Prompt:
One Night, By The Lake, Something happens that leaves their life's changed for ever
Story : What if?
Genre : Drama / Romance
Couple : Rikara
Word Count : 1000 approx.
He observed the sharp, yet fuzzy silhouette from far away. She had her back towards him, her hair flying in the breeze just like her loose white robe. As always she had a solemn aura about her. The water rippled in the moonlight, sometimes silver, with spots of gold because of the water lanterns that had been floated just a few hours ago by the towns' people. He came here every day, at night, after sunset, to walk by the lake, some sort of anecdote for his wounded soul. The reflective sky symbolised hope for him and the shimmering depth was like the urn in which he could bury his grief. This day was different than any other day, with the silvery sheen of the lake complemented by the golden hues of the fire that lit within each lantern. He found solace by the lake.
But ever since he saw her, that night, by the lake, perhaps a lost soul like himself, it was never just only about him. He felt an instant connection with her. She had become a part of his life, his thoughts, and his existence. He wanted to know her, know about her sorrows, and help if he could. She came each night to the lake at night, sat by the water's edge, watched the moon. Each day his intrigue grew. Yes, she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. But something was eating her? He could hear his thoughts, How could someone as angelic as her, be harmed in such a way to render her so inert?' There was never a reply. There was always silence between them.
Yes, today was different. Today he had made up his mind. It was the day of the Lantern festival' in LakeTown. A ritual carried out by ancestors eons ago and still being performed by the current generation, it was tradition that tied them all together. He was a believer. The town folk had floated their respective lanterns that meant hope and future for them in the lake and left. It was just him. And her, he could never not notice her. This time he was determined to find the courage to speak with her.
Before he could approach her, he noticed the silhouette rise up. She was walking very quickly, towards the water's edge, almost in frenzy, before he knew, she was half submerged in the water, disappearing by the minute. He ran towards her with all the strength he could gather screaming Nooo.' He dived straight into the water and started pulling her out. She protested, but he managed to drag her out.
What is wrong with you?' He shouted and shook her from top to bottom. Today is the day to float lanterns for hope, not yourself in despair'.
Silence.
Are you ok? Are you from here? He was very concerned this time, he couldn't believe that she had just tried to kill herself.
I know. But it is all a sham. Hope doesn't exist' she replied this time, her tone sceptical.
Don't you believe in tradition?' he was curious.
Belief? No, I don't.' she laughed in irony, as if the word was a new addition to her vocabulary.
I am Omkara.' He brought his right palm forward to make introductions but more so to distract her, one lantern still hanging in his left hand.
Gauri.' She replied, taking his palm in hers.
They shook hands only for a brief moment, but a current ran down his arm and she wasn't unaffected either, nor was the universe surrounding them.
Lightning cracked in the sky, thunder rumbled, and it started pouring down.
They were already drenched what with the adventure just now, her white robe sticking to her, his hair dishevelled.
He put his lantern above their heads, trying to protect her, urging her to walk in the direction of shelter.
But she wasn't bothered slightly, by the rain. It was as if she had sworn to not comply.
He gave in and stood, looking at her.
Can I walk you home? It's quite late and I will feel better if I know you are safely home' He requested.
She nodded this time. He looked closely; she was breathing heavily, and shivering. It had gotten chilly. He removed his jacket and put it on her shoulder, she looks at him gratefully. He felt encouraged.
I don't mean to pry, but I have noticed you a few days now, by the lake. If you don't mind me asking what brings you here every night?' Omkara was hopeful for a reply.
I don't know. Maybe to find them or to forget them?' She muttered, almost confirming it with herself. But she gave nothing away in her tone, not a hint of emotion.
That's why I never believed in lanterns. My father committed suicide by jumping in the lake, in grief, after my mother passed away in an accident. He didn't think about us even for one moment, me and my twin brother Rudra. He took us in, took care of us and then he was gone too. She continued. Gauri couldn't understand, why she was revealing all this to a stranger, and now. But as if she was not in control, words were flowing out of her as if in relief. As if, this is what she has been waiting for, to confess to a stranger. Everything she had bottled up all these years was pouring out like a deluge.
Shlok, my fianc.' She muttered, almost in a whisper.
Omkara felt a sharp pain in his chest, her grief reflected in his eyes.
Where is he now? Shlok?' he dared to ask.
I don't know. Lost. At sea.' She again whispered, almost not believing it.
How?'
His ship, The Storm' sank during the Battle of Darkness, a few years ago. He was trying to save his comrades.' She murmured.
A shiver ran down Omkara's spine this time. He was on The Storm' fighting for LakeTown. Then a face flashed across his eyes, Captain Shlok. Of course he met him once; he tried to save his life when he was drowning but unsuccessfully. Will she ever forgive him, when she knows? It was the wounds of the battle he was trying to eliminate from his memory, replacing it with the tranquillity of the lake. The lake, which meant solace for him, for her it was a scar. She had so much pain associated with it. A million questions crossed Omkara's mind , but then one glance at her all his doubts disappeared, and he knew.
He had to have faith, that night the lake and the lit lanterns had given him courage and hope...'What if', he thought to himself?
END
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Edited by RingsOfSaturn - 7 years ago
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