My Frozen Beauty By Bindu Unnikrishnan | Short Story

I kicked off my boots, my wet socks clinging to my frozen feet. The fireplace was dark and cold. Frantically, I searched for matches to ignite a fire but found none. Shivering, I paced the room, avoiding the sight of what lay before me: a transport coffin. Inside, the frozen body of my beloved wife, Mukta, lay at rest. Her still, stone-like face revealed no expressions, just as it always had. I could never read her mind or decipher the emotions behind that stoic exterior. Even when her eyes welled with tears, I was often left bewildered by her true feelings.

Yet, my love for her was boundless. Perhaps I failed to express it in the way she needed to hear. We both struggled to convey our deepest fears and desires. Despite this, I cared for her deeply and longed to protect her. She was born to soar, constantly seeking new hobbies and rugged terrains, each exploration a quest for extraordinary feelings. I could never understand her wild spirit. At times, she would scream, and I could only wonder about the pain she harbored. The absence of children left a void in her, one she tried to fill by seeking ethereal experiences, sometimes even crossing unspoken boundaries. But I forgave her transgressions with unwavering faith.

Her dream was to conquer the Alps. Lacking proper training and physical endurance, she was driven by her dreams. I couldn't leave her side. As I sat in the hotel, futilely attempting to light a fire, I heard news of a rare avalanche in the Alps. A chilling dread washed over me, knowing she had set out for a hike that very morning.

I knew nothing about hiking gear or techniques, but I knew she was the love of my life. Buried under the snow, I believed she might have called my name. I felt compelled to find her. People said it was nearly impossible to locate the bodies, with fifteen others missing. Yet, I didn't need to search. My feet moved as if guided by her. Without proper trekking shoes, my boots sank deep into the snow. I used every ounce of my strength. The oxygen was thin, the sun intense, and I began to hallucinate. I saw her, radiant and smiling, unlike her usual self. She seemed to call to me, guiding me. I shoveled the snow away and found her exactly where she led me. Her face was blue, frozen, yet I knew she had fought to stay alive until I arrived.

She left her body for me to find, but her soul had always remained elusive. Now, she lay like a sleeping princess, breathless and pulseless, serene in her icy repose. She had fulfilled her dream of summiting the Alps, along with many others. Some dreams she achieved, others were yet to come.

In her deep sleep, she looked peaceful, free from pain and mystery. My love, gone without telling me that my shoes were not right for this journey.

As I sat with torn shoes and wet socks, struggling against the cold, I spotted a lighter beneath the coffin. I lit the fire, and in its warm, golden glow, Mukta seemed to glow too. For the first time, I whispered the words she had longed to hear, "You are so breathtakingly beautiful, darling."

About the Author

Bindu Unnikrishnan is a writer and poet who has co-authored over 50 anthologies and literary magazines.Her debut book on poetry named ‘ My treasure trove of emotions ‘ won praise for it's lyrical portrayal of diverse human emotions.Her work vividly captures emotions, deeply resonating with readers and elegantly revealing her vulnerabilities and strengths. She details her feelings intricately, leaving a lasting impact. Bindu exemplifies versatility, resilience, and empowerment. She is a teacher, poet, marathoner, and beauty pageant winner. With outstanding academic achievements and two decades of teaching experience, she inspires her students to think outside the box . Her celebrated poetry explores profound thoughts and emotions. As an avid sports enthusiast, she embraces challenges and excels in marathons. In 2023, she earned the titles of 'Beauty with Brains,' 'Beauty with Purpose,' and the prestigious 'Mrs. Maharashtra 2023 (Elite),' showcasing her grace and intellect. Above all, she is a dreamer who believes in pursuing one's goals. Her journey demonstrates limitless potential and motivates others to chase their dreams with unwavering dedication.