Something was wrong. It could be seen in the way her eyes remained downcast, struggling to grasp even an iota of what used to be her quirky disposition. The dimmed smile, the forlorn, faraway look, the reluctance in each step, painstaking her limb, were all too clear an evidence of her morose emanation. No one could fathom the peculiar yet inscrutable spirit of the usually radiant girl. For try as she might, she could not get herself to be a portrait of mirth, dipped in beaming hues of rapt colours and gleaming in the face of anyone who dared to conjure their foot towards the wrong allure.

Her eccentric ways were talk of the town. How, by not being the flawless shape for the society’s mould she broke the piteous norms. Setting and following her heart that tugged on her sleeve; guide to an inexplicable but jovial place. Everyone adored her, never mind her own thoughts on it. Candid and undaunted, seemingly she braved the world with her wit.

Not once leaving her soul unguarded for the curveballs to hit the inhibited sphere, winding her walls so tight, it became difficult to even catch a breath. She drew her walls so high up that it scared her to peak at the soon vanishing land.

Allowing her to reach the limits of the sky, unaware that the thousands of stars that dusted her sky were overshadowed by the glaring hole of the knack that reduced and exhausted her bones to the tethers. Sadly, she refused to acknowledge the beauty of the stars, illuminated her soul. Possessing a free-spirited mind, she always opined of an independent woman who prodded others to believe in themselves, rather than accepting the boundaries restricted by them. But today, standing amidst hundreds of people in this familiar yet agonisingly gnawing hallway she felt the urge to flee its premises. As if all the intrusive eyes were set on her, waiting and weighing the decision she’d make. She felt alone and dejected and stooping to an all-time low of her esteem. She pressed the heels of her palm to her eyes and willed herself to stay strong, to swallow the rising bile and find her composure.

A deep breath in and, a breath out. Though slow breathing only fueled her heightening anxiety and did nothing to aid her calm. While struggling to grope peace within herself she promptly became aware. Too aware. Of her surroundings and of herself. Her lungs felt emptying of the sweet air.

Just as she was about to bolt, she felt an incessant gaze boring onto the back of the neck. Determined and prepared for the onslaught, she met the intimidating eyes. Assurance and relief were what sank right to the bottom of her soul as soon as she turned. Never thought seeking eyes could come with such acceptance. It was then when she unhooked herself from the anchor that was drowning her in the heart of dark and glum; could not be any more grateful.

By:

Mitushi Garg

1 B

VSJMC