Puppet must put to rest

A puppet

Sometimes life wants to say something to us. Life that bears gay and sorrow and then it sometimes give us beckon that a change is near. But we don’t catch it or ignore it. There would be no bolt from blue for you if you understand the beckon of time, beckon that whisper in your ears about the changes.

Trees were wet in shower of soothing spell. Wet soil had gathered enough for moisture. I and Shahnu were playing inside the train engine.

Shahnu shouted,

--- Everyone aboard, next station 100 km away. Helper, start feeding the giant!

I was hungry and the word ‘feeding’ fueled by appetite.

I said to Shahnu,

--- Can we go back, I am hungry!

Shahnu gave me weird look,

--- Go back, common!

I emphasized my word,

--- I am hungry!

Shahnu took a long breath and released and said,

--- Okay, train delayed for three hours.

Then he looked into my eyes and paused as if he was watching something in my eyes.

I jerked him and said,

--- Lets go!

He said in low voice,

--- I have some coins. He can get something from nearby station.

Then he pointed to a tunnel and said,

--- On the other side of it, there is a station.

Then again a took a long breath and said in discouraging tone,

--- Lets go!

--- Are you okay, Shahnu?

He jerked off as if he was sleeping and replied,

--- What! Yes, okay… I’m okay. Lets go!

We started and within few minutes entered the tunnel.

It was quite hot over there. Tunnel was just few miter long, hence only the middle part of tunnel was dark. I called Shahnu and it echoed inside the tunnel. It was fun so I tried a little bit of shouting, though my effort didn’t inspire Shahnu.

Shahnu was walking ahead of me. In the end of tunnel Shahnu turned to me and said,

--- Here we are!

--- Where!

It was a small station, Dharakul with just two platforms. Thickness of crowd was evident that it wasn’t a busy station either.

Shahnu told me,

--- Once train used to go through this tunnel and this station was a busy one. Since the shutdown of wagon shed this station has lost importance and this tunnel is not used any more. Let’s go! We will find some shop on station for food.

We went on the platform. We bought bread and some bananas.

Out of curiosity I asked Shahnu,

--- How did you get the money? I hardy find some small work to earn something!

--- Hmm! That is my secret!

It fueled my anxiety and I started pushing him for the truth,

--- I am your best friend and I can keep secret.

--- I can manage enough for both of us. Why you bother?

--- Common, Shahnu!

--- Ya keep pleading, the king is happy! Ha ha ha !

--- Tell me, where did you find work?

Shahnu paused and looked to me and smiled,

--- Naga, it doesn’t matter for you anymore!

I was feeling little annoyed. I shouted,

--- Fine!

And I turn my back to Shahnu and keep eating my bread.

Few minutes later Shahnu put his hand on shoulder and gently said,

--- Naga, take care!

I turned back and about to say something, suddenly a announcement on loudspeaker was made for some train which suppressed my voice.

Shahnu then started,

--- I enjoyed my moments but the puppet show is over. Puppets must put to rest.

--- What are talking about?

I was confused.

He smiled and said,

--- Happy journey!

Suddenly, I heard some shout. I turned back and saw crowd of few people was shouting at me. Before I could figure out what they were saying, a shrilling sound of siren drew my attention and I found that I was standing very near the edge of platform. I hurried to get at safe distance and almost succeeded. Before I could feel that I escaped an accident train hit a piece of brick of the edge of platform and it flew towards me. As soon as it hit me everything was black then I saw Shahnu as if he was in my mind. I fell and all got vague. A crowd ran towards me to save me. I closed my eyes and heard for Shahnu for the last time,

--- Puppet must put to rest. Carry on, friend! Good bye!

I fainted due to bleeding but I didn’t have pain; I wasn’t afraid as if there was nothing just oblivion. In that oblivion a sound of humming make me sleep like a little baby. I was in peace, for the first time in my long life.