Hazel: Fiction, #1

By Naina Navya

Hazel' is the story of a 17-year-old girl, who has shift her life from a normal household to something above reality. Hazel is an introvert with an anti-social personality. She will find herself to be a misfit in this world, leading to finding her connection in this new place by unfolding the truths and lies of people around her. Will she be able to accept her place in this new society? Will she be able to blend with the people around her? Will she accept herself? Will this journey brings her happiness and acceptance or will it be hanging on a cliff?

 

About the Author 

Naina is one of the budding writers, presenting her first fiction writing, 'Hazel'. She is born on the 5th of February, 2004, in Bhagalpur, a town in Bihar, India. She recently completed her schooling and is pursuing her graduate degree, majoring in Food Technology along with a diploma in Fine Arts. She is also a freelance painter. In her free time, she enjoys dancing and is also an avid reader. Her Instagram handle is alleviate_con_I_arte and navya.naina.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Tree Publishing
• Release date: May 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9789394807013

Book preview

Authors Tree Publishing

W/13, Yadav Gali, Aman Vihar,Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh 495001

First Published By Authors Tree Publishing 2022

Copyright © Naina Navya 2022

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by Indian copyright law.

ISBN:  978-93-94807-01-3

MRP: Rs. 299 /-

This book has been published with all reasonable efforts taken to make the material error-free after the consent of the author. No part of this book shall be used, reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. The author of this book is solely responsible and liable for its content including but not limited to the views, representations, descriptions, state-ments, information, opinions and references [content]. The content of this book shall not constitute or be construed or deemed to reflect the opinion or expression of the publisher or editor. Neither the publisher nor editor endorse or approve the content of this book or guarantee the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the content published herein and do not make any representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose. the publisher and editor shall not be liable whatsoever for any errors, omissions, whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause or claims for loss or damages of any kind, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising out of use, inability to use, or about the reliability, accuracy or sufficiency of the information contained in this book.

Hazel

Naina Navya

The brown shade of life can be divided into feelings of loneliness, sadness, isolation, resilience, dependability, security, and safety.

Now, it depends on you whether you take it as an empty space or as an essence of warmth and comfort.

Thank you, Mumma, for always supporting me in life. I know I am a bit hard to handle, but thank you for staying put with me. You are my biggest inspiration. I hope one day I will turn into a bold, strong, independent woman like you. You are my father and my mother.

Thank you, Naman, for being my younger sibling. You are the person who understands me just by a look. I will always have the guilt of not being with you when you needed me the most but I promise I will be always present for you.

Thank you, Nidhi di, for staying with me in the process of writing this book, and helping me in every stage.

AND

Thank you to everyone who has supported and believed in me and my work.

THIS IS FOR YOU PAPA,

I know you are not with us, but you will be in our hearts forever. I was never able to thank you, this book is a small thanks from me.

Every single day, I start my day praying to you. Before every big or small moment, I remember you. Thank you for those 10 years for staying with me and thank you for the rest of my life.

I will make you proud.

Keep smiling and keep sending your blessing from paradise.

Chapter 1

"H

azel," said a cold, huffy voice.

Hazel, can you hear me? said that voice.

Hazel, respond a roar is heard like someone is demanding something from me. I recognized the voice. It was Madam Stella, my teacher, she was asking me to do something. But where am I? What place is this? Why I can't open my eyes to look around? My arms are sore, it feels like someone has tied them. I can feel metal, it’s cold and it gives me chill.

I tried to move my legs but it’s locked. What the hell is happening! Madam I tried to say but only a whisper came out.

Hazel, she said. She heard my voice.

Hazel, try again she encouraged me.

I tried to speak again and this time my voice came. It was breaking but I felt relieved.

Madam whe-re——-mam—where-I—a-m? I tried to ask her.

Hazel you are in the memory lab, don’t you remember? she responded.

Of course, I remember. I remember coming to this room. It was an experiment lab. I remember Madam Stella and Dr. Lewis standing at the near end of the podium viewing the lab screen. I remember I was tied to this chair. It was like a metal billet. I even asked Dr. Lewis why they were tying me up. He said it’s done to control my reactions.

Hazel, are you listening, answer me, Madam asked.

Yes, I said softly.

Good. Do you know why are you here? she asked again.

Yes, I replied.

I know, I am here so that you can copy my memory.

Very Good Hazel, she said in a monotonous tone. By her sound, I can tell she is smiling a bit.

Dr. Lewis are we ready for the process? she asked.

Yes, Madam Stella he responded politely as always.

Hazel get ready we are entering your memories any minute now she commanded.

Yes, Madam I tried to sound confident but to be honest I am very much scared. I don't know how is this thing going to work. I am shivering with nervousness. I grasped the metal bar as tight as I can. It can happen any moment now.

Ready everyone! We will begin the procedure now. In the count of three make the entry. Now THREE! TWO! ONE! ENTER!

And then suddenly a pain raised in my head. It was so painful. It felt like someone was hammering a nail in my forehead. I shouted, cried in pain, I tried to move my body but I was locked. I screamed louder and louder. And then, my eyes flashed open.

********

Chapter 2

T

he first thing I saw was the ceiling. It was familiar. I tried to feel my arms. They were free. I was panting up. I sat up and looked around me, I was in my room. That means it was a nightmare. I was sweating heavily. I got up and went to the washroom. I washed my face. The splash of cold water calmed me a bit. I looked at the  reflection in the mirror. My dark auburn hair was wet. My face looked pale as if I saw a ghost.

I came out and glanced at the clock beside my table. It was 1:00 A.M. I felt suffocated, so I decided to go out and take a walk. I got out of my room. I was in the corridor of our trainee quarters. It looked like everyone is sleeping. I hope no one woke due to my shouts.

I started walking towards the balcony. It was dark and it was the night of the full moon. The moonlight entered the corridors through the glass ceiling. It has been six months since I shifted to this place. I am now familiar with it. I remember how lost I was when I first came to this place.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't even realize I reached the balcony. I took a deep breath. I smelled nature. It felt nice. I took another breath. This time I smelled rose, wet grass, and caffeine. Wait!!! How the hell did I smell caffeine when I was standing near flower pots. There is no cocoa plantation anywhere near, so how did I?

Before I can process my thoughts, I heard a familiar manly voice with an American accent.

You awake, he said.

I turned back and saw a white boy with chestnut-colored hair in his night pajamas standing. His blue-green eyes were gawking at me.

Austin what are you doing here? I asked him.

Austin Maxwell was the first person I became friends with when I came here. He is American and is from New Jersey as I remember. He is two years older than me. I was deep into my thoughts that I didn't realize that I was staring at him.

Hey! Are you okay haze he said waving his hand in front of my eyes.

He was now standing close to me. I took a small step back, making a gap between us.

I am okay I responded by stopping his hand. And don't call me haze

What are you doing here at this hour? I asked him.

I couldn't sleep so I thought of having coffee, he said pointing to the mug in his hand.

That is why I smelled caffeine I recalled.

Drinking coffee will put you to sleep? I commented.

He laughed.

I am drinking this, so, I can stay awake till morning. I don’t have a plan to sleep tonight. I have to complete my training records he explained.

How unusual! I sighed.

What are you doing here? It is very unusual to see you up here he asked in unison.

I had a nightmare I blurted it out. Why the hell I am telling this stuff to him.

Oh, so you decided to take a walk, he said.

Yes, I confirmed.

I too used to have nightmares after the memory test, he said leaning on the balcony railing.

He is right. It has been a month since the memory test and I still get nightmares. But how does he know I took a memory test.

Who said I took a memory test? I asked him to take things out of him.

You didn't? he asked.

No. I lied.

Oh! I didn't know that. Anyways what did you see? he questioned.

Nothing important I lied again.

No worries. Do you want some coffee? he offered.

No thanks, I said quickly.

I had nightmares about how my family left me in the orphanage. It was so distressing, he exclaimed.

I felt sorry for him. I understand, but don't worry you will forget it with time. I assured him.

No, you don't understand he interrupted. You have a family Hazel and I don't, he said quietly.

I understand what is the feeling of losing someone, the betrayal, everything. But I cannot tell him or anyone about it. It is a secret. My personal life is a secret and I have to keep it hidden all my life.

I am going to sleep now, I said to avoid further conversation.

I turned back and started to walk towards my room.

Hey hazel he called.

I looked back at him.

You are very lucky, I hope neither you nor anyone else should go through what I went through, he said smiling.

I also hope no one should ever go through what I went or am going through, I said.

He couldn’t understand what I meant. And I hope he should not understand whatever I say.

I smiled at him and said Goodnight Austin. I turned and rushed back into the corridor.

Goodnight to you too he strutted.

I heard him but I didn’t turn back to look at him. I am here for duty and that is the main focus of my life. I don’t have time for friends, gossip, or fun. I have to be what my people expect from me. I have to become worthy for my family and my future. Thinking about all this stuff I slowly drifted off to sleep.

********

Chapter 3

B

uzzz buzz. What is that sound? Ugh. It’s my alarm clock. I shut the alarm clock and looked at the time it was 7:10 A.M. I am still sleepy. It was a bad idea to wake up last night. I got off the bed and went to clean myself. After bathing I came out and dressed in my official black training bodysuit.

Since I came here, I didn't see anyone dressing other than bodysuits. Everyone’s suit has different details though. I tied my hair up in a ponytail and made sure every strand is in its place.

I looked at my watch once again and it showed 7:59 A.M. I still had a lot of time. So, I decided to call my mom. Last night I was not able to talk to her.

ODDI I called.

ODDI is here to help. Please tell me your F.N letter said the man A.I.

H, I said.

Please tell me your I code

D I answered.

Welcome, Hazel. ODDI at your service

ODDI I would like to call my mother I requested.

Call is connected. Please use your laptop for communication

I switched on the laptop and waited for the call. Finally, the call came.

Hi, honey! How are you? my mom said.

She looked the same as always, beautiful. I can see the happiness on her face.

Hi maa. I am good. How is everything there?

It is good here, fine as usual

Sorry I was not able to call you last night, I was tired from the training.

I understand dear. It is tough but, hold on you can easily pass it, she said. As encouraging as always.

Thanks, maa

Neel was missing you a lot. He is very excited to be there. she continued.

Tell Neel to prepare for it, it is more exhausting than enjoyment. I spoke.

Neel my little monkey. He is the only person who deeply understands my emotions. He is younger than me but cares for me like my elder brother. That stupid junk is the only one who can easily get on my nerves.

By the way where is he? I asked her.

He is getting ready for school before maa could continue the A.I spoke.

Hazel there is a message for you from Madam Stella

Maa, talk to you and Neel later, I said to maa.

Yes, child. Take care. All the best said maa.

Thanks, maa. BYE, I answered.

I shut the laptop off and grabbed my phone. I typed the code S.A.C.I. I opened the app; I saw a message recording from Madam Stella. I clicked that.

Hello hazel, said madam Stella in her usual huffy voice.

Meet me as soon as possible on floor 0 she commanded. That is an order. I put on my leather boots, grabbed my equipment and my phone, came out of the room, and locked the door carefully so that anyone could not enter there. And rushed to the S.A.C building. As I was walking through the corridors, I can hear my fellow trainees’ voices. As usual a lot of commotion.

At the end of the corridor, there was a lift that connected the quarters to the ground floor of the main building. I entered the lift and the lift doors closed. Then, I heard a voice.

Hi. ODDI at your service

Hi. I want to enter floor ‘0’ I said.

Command accepted. Please press the button on the sidewall said the man A.I.

I saw the lift buttons transform into a keypad. And at the bottom of it, I saw a button marked with’0’. I pressed the button ‘0’, it indicated the basement where floor 0 is located. It nearly took me a few seconds to reach there.

As the lift door opened, I saw another huge metal door. At the center of the door, there was a retina scanner. I placed my eyes in front of that machine and it scanned my eyes.

DNA matched. Entry allowed

And the door opened. In the entire D.E.F.E.N.C.E faculty this place was my favorite. A special secret room for people with secret identities. As I entered the room, as usual, I saw doctors and technicians working in their glass-covered cubicles. There were weapons kept in glass boxes on the tables. As usual, it comprised of smaller tools to bigger guns. WOW! This view amazes me every time I come here. As I was busy admiring the place, someone in a white coat approached me.

``Good morning hazel"

I looked at the person standing in front of me. He was none other than Dr. Lewis. Dr. Lewis is the head of the genetic department. He is a fair-looking man with black hair. He has a very strong Australian accent. He always talks politely and always carries a big smile on his face. As I am describing his looks in my mind he is waiting for my reply.

Good morning ‘doc’

You have been to this place for thousand times but still you look at things as it is your first time here? doc asked curiously.

This place always amazes me, every time I come here, I want to explore it more and more I replied.

You can explore it next time, but now let’s go before your Madam gets angry, he said smilingly.

I laughed and we started walking towards the end of the room. As I was passing through the cubicles, I was curiously looking at the works going on.

You will never change, he said and laughed.

I smiled at his comment. Finally, we reached the end of the floor. There was a complete white wall in front of me. There was a keypad at one corner. Doc wrote some kind of code there and a door appeared. He opened the door for me and said

I will be waiting outside

I entered the main room and on one of the walls, I saw screens that were connected to the security cameras. I have been on this floor couple of times but this was my first time in this hidden room. And in front of me stood a tall lady, with an athletic figure and her special leather suit, looking at the screens.

Hello hazel, she said.

Hello madam I greeted her.

Since when you started taking walks in the middle of the night? she said to me.

How did you know that? I asked her surprisingly.

I always have my eyes on your every movement, she said with a glint in her eyes.

Seriously her personal cameras are on me. This woman always surprises me.

I want to inform you something, she said coming towards me.

Yes madam, I said.

I think you have now become responsible and you have learned how this place actually works, she said taunting me.

Though I admire and respect her but her taunts and creepy activities sometimes annoy me a lot.

Yes I tried to say politely.

Time has come hazel. Now we have to begin your inheritance training, she said with all seriousness.

********

Chapter 4

"T

ime has come hazel. Now we have to begin your inheritance training," she said with all seriousness.

It took me a minute to grasp what she said. I had no words. My inheritance training will start now. This was the thing I was waiting for since I arrived here.

Hazel are you here? Madam said noticing my silence.

Yes I wanted to say something more but only one word came out of my mouth.

Now listen, you will be meeting me in the training arcade after lunch, I will be training you personally, she said.

Before I could ask her questions, she stopped me and continued.

Your fellow trainees will start their knowledge and language-based sessions of their own choice. If someone asks you will say your sessions are in the biology, and medic departments. Make sure to cover the details.

Yes, I said.

Now go to the cafeteria and have your breakfast. It’s already late. Rush before any suspicion arises she continued.

I nodded and turned towards the door and left