Anand gazed at the star-studded sky. He loved the nights, wearing the black satin gown, decked with millions of diamonds, and the silver full moon looking like a huge pearl pendant adorning its neck. It was New Year’s Eve, and every corner of his home sparkled with lights. He was elated that his holiday home had finally been handed over to him. Standing on the fifth floor, he looked around. The architect had done a fabulous job. Though everything looked perfect, deep down in his heart there was a gnawing feeling that something was off track. He dismissed the thought as today was the time to enjoy and welcome the New Year with his entire family, including the two little bundles of joy who were about to arrive soon.
Now life would be different, as he would retire and spend more time with his family. He looked at his wife; she was busy supervising all the preparations. She looked stunning. Even today, his heart would throb like a teen’s when she was around. She looked at him and smiled. He got the message—it was time for dinner. He showed her his glass. “Just one more!” he pleaded. She agreed. His son held him by the hand and took him to the dancing floor. The Bollywood tracks played, and the whole family danced together. After an hour, everyone was tired and hungry. The food was laid out in the garden, and they all moved towards the lift. His wife stepped in while Anand told her that he would come in the second round with his grandson, who was in his arms.
She soon realized that she had forgotten her mobile on the table in the dancing area. She stepped out and told Anand that she would fetch her mobile and join him soon. Anand stepped in with his grandson and daughter’s family while his son stayed back with his mother. As he pushed the ground button, the lift moved slowly and then it barreled out of control. Anand tried hard to stop the lift as it plummeted towards the ground. He pressed all the buttons, but nothing worked. He remembered that the engineer had given his final nod. Then what was the issue? Everyone inside the lift panicked—five of them. He wanted to save his family, but nothing worked. He hugged his grandson tightly and then….
“Boom!”
The sound of the crash was deafening. The glass shattered as the lift hit the ground, and there was a cloud of dust everywhere.
———————————————————-
I, Mrs Sarika Anand stood there, transfixed, frozen in shock while my son rushed to the ground, screaming. The staff rushed towards the lift, and one by one, they pulled out the lifeless bodies, covered in blood. In the end, I saw Anand’s hand, his favorite watch dangling from his wrist.
“Had I traded my own life with Anand’s?” I wondered as tears flowed incessantly.
