A dream (contd.)

It had started raining. The constant splash of rainwater on the windscreen was something he loved to watch. He loved driving during rains. He suddenly had this temptation to start the car and drive away - from everybody; all questions; all problems; all bugging issues. He wanted to drive till he was too tired to think. In the past, he had always resorted to these drives when the going had got tough. He had felt it helped him clear his mind. Now he realized that he had only been running away - escapism. This time he had been halted forcibly. He realized that he had some questions to answer, some decisions to make.

He forced his thoughts back to the question he was supposed to answer. Was he really afraid that he might never find a soul mate? Was he really delaying something that was not supposed to be delayed? Was this the issue that had been bugging him? He realized that he had remained silent for quite sometime now.

Him (to the Girl): Yes. You are right. I am afraid.
K: Why?
Him: I don’t know.
M: So this is what has been bugging you?
Him: I’ve just been running away from taking some decisions. That’s what has been bugging me.
S: What decisions?
Him: I believe that a man has but one destiny – the one he makes for himself. I’m comfortable in life now. No big responsibilities, no commitments. Life is smooth. But I’m pretty sure this is not what I’m supposed to do for the rest of my life. Problem is - I’ve not done anything to find out. This carefree life is getting monotonous. I’ve got to move ahead. I have to decide where and how.
S: So what’s your decision going to be?
Him(chuckles): Dear, If it were so simple, I would have made it long time back.
K(irritated): You don’t understand. You have to decide now. There isn’t much time. We are losing you.
Him(stunned): WHAT?
S (smiling, to K): Well..somebody had to break the news to him. (To Him) You have to decide now. You won’t get a chance later.
M: Now you know what I meant, when I said, “You might get a chance.”

He became silent again. But this time, it was due to shock. Was this the end? He didn’t like it one bit. Slowly, he recovered from the shock. Hell no! This was not the end. The end would be on his terms, to his liking.

Him: I think I know what I need to do. And I’m going to do it.
M: And what will that be?
Him: I don’t think I will reveal that now.
S: Fair enough. (To the others) I think our work here is done.
Him: But how come YOU folks turned up? Why not my parents or my brother?
K: Well, you were the one who chose us.

With that S, K and M vanished. He found himself alone with the girl. He kept staring into her eyes. He usually felt uneasy making eye contact with strangers. Not with this girl.

Him: I don’t even know you. How could I have chosen you? And yeah - Aren’t you supposed to vanish too?
Girl(smiling): I’m still here – which means my work isn’t done yet. You know me. Rather, you will know me. We would have met if you had already said yes to marriage. I don’t know what your decision is, but now I’m pretty sure we’ll meet.
Him: And when is that? I think you know that.

She nodded but didn’t answer, just a smile.

Him: Ok. At least tell me your name.
Girl (with a mischievous grin): Can’t do that. Can you remember my face?

He was alone now. Suddenly, he felt severe pain in his neck and lower back. It had been an accident after all; a pretty bad one too. He realized that the steering wheel was inches away from his chest. He then noticed that the car had been rear-ended pretty badly. He felt dizzy again. Things began to blur. But now, he felt a sense of peace and calm. He knew he was going to be fine. He blacked out.