The beckon

The beckon

I like to painting as every colour reminds me of my own. Sometimes pale, sometimes bright but I never have a clue what I would end up, meaningful or else!

Shahnu was looking dim and that was really bothering me. He had been with me every time. I would have been lost without him by my side. So, I had a feeling of gratitude for him. I decided to do something to cheer him up.

I just sat beside him. After few minutes of pause I started,

--- Everything okay buddy!

He looked at me and said,

---- Yes, fine! Just has nothing to do!

---- I thought you were a free bird or something. So, why sitting like a duck!

He looked into my eyes. His eyes were empty. After a few minutes he managed a little smile or fake little smile and asked,

--- Will you come? I am going out then.

I nodded and we went out.

Everything was looking nice like a painting with wet colours. Sky was clear then.

We were walking quietly and I was feeling weird as I not habituated with a calm side of him. It was like a satire on the Shahnu I know. So I made my mind to make things normal.

--- So, tell me again why you are acting like this.

He smiled and said,

--- Acting like what!

--- We don’t see this side of yours so often and it can make anyone assume that some girl has kicked your ass and left you battered or something like that.

--- Naga, you are changed. Now, you are making fun of me! Till few week back if anyone told me that you could develop some humor I would say , we are talking about Naga!

--- Your blessings.

--- So, at last I have done some good work and now I may hope to live in heaven after I die.

Then we both laughed.

Suddenly, I realized Shahnu was not at my side. I just turned and found him staring at an alley.

I called him,

--- Hey, Shahnu.

He turned his face to me and without any excitement said,

--- Hey, lets go this way!

As he started I followed him and after few minutes we hit a dead end.

I looked at him and asked with smile,

--- Which way!

He climbed the wall and reached top of it. Then he shouted,

--- Common it is just few feet.

--- Why do I suppose to go other side?

--- Common Naga, see for yourself.

Then I climbed it too and reaching top I was about to say,

--- Now wha..

And I sight before me really took away my words.

There were few wrecked wagons. Railway tracks covered with long grass. And an old train engine, rusted and one could tell that it couldn’t move anymore. But it was more like a jungle with few bushes and big trees. Huge iron wheels, shafts where scattered all around. That remind me of the day when I started my journey with Shahnu.

I curiously asked,

--- What is this place?

--- My secret hide out!

--- Hiding from whom!

--- Not that hide out, Naga! I came here to be alone; in peace.

--- But still, what is this place?

--- An old wagon factory. I love this place because I love trains.

He jumped down the wall and ran toward the train engine. I followed him.

He climbed up the engine and entered the driver’s cabin. He shouted,

--- To the far-away land.

I was smiling on him; suddenly I felt a touch on my shoulder. I felt a cold hand that chilled me to bone for a moment. I turned back but none was there. It was the cold wind but I felt as if someone hugged me and taken away all the warmth out of me.

Then Shahnu’s voice drew my attention,

--- Common, climb up, Naga.

Within a blink of eye that coldness disappeared and I feel the wind that rushed toward a dark tunnel after whispering something in my ears.