A MYSTERY TO BE SOLVED

Three people are climbing up the mountains. The sun is rising from the dim sky, and from the hideout of a snow-filled mountain, it is rare to see the sunrise in the beautiful sky. The snow thunderstorm is cheering and breaking the avalanches, far away in the mountain. It is like walking on a string of candy floss.

The horizon seemed to be stitched with a silver line. The seagulls were squawking over our heads and squabbling for morsels from the hotel kitchen. As the sun scorched our bodies to a crisp, a funfair of barbecued aromas drifted towards us. The saline tang of the sea mingled with the cuisine, adding salt to its appeal. We decided to obey our rumbling stomachs and eat. Lobster on a bed of watercress was our fare that afternoon. It tasted tender and briny and the shell food sauce had a hint of bouquet to it.

Not far from the restaurant, a lady is making corn, Ankush approached her, and called her, as she turned, he was shocked to see his mother's face, weeping, and she wanted to talk but was not able to speak a word.

Ankush,.woke up from his dreams and saw he was in his bed, he understood that he saw a nightmare, and Prateek was fast asleep beside him, he went to the kitchen to sip water from the refrigerator. He saw a dim light in the hall, and he followed the light. They saw his father, seeing some old photos. He asked," Dad, it's late night, why are you sitting here, Sandeep, shocked to hear the sound? 

He said, nothing son, I just saw your mom's photos, today I feel like seeing them. Also, sleep is not coming, I will drop you to the room dad, today I saw a nightmare about mom, and I just cannot want to sleep in my room. I will sleep with you. The night sky is darker, the moon is brighter and more beautiful. 

The night sky was aglow with bright city lights, The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky. They looked at the stars at the stretch of infinity. The occasional barking of faraway dogs broke the silence of the night.

Sandeep said," When Sometimes I arrive late and cannot sleep, your mom tells me stories of her hometown, her life in the village. I listen to them carefully and in my heart, I always love to listen, every word that she says is like a piece of music to my heart. Sleep comes automatically. Those days are very beautiful and memorable.

Ankush said, " Dad, will you remember those stories, can you tell me one of them? Sandeep said," I will never forget those stories, I will tell one of them. Sandeep started the story and as he says, Ankush also slept deeply, seeing him Sandeep felt he is having his mother's face, also he remembers her and leaned into a deep sleep.

The next morning the sound of the ocean waves lapped lazily at the shore, a jumble of navy and royal blue that glistened in the night. White foam crested the top of the waves as they approached, spilling onto the sand like a net being cast. The gentle sound of the waves hitting the beach sounded almost like a lullaby.

Her eyes opened and saw bright sunlight. She closed her eyes, nestling deeper into her chair, taking in a deep breath of fresh ocean air as a small breeze blew by her face and tickled her nose. Madhumitha, freshening herself and holding a coffee, in her hand walked towards Ankush's room, But only Prateek was there, she saw only Prateek, in the room. She handed the coffee to him and asked about Ankush.

He said," Ankush went to his father's room, late at night, I think. He suddenly woke up and went to his father's room. Just go and ask uncle about it. She prepared another coffee from the kitchen and went to his father's room. She wanted to meet him regarding some official matters, hence she came to their house early in the morning.

When she reached near the room, she saw the room was open, but still she knocked on the room, but no one was responding. She opened the door, kept the coffee on a table, and searched every corner of the room but no one was surrounding her. 

When she reached the balcony door, Ankush popped up from the back side of the door, held her waist, and pulled her towards him. Madhu was shocked to see him. She has beaten him on his chest and told him to frighten me, the coffee is becoming cold just drink. 

He kissed her, and he saw some papers kept on the study table. He understood that it is a modified contract, which he has to sign and approve because Mahesh told them to do the change in design. 

Prateek made two types of toys, one according to the previous contract, and another one according to the new contract, because they want to see why they want to change the design. Ankush has gone through the papers and approved the design. He had the coffee, and Madhu stayed beside him until he completed the work. She took the cup and papers and went out, gave a nice smile, and went out. 

Ankush went near the window and started seeing the rising sun, coming out, tearing the clouds coming on the way. He felt the life of every living being should be like this but no one understood that and they don't want to leap forward. At daybreak, it is cool and invigorating, full of songbirds, walkers, and joggers. At midday, it is sleepy, hot, and still. In the evening, shadows lengthen, and coolness returns. But at night, it can be a frightening place, with dangers lurking in the dark shadows of the foliage. He thought the changing color of nature is amazing but the change of color of living beings is hurting.

He freshens up and goes downstairs to have breakfast. What was Ankush planning to do? What was the real mystery of his mother's death? I know you have so many questions. For answers to your questions, don't stop reading. Your comments continuously make us write more. So please follow, comment, and support me.