FRAGMENTS - THE SEGMENTS

GALLOWS⭕

Yakoob took the parcel his wife had packed for him, it was drowned with her tears, keeping it in his bag, he leaves. As he walked towards the bus stand, he chanted with each step Allahu Akbar. None who passed by noticed his red welled-up eyes. Even as he boarded the bus, he continued to chant his prayers. The bus passed by the local school and it bought a smile to his face. He remembered the day when his son across the ground towards him on his first day at school. His journey continued, and the next day he was at the capital city. Outside the bus station, he found a rickshaw, the driver agreed to take him along. The rickshaw came to a stop outside the central jail. The guard at the door looked at the early bird, he told Yakoob that office would open only at nine. Yakoob waited outside, he didn't hesitate to stand all the while; and all the while, his lips moved in prayer. He saw vehicles and officials come, he saw fists go up in salute, he heard doors open and close, finally he was called inside. He was made to sit for yet another period of time, and then an officer asked him his need, Yakoob handed him a paper, the officer's hard face softened as he read. He asked Yakoob to follow him, they walked past cells, criminals, convicts, accused, destined and finally came to a stand outside the a cell. The officer unlocked the cell, opened the door and let Yakoob in, he saw the stirred man. The in-mate stood up and both of them embraced each other. They said nothing, they drowsed each other's clothes with their tears and through those tears, they communicated. He took out the parcel, opened it and lifted a roll of rice to his son's mouth for one last time. The officer informed that it was time up. Yakoob handed over the parcel and walked away blessing as he went. He was to wait for another few hours, but he requested the officer not to trouble him further and to do that can be done. An inconsolable father walked away from his father and his son didn't run after him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   - Adapted from 'Kadaltheerathu'