Over to you...(Chapter 19)

Chapter 19

Can't you stay with me? I want to be with you right now..."

Her words held me back. I controlled my emotions and sat down to listen to her silently

“As I said, I used to spend a lot of time in this room I also went through the things kept here. Not all things I looked for but there was one small chest that caught my eye. It was well decorated with paints and designs. I tried to open that box and surprisingly I started remembering my life. When I opened the lock, I saw diaries. With beautiful handwriting, the diaries were decorated and the stories written on them added glory to their existence. I started recalling days when I was alive. Those days when I printed my thoughts on these papers. Do you remember the mountain where we used to go, that was my spot for writing stories. I wrote many of the stories sitting there. In all those said memories, I found you as my happiest memory. I wanted to be with you, to spend time with you, because at my worst you made me smile. But all those desires of mine faded away, bit by bit. Ever since I have been here, I hardly have any time to write. But I still managed to complete one story. And after I had those memories back, I wrote a few stories from here and there. I wanted them to be published and to be known by the world, but I never got a chance. Can you do it for me?” without giving me time to think I just said yes to her. All I wanted was to be satisfied and to help her to leave this phase. And her bright smile of pleasure is still stuck in my head.

“And one more thing, don’t publish it with your name. I am afraid that this will increase my desire and I won’t be able to leave. So will you just accept my request too?” As this request was hard to accept I didn’t want her to suffer more and I accepted her request. She handed the books to me before leaving.

I clearly remember we had a long chat on that day. But that was the last time I had seen her. Maybe she was present when I published her first book but she didn’t meet me. She just never came to meet me after that day. I wished her goodbye that evening and came to Pune without meeting Rishi. I believe that she crossed the phase and has attained moksha.

After a few days, Rishi and I met in our office. I just wanted to ignore him but I busted out. All I can see is my Antara’s suffering. We went to a quiet place

“So as I suspected you were able to see her!”

“I didn’t know the person I trusted so much was so evil to take a person’s life. I hate you, Rishi. And I don’t want you to have your sight.”

“I am sorry! I know this won’t bring back Antara but all my guilt is eating me from inside. I regret her to keep by my side. I know that I made a grave sin. And I was aware of her presence in that room, I used to feel it. I tried to speak to her but it was of no use. Then it came to my mind that you can be of help. So was the reason I came close to you and took you to the room. So that you could help her soul to attain peace. I know I committed a grave sin but at least I wanted her to rest in peace and I was able to come up with this plan. Now I won’t stop you from publishing her books. And won’t come in sight of you.”

You all be thinking why I didn’t do anything to him? That was Antara’s wish; she just didn’t want to create any unnecessary chaos. And just followed her orders. Yeah, I was angry but I calmed myself. Everything came back to normal. Her books earned huge success. They were appreciated by the world. And every bestseller of hers made me happy. It used to feel that she was right beside me enjoying the dream coming true. I wish she was alive. ...

At one of the story reading events Rishi came. He urged me to meet me. We passed formal gestures but the happiness on his face was irreplaceable. He finally felt like he paid for his mistakes. But I just wanted to ask him a question what if he supported her dream, how different and happier future it would have been? But like always this question remained in my mind like that.

I know some might feel it is a comeback of mine with a new fantasy story but it’s just my true life of mine. And the story of the real author of the books I published in my name. ..

~~~The End~~~

“Ahh, what do you feel Jiya after reading the story? Is it real or just a fantasy?”

“Aisha do you know I have a brother and he is none other than Tanay Patel. So I can assure you that this is a true story!”