"Shami listen to me", Rago requested entering into their cabin. Shami turned back. 

"Stay out", she gestured with her hand. Rago took back steps outside of door. Shami slammed door on his face. 

"Shami", he called but no response from inside. 

He thought of pushing the door open because there was no strong lock other side just a piece of wood. It's not matter of pushing the door, it's matter of pushing the limit she kept. So he stopped. 

He sat on small porch area waiting for her to open the door. He thought about his past life and a smile formed on his lips. 'How dare she?' he mumbled to himself and smiled. Till that day, no one ever dared to shut him out like she did. He waited few more minutes but nothing happened. 

'What's she doing inside?' he muttered. Meanwhile Shami looked at him from small window and gritted her teeth with anger. 

"Rago", Iral stood beside him unware of the cold war between the couple. 

"We have to get water", he said and Rago get on to his feet. 

Every evening few people of village went to a large near by fresh water stream for water. They had to fill all the domestic water storages and that water was used by all the villagers. 

Rago gave one last glance to door and left with Iral. Shami heard their conversation but ignored. 

Rago had really hard time from the morning. At morning time he got into a small bet fight with Ojas. Ojas and Rago used to had fights like that before because they considered themselves as equal opponents. And every time they maintained it as a game but not this time. Ojas intentionally provoked Rago using Shami's name and Rago lost his cool. At last people around had separated them forcefully. Shami disappointed with that but that's not a big deal

Later that afternoon, two men from other gang came to black vipers for help.  Zagi called for a meeting and prominent people of the gang attended it. Just like Shami, Rago got place in the list with in short time. He stood a little behind like every time.

"Zagi, we have nothing to do with that gang", Syji said in a strong tone. 

"You can't back off like that", a man who came for help protested. 

"Okay then, I will take 20 of our men with me. And chop the heads of all those dogs. What do you say?" he asked Zagi but in real he tried to intimidate the men who came for help.

"Mind your words", a man among two glared holding his sword.

"Watch your tone if you want to leave black vipers alive", Tiew warned. 

"I guess they came here for help. You better use your brain for a solution rather your tongue for warnings", Shami said particularly no one. 

"Who the fuck let this slut stand here?" Syji said in bored tone. 

"What did you say? Hah?" Rago glared moving forward with anger. 

"Dare to say it again", he fisted the shirt of the man. It's quiet quick and it took a moment for everyone to react.

"Rago, leave him", Zagi ordered but no use. Few men drew their daggers and in seconds situation heated. 

"Rago, leave him", Shami said pulling him back by his arm. He left this collar by giving a push to that man and warning with his eyes. 

"Don't you dare to do it again", Syji warned back Rago.

"Or else?" Rago asked with a raised brow. 

"Try me", he challenged.

"It's shame on me", Rago chuckled sarcastically. 

"How dare you?" He tried to charge on him but Ojas hold him back.

"It's vain to fight with useless scumbags. He is not one of us and very soon he will be out from us", Ojas said holding some hidden meaning under his words. 

"Well I'm not interested to be the one of these empty skulls", Rago sneered. 

"You dared to call us brainless?" another man yelled.

"Isn't it obvious? You want me to repeat?" Rago mocked. Few started glaring and few stood in silence maintaining neutrality.

"You better shut up", a man two places away from Zagi warned Syji.

"Are you supporting him?" He asked. 

"Yeah, it's your mistake. You insulted Shami and started all this", this man yelled. 

Like this everyone proving their own points and few dug back to past incidents. Zagi was pressing his nose bridge controlling his anger. Shami hold back Rago's hand and trying to coax him. 

"Calm down", Shami said to him. Rago gave a sharp look and anger evident in his eyes.

"Is it time to use your sharp tongue?" she glared. 

"You want me to calm down after listening his words?" he glared back. 

"Whatever", she averted her eyes from him but still holding his hand. 

"Fine", he muttered and averted his eyes from her. 

"Shut up", Zagi stood by giving a loud thud on the wood table before him. Everyone stopped their non sense and stood in silence. 

"Anyone have any plan for their issue, stay here. Or else leave", he commanded in loud tone. 

After a brief silence, a man in late thirties said in normal tone, "Zagi, I will take care of it." And Zagi nodded thoughtfully. After that everyone left to their respective business. Petty arguments and fights like these were common for them so no one cared. 

Rago and Shami didn't have a word after the meeting. Rago was consumed  by anger and he need a way to let it out. So, he went to Morj. He engaged in three bet fights and won a good sum. It became evening when he came out finishing his fights. 

One side of Morj house dedicated to alcohol. Many table laid one after the other and few women serving alcohol. Rago was calm and thinking rational He looked at the money bag in his hand once and moved forward for a drink. 

He sat on a empty table and placed two coins beside him. A young girl of early twenties served him a glass of wine. He drank a two glass quickly. After that he started taking slow slips looking at the girl. 

She was pale, short and plump with beautiful curves. She had large brown eyes and thick brown hair which was braided and reached down her waist. 

"What this beautiful girl doing in this forest?" he asked. 

"Serving men who needs my service", she answered with a smile. She was a prostitute

"What's your name?" he asked.

"Ire", she said and filled his last glass and took the coins beside him. He placed two more coins clearly showing he wanted more. 

"Ire, beautiful name", he said in low soft tone. She started filling his glass and he continued his drinking.

"Why all the beautiful girls stuck in this forest?" he asked with a flirty smile. 

"Because I born here", she answered. 

"Here?" he raised a brow and she nodded. 

"Your family?" he hesitated to ask.

"Only mother. She used to work here before", she said and he nodded understanding her life. 

"Listen to me and leave this forest. You will get a better life outside", he said having his drink. 

"No, it's safe here", she said and he couldn't believe her words.

"How the fuck you could say it's safe here?" he asked in slight irked tone. "Don't say that you like this life."

"You don't like this place, don't you? Then what you are still doing here?" she asked with a smile. 

"Kshameri", he answered. "I'm willing to go to Kshameri. Do you know anything about it?"

"All I know is, it's very dangerous to go to Kshameri. Many men used a say that they went to Kshameri but that's lie", she said.

"How do you know it was a lie?" he asked hiding his curiosity. 

"Once I met a man who really went to Kshameri. He said about it. It's not that easy to come and go to Kshameri. Anyone once went there, they wouldn't leave it easy", she said in low tone.

"Why?" he asked.

"I don't know. Some said curse of Kshameri would imprison people there. Some said it's hard to leave such beautiful place. And some said people would become slaves to demons and some said few other stories", she said. 

He slumped his shoulders in disappointment and leaned a little back gulping his drink. She filled his glass for last time  and took the coins. He started sipping his drink looking no where particularly and thinking about another way to know about Kshameri. 

"You look stressed. I can help you", she said in seductive tone snaking her hand on his shoulder. 

"I appreciate you offer, but no", he slowly removed her hand from his shoulder politely. 

"Why? Don't you like me?" she asked. 

"Who don't like you?" he winked. 

"Then?" she raised her brow. "Are you married?" she asked after a pause.

"Umm.... Not yet. But I love her." A smile formed on his lips thinking about her. 

"Is she beautiful?" she asked. 

"Lot more than just beautiful", he said. She smiled. 

"You are loving her that's why you are feeling like that", she commented. He laughed and kept one more coin on table.

"You will agree once you see her", he smirked and gulped down last bit of wine.

"You want more?" she asked looking at single coin. 

"No, it belongs to a pretty girl", he winked. She giggled and took the coin.

"I think some one looking for you", she said looking somewhere. Rago followed her gaze and found Shami few meters away from the place. 

"Is she the one?" Ire asked and he nodded. It's clear from her straight posture, Shami was angry.

"I think you are in trouble", Ire traced her fingers along his jaw and left. It took a minute for Rago to understand the scene. Rago quickly jogged towards Shami. 

"What are you doing here?" he asked. 

"Am I not allowed here?" she asked back. 

"I didn't say that. You want to have a drink?" he asked as he didn't understand what's running in her mind. 

"No", she said and crossed her hands to her chest. He understood that she was expecting an explanation. 

"I just met her some time before. She served wine to me. And I casually had a word with her. That's it", he explained. 

"Did I disturb you both?" she asked. She thought Rago might me upset for afternoon and came for him even she hate that place. 

"No", he said in low tone thinking ways to coax her. 

"Well, carry on with her", she dusted non existing dust on her palms and turned away. 

"Shami listen to me. There is nothing with her", he tried to explain. 

"So is this what you meant 'mini heaven'?" she asked with anger. He regretted for his own phrases.

"Do you ever drink wine here? If yes, you would understand that 'mini heaven'", he said walking with her. She didn't gave any reply and headed towards house and he followed her. 

*****

After filling water Rago along with others sat under a tree talking till dinner time. Shami along with others helped in cooking. Having dinner together was a unwritten rule followed by everyone in that village. Even at dinner time Shami gave cold shoulder. Rago maintained his distance from her. 

Shami along with her three other friends sat in her house. Naishi locked the door. They all sat on floor. 

"May I know what actually happening here?" Shami asked for their unusual behaviour. 

"Sure", Anesu said and placed a glass bottle in middle. 

"What's this?" Shami asked.

"Wine", Naishi said. 

"I have eyes", Shami mocked. "Why it's here?"

"I stole it from my brother", Anesu said. Shami frowned. 

"Shami, I will ask you one single question and I want a truth", Anesu said in firm tone.

"Depends on your question", Shami said. 

"What's Iral feeling for me?" Anesu asked. 

"You should ask him", Shami replied. Anesu, Naishi and Melni squared their eyes at her. 

"Fine", she rolled her eyes. 

"Tell me why you want to know about him", Shami asked. 

"Because, I like him", Anesu answered. Shami observed traces of sadness in her eyes. 

"Then?" she asked. 

"I can't able to understand him. And he didn't mention anything about his feeling either", she said. 

"Just go and tell him", Shami suggested. 

"I'm scared. It's not that easy", Anesu pouted. 

"It's not that hard either", Shami shrugged. 

"How you expressed your feelings to Rago?" Melni asked. Shami was about to answer but pressed her lips remembering how she expressed. 

"Wait, Who expressed first? Rago? or you?" Melni asked curiously. 

"Of course, Rago. It's not a questionable thing", Naishi answered waving off the question. 

"How do you know that?" Anesu asked. 

"Isn't it obvious?" Naishi snapped. Remaining two nodded thoughtfully. 

"Why you had stolen this bottle?" Shami asked bringing them back to real issue. 

"I decided to talk to him today", Anesu declared. 

"And it's for courage", Naishi said pointing the bottle. Shami chuckled.

"It never gives courage, just eases fear", Shami said. 

"Whatever. Today I need it", Anesu said "Answer my previous question."

"All I suggest is, go and tell him whatever you are feeling", Shami said. 

"Are you sure?" she asked. Shami nodded. 

Melni stretched her hand and got the cups from self. Anesu poured liquid in their cups. 

"Do you still want it?" Shami asked  before she started drinking. 

"I need it", she answered and quickly gulped the liquid. Two other girls followed her. 

"Have it", Naishi handed a cup to Shami. 

"I don't drink until it's necessary", Shami said and kept cup down. 

"Why?" Melni asked. 

"I don't want to loose my better intitution", she shrugged. 

"Nothing wrong letting down guards for once", Naishi commented and drank another cup. 

They looked at her for a brief moment, she smiled and took her cup. They completed the bottle giving suggestions to Anesu and talking all type of non-sense. 

"It's completed", Melni pouted inverting the bottle. 

"I should leave", Anesu said and got to her feet. She stumbled for first feet but managed for next. 

"Do we need to accompany her?" Melni asked. 

"Hah?" Shami looked at her. 

"What if she went to Ziral? They are almost similar", Melni said. 

"Go. Go and help her", Naishi pushed her.

"No, you go", Melni pushed her. They continued their bickering.

"Lets go together", Naishi suggested. They managed to get into their feet. 

"I will join", Shami declared and got onto her feet. Before they went out they heard knock on door. 

"Come in", Shami shouted in hoarse tone. Door slowly opened and Rago got in. 

"We will leave", Melni said and took their steps towards door. Shami followed them. 

"What's going on?" Rago asked before they went. 

"Nothing", Shami said casually. Her voice, eyes and gestures suggesting something else. 

Without her notice remaining two left and Shami was about to follow them. Rago closed door before she went out. She stumbled and he held her by waist. 

"Are you drunk?" he asked and she nodded. Impact of alcohol slowly increasing in her system. 

"Rago", she smiled like child and wounded her arms around him. He smiled and hold her close to him. 

"How much had you drunk?" he asked. 

"I don't know", she mumbled. She moved back and stumbled again but he held her. 

"Where were you all the while?" she staggered. 

"Outside", he said. 

"Oh", she nodded. 

"Why you are staring like that?" she asked as he couldn't take his eyes from her. 

"You are cute", he said.  

She smiled and rose to her toes. She pecked his nose as she couldn't reach his forehead. Later she forced his head down and pecked his forehead. She placed her one hand on his face and other hand around his neck. She looked at him for a long moment.

"Did I ever say that I saw you somewhere before?" she asked. 

"Where?" he asked. 

"I don't know", she shrugged. 

"I know your eyes. Very very well", she leaned her forehead to his chin. 

"I felt like I know you. Know you from ages. Like really very long", she mumbled. 

"Do we met before?" she asked looking at his eyes. 

"May be", he said in low tone. 

"May be", she repeated. She wounded her hands around him again. He securely held her close to him. 

He was staring particularly at nothing and lost in his thoughts. After sometime he felt her weight and heard her even breaths. He took her into his arms and placed on bed. He looked around and found a empty bottle. He smelled and understood the high concentration of liquid.

He laid beside her and looking at her peaceful sleeping figure. Many thoughts running in his head which he had been avoiding from long. Her question 'Do we met before?' brought back all those ignored thoughts. 

Sleep was no where near because of his vivid thoughts. He spent long time looking at her. 'May be?' sort of questions nagging him. 

Cold breeze filled the surroundings and gradually started drizzle with thunders. After sometime she started stirring and mumbling something. He couldn't understand her incoherent words. She held his hand tight in sleep. 

She had a dream about her mother. She didn't remember how her mother looks but in her dreams she could see her. After waking she wouldn't remember her. She used to had dreams like this and few times sobbed in sleep. 

Rago pulled her close to him knowing about her nightmares. "I'm here", he whispered running his hand along her hair.

"I'm here", he pecked on top of her head. Hearing him, her mumbles stopped and she snuggled into him close.

'I will be', he mumbled to himself. 

Shami opened her eyes feeling bright light on her eyes and realised she was sleeping in his arms. She felt heavy head and dizzy and took some time to awoke completely. After sobering up she remembered their fight and withdrew her hands from him. 

After sometime he woke up and didn't find her. He was about to go out, she walked in with water. A smirk formed on his lips and she suspected his evil intentions yet ignored him.

In every rainy season few men of the gang went to Sairo mountains to collect variant herbs. This time Rago joined with them and they had to start today. He spent sometime with the batch and listened their guidelines. After that he returned back to his house to arrange few necessities.

"Are you still angry?" he asked as she was still ignoring him. 

"But you excused me last night", he said. 

"When?" she asked curiously. 

"That time you kissed me and said I was the best man ever existed", he said with smile. She taken back of a moment but recovered. 

"I was drunk not fool", she snapped as she didn't believe his words. 

"So you remember everything", he said in bored tone. 

"Yes", she lied confidently.

"Fine", he slumped his shoulder in disappointment. 

"You better stop ignoring me", he ordered in requesting manner. 

"Better leave. Go to your mini heaven", she snapped.

"Shami", he went to her and hold her arms. "Listen"

"You can find darkest truths in shady places. Drunken man had no control on his lies that's why he spits truth. I used to go to Morj to know about Kshameri. I tried to bribe people with money or alcohol to learn any useful things."

"I had the best wine there that's why I called it mini heaven. And those bet fights included", he explained. She didn't react but he knew she believed him. 

"Why didn't you tell all this before?" she asked. 

"You never asked", he replied. She rolled her eyes.

"Come on, I said the truth. I deserve a prize", he asked pulling her close.

"I never asked the truth", she snapped back. He narrowed his eyes and she laughed out loud. 

He watched her laughing and said "I'm leaving."

"I know", she gave a sweet smile and hugged him. 

"Can I come with you?" she asked. He looked at her for a moment.

"Say it again", he asked. She knitted her brows.

"Can I come with you?" she repeated her words. He smiled brightly and hugged her tight.

"Lets get marry", he mumbled. 

"For the first time you asked like this. Whenever my mother wanted to go somewhere, she asked my father exactly like this. When I was young I didn't understand why should she take permission from my father for small things. 

Now, I understand it's anything but taking permission. May be a understanding between wife and husband."

"Lets get marry. You are already sounding like my wife", he said. 

"Shut up", she playfully slapped on his back and moved back from his hug. 

"Yes or no?" he asked firmly. 

"No for now", she answered.

"Then you are not coming with me", he said. She wanted to answer him in his manner but instead asked 'why?'

"It's not safe to travel mountains in this season. This forest is dangerous", he said tucking her hair strands behind her ear. 

"Don't teach me about this forest", she warned. 

"It's my responsibility to take care of you", he pecked her forehead. 

"I'll be waiting for you", she said with a smile. 

"If you don't want to marry me, better stop acting like my wife", he warned. She chuckled and nodded. 

"I love you", he hugged her.

"Take care", she mumbled. 

"Stop it", he yelled. 

"First you should stop relating my every word to marriage", she snapped. 

"After I return, I want to tell you one thing", he said. She nodded over his shoulder.  

************

Possessive Shami🤭🤭🤭

Drunken Shami🥰🥰🥰

Flirty Rago😎😎😎 He won't change.

'Do we met before?' 

'May be'

What you think about this? What were those thoughts nagging him?

What he wanted to tell after he return?

************

Characters:

Ziral and Iral : Twin brothers and friends of Shami

Zagi: Head of black vipers.

Ojas, Syji, Teiw: Member of Black Vipers.

Ire: Member of Black Vipers.

Anesu, Naishi, Melni: Members of Black Vipers.

****************

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