The next night, unlike the night before, was quite and placid with pregnant silence. The moon was out, illuminating the Riding school. Fateh shifted his leg to make himself comfortable under the huge and ancient Fig tree. It was frigid and Fateh was thankful that he was well clothed.

He had decided to investigate. He would check 'the Loner' himself. His lips breaking into a small smile on his handsome face as he recalled the name. He would wait for the horse with the burnt face to come.

Half an hour later Fateh was bored. He looked at his watch for the 3rd time, "I'll wait for half an hour more." He decided and retrieved an apple from one of his pockets. He took a bite and just then he felt someone walk on the grass behind him. They were feather light, hardly making a sound. Fateh turned apprehensively, hiding behind the trunk of the Fig tree and the apple fell from his hand.

A few feet away, the horse was grazing on the wet grass, sparkling silver in the moonlight. Fateh swallowed, his mind was blank. He simply kept staring at the horse, mesmerized by its beauty. Suddenly the horse looked at him. Fateh's warm body broke into goose bumps. The horse's eyes looked straight at Fateh, its ears erect and its body still. Just then the moon vanished under the clouds and there was perpetual darkness but Fateh could still see the horse. The horse took a step towards him and Fateh decided to run but he just couldn't move. He felt dizzy and feverish. The horse came near Fateh and nuzzled his jacket pocket. Fateh's hand went up to caress the horse's face, lovingly rubbing his cheek and forehead.

"It's alright Sultan." Fateh heard his own voice, it sounded strange and distance. Fateh's hand dived into his pocket and brought out an apple. Sultan ate it in one bite, nuzzling against Fateh's palm, Sultan's soft lips producing a tingling sensation like a butterfly walking on his palm.

"I am so sorry Sultan! It's not your fault!" Fateh again heard his voice cooing and comforting Sultan. The fog started surrounding them and Sultan neighed, it sounded very distant.

"Sultan...Sultan...SULTAN!!!!" Fateh shouted, suddenly feeling very scared and alone.

A sharp pain shot through his head, his forehead broke into beads of perspiration and his mind started blacking out. Images of Sultan flickered through his mind but all he saw was darkness. Fateh found himself mounted on Sultan but the scene was hazy like it was an old film. He and his horse entered the riding arena. Fateh could feel the strength of the horse under him as the Sultan gave one magnificent jump after another. Fateh and Sultan were adorned with applause and he felt so happy that he thought he'll burst with pride and love for the horse. In the next scene that flashed before Fateh's dazed eyes he saw himself caressing Sultan and tenderly rubbing the no. 'S 14'marked on his left hind leg. In yet another flash, the stable was on fire and the atmosphere was charged with panic, fire and smoke. Fateh could feel the heat and the smoke choking him, making his eyes watery. He was trying to save Sultan, guiding him towards the exit through the fire and smoke which was threatening to engulf them both. Just as they neared the exit, a log of burning wood fell on them. Sultan gave a terrified shriek and rushed out of the burning stable while Fateh screamed out in pain as he felt the fire burn his back. The smoke choked him but he was conscious enough to realize that Sultan was safe. Fateh felt the fire burn him as the tears flowed down his cheeks, he laid there unable to move as panic, terror and chaos surrounded him until carbon monoxide choked him to death.

I think horses are the most magnificent animals! They are sensitive and loving. I highly recommend the movie 'War Horse.' It touches your heart! Do share your views! 

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