Atonement feat. Diksha Awasthi

For some reason, that fine morning felt comfortably numb.Drowned in enthusiasm, I headed towards the Town Hall. The sound of therustling leaves was quite amusing. Like a melody, it ringed through everybody'sears. It filled them with energy and positive attitude. I saw two boys sparringwith each other. They were actually brothers! They had a smile on their facewhile fighting. A strong feel of brotherhood radiated from both of them. One ofthem tripped and fell. The other one held him and patted once on his shoulder.The boy, who fell, turned around towards his brother with a pistol in his hand.No sooner the pistol was sighted, than the other one pulled out a gun. Rage,envy and wrath could be easily seen on their faces. In just a moment or two,they both shot each other, and fell on the ground. But oh faith! They laiddown, shoulder to shoulder, side by side. This is what we humans are. Insanitydrives us.

 A sudden realization dawned on me. We live in a world ofharsh realities and cold, loveless relationships where there seldom is an arrayof humble people of great vitality. They meant nothing to me, and hence, Icontinued my journey to the Town Hall.

 As I was walking, I felt as if my toes were getting numb byeach step and suddenly my whole body went static, I couldn't even stand. Myheart was beating but it wasn't enough for me to be alive. Or rather, to feelthat I was alive. I fell on the ground just like a dead leaf falls off itsbranch, pale and lifeless.

 I could feel my whole body coming at rest after 40 years ofhard work and labor. Every organ of mine was bidding farewell to my plasticbody. My eyes were still open and I could see people gathered around me likebees gathered around a flower for its nectar. One of them called for anambulance. The part was, these people weren't craving for the nectar. I had mywallet in my pocket, but nobody groped for it. Nor did anybody seize my goldchain or my gold watch. So, all in all, these people weren't exactly like thebees. This made me wonder, does humanity still exist? Perhaps, I could neverget an answer to this question. I decided that I'll ask this question to theAlmighty (only if I do remember it when I meet him). After a minute or so, no,I guess, after two perfect minutes I could not breathe.

 I felt as if someone deliberately locked me in a confinedbox. I felt claustrophobic. I could not stand it. I felt like a fish out ofwater. Soon I realized that I was dead. Just dead, lifeless.

 I didn't feel contentlike people usually do. I have to consume the bitter pill. I have to accept thefact that I am dead and I'd have to bite the dust. I felt cold. I wanted toshout and scream but I couldn't speak. Soon I realized that a sky like leadcovered me. I was in my coffin.

 I could hear the summons. People crying, my children tryingto reach out for me. My wife must have been shattered. We didn't plan for this.I totally forgot! I had to take my family out for the dinner tonight. What timeof day is it? I hope I am not late! Oh.. I am dead. What will I do now?

 I have so much unfinished work. How will my family survive? Iwish I could do anything for them. As a matter of fact, I cannot.

 Whilst I was lost in speculation I felt as if I my body isbeing touched by the wind. I was flying. Oh, it’s my soul.

 I was dressed in white robes just like I used to see in themovies. I didn't know that was actually true. I was surrounded by beautifulclouds as white as myself. Suddenly there was darkness bleak and ghostly. I wasafraid. I thought, “I'm going to the Hell”. But I was in the middle of nowhere.As if neither, Heaven nor Hell wanted to accept my soul. I was devastated. Whatam I supposed to do now? Where'd I go? I can't be like this forever. Am I aghost?

 These horrendous thoughts were like a whirlpool for me. Iwas being literally dragged into it. A whirlpool of absurd thoughts and vagueassumptions.

 I was about to die again when I heard someone calling out myname. I was so terrified that I closed my eyes. I was never going to open themagain!

 "Harry! Darling get up we have to leave for theoffice", shouted Mary, my wife.

 Suddenly I opened my eyes and I saw myself wrapped in myblanket. I had been imitating death. I’ve been asleep.

 There are times when one reminiscences. Being introspectivehelps you to know who you are from the inside. Intellectualism makes you abetter person while curiosity adds the spice to your life. But then, when Onewonders about what life is all about, it’s a dark thought process. Why are youreading this story? Why are you even here? What will you get after earning ahell lot of money? Is helping others going to bring any good to you? The mostintense part is when you ask yourself, “Who am I?” Stay with me, because there’s more to come. You don’t know yourself.

 Someday, you’ll probably wake up like me after having anightmare, praying to God or whomever you preach, thanking them that you’realive. But the thing is, you’re missing the point. When I felt like I’m dead, Ihad regrets. Lots of them. I don’t want you to be the same.

 The idea is, when you’re on your deathbed, don’t haveregrets. Say to yourself, “I did what I could do best. I made the best out ofmyself, there is no more I can do with the time I had.” And believe me,wherever you end up in your after life, it’s going to be a perfect journey toan imperfect realm.

Note : Oh, and by the way, there's another person whose going to get featured in another story! Stay tuned :)