THE UNKNOWN HANDS (EPISODE NINE)

…I was by his side on the mat as usual. I lay beside him, watching the wood at the fire-place burning slightly, keeping the whole place warm. I listened sadly to my father’s intermittent noise and coughing. He was at times with difficulty, saying certain things I

could not discern. His speech had been greatly affected. I only saw his lips moving most times, without the ability to make up what he was trying to say. It was more of mere mumbling. Later, I became a bit afraid as his pain got to a peak and the whole place seemed to be wearing a new fearful look. For one, it was getting darker and since the room was totally filled with smoke, i could hardly see properly. At a time, his noise became so loud that i felt those in the other compound would be woken up and would start rushing in to find out what had gone wrong again. Surprisingly, nobody came and i later heard him take one deep breath and everything was quiet. I was happy that he was able to go to sleep at last and my thinking was that the following morning, i would inform those around about my experience.

Early in the morning the following day, i was surprised to find that even though my father’s mouth and eyes were wide open, he was motionless. I touched him hoping there would be some response.

“Baba” i shouted several times until the shouting almost turned into screaming. The only thing i heard was the echoes of my own voice. Those who heard my usual noise came trooping in to find out what happened. My father had given up the ghost.

At first, everything came to me as one terrible dream and i was still imagining sitting with him discussing various issues. His pictures were clear in my mind and i couldn't really appreciate the fact that he was gone until he had been laid to rest.

Two things came to me as a surprise at his death and burial. One... To be continued on Saturday.

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