THE NIGHTMARE

1

I was wandering through the streets bare-footed; stones & glasses which lay on the floor pricked me, leading to the bruises on my foot. But then this was my job. I had no other option. I was an orphan (to be frank I don’t know the real meaning). I was brought up by my grandfather, who used to tell me that my parents were with the God, later he too went to Him. I don’t know why God likes my guardians. I think he too is an orphan like me. Oh, I forgot to tell you why I was walking bare-footed! Well my job is very simple-I have to supply tea to all those who order one in my owner’s hotel. If I supply 100 tea glasses, I get Rs.10. Do you think I can even buy sandals with that small amount? If you know a shop where they’ll give, then do call me.

Today the Sun is glimmering brightly. I simply cannot understand why these people drink tea in this bright summer day. Because of their strange habits, I’ve to suffer. Chuck it! I came back to the hotel finishing my assignment, my employer gave me the usual dose of beatings & foul mouthed scolding for coming late. See, my age must be ten years; as you all know, this is the age to observe everything with a lot of curiosity. That is the reason for my delay. Is it my mistake? After a long boring lecture, he gave me my share of the day’s work, 14 rupees. With that little money, I had to have my dinner and come back to the Hotel before 10pm. This little time that I get every day is the time I love the most! I can roam freely looking at new places, new people everything. Strangely today I felt a lot of tiredness creeping through my limbs. I could not walk for a long time; I went in search of a place to have my supper. I felt hungry too! I was about to order a meal on a road side shop, when I saw a middle aged woman begging for her child. Without enough clothing to even cover her body- she was in complete rags!  Nobody was ready to give her; some men did agree to do so, only if she agreed…….

            Just then I remembered my grandpa’s words, once when I had asked him about my mom, he had replied “Son, every single woman who is fighting every single minute of her life to survive in this dirty world- filled with disgusting creatures called men, is your mother. Respect her and love her.” I saw my mother in this lady! Without a second thought, I gave all my money to her and walked away, unable to control my tears!

2

                I was scared to go back to the hotel empty handed. Then, I saw a place where I thought I could spend the night. I went there, cleaned it with the help of my torn shirt and tried to sleep. Usually I go to sleep very early. But, today I could not! I turned left and right again and again, but couldn’t sleep! Maybe, an hour was spent doing this exercise, but all in vain! Just when I thought I was going to fall asleep, someone called me. Or it seemed so! I opened my tired eyes to see a woman of about forty years staring at me! I just turned around to make sure that there was no one around and she was looking at me! First I got scared! But, looking at the gleaming face of the lady I felt relieved. She came closer; speaking no words she just took my hand and took me with her.

            Before I could realise what was going on, I was beside her in her car, with my head on her lap. The journey seemed to take ages! At last it stopped! We got down. In that dim light I saw two other gentlemen in the car. The lady took my hand again and we walked into a mansion. She didn’t leave my hand until I was made to sit in front of a dining table, containing a variety of dishes! After a long gap, she broke the silence! She said “My dear, I am your mother! You must stay with me! Sorry for abandoning you all these years. You should never leave me. If you do, then it will be my doom!” I was speechless! I could not utter a single word, my emotions were mixed. I could not judge whether I was happy or astonished! Not waiting for my reply, she started to feed me, a very delicious meal!

3

                “Get up you rascal. Don’t you have any other place to sleep? You bastard, wake up” No, these words were not told by that lady who called herself my mother. They were told by the grim looking middle-aged fellow who informed me ‘politely’ that I was sleeping in front of his shop!

            Yes, what you are thinking is true! I was dreaming, an excellent dream! I was so happy because I could dream a good dream. I felt like dancing! But then, what is there to rejoice in it? I was here standing on a drainage with its pungent odour attacking my nostrils, empty stomach; sweat pouring down my half naked body. I was getting ready for yet another tiresome day! Soon, I realized that it was not a good dream at all. It was not even a reverie. It will never come true! So it was a NIGHTMARE!!!

SHORT STORY BY: AJAY KAMATH

                                           1^ST YEAR, B.A.