Tonight At Sharp Twelve

By Vidya Jideesh

“Annoying noise…Is he coming? Who let him in?” She was disturbed. Suddenly she heard a knock at the door. She hid herself under the bed. An unpleasant manly voice demanded, “Open the door.” He knocked again and announced “I am his messenger. He will arrive tonight at sharp twelve.”

Her heart was beating fast. She couldn’t move for a while. “Tonight at sharp twelve.” She whispered to herself. Slowly she crawled out and sat on her armchair. A feeble smile appeared on her pale face. “Finally my wait is over. He is coming.” She closed her eyes. A mysterious smile spread on her lips.

Remembering something she opened her eyes wide and hasted towards the cupboard. “Where is that box? I placed it here. Who took it?” She screamed.

“Yes it is here.” She took the box, kissed it and said, “He loves red.” She opened the box. “Still beautiful! He would love this.” She wore that red gown and started dancing for some imaginary music. “We will dance together.” She smiled and continued dancing.

Her eyes fell on the clock accidentally. “Sharp twelve.” She stopped dancing lit up a red candle and placed it on the table. She sat on her armchair. Suddenly she heard a knock at the door. She startled first, then said, “Its open.”

“She is sitting on her arm chair. I called her but not responding. I am scared to go near her.” Boy informed the doctor. “Let me see.” Doctor went to her cell and looked all around. She was sitting on her arm chair, wearing her old torn uniform. Doctor entered the cell. The nurse whispered to the boy “Can you sense the smell of burnt candle here?” He replied, “Yes! Bu from where?”

The clock still showed sharp twelve. And the doctor said, “She is no more.”

By Vidya Jideesh