HIS LAST WISH 2

              

  Chapter 2 - Strange encounters  

He turned back to see someone standing in the dark. As the person came closer to him he found it was his childhood friend Kunal. " Oh, Kunal, I thought you won't come", said Satish. Before coming here he had written a letter to his friend who stayed in his father s village. As Satish went with Kunal they started talking about childhood memories. They walked out of the station and went near the rickshaw stand. Kunal said, "You wait here .. I will get a rickshaw".

                              Satish stood there waiting for Kunal. A lot of memories flooded his mind. It's been such a long time since he last met Kunal. They were young probably in their teens. When Satish was leaving they had a bad fight and had sworn never to see each other face again. He always remembered him and talked about him to everyone often mentioned him in his writing.

                           He looked at the watch. It was almost 10 o clock. Half an hour has passed since Kunal went. " Oh babu .. where do you want to go", screamed a rickshaw man. " My friend has gone to seek a rickshaw for me", said Satish. " What are you saying babu .. you are standing alone for the last half hour. I am constantly watching you. It's very late. I think your friend is gone. Come I will drop you. You won't get any more rickshaw today".

                      Satish was a bit offended by Kunal's behaviour. He called him twice and the phone was ringing but no one would pick. He thought he must be playing some prank like in childhood. Yes, Kunal was known for his fickle mindedness in the village. He often used to go to the station and extend help to unknown people, make them wait and suddenly disappear. Once his aunt was coming by train when a similar situation happened. He had to go to her rescue because of this prank. He scolded Kunal a lot for that, " One day. I will play a prank on you .. suddenly leave without telling anything then you will realize your mistake." Tears started gathering around the corner of his eyes as he recollected the day he left without telling him after the fight and had never tried to know how Kunal was living.

                       The rickshaw puller started talking to him, " I know you, Sir .. you don't know me.. your father was a great man". I did not answer him and was still thinking about Kunal. " Babu, your father really loved you a lot. After you left every day he used to talk about you. I think you don't remember me. I am Ramu, the son of Bhola. Uncle would always tell that someday you will surely come back. Why you came so late?". Satish was listening to him but still did not say anything. It was around 10 30 pm when he reached near his house.

                           Satish got down and looked forward. The darkness ahead was quite scary. He took out his wallet and as he looked up to give the money to Ramu.. he skipped a beat.. he started sweating and breathing deep and fast, " Ahh.. huh! .. oh my God". Infront of him except the darkness of the night there was nothing!".