Sameera

Finally I found a small cabin after walking far too long in the woods. I can see small houses from here. I march forward. I take in the structures in front of me.

There were more than a dozen houses here, all of them built in the same manner. The only difference is in the shades of green, brown and grey colours of different houses. I guess they must vary from 2-3 bhk rooms.

I notice some kids playing in the courtyard. Some of them are settled on the tree branches. They seem very active and fit. A small smile creeps up to my face as they notice me observing their actions. Their faces went slightly pale, all of them gathered at one point together staring at me. I think it's time for introductions.

"Hey kids. I am Sameera. I am here on some really important business. Is there any adult here I can talk to." I asked politely with a genuine smile on my face.

"Who are you miss?" Asked a male voice in a  serious, rough tone.

I turned to notice the person who spoke. I bet he is a gym rat from his muscles and six packs that are covered under his tight t-shirt.

His chocolate skin matching the colour of his brown eyes and 6 feet height made him stand out in the small crowd of people gathered around him. Not to mention his army cut hairstyle and chiseled physique.

Gradually several other men and women joined behind him. All of them are so well-built but have an intimidating expression on their respective handsome and beautiful faces.

"Hello. I am Sameera Desai. I am a journalist. I work at a local news channel. Actually I am here to seek your help. No harm intended." The last line came on its own from my dry throat.

Is this how they treat a guest? With glaring eyes that can peer a hole in the person on the receiving end.

"What sort of help do you need?" Asked the man who seems like their representative.

What is it with these people glaring at me like I am an alien? I am starting to get goosebumps.

Answer Meer. Spoke my inner voice.

"Actually two days ago I came to the nearby slum with my crew to interview a couple who demanded to have been attacked by an animal the night before. There I met a girl who ran into the forest and I followed her in to take her back but I couldn't find her since. I inquired the people of the slum but all of them denied of having a 5 year old girl of my description or even seeing one. They informed me about you people that live in this part of the forest. I just wanted to know if that girl belongs to one of the households here or if anyone has seen her around."

I said and described her features to them. And guess what, no one answered. They kept looking in the direction of their representative. Are they waiting for his permission to speak or something. It's just a simple Yes or No.

"Follow me Sameera." He said. More like ordered.

What's with everyone ordering me around these days?

I followed him anyway. After a minute or so he stopped abruptly in front of a house. This house is designed the same way as others, except this one has two floors and a balcony. I entered after him. The hall was nice and tidy. The wooden floor and furniture blended well. Then a man came towards us, observing me with his black orbs. He seems to be masking his expression with a blank face.

"It's not everyday that we have guests over. Please be seated. Make yourself comfortable."

Comfortable my foot. You all are super creepy. I shouted in my mind.

He pointed his hands towards the sofa. I sat there and watched the two of them disappear inside another room. I took out my phone to look at time.

It's already 4 o'clock in the afternoon. At least the network is available and battery is charged enough to last till midnight. I relaxed into the softness of the sofa. I haven't realized how tired I was until now. Closing my eyes for a minute I took a deep breath and relaxed further.

"You seem tired. Here, an apple a day keeps the doctor away." The owner of this house handed me a plate full of apple slices.

As if on cue my stomach growled. Embarrassed, I took a slice and started eating the apple slices one by one.

"Don't be embarrassed. It's human biology only. By the way I am Ansh Rawat. Welcome to my small house. This is Paras Rastogi, my neighbor-cum- best friend-cum-assistant." He said pointing towards the people's representative.

I wasn't really paying much attention to his introductory speech until he mentioned he owns a restaurant in the town. I nodded occasionally, still eating like a hungry pig.

"He told me the reason of your visit. It's really nice of you to worry about someone you don't even know. But sadly, we don't have such a girl that you described in any of our households. All the female residents here are above the age of 10. And no one ever saw any such girl around. But, now that you have informed us, we will try to look for her around and will let you know if we find her."

He said like he is announcing a judgement. I finished the last slice of apple, drank the orange juice beside the plate, wiped my face with the tissue paper and spoke.

"Thank you, but I wanted to ask the others personally, just to be sure." I said.

Shaking his head he said, "I am sorry, but I don't think that's a good idea. You see, people in our residency aren't much fond of visitors. You can count on my words. I know this place and it's residents like my own family."

That means I can't talk to others. That's a straight 'No'. But his eyes and words seems true. I have gained enough experience to detect that much in the last 2 years.

"That I noticed earlier. Thanks anyway. Oh and I also need to ask you if anyone have seen a black wolf or other such carnivores around. I know this forest has no carnivores, but when I was following the girl that day I saw a black wolf above the waterfall cliff. And I heard some howling too. I need evidence to prove it's presence so that the government can take safety measures and remove the civilians of the slum for their safety. So....." I looked expectantly in his direction, waiting for a positive reply.

Both Ansh and Paras looked at each other and then at me. Then finally Ansh spoke up.

"Sameera look at me. I assure you there are no dangerous carnivorous animals in this forest. There are no wolves either. You must have mistaken a wild dog for a wolf. There is no need for looking for evidence to prove otherwise. And the girl you are so worried must have returned home the same day. So just relax and forget all the worries." He said with so much firmness in his voice that it's impossible to not listen to his words. I nodded.

"This has been a long day. You should go back. It's already 5 p.m. Paras will see you off. It was nice meeting you. Goodbye Sameera." With that he turned and went into a room in my left, closing the door behind him.

"Follow me." Said Paras and I did.

We walked and he left me outside the forest premises. With a simple 'goodbye' he ran away into the forest. I started walking and took a taxi to the office.

_______________________________________

"Hey, where have you been all day?" Asked Anwar standing beside my desk. Concern written all over his face.

"Nothing much. I went to search for  the girl in the slum and asked people in the nearby places. I found nothing. Anyway, I guess she must have gone home that same day only. I am just wasting my time. I won't any further." I said decisively.

After a long pleasant conversation, we went for our respective tasks.

3 hours later I came home to find my roommates making dinner. I went to freshen up first. The dinner passed in silence. We don't talk much useless stuff with each other. We wished each other good night and went to bed. Sleep took over me easily. I slept the night peacefully without any disturbing dreams. Oh, how much I miss being normal. Wish everyday could pass so peacefully.

Though why do I have a feeling that I am missing something crucial from my hours today? Why is there an empty feeling in my memories? Why do I feel a tug on my heart as I ponder on the thought?

I feel relaxed, but not at ease.