The Fire

Amidst the chorus of the prayers, the screams for life started to overlap. A fire broke out in this historical religious place. The once in a year festival had attracted lot of people and the entire place was jammed with humans all around. The cry for help was heard in many languages. The little kids were the ultimate victims of the chaos. Mothers shouting out their loved ones’ names, kids crying, people flocking here and there, the entire scene was pathos.

Seven hours earlier. The climate was much more serene in Sanjiv’s house. His parents were busy in last minute packing. It’s the time of festivity in their religious home place. Sanjiv, 12, was in no mood to get ready as he didn’t want to miss Suraj’s birthday party scheduled for the evening. But his mother was very stubborn of his presence. ‘Every year we are attending this function. What will happen if you two alone go this time? God will understand. Please ma.’ Sanjiv’s pleads were never given attention. His mom replied ‘We are going there only for the past three years. This will be the fourth time we are going and the third time you are coming with us. Now get ready sweetheart. We have the train in another thirty minutes.’ Sanjiv feared the crowds, people. He thought those were the signs of bad omen. He always avoids jam-packed places for he is quite aware of the consequences. The only thing he loved was the train journey. Reluctantly he got up and started the ten minute walk to the station.

Though the train journey was to last only two hours, he was excited. His father was the architect in chief to find him a window seat. Hands on the window grill, face closest to it, mouth smiling, his train journey started off. He loved the air dashing his face, trees running backwards, little people waving hands at the train, the rumbling sound of the train, he loved them all. He forgot all his memories and was immersed in enjoying the travel. The father and mother were contented enough in seeing this boy smile. They reached the place of worship and got refreshed in one of their relative’s house there. Off they were to be present in the once in a year event to thank their Lord.  Suddenly there were shouts of fire from all over the place. People started to run for their lives. Sanjiv accompanied by his parents started to run for safety. Amidst the chorus of the prayers, the screams for life started to overlap. A fire broke out in this historical religious place.

Three days earlier. ‘Are you sure you want to go to this place this year also?’ asked Mukesh to his wife. ‘Yes. I want to.’ She wanted to go. Mukesh didn’t want the place to rekindle the unforgettable memories that they are trying hard to get rid of. ‘Fine. I am not stopping you. Go.’

‘What do you mean go? We are going.’ Geetha exclaimed. ‘Listen Geethu. My first name may coincide with the name of a top billionaire, but that doesn’t make me one. I can afford for one. Enjoy the trip. Pay my obeisance also to the All Giving God.’ He sounded satirical. Clearly he hasn’t overcome the disaster that happened at the same place four years ago. Neither was Geetha. As she insisted, she set off the journey to this famous Holy place to pay her respects to the Lord.

It was an eight hour travel in bus from Geetha’s to the shrine. She had a relative there and would be staying there. The function would take place for three days with the third day being more special. In the course of the travel, memories flashed upon her. Four years earlier, at the same place and same occasion that invites crowd like ants for sugar, she lost her son. The crowd was so intense that her search was in vain. Her complaints to the local administrators and police yielded no result. All she could do was cry to the Lord. This incident turned the life of Geetha and Mukesh upside down. They lost their only asset. Her son was eight when she lost him. The parents had so many plans for the young man but were shattered to pieces by this disaster. Since then she made to this place every year hoping to find her son. She was accompanied by Mukesh previous three times but slowly Mukesh had started to lose hope in finding his son here. Geetha valued her prayers and hoped to find her son at this time around.

The celebration started off with fireworks all around and Geetha was there pleading the Lord. She had eyes on everybody in the crowd hoping to see her son. But the end result was something she is now getting used to. The next day was a carbon copy of the previous. The third day, which draws people in huge numbers, had Geetha in rigorous search. Just then this happened. Amidst the chorus of the prayers, the screams for life started to overlap. A fire broke out in this historical religious place.

People started to run directionless. Screams and shouts were all over. The scene was chaotic. Geetha had to run for safety. She somehow made it to a safer place. Sanjiv and co were still searching for a better place to escape the fire. Geetha could still hear people crying for help. After much ado, Sanjiv’s dad found asylum. Just then Geetha saw something she had seen for eight years but not for the last four years. The next thing what Sanjiv saw was something he never imagined.

Mukesh’s happiness was unbounded. His only treasure had returned. He thanked God for making it all happen. Geetha was the happiest woman in the world. She fondled and embraced Sanjiv with so much love and affection. After all, the mother had missed all the warmth of her son.

The next day newspaper read “Over 500 hurt in Fire!!! No Deaths reported.” He closed the paper to see his son. But could not be found. His wife reminded him of what happened the previous day. ‘Hopefully, he is happy with his family’ he said to his wife. She turned away with wet eyes.

Out of a hundred temporary cries, there was one permanent happiness.