Clipped wings

Bani was frustrated, so deeply frustrated that it transcended the most profound parts of her inner self. She has wasted her entire life in self doubt and fear, fear of rejection.

In the dark corner of her room she sobbed uncontrollably.

I’m done with everything .I wasted my whole life in fear. Today too I missed an opportunity in fear of rejection and failure. I could have done the work effortlessly but I lacked the confidence to stand up and say I can. Each time I try to give my name, something in my mind makes me say “Maybe next time!” and the next time never comes.

I always wanted to be a part of an adventure. (several minutes pass as Bani stares at nothing in uncertainty)Well then it is high time that I find one myself.

Bani started rummaging her wardrobe. She finally found the backpack waiting impatiently for her to load her stuffs. Within 30mintes she was ready for the most awaited adventure of her life. She carefully opened the doors of her balcony. A cool breeze swept her hair away. The scent of eucalyptus intoxicated her nostrils. She felt like a bird whose cage was left unlocked obliviously by its master. The bird was overwhelmed to find out about its new earned freedom but feared of being a prey. This flight would be the biggest risk of its life. However the decision was it’s to make, to be alive as a slave of fear or die as a martyr of its dreams. Bani turned back and took a step into her prison, “as long as am in here I would be safe but is that what I want?” She took a deep breath and closed her eye, someone whispered into her ears “ It’s now or never”.

Bani jumped from her balcony and ran towards her gate. She climbed the fence and hit the road on her knees. Whoa …did I really do that? I didn’t know I could jump from the balcony and climb the fence so effortlessly, uff I could have bet Shazia last year in high jump, humph …never mind I deserve more than that.

Bani made her way towards her unknown journey. While she strolled clueless in the dark alley the sound of impatient footsteps reached her ears. Fear overpowered her inner being while she stood still like a statue. The sound of thunder brought her back to her senses. She took off in great speed without even turning back. Bani climbed over the fence and balcony of the first house she came across and with much anticipation she pushed the door open. To her surprise it was unlocked, a well furnished room welcomed her.

Whoa now that is a well furnished room except for its present appalling state. An alarm rang startling me. While I hurried to turn it down, I stumbled dup… I lay spreadeagled. Broken pieces of a mirror laid scattered on the floor. I saw a camera lying on my right near to the windowsill. I took the camera and scrutinised it. Clung! A film fell out of it. Someone has desperately tried hard to destroy it but the job remained futile. I threw it inside my backpack.

Due to unexpected chasing I was little exhausted and hence thought to take some rest. I fell on the bed and pulled the pillow into a hug. A folded paper fell from it and with much curiosity unfolded it. It read,

Dear Reader,

The shadows of my life are becoming stronger and darker by each passing day. The road I trod has become weary of pain. Hope has lost its way half way through and I hardly know what happiness feels like. Sleep has abandoned me years ago. Wounds of my forbidden past continues to torment. Crimson stains of that unforgivable sin has spread my entire body. I feel like I am lying on top of a funeral pyre. I have been awaiting death ever since. This inexplicable thirst for him makes me insane. Before the human vultures tear me into pieces I want to cleanse my soul and set it free. But it seems too luxurious a wish at this moment.

Blood droplets has spread across the sheet making it difficult to read the last few lines.

Bani stand frozen. She looks perplexed and decides to leave the place at once when she notices a photo frame. Her hands tremble as she picks it up. One look at the photo leaves her startled. Bani sees herself smiling back at her.

Oh my god! That’s me! But with a much longer hair and with an enchanting smile. And who is this man with me, I mean with her?

(Heavy banging on the door).

Baaaaaaaaaaaaaani, baaaaani, bani open the door, fast. We don’t have much time. Opeeeen

Holyshit, who is at the door? And why on earth is he calling my name? How does he know my name?

I don’t live here. Or is it the girl from the photo frame? But I don’t live remember clicking this photo. How can both of us have the same name. And is he the same man from the photo frame ,at the door???

Baaaniiiiii Baaaaaaaaaaaaaniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii……….

Ssplashhh.. Splassh……..Bani lies wet on the bed soaked in water. Her mother poured a bucket full of water on her. Bani wakes up from her dream.

Daaamn really, that was a dream? Gosh!!!! No…………………….way. Arghhhhhh…. it felt so real.

Bani, what were you muttering in your sleep? I have told you a thousand times not to watch that stupid horror serials but who listens to me. Now go and get ready. You are late for your college.

Bani stood in front of her mirror and stared at herself. AHH… the caged bird always stays caged, No master ever forgets to close a cage (sighs). Before turning away she took a good look at herself and that‘s when something caught her attention. There was a camera lying near to her window sill.

Camera? But I don’t own a camera! Then whose is this? I have seen this somewhere but where?…. oh my god!!!! isn’t this the same camera from my dream?

Baaniiiii, BAAAniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii… you have a visitor! come downnn.

Visitor? for me? but I hardly have any friends and they hardly visit me. Bani’s heart starts beating faster as she make her way down.

The real adventure is yet to begin.

The End