Short Story: Imperishable Love Story: Sheen & Erum

Hello!

I am Sheen. I believe the world is full of surprises, emotions, expectations, and love. An innocent bond of love expects nothing, just a little place in a humble heart.

It was a bright day. The golden glaze pierced through the sky's cottony curtains to explore life. It was a relief after a blizzard that trapped Erum and me inside an old cottage for 4 long days. I clearly remember the day I met him. It's been 8 years of togetherness or, more aptly, 6 years.

Winters in Kashmir are highly unpredictable, where every hook and corner is covered with a white drape. I enjoy the beautiful terrains of the valley where nature has carved some marvelous creations on earth. But for me, Erum was god's best creation ever.

I came to Kashmir along with my mother and cousins. The place soaked me entirely in its mesmerizing charm. Our abode was a houseboat. There were rows of precisely similar-looking attractive houseboats running along the banks of Dal Lake, appearing as though narrating thousands of stories to the calm waters.

A walk down the valley was my favorite pastime every day. That day, my mom was hesitant to send me out as the unpredictable weather could take enormous form. But I assured her I would return home early.
I have inherited most of the qualities of my mom. My amber, blue almond-shaped eyes are exactly similar to that hers. I always adore my mom for her understanding and calm demeanor. She often surprises me with her energetic ability in every work she does. My mother says Sheen means peaceful. But somehow, I am still looking for it.

My deep brown hair ruffled vigorously as the winds gained sudden acceleration. The pure white snowflakes started to dance on my coat with complete madness. In no time, the whole place was absolute mayhem. The blizzard forced everyone to take safe shelter.

I ran hither and thither as nothing as the ghastly snowstorm had blanked the vision completely. A car hit me, and I fell into a valley. I started calling for help, draining all my energy.

Suddenly a hand pulled me up, and we quickly ran towards an old cottage. I was in shock and did not utter a word. My foot was badly hurt, and the bouts of pain became unbearable. I fell unconscious.

I slowly opened my eyes and silently observed my savior. He was sitting beside me and sighed with relief. My wound was tied with a cloth dipped in an ointment.

It was my first meeting with Erum. He was tall and well-built, with broad shoulders and an expressive face. His distinctive grey, black eyes are adorned with small gold-rimmed spectacles on his pointed nose. A dimple forming on one cheek as he smiles compliments his looks. Deep wrinkled lines on his forehead made him look older than his age. Slowly my swirl of sickening fears disappeared. Those four long days gave me my best friend, Erum.

Erum was an explorer, and so was I. We met often and enjoyed long walks in the woods. We used to share our stories sitting along the banks or on top peaks. We were utterly crazy about music and danced to match the rhythm; the sillier, the better. Everyone used to say that we make a great pair.

Days, months, and years passed just like that. He always wished to become someone big. He used to tell me that one day he would show the world his abilities. Though I never discovered what work he did, his deep eyes showed the rough patch of life he was into. I always prayed for his wishes to come true.

That day I did not find Erum at the place we usually met. It was the first time in 6 long years that we did not see each other. Every day I visited the site in the hope of seeing him.

Two long years passed, waiting for him to return.

My mom was worried about my fading health due to a rare disease. Gradually, I was primarily confined indoors as my lean feet had no energy to walk. But my draining power did not lessen my hope to meet him.

Every day I juggled the fight between my hope and energy; hope always had the upper hand.

Cuddled in my favorite corner of the room, wrapped in a warm throw, I heard Erum's voice. I quickly got up and looked around as if all my energy was back. Suddenly, I realized the voice was echoing from the speakers of the television program, The Shark Tank. I swiftly ran towards the tv to take a closer look. My eyes sparkled with excitement to see Erum sitting among one of the sharks.

Hello, Sharks! We are here with some fascinating products for your pets. So, sharks who among you had pets at home, said one of the pitches during the program.

Erum's voice was heavy with emotions, 'Your product reminded me of someone very close to my heart, my best buddy; I love you, Sheen,'
His moist eyes spoke everything about our eternal bond.

A chill of happiness ran down my spine, "at least he remembers me still."

His words bloomed hope inside me as I found my peace finally.

Until my last breath,
from a husky to my master.

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This story is a part of #StoryTellersBloghop Season 3 with theme #ShadesOfLove.

We are glad to host the bloghop with amazing host Ujjwal Mishra and talented fiction writers as participants. 

You can read #Season3 stories published till 13th Feb here. And here is the link of Season1 & Season2 stories.

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