"Huff! Huff! Huff!" Shama’s ragged breaths echoed through the dark forest. Tap. Tap. Tap. Her shoes pounded against the forest floor, the rhythm erratic, fueled by panic. A sharp pain throbbed in her forehead where blood trickled down, and her clothes clung to her skin, drenched in crimson. Her legs trembled, exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her, but she forced herself to keep moving. "I didn’t do it," she whispered between gasps. "I... I didn’t—" She dared a glance behind her, her heart hammering, expecting someone to emerge from the shadows. But in that fleeting moment, her foot caught on a rock. She fell. The forest floor rushed up to meet her, and the world around her dimmed as everything went black. --- Earlier that day, Shama lay sprawled across her bed, lost in the colorful pages of her favorite comic book, *Mystical World of Mythical Creatures*. She giggled to herself as her eyes danced across the familiar illustrations and stories she knew by heart. "Why can
Shama’s mind raced, her heart thundering in her chest as she stared at the girl lying motionless on the cold floor. The sight of the knife still embedded in the girl's stomach sent a wave of nausea through her, and her hands trembled violently. *What have I done?* Her breath quickened as she struggled to think. She knelt beside the girl, desperate to check for any signs of life. With trembling fingers, she pressed them against the side of the girl's neck, feeling for a pulse. Her other hand hovered over the girl’s mouth, waiting for even the faintest breath. A few agonizing seconds passed. Then—there. A weak flutter beneath her fingertips, and the shallow rise and fall of the girl's chest. “She’s still alive...” Shama whispered in disbelief, her voice cracking. Relief rushed through her, only to be replaced by raw panic. She was no doctor—she didn’t know how to fix this. But if she didn’t do something, the girl would bleed out right in front of her. Her mind scrambled, trying to
Shama sat on the cold stone floor, her heart racing as panic gripped her. The remnants of her gown hung in tatters around her, soaked in Naina’s blood. She could still feel the warmth of the crimson liquid seeping into her skin, a stark reminder of the life she had almost taken. *What have I done?* Her mind swirled with disbelief and terror. *How did I end up here? I didn’t sign up for this. Am I the villainess?* Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. She looked up, and her breath hitched. Ekansh stood at the doorway, his demeanor calm and collected, a stark contrast to her chaotic state. The way he tilted his head slightly, the faint smile on his lips, made him seem almost too serene for the situation. His eyes flicked down to the blood-stained gown, the dirtied hands, and then back to her face. Something dark shifted behind his cool gaze. “You’ve made quite the spectacle,” he said quietly, stepping into the room. His tone was even, though it carried an unmistakable weight of
Shama slipped on the garment and admired her reflection in the mirror. The gown she wore was of the finest silk, the color of a summer sky. The bodice was fitted and embroidered with gold thread, and the skirt fell in soft folds to the floor. Her luminous eyes sparkled like stars, and her long lashes fluttered with every blink. Her delicate nose was as red as a cherry, and her lips were painted a delicate shade of red. Her cheeks glowed with a rosy hue, and her long, dark hair cascaded down her back in waves. "Oh my gosh, I look so beautiful," Shama exclaimed, praising her own reflection. Shama walked to the balcony and opened the door. The cool breeze caressed her skin, relaxing her mind and soothing her heart, making her forget about everything that had happened in the past few hours. The lush green grass of the garden below swayed in the breeze. Beautiful butterflies and tiny bees flitted from flower to flower. Tall trees provided shade for the animals resting beneath them. Sha
Shama alighted from her carriage and walked towards the royal palace.The royal palace was a sight to behold. Towering spires pierced the azure sky, their golden tips gleaming in the sunlight. The white marble walls were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of myth and legend. A grand fountain graced the courtyard, its waters cascading into a pool of shimmering lapis lazuli. The maids and servants working in the garden paused to stare at her for a moment, then resumed their tasks.Shama startled."Can't they see their princess standing right in front of them?" she muttered a little embarassed."I've returned after so long. They should show their concern towards me like, 'Oh, my princess, are you alright? Where have you been all this time?' Or atleast show me some respect?"Perhaps they simply hadn't noticed her."Ahem, ahem."She coughed loudly to get their attention. Again, the servants looked at her briefly, then went back to work. Crying internally and cursing her sick
No person is born evil. It is time and circumstance that can corrupt a soul, and Shanaya is a living testament to this truth.In this world, six powerful vampire clans ruled the world in harmony with humans. Shanaya, born into royalty as princess of the most powerful clan, possessed the power of both destruction and creation.She blossomed into a beautiful and charming girl, her life filled with joy. Her brother, Raghav, was her protector, and her parents indulged her every desire. She was showered with love and care.But this bliss was fleeting. At the age of eight, her parents were framed as traitors to the vampire clan and murdered before her very eyes. Her father's brother orchestrated the plot to seize the throne.Shanaya was traumatized by this event. Her brother was the only one she had left. He kept her safe and raised her under his watchful eye, managing to retain control of the family's name and the royal palace. He adored her.Because of the unfortunate event, everyone outsi
Shama walked towards the hall, wondering if everyone would be there and if they would ignore her command again. She doubted it, though; she had already threatened them with their jobs. She reached the hall and felt a little better to see everyone gathered. They were all chatting with each other, not noticing her arrival. "Why has the princess summoned us here?" One servant scratched his head in puzzlement. "She must have another scheme to trap his majesty. What else do you think could be the reason" Another servant replied in a haughty tone. "Surely, she must be thinking of seeking our assistance." Another maid joined the conversation. An elderly maid stepped forward and sighed. "Alas, when will our princess learn her responsibilities? She holds such a prestigious position, yet she continues to frivolously associate with other men. It is simply unacceptable." Shama's fists clenched, her body trembling with fury. She took a deep breath, her lungs burning with the effort to calm
Shama stood up and said, "Be quite, please. I have one thing to make clear to all of you: I have no romantic relationship with Prince Rehan. I know that in the past, I used to pursue him, but I have realized that this was foolish. Naina is like my sister, and I regret harming her in the past. I have repented for all the wrong I have done to you all. But, I am going to start a new life as a responsible princess who will help my people prosper. I hope that you all understand and support me in this."She spoke confidently and assertively."Let's leave the past and create a beautiful future together. After all we are one family."All of the servants looked at her in awe. She stood before them like a goddess, her eyes holding determination and power. Everyone was shocked to see such a drastic change in her."Our princess has grown up," one of them said, wiping away her tears."This is all a bit dramatic, I think," Shanaya thought to herself, observing their expressions.Everyone bowed down
"Huff! Huff! Huff! Huff!"A panting voice echoed in the dark forest.“Tap, Tap, Tap”The shoes made noise in the silent night as Shama ran, her breath coming in ragged gasps.Fear filled her eyes. Blood trickled down her head, and her clothes were soaked in crimson color. Her body trembled, and her energy was waning. Still, she ran. She couldn't stop...Not now."I have to get out of here," she gasped. "I...I didn't do that."She glanced back over her shoulder, expecting to see someone chasing her. But as soon as she did, she tripped over a rock and collapsed to the ground, unconscious.*Earlier that day... *"Ahhhh... It's so cute. "Shama squealed in delight as she lay on her cozy bed, reading a comic book. As a kid, she had an immense love for fiction and soon to be 18, the girl still hadn't left her childhood hobby. "Why don't these stories exist in real life? God, please, please just once, I wanna experience the fictional world"She squeezed her eyes shut, palms together in a pra
Shama sat inside the car. She looked at the busy road and crowded footpath of the city. She missed these things very much. Modern world is the most beautiful place. Just then Shama remembered her Kingdome. She felt that she missed them more. She wanted to go back there and be with all of them. “Ansh…” Shama whispered as she closed her eyes and Ansh’s smiling face came to her mind. “You told me that when I will call you, you will come here to me…You said that wherever I am…You will find me and stay by my side forever…Then why you aren’t here. Ansh I miss you…” Shama thought as she clenched her fist. She reached the studio. She stepped out of the car as body guards protected her. In front of her stood a big building. She walked inside the beautiful building. “You are here…Come on you have to get ready for the shoot. Hurry up.” A guy told her as he hurriedly pushed her inside the makeup room. Just by looking at him Shama could und
Shama sat inside the car. She looked at the busy road and crowded footpath of the city. She missed these things very much. Modern world is the most beautiful place. Just then Shama remembered her Kingdome. She felt that she missed them more. She wanted to go back there and be with all of them. “Ansh…” Shama whispered as she closed her eyes and Ansh’s smiling face came to her mind. “You told me that when I will call you, you will come here to me…You said that wherever I am…You will find me and stay by my side forever…Then why you aren’t here. Ansh I miss you…” Shama thought as she clenched her fist. She reached the studio. She stepped out of the car as body guards protected her. In front of her stood a big building. She walked inside the beautiful building. “You are here…Come on you have to get ready for the shoot. Hurry up.” A guy told her as he hurriedly pushed her inside the makeup room. Just by looking at him Shama could und
*Real Shama’s scenario*Shama woke up feeling cold. She opened her eyes and saw herself lying on a cold floor. She sat up and looked around. It was a big hall. Lights were shining brightly on the ceiling. AC was at 26 °C which was keeping the room cold. In front of Shama was a big mirror attached to the whole wall.Shama looked at herself in the mirror with unbelievable eyes. She was in her real body. Her hair curly and long hair was open. A big round earing was in her ear. A little beautiful pendent was in her neck. She wore an oversized top with pants. She wore snickers in her feet. Her body was sweating even in AC. It was like she just worked out or danced…Shama’s face had light makeup making her look pretty. She looked like a celebrity and her room was like a dance practice room.“But the question is that…I am a poor orphan…Then what the hell am I doing here like this?”Shama thought as she stood up. Ju
Ansh rushed to the imperial doctor. He laid Shama down.“Doctor…Doctor please save her…”Ansh said in a shaky voice. His voice was barely coming out. Just then Shama took a deep breath and her pulse came back. A dim red light glowed in her body.“Shama…You…Are…Alright?”Ansh said happily as he wiped his tears and took Shama’s hands in her hand. Her hands were cold. He rubbed her hands.“Please…You will be alright…Right?”Ansh said as tears dropped down on Shama’s hands.The doctor checked up on Shama.“I did everything that I can…But couldn’t find the cause of this. It was unusual as if the soul in her body left then came back…Something like this? But isn’t this illogical?”The doctor said laughing at his own words. But Ansh seemed lost somewhere else.“I don’t belong t
“I have one more thing for you.”Ansh said as he stood up and gave a hand to Shama.“What is it?”Shama asked.“Why do you always ask? Don’t you trust me? Then come with me.”Ansh said. Shama sighed and was about to walk when Ansh held Shama close by her waist. Shama looked at Ansh in a surprise.“Step on my feet.”Ansh said as he grabbed Shama closer and tighter.“What the-”“Shhh…Just do what I am saying you to do.”Ansh cut Shama in between. Shama looked at him and then stepped on his feet. Ansh jumped off the cliff. Shama shouted in terror. But then everything went smooth. Ansh held Shama tightly and was slowly going down the mountain. Shama peeked out and looked down. It was really deep valley. Shama looked at Ansh in a shock. Ansh smiled at Shama. Shama hugged Ansh tightly as she feared to fall.“It’s ok&h
Shama was resting in her bedroom. Though it was a wonderful day, she wasn’t feeling good at all. She was feeling like something bad is gonna happen. Her heart was beating rapidly and for no reason tears were falling out of her eyes.“Why…I can’t understand what’s wrong…Why am I feeling like all this won’t last long?”Shama thought as she covered herself with blanket. She hugged the pillow tightly to comfort herself.Five year old Shama was running around on the soft glass with bare feet. She happily laughed as the cool wind hit her face gently. A little girl who was about the same age as her was running after her.“Hey, catch me if you can.”Shama shouted at the girl in a teasing voice and ran away from there. The girl also chased after Shama.“Wait and watch…I will catch you for sure.”She shouted from behind. Just then Shama heard a weeping voice. She t
Shama opened her yes. Ansh’s sleeping face greeted her. Shama stared at him. He was looking surprisingly handsome today. Shama quietly tiptoed out of the bed and left the room. She reached a room. It was filled with paintings. Shama opened the curtains to let the sunlight come in. The beautiful sunrays lighted up the whole room. The colourful paintings in the room shined in the sunlight. Shama removed the cloth from the canvas kept in the middle of the room. Shama sat on the seat. She smiled as she opened the colour box. She took the paint brush in her hand and dipped it in the paint. She started painting something on the canvas. Ansh woke up. He touched the bed but didn’t found anyone. He quickly opened his eyes and saw that Shama was no where to be seen. He worriedly looked around for Shama but he wasn’t seen in the whole castle. Ansh was frustrated now. He again went around the whole palace. Just then his eyes fell on a room in the corner. It looked like it was st
Ansh saw Shama. Her eyes were changing expressions. Ansh looked at her in a shock. As this was the first time he was watching something like this. Her eye expressions were changing per second. Just then Shama went quiet. Ansh looked at her.“Shama?”He called out but there was no response from her. Ansh went close to her and touched her shoulders. Just then Shama grabbed his hand tightly and shrugged his hand off her shoulder. She gave Ansh a glare. Ansh was shocked to see Shama reacting like this. Her eyes were emotionless as she went out of the bed towards the window. She quietly stared at the night sky.Ansh quietly stared at Shama. Shama closed her eyes and hummed the same tune again. Her heart was filled with sadness.“Shama…It’s me…Ansh…Can’t you recognise me?”Ansh asked. But Shama just stared at him and again started looking at the sky.“Shama-”“Ansh&h