Second Life

He was very depressed after returning home from college. He went straight to his room even without responding to his mother.He seemed to have lost his mind. He started slapping himself on his face and chest. Then he went and stood in front of the mirror to see his face.He often does it when he lacks confidence.But this time ,when he looked at the mirror,tears overflew his eyes. He hasn't cried like that in his entire lifetime.

"This is an utter shame. I can't face it . I can't face anyone " ,he mumbled.

After some time, he went downstairs and checked if there is anyone in the kitchen. Then he searched silently in the kitchen shelf for something.Then he took a sharp knife.While turning he saw his mother coming towards him. He hid the knife in his pocket.

"What happened to you, my boy? Why didn't you eat?"

"I am not hungry ma.", he hurried .

"Hey, stay there.Did your results come?"

"No ma, It will come by next week only,...they sa....yyy", he ran without completing.

"Why is he acting strange ? I don't understand"..he heard his mother asking herself.

He get into the room and locked it and took the knife out.

"Everything must end by this. How can I tell my parents that I failed in all subjects? Oh my God, I can't even think of it. A topper during his school time failing in all subjects is a fatal mistake.No one will forgive me.All will blame me. I haven't got a single black mark in my student life.The only solution is to end life. So I don't have to face anyone. Anyways, I won't have a bright future anymore.." ,he said to himself.

Then he took the knife and looked at it.He saw his own reflection.It made him cry more.He took it over his wrist.But ......his hands were shivering. He put it down and sat in the corner of the room with his head bent on his knees. He sat for hours, with a blank mind.

He then tried to imagine the scene in his home after his death. Mother will cry each time she enters his room. She is too emotional. Last time when he went for class tour, she was sad until his return. Dad will miss his co-morning walker. There will be no more happiness in his family. His brother will miss his partner in crimes. And friends? Do they even care about him? May be they will be sad for few days and then they will forget him. So ,in brief, the whole loss would be to his family only.

"Why should I make them suffer for such a silly reason? May be ma will scold for sometime. And dad? He will smile and say 'Don't worry. You can write the improvement exams ,right?' "

It's time to re-think.

He remembered a conversation with his father.

"Dad,see I scored high marks this time..I am too close to all my dreams."

"Aha..you are again the topper ..wow that's great. But see my child, life is not that easy.There would be some phase in life where you have to show some courage. But no problems should stop you from achieving your goals. Never worry if some difficulties come. It'll only do good. Do remember that every time."

"Yes , the time has come. May be this is the phase where I should show my courage. This is a silly case. I'll get many more chances, if I am ready to face this silly problem. But I'll lose all my opportunities if I end my life.People will call me coward. Only my parents will suffer."

He thought for hours that he didn't notice that it became morning.

Then mother tapped on the door .

"Hey ,Mr. lazy boy , get up.. get up...and come down .It's time to go to college."

"Coming ma..'

He got up and washed his face. He went down with the knife in his pocket and put it back with a smile.