Last Sunrise

25-year-old Prem Verma was walking through the dusty village road when a small child, not more than 12 years old stepped in his path. Prem looked at the child from top to bottom. He was wearing torn, muddy clothes that barely protected his body. Born in a middle-class family, Prem felt a sudden pity for this poor kid. He said “I am Prem. I am a photographer.”, then remembering that the child would not know what a photographer is, he added, “I take photos using this camera around my neck.”

The child nodded but did not speak. Not willing to give up, Prem began again “What is your name?” The boy replied, “Arjun”. “I am going to photograph the sunrise from the top of that hill. Would you like to come with me?”, asked Prem. Arjun nodded. “Ok then. Come on”.

Prem led Arjun to the steep mountainside. “Are you sure you will be able to climb it? It looks very steep”, said Prem and received a single nod from Arjun as a reply. They started the climb. Whenever Prem would stop abruptly, Arjun would bump into him. Finally, Prem lost his temper and shouted “Are you blind, boy? Huh?”. “Sorry sir”, replied Arjun meekly.

They finally reached the peak and Prem pulled Arjun over beside him. “Look!”, said an excited Prem, “The sun is rising. Beautiful, isn’t it?” Then he saw Arjun looking at the sunrise intently, with awe. He asked “What happened, Arjun? Is this the first time you have ever seen the sun rising?”

Arjun said, “No sir, it is my last. I am suffering from a serious ailment that has weakened my eyesight, and very soon I will be blind.” This left Prem too shocked for words. Just then the sun rose completely, lighting up everyone’s world except for a little boy on a hill, whose eyes suddenly plunged into darkness.