I remember it so vividly. My first day of training as a marine biologist. It meant a great deal to me and it still does. I had been looking forward to this day ever since I got myself enrolled in the University.

Just like any other person in my place, I was feeling flurried and hesitant at first despite being reassured that my diving instructor will be there with me under water.

Not hesitant because I will be interacting, observing and photographing the majestic marine life; that is exactly why I love my job. But what was scaring me was the location. It was the area near Mariana Trench.

I had already heard about marine biologists getting lost or being injured underwater in high school but I never took them seriously until now. Now, standing at the edge of my motor boat, I felt hesitant and wanted to turn back for a moment.

But it was my dream and with a deep breath…...I went for it.

~~~~

Under the beautiful blue surface of the ocean lie an even more beautiful world. The sun pierced through the water like a torch and lit up the underworld.

Still being a student, I was not allowed to dive deep into the trench or get way too close to it. It is nearly 7 miles long and without proper equipment my body would run out of oxygen and would shut-down by the pressure underwater.

Still, it was a beautiful scene. It all seemed so unreal. The Trench looked like a deep big blue bowl in middle of the ocean. Not many students get the chance to go diving and explore such places. it was my chance. I had to cherish it.

We were just exploring and photographing when we heard a sound. It seemed as if it was coming from a marine creature of the same size as that of the elephant.

The sound was loud and clear. It meant something was nearby

My first impulse was to check the Trench. There was nothing but I was still scared out of my wits.

I had read about dragonfishes and beautiful snailfishes living here but never had I heard about a large fish or another creature camping down here. Such things only existed in stories.

It could have been my ears ringing since I work with headphones on all day long. I shrugged it off.

It came again. This time I was sure that it was real as even my instructor looked me dead in the eye with pale expression.

‘’we should go back to the surface sir.’’ I suggested.

‘’what? Are you nuts? It could have been a whale nearby. This expedition…to the Trench…this is supposed to be my highlight of the career. I am not leaving it by some sound made by some whale.’’ My instructor said seemingly agitated.

Now I didn’t want any consequences underwater so I kept my mouth shut.

But it came again. My heart was racing.

‘’Sir we should wind up. This area is still being explored and researched. For what I know some ginormous sea creature like the Meg could also be here. I don’t know about the highlight of your career but this might end it if we don’t head back.’’

‘’listen here kid…’’ he was interrupted this time….

none other than but that sound itself. This time it was clear and loud. He looked in all directions and then to the Trench.

Without a word he gestured me to head for the surface. I was not sure what to do and I think the instructor saw that so he took the lead and asked me to follow him. I was fine by anything at the moment as long as it didn’t involve getting eaten by a sea creature.

~~~~

Just as we were at a considerable distance from the Trench, I looked back at it for a moment I wanted to appreciate this creation of nature just one more time.

That is when I saw something. A pair of light hazel eyes with long black pupils, like those of a cat, were staring right at me.

My heart started racing again. I turned back frantically and started to swim faster towards the surface. My instructor looked back at me but I didn’t stop until I reached the motor boat at last.

‘’why did you suddenly started to swim faster kid?’’ my instructor asked confused on the motor boat.

‘’Didn’t you see it? The eyes? The creature at the bottom.... of the Trench….??” I replied breathlessly.

‘’No... nothing...I was hoping I would when I saw you swim fasten. But there was nothing…. just the black trench. Honestly, stop making stuff up... I am sure the creature must have been a whale…you are hallucinating kid.’’ My instructor said shrilly.

But I knew I wasn’t making that stuff up. How could someone possibly?

But for all, I knew that I had had the highlight that people of my profession don’t get to achieve in their lifetimes.

~~~~