Tunnel 8

Source - Google

We cross across different spots in our life. We don’t notice them often but there are some intriguing spots that make us stop and spot the difference. They might look familiar and an unknown comfort seeps into our senses. Perhaps we would have lived there or died there on some other lifetime.

When I pass this lake every day, something attracts me here.  Those tiny glossy sparkles lit up by the moon, aged algae with wet impressions, rusty broken train tracks that lead to a tunnel and the symphony of crickets gives me a powerful familiarity every day.   

Just when the mood was set, the weather decided to be a spoilsport. It started to rain. Ripples of concentric circles started to emerge all over the surface. It was mesmerizing. Though I loved the rain, I did not want to get wet. I hopped on the tracks and ran towards the tunnel. Those trippy concentric circles took me on a trip. A roadside retreat to be precise.

Suddenly, everything turned black and white. I felt like an antique vase waiting to be garnished with fragrant flowers. The anticipation ended and the action began. The tracks came alive, the lake water raised and a bridge connected itself to the other end of the tunnel.

Must be a dream – I said to myself. But, things were happening right in front of me.

A rhythmic footstep broke the silence. From the depth of the dark alley, a hooded figure walked in. Like a curious child waiting for his candy, my eyes got glued to that mysterious figure. I was sure it was a girl.

She came and stood beside me. We did not speak with each other. We just stared the silver blue lake like a narcissist. Finally, when she removed her hood, things became different. Of course, adjectives started flowing in. She was stupendous, fantabulous and fantastic. The other syndrome that kicks in when a beautiful woman stands next to you is self-doubt. Am I even worth to stand next to her?

I started focusing on my reflection now. What I actually saw was not me; it was my younger self from another time. I felt as if, I have time traveled.

Every five minutes she stared at her watch. I was hoping that the person she was waiting for never comes. But, it came. It was the train. It broke the ice between us.

Are you waiting for the train? I asked…

Yeah.

Where are you traveling?

Upwards…

Oh. Countryside?

She replied with a smile.

Soon ..when the train came, it was empty. I boarded fast to make some space for her, for us. But she did not get in. The horns were alarming, and the wheels started to move. Soon after that, she started moving towards the front. I got down and followed her. I did not care about the departure. I was curious to find out where was she headed. She went to the edge of the platform and stood before the train. What in this world would convince her to have a seat with me? I was still thinking.

Gradually the speed increased and suddenly she gave a smile to me and jumped in front of the train. In a fraction of a second, she was dead. The black and white ambiance turned red and the moon turned crimson. I was totally terrified by what I saw.

Several WH questions popped into my mind. A few minutes back I saw the prettiest women in my life. Now I see a pulp of blood and flesh. In shock, I collapsed and got unconscious.

Drip, drip, drop.

Drip, drip, drop.

Water was dripping on my face. I finally woke up. The rusty tracks, bridge and everything disappeared. I got up and saw the reflection. My old self came back.

The connection between the spot and my life got clear. Though the rain kept my past memories closer to my current life, the train gave me a closure.

I believe this incomplete memory comes with lifetime validity.  

Ashwin Muralidharan....