Demons & Dreams

By Fizza Younis

What if there are forgotten secrets in your past waiting to unravel?

Some might fight with their inner demons, but Arshman has learned to live with them. Like anxiety, dreams are a fixture in his life. Regardless of what others might say, he knows they are the window to his past, present, and future. Yet, even he couldn't have imagined the mysteries they held. A visit to his ancestral home forces him to open doors he hasn't dared unlock before. And what he finds behind them might change his view of life forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fizza Younis
• Release date: Jun 27, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227552648

Fizza Younis

Dr. Fizza Younis resides in the vibrant city of Lahore, Pakistan, where her journey through life has been as diverse as the tapestry of her country. With a Ph.D. in economics, she has delved deep into the intricate webs of financial theory, but it's the enchanting realms of fiction and poetry that have captured her heart. As a dedicated indie author and ardent reader, she revels in the art of storytelling, crafting narratives that transcend the boundaries of her academic pursuits. Rooted in the principles of minimalism, equality, and harmony, her writing reflects her steadfast beliefs. Her stories are both mirrors of her philosophy and windows into the lives of intriguing characters navigating the labyrinth of existence. In her world, characters come alive, and their misadventures resonate with the shared joys and tribulations of humanity. With every word, she sprinkles love and encouragement, creating a cocoon of empathy and connection that envelops her readers. Though she might describe herself as an average person leading a mundane existence, in the world of fiction, Fizza is nothing short of spectacular. Join her on a journey through the written word, where ordinary lives take on extraordinary hues, and the essence of humanity is distilled into every sentence.

Book preview

Prologue

Dreams were messages from the worlds beyond ours. And they always told a story meant only for the dreamer; if they dared to pay attention.

At least, that’s what I always believed. Most people, however, didn’t realize it. But could you blame them?

Some dreams were so ridiculous it was almost impossible to think they could mean anything profound. That’s why people thought of them as random—forgetting them as soon as they woke up.

I was different because I could decipher my dreams with accuracy. They guided me in my hour of need and pointed me in the right direction more times than I could count. That’s why I felt as if, through them, I was listening to the universe. Some might call me superstitious, but I was simply in sync with the world.

Imagination could be a powerful tool if you knew how to wield it. And I had mastered the art of controlling it well. I didn’t let it consume me, but I didn’t ignore it either. Balance in all things was the secret to a happy life.

The Key

Thick fog surrounded me, making it impossible to see anything. From close by, I heard my great-aunt’s voice. It was as gentle as I remembered from my childhood, although I didn’t get to hear it very often. She stood near me, but I couldn’t see her well enough to read her expressions. Yet, I heard the worry in her tone. Disoriented and trying to get my bearings, I didn’t respond right away.

Not waiting for me to say anything, she repeated herself. Sweetheart, are you listening to me? You have to find the key. It’s crucial that you do it as soon as possible.

The way she said it, I knew it must be important. But what key was she talking about? I’m not sure, Aunty, I said, squinting to make out her face through the fog. I don’t know where to look for it.

Once you decide, you’ll know.

Her cryptic reply was of no use to me. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. Why was she being so secretive? Couldn’t she tell me where to look and what lock to open with it? And why couldn’t I see her? She stood close enough for me to touch her. I was sure of that, but I couldn’t even make out the outline of her form.

Again, she said, You’ll know when you decide the time is right. Now, her words sounded muffled. Was it my imagination,