Fall and Forth

Prologue

It took everything. I calculated all the possibilities. I could not go wrong, not now at least. There was no other way left. I had to do it. Thinking of God for one last time, I jumped.

I jumped off the terrace.

Chapter 1- 24 October 2020

If someone told me that someday I'd let passion consume me so much that for the sake of it, I'd not even care breaking a bone or two, I would have probably laughed it off... until the same exact thing happened.

Being a typical Indian girl with morals and values running in my veins, I had been fasting for nine days, for it was the most awaited time of the year for me - 'Navratras'. Somehow, I had grown to believe that these nine days were my highway from perdition to purgation hence I observed the fast and did all the worship with utmost diligence and faith.

"Get up Pari. It's already 7! Freshen up and come out of the shower real quick. Papa has to go to the hospital, beta. Get up now." My mom said that sentence almost 5 times before I actually left the bed. Normally she wouldn't be this polite by the 5th time but today she was. Well, normally she wouldn't wake me up in the Lockdown because it was implied that I slept late but today was an exception for it was the 9th day of the fast and the festival proceeded towards its culmination with Dushera the next day.

With sun rising up, butterflies in the sky, birds chirping and no cars honking, the ambience around was one of peace and optimism, a view which my dreamy eyes enjoyed as they looked out of the window. "Definitely the most beautiful time of the day.", "Which you spend sleeping" I chided myself and dang! back to reality. Who says you cannot have a conversation with your own self? In my case, probably this was my Hamartia.

"Anyways, my day is going to be fabulous," I told myself as I stretched my arms and stifled a yawn. A reassuring smile followed.

If only I knew.

After a quick shower, with my hair still wet and fragrance lingering, I got ready and wore traditional clothes suiting the occassion. It was then time to update everyone, hence almost in a reflective turn of events, my hands reached my mobile phone for it was Selflie and Streak time. The first picture I clicked, turned out great. What was happening? To get up early and enjoy the nature is one thing, to have your mom waking you up sweetly is another but to have a perfect picture right on the first click..well, some joys can never be explained. (Well, some joys overrule the others)

This escapade however cost me some precious minutes and as I went to the living area, I was pleasantly surprised by how all the preparations were already made. My parents and my brother deserved to be acclaimed. I made my way to the kitchen to find all the delicacies almost ready. It was time for Kanjak Pujan.

'You look beautiful dear. May lord protect you from the evil eye.' Indian mothers, I tell you!

"Thank you, mom. May I help you with anything?" Suddenly realising that I had made absolutely no contribution, was a turn off.

"Na bacha. We have taken care of everything. You go and call the girls."

Yay! Finally, I had something to do. Stepping out of the house, I almost immediately retraced my steps. Why? I had forgotten the most important thing. Any guesses? Those who have survived 2020 probably could read my mind.

I picked up 'The Legendary Mask', wore it and now I was ready to go and safe to go too.