I vaguely remember standing in the courtroom mad the judge holding the list of accusations. Well as far as I can recall it was a long scroll of paper which might have been as old as me! The bright light in the surrounding made it difficult to see the judge's face. But there was a soft music playing in the background. Though the music and place didn't c compliment each other that well, it kind of soothed me. It was a harp I guess, no lyre... huh cannot recollect. But I definitely remember the judge's voice, deep and calm, which scared the hell out in me.
The next thing I heard was a gavel strike the desk and then I blacked out. I woke up in a chamber quite dark, scary yet pleasantly comfortable! I figured that's this is how I had to repay for my mistakes stated. Well most of my time I was asleep as I barely could do anything. Getting food at regular intervals was the only bright side. I had no clue where I was but after a time I didn't even bother to know.
After few months it started to feel like home, maybe I felt an attached to this place.
I loved staying in there. Nothing to worry about, no one to care for! It was peaceful, serene! No responsibilities, no judgmental crowd, no one to question and answerable to none! To top it I was even fed at regular intervals. That felt like heaven. All you want and do nothing to repay. I was just tied to my home(as I called it then) maybe so that I won't escape! But I always thought who would want to escape?
As months passed I could hear some noises. Those voices very low and I hardly could understand what it meant at first but later it did make some sense! It mainly talked about the world outside, things happening lately and all that. I was keen to hear more. I thought I'm being rewarded with some kind of mystical radio but in reality I was just eavesdropping! One day I heard that I'm going to be set free and that time is not far away. It thrilled me! I had lost the count of how many days, months or years I was in here.
While lying down I was thinking about what is in store for me. I did not know what was outside. The world wont accept me was my greatest fear. The world.... huh..!! It always fancied me whether it's the same or has changed. From what I remember it was not so good place. There were wars going on, struggle for freedom, establishment of new countries.... But yeah the world had a bit of humanity too. The wars fought were war against oppression and tyranny. They were for good cause. People also lived harmoniously. Though there were minor conflicts they used be resolved in a jiffy. Back then it was a great place.
But now I hear about things which makes my hair stand! Betrayal, corruption, crimes all these not in one place but all over. Poor people are dying in search of food while the wealthy ones are just wasting it. There is no sense of belonging. People have become so self centered that they'll be nice to you only when they have some motive. Otherwise no one has time to spare. Gone are the days when eating meals together as a family was followed like a ritual. Today parents have become so busy that they have no time to spare for their families but have plenty of it while attending a corporate party! Sometimes I feels it's best that I'm here, inside, oblivious to the whole world.
I really don't want to go out in this world. I'll have to struggle the moment I'll step out. I'll have to prove myself at every point in life. Even though I might have achieved it won't be considered when I fail. There will be no helping hand to pull me up when I fall down. There will be no one to share when I'll need someone in lonely times as everyone will be busy fulfilling their means. Unconditional love, unity, peace of mind seems like a myth. In spite of millions of people out there I'll be lonely, lost somewhere.... I don't want to face the cold bitter outside world but deep within I knew I had to.....
*******************
The doctors said, "Congratulations....!!! It's a boy...!!!" Though I was surrounded by smiling faces all I could do was cry...!!
