Story: ” Peril ”
(Inspired by my own dream)

Part 1

I am a photography teacher in Salford City College, Manchester.
Being a photographer I always loved travelling and capturing the beauty of nature. As the holidays began, I decided to find out the splendour of Lancashire with my brand new latest DSLR. It took me roughly an hour and some minutes to reach there. I had taken a delicious meal with a relaxing and casual atmosphere in “The Blue Mallard” then I headed for Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Far away from Preston, the most captivating thing about Lancashire was its serenity and natural beauty that compelled me to spend more time in this little town. I clicked so many photographs and met so many people. They were all so friendly and guided me to the way to Blackpool.
From its huge tower and beach to its amusement park nothing was changed and at the same time everything looked different since I last came here with my father when I was 8.
Ahh.. How time flies so quickly and guess what? you are always alone in the end.
With hands in my pocket I walked past the gigantic swings and rollercoaster ride where I could hear the screams of some adventurous blokes and beautiful young girls. I knew not one day my life will be exactly the same rollercoaster ride. I tried to remember those places where dad and I visited long long ago.
And ohh the Puppet Show.. I cannot tell you how much I liked it. It is sometimes not the places that inspire you but rather some memories linked to that place. I quickly opened my bag, took out the camera and clicked some photographs as to stare for long after returning to my apartment. The moment I turned around, a little girl came across my legs. She was about to fall down when I hold her instantly in my arms. Her name was Jane. She was a little fairy with small pointed nose and long brunette hair. She was there with her mum and daddy. I rose up introducing myself and stretching my hand to them. They introduced themself too. Off and on, Jane pestered her daddy to take her to the puppet show. I told them that their daughter is so lovely and that if they allow me to take Jane to the that show. Hesitatingly, they looked at each other and agreed.

Part 2

Oblivious to them, Jane and I did so much fun together. I told her some make-up stories as to arise her curiosity and interest about certain places. Just like the way dad did. She enjoyed my company and requested her father to stay one more day there. I stayed too, for her only. She loved being photographed and I loved being her photographer. Often she pointed some weird unattractive things to be clicked. Being a professional photographer I really admired her ability of seeing things differently unlike others.
Jane’s father Mr. Todd Speiwak was an Account Manager in Ireland and Emily was his Personal Secretary and later his second wife.
Mr. Speiwak loved her daughter so much as being the only child from his first wife who died in a car crash.
Nearly after the sunrise my cell phone beeped. It was a message from my friend who saw me there and wanted me to meet at the cafe. I excused them but when I got up Jane suddenly said, ” Can I go with you, Please?”
I told her to ask her parents first and when she did they gladly allowed her.
“But don’t go too far, Hon” her mother cried
“Don’t worry mum, I am not going to disappear like a genie” said she in the same tone.
I looked at them, Her proud daddy was smiling but his eyes were so red, May be because of his stressful job. I didn’t understand.

Part 3

My friend completed my whole trip of Lancashire by an unexpected visit surprise. And it was time for me to bade Goodbye to this little town and Jane forever.
By inserting key into the ignition lock, I left the city leaving new-born memories behind.
I almost reached my apartment when my phone rang with an unknown number

“Hello”
“Yes, Speaking?”

My mobile dropped. I lost my grip and most of all lost my conscious.
Oh my God! this must not be true. My ears must be fooling me or the damn person who phoned.

Jane D..dd.. Died? No no no no .. Oh God!!

Part 4

They say I killed Jane. Did I? Why do I kill her? and for what reason do I commit such atrocity? Would they believe me if I say, I didn’t? Would it be suffice if I tell them that i never killed an ant in my life?
I know sooner or later they are going to convince the jury to send me behind the bars. Help me Lord! I am defeated.
Living here would be dangerous for me and would put me into jeopardy so I mailed the Principal of Salford City College that I am taking one month leave due to some personal reason.
I locked the door, informed my neighbors I am leaving for Spain and also convinced them with a reasonable excuse of my departure.

But why I did? They never asked me to do. Why do they concern if I go to hell or to the prison? What was I literally doing? Making my alibi more believable that I was not there at the time of murder? But did I murder? Do I look like a murderer? Who knows! May be I am.

Last Part

The same night I gave someone a cash, came back to the apartment, told him to lock the door from outside. I handed over one of the duplicate keys and promised to give him half of the amount as soon as I get over this trouble and as soon as he opens the lock from outside when directed. This was my plan.

I was unable to afford a lawyer so I planned to prove myself innocent secretly by collecting proofs. I was miserable in my own house being careful not making a single sound so they cannot speculate my presence. My situation was more than worse. Sleep was far away from my eyes. I stayed awake so many nights for proving myself guilty. I phoned my eye-witnesses from an unregistered sim of a stranger in case of not getting caught. I used the bathroom and loo as less as possible for they may hear the water splashes and I’d get caught. I tried my best not to touch the walls and not to sit near it for they may find me and I’d get caught. At one point I started believing that I was the murderer and I should stop doing these foolish things and surrender to police. I was badly trapped. My world was getting fade. I would dream of being blind-folded and walking to the scaffold, I’d dream that my neck was fastened from rope and I am going inside the ditch with a crackling voice of my neck bones, I’d dream of horrible electric shocks and the lever being dragged by a black man, with his white teeth, smiling weirdly. I used to wake up from the immense brightness of his white teeth. I used to wake up seeing people who were pointing me out angrily in my dream. I dreamt all this in my cat-naps. I felt dejected. This won’t be an easy task defending myself to get out of the situation.

But I did. Making my every last effort of not dying in Manchester Prisons.

Finally, the day came which I feared the most.

One evening by 7:30 when I was writing some extra things in my notes, there started a constant knocking at my door and a voice of inserting something into a keyhole. With their every knock my heart skipped faster. When not answered, they started kicking the door vigorously. The door opened and one of them came near to me and said, ” You are under-arrest against the case of Jane Todd”
Hah! same typical line of recent my dreams.
They locked my hands without saying a single word. After some minutes I was in jail.

Luckily I was given a legal aid which meant I would be getting a public defender as my attorney. Things were getting smooth. I told everything to him along with the documents. He appreciated my work and assured me that I would be releasing soon for according to him I made that case quite simple without any complications.
Hearing started. I was taken to the witness box and the trial began. Both the lawyers tried hard for persuading the Judge in their favour along with some significant evidences. I was exhausted of all this unwanted drama of my life. The court was adjourned for lunch. I was back in the prison, Wishing and praying quietly if could get released. The trial started again and I was being cross-examined. Luck favoured me and the jury panel announced their verdict in my favour. I won, I did won the case. There was a big round of applause all around in the courtroom. I was happy, extremely happy. An unwelcome burden was released from my shoulders after a tiresome month. The clappings were getting fade and I saw those two sitting at the corner of a wooden bench. His wife rubbed his shoulder as to express her sympathy and support. He smiled.. but his eyes were so red, May be because of his stressful job. I didn’t understand.

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