The Lighthouse Keeper's Vigil

Written in response to: Write a story about an unsung hero.... view prompt

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Drama Fiction Romance

                                               The Lighthouse Keeper's Vigil

Alaska went to the marriage of her friend Zara and Rashid. After the night all the guest are requested to have their food. Alaska plans to go with Zara to Rashid’s home on their first day after marriage. Although Rashid didn’t like the idea of Alaska being in their house he didn’t say anything to Zara or Alaska. All are sitting in the fire bond after having dinner. All the members are doing something while Rashid shares a story about a legend who did something that nobody recognized or praised. He had been only used. But he and his family never knew that they were used and fooled till their last breath.  Many centuries ago, a hakim named Soyeb belonged to an impoverished family. Soyeb’s father was a farmer but he died a year ago due to starvation as it was a rainy day and their crops were destroyed. Soyeb was not a good son he never helped his father and he spent his time doing crimes like theft and other criminal activities. But eventually, everything changes when one day he discovers that his mother too had died worrying about her child’s future. From that day Soyeb become a good man. He marries a girl from his village also now he has become a little rich. Soon they gave birth to a son Firoz. Firoz was very humble from his childhood. He used to help people in need, unlike his father. He also donates on many auspicious occasions. As he grew up Soyeb died one day leaving his wife and Firoz behind with very little money to them.  As Firoz was a humble man the king also heard about his heroic stories and decided to appoint him in a lighthouse which he built in the faraway land he had bought recently. And he wanted to give him 50,000 golds daily. But he had a condition that Firoz should be dedicated to his work. And Firoz committed the king and accepted his condition. So according to the condition, Firoz starts giving his best as a security in the lighthouse. This lighthouse is belongs to the Princess Sehnaaz.  As Sehnaaz grew up, the king was searching for a groom for her but no one could woo her. But one day everyone hears that Sehnaaz has eloped with Firoz. Actually while on duty Firoz and Sehnaaz come close to each other as she is impressed by seeing Firoz’s humble nature and dedication towards his duty to safeguard her in a vigil. Although at first Firoz hesitates to accept Sehnaaz's proposal as she is the future queen after lots of effort he is convinced to marry her. But as they knew that the king would be against their reunion so they eloped with each other far from this country. This makes the king furious and he declares his daughter as dead. But fate had some other plans for Firoz which he was unaware. After a few years of staying in the far country one day, Firoz discovers that his mother passed away due to the trauma of losing her son as she thought that Firoz was dead due to misinformation by the king’s man. But as they lost their real identity in that country Sehnaaz and Firoz along with their son Asief returned to the country but they disguised themselves as Vidarth  Vidhi and Vidur. With this false identity starts living in a hut and Firoz again starts working in the king's lighthouse as a keeper with his new name. Many years passed like this one day there was a heavy storm in the village and a sound came from the sound Firoz heard that within three days the king would die as his time had come but if someone sacrificed the lives of humans then the king would be alive. After listening to this Firoz and Sehnaaz agrees to sacrifice their life for her father. So, they go to a masjid and take a knife and cut their necks and keep the heads in the masjid and also finally he too takes his own life. Soon the news spread to the entire village. And also it was revealed about the couple. The king becomes really happy as finally, his plan works. The king had discovered earlier about the whereabouts of his daughter and son-in-law and with the plans to kill them sent this fake news about his death and sacrificed their lives in his name as he knew that Firoz loved him. Later he suppresses this heroic act of Firoz and never praises their bravery in front of the people. Although few people praise his big step and also his dedication to his job as the lighthouse keeper. This story becomes a legend story. After the story ends Aalaska and Zara come back to dinner along with Zara’s father-in-law and Rashid. The next day Aalaska reached home and starts writing this story to publish for her next article. Alaska is a content writer in California and as her boss hears about this article he insists she go ahead also Aalaska’s boyfriend Peter makes a film of this story named Evil King. Today the story of Firoz has become worldwide famous and he has become super hero but during his lifetime he never received such respect from people. But unfortunately, Zara has cut off her friendship with Alaska as Rashid didn’t like her. Alaska feels devastated but luckily Peter handles her today Peter is a famous director and Aalaska is a famous writer. Both Peter and Aalaska produce lots of films together. One day a piece of horrifying news came that Zara had died and the killer was Rashid. The couple becomes shocks but discovers that Rashid is a member of that king’s family Zara’s father-in-law was talking when they heard that Rashid had died many years before marrying Zara and this man went to the family and threatened them and married Zara. he man warns the father in law not to reveal about this story to anyone but as soon as he did the duplicate Rashid kills Zara and now he is behind the couple. 

August 02, 2024 16:57

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RBE | Illustrated Short Stories | 2024-06

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