Edge of the Abyss (Part I)

 

The final bell went off. It was the last day before the school closed for winter vacation. Swastik walked out the school gates and looked back. Students were wishing each other Merry Christmas but no one seemed to notice him. He didn't care much either. Unlike other students, he wasn't very happy with the school closing down. Though he didn't have any friends, he felt a little less lonely here.

Just outside the school gates was an oak which had been there since his first day. He felt a deep bond with the tree and used to spend a large part of the day talking to the giant. He sat on a rusty seat in the shade of the oak and set his bag down gently. Cupping his face in his hands, he looked at the school reminiscing. He was in no hurry to go home as his parents were outstation. Soon, all the students had left. There was an eerie silence in the air occasionally interrupted by vehicles honking in the distance. Swastik pulled out his water bottle and drank whatever was left. He got up and rested his head softly on the oak. The tree leaves rustled with a soft breeze as Swastik started to walk away. Soon, he was on the main road. Buses racing each other; angry drivers honking; the traffic guard struggling to maintain order- it was nothing out of the usual. Swastik decided to walk instead of taking the bus. He trod slowly through the pavement- his head a swirl of thoughts assigning characters to everything- animate or inanimate. Lost in his own reverie, he bumped into a man.

"Watch you step, boy!"

"I'm sorry, Sir!"

He shook his head, cursed himself for being so careless and walked home. He struggled a little with the rusty lock on the door. He took some snacks from the fridge and started eating without warming them. The woman living next door saw him through the window and before she could say anything, Swastik plugged in his earphones. The songs transported him to a world of his own- a world where he found momentary peace. After eating, he let out a loud burp.

"Sorry...Oh, there's no one here."

He turned on his laptop with the idea of starting his assignments right away but he couldn't concentrate. He wanted to go back to listening songs but he restrained himself. After an hour of study, he logged on to Omegle.com because he was feeling too isolated.

He selected the topic "Depression" and clicked "Text". In a few seconds, he was matched with someone.

Swastik: Hi there! How's life?

Stranger: hi

Stranger: 22 M

Swastik: Sorry?

Stranger: how old are you?

Swastik: I'm 16.

Stranger: male or female?

Swastik: Male

The other person disconnected.

"Wow! Great morals!", Swastik said to himself.

He started searching again. It took longer than usual. He got matched again.

Swastik: Hi

Stranger: Hi! I swear if someone asks me for my gender again, I'm gonna lose it.

Swastik: Calm down. Likewise.

Stranger: Sorry, this place is just so stressful.

Swastik: I know but then, why do you keep coming here?

Stranger: I guess I don't have many real-life friends and venting to a total stranger is easier than doing it with an acquaintance.

Swastik: Mhm.

Stranger: So, how're you doing today?

Swastik: Not so good. How about you?

Stranger: Oh, same old same old.

Swastik: Isn't "depression" a weird topic to choose for a conversation?

Stranger: haha. Says the person who chose it himself/herself.

Swastik: himself. I'm a guy.

Stranger: Oh, okay.

Swastik: Mhm

Stranger: What am I? Your counselor? C'mon, ask me some questions too. I swear I'm an open book!

Swastik: Well, what are your hobbies?

Stranger: Umm I love listening to music, playing drums and writing occasionally.

Swastik: Wow, that's impressive! I have always wanted to play a musical instrument myself.

Stranger: Mhm. Who doesn't? Now, tell me about your hobbies.

Swastik: I'm not sure what I like doing.

Stranger: Sounds like what a depressed person would say! Think about it. Something must make you happy.

Swastik: Well, if you insist, I would say writing and listening to music.

Stranger: Now, that is what I'm talking about.

Swastik: Yeah, okay. hehe

Stranger: I've wanted to do this for a long time. Wanna try something out?

Swastik: Can't say yes till I know what it is.

Stranger: Nice. Being skeptical is necessary for a writer. So, what we're gonna do is write a poem together. Agreed?

Swastik: How's that possible?

Stranger: I've no idea but I'll figure it out.

Swastik: Okay. Not weird at all.

Stranger: So, we'll write alternate lines of the poem. I'll go first.

Stranger: The edge of a shiny sword and a castle on it,

Swastik: No matter how hard the prince tries, the king never considers it a hit...

Stranger: That's nice!

Stranger: Crown on head that shines for the world,

Swastik: But only he knows how much the thorns in it hurt.

Stranger: It's heavy for he knew its worth.

Swastik: Lost his father to war and mother to    poison,

                 He knew it all from the start.

Stranger: Still he tried to set his heart,

                  Protect the kingdom for welfare of all

Swastik: He tried to balance a castle meant to fall.

                All his happiness turned to gall...

Stranger: He's still walking down the aisle;

                  A spring in his step.

Swastik: With every next step, the winter faded away,

                  As the warmth of his soul paved the way.

Stranger: Yeah, he's at the ball,

                   Flying gracefully on the floor,

Swastik: With someone he loves...

                 Just someone he loves.

Stranger: Wow!!! You're a professional! I'm clapping virtually for you!

Swastik: Thanks. This felt really good.

Stranger: I guess that's the end of our conversation.

Swastik: Wait! Can I have some way to contact you?

Stranger: Ah, I don't wanna stop talking to you either. You sound like a nice person.

Swastik: Maybe I could send you a friend request on Facebook?

Stranger: Do something. Give me your number. I'll reach out to you but don't count on it.

Swastik: +91 XXXXXXXXXX

Stranger: Bye for now!

Swastik: Yup, I'll talk to you later. I guess.

The other person disconnected. Swastik got up from his chair and did a little dance. But then he stopped. He realized that the other person might not contact him at all.

To be continued...