nightmare

Gowthami's eyes snapped open, her body drenched in sweat, her heart racing with fear. She sat up in bed, gasping for breath, her mind reeling from the intensity of her nightmare. The images from the dream still lingered vividly in her mind— the terrifying chase through the jungle, the hound's menacing growls, and the looming cliff at the mountain's edge.

Rajeev, who had been sleeping in the adjacent room, was alerted by her shouts. He hurried into her room, his concern evident on his face as he saw Gowthami's distressed state. "Gowthami, what happened? Are you alright?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

Gowthami took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She looked around the room, her eyes wide with the remnants of fear from her dream. "It was just a nightmare, Rajeev," she explained, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm okay now."

Rajeev approached her bedside, his eyes searching hers for any signs of lingering distress. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

Gowthami nodded, grateful for his presence. She recounted the details of her dream— the chase, the fall from the mountain, and the overwhelming sense of danger that had gripped her. As she spoke, Rajeev listened intently, his brow furrowing in concern.

When she finished, there was a moment of silence between them. Rajeev's mind raced with thoughts, connecting the dots between her nightmare and the day he had found her in the jungle, injured and disoriented. He remembered the wounds on her body and the questions that had remained unanswered about the person who had pursued her.

"Gowthami, I know this might be difficult, but do you remember anything else about that day?" Rajeev asked, his voice gentle yet probing. "About the person who chased you, or how you ended up in the jungle?"

Gowthami closed her eyes, trying to recall any additional details from that fateful day. But her memories were fragmented, blurred by the trauma of the experience. "I'm sorry, Rajeev," she replied, her voice tinged with frustration. "Everything is still a blur. I wish I could remember more."

Rajeev placed a comforting hand on her arm, his expression filled with empathy. "It's okay, Gowthami. You've been through a lot, and it takes time to process such things," he reassured her. "If anything comes back to you, no matter how small, don't hesitate to tell me."

Gowthami nodded, grateful for his understanding. She knew that Rajeev was there for her, ready to support her through whatever challenges lay ahead. The remnants of her nightmare slowly faded, replaced by a sense of safety and reassurance in Rajeev's presence.

As they sat together in the quiet of the room, the moon casting a soft glow through the window, Gowthami felt a deep sense of gratitude for Rajeev's kindness and care. She knew that with him by her side, she could face whatever uncertainties the future held, nightmares and all.