In Another World

I woke up and found myself lying on a bed of lush green grass which stretched a mile away into the smooth hills. A cool breeze blew over my face, which gave a soothing sensation. I usually never enjoy being alone, but now I think that I should give some importance to being in solitude. Far down below there was a small town surrounded by those hills. I wonder who are residing in that town. My mind was yearning to visit the place. There might be something of great interest waiting for me. I wasted no time and grabbed my fedora, sprung on the horseback, and started my journey to the unknown town. The galloping of the horse, the fresh taste of the environment around me filled my soul with full of zest. After traveling for three to four hours I finally reached my destination. I stopped beside a wooden signboard that had a golden border with floral designs saying ‘Welcome to Varmoor’. It was a beautiful town. There was the hustle and the bustle of the people who were shopping. There were fish markets, grocery markets, food markets, and many more. The bags made of velvet and various types of jewellery were displayed in the accessory shop, which made the surroundings more colourful. The smell of spices, the symphony of the musicians, children running around everywhere filled the air with happiness and joy. An auction was going on some valuable antiquities. While I was making my way through the crowd, I spotted a grey coloured mansion that looked as if it remained isolated from the jubilant atmosphere. I was eager to take a look at this mysterious mansion. I got down from my horse and tied it to a lamp post. The gates were already open. It seemed like someone broke the lock! The building was made of grey marble, with a water fountain in the centre. It was surrounded by perfectly trimmed bushes. On either side of the door, the flowers of lavender rose and petunia bloomed. This whole place looked like, the mansion belonged to a wealthy person. I knocked at the door and waited for a response. The door was opened by a man. Although he was in his early 70’s he still looked like a true gentleman. He was in a black suit, wearing a set of goggles which were plated in gold and most of his hair was grey. There was a warm smile on his face and asked me “What do you want my child? Looks like you are new to this town! Do you need any help here?” He reminded me of my late grandfather. I said “Yes sir, I am new to this town. So I was getting confused about where to start. It would be grateful if you could show a way to solve this problem.” “In that case, I would suggest you stop and take a rest somewhere and start from tomorrow onwards. Why don’t you spend the evening at my house? I promise that you will feel comfortable here. Along with that, we can also visit the town and buy something from the markets. What do you say?” said the man. I was overwhelmed by hearing his suggestion. I was longing to go to the town in the evening and have a jolly time there. “Oh thank you, sir! I cannot find words to express my gratitude towards you.” I said. “Not a problem my child! And if you are not satisfied with it you are free to inform me. Now please come in.

” He kept the door open for me and I entered the mansion. As I was walking in, I saw three chandeliers made of crystal were hanging from the ceiling, many famous pieces of art were seen on the walls. We first reached the living room. It had two soft, cozy Italian sofas with a table in the middle of the room in.He seated me in one of those sofas and told me “Just wait here. I will be back in a minute.” He came back with a plate full of delicacies which included lime cake, macarons, and green tea. My mouth watered after taking a view of them. He placed them on the table and I was having the cake atrociously. He laughed heartily at seeing this and said “Eat slowly, eat slowly! Looks like you haven’t had any food for a long time. So tell me, what brings you here? And what is your name?” “My name is Anna Smith, and I came here just for exploring this small town of Varmoor. There are so many things which I haven’t seen yet!” I exclaimed at it. Then he told me a story about this town and the tradition of the people who followed for millions of years. “Do you live alone in this mansion?” I asked. “Yes my child, I lead a life full of loneliness. Six years ago both my son and daughter died in a road accident. So I nurtured my grandchildren, educated them, and provided them with the required needs. But….” he stopped and fumbled with his words. “But what?” I asked. “But they completely forgot about me when they were successful individuals! They forgot the fact that they have been able to stand on their own only because of me.” and he broke down. I comforted him by sharing with him my handkerchief and some good words. “That sounds pathetic! I am sorry sir. Just forget about what had happened earlier. You always thought about them first before thinking about yourself. But now it is high time that you now take care of yourself only. You have done your part. Leave the rest to time. Time will tell what will happen next. Do not lose hope.” I said. “Thank you for those words dear. You are right. I should not grieve about it anymore. Time will decide what will happen.” He wiped his eyes and looked a little better. I asked “Sir, may I know your name?” he replied, “My name is Robert Garrick.”

“Well Mr Garrick, you said that you would give me a trip to the town. Can we go now?” “Yes, we can go now, it is evening. Wear something warm, for it might be cold outside. And at nights the town is buried under snow. But at dawn, all the snow melts, and once again it comes back into its green state. Isn’t that amazing? This transition is very rare in most places. You will only find it here. If you want we can go to the top of the hills at dawn and watch the stunning view of the sunrise.” he said. “Certainly, I cannot miss such a wonderful opportunity to watch a sunrise.” We both got ready and went towards the town. The town was enlightened with the glow of lanterns from each house. We bought some things, had a long gossip with the residents of the town and had the traditional meal as our dinner. We had a remarkable time out there. Mr. Garrick said “I hope you enjoyed this evening Anna. Now we must hurry, or else we will not be able to make it up to the top of the hills at dawn.” “Agreed! We should get up early in the morning.” I said. On our way to Mr. Garrick’s house, I felt as if someone was following us. I turned back, but nobody was there! I stood there for some time until Mr. Garrick called out for me “Anna! Come let us return to the mansion, it is drizzling heavily tonight.” He came to me and asked “What is the matter, Anna? You look tensed. Is everything alright?” “Mr Garrick, I think someone is following us. I could hear footsteps behind us earlier.” I said. “Who will be following us now? Anna, you must have mistaken me for something else. It is too late now. Come, let us go.” And he leads the way. I resumed my walking when all of a sudden a stranger smothered me and I became unconscious. The world became dark around me. When I recovered, I realized that I was tied up to a chair with a rope! I still cannot understand where I have landed up. I shouted out for help, but nobody responded. It was an underground tunnel, with many cartons lining up the wet, cemented wall of the tunnel. There was a broken light hanging from the ceiling, the light was blinking continuously. A stranger in a brown leather coat was standing in front of me, staring at me. I was petrified and shouted out for help. The stranger said, “Shout as much as you want kid, nobody will be able to hear you.” Then he sent out an evil laugh and left me there. I have to find a way out of this tunnel. I found a knife lying beside me.

I tried to pick it up, but my hand did not reach the knife. After several tries, I finally was successful in doing it. While I was struggling to cut the rope with the knife, I heard a discussion going behind the metal door. I quickly freed myself and kept my ear on the door to listen to the discussion more clearly. A voice of a man asked, “Are you sure that’s the child we were supposed to bring her to the boss?” “Yes! I am sure she is the one boss is talking about. I saw her returning to that mansion with Robert Garrick. Anyways keep eye on her, because we have to bring to the place after an hour.” “Do not worry. I will make sure that she does not get a chance to escape from this tunnel.” I was shocked after hearing this discussion. Are they planning to harm Mr. Garrick by posing a threat to him through me? No, I cannot let that happen. I must flee from this place as soon as possible. But how will I make it out of this tunnel? I sat on the floor and started to think about it. Fortunately, I came up with a plan. I locked the metal door tightly from inside so that they will not be able to enter the room. Then I found a window and tried to break the glass with a hammer. After many efforts, I broke the window and immediately came the sound of a siren. It meant that they have already got the signal that I am trying to escape through the window. I climbed up the wall with the help of a ladder and jumped out of the window. Before they could break the door I already ran away for my life into the woods, grasslands and only God knows where I am going to.

But where did Anna go next?