"India, as we all know, is a land of cultural and geographical diversities and, being one of the old civilisations of the world, it contains the oldest of mysteries embedded within. One among those is the magical medicinal plants of the lush green territories, the central plateau, and the valleys of the great Himalayas. Well, it's no mystery that the deep valleys and forests of the land contain medicinal plants, but their geographical locations keep them away from human reach. Some experts say that the herbs of those territories are the cure of the ugliest diseases that prevailed and are still on the run", Dr Vikram, the young ethnobotany faculty, said.

He cast a look around the class. His brown orbs read the eyes of his students. A few pairs, sparkling with curiosity, a few locked with each other as love empowered, a few intoxicated by the serenity of the goddess of sleep, and a few filled with fantasies and dreams. Sighing, he pulled his round-framed spectacles and hung them on his shirt. Folding his hands, he leaned back on the table for balance, crossing his legs, making his toned triceps bulge out of the slim-fit, burgundy coloured shirt.

"Isn't he hot?" a girl whisper-yelled, her eyes studying his lean yet athletic physique.

"That he is", Shilpi sighed dreamily, resting her chin on her fist and leaning on the bench.

"Is that so, girls? Am I?" Dr Vikram raised his brows at them. Startled by his question, the girls fumbled with their words and stood, scratching their heads. Shaking his head, he scrutinised the class keenly as everybody turned their attention to him. His calm and friendly demeanour, despite the students' careless behaviour, is one of the reasons they find him attractive and knowledgeable.

"So, where were we?" he quizzed, smiling at the class.

"Hidden realm with mystic arts,
Love over-whelming in his orbs;

Life and death have their share,

And their hearts beat in the air",

Aadhira whispered to no one in particular, her eyes scanning the italic texts of the book under her table.

The honey-brown eyes of Dr Vikram sparkled with curiosity. The entire class burst out, laughing except for Shilpi and Vasanth, and they looked at her, worried. But Aadhira seemed unbothered about the chaos as her mind fogged with bizarre visions and voices. She ran her fingers gently over the pages, reading the 'King of her dreams' written by Ilangovendan in his book, The longing- Romance at the green land.

He strolled towards her and pulled the book from her hand. She snapped her head at him, Aadhira's dark orbs dilated as she stared at him with wide eyes.

"Aadhira", he shook her shoulders gently, and she let out a deep breath. Blinking her eyes multiple times, she looked at him properly.

"I...I'm sorry, sir. But what were you saying?" she sprung from her seat, feeling nervous. He eyed her and the book in his hand.

"Pay attention to the class", he watched her closely. Placing the book on the table, he pulled out his glasses and wore them. Pushing the frame with his fingers, he hopped on the table and sat, placing his hands on his knees.

"So, as I was saying, the mysteries about the deep forests are still in the air. People often discuss it and, Aadhira", he paused, calling her.

"This man, Ilangovendan, the author of the book you were reading, was one among them who has written a lot about it. He believes that nature has hidden the magics under the layers of beauty and had persuaded people into believing that the jungles of western ghats are one of the mystical places filled with magic and spells", he continued as she looked at him keenly.

The class fell into deep silence, all eyes looking at their professor keenly, wanting to listen more about the mythical place.

"So, class, why can't we go on an excursion?" Dr Vikram asked. The silence flew out of the windows as hoots as loud 'yay's echoed across the room.

"As part of our curriculum in ethnobotany, we will be going for an excursion to the rural villages and tribal areas residing near the foothills of the Western ghats. It will be in the mid of next month", he informed, and the students started to buzz about the preparations. Few prepared a checklist, a few discussed the dresses to buy, and a few prepared a 'to-visit' list. Smacking his lips in disappointment, Vikram bundled his scattered books and notes on the table.

"Excuse me, sir. Can I take back my book?", Aadhira asked him as she stood behind him.

Fixing his glasses on his nasal bone, he held out the book to her.

"Be careful with such books. They might attract you to somewhere you would never return from", he passed, Aadhira a gentle smile, patting her shoulders.

"Bye, class", he wished them and left the class as Aadhira stared at his retreating figure, confused.

Students dispersed from the class as she looked at the book in her hand.

"Aadhira", a gentle yet manly whisper rang in her ears as the air got scented in a mild musky fragrance, calming her nerves.

'Tu-rrrrr-eeeee...rrrrrrreeeee' ,

A sudden distinct cry of an owl snapped her back. Her hands turned cold, and her heart raced in fear.

'Tu-rrrrr-eeeee...rrrrrrreeeee',

This time, the cry was loud, and it came through the window. Aadhira's calf muscles turned sore, and her stomach twisted uncomfortably.

"What's wrong with me?" she held her head as her view turned fuzzy.

"What am I seeing?" she tried to open her dilating pupil. An eerie vision of darkness suddenly lit by a golden-hued light flashed before her eyes.

"The hymns echo across,
As the traditional beings evoke her,
The ancient soul wakes up,
So as the clipped vulture",

She could hear the voice from the darkness.

"Who are you?" she clamped her hands tightly, anxiety and dizziness intoxicating her.

"The one without soul,
Without heart,
Yet hungry for power,
Awaits your arrival",

The voice continued.

"Stop", Aadhira shut her ears and tried opening her slacked eyelids.

"Beware of the shadows,
In the darkness, the monster thrives,
Looking as virtuous as a noble,
It is as venomous as poison",

"WHO ARE YOU?" Aadhira screamed as tears flowed through her closed eyes.

"I who lurk behind your stories,
Watches you rise and fall,
As I am bounded by the law of deity,
Tangle your lives with each other,
Waiting for you to untangle them,
Let the force be with you."

Deathly stillness prevailed across the room.

"Aadhira", she heard Shilpi's cry as darkness consumed her, and she fell to the floor, exhausted.

Let the force be with you!

The voice echoed in her ears as she fell into a deep slumber.

---------------------------------------

Hello everybody!

Hope you all remember this story as well as the author. Lol

So, I have a few questions to ask.

1)How is the story so far? Do you find it interesting or boring or neutral?
2)Are the pronunciation guides given in each chapter are helpful?
3) Almost the majority of the characters are introduced except a two or three. Among the introduced characters, whom do you feel attracted to? Who seems to be a shady or a suspicious character?

4)A few words about Aadhira.

Please, do answer the questions. It would be of great help.

Tata.

With love,

Harshu❤