Why the gate is not opened? It is only 20 minutes left!!
He bent his fingers restlessly.
The clock was so lazy. His heart was over-clocking. Dripping sweat!
“Uncle, are you ok?”The little pretty girl was staring at him.
“Am….i am…..oo k…”
“You are sweating Uncle! Don’t be tensed!”
“Am….i am…..oo k…”
“Close your eyes and look at that beautiful sky”
“Wha…..t…? Close the eyes…? and look at the beauty of the sky…? that too inside the airport….?”He could not resist airing his valid doubt!
“Granny used to tell me whenever I feel sad…That is what I do. It works!”
“m…” He just did respond!
Actually, uncle, if you close your eyes..you can see anything right?”
He looked at her innocence!
“Yes, Granny!”
He could reply so lightly and it lightened her already bright pebbly eyes…!He obliged Granny’s advice!
He closed his eyes!
…Pinky’s nose and hands are attached with narrow white tubes; Life tubes! The colorful display was blinking above her head. Yes, blinking fast! Pinky looks so white in that white hospital dress and bedsheets! No one around?!
“Aravind, I am there, Don’t worry..!” Diya! Yes, she cannot leave Pinky.Diya will be with her always…around; Life holding strength!!
He could touch Pinky’s tired fingers…He sat near her!She is sleeping, yet singing her favorite rhyme!
He looked at her nose again….then looked up…wow, the sky is so beautiful….deep and infinite! Sparkling Diya, among the stars….caressing Pinky!!
Sweat disappeared; clock and heart running normally.
He was not sleeping, but he fled!
“Uncle, the gate is opened! Let’s go!”
“Oh, yeah, the gate is opened!”
“Thank you, Granny…!”
He bowed to her!
She smiled, waved her hands, and ran towards her Granny!
The flight was ready to take everyone to the destination!
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Photo: Mobile shot in Dec 2019
Pebbles 