SCENE ONE

I was floating in Heaven like a feather, but things changed as I opened my eyes. I was in bloody Hell. A deafening silence and bright darkness surround me as I found myself slowly drowning deep in an unknown Ocean. Gravity was in no haste to drag me to the bottom of the sea. I looked up, and the surface was nowhere to be seen. I looked around and saw the water dimly illuminated by a distant green light. My limbs tried to slowly peddle the dense water, but there was nowhere I could go.

‘How did I get here?’

The last bit of oxygen in my lungs had been sucked in by my body. Now, it was just a matter of time. There was nothing I could do as the saline water started to enter my body through my nostrils.

***

I felt a surge pass through my body, making me restless and panting heavily. My heart was pounding as if it will break open my rib cage when my eyes opened suddenly. My first guess was that I was having a cardiac arrest. I could feel the beads of sweat all over my forehead. I was still lying on bed and looked around. It was dark, and I took some time to orient myself with the surroundings. What I saw around was nothing like my bedroom, where I had slept yesterday.

The last thing I remember before going to sleep was watching Big Bang Theory on Netflix, but now, my bedroom appeared different. From what I had experienced a while ago, further sleep was out of the question I sat upright and looked around the dimly lit hall. I saw long and heavy draperies covering the windows, a marble statue of some naked man, three huge paintings and antique furniture, everything in the room was rich and classy. As I took a 3600 view of the room, I was taken aback to see my companion in the bed. What was going on there, and where was my wife? Who was that sleeping next to me?

I saw a fair and beautiful lady with red hair, maybe in her mid 40’s. She was wearing a sky-blue linen gown with golden laces, which she had probably been wearing at the party last night. I kept staring at the sleeping beauty for a while.

‘Am I awake or all this is happening to me in a dream?’ I asked myself. Of course, it had to be a dream.

“Shut your eyes and go back to sleep,” I commanded myself.

I obeyed my order as I closed my eyes again, adjusted the pillow, pulled the quilt and tried to relax. My breathing and heartbeat were becoming normal now. I was sure that next time I open my eyes, I’d see my wife sleeping next to me to who had been married to me for 20 years. However, what I had just seen was pleasantly scary and couldn’t resist any further. I opened my eyes again, but nothing had changed. My heartbeats per minute started to accelerate again. I was still in my dream, lying on a huge king-sized four-post bed with that unknown lady sleeping beside me. Was I awake, or still dreaming, or was it a dream within a dream? Everything surrounding me was too confusing and heavy for my thought process under normal circumstances.

I could not sleep anymore and threw my quilt away. When I rolled over to get my cell phone, the next horror awaited me. My mobile and smart watch were missing from the side table; not only that but my teak wood bedside table had been replaced by a marble top. What the Hell was happening?

A few minutes had passed since I woke up, and I badly needed to go to the toilet now. I sat on the edge of the bed, searching for my Hawaii slippers which were again nowhere to be seen. Moreover, where on earth was the toilet? I got off the bed, barefoot, and walked around, searching for the washroom for two to three minutes.

I somehow managed to leave that huge room and almost bumped into a tall man standing next to the entrance. I took a step back and observed him from tip to toe. This tough guy appeared firm and was looking straight ahead. He was holding a lance and was wearing a helmet, body amour and a sword; he appeared to be a sentry on duty. His attire was that of an ancient Roman or a Greek soldier. Was there a fancy dress party going on?

‘Oh, man! I’m at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Wow, what a dream, man!’ I thought about my dream.

“That’s so cool, dude,” I said aloud.

Of late, I had been watching too many Roman Empire movies and serials on the TV. Maybe, that was the reason for this illusion. But, at that moment, my bloody bladder was exploding, and I desperately needed to relieve myself. Each milli-second passed like an hour, but I was still not able to find the toilet. Once all my sense of direction and common sense surrendered, I walked up to that hulk looking guy back again.

“Bro, where is the toilet?”I asked him. He got scared and said something faintly which I could not understand.

This dream was getting on my nerves, and I was getting very angry, ‘Why is this guy scared of me, and how could one not even pee in a dream?’ Ok, my bad, I should have used some international gestures, and I raised my pinky finger at the guard. Now, this guy was looking even more scared and was shivering as if I was a ghost.

“Hell with you,” I murmured.

With each passing moment, the situation was getting more and more infuriating for me. As my eyes were desperately scanning the area all around like an antenna of an anti-missile radar system, I homed on to a potential target as my eyes picked up a marble pot with a green, leafy ornamental plant in it. I had done that before, and I had to do it again that day. The precious urea cannot always go down the drain, and these plants also required some natural nourishment.

I looked around to ensure that no one was watching me. I scanned the walls for CCTV cameras and took a step to hide behind a huge and polished marble pillar. Nothing could have been more satisfying, but the next surprise awaited me, as I could not unbutton my boxers. What the Hell! For the first time, I realized that I was wearing something like a ladies nightgown; did I need to lift it? Since I could not find any zip or buttons, I had no other option but to raise the damn thing as of now and ahhh… I behaved responsibly and ensured no spilling around. I again looked around and surreptitiously stepped out from behind the pillar.

I was at ease now and with a calm mind, focussed on the dream. I’m four decades old and have experienced bad dreams in the past which involved ghosts not letting me out of the sacred room, reptiles breathing on my neck, thriller situations, walking on steep heights, drowning in strong water currents, getting separated from the loved ones, etc. It was not the first time that I had woken up in the middle of the night because of a dream. We all have experienced that. But this one appeared different, and it was time to get rid of this dramatic dream too.

I closed my eyes and pulled a strand of hair from my forearm and ‘Ouch’ it hurt. When I opened my eyes again, I found myself still standing in a hallway, wearing a funny gown. Things were realistic around me, and I realized that something was not right. Helpless as I was, I somehow managed to find my way back to the room and passed the same sentry enroute. I wanted to show him a middle finger but refrained from doing so and just gave him a short stare. To my surprise, he again got scared, maybe that was his usual expression.

With nothing much to do, I crawled into the bed. I again searched for my mobile phone to check the stock market and Whatsapp messages, but within my heart, I knew that I would not find it, and my inseparable mobile and smartwatch were nowhere to be seen. Everything surrounding me was too real for a dream. The more I thought of it, the more my mind was becoming numb as if blood was getting drained out from my head.

I kept staring at the lady sleeping next to me in frustration. She was probably disturbed because of my movements, half-opened her eyes, murmured something, rolled to the other side and went back to sleep again.

“Did I do drugs or some hanky-panky yesterday? No, I never do drugs, and I clearly remember being with my wife at home last night.”

I quit the bed again and looked around as the room was getting brighter. There were an antique wooden table and a well-cushioned chair in the room. I pulled the chair and sat on it, thinking about this situation. Yesterday was an average day like any other one. It was the same rut of one hour commuting to the office, struggle finding a right spot for car parking, routine stress at workplace, chit-chat with colleagues, returning home exhausted, shower, dinner, TV and finally, hitting the bed.

How did I land here? I had to get up in time for an important PowerPoint presentation in my office, but for that, I needed to wake up first. But all my attempts so far to get over this dream had exhausted.

I could see the first light of the Sun filling the hall through the windows and ventilators. I walked up to the balcony to get some fresh air and stood there, looking at the beautiful sight of a well-cropped garden and some ancient-looking city further outside. I deeply inhaled the fresh and cool air which kind of rejuvenated me and cleared up my cluttered mind.

As I was engrossed in admiring the beautiful view outside the window. I was distracted by some sound and turned back. There were two young girls, probably the hotel room service, standing next to the lady in the bed with a tray and a metal goblet in their hands. These girls were wearing peach-coloured sleeveless gowns, which I found inappropriate for the hotel staff, and I could not miss noticing that they were barefoot too like me. The lady in the bed was now fully awake and sitting upright, resting on large pillows. She again said something looking towards me, which I could not understand. One of the two girls walked up to me with a metal cup in the tray. I was required to drink it, I guessed. I picked the cup and inspected the container and its contents. The liquid inside appeared like white wine, and the goblet was finely carved, as I appreciated its rich metal quality.

‘Drink! First thing in the morning? You drunkard.’ With the cup in my hand which I suspiciously sniffed more than once. I walked towards her and stood close to the bed and firmly asked her.

“Madam, where am I, and who are you?”

She looked startled, and so did both the other girls. She was acting as confused as I was and hastily got up from the bed and walked straight towards me. She held my left arm and again said something looking straight in my eyes. I don’t know what she said, but she appeared concerned about me and was smelling good.

“It’s becoming too much now,” I said in my mind loudly.

She displayed serious concern in her eyes. I did not know her motive behind that, but I did not want to look in her eyes anymore and turned my face away from her. She made some gestures to one girl who started to walk towards me. I think she was trying to usher me somewhere. I gulped the liquid from the cup. The drink in the cup was anything but alcohol. I gulped it again to finish it this time and quietly followed that girl to another room that appeared like a bathroom. So, this was the place which I had been searching so desperately a while ago.

Was I really at some “Caeser Palace” type of a hotel? Was someone playing a prank on me? Who would do such a thing to me? More importantly, how could one manage such a setup? I could not believe whatever I saw, as things were too real for a dream. Another pair of young hotel staff girls were already waiting for me there, and I was handed over to them by the earlier one. I took a quick look around and tried to identify all the expensive and high-class bathroom fitments. I saw a tapless marble washbasin, a huge bathing tub already filled and I had to take a closer look to confirm that it was a shitpot, again made out of marble stone, which had no flush attached to it. These two lovely ladies, were they going to leave or just stand there and witness all my morning acts? Nothing could have been more embarrassing. One of them started to prepare some paste near the basin and the other one, I guess was trying to pull my robe. I jumped back, no way was I going to let that happen.

“Thank you, ladies, but please move out. I will help myself,” I said politely.

They paused for a moment, looked at me and again continued with what they have been doing. They were behaving strangely and pretending not to understand English. I then gestured with my hand to stop everything and pointed towards the exit with my index fingers. Both moved out. No way was I going to compromise my dignity, so what if it was a dream? First things first, it was time to get light and also ponder. The basic question still remained unanswered.

‘Where am I? Why is this dream getting so prolonged and realistic with each passing moment?’

Although it was a lavish arrangement in the bathroom, the commode design was beautiful yet funny, and since I was not used to it, I took some time to make the eagle land. But adding on to my worry, I realized that there was no tissue paper or a jet spray near my thinking chair. I thought of calling for assistance, but that was not a good idea, and I had to fight my way through. It was a lousy hotel, and unlike ‘Caesars Palace.’ I decided to give it not more than two stars rating and an adverse comment on its website.

***

I had observed a polished metal plate within a silver frame near the washbasin earlier. Was it a mirror? I looked into it and got the jolt of my life. The face in the mirror was not me, certainly not me, definitely not me, nowhere near me. I saw my hazy reflection and no way was I going to believe it. I turned my head up and down, then left and right. To my horror, the image in the mirror also did the same. The only part of a human face which one can see without a mirror is the nose. I observed it by closing one eye at a time, and it was different in colour and in shape. I was trembling, and for the first time, I inspected my body below. I was shivering as I was shocked to see that it was not mine.

My knees could no longer support my body, and I was not able to stand straight anymore. I collapsed on the marble floor, blacked out and remained in that state for some time. Once I regained some senses, I observed that I was taller, heavier and older. The face in the mirror belonged to someone else and was not mine. I again carefully observed my limbs and torso. I had become more fair and muscular. I had no idea of what was going on and was scared to the core.

“In whose body have I entered? Most importantly, where is my own body?” Deeply engaged in my thoughts, I did not realise when I stood up, unconsciously entered the bathtub and lay there with my eyes tightly closed, hoping to wake up in my bed in New Delhi.

There was a two HP electric motor rotating in my head at that moment, and I was all shaken up. Now, I was determined to get rid of this strange situationas I closed my eyes harder, took a deep breath and submerged myself in the bathtub. I remained like that for a minute or so and soon, ran out of the breath. I emerged, catching my breath and coughing water. I opened my eyes and looked around. Nothing had changed. I was still in that bathtub all alone.

“Hello!” I shouted, and both girls re-entered the bathroom immediately with a fresh gown and towels in their hands. Such a prompt reaction? Were they eavesdropping on me? I gestured for the towel and somehow, wrapped it around me, almost snatched the gown and again gestured them to move out, with my index finger pointing firmly towards the entrance. I felt like being drained out yet, fresh. I returned to the bedroom only to find that so-called my lady was suspiciously waiting for me, sitting on a chair as if I was to be interrogated by her.

“You are behaving weird since the time you have got up.” I guessed that’s what she would ask me, but she remained mum.

“Can you speak English?” I took the initiative and asked her.

I could see her eyes widen in astonishment.

She did not understand anything this time too.

Why is everyone looking surprised here? That included me too. Which place was this? I was having a tough time since morning, and now, it was her time to get further perplexed.

“My head is haywire ever since I woke up, and all because of you. What is your problem? Can’t you guys behave normally?” I said looking at her and other two young girls present in the room.

This time, her mouth was wide open in astonishment. However, the two girls were expressionless. As we were having this serious exchange of funny expressions, I heard some announcements outside the room, and this time, six maids/waitresses/stewards/room service or whoever they were, entered. One of them was holding a white cotton dress and the other one a pair of camel-colour leather sandals. The balance was with huge covered trays. Probably, breakfast was being served.

“Now, will you make me wear that funny gown again?”

The lady did not utter a word and responded with more confused looks with frowns appearing and disappearing on her forehead. Getting dressed and having breakfast was a better idea. Soon, I was enjoying the sumptuous but bland food and uttered a word or two in between to enjoy everyone’s reaction.

“Since I can’t control anything else here, let me have some fun at least.”

Once I was done with breakfast, I again heard some announcements outside the room. A tall and muscular man with a very strong physique, wearing shredded leather dress entered the room. He appeared serious and spoke to me for a minute very seriously. It was ‘Gibrish’ for me and could not make any head or tail out of what he said, but gave serious listening to him since I was scared of him and had no other option. This guy made some gestures, probably saluted and moved out, leaving the lady and me alone again.

“What did he say?”

She again said something which was in vain and further irritated me. Believe me. She had my full focus and attention, but I had no wild guess of a single word she uttered. After trying her best to convey her point, despite failing at each stage, she finally made a gesture for me to get up and move out. Probably, I was required to move out or had a matter to attend in this dream.

***

As I moved out of my chamber, I saw twelve armed guards standing in two files of six each, who immediately surrounded me as I came out of my room.

‘Why is everyone scaring me here? What have I done? I can’t figure it out what’s happening.’

It was not a fun situation anymore, and I was again scared to the core. Were these guys my bouncers or was I being arrested by these dramatically dressed hotel securities? Was I intoxicated and had I done something wrong in the night? No, this could not have happened, as far as my memory supported me, I was watching TV and then, dropped down to sleep before this damn thing commenced. As I stood in the gallery and pondered on that situation, the lady from my room swiftly bypassed my security circle to take the lead from me with her own gang. She was also surrounded by a few guards and young maids.

What do I do now? Shall I stand in between these no-nonsense bouncers or lead them? From that, I naturally sensed that it wasn’t a normal dream but something deeper. I ceased to think that I was at Caesars’ in Las Vegas.

This was a Good and Bad dream. Things were lavish but scary, and I started wondering why. Why can’t we have a sleep without a dream? What advantage do we draw from dreams? Does it have any influence over our lives? I want to go a step further. Why do we need to sleep? Why do we need to go into a state of unconsciousness? Am I not giving rest to my body by just sitting in front of a laptop or watching TV? Why do I have to be useless or dead for a few hours a day? Do I control things or do things control me?

I returned to the ‘here and now,’and became conscious that I was surrounded by a dozen armed guards as I stood thinking about my next move. I guessed from the attire of the people that they were Greek or Roman. The way I was being treated established that I was a man of significance here, probably a wealthy guy, a Governer or a Nobleman. I decided to walk at my own pace and let others follow. As I walked ahead, I observed that this place was rich and beautiful like a royal palace or a castle-like those ancient buildings I had seen in some old Greek movie or maybe somewhere else earlier. It was a spellbinding view wherever I rolled my eyes.

I was being ushered through the hallway, and as we moved ahead, I appreciated the marble fountains, meticulously-chiselled statues, artistically-carved pillars and aesthetically-designed floor tiles. I also came across a few domesticated exotic birds heard chirping around. The drapes, artefacts, furniture and everything around me was classy and flawless. I cherished every view with each step I took.

As I walked from corner to corner, there suddenly came a narrow but beautifully-carved, arch-shaped entrance. It appeared to be a tunnel made of stones. Not more than squeezed fit two and a half people could have walked past side by side at the same time. As I entered, I could see the other side of the passage, which was blocked by heavy grey curtains with some insignia woven on it. Soldiers formed a single line and stood along the arch wall. I was probably required to enter the tunnel alone. Without giving it much consideration, I walked straight into it. I would have been about four feet away from that curtain when my steps froze, making it impossible for me to take another one.

What was behind that curtain? Was it a trap? Was there a conference like my boss is fond of taking every morning in the office or maybe some dance or cultural program? I was probably required to meet some visiting dignitaries. It was morning time and too early for a ball or a party.

‘I just pray that they don’t hang me or carry out my death sentence in a guillotine, in this dream.’

I had a gut feeling that some game-changer of my life was waiting for me behind that curtain. Good, Bad or Ugly, I was about to find out. I had never been this nervous in my life. So far, I was not so good, but the curtain was meant to be raised.

‘This dream had stretched far beyond, surpassing all my previous scary and shitty dreams,’ I thought. I looked back and saw the guards standing behind me without any expressions on their faces.

‘Now, let’s face whatever comes ahead.’

I dropped the pressure on me, took a deep breath, lifted my left foot forwarded and before the heel of my sandal could touch the marble floor, I was startled by the loud sound of a trumpet or maybe a bugle, followed by an equally loud announcement by someone, and the curtains were drawn.

***