The Castle of Clouds

Amidst vast, lush green woods—fenced and secure—stood Riya’s castle of clouds. Each room glimmered with starlight, casting just the right glow. The walls shimmered with rainbow hues, while crystal icebergs, polished into mirrors, reflected her beauty from every side. By the castle flowed the sacred Ganges, its waters divine and pure. The sun’s warm rays rose like natural geysers, while the moon cooled the air as though it were her personal air conditioner.

Her skincare came from the cosmos itself, leaving her with a radiant glow. Riya was breathtaking. She dressed in blooming flowers that carried the fragrance of heaven and adorned herself with pearls borrowed from the sea. Birds filled her private garden, singing melodies as if performing in her very own orchestra.

Sometimes, she practiced martial arts with Lord Shiva’s trident, strength and grace flowing through her movements. Everything in her world was more than perfect—an eternal dream wrapped in beauty, power, and peace.

Then, a sudden thud echoed in the distance. At first, she ignored it. But it grew louder, shaking her serene world. Startled, she flinched—only to discover it was nothing but a dream.

Riya opened her eyes to find herself on a single wooden bed, its legs creaking beneath her as she sat up. The lush woods, the castle of clouds, the divine orchestra—all of it had vanished.

Yet, as she touched her face, she thought she still felt the glow of the cosmos. A faint fragrance of flowers lingered in the air. She smiled softly. Perhaps her dreamland wasn’t gone after all—perhaps it was waiting for her, somewhere beyond the veil of sleep.