Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Wielder of the Moonlight Sword

 

Wielder of the Moonlight Sword: The Legacy of the Brunette


The shrill of the alarm clock shattered the brunette's dreams, pulling her back to the familiar bustle of her city life. Her morning routine flowed in a predictable rhythm – the steaming chai latte at her favorite cafe, the bustling crowds on her walk to university, the monotonous drone of lectures. Yet, a nagging question lingered in the back of her mind. Was there more to life than the concrete jungle she called home? One evening, as the dusk sky painted the horizon, she found herself on the rusty bridge of the abandoned park, lost in the melody playing through her earphones. Swaying with the music, she approached the bridge's center. 

Your words have many meanings

Because it sounds like what is what?

If you find mysterious footprints, follow

My shadows are driven into a corner

What is hidden behind the light?

Taking out an earbud, she expected the usual symphony of crickets and flowing water. But an unsettling silence greeted her. Confused, she scanned her surroundings. Nothing. Only an oppressive quiet that sent shivers down her spine. Turning to leave, she spotted a vibrant blue bird perched on the bridge railing. Its eyes seemed to lock with hers, filled with an inexplicable curiosity. Drawn towards the bird, she cautiously approached, her finger outstretched in a hesitant greeting. The creature, however, held its ground, its head tilting in what seemed like an avian appraisal. Just as she inched closer, the bird flicked its beak, nipping her finger before disappearing into the twilight. Sucking on the sting, the brunette felt a strange unease settle over her. Glancing out her window before sleep, she found the blue bird perched on the window ledge, its gaze intense. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished, leaving her to wonder if it was all a figment of her imagination. Sleep, however, offered no solace.

Only you, who I can’t meet, know my answer

Before it ends I wanna know everything

As, time passes, your feelings deepen 

I am now between the past and the future.

Don’t leave me, I believe I’ll start running.


A piercing scream ripped through her dreams, jolting her awake. Disoriented, she found herself sprawled on muddy ground, rain lashing down relentlessly. Panic surged through her as she took in the unfamiliar surroundings - a dense forest with towering trees reaching towards the stormy sky. Scrambling to her feet, she searched for something, anything, that resembled familiarity. But the forest seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions.

Desperation gnawed at her as she wandered through the woods, only to find herself back at the same spot repeatedly. Fear threatened to consume her, but she forced herself to seek shelter under a large tree, huddling beneath its roots as the downpour intensified. Exhausted, she finally succumbed to sleep, the unanswered questions swirling in her mind. Awakening with a jolt, she realized it wasn't a dream. The rain had stopped, leaving a clear sky above. Determined to escape, she set off once again, her steps more purposeful this time. The forest gradually thinned, revealing a breathtaking vista – a field bursting with vibrant flowers, stretching as far as the eye could see. A mesmerizing melody drifted from beyond the field, beckoning her closer. Following the sound, she arrived at a cliff's edge, overlooking a scene straight out of a fairytale. Below, nestled in the valley, lay a shimmering river flanked by colossal dragon statues carved into the mountainside. Perched on a rock overlooking this spectacle was a simple wooden flute. Hesitantly, she picked it up, the smooth wood cool against her fingertips. As if on cue, the blue bird reappeared, its vibrant plumage a stark contrast to the clear sky. It chirped insistently, then soared towards the river, beckoning her to follow. With the flute clutched in her hand, the brunette plunged into the unknown, the melody guiding her path towards the river and the secrets beyond. The melody faded as the brunette reached the cliff's edge. Below, the river roared, a churning torrent between the imposing dragon statues. The blue bird dipped its wings, urging her on. This wasn't a gentle stream; it was a raging beast. But with a newfound determination, the brunette started her descent.

The path down was treacherous, loose rock giving way under her feet. Thorns tore at her clothes, and the wind whipped her hair. Yet, she pressed on, the blue bird a constant beacon above. Reaching the riverbank, she surveyed the scene. The current was formidable, and the water a murky, churning grey. Fear threatened to paralyze her, but the image of the veiled girl in the portrait – the girl who looked so much like her – the one from her dreams she saw once spurred her forward. Taking a deep breath, she plunged into the water. The icy current immediately stole her breath away, pulling at her clothes and dragging her downstream. She fought with all her might, paddling towards a fallen log jutting out from the opposite bank. Just as her strength began to fail, her fingers grasped the rough bark. Hauling herself onto the log, she clung on, gasping for air.

Exhausted but exhilarated, she finally reached the other side. The imposing silhouette of the abandoned palace loomed ahead, its broken windows like empty eyes staring down at her. An unsettling aura emanated from the place, a feeling of neglect and forgotten power. But something, perhaps a strange sense of kinship with the veiled girl, compelled her forward. The heavy oak doors creaked open with a groan, revealing a dust-filled interior. Cobwebs draped furniture like ghostly shrouds, and moonlight streamed through broken windows, casting long, skeletal shadows. The air hung heavy with the scent of time and decay. Following a flickering sense of familiarity, she found her way to a grand hall. A single portrait hung on the wall, illuminated by a shaft of moonlight. As she approached, her breath hitched. The girl in the portrait was undeniably like her – the same sharp jawline, the same fiery brown hair peeking out from beneath a veil. But the most striking feature was the glint of determination in the eyes that peeked from the veil's edge. Intrigued, the brunette continued exploring. A hidden staircase led her to a bedroom, untouched by the ravages of time. Fresh clothes lay neatly folded on a chaise lounge. Without hesitation, she discarded her own mud-caked clothing, the coolness of silk against her skin a welcome relief. A quick wash in the adjoining bathroom invigorated her, washing away the grime of her journey.

Renewed, she ventured deeper into the palace. Following an intuition she couldn't explain, she climbed a winding staircase that led to the castle's highest point – a windswept balcony overlooking the valley. And there, bathed in moonlight, lay a magnificent sword. Its hilt was adorned with swirling patterns and intricate symbols, a language she didn't understand, yet felt strangely familiar. As she reached out, a surge of energy coursed through her. The air crackled with anticipation. With a surge of adrenaline, she grasped the hilt and pulled. The blade slid free from its sheath, emitting a soft hum that resonated deep within her bones. Moonlight glinted off the polished surface, revealing strange symbols etched along its length. In that moment, the brunette knew this wasn't just a sword. It was a destiny waiting to be claimed. A destiny intertwined with the girl in the portrait, with the secrets of this abandoned palace, and with the reason she found herself in this strange, wondrous world.


Written By:- Muskan Nim

Date:-23/4/2024


Thursday, 22 February 2024

Red


         RED 🍒



Her dress attracted me like a bird attracted to a bright caterpillar, bringing me to my own end, the venom that runs through it like the blood that flows in her.
Every moment her Scarlett lips spread in a smile my blush grows deeper making my cheeks look like ripe peaches.
The way her laughter echoes like wind chimes or the way her eyes twinkle like captured constellations. 
The warmth of her presence, the feeling of my heart fluttering like a trapped bird, or the way her words brush against my soul.
The melody of her voice, the rhythm of her laughter, or the silence that hangs heavy with unspoken emotions between us.
Like a summer thunderstorm brewing with unspoken feelings or a firefly illuminating the depths of my heart.
Like the dress whispering secrets or the blush on my cheeks burning with unconfessed desires.
The internal conflict I was experiencing, was this attraction exhilarating or terrifying. It filled me with hope but there was despair somewhere.
The fear of her getting too close, the yearning for connection. Leads to the confusion of mixed emotions.
Somewhere I now it's a forbidden love. There is a danger looming that adds another layer of tension. He was there standing beside her with the same adoration I held for her. It was complicated, it was forbidden, she was his but resided in my heart.......




Written By:- Muskan Nim
Date:- 24-02-2024







Tuesday, 5 December 2023

The Phoenix Chronicles

 


A PHOENIX OR A NORMAL TOWN GIRL


In the bustling city of Mumbai, where the echoes of change whispered through cobblestone streets, a tale unfolded—a chronicle of rebirth and renewal. Enter "The Phoenix Chronicles," where the journey begins not in the comfort of familiarity but in the fiery crucible of transformation.

In the heart of this story lies a 18 year old girl. Who steps into the unknown, the promise of a new life beckons, much like the mythical phoenix that rises from the ashes. Here, in the hushed pages of this narrative, the girl undergo’s a profound metamorphosis, fueled by the flames of challenge and adversity.

The title whispers of resilience, resonating with the spirit of those who dare to forge a fresh destiny. "The Phoenix Chronicles" invites you to witness the unfolding saga of personal growth, the triumph over obstacles, and the emergence of something stronger and more vibrant than before. It is a story woven with threads of hope, each paragraph a testament to the unwavering spirit that accompanies the opportunity for a new beginning in a place where the unknown becomes a canvas for transformation.

This is a story of a girl, who in her teenage stage of life moves away from home. To a new city and a new life.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

At eighteen, I found myself standing on the edge of a chapter I hadn't seen coming. As I prepared for my board examinations, the idea of venturing into the bustling city of Mumbai for higher education felt like a distant, improbable notion. Looking back, the path to Mumbai was a blur—a whirlwind of board results and a sudden acceptance into college. The decision, a pact made by my parents in pursuit of a brighter future, meant navigating a city bursting with dreams.

 

Leaving the comforts of home at the age of eighteen was no easy feat. My concerns weren't about academic challenges but rather who would cook my favorite meals and offer the comforting embrace I had grown accustomed to. Yet, amid these anxieties, it was the unwavering support, motivation, and confidence from my parents that propelled me forward.

 

Mumbai, often dubbed the city of dreams, embraced me with its warmth—a warmth that extended beyond its weather. However, the reality of adjusting to this new city hit me instantly. "Kitni garmi hai yahan," I remarked on my first encounter with the bustling metropolis. Four months into my Mumbai adventure, one semester concluded, and another began. The nostalgia for home persisted, and the ache of missing my family, once a raw emotion, lingered.

 

Despite the challenges, my resilience surfaced through tearful calls home, where I bared my heart about the pangs of homesickness. My parents reassured me that it would get easier, but as time progressed, the longing for familial comforts persisted.

 

The hostel experience, promised by my mother, unfolded as a unique, sometimes overwhelming, adventure. College life adhered to its routine—classes from 8:00 to 2:30, occasional events, and the appearance of a star on the horizon. Yet, the normalcy didn't erase the void left by the absence of school-like competitions, functions, and the camaraderie of familiar faces.

 

I embraced new friendships, built a large circle, only to witness departures as a semester concluded. The ebb and flow of people in my life highlighted the transient nature of relationships in this bustling city.

 

As the year 2023 drew to a close, December approached with the promise of a new beginning. I pondered the year ahead, teeming with expectations I set for myself. The uncertainty loomed—would I meet my aspirations, grow stronger like the mythical phoenix, or remain confined to the familiar?

 

With a mind tangled in confusion, emotions laid bare, and a deep-seated desire to make my parents proud, I faced the daunting challenge of sculpting a future that transcended my own expectations. In the crucible of Mumbai, I questioned whether I would emerge as more than I ever imagined or simply remain a young girl navigating the vibrant chaos of a new city. The narrative unfolded, leaving room for the resilience, growth, and transformation that lay ahead in my journey.

 

Note: “I did not cry writing this, nor did I miss home.”

And am telling you the truth.👀👀

 

Written by:- Muskan Nim

Date:- 05/12/2023

Thursday, 21 September 2023

The Malevolent Wooden Box: Bargains of the Soul

 

The Malevolent Wooden Box: Bargains of the Soul

It had been a quiet day in the toy shop and Amelia wasn't sorry to be closing up. Time dragged when not many customers came in. It was already dark at four o'clock - and so cold she could see her breath. She'd just got her coat on when she heard the shop bell ring.

"I'm afraid we're cl-" "This won't take a moment," said a voice which came from immediately behind her. 

Amelia jumped in fright. She hadn't heard footsteps behind her. Turning, she saw a very small man, no higher than her shoulders, dressed in black robes and an old-fashioned top hat which was battered and tattered and altogether ridiculous-looking. "Do you know what you want to buy?" Amelia asked, still anxious to get home. The man shook his head, with a slight smile. "Nothing, my dear," he said in a voice only just louder than a whisper. "It is you who will want to buy from me." With that, he held up a carved wooden box.

Amelia's unease grew as she studied the mysterious man and the peculiar box he held. The toy shop's dim lights cast eerie shadows across the shelves of forgotten playthings, making the situation all the more unsettling. The box, she noticed, was finely crafted, with intricate patterns etched into the dark wood. It emanated an aura of ancient malevolence.

"Who are you?" Amelia asked, her voice quivering with anxiety.

The diminutive man ignored her question and continued to gaze at her, his eyes seeming to pierce through her soul. "This box," he whispered, "is not just any ordinary box. It contains wonders beyond your imagination. It can grant you anything you desire."

Amelia's curiosity mingled with apprehension. She had heard enough tales of strange occurrences and bargains with mysterious beings. She knew better than to entertain such offers.

"I don't want anything from you," she stammered, taking a step back toward the exit.

The man's smile grew wider, and it sent shivers down Amelia's spine.

"Oh, my dear, everyone wants something," he said, his voice now barely audible.

 "But what you desire lies deep within your heart. I can sense it. I can grant it to you."

Amelia's mind raced as she considered the possibilities. The toy shop had been a dull, monotonous existence for far too long. She had dreams, aspirations, and desires that had been stifled by the mundane routine. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that making a deal with this eerie stranger would come at a terrible cost.

The man seemed to read her thoughts. "There is a price, of course," he whispered.

"Nothing in this world comes for free."

"What's the price?" Amelia asked cautiously, her curiosity overcoming her fear.

The man's eyes gleamed with an otherworldly knowledge. "Your soul," he replied, his voice dripping with malevolence. "You will become mine, bound to me for all eternity, and I will take your place in this world."

 Amelia's heart raced, and she knew she had to make a decision quickly. The allure of escaping her dreary existence was tempting, but the price was too high. She turned and bolted for the door, throwing it open and rushing out into the frigid darkness of the winter evening.

As she fled the toy shop, she could hear the man's haunting laughter echoing behind her. She knew she had narrowly escaped a terrible fate. From that day on, she never looked back, vowing to live her life without making deals with the unknown, for she had learned that some offers were too sinister to entertain, even on the coldest and loneliest of nights.

Amelia's footsteps echoed through the desolate streets as she raced away from the sinister toy shop and its eerie proprietor. Her breath formed frosty clouds in the icy air, and her heart pounded like a drum in her chest. The chilling laughter of the mysterious man lingered in her ears, a haunting reminder of the darkness that had nearly consumed her.

She knew she had made the right choice by fleeing. The idea of surrendering her soul to that malevolent being was unimaginable. As she ran, her thoughts turned to the mundane life she had so eagerly wished to escape—the monotonous days behind the counter, the loneliness that had crept into her heart.

But as Amelia continued down the wintry streets, she also realized that there was more to life than the relentless pursuit of dreams. There was beauty in simplicity, in the laughter of children who had once played with the forgotten toys on those dusty shelves. She resolved to find contentment in the everyday joys that had been overshadowed by her desires for something more.

With each step, she left behind the darkness of the toy shop and the chilling encounter with the enigmatic man. And as the first rays of dawn broke through the night, Amelia embraced the promise of a new day, determined to live a life unburdened by deals with the unknown, cherishing the warmth of her own soul and the simple pleasures that came with it.




Written by:- Muskan Nim

Date:- 21/09/2023

The lost hope of the lost princess.


    THE LOST HOPE,

                              OF THE LOST PRINCESS    

-Retelling of Cinderella

 

A biting gust of wind sliced through her face, jolting her from her slumber. Amanda, a girl with a fiery temperament and a haunting past, awoke abruptly. Abruptly, a blood-curdling scream tore through the tranquility of the night, accompanied by the ear-piercing wail of a police siren and the shattering of glass. Startled, Amanda ripped her headphones off, her gaze darting to the side, though she couldn't bear to witness the harrowing scene where a young child had met a tragic end. With a heavy heart, she muttered, "105th soul ascends to the heavens."

Such calamities were an all-too-frequent sight on the Western Express Highway—constantly plagued by the grim specters of traffic, accidents, and death.

 Amanda gingerly navigated the perilous road and proceeded towards her humble abode, a decrepit and timeworn apartment building that had seen better days.

"Where is that girl?" The booming voice of her mother reverberated in the air. "Mom, my clothes aren't washed!" cried out her demanding stepsister. "Where is my file?" bellowed her father.

 "Another day, another cacophony," Amanda sighed, bracing herself for yet another tumultuous evening, as she embarked on the daunting ascent up the creaking staircase to her apartment.

Upon reaching the door, she hesitated, her trembling hands grasping the doorknob. She drew in a shaky breath and, with newfound determination, released her grip. Amanda cast one final, longing glance at the door before making a dash toward her elusive freedom.

 As she sprinted down the street, her breaths labored and heart racing, she collided with an unexpected obstacle. Gasping for breath, she gazed up at the person she had inadvertently bumped into—a young man, scarcely older than 19, extending a chivalrous hand of assistance.

 Though she declined the offered help and began walking away, the young man regarded her with a perplexed expression, as if trying to unravel the enigma that was Amanda.

 "So, it seems history is destined to replay itself," he mused, scooping up the abandoned shoe and embarking on a swift pursuit of the retreating girl.

Finally catching up to her, he gallantly knelt before her, cradling her foot on his knee, and assisted her in slipping into her shoe. As he delicately secured the lace, he gazed up, locking eyes with Amanda. In that electric moment, an overwhelming surge of emotion passed between them, captivating them both in an unbreakable spell.

An elderly woman, a silent observer of the serendipitous encounter, couldn't help but interject, "At last, the prince has found his princess! And so, the fairy tale begins."

 Ding. The clock struck twelve, and the night sky exploded into a dazzling spectacle of fireworks, marking the arrival of the New Year—a new chapter in the intertwined destinies of the young prince and princess, where exaggeration met reality in the most extraordinary of ways.




Written By:- Muskan Nim

Date:- 21/09/2023

Potrait of Myself


 POTRAIT OF MYSELF

 

"Once again, it's a humid and unusual day today. It seems like I'm getting used to this weather. Thinking about it, coming to Mumbai has changed me a lot. For someone who used to love rain, I now seem to despise it. My favorite season! Note the sarcasm.

These large windows in the classroom are my only solace. Such lovely atmosphere to view. The teacher was late today, so I gazed outside through the window and admired the beautiful trees, birds, and the overcast sky. No rain, no sun, just a lovely cloudy day. The classroom is beautifully structured, with its old wooden furniture. “Oh, how much I love it."

"Today doesn't seem to be my day, though. On my way to class, it rained. Alas! Why does it have to rain? It's so annoying. The weather gets dreary, the roads get watery, and it's not fair. The gardens are all muddy, and..."

"No offense, I love nature, but not the muddy soil. So that's just me, with dozens of likes and dislikes. What makes me, me, well, it is my smile. Hehe! No flex, but I have a cute smile, and why shouldn't I? My name means smile."

"So, let me keep smiling."

P.S. That happens only when it doesn't rain.



Written by:- Muskan Nim

Date:- 21/09/2023

The Door

 

THE DOOR

The ancient oak door loomed above me, a colossal sentinel of the past. My hand reached out to grasp the rusted handle, and as I swung it open, a welcoming blast of warm air enveloped me. Beyond the door, a breathtaking, evergreen meadow unfolded, bursting with an explosion of colors. A symphony of flowers adorned the landscape, their petals swaying gracefully in harmony with the gentle breeze.

 

In the heart of this enchanting landscape stood a cherry blossom tree, but it wasn't just any cherry blossom tree; it radiated a mesmerizing golden aura, gleaming like the most exquisite jewelry worn by a newlywed bride on a sun-drenched day.

 

As I stepped through the door, I couldn't help but glance back at it. It was a door straight out of Renaissance Italy, adorned with intricate carvings depicting a tapestry of activities and ornate letters. The rich, coffee-brown wood gleamed brilliantly when bathed in sunlight, standing proudly in the midst of the meadow, a solitary work of art.

 

Turning my gaze back to the resplendent tree, I was met by the intense gaze of a bird, its feathers a deep, vibrant blue, creating a striking contrast with the tree's golden splendor.

 

Walking along the meandering grassy path felt otherworldly, as if I had entered a realm born from the fabric of dreams. The atmosphere was warm, tranquil, and bathed in a perpetual sunny embrace, offering an escape from the trappings of material wealth and possessions.

 

A distant, haunting sound reverberated, drawing me closer. I turned to follow the sound's source, and there she was—'My Grandmother,' my dearest friend—gazing at me with eyes filled with boundless love and tenderness. Overcome with emotion, I rushed toward her, yearning for her comforting embrace. Her smile mirrored the one I remembered from days of yore, before she had been called to her celestial reward by the holy angels.

 

We spent what felt like hours in conversation, yet it passed like mere fleeting moments. Suddenly, a deafening ring, reminiscent of a colossal bell, echoed through the air. The vibrant world around me began to blur and fade, slipping through my grasp like a wisp of smoke. I awakened once more, alone in my bed, gazing up at the ceiling, longing for that wondrous place I had briefly inhabited. Once again, the stark reality of solitude enveloped me, and I couldn't help but feel utterly lost...





Written by:- Muskan Nim

Date:- 21/09/2023

The Letter

  The Letter The day bleeds into night and the night into mornings, But the thought of you never leaves my head. The dates on the lily valle...