Soul Mate

Soul Mate

At the age of 75 , I was a happy man. I always had been a happy person. I was ever good a company. I was ever the main reason for laughter on faces of the people in my company. I was the least complicated person. I loved simple things and I loved everybody around me. They loved me too. This love, friendship and laughter was my reason to live at that age. I had accomplished all that I desired. I had fulfilled my duties. I was living a simple life with total contentment.

When you live long, you get to see everything and you get to experience everything, but also you have to see and experience everything.

One morning, my 55 years' companion did not wake up from her sleep. From the day we met, we were one soul and two bodies. Now I had to do away with one body. Devastated I was, but I would not cry as she would be pained to see me in pain. I carried on as if nothing happened. In a few days , I was leading a normal life, at least so they felt.  They took care of me. They looked after my every need, not knowing that I need nothing but existence of my better half.

This particular young woman or shall I say girl of around 35 ,was way ahead of others in taking care of me. She used to bring choicest food for me, feed me, help me do my daily chores,  accompany me to the bank and market. Kept my things tidy and home neat. That was the day when while returning from the bank, it rained heavily. We ran towards my house, She ran fast, I tried to keep up the pace. I lagged. She grabbed my hand and we entered the house. I was wet, shivering with cold and out of breath. I was sitting on my bed , exhausted and she started wiping me dry. It did not take long for a 75 year old mind and body to jump back by 50 years.  Shocking was that she was ready , as if she was desperately wanting it all.

And the door of my house opened and there was my daughter-in-law standing there with a cup of hot tea. No words were spoken. Everybody parted in silence and the tea remained on the table.

Next morning , the 35 year old woman; already dying with shame, committed suicide and now I am in jail for abatement of suicide.

I have no power to defend  myself. My children do not want to defend me. I have no guilt feeling. I desperately needed by 55 years' companion by my side. She was the only one who would have accepted me with all my stupidities and she is not there.