.

As he closed upon the street leading to the graveyard Aarush caught a shimmering figure of a young girl to his left. She was standing in the rain ...just standing. Being captivated by the girl Aarush thought of approaching her and ask if there was any trouble. But something in his gut warned him against it. Nevertheless Aarush got down from his bicycle and walked a few steps towards the graveyard. As he came upon the gate a bird called pleasantly from a nearby tree . Aarush turned his head to follow the sound. Momentarily distracted, just as he turned towards the girl, the shimmering figure disappeared right in front of his eyes. He started sweating profusely believing it to be a spirit but was it? Or was it just a figment of his imagination?

By now the sky was black as it is when the sun rolls down and it was pouring cats and dogs. Aarush was heavily drenched and his shoes weighed a ton as he paddled his bicycle.

'You are grounded.' Grandpa Max's voice boomed as he opened the door. Aarush still bewitched by what he had seen, hardly heared what his grandpa said.

'Uh-huh' replied Aarush as he walked into his room, his dress still drenched…..