Sameera

There are many non-painful ways to commit suicide, but I seem to have chosen the most painful path to my death. The path into this freaky forest.

Technically I have no proof at my disposal as I believe they must have destroyed my memory chip that night. They must have noticed my presence when I captured them on my camera.

Werewolves are known to have heightened sense of smell. They must have smelled something fishy in my bag, found my camera and knowing that I am a journalist, checked my recordings. Then took away the memory chip leaving my camera untouched, not a single fingerprint, so that I won't suspect anything. Pretty smart.

But they don't know me well. In fact I am starting to feel like even I don't know myself well. But I'll have plenty of time to find that out after I get these criminals arrested.

And I will require proof for that, which can only come from a confession. Yes, I am planning to confront them, and record their confession which will be directly sent to the device Satish has. He recommended this method.

He wanted to come with me, but I haven't told him the 'werewolf' part yet. So, for his own safety, I asked him to wait near the premises and come only after my signal.

I just told him I had temporary amnesia after that night and remembered everything yesterday. And for a police officer, he totally believed whatever I said. I haven't realized until now how hard he is trying to impress me. I don't mind as long as it gets me proof to put those hooligans behind the bars.

This is the craziest idea I have ever had, but if they really are werewolves, I don't want to put others lives at risk. Plus they might smell beforehand and empty up the place if too many humans arrive.

Woah, It sounds weird calling myself a human. I still can't believe this werewolf thing is real. Werewolves exist in reality. Though a part of me still believes this is purely my imagination.

It still doesn't change the fact that they hit me in the head, took the injured girl and destroyed the only proof I risked my life for. Maybe, my brain imagined those criminals as werewolves. Anything can happen. So it's better to handle it myself.

"Ouch. What in the name of God!" I cried out.

Oh, I see. I tripped on a big log of wood, again, and fell face down. At least I didn't sprain my ankle this time. Nor did I found an injured girl beneath me.

But it's so embarrassing to trip over a huge log of wood that can be seen from very far far away. That too in broad daylight. I mean it's 11 am. I should stop dwelling over my thoughts too much and concentrate on the path.

Dusting myself off, I stood up to have a feeling of déjà vu. This has happened before. This is the place I met the girl that night. I couldn't make out her features perfectly, but she was a pretty girl, had a slender body figure and thick black hair. Her eyes were shiny black just like Ansh's black orbs. That makes me think if she is related to him in anyway. I mean she seems to be in her late teens. But then they have no other similar features. 

Looking around the place I tried to remember the incidents of that night. I may remember some crucial information. Reminiscing an incident in the place it happened helps a lot in recovering the memory of the exact incident.

I remembered the scenes in order,how I found the girl, helped her, how the pack of wolf surrounded us, Ansh kept asking me to leave the girl alone, and I kept pleading him, even threatened him, but his eyes were fixed on the girl, everyone's eyes were fixed on the girl whimpering in pain behind me.

I looked back at her to see her smile faintly, but she wasn't looking at me, she was staring at Ansh and kept moving her lips like she wanted to tell him something. But she was unable to form any words. Then that scoundrel Paras hit my head.

I fell down, clutching my head with both my hands. Then both Ansh and Paras shifted into wolves. And I heard someone, a female voice say "stop". And both the wolves who were ready to detach my limbs apart looked towards the source of that voice.

I moved my head in that direction too to see the girl standing up on her legs. Then Ansh in his human form went to her and hugged her. And she hugged him back. My eyes closed eventually as my vision went pitch black.

Wait a minute. Did I just reminisce the criminal and the victim hugging each other? Though my vision was slightly blurred and I was partly unconscious, but I saw it with my own eyes.

I am experienced enough to differentiate between true and false memories. This piece of memory doesn't seem false. Maybe this changes something. But the plan has to go as planned.

I reached the residence area of the so called werewolves. Hope this isn't the last day of my life.

Ganpati Bappa, wish me luck.

I entered the land like it was my own property. And déjà vu. I got the same ugly glares from the rest of the werewolves standing in there human form. The place hasn't changed since I visited last time, but the residents seem more busy this time.

And then came the 'assistant of the year' whom I would love to beat into pulp, Mr. Paras. And oh my goodness is that shock I see on his face. Such a nice greeting.

"Well, well, well, look whose here to welcome me, again. I must say it's not nice to meet you Mr. Paras." I couldn't help but be a little sarcastic.

You should have seen his face. But he tried to maintain a normal small smile like I am a tourist and he is here to show me around.

"I am sorry miss, but do I know you? I don't remember we have met before." Oh, so now he is playing  I-don't-know-what-you-are-talking about-stranger.

With a devilish grin I spoke, "How can you not remember our meeting while it was me whose memories were erased by your boss. Um, what was his name? Ah yes, Mr. Ansh Rawat, isn't it?" Play dumb now Mr. Assistant cool. I bet he is already sweating like he is about to suffer a sun stroke.

"What's going on here? Who is this, Paras?" And here arrives our main antagonist.

"Welcome Mr. Ansh. I was waiting for your arrival. Cause you are my current rival." I chimed.

"Wow, that rhymed. I feel like you like me pretty much. I mean whenever I enter these woods, you never forget to pay me a special visit. First at the waterfall, then at your house, then in the woods and now here."

He seemed to be in shock too by my arrival. But masked his expression immediately giving me that tourist guide smile like Paras. "May I know who you are miss and what are you here for?" Playing dumb again. But you ain't gonna confuse me

"Of course you know who I am. As for what am I here for, I bet you have already guessed that. If not then I'll pronounce it. I am here go take the girl who you kidnapped that night. Now, don't ask me what night. I am talking about the previous full moon night. You hit me and took the girl. Where is she? What other shady stuff are you hiding behind these woods, huh?" I spoke very confidently. Now only if he confesses to his crimes.

"I have no idea which girl you are talking about. I don't even know you. This is the first time I have ever met you."

He is a tough cookie. But I am a tougher hammer.

"Look Mr. Ansh Rawat, I am not here to play these silly dumb games with you. Tell me where you are keeping the girl? I know she is kidnapped by you, kept in an empty dark room. Surrender yourself or the police will be more than happy to torture you to hell. Confess your deeds you werewolf." I emphasized the word 'werewolf' for everyone's ears.

"What do you mean? What do you know?" At last he dropped the play. His voice thickened, giving me an intimidating glare.

With a tough, determined voice I spoke, "I am talking about you and your wolfpack, correction, werewolf pack. I know you and Paras are werewolves and all these people here are your pack members. And all of you are a bunch of criminals." All of their faces were so shocked. Wish I could capture this epic group photo.

"Surprised much are we? You should be. You thought you erased my memory, destroyed the proof. But here I am. I remember everything. About our first visit and incidents of the previous full moon night. I know you are keeping that girl captive. Free her and surrender yourselves. I am asking politely."

"Fine, Sameera, I won't play dumb. Yes, this isn't our first meeting. I don't know how you remember all this but don't you think you are playing with fire." He spoke with a wicked smirk plastered on his lips. what tactic is he using now?

"As you are accusing me of being a criminal, werewolf and God knows what, isn't it stupid of you to confront a criminal in his own territory. You surely think you will make me confess my crimes, so you can record it as a proof against me and get me arrested. How foolish of you? From the times we've met, I expected better from you. Do you know how many ways I have to shut your mouth, forever." He snarled the last word.

"Oh, I don't ever disappoint those who believe in me. And so I won't disappoint the girl you kidnapped. I will free her from your clutches, you monster. You are a shame in the name of werewolves." I countered his words confidently.

"I have back up waiting very close to your den. If you harm me, an automatic signal will be sent to the police force waiting outside and you will be done for. And you are right about the recording thing. I am recording your confession that is directly telecasting on the receiver device outside in the police van. I already have enough proof against you to thrash you. Now, let the girl go. Then, I might consider not reporting you to the police."

All that I said was true except for that police force thing. There is only one police officer in the van outside. My friend Satish whose operating the receiver device and waiting for my signal to call for emergency back up force. I hope my little trick works.

For more emphasis, I pulled out 2 silver knives from my bag. Holding one knife in each hand, I pointed them towards the pack of werewolves, especially towards Ansh and Paras.

Noticing the surprise on their faces I said, "Now bring the girl to me, safe and sound. Or else, I hope you know how much harm silver can cause to a werewolf." I gave them a polite warning.

The ugly glares I was receiving changed to mockery. With a sly smile Ansh said, "Ah let me recall. You mean this girl." He pointed to his right and everyone turned to look in that direction.

What I saw next blew my mind.

The girl whose freedom I have been demanding since the last half an hour, stood there, fit and fine. She came forwards and entwined her fingers with Ansh. What in the name of werewolves was that? They both exchanged a cute smile between them and looked towards me.

"Isn't she the girl you want me to let go? Actually I can't let her go. Nor does she wanna leave me. You know why?"

I stood there, eyes wide open, my jaw dropped down, I was stunned. Frozen. Paralyzed. Others seemed to enjoy my state.

Then Ansh passed the final verdict, "Because she is my soon-to-be wife."

Okay. I guess I have been permanently stripped off of my sanity.