There is someone who is trying to wake me up. There are lot of disturbances around. Weird sounds, buzzing noises. I open my eyes and found myself stranded in the dark place. I turned around and notice that there are trees around me. Its pitch black night. How did I reach here? And which is this place? I try to remember, but I can't recall anything. Everything is blank. I hear clinking and jingling sound of bells from a far.

I try to figure out from where those sounds are coming. I turn towards my right and notice some sort of light coming from far away. I try to take a step towards it but my feets are shaking. I take a step, two , then three and I finally start to run towards it. It's still getting afar. I can't reach it. The sound is getting louder and louder. I am feeling like screaming my guts out, my head is exploding by the sounds. I can't make out where the light is leading, what is beyond that.

The place seems familiar as if I have seen this place before, as if this light is leading towards something that needs to be protected. My legs are giving up.

"Stop"! I scream.

"I can't, please stop!".

I'm panting now. I can't breath .........

"Stop"!!!! My eyes open suddenly, breathing heavily. I slowly sit up and touch my forehead to notice a layer of sweat beads over there. I try to calm down my racing heart by telling myself that it was just a dream. Then why it seems so real? the light .........

I get up from my bed and move towards window, to see its still dark outside. I take a deep breath and drink a glass of water. Yesterday we reached here at night. Everyone welcomed us. After having dinner we just came back to our respective rooms to rest. Otto and Bella were also given separate rooms.

This mansion is very huge which my grandfather inherited from his fore fathers. There are separate wings in this mansion. We are staying at the guest wing as there will be no restrictions from grandpa here. Even this room is heavily furnished with lots of antique pieces, which seems to have directly come from ancient world.

As it is still half past 5, in the morning, I decide to go for a run towards  outskirts of village near the sea.

I change into my high waist tights and sports bra with a jacket and pull my thick, raven coloured hair into a ponytail. As I walk out I see Briju uncle entering through the high gates. He is very sweet and calm person in his mid-50s,  who took the responsibility of mansion and everything related to our temple after my dad's death.He is dad's cousin and trusted person of grand dad.

"Good morning uncle", I wish him.

"Morning,child", he hugs me. He is the father figure in my life. "Going for a walk early in the morning, hmm?".

"Yes". I'm used to waking up early and working out to avoid stress. "How am I going to advise my patients if I'm not going to stay healthy"? I joke.

"It's true".he laughs."It's still early, can I send someone with you"? He asks.

"Oh no", I want to go alone please. I request.

"As u wish, be careful". He advises.

"Ok".

"what's there to worry in this village"?I mutter to myself .

After running for about 30 minutes, I reach near the sea. A cool breeze blows gently which adds to serenity of an early morning run. The sun starts rising over the sea. The golden rays of the morning sky swept across the dewy grass, making each droplet shine like a precious gemstone.

The forms of a few fishermen are seen jotted along the coastline. There is a beautiful contrast between the blueness of the water and the whiteness of the sand. A cool breeze blows gently which adds to the serenity of an early morning walk along the shore. The sunrise over the ocean is truly one of the most beautiful wonders of nature.

I remember the early morning walks I used to have with dad. We walked together every morning by sea side. Now I'm back to this beautiful place, I make a point to reconnect with these past memories. With that in mind, I start to walk in a direction my memory leads me. A well known and popular place in village-market, a tea stall with small restaurant.

I can smell the aroma of fresh tea from afar. As I get near to the stall, a wave of nostalgia hits me. Still in my daze I reach up to the vendor in his 60s and asks for a cup of tea.

"Who might be this new person in our village"? he asks .

"You don't remember me Rambo?" I ask seriously.

A wave of recognition flashes through his glittering eyes and he hastily reach out to me and engulf me in a hug. His name is Ramu uncle, I used to call him Rambo for fun and it remained like that .

"Ira, my darling", he hugs me tightly. "Its been almost 20 years , You didn't miss me"?

"What's going on here, dad"? we hear a voice from behind."why are u hugging a young lady? Mom will be very much pleased to here this". He says amused at  his dad.

Rambo steps back laughing, "You can inform her, she will be glad to hear Ira has returned."

Jokes apart, "Ira meet my son, krishna". He has just returned from abroad doing his masters.

"Dad !, I'm krish",he pouts like a little kid.

I admire their bond.

"Hello Ira", I have heard about u from dad. He smiles genuinely.

"Nice to meet u krish", I extend my hand for a shake.

"Dad, am I still getting my tea"?

"No, you are not getting any today", he announces going inside. "U can ask your lovely mom".

"Dad! U know I was kidding".

"I have heard u r a doctor", he asks.

"Yes, I'm a neurosurgeon". I reply,seeing around with a small smile on my lips. "I'm sure you might have missed the village as much as I have", I ask him.

"Obviously, but not anymore. I have got my degree in business, I have planned to settle down here, so I can be with my parents. I'm thinking of developing something on my own, or take up a job in "BIONIC", so that I can be nearby the village".

"Bionic"? I wonder how can he stay here if he wants to work in the prestigious company in the city.

"Yes", u might have heard ."It's number one company in the country in production of bio-energy and bio fuels. Their motive is to provide free bio- fuel to villages, as villages are the primary source of biomass.

Basically, the founder and ceo of the Bionic is from our village. So the company has decided to start their branches near villages, through which many graduates from villages can get employment here.

"That's an innovative idea, to develop villages by creating employment opportunities".

"Here comes the tea", Rambo uncle returns. "Discussing about Adi"? he asks krish.

"Yes, I'm telling her about my bestfriend", he grins.

"Ok, it's late. Mom will get tensed if she doesn't see me.i have not informed her".I bid goodbye to them and starts jogging towards mansion.

After achieving my dreams and living most comfortable life in city,why I'm feeling like this here?

As if my soul has finally reached its place. As if  this is my .....destination?

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