the arrival of spring.....

It was a Christmas eve.Chilly winds and jingle bells clashed time and again to create a festive music that left the air cheerful.

The entire town was busy preparing for Christmas. Trees were adorned with colourful balls, bells, silvery stars and holly leaves in a ritualistic fashion. Children passionately awaited the arrival of Santa Claus who was believed to sleigh around bringing goodies and gifts.

Somewhere in the same town amidst all the festivities was a house...a small dark house.The crescent moon flowed silvery light on the glass window. A sound of weak coughing could be heard every now and then.

It belonged to an old , bed ridden lady living her final moments.

There was nothing dinky...with ragged curtains, unplastered walls , a bed with squeaking legs and some neatly kept utensils in a corner. The fireplace looked neglected, as if not been used for ages now and the only light was due to a candle kept nearby. It was a cold, bitterly cold winter.

"water...water.. " cried the lady. Struggling to breath.

A little hand poured water in a steel glass and with a spoon dropped a drop or two slowly in the ladies mouth.

"no more" said she and closed her eyes again.

This house belonged to two other creatures.

A little boy of about 12 years and a caged bird.

"jingle bell...jingle bell..." they heard a sound which symbolized it was finally time for Christmas, a time to celebrate and make merry but this house remained dark and silent. As if the God of festivities had forgot to paint it red.

another bout of cough...

"Today is Christmas eve and i long to meet my parents , my fiends" said the little boy to the caged bird.

"its been 4 years since i saw them" , he continued in the same unvarying habitual tone.

"my friends and siblings would have grown up like me. celebrating Christmas. I also want to go, let me go, let me go.."  he cried in a pathetic voice as if pleading to his own self.

the bird sat still and hushed, maybe it too sympathized with the poor child and desired freedom for itself.

"water my child...just one last time.." came in the horsed breathless voice.

the boy startled and in a fickle of an eye dipped a spoonful of water but alas! the breath had stopped and the heart had given up on beating.

the little boy stood there motionless and cold.

darkness grew intense and candle flickered confusingly on which place to project the light.

"we wish you a merry Christmas.."  another group passed by singing carols.

after a few moments of absolute stillness..the boy got up and grabbed the candle in his hand...and cupped the flickering flame. He moved towards the cage.

"you are free dear birdy and so am I...its time to celebrate freedom..and welcome the commencement of a new journey..." he said in a snivelling tone..and let open the cage...dragging his footsteps..he too walked through the door...

they were all free....the lady, the boy and the bird....'but when one journey ends, another begins......'

PS : And am finally back to my blog....although am not apologetic for staying away coz padhai bhi zaruri hai na :P but will surely be devoting time to this space of mine..hope to see u around folks! :))