The Gladiator And Other Stories Read online

II. Albidah (Good Bye)

  It came all on a sudden. It was late last night and I felt a bit sleepy when woke up early as I had to catch the train and could not afford sleeping late. The morning air was fresh and there was a dense fog and I felt fresh as I stepped out to see if the boys had done my luggage. All of them grinned to see me come out and showed the packed up luggage. I asked them if they had checked up with the meticulously prepared list before packing up and then rushed for the toilet. Bathing in ice-cold water removed all weariness and I had breakfast in a jovial mood and then went out to have a short walk. It was still two hours for the train and the station was not far off.

  Walking through dense fog is delightful and I always like a foggy morning. You are almost lost in an uncanny world. I was alerted by sound of hefty footsteps and then found one of the boys rushing with a woolen cap in his hand. He was panting and almost breathless and lisped out: 'Your cap sir, you’ll catch cold.'

  'No need, I like this chilly dews on my head and face,' I waved him back and the boy left disappointedly.

  Now the sun slowly came out and everything started to become transparent. The silhouette of the bushy cypress became visible through the fog and it started taking a distinct shape and became clearly visible with the sun higher up. It was scintillating as the sun rays reflected on the accumulated dew droplets. It looked almost oval and like a vast bear sleeping with its head rested on the hairy chest.

  I slowly got closed to the plant and I clearly remembered the hazards of goats, plant diseases, rains and snowfalls it had to endure to grow up into a beautiful bushy plant and now one could cut it into any chosen shape. I patted it with my hand and felt the softness of the smooth surface.

  'Hello my plant, I’ve to leave today, the boys will look after you. They are nice boys and they all love you.'

  I sensed the mild tremor through plant as though in pain and then something went deep into my heart and started assailing me mercilessly. I could not make out what it was but felt the all powering moroseness taking possession of my soul. I’d to catch the train and it was a long tedious journey. I said 'Albidah' and left.