The Parallel World

(1)

"Curiosity kills the cat”, I Hope you must be familiar with this phrase? Well, it was something similar in my case.... I guess it just happens sometimes, there are things which are not supposed to be known to people. So, you’ve got to lose something before you earn them. It is quite inconceivable and the question always arises - Why? Why must we lose something so valuable? I shall give you the answer but before I do, I must ask from you, a bit of patience. If you would, I would like you to hear my story. I am only telling you this because I can't keep it to myself. I mustn't procrastinate now and cut to the chase. John Render is my name. I wasn't one of the most loved children of the Render family which already had 2 children. My family wasn't quite high on the hog. In fact, most of our father's hard earned money went into our education and the rest, barely fulfilled our basic necessities I’ve never had what people call 'luck'. My mother's untimely demise meant that I never got my mother's love and wishes. My father never married another woman in his life. It was against his sense of sanity. Nonetheless as we grew up and started developing a sense of what's right and what's wrong, my siblings were unaware of the fact that there was an attention seeking personality growing within them. I was the exception though; as a result I was pushed in the corner and grew up in isolation. Most of you would be feeling pity for me but I assure you that I am glad I was brought up that way because it made me value every single person and thing that I came across while I was alive. So, inevitably the competition between my brother and sister grew rapidly which resulted in both of my siblings leaving the home. So I was the only child who was left with my father. My siblings weren't comfortable with this and became envious. They had decided that who isn't theirs shouldn't be mine. I reckon my father saw this coming because as soon as I graduated from my school he sent me to a government hostel. Thereafter, he used to send me some money once in awhile but he never came to visit me.

(2)

After a year, when I finally found a job and got my first pay, I couldn't wait to share it with my father. As I reached my home, I found the door slightly opened. As I entered, I found the whole house in a mess. "Father?"-I called out. There was no reply. I entered my father's room and found him lying still on the floor... Lifeless. Tears dripped down my eyes and my knees felt weak... Soon I was down on my knees seeking god's sympathy. I just couldn't believe it.... My "luck" had once again betrayed me. From the following night, my life had changed forever. When the police was done with the investigation, I learned that they hadn't found any trial of the murderer and suggested that the reason of his demise could a heart problem. Once the police were gone from the house, I felt an urge to find any kind of evidence I could find. I searched each and every corner of the house but couldn't find anything except a letter which was named to me in my father's safe locker. My heart was racing faster and faster as I opened it.

(3)

The letter said -

Dear John,

I know I will be dead before you read this but I just want to let you know that I love you. You must be feeling miserable. I understand son, the pain of losing one's father like this is never pleasant. From the last couple of weeks, I am being followed. As soon as I realized it, I thought of writing this to you. I am quite sure that people, who are following me, are set up by your brother and sister, I know it is outrageous but you can do nothing but keep it to yourself. Why? Because your sister's husband is a gangster and your brother....Well, he is the head of the police department. So remember son, carry on with your life and whenever you miss me just read this letter. I’ll always be close to you, if not in person but in your heart.

Your Father

Lee Render

(4)

The letter had awakened the demon caged inside me, and I....I was losing control of it. It was an uncanny feeling...Anger, frustration, sorrow revenge, everything swept over me together. Alas, I had lost control, the last words of my father ringing inside me. The sky was dark already, the streets were empty and the darkness swayed all over the town...I reached my brother's home and as I entered, only one thing was on my mind - REVENGE. It was quite surprising to see the door of the house open. I saw my brother sitting on a chair in a candlelit room....He was drunk. He had noticed my arrival and said - "Ah! I know why you are here my dear brother, but I must disappoint you". I grabbed his neck and biffed him hard. "Why Did You Kill MY FATHER!?" I screamed. "It was essential that I did" he spat. I kicked him in his gut...He coughed blood...I grabbed him again, "WHY!" I screamed again... to this, he laughed. I let go of him, he grabbed his gun from the nearby closet. He gave a dark smile, a smile which could have made me flee but I didn't, I still wanted answers. My brother aimed the gun towards me and nodded as if he was disagreeing with his decision. Then, he aimed it towards himself and pulled the trigger. The loud bang was followed by several screams from the nearby houses.

Blood poured down his head and he was laying flat on the ground... I knew that I couldn't stay there anymore... It would have been too risky to do so. Therefore, I left the house as soon as possible.

To be continued.......