One Phone Call

It was a dark and quiet Friday night, and Rahul was at home sitting on his armchair. For some people, Friday nights are a chance to go out and have fun. It was a nice way to spend the remaining energy that was left after their work week. But not for Rahul. Rahul was already all out of his energy. This week was very hectic for him and he was very busy. He really needed some time to sit comfortably in his armchair, absorb the silence around him and enjoy the feeling of relaxation. This single moment of peace was worth all the work he did this week.

Suddenly, the zen-like aura of peace was pierced by an unexpected noise. It was his phone. Rahul immediately stood up and cast a surprised eye at his watch, which showed that the time was close to half past eleven. He wasn't used to receiving phone calls at this time of night. He wondered who could it be. His thoughts started jumping around in his mind trying to connect the dots and figure out who it might be before checking it out. He couldn't remember if he was expecting any calls. It was likely just a wrong number. It happens often and it could happen to anyone, so it wasn't anything strange. He picked up the call and to his shock it was the KIMS hospital who informed him that his friend, Lokesh, was being admitted after an accident and that he needed a major operation.

Rahul couldn't believe his ears. Everybody knows these things happen, but you never suspect it will ever happen to you. As if time completely stood still, Rahul couldn't move at first, but he soon started rushing to the hospital. On the way there, his mind was filled with awful images and he was very worried for his friend. He was praying for his friend, hoping everything would end well. He finally reached the hospital, and stood still for a moment, trying to gather up courage to go inside. The automatic door opened and he stepped inside slowly. He was walking in circles in the waiting room, sweating nervously. The operation was finally done, and the nurses brought Lokesh out.

Rahul looked at him with eyes full of tears and his vision was blurry. When his vision cleared out, he was shocked. This wasn't his Lokesh! They were both very confused. It appears that it really was the wrong number all along! The hospital has made a mistake and dialed the wrong number, in the hurry they entered one digit wrong. They accidentally reached him, Rahul Goel, while they intended to reach Rahul Bajaj, this Lokesh's friend. And destiny wasn't over yet. It turns out that there are 2 people named Rahul who both have a friend called Lokesh! A different Rahul and a different Lokesh! Rahul's worrying was over. But he still had one last job.

He calls Rahul Bajaj to bring an end to this misunderstanding. He waited patiently and the two Rahuls met at last. This was a very emotionally and physically draining night for Rahul. What an end after such a busy week! But Rahul was not angry or sad. Even though he was tired, he was pleased with the good deed he did this night. He went home with a smile on his face, and he sat back on his armchair. He couldn't stop smiling until he fell asleep later that night, because Rahul knows that we can never know what will happen to us, but it is important to be a good and kind person, no matter what happens.