The Stinging Wound How Anwar Left a Stain on Umas Life

Umas eyes suddenly opened. She took a deep breath, staring at the ceiling. Slowly, she sat up and took a few sips from the water bottle beside her, moistening her dry throat. Closing her eyes, she swallowed the water as if trying to absorb everything within herself. But she couldnt. That one day kept resurfacing like nausea, filling her mouth with its bitterness, making her entire being tremble.

After drinking the water, she checked her phone130 AM. She rested her head on the pillow, leaning against the elevated bedrest.

In her dream, a dry sandalwood tree stood tall, surrounded by dim light. Two withered branches stretched upward, resembling raised hands, while a third protruded like a face. Slowly, the image became clearer. The light intensified, revealing a figurean exquisitely beautiful apsara, a celestial dancer. Her facial expressions, nose, eyes, lips, neck, waist, and gracefully moving arms all became distinctly visible.

The air was fragrant with sandalwood when suddenly, a gigantic serpent coiled around the carved apsara. The snake was enormous, shimmering with deep blue, green, and black hues, its colors shifting like waves. Its eyes glowed white, encircled by brilliance, and lusted to engulf the entire apsara. Its forked tongue flickered like lightning, reaching out to consume her.

The serpent coiled tighter, trying to crush the tree into dust. But then, the figure came to life. The snake was thrown off, and the apsara stood firm. As soon as she gazed at the serpent with calm, confident eyes, it vanishedand Uma woke up.

She took another sip of water, unable to sleep again.

Uma was a highranking officer in the Indian Forest Service. Her large government residence was mostly empty, with three unused bedrooms. She lived alone. She stepped into the drawing room and pulled aside the curtain of the large glass window. Darkness stretched far beyond. A dimly lit bulb outside the IGNFA, Dehradun, cast a hazy glow. It had just stopped raining. Gazing at raindrops hanging from chinar leaves, her mind drifted back to that one day…

At the time, she was in Ranchi, pursuing her Ph.D. at Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke. She had spent her childhood there. The districtlevel committee was studying illegal mining and deforestation in Jharkhand. That day, Uma had called a meeting with the committee members. She had no idea what was about to unfold in her life.

After the meeting, everyone stood for tea. Uma remained seated, typing important notes on her laptop. She sensed someone standing nearby and looked up. A pair of eyes were fixed on her.

Dont you recognize me the man asked.

Sorry, I dont, Uma replied.

We were in school together, he said.

Apologies, my memory is weak. I dont remember school days, Uma said.

Im Anwar. Do you remember now

The name sounded vaguely familiar. A skinny, mischievous boy…

I wasnt mischievous, just very playful, Anwar said, smiling.

Uma studied him closely, trying to recall. He mentioned old friends and childhood events, and memories slowly surfaced. She found herself laughing, reminiscing about school days.

Encouraged, Anwar suddenly confessed, I never forgot you. I was your silent lover. I still love you deeply.

What nonsense! Have you lost your mind Are you stuck in the past Uma snapped.

Yes, call me crazy. I couldnt tell you back then, but I wont waste this chance today. I love you, Uma. You were beautiful then, and now youre stunning.

Uma immediately walked away, heading home in her car. I love you kept echoing in her mindsometimes feeling pleasant, sometimes annoying.

to be continue...wait for next part