The Devil's Last Wish

By Mahabir Chakraborty

One cloudy morning, a well-dressed gentleman with a black wooden cane appeared beside an old building. He began walking along the footpath, circling repeatedly, frequently glancing at his watch. His sharp eyes scrutinized every passer by. Who could suspect that this impeccable gentleman was the Devil himself, observing humanity to see who followed his path and who did not? After studying their faces, he realized a bitter truth: everyone worshipped God out of fear, not devotion. Once a week, they gathered to beg for mercy for their sins, committed without remorse throughout the week. Some didn’t even bother seeking forgiveness, attending only to pray for frivolous desires. All week, they cheated three entities: those they exploited for gain, the God, they believed was blind to their crafted rules, and themselves. At night, their inner voices screamed in contempt, shame, and disgust: “What have you done? What have you done?” Yet, they expertly silenced these cries and slept soundly. Even the Devil was stunned by their audacity. Satisfied with the sight of his unwitting followers, the Devil prepared to return to Hell. At that moment, a beautiful little girl, radiant as a sunbeam piercing a stormy cloud, grasped his hand. Her presence not only startled him but unsettled him deeply.“Hey, tall uncle, can you help me cross the road?” she asked brightly. The Devil, expressionless, didn’t reply. He simply walked her across the street, his face turned away, betraying no emotion. The girl thanked him and vanished from his sight. As he resumed his departure, a sudden realization struck him: this girl might be the only innocent soul in this heartless world, her eyes capable of thwarting his dark progress. Alarmed, he rushed to find her and discovered her playing alone in an empty church playground.” I knew you’d come!” she exclaimed joyfully. “We can be good friends! “The Devil smirked. “Good friends, huh? Now your ‘good friend’ will make you taste death.” He waved his cane behind, which can be transformed into a gleaming scythe, poised to strike her head. But the girl, undaunted, asked with innocent curiosity, “What is death? Does it taste good? Can you tell my mum the recipe? “The Devil paused and thought If a child could be this innocent, how pure must her parents be? He devised a plan. “Oh, yes, it tastes wonderful,” he said slyly. “Can you take me to your parents so I can share the recipe? ”Yes, yes, they live nearby!” she replied, grabbing his hand and leading him to a church cemetery. She stopped before two moss-covered graves, their nameplates unreadable. Smiling, she said, “Hey, Mum, hey, Dad, this is Mr. Tall. Mr. Tall, this is my mum and dad. “The Devil removed his top hat, stunned. The girl continued, “My parents don’t talk much, but they’re really good. They speak to me… really! But no one believes me. They think I’m mad. You believe me, Mr. Tall, right? ”Yes, I do,” he said softly. “Now, sweetheart, where do you actually live? ”Won’t you tell my mum the recipe?” she asked. “Of course, but first, let’s have a nice chat. Do you agree?” he replied, his tone softening. “Yes, I’d like that,” she said. “Nobody talks to me except my parents. “The Devil’s heart softened further. “So, where do you live, young lady ”“I have many houses!” she answered brightly. “Houses?” he asked, intrigued. “How many do you have? ”Everywhere is my house,” she said. “Mr. Yaco’s balcony is mine at night, and Miss Sophie’s garden when she’s not around. Sometimes, I sleep between my mum and dad, especially when I’m sad. “The Devil marvelled at her resilience. How could a human smile in such hardship? Didn’t she feel pain? And what of her neighbours, who saw a suffering child in the cold, merciless night and never opened their doors? Even Devil felt a pang of sorrow. “Why do you feel sad, my child?” he asked gently. “I get sad when Mr. Yaco kicks me out of his balcony, or Miss Sophie throws stones at me, or when the shopkeeper catches and beats me…” She trailed off, realizing she’d revealed too much. “What, my child?” the Devil asked kindly. “Promise you won’t hate me?” she pleaded.” I could never hate you, sweetheart,” he assured her. “When I’m hungry, I steal food from Mr. Food’s shop,” she confessed sadly. “He doesn’t like it. I know it’s a sin, but every night, even on an empty stomach, I beg God for mercy before I sleep”. The Devil stood numb, his dark heart stirred. The girl, sensing his sorrow, smiled. “Don’t worry, Mr. Tall. My friends and parents love me so much. Oh, I forgot to show you my friend!” She pointed to an oak tree. “That’s my best friend. I share everything with him. And you’re my best friend too, Mr. Tall. But they’re planning to cut down the tree. Can you tell them not to? Please? “Her pain pierced him. Tears streamed down his face as he looked skyward and cried, “Oh, God, what have I done? What have I done? Punish me for my unforgivable sins, but save this innocence, please! “A ray of light broke through the cloudy sky, enveloping the girl. Her words became more mature but the voice remains softer. “There is no fault in you, my son. In this world, there is no innocence left. “The Devil, astonished, listened as she continued. “You influenced only a fraction of their actions. The rest was their choice it's human nature my child. Look at you now: you are more merciful than they are. You are no longer a Devil. Even I think, have I created this world?”. The Devil has changed, but the world hasn't. The divine girl added, “You tried to kill me because you thought death would be kinder than life in this brutal world. ”Merciful Father,” the Devil said, trembling, “as a Devil, may I make one last wish?” Yes, do it,” God replied.” I want to be innocent again,” he pleaded. “I want to play in Heaven, running on clouds, free of earthly burdens. I want to be a child again”. ”As you wish,” God said.

By Mahabir Chakraborty