The Road To Elysium

By Aaditya Menon

Every now and then, the jerky bus ride we all so fondly know as life, sets us upon

treacherously bumpy roads. Then just to make things fun, it starts to pour

incessantly as we come across stretches of roads shrouded in darkness and

submerged under water, because of the rains. Could it get any worse? The bus

breaks down, and we are contemplating life.

While we wait for the bus to get fixed or a spare one, a stranger comes by and sits

next to us. What starts off as awkward exchanges initially, develops into an

engaging conversation while to getting to know one another, until we realise, we

are kindred souls drawn to one another.

As time passes, and we resume our journey, now side by side - one which may

ordinarily seem like an eternity - suddenly feels insufficient and short. With that

change in mood, fate conspires in mysterious ways to set the bus upon a route that

has amazing roads, the dark thunderclouds parting, a hint of Sunshine peeping thru

and glinting in thru the window of the bus casting a warmish glow on you and your

new travel partner. Bliss, no?

I’ve been blessed to find my sunshine. My new purpose. My dream. To make new

memories. The journey will be long. There will be more bumpy roads. The weather

will turn foul. But, darling, every thundercloud will run out of rain one day. And I’m

going to be right here by your side, umbrella in one hand and you held close to me

- with you, always. While you were the beacon to guide me to safety, let me be that

to you as also the boat to take you to new shores. All I ask is, have faith, and grab

my hand to look forward to the good things. I promise, I’ll never let go!

By Aaditya Menon