We will live!

  Chandu was feeling ecstatic as he walked towards his home. The exhilaration of victory was sparkling with every drop of sweat on his forehead. After all, today his results were declared and he had topped his class with flying colours. He was eager to tell the news to his parents and feel the happiness on their face. He heaved a big sigh as he walked up the stairs of his house. He was surprised to see the door locked. He looked around but none of his family member was seen anywhere. His mom should have been there at home as she always welcomed him after he came from his school. He would then narrate all his adventures of the day and have some snacks with her. Chandu was a poor guy from a village located on the banks of river. His dad was farmer by profession and toiled hard day and night in his farm to earn his livelihood. His mom worked as a maid and did the chores of people in her vicinity. Though there financial condition was poor, they desired to educate their elder child Chandu. They enrolled his name in a convent school which was at a distance of around 20 kilometers from his house. Chandu would beat the road with his footsteps before and after the school. His mates teased him and made fun of him and his mannerisms. But Chandu was focused and hard working guy. He was aware of his economical background and hence never complained to his parents for not providing him with the things which his mates easily afforded. He worked hard to fulfill his parents’ expectation and it was his dream to give them a happy lifestyle.

  He waited there for a while but no one turned up. He got worried as it was getting dark and still no one returned home. He decided to go towards their farm and call his dad as he was feeling creepy. He took his old bicycle out and went to their farm on his bicycle. After few minutes he reached there and parked his bicycle. He saw his dad talking with his fellow men but he was unable to recognize them in the dark. He went towards his mom who was sitting in the small hut in their farm where his dad used to rest at afternoon. He asked his mom about whatever was going on. His mom avoided him and snapped him for coming there on bicycle. His dad came towards them as the men went after some time. He noticed that his dad was tensed and something was terribly wrong. Tension was apparently glimpsed on his dad’s face. He asked him whether anything was wrong. His dad satisfied his curiosity by saying they were the landlords and they came to discuss about the contract he had signed with them two years back.

  Chandu took the torch in his hand as it was too dark and they started walking back towards their house. His mom served them the meal and told Chandu to sleep while she washed the utensils. His dad soon went into deep sleep. Chandu felt something unusual as his dad didn’t snore like he would do normally. He rested on his mattress but was unable to sleep as numerous thoughts started haunting his mind. He sensed his dad was in some deep worry or the tension. He came towards his mom and sat near her. Moon was out and stars were sparkling in the dark. He told his mom that he ranked first in his class. His mom kissed him on his forehead and filled his mouth with a piece of jaggery. He was feeling blissful but wondered why did his mom didn’t celebrate his success? He sat there for a while but she spoke nothing. She instructed Chandu to go back to sleep and tell his dad about his results early morning after he got up. He waited for the sun to rise as he was feeling excited to tell his dad his result. He was so excited like it was the only thing he wished to do after getting up next morning. He went to sleep and soon got lost in his dreams. His mom shut off the lamp after she was done with her chores. The time passed hastily to reach the midnight.  Chandu got up for a pee break as he usually used to get up once or twice every night. He went outside, in the open place behind his house. He was finding the weather unusual and was feeling creepy. He washed his hands and went towards kitchen to drink a glass of water. He poured water into the glass from the jug and kept the jug it back to its place. He turned around and was shocked. The glass fell down from his hands making a loud noise. Sweats dropped down his face and his body was trembling in fear. He was unable to believe what his eyes showed him. He saw his dad hanging on the ceiling fan in kitchen; he had attempted suicide and gave up his life. Chandu broke up and fell flat on the ground. His body was looking pale and cold as he was unable to bear whatever had happened. His strident sobs awakened his mom. His mom ran towards kitchen and she too trembled in fear. Chandu rose up to console his mom. He knew he needed to be brave and face the calamity. His mom needed his support and courage. He looked towards dead figure of his dad and then towards his mom who was sobbing in his arms. He rose up and tried bringing in the entire valor to face the situation. He decided to strive hard and support his mom. He decided not to give up; no matter what and stand for his family. He looked at his younger siblings who were in their deep sleep. He walked towards them and took them close to his heart. He wiped his tears and warned himself not to cry. He decided to build up the bridge of audacity for his family to walk upon. He hugged his mom tightly, relieved from his sobs and whispered in her ears, “WE WILL LIVE..”