The Twins

“It takes a long time to grow an old friend.” - John Leonard

Darshan stared blankly for a long time. Chaman had decided not to talk with him. And so, he was in no mood to talk to anyone else there. Though today was his birthday.

Only if…but he can’t talk to Chaman anymore. It was so fascinating that today was Chaman’s birthday too and not to wish each-other today would be so unfair!

Never did they have any fight between them all these years, or missed to celebrate this special day! In fact, Chaman also wanted to wish Darshan, and talk with him. May be he wanted to hug Darshan and tell him that we will meet again soon. Chaman was waiting at the gate for him since morning, as he knew that Darshan will come to see him. And Darshan had kept his promise after all.

As Darshan reached near Chaman’s house, Chaman shouted, "Darshan! I am here", but his efforts were futile. Darshan did not hear.

Chaman was disappointed. He realized that Darshan had turned deaf. Deaf to his callings. Darshan had ignored him and had moved on.

It was only last week that Darshan and Chaman had partied.

They had tea and fried pakoras together. Both of them relished it in spite of the fact that their doctor had strictly prohibited from eating any fried food.

Darshan said laughingly, “Chaman, no more fried chips for you, remember?"

Chaman requested, “Let this be the last party for us! From tomorrow, no fried food, no oil, no spices!"

And they laughed out loudly! That laughter still lingered in Darshan’s ears..

They had laughed during all the eighty years of their friendship. Darshan and Chaman had grown up together and shared moments of fun, pain, problems, happiness, achievements and so many secret adventures, gossips and life’s learnings!

Darshan finally reached inside Chaman’s house.

In the central hall, lay Chaman’s body, being prepared for the last rites.

Ninety two year old Darshan stared at Chaman blankly. He was speechless. His tears froze in the sunken eyes. He cleared his throat to speak, but words failed him today.

Darshan smiled at his friend helplessly. He heard Chaman saying something,“No need to say anything, my dear friend. After all, nothing matters anymore.”

Darshan walked up slowly and bent near Chaman’s body, “You are not the winner, but a loser, my friend! We had decided that I will go first and you will follow me. Remember, I am elder to you by one hour."

Uttering these words, Darshan straightened himself and walked out of the house in search of his friend Chaman, who was waiting for him somewhere near the gate.

- Smita Dhruv