Behind the stars
Tags: Microfiction, Stars, Storytelling, Short Story, Lovestory

Behind the stars

Once upon a time far away from cities there lived a girl called 'Mihu’. Brown coloured medium length hairs, fair complexion, heart ruling eyes. Although the name was cute the girl had a completely different personality traits.

She lived along with a group of people, all were allergic to humans. Their hatred towards humanity and isolation of this sort conveyed this message. Mihu was the the most recent member, about 1 year ago she joined them. Since that time everyday she brawled to fit into this habitat. Efforts turned up into success, things drastically changed from an innocent girl to a rude heartless person just in few months.

Reality - the harsh yet best teacher ever born on this planet.

To feed themselves they used to do all sorts of unethical works. Prosperity instilled courage in them, courage gave braveness in return. Money flew and power dominated. They spent it celebrating favourable outcomes also bought new arms and ammunations to make the task easier. Fear - the most significant tool to make people puppets. Most of the time fighting wasn’t even required, just showcasing weapons, strength and making them believe that they are impotent was enough. People whole heartedly surrender all their belongings.

Later they gave up these menial tasks and shifted to higher peak than before. The earlier team was now a gang, missions was assigned to them and victory demanded evilness. Mihu further dwelled into negativity since most of the time people use to approach them to secretly harm their very own relatives, disturb the life of so called friends and many such incidents.

Humans are really the most dangerous venomous species till now. Dabi and his team was just concerned about finishing the task, taking their cash and that’s it.

No, they were not cruel they simply cared about their work. Even if it demands dealing with popular personalities, kidnapping, threatening and whatever you can add to the list.

Life is tough. To sail through this journey struggling with the stroms is mandatory otherwise perish.

One day Dabi, the eldest member returned bringing along with himself someone(a boy). He was sweating as if he had faced shining bright sun for the first time, his black shirt was all wet, eyes wide awake by terror, entire body was shivering out of fear.

Friends he is our new member, tell him all the rules - Dabi ordered in a unexpectedly loud voice.

Who’s he? Another one asked staring at the newly arrived boy.

Well, I don’t know anything about him. When I was travelling to one of my friend’s house I spotted him on the road. I think this young soul can help us, we can use his energy to get what we want. Anyway I am sure he might be also wasting his time like every next person of the crowd at least I am providing him employment - Dabi in a narrating tone.

Have you kidnapped him? Questioned Mihu taking a sip of tea.

Not really I simply brought him here - responded Dabi.

Everyone started giggling while the boy was upset at his condition. After being locked up for three days Andrew was finally allowed to come out of the room. Starvation soaked the enthusiasm, taking aid of huge blue drums filled with water he somehow managed to walk.

Have this,Dabi wants you to stay alive - Mihu offered fruits in an old white plastic plate.

Let me go. I don’t want to stay here anymore Andrew requested her.

You can’t go anywhere now. Dabi has brought you up here and honestly speaking he never leaves anything until it returns him some profit. Whether you desire or not but that stupid thought of yours could only gain some sense after you bring value to the table. That simply means - be a part of few crimes, participate actively in tasks, deliver service for a period of four months then think about all that.

four months... Its a long duration - Andrew revolted.

Haven’t you heard any news about kidnappers in your entire life? Do they give a time limit to rescue? Do they answer such dumb questions like yours? You are lucky being picked by Dabi now better stop mourning and get ready to work.

Tie this band across your hand she commanded and left the spot in an annoyed mood.

God where did you brought me Andrew yelled throwing a strong punch at the nearby wall.

Upon keen observation he found that every member had the band. Having a deep sorrow in heart yet an elation in behaviour that’s how most of them appeared to him. After several failed attempts of seeking freedom Andrew at last gave up on his thought process.

Once the period of four months gets completed I will run away from here- he consoled himself.

Days were passing, Andrew somehow adjusted, he improved his physical fitness, learnt a lot about street fighting, trained himself in getting comfortable with using weapons and basics of their self made culture. But sole thing that always amazed him was the joy of the rest of the members. He was the only person who found himself caged others were at absolute peace. He certainly never imagined that even after doing so much of odd jobs their face could have contentment and satisfaction. Although he never appreciated their motto and what he was forced to do but with time he realised that those individuals weren’t as bad as he thought.

Andrew wasn’t allowed to go back unless his part is done Dabi was very strict about this. The continuous improvement that was seen in Andrew’s service did got him few praises. Dabi never harassed or imposed restrictions on anyone especially once the period of four months terminates. He was the founder of the group and not at all relied on team mates he was strong enough to stand alone. I can take help but I can never be helpless - this was something he firmly believed. He was respected by everyone including Mihu.

One year ago Mihu was badly betrayed by a very close person, the orphan child who used to live at her relatives house found it very difficult to sustain herself thus she shifted to this world. Care, pampering, love didn’t existed but peace did.

Actually the true story behind her misery was-

Mihu was deeply in love with a boy called 'Shen' at first both were perfect together later story took a twist the earlier cute relationship started degrading day by day. No longer the old vibes prevailed, ending became predictable. Shen got inclined towards another girl that resulted in frequent fights between the two. Shen never admitted he always had his own set of stories to tell but Mihu once heard him giving words to his new emotion of love to that girl. Mihu didn’t questioned him even once about everything that she witnessed.Since that incident Mihu decided to go away... Far away from the reality.

She met Dabi unknowingly, completely clueless while lamenting over sorrows. He never wanted Mihu to be the part of what he was doing but after listening to her grief he nodded in agreement. You can check yourself in few months later if you want you can leave anytime you want, Dabi told her this right on the first day itself.

Things were extremely difficult at the start, mind demanded time and effort to fit into the frame,emotional messes served like powerful barriers nevertheless little hope helped. Later day by day she finally reached the top of ladder taking slow steps and got mixed up with everyone else.

One fine day all decided to go for fishing.

Would you like to join us? Mihu asked Andrew, while he was busy fixing the old furniture.

Andrew — No, I am busy.

Mihu- well, you got me wrong. I meant to say irrespective of what is keeping you busy, come along with us.

Fine then wait for few minutes, Andrew replied with a smile.

All went to cold water and had a good time together.

Andrew - Mihu what if someone will expose Dabi to the world?

Mihu- That won’t happen, Dabi is smart enough to nominate the souls who won’t betray him.

Andrew- yes, he is quite absurd.

Mihu-He is really interesting. I wish I could watch a biopic on his life.

Andrew laughed hearing this.

Months passed —

Finally Andrew turn got over next morning he could depart back to his home, delight was expected because for this day he was waiting for a long time.But scenario was different, he didn’t gave any sign of happiness. Behaving like usual in fact he was silent, a bit sad appeared as if he was having conflicts going on in his mind.

Mihu was the one who used to stay awake until midnight sitting at a roof top looking at the sky silently for hours. While trying to calm down his restless mind Andrew spotted her sitting all alone gazing at the dark sky.

Still awake? He asked making his way to the same roof.

Yes came the reply, Mihu was shocked to see Andrew at this time it was an unexpected arrival.

Why? Andrew questioned sitting down.

May I know the reason behind this concern, She asked looking straight into his eyes.

I wish I could tell you- answered in a soft voice

Better you don’t - said Mihu

By the way, its my daily routine she added.

Andrew - I tried catching sleep but was unable to.

Mihu-Oh, I see you are excited for tomorrow’s sunrise.

Andrew-No, not at all. I will probably stay back.

Mihu-You know that’s the thing about bad deeds they are always fascinating even positive characters fall into this pit.

Andrew-There’s nothing of that sort your logics rarely hold sense. All this is not right, my ethics don’t coordinate with these task. And I don’t even want you to be a part of it. There lies an entire life ahead leave all this and live like normal humans.

Mihu-No human can ever choose solitude by choice, behind isolation prevails a painful story. You haven’t tried my shoes. I halted on this journey because destinations collapsed. What’s the matter with you?

Andrew-I don’t know maybe because destinations started to appear in my case.

Humans are really complicated beings. Goodnight if you planned to stay and goodbye if you are about to leave, Mihu said this and went to her cozy bed.

Andrew spent whole night thinking, acknowledging the arguments of heart vs mind. Staring at those twinkling stars spread all over the sky, feeling cold winds hearing low voices of nocturnal species.

Rays of the rising sun spread around attestating every minute of the sunrise. Still lying down on the same roof in the same condition, it was just the transition from night to day but vibes changed. Andrew didn’t left. He finally decided to listen to his inner voice.

He still gave preaching about goodness, continued to explain but his words no longer had any worth. It was like choosing to stay indoors and blaming the walls.

Days passed time flew,

Dabi once called Mihu and gave her details regarding the next path she was supposed to trace. I know its not easy but you can do it - Dabi gave few more words of inspiration. She was assigned the exact time to attack and only if she succeeded in returning before night ends then there are chances of survival otherwise she had to loose her life. Everyone was afraid after listening to the level of risk involved in it. Dabi said,if situation gets worse which surely will then you may kill the girl and finish the task.

Mihu didn’t wanted to kill anybody she did caused harm but ending someone’s life was never her cup of tea. However she started gearing up for work, packed up the essential commodities. She was nervous, the sadness on her face clearly reflected her negotiation.

Come here Andrew said pulling her hand he took her to the roof.

Hey, please don’t say yes for this one, Andrew requested.

Why? she asked.

Can’t you see what it demands? This is dangerous you might end up loosing your life.

Who cares?, Mihu said faking a smile.

I do, Andrew in disquiet.

Ideally you shouldn’t be, replied Mihu.

At least allow me to come along with you, he insisted.

Dabi is very much task specific haven’t you still got this in your head.-she told.

Mihu.. - Andrew in surge of anxiety.

Mihu-Andrew you know the girl is Sofia.

Andrew- Do you know her?

Mihu-Yup very well, Sofia is Shen’s wife.

Andrew-So?

Mihu-Shen was the person who pushed me into all this. His changed emotions were indigestible, things fall apart, dreams died, reality brought me here.

Andrew-Do you love him?

Mihu- I used to.. I was literally crazy for him. Earlier I used to be the exact same person that you always ask me to be. Love ruined me no longer I can place complete trust on anyone. The habit of believing, hope, innocents, all went in vain. Now even the words of most honest person of the world would seem false to me. Fakeness seems to be the only real thing. But, you know what- betrayal makes people strong.

Andrew-Did you tried to get him back?

Mihu- No

Andrew- Why Mihu?

Mihu- I don’t know, the realisation of his love for sofia broke me into pieces. I just wanted to hide myself somewhere behind the stars.

Andrew- So that’s the reason for hesitating to go?

Mihu- Killing her would result in snatching away Shen’s peace. I don’t want to harm her it will demonstrate revenge and I never wanted to take revenge. All these struggles will ultimately become a crap. Andrew, I don’t have it in me what it takes to face him again.

But.. I have to go.

Andrew stupefied and trouble of letting her go, got more complicated. It was already risky on top of that Mihu was fragmented, her shattered emotional state could cause her severe damage.

Mihu please don’t go. — Andrew in a heavy voice, he looked like a stubborn child.

Mihu- Don’t worry its just about watching the stars alone nothing else Andrew. Take care,Bye!

She went ahead to finish the task assigned. She travelled the path after years every step inched her closer to shen and sofia. The pictures that took long time to get blur was gaining back its sharpness. Memories came running towards her she didn’t wanted to destroy their happily married life. Guilt will never ever let her stay in peace she knew that very well.

Time limits were-

At 10:00 pm departure

At 11:15 pm reach

Complete the task

Leave the spot before 12:00

Mihu was treated as if she would never be seen again. Greeting, showering blessings by everyone. Andrew couldn’t accept the fact that it was the last time he was spending with her. The strength required to put together the courage of saying the final goodbye didn’t existed Andrew got back to the roof top hiding his emotions. Praying, breaking down in tears seeing at the sky sitting on the same place were he used to be with Mihu.

The young girl already suffered so much don’t end her life like this. She deserves joy, smiles, laughter, relatives, home, hope, love. Andrew pleaded god to protect her and wanted her to return.. Return anyhow.. At any cost. He knew Mihu won’t kill Sofia that is same as saying she will harm herself in the process. With every passing minute his heartbeat was increasing, worries grabbed him more as midnight arrived. Mihu was the sole reason why he didn’t returned back to his hometown. She was like a candle of hope, unknown pillar of support, toughness to survive even when he was dragged into this hell. The void her absence would create gave shiverings to Andrew. Every thought disturbed him, every memory urged him to cry more. God please don’t do this to me, he helplessly pleaded.

Suddenly sound of soft footsteps hit his hear, he immediately turned and was surprised to see Mihu standing right in front of his eyes. Andrew didn’t believed what he saw, he rubbed his tears filled eyes to make sure that it’s not an illusion.

Now stop crying! Mihu said moving ahead she sat next to him.

Are you okay? The voice of his concerns.

Yes, absolutely okay she replied adjusting strands of her hairs.

I can’t kill anyone nor do I wish to, this realisation pulled me back. I will apologise to Dabi for being incapable of doing what he said.

Andrew just stared at her without saying a word.

Mihu can’t you leave all this? He asked this question again wiping his tears.

Okay done! She said opening the knots of the band tied around her wrist. She threw it away it was unbelievable but real Andrew followed the same steps.

I have one last mission to execute, she said

Again?, he frowned.

Yup and it will last forever. Would you like to be a part of it?

Is this a question to ask- he responded, Mihu smiled.

Andrew finally had a moment of peace, heartbeat relaxed, true happiness shined through his warming smile. Mihu took a deep breath gazing at the sky, taking support of his shoulder she placed her head on it. Andrew clutched her hands and kissed her head while silently thanked god for listening to his prayers.

Both rejoiced somewhere behind the stars✨