Theme for Sept 9, 2016 'WOW' : ‘Flowers At The Door’
I ran as fast as I could. My legs were fast giving up on me. I‘ve been running for hours now. Exhausted limbs, my breath heavy and panting, with a body that reeked of and dripped sweat my top nearly plastered to it, I could not afford to stop, not now. Not at any cost! Too much was at stake, my life, and perhaps that of my near ones too, if I gave up. Infact, truth be told, we were all in grave danger, and it all depended upon me, to save us all. But I had to save myself first, and fast. Only then, the rest could be saved. The 'thing' was approaching fast. It was hot on my heels. I could almost feel its presence on my skin. The dread it emanated, seeping into my bones. If I didn’t manage to escape, I was done for! It’d be all over. Goodbye world, and sink into this dark bottomless black-pit that was following me, for eternity. I wanted to curse myself. If only, I hadn’t touched those flowers at the door. Why, oh why! My curiosity often landed me into trouble, but I seemed to never learn. It was too late to regret it now. For I had simply gone ahead and touched them those flowers, which weren’t even meant for me ( or were they, I'd never know ). But I had touched, so, now suffer, I cursed again, and tried to run faster.
The flowers, whole bunch of them, looked so pretty at first glance, almost inviting. They were lying just in front of the lift that was right next to my door. Somebody had left them there, as I found out that morning when I opened my door to grab the morning paper. I looked at them and smiled, their fragrance greeting me so cheerfully. Who were they for, I had wondered. Since, I was the only occupant on that floor, my neighbours being off on their vacation for the last couple of weeks, I needed to physically check who they were meant for. But too late, till I found the strange note stuck inside – 'DON’T TOUCH, OR YOU’LL REPENT', it read. But touch, I had already done. The very next instant in blink of an eye, I found myself standing in this deserted lane. I looked around. It was a cobbled pathway, quite spooky, with weeds and moss almost hiding it from view. I, nonetheless, moved ahead, wondering how on earth I landed here. There were ruins all around, of old structures that gave out an eerie sight. I held my breath as I walked ahead. Surely, there had to be an explanation to all these, I tried to think rationally. It wasn't a dream, was it? I pinched myself. No, it wasn't, I winced. As I walked more, I could suddenly feel the weird notion of someone following me. Not one, not two, but an entire army of them. Voices, murmurs, growls, footsteps, breathes and the stench of it all....
Alarmed, I looked behind. To my surprise, the path, I had just walked, was no longer visible. Instead, a black mass seemed to have risen from the ground and was hovering in its place. 'You touched,' it growled, 'now run'. Terror-struck, I looked horrified as the black-mass grew larger and larger, till it nearly touched the skies above. As it stretched its dark arms towards me, I realised the danger I was in. And I bolted. I ran and ran, as the lane never seemed to end. There were howls of evil laughter coming from the ruins too. They were all following me, as this black-mass of darkness came nearer and nearer. And then, I could hear it again.
HEEEAAAAhEEEAAA….. My ear-drums, as though captivated by its evil menacing grip, I could hear its loud, hoarse laughter getting louder and louder, engulfing me and deafening the others. The cacophony of it all terrorised me. When I finally felt its burning-hot arms gripping my tiny ones, I knew, it had won. I'd finally sink into the never-ending darkness. I may never see my loved ones again. Ah..and oh, the flowers, I remembered. They were still by the door. If anyone came by, and touched them, they'd meet the same fate, I dreaded. I had to stop that from happening. I couldn't just give up. Everyone's life depended on me. I had to save myself, somehow....anyhow. I was tired and the black-mass was already upon me; it'll soon choke me to death and take me with it, I feared. No, I could not let that happen. I screamed and screamed, NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I used all my energy to break-free from its grip, NOOOOOOOO....I screamed again weakly...wildly. NOOOOOOO!!!!! NOOOOOOOO!
I opened my eyes, hearing my own loud blood-curdling yells. I was sweating profusely; but as I sat up and looked around, I found I was in my bed. Oh...it was all a dream, after all, I realised!
The sun was shining brightly through the window, and birds chirping merrily outside. I gave out a laugh. It was indeed a dream. Oh...what a dream or nightmare, it was. Such a relief, to come out of it. Shaking my head, I got up from bed. It was Monday morning and my boss would have a fit if I turned up late for work. I put the kettle on in the kitchen stove and went to grab the morning paper. Humming to myself, I opened the front door. What I saw next froze me to my spot. A bunch of flowers stood right in front of the lift, next to my door. My neighbours were away, so, who could they be for? I stared at the flowers at the door, and walked towards them. Curious, I slowly stretched my hand out to touch, and then...
( what happens next? ;-)
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Nice twist at the end. Loved reading your story.
ReplyDeletehey,thanks!glad you liked it.
DeleteGood one..!!!
ReplyDeletethanks @arpit.
DeleteSo, I have to come back for the rest:) Enjoyed it!
ReplyDelete