5 Journey

[Saturday 8 A.M]

"Did the sunrise in the west?" Nina's dad asked, satirically looking at Nina.

"Steven, don't tease her. She wanted to talk to you." her mom uttered, making the environment tense.

Nina pulse was already jumping with tension. She was scattered with thoughts, whether her parents would agree or not. She even planned to the extend of escaping from the house to visit 'Moon Forest'. Her zeal to go to that mysterious forest increased immensely after she read the details about the forest. The main thing that attracted her the most was the beach and the moon.

Drinking water clumsily, she looked at her father, who was already gazing at her. "Dad, I have joined a job, where I have to write about the place the company sends me," she answered as fast as she could.

"Ok, Go on!"

Nina blinking her eyes in disbelief, knowing that her father was fine with her travelling. Anyhow, she wasn't sure if he could agree with such a long trip to a deserted place 350 miles away. Her palm turned sweaty and her legs shivered with anxiety. "Monday, I have to a place as a part of the task."

"Which place?"

Nina sighed, hearing that question because she knew that her father wouldn't agree if he knew that it was a forest. "To a Village, 350 miles from here," she partially lied.

"Ok. For how many days?"

She was sure this time that she will be caught because knowing about a village wouldn't take a month, "A month because the neighbouring villages are also said to have different traditions and legends." she again lied.

"Fine, but make sure to update us on your status every day."

Nina nodded, but she was sure that it was impossible. Even though she was guilty of lying, the eagerness to go to the beach overcame that. She was on cloud nine with her father approved.

...

The next two days passed in a flash, with Nina busy packing and buying necessities.

Nina reached the office along with the luggage to take the camera. She also wanted to ask about the $500, which the company promised as a joining bonus. She walked directly to Richard's office, greeting Emily at the entrance.

"Good Morning, Richard."

"Good Morning! Here's $500 in cash, so that you can use it conveniently without any hassle. Regarding your stay and food, Mr.Cook has spoken to a person there, and he will be receiving you at the location mentioned in your mail. Any other costs can be reimbursed after the trip. Any doubts?"

Nina ears and mouth were wide open to hear all the information, which she wanted to hear. Swallowing, she murmured, "Camera?"

"It's on the table beside you. Visit Mr. Cook before starting," he replied, pointing to the table and went back to the screen the very next second.

Nina walked towards Mr. Cook office, murmuring to herself on how such a person was hired. Finally, she gave up cursing Richard, as she also wasn't properly recruited.

"Good Morning, James...ahhh....Mr. Cook"

James chuckled hearing that. "You can call me James. How did you plan on reaching Chandragram?"

"I planned on reaching the nearest bus stop, 15 miles away by bus. From there, I will search for some transportation."

"It's already 9 A.M. You will reach the bus stop by 6 P.M, I don't think you can find transport at that time. No problem, I will ask the person in charge to pick you from there. Nina, I have forwarded you his number, his name is Tala. Feel free to contact me if you face any problem."

Listening to his words, she felt a fatherly affection. "Thanks a lot." she blabbered unknowingly with a beautiful smile.

She walked out of the James room, then out of the office to the bus stop nearby. Despite the excitement to see the beach, she felt a little comfortable and unsafe as she was travelling alone for the first time. She always was accompanied either by her friends or family. Looking at all the chaos at the bus stop made her panic a little more. She wanted someone beside her to lean upon, but her wish to become a strong girl was sufficient to gain courage and stand upright.

After few minutes, the bus she had been waiting for arrived. Taking a water bottle and sling bag, which had a wallet, phone and earphones, she got onto the bus leaving the rest luggage in the trunk. The first few hours of the journey was fun and exciting as she listened to songs, enjoying the breeze and the view. As time passed, boredom attacked her since the network started cracking as they passed through some remote areas.

She gradually went to sleep leaning on the window. She peacefully slept with her mouth a little open until her phone rang. Nina opened her eyes slowly and looked at the phone, which read 'Dad'. Adjusting her voice and hair, which became a mess due to the wind, she lifted her phone.

"Nina, Is everything fine?"

"Yes, Dad. Everything has been arranged too. You don't have to worry."

"Ok! Contact me if you need any help."

"Sure, Dad!

Cutting the call, she looked at the time on her phone- '17:00'. She was amazed as she never slept this long during the day. Recalling that James told about Tala, she called him to convey that she might be reaching the bus stop in an hour. She decided to call a little early as she was unsure about the network later on.

"Hi Tala, This is Nina."

"Hello, I am already at the depo. How do I identify you?"

"I am wearing a yellow tee and pink skirt."

"Done!" He cut the call.

Nina was shocked as this wasn't what boys do. Usually, they try to extend the call, talking rubbish and flirting. Pressing both the lips together, she assumed that the boys in the village weren't that kind.

As time passed, it was getting dark, and there wasn't a single light along the road. Nina was surprised to see such a remote and underdeveloped place. In fact, she wasn't aware that they were places without lights still.

The fresh air blew through her hair and rushed into her nose, making her refreshed. Being in a polluted and chaotic city, she never experienced such pleasure and fulfilment inside her body. Her lungs seemed to inhale all the pure air, which they were lacking all the past years.

As she closed her eyes to enjoy the breeze, she could sense the smell of soil, the sound of birds chipping, leaves fluttering, plants rustling and water gushing. The pleasurable moment came to a halt when the bus stopped suddenly, reaching the last stop.

Putting her phone and earphones in the bag and catching the water bottle, she got the bus along with the villagers.

"Nina," a voice called her, making her turned around in the direction of the sound. A handsome man with brown hair and greyish eyes was waving at her. His athletic body, clean face and slightly tanned skin tone resembled many American models. The smile on his face was like a 1000W bulb, filling the dark place with colourful light.

Though everything about him was perfect and could make any girl go crazy, he somehow didn't seem to attract Nina.