“The weather is awesome today! And this is a nice café,” exclaimed my friend Ayesha. We were both happy to finally get a chance to hang out together, as we hadn’t met since our college farewell.

“So is its cappuccino,” I added.

We sat peacefully and enjoyed the perfect weather. Cirrocumulus clouds were floating in the sky, creating animal-like figures. The crisp breeze took the weather to the next level. It was all beautiful and serene. We chatted for quite a while, catching up on all the gossip. And then, it was time to leave for home.

“It was nice to be with you after such a long time,” said Ayesha, while picking up her bag. Out of nowhere, rain began to pour, accompanied by thunder and howling wind. It was so intense that we were unable to see anything clearly, so we carefully walked on the side of the road.

“This way, Sadia,” Ayesha said, firmly holding my hand.

Dust, wind and rainwater blurred my vision. It all began so suddenly that the only thing I could think of was to go with her, as she had told me her home was not far.

“My home is across the street. Stay at my place until this frightening storm is over,” Ayesha said.

I agreed. As we took a few more careful steps, trying to grasp the situation, we suddenly found ourselves in a dark and deep forest, with tall trees, lush grass and thick plants all around.

“How did we come here? We were near your home, right? Is your house somewhere here, or did we just lose our path amid the heavy wind?” I asked, turning my face towards Ayesha — but she wasn’t there.

“Ayesha? Where are you?” I called out loudly. The rain had stopped by now.

I looked around to find her, but the moment I saw her bag lying on the ground, a chill ran through me. I froze. It was a silent sign that something terrible had happened to her. I was horrified, unable to believe what was unfolding before me. I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense of the world around me, hoping it was all just a bad dream.

“How could all this happen? Beautiful weather turned into monstrous wind and rain, then we arrived in this forest and now I’ve lost my friend,” I wondered, terrified and teary-eyed at the thought of being alone in such a place.

As I picked up her bag, all kinds of terrible scenarios and bewildering thoughts hit my head hard. Just then, I heard a scream. I looked around, hoping I would see Ayesha. Maybe she was nearby and needed my help, I thought.

I mustered up some courage and started walking in the direction of the cries. I wandered around for a long time, but she was nowhere to be found. My hands and feet got severely injured by spiky branches, but I didn’t lose hope. I kept looking for her — but it felt like my efforts were in vain. I couldn’t find even a clue. It was like a wild goose chase.

“Ayesha!” I screamed loudly.

Shockingly, I heard the eerie howling of wolves in response, “Awooo…”

Terror gripped me. I could hear my heart thumping in fear. Just then, my foot got stuck in a patch of thorny bushes and I fell to the ground. I looked around and, to my surprise, a huge enchanting castle stood before me.

“Here you are,” someone said.

The voice sounded familiar, but before I could recognise it, I saw Ayesha. She stared at me peculiarly and then helped me to my feet. I asked her about her sudden disappearance, but she smiled weirdly and walked on. It was unlike her, but given the strange and terrifying situation, I refrained from questioning her further.

“Let me take you to my home,” she said.

I didn’t know what to say, so I got up and followed her. To my astonishment, she stopped in front of a moon-shaped wooden door at the entrance of a castle.

“How could this be your home?” I asked. She smiled. Without saying a word, she firmly took my hand and led me inside.

The moment I stepped in, I was mesmerised. The walls sparkled with glimmering stones, casting a soft glow across the room. Elegant statues of birds, carved from precious gems, rested gracefully on a polished console table.

And there, in the corner of the room, I saw Ayesha tied up with a rope — a giant snake hissing menacingly in front of her. Terrified, I turned to the one who had brought me here.

Suddenly, a loud, thunderous laugh echoed through the hall. It was a witch. She had disguised herself as Ayesha all along. I screamed in fear and tried to run, but it felt like my feet were chained to enormous weights I couldn’t escape from.

I shouted… and then, thud! I fell.

Through the haze, I heard a familiar voice muttering, “Oh come on, Sadia! When will you stop watching these witches and magic movies? Always shouting and falling off the bed, now grow up!”

Ahh! Who wouldn’t love to hear their mum scolding them right when a witch was about to kill them!

Published in Dawn, Young World, Aug 2nd, 2025