Ekta, my niece, is like my alter ego. She is
vivacious, makes friends easily, and is extremely popular among her friends. We
make an unlikely couple - I reveling in her sunshine cheer and she in my
brooding silences. So, it struck me as a very unusual incident, when she
cocooned herself in her den since morning. The first instance that I missed her
was when I did not hear the sing song ‘Good morning’, as I sleepily coaxed my
toothbrush across my misshapen teeth, standing on the verandah.
The day passed by, and we got busy in our mundane jobs
- for me, that meant taking the 45 minute sessions of Physics with unmindful
boys, who are rather interested in the aerodynamics of paper planes than my
interpretation of surface tension in fluids. My mind kept going back to Ekta’s
voice and her chatter and by midafternoon I had made up my mind to woo my
little princess with her favorite chocolates along with pink roses.
Try as I might, I could not figure out what could have
caused her changed behavior. Maybe a bout of telepathy and/or mind reading will
not be a bad idea either.
Though I am convinced that ability to read human mind
will only complicate further the already complicated social fabric and have
established the same in all my discussions with friends and colleagues, I felt
the need of that power now. Walking along the college corridor, I started
feeling light-headed and queasy; the next I knew I was laying on the ground
with anxious students and staff peering at my face and the security guy all
poised with a water jug, ready to slosh me with more water. Suddenly, a wave of
nausea swept me and a premonitory haze shimmered before my eyes.
I got scared with the ‘telepathic vision’ as I call it
as I saw Ekta there.
I need to return to her at once to save my little
princess.
It was clear to me that she is in a serious bout of
depression and plans to take the extreme step of finishing her life. She wishes
she was never born.
While I stand by my conviction of not trying to see
more that what is shown to us, thank, God, that I could save one good soul with
my timely acquired power.
Touching story very well scripted. I mean, it's always tough when it comes to someone close to us.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Vishal.
DeleteOh wow - a lot can be hidden below surface in people, also in people close to us.. Very moving story- it captivated me, and I am happy it went well for her:-)
ReplyDeleteA touching account Jayanta...
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. I must say that you have got a great story telling and writing skill.
ReplyDeleteInteresting how seemingly cheerful people hide away the sadness.
ReplyDeleteNicely written. Glad it ended on a good note.
ReplyDeletethat is indeed a wonderful power if used well. Lovely story.
ReplyDeleteIt was touch and go there for a while. Thank god ekta is fine. Even I love the idea of telepathy.
ReplyDeleteThere is always sadness lurking in people who seem consistently cheerful! Glad to hear that Ekta is fine. Your post was very touching, Jayanta!
ReplyDelete