That Sound.
*****
That Sound.
She was doing her usual
chores. She gave a quick glance to the grandfather clock hanging on the wall.
It was about time her room-mate returned.
*****
Aria and Ashley, those were their names.
Ash worked late, and Aria always waited up for Ash’s
return. Well, mostly cuz she hated having dinner alone, and also, she liked
hearing Ash narrate how her day went, how her boss threw those Monday morning
and Friday evening tantrums, and how at the end of the day, they all, including
the boss, parted ways, saying cheers to the weekend. She never got tired of
these stories. She hated that she could not be a part of ABC, where Ash works,
anymore.
She missed the good old days when she and Ash would
run half a mile after their late night at work, to catch the bus. They would
buy their dinner from the nearby hotdog stand, walk together towards their
flat, talking about nothing in particular. Aria and Ash had just joined the
company then.
As years went by, both got promoted, Aria earning
slightly more than Ash.
They pitched in their incomes, bought a car, and a
new, bigger flat. Aria used to drive, as Ash showed all interest in enjoying
the view from the passenger seat, than the driver’s.
One Saturday night, exactly one year back, Aria had taken the car out. She was unsure of driving alone at that hour, since the roads around their flat were famous for drunk n drive accidents. She hoped for the best and went at a slow pace. Halfway through her drive, she heard the ambulance siren. It was a very common sound in that part of the city. She slowed down even more and gave space for the ambulance, both praying and hoping, whoever is inside might make it. Though she had huge respect for the driver, She despised That Sound of the ambulance. For her, it meant a late cry for help.
Back on the road, she took a shortcut. And knowing no one will be on the road at this hour, she pressed on the accelerator pedal and drove.
The light hit her eyes first. She tried dimming, brightening, dimming her headlights to get a view of what was coming towards her. Or at least to send the message to the incoming light to slow down. She couldn't see anything. The light increased intensity with every second, two seconds later, she could hear the screech of breaks and horn. She could do nothing. There was no space left for her to give side to the speeding vehicle. It was a one way track. Her legs shifted between the accelerator and the brakes. She stopped her car. And waited. All she heard was That Sound.
She opened her eyes and she kept hearing that sound. Now, she was the one in a speeding vehicle. She could see glasses and blood all around her arms and legs. She felt her senses leaving her again. But she was at peace. She trusted that sound now.
That accident left Aria with one leg short. She stopped going to work, instead worked on the documents Ash brought home for her. She missed the daily work chat, her workplace, the small coffee breaks, her computer, her small cubicle and even her red revolving chair. And lastly, her old car.
She often wondered who's fault it was.
She never got to see what became of the speeding vehicle, or of the passengers, if there were any. She heard the doctors saying they could not reach the other driver in time. She did know that her own car gave the out of control speeding car leverage to stop.
She heard the calling bell and was more than glad to come back to the present. It must be Ash. She made her way to the front door, unlocked, and opened the door. It wasn't Ash.
***
The man at the door had a good featured face, but with a permanent scar. He introduced himself as the passenger of the car that had hit hers. He saw her shocked stance, staggering and trying to balance with her one good leg, and apologised for her loss. And also for his uninvited and unexpected visit. He had been tracking and looking out to find the girl, because of whom he is still alive. She just stood speechless.
Two years later, Ash helped Aria onto the drivers seat of their new car. Aria felt the steering wheels for the first time after her accident. At the passenger side sat her fiancée, the features and scar on his face, turning into an encouraging smile.
Two years later, Ash helped Aria onto the drivers seat of their new car. Aria felt the steering wheels for the first time after her accident. At the passenger side sat her fiancée, the features and scar on his face, turning into an encouraging smile.
***********************************************************************
Several stories end with an accident, and several others start with one.
There's nothing much we can do about accidents. They happen when they happen. Though there are some rules we have to follow. These rules just might save a life.
- Bikers! Wear a helmet guys!! Yeah, Its not cool wearing something on your head that damages the hair styling you took hours to get right. It could also lead to hair loss. But think again, hair can grow again, your brain n skull can't. Save your head man, cuz its worth it!
- Seat belts! They'l hold you back from the impact caused by collision or sudden brakes.
- Texting?? While driving??? U must be outta your mind! Its like you are welcoming death saying, hey, come n get me!
- Now over to drinking and driving... Was that glass of beer/champagne/wine you'd sipped a little while back, while celebrating with your loved ones, really worth it? Did it really guarantee that you'l live longer to raise the glass again n say cheers??
The road is for everyone. The pedestrians, cyclists, the bikers, car drivers, auto drivers, truck n bus drivers, all of them!
Just like when you are in a library, you respect the librarian, the other readers and you don't talk loudly. The same way, respect the road, and you'l receive the same!
Have a nice drive! :) Stay safe!
Picture courtesy: Google Images
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Awesome story and a nice message! Great Post Keerthy! :) :)
ReplyDeletecoming from an expert driver, people should seriously read this :P :) and i like the way you balanced everything.. like you created a tragedy and story and still left hope in the end :P and i guess you got the inspiration for one characters from me for i'm someone who always want to be on the passenger's seat :P :P :P
ReplyDeleteHaha thanks!! :D Yep, I did think of you while writing that part :)
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