Enchanted deception

Sanvi Bhatia, AIS Gur 46, IX H

I stopped my bicycle in front of a crumbly, old building, half-hidden under a looming banyan tree throwing dark shadows everywhere. The scene was eerie, and I immediately regretted accepting my friend’s invitation to explore the place. The lawn outside the main door had turned into a jungle of wild grass, and a crow cawed loudly from the tree, adding more creepiness to the night. I heard Zynah, my friend, call out my name, “Moon! Should we go in?” My curiosity got the better of me and I agreed. As soon as we stepped in, I froze in astonishment. The interiors of this seemingly decaying building were richly decorated. I moved from one floor to another with Zynah following me quietly, till we reached the third floor. It was a simple attic but much more radiant. I was immediately drawn to some ancient scrolls that lay open on the table. I had only begun to marvel at the perfectly made bed when suddenly, I could feel a creepy stillness in the air.
I turned to Zynah and was horrified to see my friend transforming from a tall, young girl into an old, hideous witch. I stuttered, “Whh...hoo are you? And what have you done with Zynah?!” She started cackling and said in a menacing voice, “Don’t you get it, my sweet child? I was Zynah. Every few years, I lure a child to follow me here. Now, it’s your turn. You’re stuck here, and I’ll never let you go.”
My heart was thumping with fear, but I knew I had to stay calm. I started looking around the attic for anything that could save me. The ancient scrolls caught my eye. I quickly skimmed through one and came upon a passage that described a spell to destroy the witch. I began reciting the spell, and the witch started to glow, as if she was burning up. In a moment, she was nothing but a pile of ashes.
Trembling all over, I dashed out of the cursed building. I realised I’d gone from being a hesitant explorer to a witch slayer in minutes. The old building and the banyan tree still held many secrets, but I was now determined to uncover them all. I glanced at the ancient scrolls I had managed to hide inside my dress and smiled.

Moonlit serenity

Diya Kerur, AIS Gur 46, XI J

Beneath the sun’s golden embrace
I tread upon life's visible, open space
The moon's secrets, gently unfurled
The silvery glow reveals my inner world

The sun’s spotlight falls on stage
This puppet performs, page by page
Daylight fades, shadows grow deep
The moon, with her love, lets me sleep

The sun observes what’s plain to see
The moon knows the depths within me
In daylight’s hustle, are masks we wear
The tranquil nights, my secrets they bear

I dance in the sun, my deeds revealed
To the moon’s wisdom, my heart appeals
In her soft glow, her tender embrace
I find solace in that sacred space.