May Editor's Choice in Short Story

"A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP IN THE FOREST"

In the heart of the rainforest, two high-spirited friends, Chirag and Gulab, embarked on an adventure, exploring the woods' secrets...playing hide and seek, teasing and bantering as they gasped in awe at the beauty of hanging orchids in various nuances, marveled at the variegated emerald greens and listened to songbirds, watching them hop from one branch to another in century - aged trees. Chriag, now and then cautioned Gulab not to point fingers at the things she saw. But as the sun began to set, they realized they were lost. Fear crept in, yet they stood strong, holding each other's hand. As shadows fell, a gentle voice whispered through the trees. Aranyani, the goddess of the forest, had been watching them. Moved by their friendship and loyalty, she decided to test their bond.

Aranyani summoned Vayu, the god of wind, and Indra, the king of the gods, to unleash their fury upon the forest. The winds howled, and thunder boomed, tearing Chriag and Gulab apart.

As the storm subsided, Chriag's heart ached for Gulab. He searched the forest, calling out for his dear friend. But there was only silence. Meanwhile, Gulab, though injured and in tears, held on to the hope of reuniting with Chirag. Both were tired, exhausted, but they held on to their gut feelings that they would soon find each other.

Moved by their unwavering devotion, Aranyani intervened. She wanted the two friends to stay in her forest and never to part. With a gentle touch, she transformed Chriag into a majestic sandalwood tree, strong and steadfast and Gulab into a radiant rose, blooming near him, her beauty and fragrance captivating all. Bharak, the sun, impressed too, with their friendship, stretched his bright rays to reach Gulab so that her splendid color would never fade. The Sandalwood tree's calming fragrance blended harmoniously with the rose's sweet scent, creating a captivating aroma that filled the forest. The tree's presence soothed the rose's passionate heart, while the rose's fragrant beauty brought joy to the tree's gentle soul.

Today, passers-by are amazed by the sandalwood's canopy, sheltering the fragile petals of the rose. Lovers feel the unique ambience whenever they reach that part in the forest. They feel love and peace permeating in their hearts, as if they were in a holy ground. Together, the sandalwood and the rose thrive, a testament to the power of friendship and loyalty. Aranyani's blessing has brought harmony to the forest, as Chirag and Gulab's strong bond has become a legend, inspiring generations after generations.

Notation: I would like to express my respect and a word of gratitude to esteemed international poet and critic, Mr. Chandan Bhattacharya, for his influence on me in injecting mythological allusions to both prose and poetry. My tale is also dedicated to the friends who have been loyal to each other through the years.

© Fe Rosario V. Maximo Philippines