Strangers & Secrets

by Jai T J

  “You are being punished” The hooded nun said with stiff voice.

  “OK, go ahead” she said walking dancingly next to her.

  “Go ahead?” Her eyes widened “Where are your manners? You are a very bad girl”

  “I know I haven’t done anything wrong to be punished. Why should I follow manners when I’m falsely accused?”

  “You have a big mouth for six years old. No one likes a rude child, remember that”

  Little girl’s feet slipped on the wet leaves. The nun pulled her up, preventing her from the fall. “Careful” She yelled.

  “If I don’t want people to like me, then can I be candor?” She kicked the dirt off her shoe.

  “candor? That’s a fancy word. Where did you learn that?”

  “From Library. If I have to win my enemy, the best way is to confuse them. So, I am preparing myself”

  “Who taught you these things?” Nun asked with curiosity.

  “My friend. He is not here. I miss him”

  “Get used to it. Nothing stays forever”

  “Yes, it doesn’t stay. It just evolves into something but eventually, its more of a same” The little girl said.

  “What?”

  “How long we have to go?” Her tiny legs began to grow tired. She spat on the ground.

  “Almost there and stop doing nasty things. No one likes a filthy girl”

  “I don’t want them to like me. I want them to respect me”

  “Respect you?” The nun stood surprised and laughed. “You are good with your little words but your actions are not reflecting what you say. Besides, no one will respect a child” She began to walk again.

  “Maybe people are blinded by stereotypes and predefined rules written down in some books. Maybe they should be –”

  “Look” She grabbed her hands and yanked. “You cannot be like this. You will get into trouble if you don’t mind your mouth. You understand?” The nun’s stark eyes were focused on her, without blinking.

  She nodded emphasizing ‘yes’.

  She turned right. A mild sound of rushing water came. “You are a smart girl. You are learning fast too. But you know what happens to a smart girl?”

  “They marry a stupid prince?”

  Nun chuckled. “Yes, that also happens. But one way or another they will suffer. You know why?”

  “Because this world is filled with stupid princes?”

  She smiled, shaking her head. “You are faster than I expected and yes, you are right. So take care of yourself”

  They both reached the river bank. The rays of dusk illuminated the golden stream racing down the hill. An abandoned arch bridge stood across the river. The stone bridge looked stronger despite the rusty vines and dust. The arch formed a perfect circle with its reflection on the river below.

  “Still how far?” The little girl trudged up the bridge.

  “Almost there. Have you heard about the red riding hood story?”

  “Yes”

  “You know what happened when the little girl disobeyed her grandmother’s word?”

  “A wolf came for her”

  “Yes, you are right. That’s why you need to listen to your elders”

  The nun looked at her right. She saw a spire at a very long distance with a tiny cross on top of it, standing tall over all the trees.

  “I don’t have problem with listening to them”

  “Then?”

  “I can listen to them, but I can’t agree with them all the time”

  “OK, that’s it. Come here” The nun pulled the ribbon off the little girl’s hair. “Time for your punishment”

  She tied the girl’s eye with the ribbon. “What are you doing?” The little girl pleaded.

  “Get ready to meet your wolf” She removed the next ribbon and tied her hands tightly behind her.

  “You know that is just a story. Although it is a metaphor for girls being lured by sexual perverts”

  “Oh, God” Nun shocked by the words came out of the small girl, grabbed her chin. “Shut up. Where are you learning these things? That’s it. I’m not going to allow you to the library from now on - if you survive the wolf”

  “I guess ignorance is bliss”

  She let her stay there and began to walk away and returned into the forest. The little girl stood there with eyes covered and her hands tied behind. The sound of nun’s footsteps vanished. She turned her face, listening to noises. Only the sound of stream under the bridge was there.

  She moved her hands, trying to release. The ribbon hurt her wrist when she moved. She began to walk to her side, taking one step at a time. She reached the wall of the bridge. She turned around and searched for edges on the wall with her arms. She found a blunt edge and began rubbing the ribbon around her hands on it.

  She stopped at once when she heard a noise. It was a sound of footstep and it came from the other direction of the bridge. The noise grew louder. It approached her slowly and cautiously. Her heart beat peaked. She began to hyperventilate.

  She heard the footstep very close to her. She felt something fluffy caress her skin. She felt the breathing on her face. She slowly lowered herself, kneeled down and bent forward. She placed her face on the ground.

  The knot behind her eyes loosened and the ribbon fell down. She looked up, saw her hero kneeling down in front of her. He was smiling down at her. She wanted to hug him. She reached for him with her hands still tied behind. He grabbed and held her.

  She looked at him. His smile faded, his eyes widened in shock.

  The little girl jumped at him and clutched his throat, puncturing the windpipe. He pushed himself up, pulling her mouth away from his neck. She went up with him, holding herself with just her bite, her hands tied back and legs loosely hanging.

  “Why did you do?” She heard him scream with pain.

  Yuleika woke up, startled by the vision.

  Her breathing was loud and heavy. She looked around, realized she was sitting on the balcony.

  “What happened?” Her father asked from behind.

  “Some bad dreams” She tried to catch her breath.

  “What happened?” He asked again.

  “The first time you came to meet me. On that bridge”

  “Oh, the red riding hood. That was your favorite one”

  “It still is”

  “I don’t recall anything horrible in that to make you jump out of your nap”

  “This time I was the wolf” She said under her breath.

  “I guess the wolves are in danger when the little girl awakens”

  “I killed you and you said why did you do?”

  He approached her, placed her hand on the other side shoulder. “Don’t confuse yourself. You are supposed to confuse your enemies, remember?”

  She rested her head on his hip, looked at the flock of dark and light clouds making patterns on the wide canvas.

  “That poor teacher of yours. She thought you are some kind of time-traveling witch. That might be a good story for fantasy/sci-fi book. Do you remember her name?”

  “I do. I remember everything - almost”

  “OK, whenever you are ready” He left her and walked inside her bedroom.

  “Why are you leaving?”

  “They are here” He said with a soft voice.

  She was about to swing her legs but instead saw the cup in her hand. The coffee has turned cold but still full.

  She came down wearing a high waisted, wide leg palazzo pants with black and white striped shirts. She saw Hiran and Mia sitting opposite on the couch. They both were staring at her with awe expressions in their faces. Her father was sitting next to Hiran.

  She sat next to Mia. Mia’s eyes were unusually larger even for her. Yuleika noticed they all were dressed in maroon.

  “Why are you all in the same color?” She asked puzzled.

  “You asked us, remember?” Hiran said

  “I forgot that. I’m sorry”

  “Sorry?” Hiran asked and looked at M
ia. “Are you sure we came to the right place?”

  “Oh, shut up” Yuleika said as she placed her feet on the table.

  “I thought you called us in this dress for blood magic” Hiran said leaning forward.

  “It’s OK. We can do it another time” Mia answered. “I didn’t know you had this type of dress”

  Yuleika placed her palm on Mia’s cheek. “Are you jealous, darling?”

  “You are changing, honey. It’s been a long time since I have seen you like this. What has happened to you?”

  “Hey, if you are going to romance at least let me finish my business here. I have a lot to yell at her” Hiran said.

  “I’m just doing some experiments. I don’t know what will happen eventually but the process itself is pretty interesting. I’m just going with it”

  “Are you talking about this or Devin?” Mia asked

  “Whichever you like, darling?” Yuleika brought her lips closer to Mia’s. She closed her eyes as she approached.

  Mia startled and jumped up from the couch. Yuleika fell forward on the couch.

  Hiran noticed a miracle happened in that second. It was another thing that hasn’t occurred in a long time. “Hey. You are smiling”

  “Yes, I too saw. You smiled” Mia piped in.

  “No I didn’t” She said keeping her face straight.

  “Yes, you did” They both said at the same time.

  “Oh, god. Something has happened to you” Hiran said pointing with his finger.

  “What? I’m same. Nothing has changed” Yuleika denied

  “You didn’t listen when I said that” Her father joined them.

  “It’s OK. Give her a break” Mia defended her close friend.

  “Are you hungry, Mia?”

  “You still got it in you” Mia smiled and went toward the kitchen area “You cooked anything?”

  “See for yourself” Yuleika yelled.

  Hiran leaned back, relaxing, he studied her. She saw him staring back at her.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” Yuleika asked.

  “It’s like watching something new happening for the first time”

  “You don’t approve?”

  “Approve? I’m admiring it actually”

  “You animalistic beast, stop that. Flirting doesn’t suit you”

  “Wow, the wild lady is back” He said adjusting the pillow under his arm.

  “If you could keep your mouth shut, girls will fall for you automatically. The moment you speak is when your curse starts acting”

  “I’m the Beauty and the beast” He said bowing down.

  She liked Hiran’s company in a different way. He was the only one who scolds and shouts at her. She felt like talking to a big brother.

  “How is your Ex?” She asked in low voice.

  “They have finally settled. Everything is new to them. They are trying hard to adjust to the new place and people. For now, they are going out and doing everyday routines without any disturbances at least”

  “That’s nice to hear”

  “Lunch is ready” Mia called from the kitchen.

  An hour later. They all were swamped after the heavy lunch. Yuleika rested her back on the armrest of the couch. Hiran put himself on the opposite side. Her father was standing, leaning to the pillar. Mia was lying on the floor with her legs on top of Yuleika’s on the couch.

  “I’m gonna die” She said.

  “I ate too much. I might throw up” Hiran said rubbing his chest.

  “That food beat your top three” Mia’s tone was exhausted.

  “What do you want to do now?” Yuleika’s father asked.

  “I have an idea. How about you two wrestle?” Yuleika pointed Mia and Hiran.

  “Even in a normal day, I wouldn’t agree to that” Hiran said waving his hand.

  “Don’t be a baby. Be a man. Where are your macho? ”

  “She knows a hundred ways of ripping a man’s ball. I intend to keep mine”

  “It’s OK. I won’t hurt you below waist level. What do you say?” Mia asked twisting her face, facing him awkwardly from the ground.

  “I like my face too” He scowled at her.

  “Then what else to do?” Mia asked

  “Hey, I almost forgot. What the hell did you tell your lawyer?” He asked.

  “Why?”

  “He was so afraid. He handed over everything related to the case to me. You know you don’t have to cause fear amongst people loyal to you”

  “You are right. It should be you. Did you ask him to persuade me out of this case? This is my case, Hiran. You don’t tell me what I should and should not be doing with it”

  “I’m not afraid of you. I’m not going to stand aside when you go out pushing yourself into troubles. You knew what happened to the people who tried to support your case. It’s very dangerous. Even I won’t be able to help”

  “I respect your support but I don’t want your pity. I’m not the same as I used to be. I am more. Mia has been training me for the last 6 months. You don’t have to worry about me”

  “You missed last two weeks sessions though” Mia said.

  Yuleika sighed. “I’m going to break your mouth once my sessions are over, you spaghetti” She turned back to Hiran “I’m not going to stop, Hiran. I have to find him. I am not going to leave just like that. I want to know who it is. I want to find him and I want to look into his eyes”

  “You have the motive but that alone will not help you. If you want to solve this case quicker then do the reasonable thing. Facing the odds all by yourself will not help in this. I’m not asking you to work as a team. You are not good at that. Instead, let the team work for you. If you let me in, I can make this whole search easier”

  “How?”

  “You can’t hide pieces and expect to solve the puzzle. You are the only eye witness when the incident happened. That girl might have died that night but I think you reborn to find answers for her. You are the only one that can make everything happen. You have to give something to get something. You can’t expect us to blindly search for someone. That’s not fair”

  “I told you everything I know. The rest, I don’t remember” Her voice cracked.

  “I’m not asking what you remember” Hiran cleared his throat. “I’m asking what you have”

  Yuleika’s forehead wrinkled. She bemused over his request then the realization came. She understood what he was asking. One thing she has kept as a souvenir for years. She lifted Mia’s leg and placed it on the couch. She got up and went inside the kitchen.

  She opened the freezer door. The cold breeze and chilling smell of ice burst out. Among the myriad plastic containers, she pulled out the huge one on the top. Holding it on her waist, she inserted her hand deep into the space between the boxes and searched.

  She finally grabbed something and pulled it out. A small, transparent salt shaker made of glass. Instead of salt, it was filled with aluminum foil. She kept the Tupperware back in its place before closing the door.

  She raised her hand in front of Hiran’s face, holding the shaker in her palm. He picked it from her and examined it. It felt heavier than it looked. He turned and removed the lid then saw the opening was sealed with thick circular glass.

  “You have to break it” She said as she sat down.

  “Are you sure?” He asked unsure.

  “I can’t have everything forever. I’ve to learn to let go sometimes” She looked at her father while Mia looked at her.

  His shiny eyes smiled back at her. He mouthed “I am proud of you”

  “Proud is a sin” she mouthed back.

  “I will return it back, don’t worry. Here.” He gave it to Mia.

  “What? I’m not your tool” Mia sat up.

  “Don’t damage the evidence, careful” He said.

  “Alright, whose head should I use to break this?” She took the shaker from him.

  She held it against the coffee table. The neck of the glass was in contact with the
table’s edge. She held it with the left hand and her right hand was on top of that. With one quick push, she broke its neck, leaving the rest of the body intact.