DOVE

In the village called Occult Valley, there lived a small family of Dove. The valley had amazing weather and fertile soil. The cold breeze from the hills did not allow for the temperature to exceed above 35°C in summer. In winter, the sun used to come up forcing the clouds at least for some hours keeping the day warm. People there used to harvest three times a year. Though they didn’t have enough money to buy fancy things, they had enough food to eat. The valley had many vegetation and medical plants. People there believed more in natural healing rather than synthetic medicines.


Dove was the middle child among her two sisters. Her older sister Hope was the wise one. She was going to be 20 next month. She had beautiful long black hair which she used to part on side and clutch at the back. She was a loving elder sister and a great motivator. Her parents used to concern Hope with every decision they make. Hope was the strongest pillar of the family. She wanted to be a teacher as her father. Her younger sister Daisy was 16. She was the life of the family. She used to bring laughter and happiness to the family. She was a great fan of stand-up comedy and wanted to pursue it as a career. Chris Rock was among her favorites. She used to say if only he had been born a little late, she would marry him and produce a chocolaty baby with wide eyes and never resting smile. And when others asked "what if he does not want to marry you". She replied " Why won’t he? I am beautiful and funny. He will jump and scream with excitement to marry me." Everybody used to laugh at her humor and confident attitude.


Dove was a silent girl. She used to do everything as Hope asked her to do. Her parents used to say that Dove never gave trouble while growing up. They add" we don’t even remember raising her as we do with Hope and Daisy". She was like that little painting hung in the wall whose presence is not sensed unless it is removed and leaves the empty space on the wall. The father was a school teacher and the mother was a nurse at a community hospital. They were a happy family.


Dove was a simple girl with great ambition and dreams. She loved spending time in nature. Every morning she used to walk through the village towards the hill. She used to sit there for a while and bring a flower while she returned. She used to greet everyone on the way back home with her beautiful smile. Everyone in the village loved her for her sweet gesture and kindness. Every day she used to change the flowers at the dining with those she brought from the hills. One morning as usual she went to the hill. She saw a boy sitting there at her spot. She did not go near to him because he was a stranger. She had never seen him before in the village. She returned home without spending time on the hill. The next day was the same. She got a little frustrated this time and wanted to tell him that it was her place. She returned home unhappy. The other day she decided that she would talk to the boy and ask him to come later while she would have spent her time. She reached the hill, saw the boy and walked toward him. "Hello my name is Dove" she said. The boy looked at her and said" Hello Dove I am Abigor". He was a beautiful boy. He had golden hair, deep black eyes and the fine jawline. His lips were pink as a little girl. His skin was flawless as of the girls on makeup commercials. Dove stared at him while he was saying his name. She did not hear anything he said. Stammering a bit Dove said," I come here every day at this time since I was a child. So, I kindly request you to come later after I am gone." The boy smiled and replied, " Why should I come later can’t we sit here together without interrupting each other?"

"But It will not be the same as staying alone. I want this time all by myself." This time her voice got a little louder.

"Hey don’t get angry. It’s your place and your time whatever you want. I won’t be here from tomorrow. But since we both are here today let’s enjoy the view together. Will you?"

She thought for a few seconds and sat down on the grass facing toward the sunrise near Abigor.


The environment was peaceful. The view in front of them was soulful. The orange ball rising slowly behind the hill, birds waking up and talking from the trees, sprinkle of the dew on the grass, the smell of the wild roses bought by the wind, everything was heavenly at that moment. Dove sensed the same comfort as she used to feel being alone there. She felt as if Abigor was not a random boy but part of nature that perfectly blended into the scenario. As if he was meant to be there for that perfect morning view.


Dove stood up after a while and started to walk. Abigor smiled and said, “It was nice meeting you Dove”. Dove didn’t turn back or said anything, took the flower as usual and kept on walking. One the way she was smiling thinking about the incident back at the hill. She had the perfect picture of the boy in her head. She was thinking about the smile that made her out of focus, the voice that made her stammer and the presence that made her comfortable. She reached home thinking about him. She changed the flower at the dining table and went to her room. Daisy was still sleeping. Dove pat her butt and woke her up. Daisy sat on the bed with her eyes closed and thick hair all over the face and murmured, “you are not allowed to touch my butt girl.” Laughing at Daisy’s expression she replied,” And you are not allowed to sleep till now girl.” Those two girls were like this all the time. They used to have a never-ending argument and the other three family members had to vote to stop them. Most of the time the vote would be favored on Daisy’s side as she was the youngest one.


The next morning Dove went to the hill. Abigor wasn't there. She embraces the nature sitting there as always. While returning back Abigor was there on the way towards the hill. He smiled at her and greeted her good morning. Dove replied back the same.

"I hope you enjoyed your time today," he said.

"Yes I did. I hope you will too" Dove replied and was about to walk. Just then he added,"Maybe we should sit together once in a week. What do you say ?"

Within a millisecond Dove said, "sure".

"Great. I hope we meet again tomorrow" he said.

Dove started walking quickly. She was surprised by her behaviour." Why did I say sure? What was that excitement? Did he notice my behavior? " Questioning to herself and feeling embarrassed she returned home. Hope was getting ready for her interview at school. Her parents were trying to calm her down." You are a great teacher, sweety. Don't be nervous. They will like you I am sure."said the father. Dove added, " Yes Hope, it is just because of you Daisy and I are having fun with study too. You are the coolest and best teacher." They all three cheer her up.


A week passed just the same. Hope got the job at the school. Dove and Abigor crossed each other everyday. And everyday Abigor used to greet her with his beautiful smile. The day came when Abigor was waiting for Dove at the hill. Dove sat next to him. After a few minutes Dove asked about him and said she had never seen him before at the village.”Actually my home is here in the village.I live alone and travel a lot. That is why we had not crossed our path before.”he replied. He asked about Dove too. They talked about each other as long as they stayed there. Abigor had some unnatural powers to attract people and provide comfort.

The quiet and shy Dove was actually sharing many personal information with a strange boy. Before they left Dove said,” You can come at my time too if you wish.” Abigor smiled and replied,” So Miss Dove wishes to spend her alone time with me now.” They laughed and returned from there. Abigor gave her a walk on the way back home. They kept on talking and laughing. Soon they reached Dove’s home. Dove invited him for tea. Abigor accepted the invitation and they went inside the home. Hope was sitting at the dining with a book in her hands. The mother was preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Hearing Dove’s voice Hope turned towards her. “Hope, meet my friend Abigor” Dove said. Before Hope could say anything Abigor said,” Actually we had already met.”


"Hey Abigor what a pleasant surprise." said Hope with a surprised voice.Dove was looking at them with a confusing face.

“Dove, remember the day I had an interview at school. I was so nervous on my way.” Interrupting Hope in the middle Abigor said,” I was walking behind Hope.She was talking to herself in a very funny way.”

“I was preparing for my interview.” she said with a little laughter.

“He helped me to calm down.Thank you for that day Abigor. I got the job.”

“Congratulations to you. Happy to help always.”

Hope asked how they two met.Mother brought tea for everyone. She thanked him for his kindness. Listening to the conversation at the dining Daisy woke up. Walking towards the kitchen Daisy said, “ Who is this handsome man in front of me?” “ Daisy this is Abigor.”

“And you are the most beautiful and funny girl, Daisy.”,said Abigor.

“God ! I am already famous. Thank you and nice to meet you Abigor.”

“Like I said she is a drama queen” Dove said.

It was like a little tea party that day.


Abigor and Dove used to spend every morning together at the hill. He used to join the family for breakfast sometimes. He helped the mother at the kitchen. He also used to go to the theater with Daisy. Abigor also used to accompany Hope on the way to school sometimes. Hope couldn't resist his charm either. Both Hope and Dove had started to fall for him.


Abigor had started to hold Dove’s hand every time they sat on the hill. One morning he greeted her with a kiss on her lips. She was stunted but happy. They used to lie back on the hill for hours sometimes. They were getting closer every day.


Hope wasn't aware about Abigor and Dove. Dove never said anything and Hope didn't ask too. One evening Abigor met Hope on the way returning from school. They talked while walking to the home. Abigor could turn into a responsible and serious Hope to fun loving person. As they reached home he hugged her to say goodbye. As Abigor was removing his arms from her, Hope kissed him. Abigor looked at her with surprise but said nothing. He said goodbye and left. Hope had a mixed feeling about the kiss. She was nervous as well as excited. She was happy as well as afraid.

Dove was at the front door and saw everything. She didn't know how to react. She did not know who to talk to. Both the sisters could not sleep that night thinking about the kiss.

The next morning Dove met Abigor at the hill. She asked him about Hope. He explained the situation and said,"I did not know what to say. So I left without saying anything. I was about to talk to you about it. Dove , I think it's not much of a deal. She might have wanted that kiss. It may have made her happy. Just forget about that. The important thing is you make me happy and alive."

Dove smiled listening to him. He pulled her close and kissed her.

" I want to take you home tomorrow. Will you come with me?", he said before they left that day.

"I would love to," Dove replied.

The next day Abigor took her to his home. He had a big house in the middle of the marketplace. The house did not look much from the outside but inside it was antique. When the door was locked and the shades were down,it completely felt different. It was not like some house in between the crowded market, rather the house was peaceful. It had a big hall where the walls were full of paintings and portraits.

“Most of these paintings look very old. Are these from your parents?”, Dove questioned.

“Yes most of them are. Some are my own work”, Abigor replied.

"Really! I always wanted to be a painter. I had made some but these are extraordinary. Is this the one you painted?" Dove asked, pointing at one of the paintings.

"Yes." he replied.

The painting was of a girl from back facing sideways. Her hair was short upto the shoulder. The look in her eyes was the most attractive part of the painting. It looked as if she was looking at something and it did not let her go.

"Look carefully, the devil is on the details. Do you like it?",said Abigor.

"Of course, I love it", she replied.

"I would love to paint you if you are okay."

" Do you mean now?"

"Yes. If you have got time."

He made her sit on the chair on the side of a hall. Abigor started to paint her. The same look as that of the girl on the painting started to reflect on Dove's eyes. Abigor paused after a while and walked towards her. He pushed the chair up to the wall. Dove was surprised by him but before she could say anything he parted her legs and sat on the chair. He lifted her up and placed her on his lap. Dove got the idea now and she wasn't going to stop him either. His one hand on her back and the other in her hair. He kissed her slowly, pacing the speed. Dove hands were getting tighter around him every moment. Dove was blushing looking at his eyes. He asked, “ Are you happy my Dove?”

Dove kissed him and answered, “ Very much.” Avigor completed the painting after a few moments. It was perfect.

Abigor walked her to her home. He kissed her and left. Dove went inside with a big smile on her face. She was physically tired but her spirit was at the peak. She lies down on the bed. Smiling and rolling around the bed, she reminisced every second of their time together.

Days passed by. Abigor and Dove used to spend most of the time together. Dove also told the family about their relationship. Hope was surprised but later she was happy for her sister. Dove used to feel confident and safe around Abigor. She even had some sort of sexual tension felt with Abigor. He used to love that and made her want him even more. Everything was going good as a fairy tale.

The time came when Abigor had to go to town for business affairs. His family owned a textile factory and after their death it was handed over to him. They used to write letters to each other. Dove was waiting for him to come back.

One day while Dove was on the market she saw the same girl as in the painting. She was surprised and curious. She went up to her and said hello. The girl asked if she knew her.

“No we haven't met earlier but I have seen your painting.” said Dove

“Painting!! I am sorry I am not following.” the girl replied.

“Actually I saw your painting on Abigor’s house.” Dove made it clear this time.

“Abigor! Oh that charming boy. Does he still have that painting? We dated for a little while. He had made it then. But how do you know him?” asked the girl.

“We are dating.”

“Oh..! You are a beautiful girl. Lucky him !! He can attract everybody with that eyes. I know you had too felt that drive near him.” she completed her say with little laughter. The girl told her that she does modeling. She said that she met Abigor during the photo shoot for his factory’s clothesline. They greeted each other good day before they went off. But the girl’s word hit Dove. She remembered his unnatural charm. The charm that no one could resist. She remembered that Hope was too attracted towards him. After a few days Abigor returned from town. Dove wasn't the same. She used to doubt every moment if it was love or something else. Weeks passed and Dove was about to forget her doubt. She never felt those emotions unreal. She used to say to herself how stupid enough she was to have those thoughts. One day she visited Abigor at his home. They started to get intimate as always. At the time when she was on top of him, she was screaming out loud. She scratched his back with her nail so hard that he started to bleed. She bite his lips while kissing. She pushed him on the bed and put her hand on the neck. She started to choke him a little. She wasn't herself and acted rough and animalistic. As she saw some blood in her hand, she panicked and realised what she had done. The tears started to roll down from her eyes. She immediately put her clothes on, ran towards the door crying and saying sorry. She was afraid and confused about what had happened. She concluded by herself that Abigor enchanted some dark magic on her. She was convinced that he was evil. She reached home thinking all of these. She was restless. She picked a pen and notebook from the table and started to write.

When the devil walks to you,he doesn't look nasty and scary. Rather he comes with a beautiful face, irresistible charm and seductive smile. He makes you feel calm and happy. He offers you comfort and luxury. He makes you believe every lie he has to offer and the lies you tell to yourself. He controls your emotions and desires. He will not be the one you picture him to be nor the one people have portrayed. Soon enough you fall for him and he becomes the inseparable part of you. You will be blinded by his charm and do not realise he is a devil himself.

She stopped just there. Her eyes were filled with tears. She closed the notebook and rolled on the bed. The next day she didn't go to the hill. Abigor even came to see her but she sent him away. Everyone one the family was concerned about her but she told nothing to anybody. She tried to act as nothing had happened. She was changed. She used to be silent mostly. She kept herself busy and focused on studies and household works. Two weeks had passed this way when Abigor handed a letter to Hope for Dove. Hope gave the letter to Dove. Staring at the letter for a few minutes taking a long breath she opened it.



Dear Dove,

I don't know how to start this letter. Should I ask how you are or say sorry for how you are feeling. I think I should start with a confession first.

I saw the terror in your eyes toward me that day. I know that you think I am an evil person and you are right too but partly. Before I was born my parents were devoted to dark power. They used to worship satan. They wanted me to be born with special dark power. My birth was keenly organised with a perfect timing and evil spell. My mother could not handle the pain and died soon after my birth. Next year my father died too. The group of devotees used to come to take me to their sacred place. That was when I knew all of these. I didn't like that. I used to be scared by the prayers. I didn't want any of that. I started to resist it as I grew up. I cutoff the group. But there was always something rare in me. People used to be attracted to me. They found comfort in my presence. They used to hypnotize and reveal their deepest darkest desire. Yes I have been with many women. Not only women but men too. If I wanted I could have used my charm in a harmful way. Everybody used to tell me that they have started to feel good about themselves. I was able to heal them somehow. That made me feel good because I was able to use my dark reality for something good.

Dove, I struggle between good and evil everyday. I was born evil but do not choose to live evil. I tell this to myself everyday if negative thoughts try to supress me. That day I haven't enchanted any dark spell on you. That day you were able to release your dark side. It's true that it happened because of me but it was you Dove no one else. I am not trying to scare you. But it is the truth and it's not a bad thing. You faced your dark side and chose to reject it. I want you to realise that you were always able to win over negativity in your life. I want you to know that you are in control. Don't let that one incident question your strength.I think every human being is born with some darkness. But it's up to us how we want to live.I think you and I are similar in that way.

I wanted to say many things to you looking at your eyes. I want you to know how much I love you. What you are to me. As I said I have been with many men and women but never felt this way before. You are only the one who has made my heartache while you left. I am so sorry for not saying this before. I was scared that you might leave me. I love your presence. I want to be with you. I hope you will forgive me. I will be always waiting for you at the hill.

Yours Abigor.



Dove eyes were filled with tears. Her thoughts were very random at the moment. She was having a mixed feeling about the letter. She was happy for the confession but scared too. She realised after a few minutes that she had two choices. First, forget everything about him and move on. Second, accept the reality and decide accordingly what she wants next. She was thinking each and every word of the letter for the whole day. She was also playing back every memory she had with Abigor. In the morning she went to the hill. She sat next to Abigor. He was about to speak but she stopped him. She didn't speak either and sat quietly. Everything was as it used to be but she noticed something more that day. She noticed how the sun rises up beneath the hill through the heavy clouds. She noticed the smell and beauty of wild roses winning over the thorn. She also realised the dew on the grass was the result of the dense fog at night. Today she was able to see everything with a different perspective but still the goodness in nature was the same. She took a long breath and smiled staring at the view. At that moment she chose reality.