In the vast and infinite tapestry of the universe, where galaxies shimmered like brilliant diamonds in the darkness, a beam of light appeared that surpassed anything ever seen before. With a speed faster than light itself, it traversed entire galaxies with its incredible energy, illuminating the void of space and leaving behind a trail of sparkling stardust. This beam of light seemed to possess a will of its own, moving with a grace and majesty that left spectators in awe of the stunning and breathtaking spectacle.
With an unstoppable power that was both terrifying and admirable, the beam of energy pierced through the atmosphere like a spear, illuminating the land with a luminosity that replaced that of the moon, casting an otherworldly light on the land. The clouds scattered and wept in its path, as if they knew of the destruction that was to follow. As it landed on the Earth, the ground shook beneath its impact, as though the planet itself was trembling in fear of the immense force that had arrived upon it. The landscape lay barren and charred in the aftermath of this cosmic event, as if it had been scoured by a great inferno. Smoke and ash filled the air, and the ground trembled beneath the weight of the destruction wrought by the beam of light.
Like an ancient meteor, the beam of energy caused destruction to everything in its path, unleashing an unyielding and violent blaze of light and heat that engulfed everything in sight. The world around it was set ablaze, as if the sun had descended upon the Earth and scorched everything with its blazing rays. This was a moment that would forever be inscribed in the pages of history, a testament to the raw power and grandeur of the universe, and a warning of the enormous forces that existed beyond the limits of our world. As the Earth shook and the skies burned with the heat of countless suns, the very fabric of our existence was shaken to its core, reminding us of our mortality and the humbling truth of our place in the universe.
14th Feb., 2002 -
Harsh, an ordinary young man from India, was leading a simple yet content life with his small group of friends. He had recently secured his dream job and was on his way to the Ultimate Cake Shop, a small bakery tucked away in a quiet alley. He pedaled his antique two-wheeler bike deep into the narrow alley-way, his heart thumping with anticipation. He was here to collect a special Valentine's Day cake for someone special in his life – a red velvet delight from this renowned bakery. As he entered the shop, Harsh was surprised by the unusual silence that enveloped the place. The atmosphere was still and quiet, as if time had stopped. The sales boy brought him the cake, carefully packed in a box labeled with the bakery's prestigious name tag. As he handed it over, he asked Harsh if he had come alone. Harsh couldn't help but feel suspicious about the way the sales boy had asked the question as it was way casual, but he pushed the feeling aside and headed towards the exit of the bakery. The door opened with a chiming noise, and Harsh stepped outside into the cool night air. The Waxing Crescent Moon shone faintly above, casting an ethereal glow over the surroundings.
The silence of the alley was broken only by the occasional hoot of a raven or the rustling of leaves in the wind. As he made his way down the lane, he noticed an electric pole crackling with yellow sparks and emitting a faint buzzing noise that sounded like a swarm of angry bees. The eerie sound sent shivers down his spine, and he instinctively turned away and walked ahead, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling that had taken hold of him but suddenly a black cat with bright yellow eyes leapt from the hedges in front of him. The cat let out a rough, loud scream that made Harsh jump in fright. The sound was so intense, it seemed to pierce the silence of the night. The cat was a sudden figure, almost as if it had materialized out of thin air. Harsh lost his balance and fell onto his back with a loud thud. The impact caused his chest to burst, leaving him momentarily stunned.
As he struggled to regain his composure, the cat bolted away into the night, leaving Harsh shaken and afraid. He slowly got up and, feeling scared and vulnerable, took a turn towards a dimly lit alleyway, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Harsh approached a group of rough-looking individuals, his heart began to pound heavily in his chest. The men were gathered around a towering green dumpster, drinking from green glass bottles and casting furtive glances in his direction. Harsh knew all too well that this area was notorious for gangs and criminal activity, and the news reports he'd watched only served to reinforce that fact and also he knew that he needed to get out of there, and quickly. But before he could make a move, one of the burly men stepped forward, blocking his path.
The thug sneered at him, gripping Harsh's shoulder tightly as he spoke. "You think you're smarter than us, kid? What the hell are you doing here at this hour? Shouldn't you be tucked up in bed with your mommy, sucking your thumb?"
Harsh's eyes widened in fear as he looked at the menacing thugs. He noticed a tattoo on their necks which was the same as the sales boys', This mark was one of the few ruthless scavenger guilds formed in this area. These gangsters followed the law of the jungle - "see one, kill all."
His eyes frantically scanned the surroundings, searching for an escape route, but to no avail. The thugs had pinned him cornered, surrounding his every move. He knew that he had to act according to them, or face the wrath of their fury.
The burly thug asked him to take out whatever he had with him.
Trembling with fear, Harsh reluctantly reached into his pocket and handed over all he had, which amounted to a mere two thousand rupees. He knew that it was a small price to pay for his safety. The burglar sneered in contempt, dissatisfied with the loot he acquired.
Suspicion etched on the burly thug's face, he probed Harsh, demanding to know if he had more. Harsh, too scared to speak, shook his head, indicating that he had nothing more to give.
With a menacing glare, the burly man frisked Harsh thoroughly, searching for any hidden treasure. His eyes lit up in excitement as he found the key to Harsh's bike. "This will do it," he exclaimed, and asked for its whereabouts. Another thug interjected with a smirk, "No need. We already know the place."
Harsh thought he was through all this and breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that he was finally out of danger. However, his relief was short-lived as a thug lunged towards him, attempting to snatch the cake from his hands. Despite his instinctive resistance, the thug's strength was too much for him, and the cake was snatched away with brutal force. The group of thugs huddled around the cake, cackling with cruel delight as they made disparaging remarks about its pathetic former owner. Humiliated and powerless, Harsh could feel the heat rising in his face as he listened to their mocking taunts, unable to defend himself or his belongings.
Knowing that these men were dangerous, Harsh stood there stoically, bearing the onslaught of insults and waiting for it to be over. The intense vulnerability he felt in that moment was overwhelming. He could feel the heat rising in his face as he listened to their mocking taunts, unable to defend himself or his belongings. He knew better than to argue or defend himself, for he had already suffered enough at the hands of these brutal thugs. Despite the pain and humiliation he had endured, Harsh stood tall, unwilling to give them the satisfaction of seeing him broken.
After the traumatic experience Harsh experienced. Burly thugs sneered at him, his voices thick with malice as he ordered him to leave the premises. Harsh hesitated at first, his eyes flickering between the group of thugs warily. He thought he was out of trouble, but the way they were looking at him sent shivers down his spine.
As Harsh turned to leave, he felt a sudden, sharp kick to his back that made him fall stumbling to the ground. Fear and confusion gripped him as the thug behind him laughed cruelly, his voice booming over the sound of the crowd. "No grudges, mate," he jeered. "Just brushing off the itch in my hands."
The thug's words were laced with sadistic pleasure, and his eyes glinted with malice as he continued to deliver brutal blows to Harsh's already battered body. Harsh's mind was in a state of shock, unable to comprehend the savagery. The sound of fists connecting with flesh echoed through the alley, drowning out Harsh's moans for help. It was as if he was trapped in a nightmare, unable to escape the relentless onslaught.
The Burly thug growled at the attacker to stop, warning him that Harsh was of no worth now. But the thug ignored his leader's command, and soon, other members of the gang joined in, relishing the opportunity to inflict pain on someone weaker than themselves.
Harsh was pummeled from all sides, his body twisting and contorting in agony as his nose bled profusely and his skin became covered in scars. There was no one to help him - only a crowd of onlookers who cheered on the violence and drank alcohol while they watched, their eyes glinting with a twisted sense of enjoyment. The alley became a stage for the thugs' depravity, and Harsh was the hapless victim caught in the middle.
As the beating continued, Harsh's eyes soaked in tears. He had never felt so helpless in his life. The pain was almost unbearable, and he could feel himself slipping away into unconsciousness. The world around him became a blur, the sound of the thugs' jeering laughter and the crowd's cheers fading into the background as he fought to stay conscious.
But in the end, it was too much for him to bear. Harsh cried out in agony, his body writhing in pain as he fought not to surrender to the darkness. His cries fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the cheers and laughter of the onlookers. The beating seemed to go on forever, each blow more painful than the last.
The night sky was shrouded in darkness, the only sources of light were the dimly lit street lamps that flickers intermittently. Suddenly, a brilliant beam of white light flashed across the sky, illuminating everything in its path. The thugs and Harsh were awestruck, their eyes struggling to adjust to the intense brightness. Before anyone could react, the light struck the ground with a deafening roar.
The impact sent shockwaves through the earth, obliterating everything in its radius. Flames erupted, consuming everything in their path, and the ground shook violently. The force of the blast was so potent that it reduced the bakery where Harsh had just picked up his cake to rubble. The once-proud name board, emblazoned with the prestigious title of "Ultimate Cake Shop," lay in ruins. Its letters are reduced to a flickering "Ultima" with one of the letters flashing on and off, almost as if it were trying to cling to the last remnants of life.
As the light sank into the earth, it left behind a smoking crater where everything had been obliterated. The electric pole nearby was trampled, and the entire city was plunged into darkness. Those unfortunate enough to be caught in the blast were instantly killed. Their flesh was burned beyond recognition, and their bones lay shattered and exposed. Death and destruction enveloped the area, and Harsh's lifeless body was no exception. His body gazed blankly up at the sky, consumed by the raging flames.
The inferno was a sight of indescribable horror, a nightmare made real in every sense. The dazzling beam of light had unleashed a terrible power upon the world, destroying everything in its path. The impact of the blast had split the ground, sending flames and debris flying in all directions. The once-bustling alleyway, filled with the aroma of freshly baked cakes, was now a smoldering ruin. The electric pole that had once provided light to the area now lay in splinters, its wires charred and lifeless. The blast had plunged the entire city into darkness, a void that echoed with the sound of chaos and destruction.
The remaining letters of the bakery's name board flickered on and off, almost as if they were trying to convey a message to anyone who might have been left to see them. But there was no one, only the smoldering remains of a once-beautiful city, and the echoes of the terrible power that had been unleashed upon it. The night sky was once again dark, but it was no longer silent. It was filled with the sound of destruction and ravaging clouds of dust, a world forever changed by the catastrophic event that had unfolded that fateful night.
As the chaos intensified around him, Harsh lay motionless on the ground, his body burnt and lifeless. Suddenly, a blinding white light appeared, transforming into a colossal sphere of luminescence that emanated an otherworldly aura. The energy surged through Harsh's veins, splitting into multiple channels and coursing through his limbs, causing the ground to tremble and pebbles to levitate in its wake. As the energy dissipated inside him, the air grew thick and suffocating, and Harsh fell back to the ground, his body no longer burning, but frozen in place.
But then, his fingers twitched, and a bone-cracking sound echoed through the air. Harsh's eyes began to glow with an eerie blue light, and his body cracked and contorted, making a spine-chilling sound. With an inhuman gait, he rose to his feet and walked through the flames, his body regenerating with each step he took. The thugs' bodies, scattered in his path, were no obstacle for him, as he stepped over them without hesitation, his movements imbued with a supernatural aura.
The ground shook with each of his footsteps, and the air grew thick with the smell of burning flesh and smoke. The city around him descended into darkness, with no moon in sight, and the area of his landing was destroyed, left in a state of blazing chaos. The road was closed off as the fire brigades finally arrived on the scene. As he continued his eerie walk through the destruction, the clouds above opened up, dousing the flames with a downpour of rain. The rescue team arrived soon after, searching for survivors, but the impact had claimed every last soul.
As the night crept upon the city, it brought with it a tempestuous hailstorm that mercilessly battered the windows of Harsh's apartment. But within the cozy confines of his room, a tranquil and romantic ambiance prevailed. The walls were adorned with a multitude of heart-shaped balloons, painted in shades of red and white, suspended in the air like a flock of fluttering birds, adding a touch of whimsy to the room. Soft, melodic music flowed through the air, weaving a delicate melody that perfectly complemented the romantic atmosphere.
Seated on a plush couch, a breathtakingly beautiful woman waited with bated breath for her Valentine to arrive. Her stunning red evening gown flowed elegantly down to the floor, accentuating her every curve and making her appear all the more enchanting. The vibrant hue of her gown intensified the warm and inviting air around her, casting a spell of love and romance that enveloped the entire room.
As the moment drew near, she gazed out of the window, captivated by the breathtaking sight before her. The bright white light of the falling object had completely overtaken the moon, and its dazzling spectrum was truly enchanting. The intensity of the light was so great that it was impossible for the naked eye to bear.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
As the object made impact, the sky lit up in a flash, causing the ground to tremble beneath her feet. It felt like an earthquake was happening right before her eyes. The woman quickly took cover to protect herself from any potential danger. After the event, the power went out, and an alarm blared, instructing everyone to stay where they were.
As she waited, her heart raced with anticipation, her eyes fixed intently on the door, eagerly awaiting the arrival of her love. But suddenly, without warning, the lights flickered and went out, plunging the room into an impenetrable darkness. The soft melody of the music came to an abrupt halt, leaving the room devoid of any sound except for the relentless beating of the storm outside. Fear and uncertainty gripped the woman's heart, and she wondered what could be keeping her beloved Valentine from arriving.
Despite the chaos, the woman couldn't help but be captivated by the mesmerizing sight of the falling object. Its alluring and enchanting fall was a sight she would never forget. The collision of this celestial event with the stormy night created an atmosphere of both romance and intrigue, leaving her torn between the mysteries of the heavens and the uncertainties of her own heart.
Harsh had to venture out to purchase his own Valentine's Day cake. As it turns out, Harsh had actually placed an order for the cake to be delivered to his doorstep on this special occasion. However, things didn't quite go as planned. When Harsh contacted the bakery to inquire about his order, he was informed by the delivery boy that there was a misunderstanding, and that the delivery would be delayed.
Despite the setback, Harsh was determined to make this Valentine's Day celebration a success for her. He weighed his options and eventually decided to take matters into his own hands. Though his partner urged him to stay home and wait for the delivery, Harsh couldn't bear the thought of disappointing his loved one. With this in mind, he made the decision to go out and collect the cake himself.
Next day, 15th Feb., 2002 -
The morning after the catastrophic incident, the desolate surroundings of the stadium were awash with the bright light of the rising sun. The area was an overwhelming hive of activity as emergency services vehicles of all kinds, flashing their red and blue lights, had converged haphazardly around the scene, creating an utterly chaotic and frenzied scene. News reporters from various outlets had set up their satellite transmission vans, eager to capture every detail of the mysterious event that had occurred the previous night.
The atmosphere was one of terror and unease, as officials from different departments had gathered to investigate the strange and terrifying occurrence. The police officers, forensic doctors, CID agents, and a team of scientists had assembled at the site, cordoning off the surrounding routes to keep the curious onlookers at bay. The live broadcasts of the reporters cast an eerie light over the entire area, intensifying the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Despite the growing crowds, the police worked tirelessly to ensure that no one impeded their investigation. They were determined to uncover the truth behind the strange impact and the events that led to it. The area had been transformed into an isolated island amidst the busy city, with only the sounds of the emergency vehicles and the anxious murmurs of the officials filling the air.
As the forensic officers combed through the wreckage, they made a remarkable and unexpected discovery. In the midst of the debris, they found a green oval stone amulet shining. Its unusual appearance immediately caught their attention, and they carefully packed it away for further research. Its smooth surface and intricate carvings were like nothing they had ever seen before, and it seemed to radiate a strange, almost otherworldly energy. It was as if the artifact was calling out to them, beckoning them to uncover its secrets.
Sneha, the astute leader of the investigative team tasked with unraveling the enigma of last night's cataclysmic event, stood by the police jeep with her new assistant–Sanjeev holding a marriage proposal forced by her parents, she keeps it in and looks at a picture of her little daughter settled upon her jeep.
The scientists were left flabbergasted by the apparent absence of the meteor that was believed to have caused the catastrophic disaster. Now it was up to Sneha and Sanjeev to comb through the wreckage and uncover the truth behind the unfathomable events that had transpired.
The impact of the meteor had been devastating, leaving behind a trail of utter devastation that seemed to stretch out as far as the eye could see. The destruction was so intense that even the smallest pebbles had been pulverized into nothing more than dust. The officers moved through the rubble, meticulously compiling a list of those who had lost their lives in the disaster, while the forensic doctors carefully gathered the remains.
The news of the disaster had already spread far and wide, with reports of over a hundred casualties reaching epic proportions. The entire world was reeling from the magnitude of the tragedy, and the authorities were under immense pressure to provide answers. Sneha knew that the success of their investigation hinged on their ability to decipher the clues left behind at the scene.
As they scanned the wreckage, Sneha and Sanjeev couldn't help but feel a sense of overwhelming sadness and despair. The devastation was unimaginable, and the loss of life was staggering. Yet, they knew that they had a job to do, and they were determined to do it to the best of their abilities. As seasoned investigators, they had seen their fair share of tragedy and devastation, but this was on a whole different level.
Then, the chaotic scene that unfolded before Senior Officer Sneha was one that she had seen countless times before. A sea of reporters had gathered around her, their cameras flashing and their microphones thrust forward, clamoring for any scrap of information regarding the disaster that had occurred the previous night. The weight of their insistent questions pressed her down like a physical force, but she stood tall and resolute, determined to maintain her poise and professionalism.
As she made her way through the throng of reporters, Sneha could feel their eyes boring into her, their hunger for answers palpable. She could hear their whispers, the sound of their voices a constant hum in the background.
Despite the chaos around her, Sneha remained focused, her attention laser-sharp as she fielded the barrage of questions coming at her from all directions. She had been trained to handle situations like this, to stay calm under pressure and to provide answers that were measured and precise.
The reporters were relentless, firing off one question after another with an urgency that bordered on desperation. They wanted to know what had happened the previous night, and they wanted to know it now.
"Was it a meteor that caused the incident last night?" one reporter asked, her voice tinged with eager curiosity.
Sneha shook her head, her expression grave. "Whatever happened last night was not a meteor. Intelligence has confirmed this, and further investigation will be conducted to provide a more definitive answer."
The questions kept coming, each one more urgent than the last. "Do you believe this was an invasion?" another reporter asked, the sound of apprehension in her voice.
Sneha sighed, looking slightly exasperated. "We have no evidence to suggest that at this time. It is unlikely, but we are exploring all possible angles and will update the public accordingly."
As the crowd of reporters swelled around her, Sneha fielded their questions with ease, her responses measured and precise. With each answer she gave, the reporters leaned in closer, their thirst for information seemingly unquenchable.
But then, from the back of the crowd, a single voice rose above the din, calling out a name that made Sneha's blood run cold. "Was Raj involved in this?"
For a moment, Sneha was caught off guard, her thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. She turned to face the crowd, her eyes narrowing as she considered her response. But before she could reply, the questions started up again, coming at her like a hailstorm.
Sneha could feel the weight of their insistent questions bearing down on her, but she remained resolute. She was determined to maintain her poise and professionalism, to provide answers that were measured and precise. For in the midst of chaos, she knew that her calmness was the one thing that could keep everything from spiraling out of control.
After a day filled with exhaustive investigation, Sneha and her newly appointed assistant, Sanjeev, decided to take a well-deserved break at the Monster Café. While sipping their coffee, Sanjeev found himself entranced by Sneha's timeless beauty, despite the day spent under the scorching sun, she looked gorgeous. When Sneha noticed his lingering gaze, Sanjeev quickly changed the subject and inquired, "Madam, what are your thoughts on last night's events?"
Sneha, gracefully reclining in her chair, took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding. "It's a mystery," she replied, intrigue in her eyes. "There's no evidence of a meteor strike; ruling out that possibility, and we can't say for sure it was a boson star that scientists are suggesting. It is as if something or someone deliberately caused that impact." Sanjeev was captivated by her words, and as she added, "And Sanjeev, drop the formality. Just call me Sneha," Sanjeev's eyes lit up with delight.
Despite his bewilderment over the lack of information, Sanjeev couldn't help but feel inspired by Sneha's confidence in cracking the case, no matter how challenging it might be.
"What if it's a weapon?" Sanjeev suggested, curiosity in his voice.
Sneha nodded in agreement. "That's a possibility, Sanjeev. The impact area is known for military-grade weaponry testing. But we need concrete evidence to proceed, and they leave no traces behind."
Sanjeev was intrigued. "What about seeking assistance from DRDO or ISRO to solve the case?"
Sneha smiled, admiration in her eyes. "You're thinking like a true detective, Sanjeev," Sanjeev smirked in happiness. "However, we can't rely solely on them. We have our protocols to follow, and we can't reveal all the details until we have solid evidence."
Sanjeev nodded in understanding. He knew that solving the case would require patience, perseverance, and expertise. He was eager to learn from his experienced boss and assist her in any way possible.
Despite the challenges, Sneha was determined to uncover the truth. Her career was at stake. In her mind - She was pressured by her family to choose a different path if she couldn't keep up with her work. She knew the truth was out there, waiting to be uncovered, and with her experience and expertise, she was confident they could crack the case, no matter how elusive the culprit might be.
As they continued their conversation, Sanjeev couldn't help but wonder if there was more to the case than what meets the eye. He had a hunch that they were dealing with something beyond their comprehension. "Do you think it could be an alien invasion?" he asked, his voice hushed with awe.
Madam Sneha laughed, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Don't be absurd, Sanjeev. There's only a point one percent chance of an actual alien invasion happening at that scene."
Sanjeev couldn't shake off the suspicion that they had only scratched the surface of the case. Despite Madam Sneha's skepticism about the possibility of an extraterrestrial invasion, Sanjeev couldn't resist asking, "So, you're saying there's a chance?"
Sneha smiled enigmatically, "There's always a chance, Sanjeev. But let's not indulge in conspiracy theories. Our responsibility is to uncover the truth behind this incident, and that's what we'll do."
But while both were chatting, Harsh woke up outside the walls of Monster Café, with his head pounding and his body wrapped in tattered cloth. As he sat up, he realized that he had no memory of how he ended up there. The world around him felt strange and unfamiliar.
Looking at his reflection in the café window, Harsh noticed a remarkable change in his appearance. His once brown eyes were now a piercing blue, and his body felt stronger and more muscular than before.
Despite the sharp pain in his head, Harsh attempted to piece together the events of the previous night, but his mind was blank. He decided to explore the area and headed in the opposite direction of the café.
Harsh passes by an electronics store on the way, where on a television screen reporters were discussing the incident from the previous night, where hundreds of people had lost their lives due to the impact of a boson star that was predicted by scientists. The news also covered the unexpected weather that had occurred that night. However, Harsh chose not to dwell on it and continued on his way.
Harsh found himself in a state of confusion, as he struggled to recollect his past or any knowledge about himself. He felt disoriented and wondered how he ended up in his current dilapidated state. As he tried to piece together his memories, he was overcome with fear and anxiety. His mind was filled with various voices and visions that seemed to hurt his brain, and with every passing moment, the pain became more intense.
Desperately, he clutched his head, trying to alleviate the agony, when suddenly, In that heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, Harsh found himself gazing upon a little girl with wide-eyed astonishment. A peculiar sensation washed over him as if reality itself had momentarily glitched, leaving him suspended in an unsettling liminality. A quivering gasp escaped his trembling lips, and in that bewildering instance, his tears flowed like crimson rivulets, an eerie tableau of emotion.
The surroundings underwent a perplexing transformation, as if the very fabric of the world had unraveled, and he was cast into an unknown and enigmatic delta. It was a place alien to his senses, a realm divorced from the world he had known. In this realm, Harsh traversed through a tapestry of locales, each more mysterious than the last.
Amidst the bewildering landscapes, he heard a faint, haunting voice—a woman's voice—gentle and poignant. "Don't forget about me," she implored, her words a fragile whisper in the vast expanse of the unknown.
Harsh's journey continued, and he beheld a succession of enigmatic scenes that unfolded like pages from a cryptic narrative. Castles loomed in the distance, their spires piercing the boundless skies. Vast, uncharted spaces stretched endlessly, an ocean of possibilities. A jail cell, its iron bars a stark contrast to the ethereal surroundings, briefly imprisoned his thoughts. A throne stood solitary, a symbol of forgotten authority, and a meticulously carved painting on a cavernous wall seemed to narrate an ancient tale.
His journey through this surreal realm culminated in a place suspended in the fabric of space itself. Here, a celestial body resembling a colossal eye regarded him with cosmic wisdom. It spoke, its voice reverberating through the void, "It's because of you it all started, now you will END it. Now this epic unfolds and begins the Infinity Saga." Harsh felt the weight of its words, an incalculable responsibility etched upon him.
Abruptly, he was catapulted back into the realm of reality, the jarring transition leaving his once-blue eyes emitting white fumes. A maelstrom of previously unknown emotions surged through him, like a tempest within his very soul. With newfound clarity dawning upon him, Harsh gazed skyward and whispered to the cosmos, "Who am I?" It was a question that echoed through the depths of his being.
He noticed the small girl approaching him. She was holding her mother's palm and was giggling merrily. But, as soon as Harsh laid eyes on her again, he was filled with a mixed sense of terror and joyf, and his nose began to bleed. As soon as he fell, the people around him stopped and gazed at him, wondering what was happening. The noises and visions inside his head grew worse, and he felt his eyes start to bleed, fumes still coming.
A sleek grey car careened into the vast expanse of the stadium, its engine roaring and its wheels screeching against the ground. The sound reverberated through the surrounding chaos, drawing the attention of onlookers who had gathered amidst the flurry of activity. As the car came to a sudden halt near the site of the incident, a woman emerged from within, her flowing white robe billowing in the breeze. Her entrance was striking, but her face betrayed the depth of her pain, etched with an anguished expression that reflected the tragedy that had unfolded.
Without a moment's hesitation, the woman sprinted towards the forensic booth, her heart racing with fear and despair. The scene that awaited her was nothing short of a nightmare. The forensic tent was buzzing with investigators, each one in white coats, huddled around the lifeless bodies of numerous victims that lay strewn across the ground. The air was thick with the stench of death, and the sight was enough to make even the bravest of souls shudder with fear.
As the woman drew closer, her eyes locked onto the grim tableau before her. The faces of the dead were frozen in expressions of pain and horror, their eyes vacant and lifeless. She felt a lump rise in her throat as she struggled to hold back tears, unable to comprehend the sheer magnitude of the tragedy. It was a moment of profound sadness, but also of intense clarity, for the woman knew that she had to stay strong for the sake of her love.
Despite the weight of her sorrow, she refused to look away. Instead, she knelt down beside and whispered a silent prayer. It was a moment of deep reverence and respect.
For a long while, the woman remained there, kneeling among the dead. The world around her continued to bustle with activity, but she remained still, lost in her thoughts and emotions.
Here ends the 1st chapter...