The City

Prescript: This is the second part in the new series. If you missed the part 1 read it here: The Huge Step

It was late in the evening when Vishal and Kishore rode in the city. The street lights and all the hustle-bustle this late was new for Vishal. Back in his village the meager crowd that gathered round the market chowk in the evening would disperse with the sun. Street-lights were a novelty to him. He wondered how people could afford to waste electricity on the roads? Back home there were 2 bulbs that would light-up the 2 important rooms - the main room and the kitchen. Even then they were not reliable and had to depend on oil lamps for half the nights of a week. Hope was creeping in his heart - maybe father was right about me going to city. I can earn and then get mother and father to see the city. Someday we will have a home here. 

Kishore had also been good to him. On their way to the city, they'd halted at a tea stall. Uncle Kishore had asked him if he'd like to have some tea and they hardly struck a conversation after that.

After half hour ride inside the city, they finally came to halt in front of an old building which had four floors. A lot of people were moving about the building but none cared for the 2 of them. Back home everyone in the neighbourhood would gather if a stranger came around this time of the day. Kishore led the way in the building. They climbed four floors and Kishore knocked on one of the doors. The door was opened by a bearded man. 'Hey Kishore, come in', he said letting them in. Once they were in, he bolted the door behind them. 'You took a long time. Is this the kid?' he asked, pointing towards Vishal.

'Yes', replied Kishore. Turning towards Vishal he said, 'Wait here' and then went to the next room.

'Hey kid, want some chocolate?', asked the stranger with an eclair in hand. Vishal shook his head. 'What is your name?' inquired the man while Vishal stood there silent. The bearded man had a rough face and the smile displaying a row of misaligned teeth made him look threatening. 'Hey kid, can't you speak? Oye Kishore, what kind of kid have you got!', he exclaimed.

'Stop frightening the kid, Anthony', Kishore said as he walked into the room. 'Where is Akbar?'

'Akbar went home. He thought you weren't coming in time for the consignment. But tell me first does the kid not have a tongue?'

'Look at your ugly face which kid would dare open his mouth', Kishore replied mockingly. 'I'll come tomorrow morning. I'm taking the kid with me. Tell Akbar to wait for me.'

'Why don't you leave the kid here? You can collect your money from Akbar later.'

'Good try. I'm not risking my money in your hands.' Turning to Kishore he said, 'Hey come. Lets get away.' Vishal followed silently like a lamb to a shepherd. By the time they got down to the bike, Kishore's phone began to ring. He received it, 'Hello. Hey Akbar listen, I do not trust that Anthony. He's already scared this little child. What time are you leaving? Okay I'll be here at 10. Don't forget your promise. Bye.'

Kishore kick started the bike and motioned Vishal to hop on. In a few minutes they were in a different part of the city the buildings were replaced by huts. It was like the houses from Vishal's village but only a lot smaller and stacked in an endless row. Kishore parked the bike in front of one such locked hut. The lights were on even before they had entered the room. He opened the door and both of them got in. 'Hey kid, its been a long day. I know you must be tired. Go get some sleep', he told Vishal pointing to the bed in the far-corner of the room. 'I'll be back soon.' And then the door was locked. Vishal could hear the bike engine start and then fade away.

Vishal went and lay on the bed. Kishore had left the lights on which made it difficult for Vishal to sleep, so he lay there thinking about all the things that had happened today. He couldn't believe he was away from his family. Hoping this would all be a bad dream he slowly faded into sleep dreaming about his mother and father.

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