It was an evening one can not forget because the sunset was of happy colour. Crimson yellow with a clear sky to spread its soft rays upon – it was a spectacle! The Nile was flowing in front of me against the backdrop of this sunset and slight breeze blew up my dress flowing just like the river. I don’t do dresses usually but it was one of those evenings where I just couldn’t say no, because my “wing-man” Hermes had set up a date for me. But I decided to take some time off before I meet the guy so that I don’t drive him mad. So I was sitting at the banks of river Nile, crossed legs on the ground and enjoying my sunset before I realised that a man was sitting right beside me.

I turned around and was surprised (surprisingly I didn’t scream and I must say that I have a thing for screaming when I freak out) that I was so calmed down by the whole scene at the river bank that I looked at him very quietly. I just kept looking without realising that he was looking back at me. Till it hit me that I knew those eyes, he had already moved forward and was sitting on my right; his body brushing against mine. And then I was freaked out because he was the same guy who broke into my hotel room and then was at the market. But somehow I couldn’t move. He was smiling at me with a mystery in his eyes like he knew something I don’t. And then I didn’t want to move away anymore. I simply asked him, “What is it? Do you know me? Or do you want to know about me?”
He looked at me with a raised eyebrow before his lips curved up on the right side into half a smile, “You like stories, don’t you? Being an archaeologist is definitely about believing in stories weaved in the fabric of history. But let me tell you a mythical story”. My curiosity had started running wild by then so I closed in and asked him, “Is it about this place?” “Yes, you see Nile is history unto itself. This river has centuries in its folds and myths… Well they are myths only till you don’t believe in them”, he replied.
Then i saw his face clearly for the first time, I saw the contours. The skin was pale except the flush of colour in his cheeks. I couldn’t tell if it was blood or the sunset washing over his face. But I have to admit. It was an intriguingly handsome face. I felt ashamed at myself for a moment, you know. I raised another question, “So which myth you want to talk about?”
He looked at the flowing river and then took a breath gazing at the setting sun, “One of the pursuit of love to the point of death”.
I glanced a puzzled look towards him and was about to ask when he opened his lips in answer to my unasked question, “Isis and Osiris”. “Oh the legendary Isis and Osiris you mean? How Isis went searching after her husband’s dead body parts after he was treacherously murdered by his own brother Set. I know that myth.” I had stunned him by the time I finished because he had his eyes widened with much pleasure I guess. Because he broke into half a smile again before telling me that I am impressive in terms of my knowledge. “I didn’t quite expect you to be interested in mythology but well, you just made it easier for me. Or should I say you killed my chance with you.” He said with a sense of disappointment. “But that is not an impressive way to talk about legends, Miss.” He said glancing sideways. “Of course, my bad. So tell me what about them?” I apologized. “Doesn’t it bother you that someone can go looking for a person’s dead body parts? I mean why bother if that person is dead anyway? You can’t defeat death after all.” This time he seemed quizzical.
“I see you clearly missing the point. And I am not at all surprised. It is simple. Isis loved Osiris. Too hard for you to handle it seemed.” I threw a sarcastic glance at him.
A moment later his brows became knitted and he looked like he was in pain. Hesitatingly I asked him if there was something bothering him. He just looked at me and kept looking until I grew a little uneasy.
“What did you say your name is?” I asked. ” I didn’t say it yet”, he replied getting up off the floor. I got up quickly following him. “Yeah so what is you name?”
He turned around and stepped forward putting out his hand, “I am Hades”. I chuckled a bit, “Hades from the Underworld?” Looking down on his hand I gave mine into it. He grabbed my hand, pulling me closer and held me by my waist. Winking at me, he whispered close to my mouth “You shall see soon”.
And I knew something was coming.
#Persephone
#Greek #mythology #abduction #river #Nile #romance #fantasy