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Srishti-2022   >>  Short Story - English   >>  Home Alone on a Rainy Night

Niyas Sajjad

QBURST TECHNOLOGIES

Home Alone on a Rainy Night

   I love the rainy season so much, that I feel so happy. It brings memories alive even though they may not be bound to rain. It was during one of those wet and cool monsoon nights, I happened to be home alone. After having dinner I was reclining in an easy chair listening to the mesmerizing music of rain. I was particularly happy that, we didn't have a power cut that night, which was not the case usually on a rainy night.

 

     I was aware of the fact that I had not yet ironed my shirt that I had to wear the next day. But I was already feeling sleepy and was not in a mood to even get up and get to bed. I wanted to slowly slip into sleep listening to the tune of rain.

 

     Suddenly, I heard a knock on the door followed by the sound of the calling bell. I was too hesitant to get up. I didn't move. But the calling bell rang again. I slowly got up and opened the door. I saw someone walking back to the gate. I called out to him and he turned around. It was a shopkeeper who runs a store in the town. He was a friend of my dad and was familiar to all of us. I asked him to come in. We walked into the living room and sat down facing each other.

 

     I asked him: "Did you have too many customers tonight? You usually shut the store by 8 pm, right? It's 11 pm now!

 

"No no. Something is wrong with my scooter. The mechanic was checking it for a long time. But he couldn't figure out the problem. And then it started to rain heavily. I was stuck in the shop. The mobile network seems dead too. As the rain stopped I decided to walk home. But the rain started again when I reached here. So I thought of meeting your dad."

 

"He is not here. Mom and Dad are traveling. They will reach here by tomorrow morning. By the way, did you eat anything?"

 

"No, I haven't. I couldn't even inform my wife that I will be late."

 

"Oh, you can use my phone if you want to make a call."

 

     I passed my phone on to him and walked to the kitchen. I was thinking about not having met him for a long time. I realized how much time was I spending at work. I would come home well after 10 pm every day, yes, after all the shops in our area were closed. But I had fond memories of this man. He used to give me a lot of chocolates every time I visited his shop as a little boy. He was so kind to me unlike some of the other shopkeepers who used to be angry towards children for no reason.

 

     I handed over a plate of chappathi and curry to him. He gave my phone back and thanked me. While he was eating, I talked about those old memories. He smiled at me and told me about his friendship with my father and grandfather. We continued to talk for about an hour. By that time the rain had stopped. He thanked me again and bade adieu. I offered to drop him, but he politely declined and told me: "That's ok dear. It's just 10 minutes walk from here to reach my place". We smiled at each other. He waved at me and left.

 

     I was happy to have met him again, that too after a long time. It was already half past midnight by then. So I just kept the plate near the kitchen zinc and went to bed.

 

     I woke up at 7 in the morning. My family had already arrived. I went up to Dad and enquired him about the trip. As he was talking to me, Mom peeked out of the kitchen and shouted: "Why didn't you wash your plate last night?"

 

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Sam uncle came to meet you guys last night. He had dinner from here. I thought of washing it in the morning as it was too late when he left. Sorry!"

 

"What? Which Sam uncle are you talking about?", asked Dad.

 

"Well, I think there is only one Sam uncle whom we all know. The man who runs the stationery store in the town."

 

"What?! Are you crazy??", shouted Dad.

 

"Why are you shouting, Dad? He is your friend and he used to come here occasionally too, right? He was stuck in the rain and he had some trouble with his scooter. That's why he..."

 

"He passed away a year ago! How can he come here last night? Are you still dreaming?", yelled Dad.

 

I was startled and clueless. Mom chipped in immediately and said: "When did you start lying to us? If you had not washed the plate, just admit it. Why are you cooking up stories?!", Mom made a sarcastic face.

 

"Mom, please believe me. He had really come here. We talked for some time and he even called someone from my phone!"

 

Dad quickly snatched my phone and checked my call list. He took out his phone and dialed the number that was on my phone. His phone displayed, 'Calling Sam'.

 

Everyone was shocked. Mom sighed in disbelief. I never knew his number nor did I ever save it on my phone. I realized that my theory about ghosts was wrong. I never believed in them. But one of them visited me last night!!