Tears rolled down her cheeks and it was hard to breathe. The sky that was blue all this time suddenly turned gloomy. Trees around her seemed to be caught in a whirlwind and yet she did not hear any sound. She did not hear her little son inquiring “amma who called?” Suddenly she became deaf. She gained her balance with the embrace of her son and holding him she went into her small house on the hillock built with love and caring.
She was still in tears holding her son tight to her breasts. A feeling of emptiness loomed the bedroom once filled with laughter caring and love. She never felt the money inside his pocket. All she wanted was love that filled his heart. For her it was neither a deal nor a business. She never felt so lost within her own house.
She never knew if she was imagining or daydreaming. Feeling like a feather she was floating on a dark cloud. Paths emerged in front of her eyes. She could see three paths clearly in front of her eyes. He was there ready to lead her into the path and a beautiful name board loomed across that read in bold capital letters “ LOVE & SECURITY”. She saw the uneven surface on this path with potholes and obstacles. She saw him trying to lead her through the path of “LOVE & SECURITY” with open arms. That is the path she preferred but paused for a moment to see the name boards of the other two.
The other ones were labelled “ SEX” and “MONEY”. Someone in the company of many girls was inviting her to take the path of “SEX”. His face was familiar. He was handsome and well built. A perfect sex partner. The path was well paved and ready to be used. She looked deep into his eyes and a devil with an ugly face appeared.
She looked towards the path of “MONEY”. Right along this path there were men of all kinds and ages loaded with money. Some of them opening doors to their flashy cars. Notes of high denominations were being thrown up for her to grab.
She looked towards “LOVE & SECURITY”. He was still standing and waiting. Neither with open arms nor did he speak a word. Yet his eyes were filled with honesty. She floated slowly towards him and he held his hands as if never to let go until death do them part. She realized that the path she took was correct. It led them through a beautiful jungle filled with wild flowers. Although wild animals tried to harm them there seemed to be a strong screen between them. They only heard the harsh sounds of wild beasts. A few potholes encountered but, they were easily avoided with tact. They felt only happiness and peace of soul and body in full. They enjoyed every moment of their passage.
Abruptly the road ended and a huge precipice appeared. They could not cross. She suddenly felt a push and started falling into the precipice. She was still falling with a feeling of betrayal when she saw the look in his face. She only heard loud laughter that replaced the smooth music all the way. Then she saw the faces of all the men who tried to lure her into the paths of “SEX” & “MONEY”
When she reached the bottom of the precipice she saw the still body of her only child.
(Thonigala in the district of Puttlam inspired me to write this short story of love and betrayal)
Post a Comment