In the dark streets, he walks as if he was born to rule the dark. He is mystique, like shadow behind the light. He operates alone because he keeps his secret safe. His deep secret about his identity, his identity that he never shared with anyone for past twenty years. Which he doesn't plan to share in future too because he knows you can't deceive yourself.
The city is full of lights, young boys and girls have flocked to this part of street today to celebrate new year. This is the place where nights are longer and tonight is going to be even longer.
Bunch of girls dressed in short skirts join the flock. They enter the famous dance club 'dragon fire'. Everyone is grooving in the funky music "shake your body to my tune, oh baby". The giggling girls order the drinks and two of them have already joined the boys in the dance floor. 'Oh Nina please don't ruin the night, you are over him remember!' The brown haired girl trying to convince her friend for the drink.
Nina, sloppily looks up and turns her attention back to peanut bowl. 'Leave me alone Maya. You promised me good time and I am having one. Let me grieve in silence.'
Grieve what? The relationship that never existed? Your crush which was no more than one sided infatuation? Get a grip girl. Ok fine I am joining them in dance floor. Do as you please. As Nina watched them dancing and swaying in music. She thought it was bad idea to even come. How Maya forced her to join the gang for new year eve celebration.
I would eat myself than to dance with those strangers. She quickly emptied her glass and left them text message, 'I will meet you at college tomorrow, bye'. She picked her bag and left the club.
~ let's forget the world, its just you and me ~
The music faded as she chose to take shortcut through the alley. The dark alley was quiet considering the loud music, open terrace live shows in the main street. She took faster steps to cross the alley as some dark figures started to follow her footsteps.
I should run, Nina thought. But damn my heels. I better act as if I didn't notice them.
Too late they caught up and one of them jumped on my way. 'Hey beautiful, you need some company?' a dumb looking guy blocked her way. May we we all can join him too, if his company is mpt enough. Three men laughed as it echoed in the walls.
No thank you, I have my friends joining me. Nina attempted to lie. Four men sensed her fear and circled her.
Scared, covered in sweats, her mind was numb and she didn't even have pepper spray in her purse. Let me go please! She was begging as they sneered and approached her.
'One girl versus four, isn't that unfair?'
Four men turned to the voice. A tall figure stood before them.
Chapter 2 : The encounter
What the heck, one of the four tried to punch him. He moved swiftly like a wind, bang!! one down. Another guy took out his knife and ran towards him. He dodged him and punched the back of his head. Seeing their friends unconscious on the ground two decided to flee.
Are you okey! He asked her. She couldn't believe what just happened. She was rescued by this guy. But can I trust him? I don't know him either. Nina was fumbling as he offered his hands.
Come with me let's get out of this place first. He led her out of alley to the main street. Her bike was parked across the street.
Thank you for saving me today. I don't know how to repay you. Nina turned back but he was gone. Strange! she thought to herself. She started her bike and drove to her home.
She turned on the light and threw her bag on the table. She got out of her tight skirt and changed into night pajama. She got freshened up and laying on the bed. She flipped though the photos and stopped to zoom her favorite photo.
The favorite photo of her favorite person. She has no idea when this all started. She liked him like crazy and had admired him since day one of her college. But when he introduced other girl as his girlfriend today. She had been shocked and tried to fight her tears.
The new year eve has been set by friends to help her with heartbreak.
I could have been raped or even murdered. I don't know what could have happened but thanks to my savior. The unknown savior!
I was running in the dark alley bit it didn't seem to end. Tired and covered in sweat I fell down and he lifted me in his arms. He has such a sweet fragrance of his body. I couldn't see his face properly in the flickering lights but I could figure out he has sharp jawline and kissable lips.
All of sudden, she woke up fron her dream.
How can I kiss the guy in dream whom I don't even know.
She went back to sleep.
Chapter 3: The new beginning
Nina joined her girlfriends in thw classroom. When did you all get home last night? Nina asked.
Hey how can you leave like that? We had blast after you left. Maya told her.
I had a blast too! but I guess I would not hope that to happen again. And she narrated the whole story to them as they heard. Shocked and wide eyed.
You should have atleast asked his name.
How did he look?
Was he handsome?
Nina's thought drifted to his memory. He had intoxing voice, commanding and caring. I must have asked for his number.
As she was lost in thoughts, her friends got up and found their seats. The bald headed teacher entered the class. Silence class! he yelled. We have a new student joining us today. He is transfer from another district. Lets try to make him feel welcomed.
That won't be necessary! He said and swiftly took the empty seat in the front row.
I know this voice, Nina told herself. He is my savior from last night.
She waited for class to end.
I need to thank him. He vanished in thin air in the blink of an eye.
He got up and left the class like the wind. Maya nudged Nina. Hey let's go. Time for marketing class. The hallway was full of buzzing noises from students. Nina and Maya made their way through the crowd and found the trouble maker boys on the ground. The new guy was shaking his wrists and picked his bag.
Next time you pick your bully victim, make sure it's not me. He left the hallway and walked outside.
They got what they deserved. He put them in place. Why bully him just because he is new student. By the way did you notice he is so handsome? People whispered among eachother as Nina passed through the murmurs and giggling girls.
She didn't feel like attending Marketing class today. She may not be able bear seeing Amar with his girlfriend. Amar was her long-time crush. She always imagined her romantic story with him. But never had guts to tell him how she felt.
Yesterday when he introduced his girlfriend to her. Her world turned dark and her dreams faded like vapor. She had taken Marketing class just to be with him and now she would not be able to set a foot in class to have her heart crushed.
The feeling of heaviness was unbearable and she decided to quit today. She told her friends to meet in canteen and hurried outside.
She left the building, head full of thoughts and skipped a stair. As she was about to hit the ground the strong hands got hold of her.
Watch the steps! He told her. It was same voice feom last night. She finally got to Sse his face hidden under the hood. He is so handsome jist like she imagined. He had light complexion, dark brown eyes and sharp jawline. Her eyes fixed on his lips as he spoke.
She forgot about being heartbroken and reason she quit her class today. Lost in desire to kiss his lips she wanted to be held by him forever.
If you are done staring me, can I go? He asked. Nina went red faced and straightened herself.
l am Nina and thankyou for saving me last night. I couldn't even say proper thankyou.
He looked around and tols her, hey lets keep that between us. And be careful when you go out at night like that. You won't find yourself lucky always.
Thanks for saving me. What should I call you savior?
I am Samar. See you around. He disappeared in the crowd of students.
Samar! I love his name! Nina found herself in canteen not realizing when and how she arrived while lost in his thoughts.
Chapter 4: Falling in love again
He was the same guy from last night? So did you get his name this time? Nina was excitingly sharing every details with girls. Maya joined the table with the food tray.
You should've asked for his number.
Should I? Nina asked
No dummy! You just had a breakup with your one-sided crush. Maya reminded her.
But we could be friends, I am not asking him to be his girlfriend. Nina protests.
Are you sure? Maya narrowing her eyes tries to explore her thought.
I just was happy to have chance to thank him,
thats all. Nina clarified and grabbed her sandwich.
But how can I really want to kiss him, I just met him second time. She got lost in thoughts again.
Her eyes would wait for him everyday at class. He always kept to himself. Didn't speak much and still managed to get A+ in his assignments.
Nina tried her best to not be an intruder again but always admired him from far.
I never had luck with love so I wouldn't dare to fail miserably again. Nina told herself, She was determined to not fall in love again.
Chapter 5: Destiny or choice?
I had tried my best to avoid looking at her at the club. It was new year eve and everyone was on jolly mood except her. She was so torn apart and even though she tried to look happy with her friends, I could tell she was not herself.
I am not type of guy who would hit on random girl. But she was special. I just wanted to approach her and be there for her to share her sadness. She suddenly got up, took her bag and left.
I followed her and she chose to take shortcut. The alley is not safe, I tried to send her mental notes and saw four guys following her.
I found her right in time and took care of the bastards.
As I hurried her to the street, I wanted to tell her to be safe and to take care of herself. But I stopped myself. I didn't want to harm her. Once I approach her, it would be impossible to stop my feelings to be close to her.
So I left without letting her know.
But the fate failed me again. She happened to be in same college and same class. I got transferred from Pokhara to find myself in same class as her.
She might think I am bully if she saw me fighting again. I left the hallway to avoid her but I wanted to make sure which classes she took so I followed her from distance. But she came out of her class again and nearly fell on the stairs.
As I stopped her from falling, I got nervous about her look. I almost gave in and kissed her but avoided that thought.
As I left her and walked towards the crowd. I fought the feeling to look back. To ask for her number. To tell her I havr noticed her long before she knew. But love is not my destiny and I can't make choices about whom I can fall in love with.
Chapter 6: The accident
It was summer holiday and Nina has been looking forward to have this break. She needed a time out to gather herself. After supposed breakup from one sided love story. She felt she would need to give her some time to think.
She was travelling in hired van to Nayapul. The travel fron Zero kilometer to Nayapul was just 4 hours drive. She would then hike fron there to ABC (Annapurna Base Camp). 6 days trek to Annapurna mountain that she decided to hike on her own.
What! Lets just stay at lakeside and enjoy the mountain view, why bother walking and all thw pain? Maya retaliated Nina's idea.
Then you guys can stay here. I am going alone. Its not like I will be all alone. There will be lots of tourists. Nina had made up her mind to scale up to base camp. There was no way she would back out. Plus hiking alone was much fun, having group of girls will only slow her down.
As she got down at Nayapul. She got down the steep road that led to hiking trail by riverside. She kept walking and greeting the tourists in the way. She decided to cross Ghorepani today so that she can enjoy sunrise from poonhill. But her feet was telling otherwise. She forgot to bring bandages. She decided to take rest at next tea house as it started to get dark.
She found a small lodge. She asked for room and the owner said its the tourist season you can't have room without pre booking. I just had one guest who got himself a room. I will check if you can share.
Wait what? is this guy or girl?
If you are lucky you won't be sleeping in dining hall. He told me and went inside. He came back after 5 minutes and happily told me. You are lucky he agreed. I insisted because you are girl and there is no other lodge around. He seems to be nice guy so I hope you shouldn't be scared. He tried to convince Nina.
As if I had choice, she muttered under her breathe. Can I have something to eat first? What's in thw menu?
I was sitting in the dining hall waiting for food.
A guy came asking 'Hey where is the guest you wanted me to share the room with?'
Wait! I have heard this voice. Nina said to herself. She turned around to look and her guess was right. Samar was there . He looked so handsome in grey trekking pant and red down jacket. He wore woolen cap that hid his hair.
I have never seen his hair, Nina told herself.
Hey Nina is that you? Samar was surprised.
Thw owner waa surprised too! So you both know each other? great then the problem is solved for you both.
Hi Samar! I hadn't expected to see you here. Nina had mixed feeling about sharing the room. It would be better to be with unknown person whom I can avoid than be with him. He always avoided me in college and now acting happy to see me here.
After dinner she freshened up and curled up inside the blanket. It was colder than she expected. Sleeping in same room with Samar beside Samar's bed was too much to handle.
Should I talk to him or say nothing? Mau be just wish him goodnight? He ate in silence and left to sleep. May be I should let him enjoy his silence. Nina kept battling in her thoughts.
Chapter 7: Unexpected journey
She was the last person I expected to meet here. Of all the places in world, I encounter her ans also that she would be sharing same room with me.
I wanted to avoid my feelings I first had when I saw her in new year's eve in Kathmandu. So I ate in silence and pretended to sleep when she came in. She is so beautiful! Even with that tired face, her radiant face is cute as ever. While she was cursing herself to have to share her room with me. I could resonate her feelings. We both avoided eachother as much as we could. She must be angry to have to meet me and be in same room with me.
The night passed in silence except for Nina's snoring and sleep talks.
Did she just mentioned my name in her dreams?
On the long tiring hike, I was trying to catch up with Samar but he was too fast. I gave up and was resting under the tree and he sat beside me. Why bother coming back for me, I thought and all of sudden Samar kissed me. Oh Samar! I was so full of joy and I woke up from my dreams. I checked time, it was 5:00 am. Did I call out his name loud? I checked on him. He was still asleep.
Nina quietly woke up and went to freshen up. While preparing to leave Samar joined her for breakfast.
He proposed, hey since we are now on same journey, would you mind traveling together?
Is he having mood swing? Nina thought. Yeah I think that would be good idea! She replied.
The journey to ABC was more fun than they expected.
Samar was fascinated by Nina's love for photography. She would stop every now and then for taking photos. I avoided being photographed but she kept insisting. At the mountain I took photos for her. On the way back down, shebhad hard time with her leg cramps. I carried her on my back when she gave up. Finally we made it back to Nayapul. While on the way back to Pokhara she was beside me, with her head on my shoulders. Our hands locked with eachothers. I had decided to stop resisting my feelings for her.
Chapter 8: Too beautiful feeling
With my head rested on his shoulders, I couldn't believe how this journey brought us closer. He would put me to sleep every night. Took care of me and even carried me on his back. The journey seemed so short and the impact it had was for life-long.
We shared about our interest, food preferences and plans for life. Did I say we? Technically itvwas me who was blabbering all the time. I just don't know what he liked, I rarely saw him eat or drink.
He cared for me like we were long-time lovers. I just am thankful to have chosen to come here. I met him amd glad all these happened.
After reaching lakeside, Samar dropped Nina to her hotel. All her friends were gawking at us like we were aliens.
Don't forget about tomorrow's plan! Samar reminded Nina and left.
Nina was bombarded with questions from her girlfriends.
Tell us everything in detail. So that was the reason you didn't want us to join you.
No you got it all wrong! I tried to explain. It was all accident that I met him. A sweet accident, I told myself.
Since my flight back to Kathmandu was in the evening, Samar had asked me to meet his parents.
Chapter 9: The family legacy
In the morning after walking around lake side and boating I changed into my best formal attire a flower patterned dress. Samar came to pick me up at hotel. He looked damn hot in black pants and leather jacket. We rode in his sports bike to residential part of city. The city pokhara is quite nice and clean. You could see mountain from every corner of city. As we approached the nice house that looked like ancient palace. We drove into wide gate. I got down and he took my hands into his. We walked inside huge lobby where the beautiful antique sofa sat in the middle of the room. A beautiful chandelier hung above high ceiling. A man reading his newspaper got up upon the sound of our footsteps and welcomed me with warm smile.
He must be in late 30s but looked too young to be Samar's father. Hello Nina! welcome.
Right then Samar's mother came in the room with tea tray. She smiled and offered me tea. You are more beautiful than Samar told.
We sat and had tea. The morning passed like blink of eye as Samar's mom and I ate breakfast and I told her about the ABC trip.
When it was time to leave, Samar's mother called me into the study room. She asked me, Nina I am not sure how you were able to take this decision but please know that this will be promise of lifetime. I was not sure what she meant and she gave me her bangle.
This is our tradition to hand down famy heirloom to daughter-in-law. Since Samar already chose you I am giving you this and promise me you will hold the secret to grave. I couldn't understand what secret we were trying to keep.
Samar just interfered our conversation. Mom I haven't told her yet!
When mother left the room. He took my hand and looked into my eyes. I was intoxicated in his brown dark eyes and he broke the news to me.
Nina, I am half vampire and half human. My mother fell in love with my vampire father and they had me. I wanted to tell you this for long time but I didn't know how would you react. So I avoided my feelings and you for long time. But past 6 days were best day of my existence. Would you like to be my girlfriend?