chapter 3

Chapter 3: Where Am I?

The room was filled with blinding light, causing my eyes to ache. I found myself in a strange place, somewhere covered in a thick blanket of snow. Confusion engulfed me as I wondered if I had reached heaven or descended into hell. It couldn't be real; I remembered everything that had happened. How could I be dead? I sat there, overwhelmed by the weight of my emotions, crying out loud.

Suddenly, a man approached me, his face obscured by the brightness of the sunlight. He asked why I was crying, but I couldn't see his features clearly. Through my tears, I managed to utter, "What happened?" He received no answer from me. Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked him who he was. I also questioned if he, too, had died because, somehow, I had died, although I couldn't recall the details.

As I cried, a tear escaped my eye and fell onto the snow-covered ground. The man still didn't respond to my questions, and I asked again. Finally, when I could see him, I realized he was a remarkably handsome man, dressed in a unique and somewhat old-fashioned attire. While I observed him, he seemed to be surveying the surroundings, and I noticed the book the old woman had given me lying on the snow. Confusion deepened as I wondered how the book had ended up here. I called out, "Hello, mister! What's happening? Why won't you answer me?"

The man inquired if the book was mine, and I wondered why he was asking. I replied hesitantly, "Yes, it's mine." As I opened the book again, it flew away, disappearing into thin air. I ran after it desperately, but it seemed to evaporate, leaving me puzzled and perplexed. I turned to the man, demanding an explanation. He calmly requested that I come with him, assuring me that he would provide answers to all my questions. Sensing danger in the air, I hesitated, uncertain if he could be trusted.

The man sensed my hesitation and said, "I'll give you one answer, and then you can decide whether to come with me." My mind raced, considering the offer. I finally agreed, with only one burning question in my mind, "Where am I?"

The man replied, "You are on Amar Lok." I exclaimed, "Amar Lok? How did I end up here? Am I dead?" He shook his head and said, "No, you are not dead."

Puzzled, I probed further, "If I'm not dead, then how did I come here?"

He simply responded, "I have given you the answer. Now, it's time for you to come with me."

Doubts clouded my thoughts as I questioned where I was supposed to go. The man cryptically replied, "Your right place." I hesitated, unsure of his intentions and the peril that awaited me. I clutched my hair tightly, contemplating my options.

Suddenly, I made up my mind and said, "Okay, let's go." The man seemed pleased by my decision. It was bitterly cold, and he handed me warm clothing to protect against the harsh elements. Donning the clothes, I felt relief from the biting chill.

As we continued our journey, the man approached a peculiar-looking tree. I watched him intently, wondering what he was about to do. To my astonishment, the branches of the tree parted, revealing a passage. My mouth agape, I couldn't comprehend what I was witnessing. I asked him, "What is this?"

He gestured for me to go first, and my eyes widened in awe. I cautiously entered the tree, discovering that what had appeared small on the outside was surprisingly spacious, accommodating two people comfortably. Soon, the man followed, closing the entrance behind him.

As my mind raced with countless questions, the man broke the silence, asking if I was hungry. I nodded in response. He smiled and presented a meal before me, consisting of rice and vegetables. The aroma wafting from the food made my mouth water; it appeared to be incredibly delicious. Inviting him to join me, I began eating, and he obliged but only consumed a small portion.

While chewing the delectable food, my mind buzzed with unanswerable questions. Who was this man? How did I end up in this place? Where had the book disappeared to? Who was the enigmatic old woman? Why was I here?

To be continued...

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