ECHOES OF PAST

I walked over to her and forced a smile. She didn't smile, rather she bowed her head looking down at her feet. I became confused so I did same. "Who are you"? I asked. My name is Veena. I am sent to you on a mission. "And what is the mission?" I ask. She looked up at me and smiled. "My mission?" "Follow me". She says. I hesitate then follow behind, we got down the edge of the path. I stop and ask "where are you taking me?" To the one who sent me to you. She says. Follow me, she says again. Not anymore. I'll turn back already. I respond immediately with a firm tone. A click in my mind, my phone buzzes again. Follow her, you are safe. Damian had been watching from far. As if he knew my decision, he sent a text. No, I can't do this, I don't feel safe about this. I say in my mind. Another click. You have nothing to fear. It's for your good. Immediately, I see an older woman appear. It was my Aunt. Aunt, where have you been? We have searched everywhere for you. I say. My darling, it wasn't my wish. I was suddenly carried away by the wind of life by the person I trusted. Aunty Dora says. The one you trusted? And who is that? I ask angrily. Aria, be calm. Everything you need to know will be revealed to you. If you ever want to pay visits, this is where I live. How long have you been here? I ask curiously. Exactly five years today, July 7th. Aunty Dora had left home 5 years ago and never returned. Everyone took all kinds of actions towards bringing her back home but it all failed. It's exactly five years now. A click, the breeze took me away as I find myself within my family circle. Everyone looking sober and some crying. Aunt Dora left a gap no one could fill. No one knows her whereabouts. Suddenly, I see a flicker in the wind and follow the direction. I see Evans bullying aunty Dora with a matchet and a whip. She had beaten her so much that she died after struggling to survive the violence mettered towards her. I ran towards them but a force pulled me back. I saw myself before aunty Dora smiling faintly. I became angry. What? Evan murdered you this way without leaving any trace? The same man I trusted and spent ten good years with. The man I gave everything yet I got nothing but betrayal? I screamed in anger. This is a horrible way to die! I said again. Be calm Aria, this is not the time to get angry, this is the time to take action. Besides, this is Veena. Aunty Dora said looking into my eyes, she took Veena's hand and put it in mine. Whenever you need help, you will see her. You can go now. Aunty Dora said. No Aunt, I'll stay here with you. I'll live here with you. We have come together never to path again. I told aunty Dora. I felt a strange but familiar presence and Damian appeared with a curious look. The only way to bring him down is to be friends with him. He said. On no account will I befriend a man who is meant to destroy me! He killed my Aunt five years ago and he also killed me now. Take this, my daughter. She handed to me a piece of necklace with a strange looking pendant. Put it on, she said. What's this for? I asked taking the chain from her. This is a symbol of our spiritual state. Look into the pendant anytime you need help and Veena will surface. Take it. Aunty Dora said. Thank you aunty. I said and took the chain. I looked inside and trembled. I saw myself years ago in this pendant. I said. It actually can do anything for you. Dora said. So you can go now. She added. No, I'll stay here with you. You were missing for a very long time. I told her. No my daughter, you have to go now. It's getting late. Aunty Dora said. I couldn't control my movement as the wind drifted me off and next to our apartment with the chain on my neck. My heart became filled with thirst for instant revenge. I opened the apartment door and difted in. I saw Evans sitting and making a call. A click in my mind- no, she can't and will never get to know. It's you that I love. Just give me some time, I promise to drop her like shit. I read his mind- if I can get married to this girl then I'm fortunate. As for this one, I'll dispose her, she's doesn't even know her worth so she means nothing to me. He looked in my direction. I felt like shrinking into a hole in the ground. Like seriously? I am this worthless to you? Wow. Hi Aria, you're home. He smiled pretentiously. I smiled in pretence too. Thank you Evans. I walked up the stairs and undressed so I can take a shower. I looked into the pendant on my neck. I saw a particular day in the month of June two years ago. After I had left home to attend an interview, Evans came in with Emma and they both had some really good time on our bed and every other place in the sitting room. The interview didn't take long so I came back on time, Evans called me to ask about the interview and I told him I was on my way back and almost at the door. He dropped the call immediately and ran to where Emma was lying on the bed. He told her to hide in the guest room, by now I was already at the door. By the time I was entering, Emma was entering into the guest room and the door clicked lock. I shook my head to clear my mind. I remember that day, I knew we had a stranger in the house but I couldn't place it. My instinct told me. I went to the guest room and saw nobody. Emma had hid under the bed so I couldn't see her. This son of a bitch had been cheating on me for a long time and I didn't even notice? Evans came upstairs. I left the pendant hanging. I made dinner for us, come and eat some. He announced as he stepped into the room. Oh thanks, I'll join you in a moment. A click- I read his mind. I really need to quickly end this with her. She stresses me and she's so stubborn. At least, I'll leave this goddamn house (he looked around the pop ceiling) and get married to luxury and ambience. I paused and thought of what to do to him. Then a gentle wind blew and my phone buzzes - do nothing, just let him think you know nothing. I looked around me and felt a presence. I looked through the window and saw him afar of. Damian. He waved at me and disappeared into thin air. I sighed and came downstairs. Evans set the table and watched me eat. I ate slowly and watched him with ridiculous eyes. A click- I read his mind. Why is she staring at me like that? You think I still love you? I'm just doing this for old time sake so your heart won't shatter when I finally break it. Then he smiled. You like it? He asked. Oh yes, I do. I responded with a fake smile too. Why won't you like it? You've always liked anything I give you. He said in his mind. Yes I do, I have always liked anything you give me. I said. He look shocked. What is wrong with her? Did she just read my mind? No, it's not possible. It's just a coincidence. He said in his mind. I went upstairs and picked a book to read as I sat on the couch. How was he able to kill aunty Dora? I asked myself. What did she do to him to deserve such a cruel act of murder? I couldn't bring myself to look into the pendant for answers. Evans came in right after. I'm gonna see some friends tonight. It's business. Will be back soon. He said. He fled out even before I could respond. I didn't move an inch. I kept reading and got up to get a bottle of water. Damian flew in. The air aided his swift movement. I stared at him like he was a horror movie. How did you get in here? Who let you in? I asked curiously. Well, I saw him fled out so I had to quickly use the opportunity to come tell you something. He said. What? I asked. I still couldn't read his mind, I tried so hard. Silence around him but this time, it wasn't just silence but a silence of anger. Don't let him use you like he did before. Play your games but don't be fooled. He said. No I won't. It's not gonna happen cos I'm guided. A click- Damian left and I heard Evans chatting with a group of 4 men. He dropped a picture on the table. Take care of this!