One Sunset at a Time

by Sunita Raina

3rd year, University

 Iffat walked towards the window and threw open the silk curtain. It was almost time.

She looked at the maid and gave her a small nod. Instantly, melodious flute notes filled the tower top, vibrating through the walls of the stone-cold castle.

Iffat waited next to the open window.

A soft golden glow slowly travelled up and hit the whitewashed walls behind her. Soon after, a myriad of colours engulfed the room; scarlet red, violet and amber, reflecting in her eyes.

Iffat slowly began swaying with the music, her eyes closed. The flute kept increasing the tempo, and she twirled, keeping pace with its rhythm, until colours and music burst into a symphony so powerful the paintings in her room teared up.

The sunset reached its full glory; crimson red with honey splashes and bronze streaks painting the cold walls, while Iffat’s movements flowed smoothly, her long shadows cast against the room. The gold ornaments clinked out of tune, a heavy reminder of her duties towards the People.

She looked ethereal, a fragile fairy skipping into a cloud of sparkles.

A tear escaped the maid’s eyes. She loved Iffat dearly; having watched her grow under strict castle rules, she knew these few minutes of joy were precious to the young girl. But these stolen moments were also coming to an end.

The room turned dark. Blues and purples replaced the brighter colours, blurring the contours the dancing girl. As the music slowed down, Iffat swirled one last time, and dropped onto the soft carpet.

She laid there, panting, a smile playing on her lips.

She knew what would come next.

A light tap sounded at the door.

“Princess Iffat, the Queen requested for you to get dressed. Prince Khalil will arrive soon”, says a timid voice.

Iffat sighs and turns towards the now dark sky. ‘Goodbye’, she thinks achingly.

“Inform the Queen I shall join them shortly”, she says and gets up, removing her maiden clothes, and changing into the bride’s gown.

 

 

 

-Sunita Raina