Saturday, June 9, 2012

The Companion

He stood there. At the edge of the cliff. It almost felt like the end of the world, at least figuratively. What was going on in his mind?

'Is he gonna jump off?'

An observer from the back would've probably said yes. He stood so close to the edge. But someone standing beside, would notice the wide grin on his face. Curious how people are misjudged by observers from the behind!

He was brimming with joy. He was 70 years old. It was 50 years back, that he last came here. That was young and hot blood. Now, however, that blood seems to have tired, and not without reason. His toil over the time wasn't an easy feat. He felt the need to come there, and hence he was standing there, at the edge of the cliff.

Was someone standing beside? No. There once stood a lady, beside him, encouraging him, supporting him and sharing every single emotion there existed , with him. Now, she was gone. Died in her sleep 2 weeks back. And, that was why he was here.

'Wasn't he sad?'

Oh, damn well he was. But as it is said, after sorrow comes acceptance. And, there couldn't have been a better rest to that beautiful soul.

'So, that was why he was grinning?'

He was confused. For the first time in ever so long. He was there alone and he felt it was the best place to seek an answer.

'But he's alone. Who would give him the answer?'

He didn't know for sure. But he felt the urge to come, and so he came. And, still, standing at the edge of the cliff.

'My life has been lived. I've done everything that I've wanted to do. Not that I'm tired, but I'm relieved. What do I do now?', he shouted.

It echoed throughout. It was haunting. As the echo subsided, the answer came, slowly, without echoes.

'Go back to every point in your life where you made a decision, don't look down or away. If you're able to reach 50 years back, then, you've lived your life to the fullest.'

He said, 'Thank you, but who are you?'



'Your shadow. The only one who knows you better than your wife.'

1 comment:

  1. An altogether different post.. nice :)

    ReplyDelete

Say what you feel ! Just like I have :)