Illusionary Reality

 

It was an accident that changed my life; I started seeing the whole truth instead of believing the illusion I was living in.

It was a foggy day Vishrav, the kids and I were on our way to a resort in Manali. The highway drive was pretty comfortable, and Vishrav made it to Kiratpur ahead of our schedule. Here is where we hit the congestion and slowed down. The kids were becoming restless, I started this game of Antyakshari to cheer them up.

Soon, all of us were singing, the traffic also cleared when Vishrav hit the accelerator again. Out of nowhere, a truck came towards us at a frightening speed, there was no time to lose; even if Vishrav hit the brakes, we would have come under the truck. He swerved the car, we hit the road boundary and our car toppled into a lake. The impact of hitting the boundary was too much for me, and the kids. Kids and I had not fastened our seat belts, and as a result, we sustained grave injuries. When all was pain, and I was closing my eyes, I could see few forms hovering over our car. Then one of them penetrated the car and went near my kids.

I opened my eyes and found myself in a hospital. Some kind souls were benevolent enough to admit us to a hospital. As I searched for some known face, I could see many new faces staring right at me with bewildered eyes. Finally, the one I was searching for came running towards me.

Vishrav was in bandages and was limping across to reach me. He leapt the remaining distance and caught my hand and called me,

“Mithila, I am so glad you are fine,” he cried out and started kissing my hands.

Suddenly, I could see the creature that was hovering in our car, in him. It was only for an instant I saw it, and it vanished. Vishrav’s touch also seemed strange to me, very unlike Vishrav.

I wanted to talk but couldn’t, I struggled to get some words out of me, but all I did was throw his hands away from me as his touch was disgusting to me.

Vishrav was stunned at my behaviour but said to me,

“It’s ok now we are all safe. You will be fine too. You were in a coma for a week due to a head injury. Everything will be alright now; kids will be so happy to see you fight death and come back home,” he added.

All his words seemed like an act to me. Like the creature was controlling his mind, Vishrav was never the one to speak so much. Even when in trauma, all he would manage was a smile and a reassuring hug.

Tired of the thoughts and the creature becoming visible in Vishrav, I closed my eyes for want of some peace and calm and instantly, I felt everybody vanish out of sight.

Vishrav would visit me every day and talk to me, making me more miserable and sceptical, if it was indeed Vishrav or someone alien. Today he spoke about bringing the kids in the evening. I found my voice for the first time.

“How are the kids? Why didn’t you bring them earlier?” I asked.

“You were so fragile; I didn’t want the kids to see your weaker side. They have always seen you as a pillar of strength and courage. I didn’t want to tarnish this image in their mind. The doctor said, you may get discharged in two or three days, and we can go back home,” he said; I saw the strange creature in his face again only for a fleeting second.

****

I went home, but the home did not resemble anything I had in my memories. The children came running and hugged me. Their touch should have spilt the love I was holding all this while, but the same revolting feeling filled me. I tried hard not to push my children away.

I went to the bedroom and requested Vishrav not to disturb me.

“Yes, the doctor mentioned that you need more sleep and rest for few more weeks. Kantha, children and I will manage; you take rest,” he said and left me alone.

Once alone, I looked around the room, trying hard to recall any memories I made here with Vishrav and the children. None came to my mind.

It all seemed like I am living in a strange place that resembled my home at the outset. The children were eager to talk with me, hug me and hear stories from me.

It took me all my willpower to fight the gag. I tried smiling but could only see the creatures jeering from the innocent faces of the children. I could not suppress it any longer. I ran into the washroom and spewed all the contents I had eaten a few minutes ago. Vishrav came running and held me; his touch made me repulse. I rushed into the washroom and relieved my nausea.

When I returned Vishrav, and the kids were gone. I was all alone and depressed, missing the happy times I shared with my lovely Vishrav and children, who got replaced by some creatures I saw the day the accident occurred. How I wish I could join my loved ones. I always wondered why the aliens did not take me also along with my family.

****

In another room, Vishrav is talking to his mother.

“No ma, she will be fine; she has trauma now. Head injury may have given her some problem. It is like she remembers us but doesn’t relate to us. She misses us and yet gets disgusted seeing us. I think she needs counselling, but first, she should become physically fit, then I will take her to a specialist,” he was talking at length.

So, what do you think happened to Mithila? Does she have a problem or a condition, or have aliens abducted her family? Give your views in the comments.