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.

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.

The Day

It’s raining now. I hear the thunder. But I feel peace inside me. I have nowhere to go and have nothing to do. I didn’t know what would be my destiny. In this tranquility I recall my journey.

It had been raining for two days but not heavily. Rainbow showed up in the sky. I was standing on the door, looking at the rainbow. The view was like a painting. Suddenly I heard Shahnu.

--- What you doing?

I looked at him and took a long breath and replied

---- Nothing. Just standing over here and have nothing to do.

 

 

 

Then he followed my eye and said,

--- Rainbow! It’s like a fairy tale.

---- Fairy tale! Why!

Shahnu smiled and reply,

---- A colorful tale. A boy in story, poor and distressed, ended up finding something sterling. Many times find a princess or find his destiny that changes his fate or ….

He paused for a moment and looked into my eyes,

---- That doesn’t happen with us.

--- Why are you complaining?

He laughed and replied,

--- Me! Norway! I am fine with it. I can get what I want. In fact, I don’t want too much.

Then I took a deep breath and said,

--- I wonder where Neel is right now!

--- Don’t worry, he is fine. We are birds.

Then he ran outside and stretched his arms and shouted as if he was happy,

--- We can fly. New home, new place! Only the same sun remains with us.

Then he put off his shirt and started going round and round,

---- I love rain. Rain, rain, you came again, for your friend, to meet your friend.

He was acting weird, no doubt. I couldn’t take my eyes off him.

Then he bent his knees and sat down. For a moment I thought he was crying. But when he showed his face I saw a fake smile and he was looking serene.

He said to me,

--- Hey Naga! Are you happy with your life now?

--- It’s much better than what was before!

--- Would it be same! If things get changed. If wind changes its direction. What would happen to fallen leaves? Fallen leaves!

Suddenly, he started laughing. But it was like a mockery. A weird, cruel laugh! He almost scared me.

Blending in

I was lost for some time and found myself back. The best way of knowing what is wrong is just

try it. I now, more sure of where I belong. So, I am going to live my fantasy again, in my

words, in my world. Let that journey continue…..

How does it feel when you know where you belong? I certainly didn’t know that, but

I was starting to believe that I was one of them. After spending years in a room, talking to silence,

I was in a world that was unknown. A world where sun was nice, wind was fresh and sounds made me feel that I was not odd and ignored.

One day, I was roaming in street in Shahnu and Neel.

Shahnu asked me

--- So, how you doing here?

--- I feel good with you guys.

Neel just went ahead of us and turned to me. Then he put his elbow on my shoulder,

--- Buddy, I am not too wise. But I think something is cooking.

Shahnu exclaimed

--- Where, are we invited? What’s in menu?

Neel replied

--- When does a boy see a girl with sparkling eyes? Tina is cute. You are cute too, Naga.

I was kind of confused. But, suddenly Shahnu poked me,

--- Ya, she is cute.

I was feeling little uncomfortable.

Neel then went behind me and pushed me gently. He said to Shahnu

--- He is blushing. So, sweet. We have a couple in our nest.

Shahnu was about to join him but I played a trick and told Shahnu,

--- I am hungry. Can we go back now? And started to walk fast towards our nest.

Then I realized that I was alone. I stopped and turned back. Shahnu told me,

--- You go. I will be there soon.

Saying this he rushed to somewhere.

I asked Neel

--- Where is he going?

--- To arrange some food.

--- Shahnu always takes responsibilities.

---Well not always.

---Why do you say so?

Neel paused for a while a said,

--- You might have changed him. He was kind of selfish before. Now he always manages something for all and that something is always better what we might have done!

He then turned back to me and said,

--- I need a chat with him. You go ahead and I will join you guys soon. See you later.

Then he ran away.

*****************

It was raining that evening. We were little worried as Shahnu and Neel had not returned till then. But we were cracking jokes on each other, as usual. Suddenly, Jinu asked me,

--- Where is Neel? He was you and Shahnu. 

--- Stuck in rain I guess.

--- In rain! You don't know them. Anyway whats up?

--- Nothing just watching you guys.

As soon as I finished my words Shahnu showed up.

--- Hey, what's going on!

Jinu asked him,

--- Where is Neel buddy.

Shahnu replied,

--- How do I know? He was with Naga. 

At this I said ,

--- He went after you. 

--- Well, he wasn't with me. He can take care of own self. Believe me.

Suddenly Tina exclaimed,

--- You are too cold, Are you okay?

 
I turned to her and saw her hand on my shoulder, but I couldn't feel it. I was feeling cold, may be because of getting drenched in rain but I was fine. Shahnu smiled and asked ,

--- Are you fine , hmm ! Don't catch cold that's too bad.

I nodded and some words escaped my mouth

--- Guys, may be I need rest. 

As I was about to exit the room I cat jumped before me. Even today that thing reminds me of something.

to be continued...





 

I can still remember myself on that day in a old battered desolated house.But that desolated house was home of some poor boys like Shahnu.

Shahnu stop at the door and told me,
--- just quite !
He entered the room. Then it was pin drop silence for few moment. Then Shahnu
lifted his hand like a terrorist surrendering to army and cry out,
--- look who showed up guys !

Then few of them pounced on him.In a moment all was changed and it was like a scenario of returning of family member after long time.Hugging, jokes,laughter and out burst of energy of life. Shahnu then suddenly shouted,
---hey guy! we have a new member...meet Naga.
and pointed at me. I was just enjoying the scene. Suddenly a hand stretched out toward me ,
--- welcome buddy.
With little hesitation I introduced myself,
--- I am Naga.
Suddenly Shahnu put hand on my shoulder and addressed his pals,
--- I am home with a new friend and we are starving. Now didnot your mother taught you how to welcome guests !
One of them shouted ,
--- this is for only those who have mother!
then all broke laughter as if Shahnu cracked a joke !

In few seconds I realised that it was a joke. They were all orphans. That was why they were there. But I used to think "orphan" refers to some poor ,unfortunate people. But their smile have some other impression on me. I dont now know fake or real ,but they seemed happy, like a family.They were all acting like stupid.Stupidity expressing some heartiness....... overwhelming and spontaneous.

Vague Call

Shadow

Before a little play of war began within that small cell that bruised poor woman somehow managed to give a cruel laugh to drew attention but ended up gasping for air,

In a low voice with little tone of whimpering she uttered,

--- Nothing matters for princess, nothing for my dear. Soon they both will be beyond all this pain and worries.

Digvijay lowered his sword as he asked,

--- What you mean?

--- She has crossed the boundary of this kingdom. She will sacrifice herself for princess, for the life she dreamt of, and she will give it to her.

The torment captain shouted in rage,

--- Where is princess?

Digvijay swung furiously and kicked his jaw before he could make another move. Captain fell on ground and started groaning in pain .Digvijay rushed to her and grabbed her shoulder and asked again, but this time louder,

--- What you mean?

--- She will give her dream to princess. All her beautiful dreams and it will be her life. And her soul will make those dreams true for her. A beautiful life like dream.

---What rubbish!

--- She will sleep forever. A beauty sleep, Far away from all mortal sorrow.

--- Your queen has lost her mind!

Suddenly a sound drew his mind. He saw captain escaping. Digvijay roared,

--- Stop you rat!

He followed captain out of cell, picked a bow from a dead hand. As he launched the arrow the scenario faded into a mist .Sound of leaves and crow, and suddenly found myself middle of a jungle. Standing like petrified I noticed Shahnu in a distance walking though bushes . He turned and saw me standing still. He shouted at me,

--- We have to go miles Naga. Move on. Hurry up.

I started walking My eyes were full of questions. Shahnu stared at me for once and said,

--- Naga out with it. Is there something to say !

--- How we came here? I can’t remember.

He stopped and turned and looks at me with puzzled eyes.

--- How we came here ! you walked ,I walked ,on feet ,in full sense for more than 30 minutes and now in middle of jungle you are asking me this !

---But I don’t remember. We were in train.

---Previous night. Its morning .Sun shining in sky. Look up.Now if its joke, I advice do it after 40 minutes .I am hungry Naga.

He started walking again. I followed him with many questions playing in my mind.

Darkness

An iron door swung, as a troop marched in. It was a corridor of prison, shrill scream echoing in air. The person leading the troop entered into a cell. He looked down as his leg hit a something fallen on ground. It a body of a man, bruised by torture. Her back was bearing red deep wounds which were evident that he was lashed. He sat down on knees and grabbed his hair and said,

--- Well, well, it seems like the great, mighty Mihant finally come to dust.

Then he look forward .A woman was tied, with her hand stretched over head, spread, tied with chain. Her face was facing the stony wall. She was shivering in pain. A torment was whipping her bare back. With every hit she was screaming.

The person leading the troop rose and ordered,

--- Stop.

Swing of the whip stopped as the heavy manly voice filled the air.

He came near the woman, and grabbed her hair an then slapped on her face and shouted,

--- What did she said?

The man with whip kneeled as he answered politely,

--- My lord! Her tolerance is incredible. She is determined to be silent.

--- Too strong , Is that so ?

He turned and took few steps back. Suddenly he turned and kicked her belly with her boots. It make her gasp for air as lunged emptied .The he rushed outside shell and returned with a small dagger . He shoved the tips of dagger in her mouth making cuts on her lips ,then ordered,

--- Whip!

With every hit on her bruised back she trembled with pain. Her mouth has bleeding.

He took out the dagger and took the whip and mocked her,

--- So, you have incredible tolerance power. Lets test it.

Then suddenly he whipped her thighs. She moaned in pain. Blows continued .Her moans again turned into shrill cry of pain.

He roared,

--- Where is princess?  I will not kill you. I will make your life hell. Every moment you will ask for death, and death would not mercy on you neither I .

She was whimpering as blood was flowing freely from her wounds on thighs.

Suddenly, sound of iron drew their attention. He rushed back and found few men with Arabian sword fighting his men. Then an arrow passed kissing his hair. He jumped inside the cell to save his life. A man entered the cell for him. He picked the dagger, rose and shoved it into him and took his sword.

Another man entered the cell. His eye bulged as he saw the person, and with bitterness uttered,

---  Digvijay ! How it can be !

Digvaijay smiled at him and said,

--- I have an unfinished business . I have to free you from all worries. Look at you ! So many burdens. Don’t worry , I will pay for every meal you gave me by freeing you from this bondage, my friend!