Chapter 1

It was late winter evening. Sharp cold wind flew and out of the fort. The sky was turning jet black. Stars adorned the dark sky as if breathing life into the cold heart. They twinkled and added to the moon's everlasting glow. It was a serene and a calm night. She shivered slightly as she made her way to the balcony. She took out a beautiful pink tulip and placed it with the others. Clutching the warn shawl around her, she sat down quietly, taking in the alluring sight of the night sky and the fragrance of night jasmine which enveloped the fort.

Looking up to the moon she murmured softly," I kept my promise."

A lone tear escaped from her doe eyes. She quickly wiped it away and smiled at the row of tulips, half of which were withered, and looked up again at the moon.

She asked softly," How are you? Is it peaceful up there?" 

Nodding her head as if the moon whispered the answer, she said," I miss you. Not a single day has passed where I don't remember you. You come in my dreams, but greet me with silence. It feels almost as if you're still there and when I will look back you will smile and spread your arms wide and I will run up to you again. Just like the old times."

Gazing deeply into the moon as the memories flashed before her, she felt weak. She knew she had to be strong and survive this. A single night had changed the course of her life. It had shocked her, terrified her. A pang of grief stroked the chords of her heart as she remembered those last moments. The realization that she would never see them again grieved her. The immeasurable sorrow had replaced her cheerful aura. She knew they were lost in the stars, never to be found again. But she did realize that she wanted her revenge. The fire of vengeance burned inside her.

Deep into her thoughts with storm of feelings brewing inside her, she was startled when she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. She looked up only to meet a pair of concerned grey orbs. It was her beloved. The only person who stood beside her through every thick and thin with her. The only one whom she trusted and was left with. She tightly hugged him resting her face on his chest, feeling his warm embrace. He hugged her more tightly. No one spoke. It was quiet. The only sound was of rustling leaves and whistling wind.

Caressing her hair softly, he asked," Are you okay? Did you eat your dinner?"

He was cold but warm and soft at core. Even if he tried not to express his care for her, he loved her. He use to find her gazing intently at the stars every night in solitude but he never questioned her. He knew sometimes solitude provided you immense comfort.

Not able to control herself she cried softly in his hug. He kept whispering sweet things to her. After some time, she fell asleep in his arms. He wiped her tear-stained cheeks softly and kissed on her forehead. He whispered to her," I will help you with your vengeance, my love. No one will dare to ever hurt you again."