Destiny

“Thank you so much.” I sighed in relief. My savior, cladded in a not-so-shiny black hoodie, returned my phone—that had flew out of my hand when those thugs were running after me.  He gave me a nod then turned around.

“Wait! Can you give me your number? I wish to repay your kindness someday.” I sought after him but he shook his head and started slipping away into the darkness of the alleyway. “At least tell me your name!” I called after as he ran faster into the approaching darkness. “Wait!” I shouted as I ran after him but it was futile, no matter how hard I tried, he was always out of my reach.

I was brought back from my slumber to the continuous ringing of my phone. Another dream. The same beginning, the same ending with just a few things differing each time.  I glanced out the window from my study table at the corner of my room. The sun had started taking the shade of orange, casting the city in the hues of approaching evening. I sighed and picked up the phone.

“Hi Ma.”

“How are you darling? Have you eaten yet?” My mother’s voice filled the silent room with warmth.

I checked the time and shook my head as if she could see me through the phone. “I still have a few hours till dinner.”

“I see. Don’t forget your meals.”

“I won’t Ma. Look after yourself. I will call you later.” With a few more parting words we said our goodbyes, and I hung up the phone resting my head on cool surface of the table.

My stomach’s grumbling led me to the fridge, hoping for at least something edible. But all it offered was a lonely block of butter. Not exactly a five-star meal. I checked my phone, and scrolled through app after app— butno luck. Either they weren’t delivering or it’d take an eternity, well, two hours, which felt like forever when your stomach is trying to eat itself.

I stepped into the street, the city still in it's slumber of lazy afternoon, the hustle and bustle yet to start. I took in a deep breath and started walking through the quiet streets of Bucharest. Three days it had been since I set foot in this city, and it had welcomed me with an entourage of thugs to scare the life out of me. And just so I wouldn't complain, it also sent a man to save me from it all, but he ran away before I could even ask his name. And ever since he has haunted my dreams like a recurring character in a soap opera. Bucharest, you sure know how to throw a welcome party.

"Have a good night," the cashier bid me farewell in his charmingly broken English. I flashed a smile and nodded my thanks, uttering a feeble "Mulțumesc" - one of the few Romanian words I'd managed to pick up.

Exiting the store, I made a quick pit stop at the bakery, snagging a crusty Franzela loaf and a few other baked goodies. And just as I was walking out of the store, a loud crashing sound filled the relatively quiet street. In an instant people were running towards the source of the sound. Me? Well, crowds aren't really my jam, so I was ready to peace out. But just as I turned to bail, a swift movement caught my eye—a figure dashing toward the commotion. It was him! I spotted Mr. Mysterious-from-that-night hightailing it toward the chaos.

Without hesitation, I followed his fleeting figure into the gathering crowd. A car had pulled a number on a traffic light pole, shattering glass and causing a bit of a scene. The driver was trapped inside, and a few people were trying to pry the door open, but it didn’t seem to budge.

Then, my knight in not-so-shining armor rushed to them, helping them yank open the door and getting out the injured driver. I tried to see his face from above the shoulders of the tall spectators in front of me. In countries like this where all the people are tall as a tree, and me being as vertically challenged catching a glimpse was a challenge in itself. I fought my way to the front row, silently pleading for a clear view. But he had his back turned to me. I prayed with all my heart for him to turn around and my prayers were quickly answered. And there he was, slowly turning around, his face inching into sight—the sharp nose, the piercing hazel eyes. But just as I was about to send a 'thank you' mental postcard, paramedics barged in, bulldozing me aside like I was invisible. By the time I regained my footing and refocused, the man of my dreams had vanished into the scattering crowd. I stood there, feeling like I had just missed the grand finale of a show I didn't even know I was watching. The guy keeps on disappearing quicker than a ninja in a fog bank!

 

My mind went into overdrive, attempting a mental scan of the area, hoping against hope for a miraculous sighting. Reality check: I'm not exactly the world’s greatest detective, and this was no game of 'Spot the Hero' in a sea of onlookers.

“Great,” I muttered under my breath, trying to play it cool even though in reality I was going crazy!

“Another day in the life of almost getting a ‘thank you’ out to a stranger.” Disappointment, thy name is missing mysterious saviour.

With a resigned sigh, I tried to shake off the lingering frustration, giving into the fact that my knight in not-so-shiny armor had vanished. The sirens wailed in the background, the scene resembling a chaotic montage fading into the backdrop of the city's everyday hustle.

And ever since that encounter, I subconsciously started searching for him everywhere I went. He became my personal Where's Waldo puzzle, but he was playing hide-and-seek like a pro. He didn’t come with a manual, so I was stuck trying to figure out the cheat codes for this game of Find-the-Rescuer. His presence lingered in the back of my mind, and he was a reoccurring subject of my dreams. Is he behind the corner filled every inch of my thoughts. It was like my brain had set up a spotlight, constantly scanning for a glimpse of Mr. Mysterious. Spoiler alert: zero sightings so far.

With the clock ticking down to the start of the semester, I was on an Olympic-level sprint around town, on the hunt for those elusive apartment essentials. When I landed in this country, my baggage wasn't just limited to my overflowing suitcases of clothes. Nope, it also carried the weight of my aspirations, a few cherished books for sanity breaks, and the prized cargo—my mother's homemade food, a delicious piece of home squeezed into Tupperware containers.

In a town bustling with unfamiliar sights and sounds, finding the bare necessities for my apartment felt like a mini-adventure. From haggling over the price of a decent kettle to scouring the shelves for the perfect bedside lamp that didn’t resemble a spaceship control panel, every successful purchase was a victory dance waiting to happen. With each item secured they held the promise of transforming an empty space into a sanctuary be it only for two years.

But amidst the chaos of my hunt for home essentials, my internal radar was on high alert, subconsciously scanning every street corner for a glimpse of my elusive hero. It was like playing a game of hide-and-seek with someone who was the master of disappearing acts. Frankly, I was half-expecting to turn a corner and find him accidentally shopping for throw pillows or debating the color of curtains. Stranger things have happened, right?

The first day of the semester started ordinarily. I did the whole pleasantries exchange, got to know my classmates, and did the introduction dance. No surprises, just the usual academic new semester beginning. Then, day two strolled in like the sequel to a blockbuster movie. Stepped onto campus, expecting a run-of-the-mill day. But oh boy, was I in for a surprise.

The room got all hyped up with the impending arrival of the Literature of Modern Europe professor. My breath caught up in my throat when the door cracked opened and he walked in—confident and charismatic. A wave of familiarity hit me like a rogue wave at the beach. Yep, it was him, and suddenly, my academic routine got a whole lot more interesting.

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Author's Note:

Hello my dearest readers,

Welcome to the enthralling world of Shadows in the Night: Secrets of the Howling Heart🌙✨

As an author, crafting this tale has been a journey through the captivating city of Bucharest, where the ordinary and the supernatural converge, and destinies entwine amidst the enchanting allure of mystery and love.

Get ready to dive into a world where mystery and the unexpected walk hand in hand. This story unfolds in the captivating streets of Bucharest, where every corner holds secrets, every alley whispers untold tales, and every character is a puzzle waiting to be solved.

Join Mira as she navigates the intricate tapestry of this city, pursuing her dream while stumbling upon enigmatic characters, hidden dreams, and an unexpected hero who so happens to be her professor. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of the University of Bucharest—a place of academic pursuit intertwined with secrets and revelations.

This tale navigates the complexities of forbidden romance, weaving the threads of fate and passion in a world where boundaries blur and the mystique of the supernatural collides with the ordinary.

Join me as we explore the depths of Bucharest's historic charm, unravel the enigmas of reality and dream, and embark on a journey where love defies conventional boundaries, promising an unforeseen destiny.

So, grab your favorite reading nook and immerse yourself in the shadows of the night. The adventure is about to begin! 📖✨

Warning:

My protagonists are fully mature adults, not children. This novel explores the complexities of real-life relationships and may touch on sensitive topics. It's intended for readers who are at least 18 years old and comfortable with mature themes.

Constructive criticism is welcome, as your insights and perspective is valuable. However, please be mindful that harsh comments will be removed to maintain a respectful environment.

Open discussions is encouraged but I kindly ask that you be respectful of other readers' opinions. Everyone's experience with the story is unique, and there's no need to impose your viewpoint on others.

Thank you for understanding and enjoy the journey into the world of 'Shadows in The Night'