There was a smell of chill that hung in the air, as I rubbed my cold hands to make it warm. With each breath that I took, a greyish fog formed and with each fog I dabbed my runny nose that was insistent on troubling me, like a cockroach in the kitchen.
This was a handkerchief that was embroidered by hands that were smooth and lovely to touch. The fibres were weaved perfectly, that showed how much care it received, and it had a distinguishable light pink color to it that oddly resonated with the coming valentine's day which was going to happen just a few days later.
I clutched the handkerchief tightly in right calloused palm, that was slightly pinkish, feeling some memories that carried a sense of euphoria for my heart but I quickly shook my head to clear the illusions that once ensanred me, like the vine of a powerful tree.
As I kept walking on the snow-covered footpath, with the handkerchief pressed against my nose, my eyes captured the ones who were with their halves enjoying their time with each other. No one paid attention towards the couple, knowing that this sights were quite common when valentine's day was near, and I loved that, no side-glances and no judging from your own peers.
Such things were quite rare to my eyes, yet whenever I viewed this, my heart bursts with warmth.
At least, my juniors could enjoy something that I had given up.
As my feet carried me, my runny nose made some wet noises which disgusted me oddly, thankfully the fabric was there to hide the snot. But I have to admit, there was a feeling of dull ache in my shoulders. I went on and on, hoping that I would reach the house that haunted my dreams persistently and there it was, covered in a shroud of curtains and white flakes.
Smoke came from the chimney above, and the aroma of the cooked meat wafted through the air like a soaring eagle, unapologetic to show its uniqueness which was delicious and mouthwatering. The windows were covered with curtains that were as blue as the deep oceans, though it could barely block the illuminating yellow light coming from the inside.
There were tiremarks, yet no car, meaning the man of the house had left, probably to his company building, where important meetings are held for the distribution of chips. Quite an influential man, Rishi, was and a charitable man too.
With hesitation, in my heart, my feet crawled up to the entrance door which had to be reached by stepping on a stair that was adjoined with the ground. I could hear the noises that came from inside and my handkerchief pressed closer nearly stopping my breath.
The hand that had crept, went back almost in fright, determined to stay miles away from the doorbell that would allow me entry. Once again, I faltered and with fast steps, I fell down.
My head banged against the hard pavement, causing me to let a yelp of pain and I was sure that it would leave a bump, but I kept my noise comparatively down.....
With a grunt, I got up and my knees shook in fright. What a mess I have became....all for you.
The chapters that were behind me, came rushing back, as I scrambled to grab the cloth laying on the ground and before I quickly shook it with great force. Such a relic, shouldn't be tainted by the snow or the dirt on the ground.
Unlike the past, the feeling of disgust didn't affect me as I once again pushed the fabric over my nostrils blocking the snot covered passage. There was a time, when I used to suffer from disgust at using dirty things and now, all has changed....
All because of you.
With slow steps, I drawled back and then smiled, hiding the flood of pain away from those who gazed in surprise at the man who fell. The people out on the streets were quite low in count, yet plenty enough to carry any rumours, till the fortnight.
Thankfully, the fabric over my damp nose covered my lower face shrouding my identity from the eyes of the masses. Turning around I once again took to the footpaths, with a plan of leaving to the grocery and grabbing some essentials. After all, I had a family to take care of.
The brown jacket clung to my arms like vice, as I pulled upon the collar, which helped me to protect my neck that were being pricked by the hair that stood at the ends. As my steps continued, the remnants of the past started to probe me like injections, painful yet pleasant for the heart at the same time.
Sniff
I continued to dap, as I moved my body away from the incoming couples, that were too busy giving away their lives for each other's eyes.
Truth be told, there was slight envy at these sights but....I didn't want to wish bad for them, cause I know how it goes in the end.
Never wish bad for couples, after all everyone stands against them to break their bond and somehow gods above, heed it like shepherds hearing their sheep's plea. Speaking from experience, after all.
I tucked the handkerchief into my right pocket, blowing warm air onto my palms, before I entered the grocery decorated with the colour of red and flowers like rose quite early they were getting into the valentine's day mood, hmm.... Good for business, I guess?
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"Would you like a bag with it, sir?" The cashier in front of me spoke in fluent English, as she finished scanning the barcodes, on the back of the food products.
A beautiful smile was present on her face, and she had short-curly brown hair that oddly looked like snakes. There was innocence in her dark eyes and a feeling of grace in her movements.
I could sense by her movements, that she was an intern, studying hotel management from a prestigious college. She was too.....formal and prestigious in her movements, almost like a royal butler.
"Of course, thank you and I have to say, you have pretty nails." I replied to her, as I viewed her manicured nails that were painted pink, an eye-catching color.
She had thin hands, and prominent greenish veins, slightly bronze in tint. A woman who respects beauty and elegance more than anything.
The cashier chuckled as she shoved the grocery in the bag, feeling emboldened by my compliments as she continued with her own compliments about my looks, at least she was vague about it.
The white wrinkled bag was then passed to me, as our digits touched for a brief period of time and then I backed away with a polite smile. There was no feeling of affection in my heart, and so I just exited, even then I could feel her piercing gaze on my back.
"I guess, I am still attractive, even after all these years." I muttered, as a chuckle left me. A man who was complimented on his looks, was a happy man indeed.
Though if only you, could see that I am still there, waiting and waiting.
The cold breeze went through me, and it made me shiver, I hated the cold and that was a fact that I have recently came to accept. The steps I took were slightly feverish and I took out the embroidered fabric out, once again dapping it on my runny nose.
My mind was set to return back home, but my feet didn't obey. I returned back to the path, which would lead me to you.
I stood in front of your home, the lights had dimmed and the people around were now even less. The time, I noted on my wrist watch, told me that it was now ten and the moon glittered as if it was the queen of fairyland.
Should I do it? Should I press the bell of fate?
My hands trembled, as it went closer and closer... The fingers were on the switch and all I had to do was find the, right force to apply. But then, I felt it.
Somebody's hand on my right shoulder, and I turned violently in surprise, now I was a man with a lithe physique but no one had that much strength to force my movements unless I was distracted.
And then a slap met my cheek, making everything numb. All sound disappeared almost as if I was a lifeless husk and, my feet traced back.
There he was, your father, Rishi Chauhan. A powerful man who seemed to be in his prime, even when he has aged severely. With a bear like body, it was quite clear he loved to eat, a lot.
In his younger days, he might be the prince charming of his own school, but right now it made me feel as if I was standing in front of a Viking with a beard matching the texture and color of snow.
His slightly grey eyes, seemed to carved straight from the fires of hell and his lips formed into a violent sneer. The direction of the volcano was straight aimed at me, and my body seemed to become like a monolith in front of this man.
My hand was clasped on my cheek which burned like hot coals, as I tasted copper. What did he eat to gain such strength, I couldn't figure.
"YOU DARE?!" He roared like a lion wounded, as he rushed at me with wild abandon, picking me up by the collar and shook me.
"F-f-ather, um, I didn't notice you there...." A slap once again met my cheek and then another,
"Don't call me, your father, you bastard? You are a curse to my daughter and I was blind to ever trust you!..... Viola was smart enough to open our eyes!" Spit fell on my cheeks and some even entered my eyes, forcing out a blink.
Viola? VIOLA!?
That bitch of a woman, that lesbian!
My vision started to swim, as spots of darkness appeared yet my wrath held true. I could feel red, I could smell red and I could taste red. The pain of being slapped was replaced by the warmth of my hatred.
The name Viola, made me filled with rage and then suddenly a primal roar left my lungs. The voice box ached, as the swimming vision went away and I was left standing.
Puffs of cold air made my nose run more, as I wiped it with the handkerchief, the spots of red on my hardened knuckles made me confused and then I looked around.
The door of the house was opened and coming out from the light was you, your mother and Viola..... All looking at me terrified.
Then I felt a chill, a chill that made me feel bile rise up to my Adam's apple as my eyes surfaced with shock. There, he was.....Rishi Chauhan.
Eyes were completely swollen with a purple tint, the nose was angled with red splotches, and his throat was completely mangeled and darkish-blue. A surf of green disgust flew through, as I held my stomach with eyes widened in horror.
Then a cry of a woman scorned entered my ears, causing me to turn..... The three ladies held up the body of the man in front, as all of them screamed.
But surprisingly, there was no feeling of guilt inside me even when I could feel the crowd of people swarming around me with eyes of terror. The only guilt, I felt was that, I made you....cry,
Steps faltered like a beast who was scared of its own prey and then everything once again went dark.
A metallic copper taste pervaded me, as the last thing I saw, was two lights ceasing my soul to ensure karma for the deed I have committed.
It was a deed, that I contained, no guilts for.
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You, I only wanted you. You were the one, I felt was truly mine, but you trusted others more than me.
Now look, you have no one, no one beside you. I was supposed to stay first yet you gave other's space.
Mark my words, even in this primordial darkness, I won't give up on you..... Because I am yours forever
[Regression System Activated]
[Quest: Fix the remnants, fix the past. Achieve true love and show the woman who betrayed you, her place]
A hologram that sounded as if it was high on helium yet this painted a grim image for me. So truly I was dead or in a comatose state.
[Can confirm, you are indeed dead]
Hmm, whatever. But I will have to refuse, not that your quest didn't sound lovely, but still I will not give up on her...
[Even after her betrayal, why do you insist on achieving her? I mean, you will find better women?]
I refused, I only want her. No one else.
And even if you don't make me come back to life once again, I will never love anyone, except for her!
[Oh wow, you truly are one dedicated lover]
[I love that, and that proves your love for those you cherish. Very well I will not impose this other lover's thing on you, but as per the heavenly decree, you will indeed go back to the past and fix everything]
[Will you accept or deny?]
If the words you say are true, then yes I accept, anything to experience her love once again..... But I promise this, anyone who comes between us will suffer!
[I love the energy and so let's start the journey shall we? P.s. the other lover options are still available ;)]
Whatever, I don't care, only her, only..... Her. No one else but her.
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Author's note: First time writing romance, hope you will all guide me through the process and I must warn you..... The ML's narration will be primarily followed.
Second the setting is in high school and in a place located in India only. Except for the system, there is nothing fantasy, also yes the ML will be a toxic lover yet only in terms of his possessiveness.
Third.....have a good day :)
Fourth: This is female oriented, because at the end of the day, this is romance only yet with a focus on ML more.