TRIAL-END OF AN ERA

Chapter-31

The day had no sign of sun. It was all windy and dark. They were walking in a hurry and Alok was leading the way. Both of their faces had difference of day and night. On their way they saw some vague figures walking towards their village from far. Amanya and Alok paused for a while and looked at them. The climate and angle was not favorable for them. They were three to four men and were holding something, they noticed.

"Alok, they don't seem to be from Sayyonee."

"Maybe they are here from nearby village to lend a hand in the festival. Let's go di." They ignored them and continued with their exploration. On the way Alok started to talk about the festival as he knew his sister wanted to know about the festival, but his di was occupied with other thoughts. In short what she only heard was that the festival will begin three days from now and will be for one week straight.

Even though the pond was near to Sayyonee she could feel her each step. As they were getting nearer to it, the climate also worsened. She felt herself caught in a web of mysterious grief. She could feel her heart as if it stopped. After a short while Alok paused and pointed towards west. Finally they arrived at the place which was waiting for her; maybe for centuries. They stepped towards it. Added with the climate, the surrounding really looked like a graveyard as it is. She went near to it, her eyes full of tears with a heavy heart and her movements, just like a possessed girl. She felt someone crying in her ears and suddenly felt a sharp pain in her side. Her inside grief took control over her. She was burst into tears and felt her strength draining. She sat on the red bed of sand leaving baffled Alok behind. He felt like she had a lot to tell and the pond was waiting for her. She bended a little towards the pond and looked at her reflection. Suddenly, they heard a collective scream from behind. They turned and saw huge smoke fumes coming from the direction of Sayyonee. They were shocked and Alok screamed in fear. They ran towards their village in a pace that even the huge lightning couldn't slow their race. The downpour was scary enough but the fire was still raging. They were running and Alok suddenly slipped and rolled in the grass. She turned back and saw him rolling. She paused her pace and acted fast. She followed and caught him, Alok was completely covered in mud with traces of blood in his elbows and knees. He stood up, still trembling from the fall looked at her with teary eyes. She held his hand tightly and they ran with their maximum strength. They reached the gate..