Shiron Sheridan and the Thief of Dreams

1.2 The Old Wizard

Chapter-1.2

The Old Wizard

Perhaps the cat lady confused him with someone else. She was definitely old and oblivious. 

Age and insanity walk hand in hand, he thought. He looked at his skinnier hands and felt more disturbed. He skipped the evening cricket at Central Ground and directly went to his home. He slept early and wished if he didn't go to that café. As soon as he closed his eyes, he saw that old face again but it disappeared soon as he fell asleep.

He impatiently waited for his birthday, as it was the only day his mother couldn't scold him or his sister could win an argument. Moreover, Riya has promised him something romantic on that day. He never had any girlfriend, he was just not good at conversing with girls. In school, either he maintained a good distance from them or he just insulted them for their awkward habits. He couldn't stand the smell of Nail polish or hyena. They make him dizzy and angry at the same time. Riya was not like others. She was smart and beautiful, but what made Shiron fell for her was the fact that she could sing. Not on a platform or stage though, she was just a lonesome singer who preferred singing alone or in front of Shiron. Luckily, he was the only guy Riya found so far with whom she was comfortable while singing.

The days were boring and difficult to pass. He would blankly stare at TV or at his course books which were of no use now. He only kept them in the house because her sister would use them. Shreya was the topper of her class and a brilliant chess player. He never won a match against her but he was lucky that Shreya didn't tell anyone about it.

"So what is it that you want on your birthday, big brother?" Shreya asked during dinner the night before his birthday.

"How about a new laptop, little sister?" He innocently said. They were trying to convince their mother to buy him a laptop.

"Stop this drama, both of you." Mrs. Sheridan mother gave them a sharp eye, "Shiron, didn't we agree on this laptop thing? We'll get you a laptop after your results are announced, right?"

"But it's his birthday mom," Shreya argued as she was sure he won't even get a calculator with his upcoming awful result. She knew nearly all his secrets which included Riya's affair.

"I'll think about it, beta." She said, "And have you done your maths assignment?"

Shiron slowly walked away from the scene and ran upstairs. He closed the door and sat near the window. It was a perfect moon and looked beautiful.

He sat there for almost an hour thinking nothing. And suddenly he looked at the clock. Three minutes remaining. He knew his family will celebrate his birthday in the morning, they won't even wish him at this hour.

Can I ask for a wish? Are you listening?

He didn't know with whom he was talking but for a moment he didn't feel alone.

I wish if I could have a different life. Something exciting. Something magical.

The clock struck midnight and nothing happened. Although a car honked, it didn't matter.

Shiron was tired of watching the moon so he closed his window and turned. He was feeling sleepy.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat"

He saw something strange and before he could control his yell, he fell on the ground and his head hit the table. The inkpot which was already on the corner fell and was about to hit his head but it stopped in the midair almost dancing above his head.