THE LAST JOURNEY OF THE GRAVEYARD AT NIGHT

THE  JOURNEY OF  THE  GRAVEYARD  AT  NIGHT

              

            BY SANJAY YADAV 

Once upon a time, there was a poor family living in a small hut on the outskirts of a city. The family did not have enough food to eat or clean water to drink. Life was very difficult for them.

The family consisted of a husband, a wife, and their three small children. The husband’s name was Krishna, and the wife’s name was Lakshmi. Krishna worked at a small tea shop, while Lakshmi worked as a house helper in different homes. Both of them worked very hard to earn money and to provide a better future and education for their children.

One day, Krishna returned home very late at night.

Lakshmi asked, “Why are you so late, Krishna?”

Krishna replied, “There was a lot of work at the shop, so I got late.”

Lakshmi said, “No problem, Krishna. Take some rest. I have prepared dinner for you.”

Krishna said, “Okay.”

Krishna went to wash his hands and face. After that, he came back and sat down on the floor for dinner. Lakshmi served him food. Krishna started eating with a tired but peaceful expression on his face.

After finishing his dinner, he washed his hands and went to sleep on the floor beside his children. Later, Lakshmi completed her household work and lay down near her children to sleep.

The next morning, Krishna woke up while Lakshmi was working in the kitchen. The three small children were playing on the floor with their toys. Krishna finished brushing his teeth and came down for breakfast.

Krishna said, “Lakshmi, please bring breakfast. I am getting late.”

Lakshmi replied, “Yes, I am coming. Please sit for a few minutes.”

After a short time, Lakshmi brought the breakfast and placed it on the floor. Krishna ate quickly and then left for his work at the tea shop.

Krishna worked very hard at the shop throughout the day. In the afternoon, when he sat down to have his lunch, a strange man came in front of the shop.

The man asked, “What is your name?”

Krishna felt uncomfortable and did not reply. Suddenly, the man gathered a group of people. They started misbehaving with Krishna and broke his shop. Krishna became shocked and did not understand what to do. Other people nearby just stood and watched the situation.

In the evening, Krishna returned home silently. On the other hand, Lakshmi had been waiting for a long time. She became very worried about her husband.

After many hours, Krishna returned home.

 Lakshmi immediately asked, “What happened, Krishna? There are so many injuries on your face and body. Please tell me what happened.”

But Krishna did not reply. He went inside the house and sat silently on the floor, with tears in his eyes. Lakshmi came and sat beside him.

After some time, Krishna looked at Lakshmi and said softly, “I will not work at the shop anymore.”

Lakshmi replied, “First tell me what happened to you. How did you get these injuries on your face and body?”

Krishna said, “Today, a man came to my shop and started abusing me without any reason. Then he beat me and broke my shop.”

Lakshmi was shocked. She said, “What? But why didn’t you tell me earlier when I asked you?”

Krishna did not want to speak more because he was in great pain. Lakshmi quietly served him dinner. After eating, Krishna lay down on the floor with the children and soon fell asleep.

But Lakshmi could not sleep the whole night. She kept thinking about Krishna and his condition.

The next morning, Krishna was still sleeping. Lakshmi looked at him and became very sad and emotional after seeing the injuries on his face and body.

Krishna woke up late and sat quietly on the floor.

Lakshmi asked, “How is your pain now?”

Krishna replied, “It is better now.”

Lakshmi said, “So, what do you want to do now?”

Krishna answered, “I want to find another job.”

After this conversation, Krishna went out in search of work. After a few hours, he found a job. However, the job was unusual he had to take care of a graveyard during midnight.

Krishna was very happy that he had found work. He returned home to share the news with his wife.

Lakshmi said, “Krishna, you look very happy.”

Krishna replied, “Yes, Lakshmi. I am very happy because I got a new job.”

Lakshmi asked, “What kind of job did you get? Please tell me.”

When Lakshmi heard that the job was to take care of a graveyard at midnight, she became very tense and worried. She did not like this kind of work at all.

Krishna tried to explain his situation, but Lakshmi was not ready to listen.

Krishna said, “Please, Lakshmi, try to understand. I got this job after a long struggle. I cannot lose it.”

Lakshmi replied, “Krishna, think about what you are saying. This job is very dangerous, especially at midnight. I understand if it were during the day, but working in a graveyard at night is not acceptable to me. I am really worried.”

Despite Lakshmi’s fear, Krishna decided to join the job.

That night was Krishna’s first night at the graveyard. He carried a lamp in one hand and a stick in the other. The graveyard was silent and dark. The wind was blowing slowly, and the trees were moving with a strange sound. Krishna tried to stay brave and began his duty.

After completing his work, he returned home the next morning.

In the evening, Krishna again prepared for his job. He ate his dinner and left for the graveyard. When he reached there, he took his lamp and stick and sat inside a small hut located within the graveyard.

The night grew darker and quieter. There was complete silence everywhere.

As Krishna spent time in the graveyard, he began to hear strange sounds during the night. Sometimes it felt as if someone was walking nearby, and sometimes he heard unusual noises coming from different directions. But Krishna ignored everything because he was focused on his family and his responsibilities.

After a few hours, Krishna saw people bringing a dead body to the graveyard at midnight. He watched as they buried the body near one of the old tombs. Slowly, Krishna became used to this environment.

Days passed, and Krishna continued his work with confidence. His wife Lakshmi also started working in a factory. With their combined efforts, they began to earn more money. Their children started going to school near the village. Life slowly improved, and Krishna never looked back for another job.

Years passed, and Krishna grew old. He lived a simple and honest life, never causing harm to anyone. People in the village respected him for his hard work and courage.

After some time, Krishna fell seriously ill and passed away. The villagers took his body and buried him in the same graveyard where he had worked for many years with dedication and bravery.

Lakshmi continued to take care of the house and her three children. Many years later, she visited the graveyard where Krishna was buried. Their children had grown up into good and responsible people.

On that day, Lakshmi and her children stood near Krishna’s grave with tears in their eyes, remembering his struggle and love for the family. Many villagers spoke about Krishna’s hard work and courage. They showed great respect for him and his family.

After a few days, the villagers organized a small festival in memory of Krishna. It was not just a celebration, but a tribute to his life, his sacrifices, and his journey from poverty to dignity.