Moving clock seemed to take everything along with it. The sun was about to set brightness was taking back its steps.
Darkness was arriving slowly bringing with it a little cold and chilled out winds.

It was our second day on the trip — the hill station. It had heart melting greenery,fresh breeze, calmness and views for which one can die for. Early morning winds carried with them the fragrance of fresh and blooming flowers. But night had its own story to tell. Blowing chilly winds, sound of leaves and frequent noise from animals added with deep darkness was enough to drag someone to death. The place had a secret about which only few elderly dared to talk about.

After coming back tired and deprived of energy from the sunset point. Restless and burdened souls of us lied directly on to our respective beds. I wasn’t feeling well that day. There was an emotion of fear inside me, fear that brought me goosebumps and minor shiverings. Although the frequency of these events uplifted after the sunset but the intensity was still low. Shooking off my thoughts, trying to calm the innerself. I dropped myself on the bed to take rest. It was exactly after 3 hours that occasional weird sound started attacking the ears. Immediately, I stood up rubbing my eyes, temperature appeared to have a sudden fall. The entire room was empty I called as loud as possible for my friends. Not knowing where have they all gone.

Nisha... Nisha.. Where are you?
Vaani, Henry, Jasmine? Can you hear me?

All efforts went in vain. No one replied to my call the level of fear was raising with the significant voice of the ticking clock. I could hear the footsteps slow and heavy. As if someone had gained an entry into our house. Suddenly it kept his hands on my shoulder. Eyes opened wide, body started shivering, the heaviness of the hand could be easily felt. Battling myself I took few steps, finally turned around to figure out the creature.

He was huge, giant like, scary, crimson red eyes, long thick hairs covering almost 70% of his face. In his strange voice he said something. His difficult accent and my blank mind created the most perfect misunderstanding of the world. His height was nearly double than mine and eyes looked as if they were holding deep dark secrets in them. Till now he hadn’t harmed me that gave some strength and a hope of survival. Gearing up some courage I asked him-

Who are you?
What do you want?

He again said something in a heavy husky voice. A language which was very difficult to understand even when given focused attention. Soon sparkles, glitter and light started gathering around. With average pace it covered me right from foot to head. Unbelievable magic was happening. His appearance was much more clear and visible now. But lights didn’t lasted long. With extremely fast velocity I was taken somewhere. Flowing with the winds into a shady place. Night was much more darker, legs were shaking, breath was fast. Trying to get back to senses I figured out what was going on and where am I? It was a cave, a big one. No longer the beast was present. I was all alone there. In between the woods this cave was hidden with the structure that made it impossible to discover. Two huge trees protected it by covering it almost completely. This tunnel like cave had a little calmness. A wood which had a fire burning on one of its end was hanging in the interior and was visible since I was inside. I cried for help knowing very well that no one will respond. After 5-6 failed attempts of seeking help. I aimlessly walked inside or to say towards the flame. Dust covered rock favouring the growths of weeds. Spiders web, a couple of insects and unknown creatures resided in it. Finally I was next to a bright burning flame-luminous, energetic and hot. Warming everything around it. Slowly attention drew towards the feet. There was something written on the rock over which I was standing. After focusing to my level best and taking a closer look I found -

Touch the wall next to the burning light. For you will free a soul which has died. It only gets liberation once in a year. It wants to see the trees, animals, people, flowers, water, woods and everything. In a single day it has a lot to do and for opening the door of freedom it needs help of a human being. It does protect the place even from inside because its the god of the woods, the protector of forest. Unlock it since its a day of rejoice.

I did what was ordered. Nothing was happening according to logic here so I didn’t even tried to put together efforts in understanding. The situation can only be handled by my blank mind. Just as the door opened I was sent back to my home.

I wanted to see what’s there inside but permission wasn’t granted I suppose. I was back now. Exactly at the same place from which the beast took me to the forest.
The birds were chirping in their melodious voice it was time for sunrise. Sun spread its light, giving hope, happiness and was kicking away fear behind its brightness. It was a special day for the guide of the forest. For that cause they choose someone every year. And it slowly filled with me with happiness since I got to help them. It will again get back to its cave as the day will end. Continue to protect the beauty of this place silently from far away.
I ran towards my friends to share with them each and every detail of last night. But no matter however hard I tried the words simply didn’t arrived. I was able to talk about everything except about that night. They (my friends) were all staring at me because of the absurd speech I gave. Filled with silence and didn’t made any sense whatsoever. Few minutes later I finally realised maybe they(the creatures of forest) didn’t wanted me to speak about it. The beast, the cave, the door all wanted to stay backstage. So, I preferred to change the topic to end the awkwardness.

After enjoying fully for 2 more days. We all came back home from the memorable trip. No one except me knew what happened that night. Since I couldn’t tell about it as something took my words and made me speechless about it.
It happens very often that I recall those memories. The fear, the mystery and everything that happened. Every year they selects someone and maybe only they will understand how I felt and what lies in my heart.

As said by Charles Duhigg-
Sometimes hiding what you know is as important as knowing it.

Thank you.
© A.naaz