“Time is running out” echoed within him again and again. Neil did not know if it took seconds, minutes or hours, but when he regained his conscious, there was utter chaos both outside and within him. People were constantly honking, some yelling and the vehicles had come to an abrupt halt in the street. He then heard someone telling he is safe because of the head gear or else would have had the similar plight as of his friend. Tears rolled down his eyes and he now felt the pain in his leg and the bruises. Neil wondered as to what did that person mean by fate. He wondered as to what was Sam going through. The sense of guilt almost deafened him, conscience was too loud for him to bear. He now tried to sit inspite of the pain and searched for Sam.
Limping in that excruciating pain, he pushed aside the crowd trying to locate Sam. Finally he found Sam lying on the adjacent side of the road. Just when Neil was thanking his stars, he realized that Sam’s head was severely injured and he was bleeding. For a moment the world seemed to collapse, but Neil knew he had to save Sam. Finally, when the pain was unbearable he fell down and just like a movie the scenes of the times they spent together flashed through his mind.“Dude! Enough of going through that bizarre question paper. We are done with exams and college. Come on Sam!”had said Neil, who was in the “Party” mood since it was their last exam.
Samarth, known as Sam was upset since he couldn’t finish it on time, but knew he had to forget all of it for Neil. Both were buddies from the fifth grade and now planned even to go job hunting together. Graduating with marketing honors they knew bagging a job was easy. If Samarth was smart and had enough marks to support his credentials, Neil had a gift of gab that all envied. They were renowned for all they did, but the main reason was for the friendship they shared.
Inspite of having a car for himself, Neil always used Sam’s bike. The only thing was he hated it when Sam insisted to use a headgear. Neil was a guy born with a silver spoon but he somehow did not appreciate it since his parents could never make time for him. He was almost like a family member in Samarth’s house and more like a guest in his own home. Neil’s dad who was into politics wanted Neil to follow him. However, Neil always mocked that the cheap family business isn’t for him. He neither wanted to join it nor wanted his Dad’s help to get any job.
Couple of weeks after the exam had come a day when they had to attend a job interview. They were traveling on Sam’s bike as usual, when Sam noticed that Neil was upset. On asking, Neil denied it continuing the silence further. After series of denials Sam ordered Neil to park the vehicle just before the main junction and talk it out.
“Can there be any new issue? It’s always been the same fucking problem dude. My parents. Now they want me to stop all the interactions with you and your family.” He blurted out with rage.
“Oh Shit!” this was the only thing Sam could utter inspite of knowing that this was bound to happen someday.
Neil was fuming and continued- “They blame my absence for family gatherings to my being close with you. Why the hell don’t they follow that the reason has always been them. Funny thing is that I dunno why but they only miss me when there is a gathering and not otherwise.”
Sam knew this anger will never subside and now wanted Neil to focus on the interview. “I guess you should cool down, bag this job and that will make them proud dumbo!”
Neil gave a sarcastic smile, raising the accelerator of the bike and exclaimed- “I don’t blame you Sam. You will never know how it is with my parents.”
Sam smiled getting into the pillion pad and indicated towards his watch saying- “Time is running out buddy!”
On realizing this Neil remembered that he had just zoomed off. The next thing he knew was they were hit, the words– “Time is running out” was Sam’s and it repeated in his mind as he was tossed in the air and landed across the street with a severely injured leg.
His head was bleeding severely, he was unconscious but thankfully ALIVE!. He cried, yelled, begged and pleaded. But none offered any help. He tried pulling Sam with all his energy but in vain. After constant effort and all the energy worn out he fell on the road yet again and yelled “SORRY”. As he cried it struck to him that there were policemen around but they too did not help and strangely enough they did not interrogate him too.
He now knew the reason. He knew it all. He yet again held Sam close to him and said- “I am gonna get it done Sam!! You gotta fight this battle for me. I cannot live with this guilt. I am gonna get you treated.”
He was all the more determined now and felt a strange adrenaline rush which equipped him with great energy and he now knew that he too had to fight a battle. Fight it for his friend and against his Dad.
….. To be continued!!!C Yah,
HPK!!!
