one last dance
Once upon a time, in a small village in India, there lived a young girl named Molly. She was a dancer and loved dancing more than anything else in the world. Every day, she practiced in her backyard and dreamed of participating in the big dance competition held in the nearby city every year. She was a good dancer, but she often doubted herself.
One evening, while Molly was practicing, she noticed a strange figure in the corner of her house. Suddenly, she felt a cold breeze around her. When she looked up, she saw a faint, glowing figure of a young woman standing in front of her. Molly was scared at first but then noticed that the woman was smiling gently. She wore a beautiful traditional outfit.
“Who… who are you?” Molly whispered, her voice trembling.
“My name is Rekha,” the figure said. “I was a dancer like you once. But my time in this world ended too soon. I, too, had a dream of performing in a grand dance competition, but I never got the chance. I’ve been wandering for a long time, waiting for someone who loves dance as much as I do. And then I found you.”
Molly felt both fear and sadness. “You’re… a ghost?”
Rekha nodded. “Yes, my soul couldn’t move on because I never fulfilled my last wish—to dance one final time. I need a body to dance again, and I was wondering if you would let me use yours for just a short while. It would help me find peace.”
Molly was shocked and scared. She almost said no, but then she thought about Rekha’s unfulfilled dream. She imagined how she would feel if she could never dance. After a moment of silence, Molly took a deep breath and said, “Are you sure this will help you?”
Rekha nodded, her eyes filled with hope. “Yes, I just need one last performance, one last dance.”
Molly thought for a moment and then agreed. “Okay, I’ll let you use my body—but on one condition.”
Rekha looked curious. “What’s your condition?”
“I want you to perform at the dance competition in the city. If you promise to help me win, I’ll let you use my body. I’ve always wanted to compete but never had the courage.” Molly smiled.
Rekha’s eyes lit up. “I promise—we’ll win together.”
Over the next few days, Molly prepared for the competition—but she wasn’t alone. Rekha stayed with her, guiding her, teaching her new moves, and helping her become a better dancer. At night, Rekha sometimes took control of Molly’s body to practice. During these moments, Molly felt a strange but beautiful energy flowing through her. She moved with more grace and confidence than ever before.
Finally, the day of the competition arrived. Molly wore a stunning outfit her mother had made especially for the event. As she stood backstage, her heart pounded. She whispered, “Rekha, are you ready?”
A soft voice from within her replied, “Yes, Molly. Let’s do this.”
When it was Molly’s turn, she stepped onto the stage slowly. The lights were bright, and the audience was huge. She was nervous, but Rekha’s presence gave her strength. Molly closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let Rekha take control.
As the music started, Molly’s body moved beautifully, as if it were floating. Every spin, every leap, and every movement was perfect. The audience watched in awe as Molly danced with a grace that seemed almost unreal. Each move told a story. People whispered to one another, wondering where this incredible talent had come from.
When the music ended, the audience erupted in applause, cheering loudly for Molly.
It was magical—more than Molly had ever dreamed of. Tears filled her eyes as joy overwhelmed her. She thanked Rekha. Backstage, she whispered, “We won. Thank you, Rekha. Are you happy now?”
“Yes, Molly. Thank you. You gave me the chance I never had. You helped me find peace,” Rekha replied softly.
Molly felt a warmth inside her, which slowly faded. She felt lighter, as if a part of her was gently floating away. She realized that Rekha’s soul was moving on to her next journey. She couldn’t stop her from leaving.
Rekha whispered a final thank you and disappeared. Molly stood silently.
That night, Molly went home feeling both happy and sad. She had achieved something she couldn’t put into words—something magical and unforgettable.
Rekha’s presence had made her a better dancer, and Molly knew that a part of Rekha’s spirit would always remain within her.