#Fables

One by one, the lights went out and echoing footsteps died away in the distance….

The echo of the footsteps died down and it was dense dark. I could not see anything further. But this did not deter me from moving towards unknown destination…I felt as if someone was calling me from a distance.

I could not understand how a fearful creature like me had suddenly developed so much of confidence. With full conviction, I was moving forward like a lone wanderer in a desert.

I stumbled but someone held me which helped me to stand straight…Sigh…

“Who is there?” “Who is there?” No reply came forth. A screeching shrill disturbed the eerie silence of the night and a faint bulb glowed at the other end.

I lost all the courage and started running without thinking about in which direction I am heading. When I stopped, I saw a shadow on the wall in front of me.

For a moment I thought, is it a real shadow or just a mental imagination? I wasn’t sure if I was in the real state of mind. Fear had a strong grip.

Was it shadow or was I hallucinating? I shrieked with fear n fainted then n there. When I opened my eyes, I was in my living room surrounded by my friend’s n family. One by one the lights turned on…and I was amazed to see the decoration of lights n flowers done.

A loud clap thundered the living room and others joined in and my Father played my favourite song on the piano congratulating me for my promotion which wasn’t disclosed by me.

“Is this the way to congratulate me” I asked them.

“I was utterly scared you all are taking as fun, not fair.”

I was scared, surprised, and happy all at the same time. While giving my father a hug I was wondering who told him about my promotion. Then I saw my friend Rishika behind him. Then I understood that Rishika planned that whole thing.

Rishika was watching me with squinted eyes.

“Hey, you…how can you be so stubborn….wait for your turn” I whispered.

“Just as you acted, you kept such information as confidential from me & Uncle. Your boss told me & we planned.

You say, “I am brave” We tested.

“You failed” Rishika teased me.

My reaction was mixed. I hugged my father and his blessings comforted me & tears of happiness welled up.

“Beta, we are there with you, celebrating with family means a lot. We did it to amuse you & drift you from the pressure of work, Look at the flowers, they smile Even if they know that they will perish tomorrow.” A wide smile sailed on her face and she forgot all the mess.