Like a dream

(Dear readers, I am pleased to introduce my debut novel. While it may contain minor grammatical imperfections, I invite you to appreciate the uniqueness of this original work.)

In the early morning, I eagerly awoke, filled with anticipation to witness the captivating spectacle of Singhala Waterfalls, where I was scheduled to meet my dear Veer. This moment filled me with an undeniable sense of joy, as I immersed myself in the sheer magnificence of the natural world.

Singhala Waterfall derives its name from its striking resemblance to the head of a lion, with water cascading from its mouth. For a brief moment, I closed my eyes and was serenaded by the melodious call of a cuckoo, as if it were extending a harmonious good morning greeting. The birds hummed in unison, welcoming the impending sunrise, and the invigorating fragrance of freshly blossomed flowers filled the air.

As I reopened my eyes to embrace the natural beauty that surrounded me, I found myself standing on a precipitous cliff. From this vantage point, I observed rabbits playfully searching for their morning sustenance, while deer gracefully danced across the plain below. The collective spectacle made one feel as if the forest itself were warmly bidding you a good morning.

While I was captivated by this heartfelt embrace, a gentle hand reached out to clasp mine, exuding an unmistakable sense of affection and compassion. I turned around to behold his striking countenance, marked by an air of dignity, eyes as crystalline as water, and a smile as pure and innocent as that of a child.

He began to inquire, "Hello, my lovely rabbit. Does this panoramic vista meet your satisfaction? Now, you're free to paint as your heart desires, and reveal to me the depths of your artistic talents," he conveyed with a soft smile.

I responded, "However, I invited you here with a different purpose in mind. You offered me this ring as a symbol of your feelings for me. Now, it's my turn. It feels like the first time we crossed paths in the wilderness when I was lost, and I encountered you in the forest where I was unsure of my next step. Back then, I never envisioned uttering these words to you. I never imagined that I would find myself eagerly waiting for you, as if each second in anticipation stretched into ages. Every minute spent with you has become invaluable to me. I am prepared to declare that I am willing to share my entire life with you. Will you grant me the honor of being your life partner, for all of our days?"

Even though I'm confident his response aligns with mine, I yearn to hear it from him, a sentiment I've eagerly awaited for an entire month. A captivating and enchanting smile graced his lips, leaving me utterly entranced and yearning to witness more of that mesmerizing grin. We locked eyes in a ceaseless gaze, as if fearing that a mere blink might steal away the other's presence. Our silent connection held us both in its embrace, reluctant to shatter the tranquility.

However, our shared enjoyment was abruptly shattered by the piercing sound of a whistle. A massive rock seemingly materialized out of thin air and hurtled toward us. We deftly dodged the initial assault, but the subsequent onslaught grew fiercer, and then, a sudden and astonishing maneuver by Veer left me dumbfounded. He employed his hand to conjure a transparent shield, effectively halting the relentless onslaught of rocks and boulders.

For a moment, I couldn't comprehend the unfolding events. Subsequently, a crimson sphere assailed us, causing the shield to falter, and a sudden, imperceptible force struck me. In an instant, a sharp pain radiated from the corner of my forehead, and dizziness overcame me.

Observing my pallid condition, Veer began to withdraw with me in his hands.

Initially, he diverted the assailants' attention before leading me to the shelter of a cave. "Rabbit, remain here for a while. I'll return to escort you home," he assured me, and with those words, he disappeared in a swift motion.

Despite my confusion about the ongoing events, I held onto faith in him, prepared to bide my time in this desolate and eerie cavern. My dizziness intensified, ultimately causing me to lose consciousness.

I couldn't discern how much time had passed, but I awakened to the sound of commotion, only to be jolted by the startling sight that greeted me. Before my eyes, a fierce conflict unfolded, though it was unlike any battle I had ever witnessed. They were not wielding conventional weapons, nor were their hands engaged in combat.

Rather, they clashed using an array of radiant, multicolored, and transparent energies—it was unmistakably a display of magic. My astonishment grew as I absorbed the astounding revelation before me.

This isn't the stuff of childhood fairy tales; it's an undeniable reality, and I'm not ensnared in some dream. Panic surged through me, propelling me toward the cave's entrance, where a beckoning glimmer of light promised escape. Yet, just as I neared the threshold of freedom, an unseen force yanked me back.

A strong hand seized my arm, spinning me around to confront its owner. It was a man, towering in stature, his striking eyes accentuated by attire predominantly black with hints of crimson. His handsome visage, however, concealed a sinister intent, akin to a lion closing in on its prey. With a vice-like grip on my throat, he hoisted me into the air, intent on choking the life from me.

My body already weakened and exhausted, I lacked the strength to resist his iron grip, even though I yearned to break free. I am just an ordinary girl with a mischievous younger brother and a loving family. In all my years, I had never encountered violence, yet now I found myself forced into a life-and-death situation with an unknown assailant. Why should I meet my end like this? Who was he to take my life? My existence was my own, and my family and friends awaited my return. I couldn't relinquish the fight before it even began.

With this resolve, I removed a hairpin from my braid and drove it into his hand. Gasping for air, I felt his grip on my battered neck suddenly loosen, and it was a girl in a white dress who bravely confronted the menacing man, liberating me from his clutches.

I lay there, drained of all energy, my body a pallid and lifeless form on the ground. My vision blurred, and I could only make out the chaotic tableau before me: two factions locked in a battle, one draped in white, standing as my guardian, while the other clad in black, intent on my demise. Their motives remained a mystery, their intrusion into my life an unwelcome disturbance.

After a while, I regained consciousness, I was in an unfamiliar place and I noticed a group of onlookers, their gaze fixed upon me. Desperate to communicate, I attempted to speak, but no words escaped my lips, a consequence, perhaps, of the lingering dizziness, as if an unseen force had forcibly silenced me.

An elderly individual, who I surmised to be in their sixties despite my blurred vision, advised me to rest. My lips moved, yet they failed to produce any coherent words. Exhausted and frustrated by this futile attempt, I yielded to weariness and lent an ear to their conversations.

From the fragmented snippets I could discern, it seemed they had mistaken me for 'Tara,' their heiress, targeted by their adversaries.

This was far from what I had envisioned when Veer and I had planned a simple picnic here. If only I had foreseen this unforeseen turmoil, I would have proposed to him in the comfort of his mansion a month ago. Now, my thoughts swirled with uncertainty about his whereabouts and well-being. All I fervently wished for was his safety and a chance to hear his response to my earlier question.

All of this unfolded before me, akin to a dreadful nightmare, a dream I had never wished to become reality. Yet, the stark truth remained implacable, and despite my reluctance, I had no choice but to accept it.

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