The Wake Up Call..

“There is no other option”, he said to himself after gulping down the hard whiskey. Abhi‘s mind was all over the place. He had the perfect family, a good job and a good apartment. He had it all, he thought. He picked up the pile of papers on the table. The words ‘Expired’, ‘Debt’, ‘Due’, “mortgage’ were flashing in big bold letters before him. 

He slumped down on his chair. He knew he had to end it all because there was no escape from what may happen. He’ll lose his beautiful flat, his friends and soon he would not be able to provide for his family and they too would eventually leave him. He lost all hope.There was no way out except one.

He was scared. He’s heard of people who’ve done it. But never in his wildest dreams did he think that he’d be in this situation. He thought of ways to do it. There was nothing in the house which could help him. He didn’t want to make it messy either. With a grim smile, he thought ‘Maybe taking an apartment on the 9^th floor was not a bad idea after all’ surprised at his little sense of humour even in his last few minutes. Just a leap, and that should end it.

He poured another glass of whiskey, because he needed the extra courage. Drank it all in one gulp.  Time to put an end to all the misery and let his family live in peace.  ‘Varsha and the kids would be sad. But they’ll understand why their father did it. Varsha will hate me for it. But I couldn’t tell her. I didn’t want to ask her father for money, it wasn’t fair. I’m sure she’ll understand too’. He knew it was time. He never really did have a choice. With that he closed his eyes to picture his family one last time who were sound asleep in the bedroom.

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“...up Abhi! Its 8’o clock! Don’t you have office today’? Get up. Again you fell asleep on the couch!” yelled Varsha. “Sorry..had some work” murmured Abhi who was in a confused state of mind. He rubbed his eyes and began recollecting the events of the previous night. He fell asleep...on the night he thought he would end his.. “Bye papa” screamed two kids who gave a kiss each, on either of his cheeks and ran out the door with their school bags, breaking his flow of thought. There was a sudden rush of happiness in him. The kind he never felt before. He went to Varsha, hugged her and gave her a peck on the cheek and headed to the shower to get ready for work. “What’s goten into you ?” she asked, surprised at her husband’s sudden sign of affection. 

“You have no idea! Get ready..we’re going to meet your dad” he replied with profound enthusiasm. He knew what’s been given to him. A second chance...to live with his perfect family!