At the life’s end

A Short Story by G.S.Vasukumar

“You know, I want to have enough of my life,” Amar said, holding a handful of sand in his right fist. The sand started slipping through his fingers, “But it keeps slipping away from me just like this sand.”

“Well, you can achieve a lot before the whole sand slips away.” Pradeep replied, standing before him, blocking the sun behind him at the sea-shore.

They both walked away, as the sun started to set beyond the roaring sea. Amar started writing from a young age. Pradeep started a book publishing company when he grew up. He wanted to help his friend as well as many other budding writers to make their mark. He published Amar’s collections of short stories and poems. Amar went on to become a well know writer, as his works were read and appreciated by the people across the world.

Amar married Swapna, who was a doctor by profession. They had a five year old son, Aryan. Life was really beautiful until Amar was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Then he was 30, and was given just three months to live.

“Swapna, I don’t want to..to..die.”He said, on the bed in the hospital, holding her hand tightly.

“You won’t!” She said, smiling at him nervously, “I know God is unfair to us, but we need to fight back,”

Amar wrote his next collection of short stories and poems while he was down fighting for his life on the hospital bed. The sickness seemed to be consuming his slowly. Pradeep brought out his collection of short stories and poems with a note about the author’s sickness. As usual, his books got sold out. Also Amar was flooded with fan mail from across the globe. His fans prayed for his long life. They loved his writings as it touched them in some way or the other.

“Pradeep, thank you,” Amar said smiling at him, showing the letters he had got, “Now, I have an even stronger reason to live.”

“I’m very glad for you, my friend.” Pradeep said, smiling at him.” Also your paintings have got a very good price. Tell me, what do you want me to do with the money?”

“Well, let’s donate it to the Cancer Memorial Hospital.” Said Swapna, coming with coffee and snacks, “Let others also have a fighting chance to live like him.”

“Good idea!” said Amar, “Cancer should not mean death. Those who are suffering should be given good treatment, and a chance to lead a normal life.”

“I agree with you guys.” Pradeep said.

“I thought I was at the life’s end when I was initially diagnosed with this disease.” Amar said.

“And now?” asked Pradeep.

“I feel that I have a long way to go before I reach its end.” Amar said smiling at them.

The End.