My short story- Please read and give your healthy comments THE DARK SHORE The wind was breaking the natural stream of mild ripples in the river. The nature was about to surrender its vigour to the mighty darkness. The river had forgotten to empty its water-filled belly. The pale eastern bank of the river, Jutting out of its normal altitude, witnessed a man. He was seen with moderately long and curled golden hairs, His eyes were red, may be the result of a sound weep. A golden- yellow coloured Labrador can be spotted beside him. His wrinkled face was scouting for something. His ears were keenly receiving the gurgling sound of the river. It’s very difficult to judge his mental status completely. He has been a regular visitor to this site for the last three months. It was exactly at the same place he lost his beloved son in a boat accident three months before. His son was studying at an institution situated on the other shore of the river. He used to cross the river by the boat. It was not a human-effected accident. The nature might have lost its compassion to its creatures. A passenger- laden boat was sunk in the river owing to bad weather. Thirteen people lost their lives in that accident. His five year old son was also a member of the passenger crew. Being a child who lost his mother at very young age itself, The man gave him immense care and love. So the accident really shocked him, in such a way, he lost the track of life for some days. He might be getting enough peace while sitting on the bank of this river. It seems, he couldnt adapt to the fact that his son is no longer available in this world. Now he has no one else in this world except his pet Lucy. The time has crossed its regular limit. Today he is a little more emotional. His brain has forgotten to tune the regular alarm. After a while, he saw his pet barking at a boy “Lucy, come here. Why are you disturbing others”? He tried his best unsuccessfully to get her back. “Who is that?” he stood up and walked towards that boy. The boy was around seven years old with short black hairs. His face was pale after some strenuous physical task. His limbs have become stunted. He was wearing a torn dark blue sleeveless shirt and light grey trousers. It is very evident; he has been not in sound health for the last few months. He was staring at a boat cruising through the lake. His eyes were filled with tears. The man sat beside him, glaring at his eyes in a comfortable way. The boy had some similarity with his son. He made a close observation of the boy. “Lucy this is not our William. “Who are you boy. Why are you weeping? “Where are you dwelling?” the man asked The boy didnt respond as if he never heard his questions He was going on ejecting his thoughts. “Didnt you hear me?” the man asked “What? Did you ask something Sir?” The boy asked The man repeated the questions. “I am Peter. I was residing with my mother at a hut near the old ground. But now I am, I am alone” he replied. He was really struggling to control the tears. “What happened to your mother” the man asked “She is no more. She died in the boat accident occurred here some months ago.” So he is also the victim of the same incident. The man recognized “How are you living now? Do you have any income?” the man asked “Now I am working as a waiter in that small restaurant. I always want to be here so that I can feel the presence of my mother. She too was working here.” the boy replied. Lucy couldnt conceive the fact that he was not William. She was going on barking at and sniffing the boy with love. Many thoughts were flashing through the mind of the man. He got the same feeling which he used to get while sitting at the same place with William. What makes this boy different from William? Is it an illusion? Has he really any similarity with his lost son. It seems, the time has forgotten to remind him something. It is almost 7.30 PM. The shore has started evacuating its visitors as usual. They spoke for around one hour. An inexplicable element adhered their hearts together by this time. “Do you want to resume your academics?” the man questioned “Yes sir. But how can I get access to school without support?” The boy expressed his doubt “I can help you to let it happen.” the man said “I will be obliged to you for the rest of my life sir.” Said the boy The man was in utter dilemma. “Can it be justified, if I treat him just as an orphan? Why cant I adopt him as my son?” He has subconsciously started musing about the memories on William He was that much dear to him. “No. It’s impossible for me to substitute William by anyone” he understood “But how can I leave him here alone” Lucy had nothing else to do other than sitting beside the boy. The man decided to undertake all the future expenses of the boy. Peter you meet me at my home tomorrow. I shall make all the necessary arrangements for the resumption of your education Lucy lets go. It’s already late. We need to reach home before 9 O” clock. They started pushing off themselves The man had real reluctance to leave Peter. After some steps he turned around “Peter? Do you want to accompany me to my home as my son? ” Peters face seemed disturbed. The man was waiting for his response A couple of minutes passed. “I am extremely sorry sir. I cant induct anyone in the place of my parents. I loved them that much. You are such a generous and kind person to ask so Please forgive me.” the boy replied The man was really surprised with his reply Now only he recognized the value of a real bond “You are right Peter. Real love cannot be substituted. Thanks for waking up my mind. You have strong will power to be loyal to your emotions.” The man said The moon had already expelled the day light to somewhere Peter was looking at a boat moving towards the other shore The man and his dog were seen heading slowly towards the East.......... Vysakh Manohar.............
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 18:01:50 +0000
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