Time Traveler

When I am a Time Traveler, I'll travel back to my past into the year 2017 or maybe 2019. I made this choice coz these were the only two years in my life which I have all to myself. Away from Works, Away from Chores and Thank God, Again as single. As I live through these years, I find myself drawn to the world of Western Cinema. I've watched it all - various genres of Hollywood cinema daily, based on a timetable perhaps. But I've never breaked the bond with God, I've prayed after every morning shows and after every matinee, even though I'm convinced of my wronging that I am doing these two years. But I haven't killed one, i wasn't using alcohol or cocaine, just sitting there and watching. In that single room in the hostel, i sat down every morning till evening upto 4 or maybe 5. Just me and my laptop (who apart from my smartphone knows more about my private life, maybe more than you). What was I watching? Well, in the beginning I picked horror and thriller movies, then later on I went on to try different genres. As time progresses, I used to wish during these years, that they never end and begin again as a loop. Because it served me peace, I have money, I have my savings, life was good. Mere hopes of an introvert - as society would call people like me. Why I became like this? I don't know, actually, I don't want to know. Some of my friends caught me. They adviced. It might not work the same way as with others. You are something to them. Try to be that. During these time, call it present, my family is realising it bit by bit. But when one day, when it all come to light, I'll leave; go somewhere, make some money and travel. That's my wish - not to work with some private firm and earn something doing something which I don't like. That's why I want to be a time traveler - to be able to travel places without knowing whether it's to the past or to the future, without wanting to learn driving or take flight tickets - just to wander. Yes. That's what I always wanted. Exactly the thing I was doing with my life all these years. Spending them infront of the movie screenings and not to mind the life around. You can go to 2020 na? Just then it striked me. The time of the pandemic lockdowns. No. But I kinda loved that two years rather than 2020. They made me who I am today, to forget everything and to live in the world of cinemas and not to worry about the future which the God has already planned for you. So, yeah... why waste time, worrying about it all...let's leave our clothes and travel sometime... [Inspired from The True Accounts from the Private Lives of Hasin Hamza and The Time Traveler's Wife (2022)]

Some Copyrighted Contents

And as you get older, you start living differently. Your life begins to move in a reverse mode. You spend your Sundays in bed, wrapped in blankets, watching foreign cinema that you have never watched before instead of partying with your friends. You take out the trash every day, you change your sheets every three days. You don't always have to be the first person in line. Traffic doesn't bother you. You put your favourite songs in your car and take the long route home. It feels a little like your own personal concert. You don't need another person to go to the movies with you. You order for one in a cafe and sit beside the glass window watching the roads, people, the way winds blow, and the branches of trees. There is a certain satisfaction in knowing that you have finally learned to live all by yourself. You miss winter nights, but the ones from twenty two years ago in your hometown where your father and you lit a bonfire outside your garden and sat for hours talking about stars and planets. You remember your uni friends, and sometimes it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, and sometimes it makes you laugh in the middle of a restaurant where you are at a family dinner. When they ask you about it, you say nothing, but you make a mental note of checking up on them online. You realise that you aren't afraid of heartbreaks and rejections anymore. It's all part of life anyway. You watch a lot of horror movies till 1 AM on Friday nights when you have nothing else to do. You experiment more with yourself. You wear all the clothes that you weren't so sure about. You pick green, lavender and blue check shirts and draw that nerdy cool guy looks instead of going for something plain. You save up for the trips that you dream to take. You chat with your family over Sunday lunches, you wear more colour than just dressing in boring monochrome. You buy a lot of gadgets and think about getting an iphone. You listen to a lot of artists, and you finally find the one that you can listen to at night. You learn the things that you wanted to learn as a kid—French lessons, keyboard, horse riding, and cooking. You take care of your body and your mental health, and you learn how to say no, even when you hesitate. You invest in funds and think of buying a house, and it doesn't feel like a grown-up thing anymore. It just feels right. Or maybe you invest that money in traveling around the world. You don't overthink or hyperventilate so often because you have accepted that life has always been uncertain and that is the only certain thing about it. You think of being with someone kind and nice instead of romanticising over sad love songs. You choose your mental peace over chaos. You do not worry about your social media followers; you like the silence of a Sunday morning. You take trips on your own; you pack your picnic baskets and read books the same way you did when you were little. You leave parties early, but come home and dance to some techno song while you make pasta and sit on your balcony. You love your body more, and you accept people for who they are. You learn to cut off friends who gossip behind your back; you learn to prioritise yourself over others. There's no more waiting for the apology letters from your parents, and you're finally fine with it. You learn that you can miss people, but if they don't make a conscious effort to get you back in their life, they won't earn a place in yours. And when you feel lonely, you don't run away from yourself and your feelings. You understand that only when you have acceptance, you will let people love you in the way they can, and you will love them, too, in the way you can. You know that there are things you cannot control, so you let them be and live anyway. You take more pictures of the skies and mountains, your friends, and yourself. When you find something extremely beautiful, you absorb it with your eyes first because you know that some things are better kept in your memories than your phone gallery. When your friends ask you about your love life, you aren't so bothered because you had made a lot of mistakes when you were young, and you had hurt yourself and ruined your heart for the ones who didn't deserve you. You smile and say that you are okay, and you mean it because all your life you have sought validations from others, but this is the first time in a long time when you have begun to see yourself as someone important, too. And all the love that you were searching for elsewhere, you finally start to look for it within. When you grow up, all you ever do is leave. You leave people, situations, and places. You often wonder where home is because you always feel like a fish out of water wherever you go. You make a home for yourself in the city. You decorate it with plants, posters of a treasured sci-fi movie franchise, and souvenirs that you got from the flea market. Sometimes, it gets awfully quiet; other times, it's filled with the voices of your new favourite people. When it gets too silent, you call your Mother 1200 miles away and ask her about her day. You like to listen to her sometimes, but when she asks about yours, you gabble and say you're okay and then bid goodbye. You don't want to trouble her with your issues. It never completely feels like home because you are always missing something—your school friends, the old town roads, your Grandma's pickles, your cousins, evening drives, the smell of your room, and your family. And when you return to your hometown, you miss the comfort of living in your own place, Sunday brunches, your new friends, going on random trips, meeting strangers, and the view from your balcony. The silence that used to bother you in your new home is something that you crave when you return. You realise that this will never be over, the way that you are feeling. Maybe, you will get used to it when you get older. But right now, you are in your 30s, married and life is already hard. And no matter how much you want to feel at home, you often end up missing things you're far away from. You think that maybe the romantics are right. Maybe, you will find home in some other person, a better half. But the truth is that you will find a piece of you in every place you have ever been, in every person you have ever loved. You trim your beard the same way that senior in your school did when you were 15 years old. And there's an album in the corner of your room that your brother suggested for you to listen to, and that's how you discovered your favourite rock band. You find your habits lingering in the way your brother arranges his books—separating hardcovers from paperbacks and organising them by colour. Nobody does that, you think. You realise that cool drinks after the football games in the morning, bourbon biscuits in the evenings and little flavours of vermicelli and bread jam aren't your recipe; it's the way your Mother used to serve for you when you were ten. You notice that your best friend still plays your road trip playlist when he drives, and you wash the clothes the same way your partner taught you. You share your habit of clicking pictures of flowers by the roads with your Dad, and like your brother, you always check traffic on maps before leaving. Even if you don't talk to them anymore, you will always have tenderness in your heart for people. You will realise that so much of them is you, and so much of you is them. You realise that's why you can never feel completely at home because a part of your heart is always wandering in some other memory, in a different place that you used to call home. Your love spreads endlessly, and you realise that this is what happens when you have the joy of experiencing so many different kinds of loves and friendships. As you grow into the married life, you learn that departing isn't merely about leaving; instead, it's about carrying a piece of others with you and leaving a part of yourself behind. It transforms you into a magnificent collage, a gem woven from the threads of all those you've loved, of all those you are ever going to love. And someday, that feeling will be home enough. When it's lonely time at home or sitting by the window while travelling on a train or a bus, your mind wanders around and starts reminiscing. There, my thoughts about myself build up like self-reflection notes in a diary entry. It starts speaking out. Most days of my life feel as if I could just disappear and no one would notice, like a midnight rain. And I'm not gonna lie, I prefer that for the most part. I've never been good with people, with expressing how I feel, and with letting anyone inside the walls I built around me. But there are these moments when I wish I created deeper connections with others. Moments when I long for conversations which feel like having a glimpse of someone else's soul, or sharing a piece of myself, even if it's something as simple as a favourite song. You see, most days of my life feel as if I could just disappear and no one would notice, and I prefer that for the most part. But there are also days when I wish someone thinks of me, too, and remembers the sound of my voice or the way I laugh. It's just a comforting thought, I guess, knowing that in this beautiful world full of busy people, I existed and somehow, I mattered.

The Late Detour ( A Story Inspired from various Quibi Original TV Series )

PART 1 : PROLOGUE
Who doesn't love a good folk tale? To be honest I grow up watching horror movies. Among them it's interesting to watch if it's based on a folk tale or may be urban legends. I like them even though most of their plotlines begins with a family or may be a group of friends from town moves to a country side either for staying or for exploring to ultimately face their horrors in the end. Even though the beginnings are all the same, the presentation of it makes that flick a watchable or an exciting one. What I have in store for you isn't different from any of that.

Willmore - A town abandoned over the years due to some infection that has its wake during past three years. The Settlements there are on the verge of their decaying stage. No one over the years has cared about that town and it's people. They know of its consequences if they dare to step foot in there. Years of loneliness has made that town dark.

James and Taissa are on their vacation back in Arkansas. They had to cut shot their trip as James has an unexpected business meeting to attend to. The last minute rush was of no habit in both of their lives in the last few years. When it happened all of a sudden, their ways began to change which leads to arguments and shouting and atlast they reconciled. After refreshing themselves they packed their bags for an early checkout from the Lakeview resort. They rushed to their car. Had to catch this flight. It's already late James mumbled with the steering at hand. You'll miss it for sure if you'll keep on doing like this. Taissa argues with James. Do what Tessy ? Now..I am the one responsible? Is that what you are about to say..then say it. James crossed her. Anyways try to be on the road, careful...Taissa opens up a peaceful solution.
On reaching the Air Port after skidding their way through the heavy traffic. They came to know that the flight is late for hours. So they finalized on their journey by road. There's nothing to worry...james..I've packed all the essentials...thank god...now it has come in handy. Alright..Alright..I know you'll take care of it... after all...you are my resourceful tessie Bear. James smiles at Taissa. Taissa chuckles. Don't make me do it..dear hussy..please don't. They are both sharing their precious moments from their early marriage life. They want it to be delightful. They are trying to use the most out of it whatever chance they get.

PART 2 : THE TRAIL

The Long Journey has tired both of them. They decided to take a rest. They look into the map. The nearest town is willmore. They decided on the Willmore Motel at the The Firefly Lane. Moving along the path mentioned in the map leads them to a rusty board showing direction to the Firefly Lane. FIREFLY LANE - I am wondering how this town got this name. James said. It's complete darkness all around there is no sign of a single human being anywhere. I am afraid. We'll get lost in here and there's no service too. Taissa seems concerned. There's nothing to worry about..we'll reach the motel soon and everything will be alright. James pats at Taissa. Taissa put out a fake smile at James. They reached the motel late night. And after parking the car, the couple steps into the motel. Welcome to Willmore Motel..How can I help you.. a dark stout man in the reception counter inquired. Well..We need a room for the night. We'll checkout early morning..James said in a haste. The receptionist at the counter grabs a pair of key from the wooden board with hooks behind him. It's room 107 sir... it's just over there...Have a good night and a safe stay. The receptionist showed them a room at the corner. Feel free to call for any assistance it's 001 for the reception.. James thanked him and they both went into the room. Both were tired of the long drive and after having a brief bath of them falls into bed. When alarm blares at 5 in the morning. Taissa wakes up and try to wake up James. James slowly wakes up. How's the sleep James asks Taissa. Nothing much..but it's okay.. Come on we have to be quick before the traffic is at its peak...Taissa encourages James. James rushed into bathroom followed by Taissa and they both brushed their teeth. After a bath and when they finished getting ready , they locked the room and went into the counter. When they reached the office they were shocked to see a pool of blood there..and a trail of something leaving into the woods caught Taissa's attention.. James..James..here... look..Taissa poked at a shocked James.. WHAT? WHAT IS IT? james looked at Taissa with an angry face. After seeing what Taissa has shown him James came into his senses and spoke There's something wrong here... let's leave.. Let's have a look first...Taissa said. Look arou..? Are you out of your mind? There's something probably out loose there. I suggest we scoot. James stopped Taissa. They both went out and a have a look at the motel and surroundings. It was all covered with overgrown moss and other creepers and is surrounded by a dense forest. The path they took is the road that ends at the motel. They rushed to their car. James turn in the key. The engine sputters and fails. James acted awkward with the whole situation going out of his hands. There must be a way out for sure...Taissa consoled him. No Tessy..we are trapped in this god forbidden place.. All other rooms seems to be empty. It's Just Us here. They both sat in the steps at the motel entrance.

PART 3 : THE PATH OF THE BUTTERFLIES.

Let's walk...Taissa suggested. Wait.. let me check the car once more... James moves to the car. Damn..the tires their punchured...let me see if there's any spares left..But there is nothing at the back...which leaves James in a dilemma. You're right.. let's walk. James surrendered. They both started walking. As they walk some distance through the dusty road with both sides covered with heavy vegetation most of which where dry but the flowers..they were bloomed. Taissa noticed. After they covered some distance they stopped at a fallen tree that blocked their path forwards. Let's find some other way..Taissa said. Through were? James asked. Taissa looked at the vegetation. Really? You want us to walk through that? James exclaimed. What else idea do you have...it's already getting dark.. Taissa asks. Let's get back to the motel. James replied. Okay dear husband..lead me the way then...Taissa shrugged. They started walking back to the motel. When they reached the motel..they tried the motel office landline but of no use. It's going to be a long night...James sighed. They both went to their rooms. The next morning Taissa wakes up early and decides to take a walk. She saw some butterflies flying above the flowers which were all bloomed overnight. They are all grown in some pattern. Taissa decides to have a look. She walked towards the flowers. If I follow these patterns may be I can find something. Taissa figured. But Taissa was reluctant to do anything without James. She rushed to the motel and wakes James. James yawns as he wakes up and goes to the bathroom to finish his chores. Taissa tries to look for any eatables in the bag. May be if there's any canteen here then I can cook something. Taissa thought and went out. Taissa reached a closed door labelled entry restricted. Taissa breaked the lock and entered the room. There's amble food here. Taissa rejoiced. Taissa go up to the room to inform James. James followed Taissa to the room Taissa found. They ate at the table there. Oh! I was about to tell you...I had a roam around earlier and found flowers with full life in contrast to the remaining vegetation. I think if we follow them it could help reach out for someone to help. James looked at Taissa. Tessie how come you gained up all this courage..I have told you earlier..it isn't good. James..not now..Right now..we have to focus on how to get outside this horrid place. Alright then, let's have a stroll after this. James accepted. Taissa sighed. The couple pack their bags with enough food and water and went on to have a look. They followed the butterflies on the flowers which leads them to a hut near a waterfall. When they arrived at the hut , James knocks at the door. There was no reply at first , but when repeat the knock. An voice probably from a gas mask replied. "Leave..Leave this place..if you want to live."

PART 4 : THE MAN IN THE MASK

Can you help us get out of here? James asked. What is going on in here? What's the reason behind all this. James joined. Taissa noticed some unusual rustling from far ahead. Listen...she poked James. James looks around. Taissa grabs james. James called out Who's there? Hey, be silent. The resident of the hut opened his door and invite them in. Come get in here quickly. The couple rushed inside the hut. They are asked to stay low by the man in the hut. Distant screeching and growling followed which is growing in closer. After making sure the creature has left. The man in the hut opened his mouths. Listen, if you want to get out of here. Do as I say. There is a place called Ravenstown not far from here. If you managed to reach there, you'll be safe. But journey through will be difficult. You'll have to as quit as possible to evade the creature's attention which can sense your movement miles away. I know now you'll have lot of questions to ask me. But now it's not the time. James turned his neck to saw a man tied in the bed. Who's that. he asked. It's looks like the man we saw at the reception counter. He inquired. It indeed is him. It's my brother. He had been experiencing some mental issues lately and needs to be chained. I have been taking care of him for months now. But last night when I was out. He escaped to the motel and that's when you saw him. The man with mask explained. But..he looked all normal when we met him. Taissa expressed her doubts. See, that's his problem he used to be a receptionist and the motel was ours. But with the tragedy befalled on us after the infection brought by these creatures made him loose his senses. We occasionally go there to clean up. That night I was supposed to be there to get you settled. But when I was out at the John he took up the counter. That's when the creature attacked him. I managed to protect him the creature somehow. With these creatures roaming around how come you open the motel. James asked. Look, it's our only source of livelihood and I know to get those creatures away. It's these flowers. We call them talisps. The man in the hut showed them a bunch of flowers kept in a vase near him. The fragrance of it drive them mad. Here, take some it'll help you in your journey. Here's a map for your journey. You can leave early in the morning. You can both stay here tonight. The man in the hut showed them beds. Thank you for your generosity. Taissa thanked him. The next morning the couple after thanking the man in the hut once again begins to leave. Why are wearing these masks when we don't? Taissa asked. It's just that I am exposed to the creature's fluid , which is infectious. So I have to inhale in the gas made by boiling talisps petals in water. By the way I am Oliver and that's my brother Jack you just saw back in there. Here's the map. Oliver hands them a map. I have marked places to avoid and places that are safe to travel. Thanks a lot. James said.

The couple sets out to the wilderness as instructed by Oliver. The forest was dense, the trees gnarled and twisted, their branches clawing at the sky. They moved cautiously, clutching the talisps tightly, their hearts pounding with every snap of a twig beneath their feet.

Hours passed without incident, but the tension was unbearable. Then, as they approached a narrow ravine, they heard it — a guttural growl, low and menacing. Taissa froze, her eyes darting to the shadows. Slowly, she turned her head and saw it: a creature stalking them from the trees, its glowing red eyes fixed on them.

The creature was grotesque, its body a horrifying amalgamation of sinew and bone. Its skin glistened with a sickly green hue, and its mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth that dripped with saliva.

 “Don’t move,” James whispered, his voice barely audible. The creature crept closer, its movements deliberate and predatory. Taissa clutched the talisps, her fingers trembling. Suddenly, the creature lunged. James yanked Taissa to the ground, and the two rolled into the ravine, tumbling down the rocky slope. The creature snarled, its claws raking at the earth as it tried to follow.

At the bottom of the ravine, the couple scrambled to their feet. James pulled out a handful of talisps and crushed them in his hands, releasing their pungent fragrance into the air. The creature howled in agony, clawing at its face as it backed away.

“Run!” James shouted. The couple sprinted through the forest, their lungs burning and their legs aching. The creature's howls echoed behind them, joined by others. More were coming.

PART 5 : THE FINAL STAND

As night fell, the couple stumbled into a clearing. In the distance, they could see the faint glow of lights — Ravenstown. Relief flooded through them, but their joy was short-lived. The howls were growing louder. The creatures were closing in. 

James and Taissa spotted an abandoned cabin on the edge of the clearing. They barricaded themselves inside, piling furniture against the door. James lit a fire in the fireplace and tossed in the remaining talisps, filling the room with their protective fragrance. 

The creatures arrived moments later, their grotesque forms pressing against the windows. They clawed at the walls, their screeches piercing the night. But the talisps held them at bay, their howls turning to shrieks of pain as they tried to breach the cabin. 

Just as the couple thought the creatures would break through, the sound of gunfire erupted outside. A group of armed men from Ravenstown had arrived, driving the creatures away with fire and bullets. The couple was rescued and brought to safety, their ordeal finally over.

In Ravenstown, the couple found temporary refuge. They were offered food, medical care, and a way to return home. As they prepared to leave, James turned to Taissa, Thank God. Now that we have our lives back, what do you need.. James looks at a flushed Taissa. Hmmm...Let me think...No Detours... Before she could complete the sentence, James hugs Taissa. 

But as they boarded the vehicle that would take them back to their hometown, James noticed something strange. A small scratch on Taissa’s arm, almost unnoticeable, but tinged with a faint green hue.

 “Taissa…” he began, his voice trembling.

She turned to him, her eyes wide with confusion. “What is it?” 

James didn’t answer, his stomach sinking as the vehicle pulled away. The infection was insidious, and as Ravenstown faded into the distance, he couldn’t shake the feeling that their nightmare was far from over.

Drive - A Two Sentence Horror Stories Episode

I studied well for the exams..

"Nicole's not like that. What has happened to her? Always silent in the class. But studious, that i can say." Chloe said to Riley.

"No, I have seen her cheating in the exams before" Riley replied.

"Poor Nicole, she'll get detention." Rose in the front row added.

Nicole Davis was that nerdy girl in the class who has earned a good recognition among her friends and teachers. But now she is changed. Yes. Chloe was right. Nicole was not at all like that, when she joined the class. It all changed when she helped her friend Samantha in the exams when she constantly disturbs her from behind during the exam. But it didn't get unnoticed. Riley said it to the subject tutor when she distributed the answer sheets after valuation. The tutor questioned her and she feels humiliated. Adding to this, is the bullying she faced from the boys outside the school calling her a 'cheater'. This feeling remained in her mind for weeks and one day when saw a friend of her doing some malpractice in the exam, she thought why shouldn't she?

She began doing something like that in the coming exams. At first it went unnoticed, but when she was caught, she became a talk of the class. She gradually get used to it when this has become a common thing. She went onto bunk class and become lazy in her studies and began failing exams. Her parents where called out and she was warned. Her parents advised her and grounded her. When her parents left home she went onto write her feelings in a diary and closed it. She then tooks her life by jumping off from the balcony of her house.

I studied well for the exams..

But my results came after my death certificate was issued.

Edible - A Two Sentence Horror Stories Episode

I Washed My Hands Before Dinner

Chad - who his friends call an OCD freak has this habit of stocking up his house with enough Sanitizers and Handwash. When the government called out for a country wide lockdown, he spent most of his money on buying those products beforehand. As usual he was ready for dinner at 9:00 pm. He washed his hands, taking time with enough hand wash ensuring the foam reaches every part of his palm, fingers and wrist. After this tedious act only he'll sit facing his plates. After having dinner, he went to wash his hands towards the sink. He went on rubbing his hands putting on enough handwash liquid. After he is confirmed of its cleanliness, he turned off the tap and went on to his room. He then changed to his robes and went to bed. In the morning, he woke up to see a black pigment, like a rash, behind both his hands. He tried to wipe it off. But for no result. He consulted a dermatologist. The dermatologist prescribed him some medicines. He followed it regularly. Soon he found his palm and fingers healthy.

Chad after weeks got an invitation for a dinner party at his friend Sam's beach house. When he reached the place he has a funny feeling as if he has touched something bad. He uses sam's bathroom and began washing his hands with the handwash, he found there. When it is dinner time, sam calls over Chad to come to the table. He after making sure his hands are clean, went onto have a seat at the table and began to have his dinner. It was his favorites all lying in the table. His mind rejoiced. After having finished eating the dinner, he went to the sink to clean his hand. He turned on the tap. But he couldn't. He looked at his hands. His eyes went full circle as he realises that some of his palm and fingers are chewed off on his right hand. When turned back to his plate, then only that he realised that he has ate it with the dishes. Chad screamed his heart out when the realization stuck him when he saws the cooking oil in the kitchen cupboard which said "Edible Oil".

I Washed My Hands Before Dinner
Now I Find Them Edible To Eat.

MAGHASIN

This is MAGHASIN (like magazine of HASIN). This is where I, Hasin Melepat as i am known in the web world, unleash the creative side in me. There's poems, short stories, audio dramas which i've tried my hands at during the lockdown. Growing up, like many of the millenials like me, catching up on movie premiers on TV was my forte. I was always excited about the stories which they tell and it helps the curious child in me to open up my mind into that world - an imaginative fictional world where anything is possible. It was during the pandemic i've come across many of the tv shows (sci-fi mostly) that blowsup my mind. So i decided to write down my ideas in my smartphone and i've started getting new and unique plotlines as my writing(typing in this case) progresses. Now i have completed a dozen of my works including poetry, short stories etc.. It's my wish to pitch my ideas to a OTT platform ( that's too much to wish for you may think ;) ) or for publishing it in a book. Hope you find my works pleasing. If it is a yes or no either ways please do comment on it. HASIN