The Journey's End

“It’s my life, it’s now or never”.

“I ain't gonna live forever, I just wanna live while I'm alive.”

Sang Joe, as he sped across the ghats in his red Audi. Joe, a 25-year-old man from the small town of Kakinada had it all. He had the looks and physique fit for the Gods. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, he towered over them all. Combined with a well-chiselled body that had not an ounce of extra fat anywhere. His smile could charm anyone into love. And those lashes! No man deserved such lashes. Beautifully waving with every blink of his eyes. He was destined to be a famous star.

Right from his school days, Joe was fascinated by the glam life of movie stars and wanted to be like them. It was only time before he graduated and was all set to step into the dazzling Bollywood industry in Mumbai. Leaving home with a promise that he would call regularly and not forget his parents after getting fame.

Movie after movie, Joe was an instant hit with the crowds and offers rained on him from left, right and centre. Seeing his face on posters all around the city, Joe felt content he was finally living his dream. And he made it a point to call his parents at least once a month, to check on them and keep their bonds strong.

With every movie of his turning into a sensational hit, it was obvious that producers be waiting in line to seize the chance and cast him for their next project. Before he could realise it, he was becoming too busy and barely found time for a decent call to his parents. Weeks turned to months and years. Now, Joe had reached a point where he had not seen his parents in more than four years and this thought troubled him.

He kept requesting his directors to grant him leave for a few days so he could travel to Kakinada and meet his parents. His coaxing finally paid off when his wish to travel was granted between two shoots.

Exuberant, Joe called home that, he’d be coming over for a few days. All flights and trains seemed to be fully booked and he decided to go by road. After a restless night of planning and excitement, he finally got into his trusted Red Audi and sped away. With his favourite songs blaring away, Joe ignored the speed limits and kept going at a hundred and twenty kmph.

After hours of driving, exhaustion weighed heavy on his eyes. Every blink became slightly longer but he continued. At one moment, he opened his eyes a bit too late and saw his car hitting the ghat rail and falling down the cliff. The car kept rolling, crushing him inside.

Joe tried shouting for help but was too into the woods to be heard. Around midnight, his concerned parents kept calling him for an update. Joe saw his phone ring with ‘Maa Calling’ on the screen but had no way of reaching it. Feeling a heavy gush of regret for the unkept promises, he closed his eyes for the last time.