Hi everyone,
This is a sequel to my series: Trial by Fire. The link is after the end of this chapter. If you've not read it, please do before reading this sequel, otherwise you'll be slightly lost.
The title of this series is Memento Mori and it is a Latin word, reminding everyone of the inevitability of death. I've carefully picked this title to weave the story I have in mind. The poems are mine, free verse style is something I love
Hope you enjoy it, I'll have about 5 chapters and then conclude the series.
Chapter 1: Silent Whispers
On the reflective nature of glassy waters,
An alluring rainbow stealthily appears,
Reflective of a split soul, shy but beautiful,
A storm brewing within,
Overcast with feelings unsaid,
Oh! The sweet melancholic beauty of forlorn,
Forever's' whispered in solitude.
The rain was momentary it so seemed, heavens cracking open just to unite two lost souls, then quickly sealing the cracks with sunshine, almost as if the rain was never here. Realization strikes her and she quickly pulls back from the hug, her tear stricken face evident of her confusion. How did she relinquish her last shred of self control and throw herself in his arms, crying out to a person who wounded her? Her moist eyes questioned his apologetic gaze, slightly squirming to free herself of this unexpected encounter, but his arms remained steadily wrapped around her shoulders, not wanting to let go...not just yet.
Pallavi stopped struggling and looked on, fighting a fierce battle between her heart which wanted to go back to a few moments earlier, re-live it one more time if not for an eternity, and her mind which rebuked her for her weakness, angry at her disposable control. Holding his gaze, she slowly inclined into his warmth once again, taking in his presence whilst closing her eyes, lest they never meet again.
Raghav closed his eyes and held her close to his heart, silently urging her to feel his heart beating with her love, only for her. Life had left him the night he wounded her so gravely, what remained in him was his intense need to love her, to tell her that he always loved her and a slight hope that she too loved him, yet the guilt continuously washed over his hopes, knowing that an apology could never undo the past.
I've lived in annihilation and torment,
Repressing my desire of your sweetness around me,
The closeness of your lips, drawing out the life of me,
The longing of wanting to make love,
I dared not dream of it, waking in cold sweat each night...
"Pallavi?" Raghav whispered as his hand stroked her hair gently. Having no response from her, he gradually held her by her shoulders, breaking the hug.
"How did you find me?" asked Pallavi, gathering her composure as she took a step back and turned her back towards him. The sudden change in the atmosphere around did not go unnoticed by Raghav, as he stood next to her. She gazes at him questioningly, almost implying that he followed her, probably pulled a few mighty strings to track her down.
"It's not what you think, Pallavi. I didn't follow you", answered Raghav, putting an end to her questioning gaze. "I was here to launch a new branch of Jayati Jewels" he explained, all the while looking into her eyes.
Pallavi lets out a sigh, the time for games was over, if it even began. Cutting right to the chase, she addresses the elephant in the room.
"Leaf, your new collection. Why did you dedicate it to me?"
"How did you.....?"
"Raghav, allow me my intelligence, will you?" she cut him short.
Raghav smiled, after what seemed like an eternity for him. Still feisty, he thought. He loved his saree ka dukaan in all her greatness, but he loved her the most when her eyes spoke of the fire that ignites the passion in him, the pull that he could never escape from, ever since his eyes met hers.
"You've gone quiet, is it that you see it beneath you to speak of your love Raghav?" Pallavi retorted, albeit dolorously.
The lovers jibe slashes mercilessly and becomes his undoing, the last shred of strength holding him together loosening its grip on him, like a river finding it's release in destruction. Raghav's world spins around in this moment, an inextinguishable flame sets his heart on fire, as her words snarl tightly at his chest like thorns of a rose plantation, stifling his breath. Where does one begin to speak of their love, at the lovers feet or the heart?
His blurred vision caught a glimpse of her worried eyes as he ruefully collapsed in her arm panting for breath. Clasping her hand tightly to his chest, his fast beating heart spoke of his love.
"Raghav, what's happening to you!" she shook him worriedly, quickly dialing for an ambulance.
Drawing strength from the depths of my heart,
Where your love resides as a prayer,
I need more grace than I had thought,
A prayer sent out in earnest,
Love me back, or leave me in destitution,
This I beg of you...
Take me into your mercy.
"Listen to me", Raghav spoke slowly in between breaths, still holding on to her hands, as her tears fell on his face.
"No, don't try to speak, we'll get you to the hospital soon..." she persuaded him, rubbing his hands as he slowly shook his head in a no.
"I love you, Pallavi....It's always been you!" Raghav spoke in labored breath, shredding away all his fears of rejection. And with these last words, he closed his eyes, a satisfactory smile gracing his lips, holding no regrets if these three words happened to be the last of his vicious destiny.
An ambulance with paramedics made its way to the scene, as Pallavi sat with him in her lap, stupefied by the intensity of his words. To the world, it was a nervous breakdown, but to her, his breakdown became her moment of epiphany. As they put him on a stretcher, she finally broke free of her forbearing, letting go of the hurt between them that haunted her heart, caging up her love for him with shackles of a past that she could not undo.
"I love you too, Raghav...", she spoke in earnest, placing her hand on his head, surrendering to destiny, all woes undone, sending a silent plea to the heavens to bring him back to her.
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That brings a closure to the first chapter. The next ones to follow.
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Let me know how you like it and also, how do you think this series will end? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Regards,
Kiara.
Chapter 2: Solemnity of Souls
Chapter 3: Reverence
Chapter 4: The maddening love, your dark sweetness
Chapter 5: Memento Mori
https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5235622?pn=14#160918453
Prequel: Link to Trial by Fire.
