ARISE, AWAKE!

It was just another Monday at my ofice. The year was 2006. The month was not significant to remember. [Of course nor did the year!]. I had returned from my home that morning in Rockfort express. [For those that don’t like to give a thought – the train runs between Kumbakonam and Chennai in both directions.] Train journeys in the night have a few advantages like ‘day-time savings’ and ‘sleeper’ coaches [whoa! In my college, my staff coached and I was the sleeper] etc. At the same time, there are quite a few disadvantages too. For eg., if it was not your day (night), you will not get proper sleep… yes, the sound outside will prevent your sound sleep! If you are still wondering where am leading to, well, it’s only about sleep!

My friends surely know me as a person who sleeps well – in the class or my hostel or in a travel, irrespective of the surrounding. For quite some days, I bore the brunt of being teased and later started boasting that it’s a boon that am getting to sleep well, as someone said only a man with problems doesn’t get a good sleep!

So, the Monday in office was usual except that I was a little tired after the previous night’s travel. In the evening, when I returned to my home – I shared my home with 3 of my colleagues – I started with my daily chore of trying out the Hindu crossword. One of my roommates was there watching a movie on his computer and the other two had not come. When it was about 8.30 pm, the friend left for his dinner and I was told to lock the door. I did so and resumed my crossword activity – now in a reclined position.

Suddenly, I heard my cell phone ring and I got up to pick it up. Only then I realized that I had slept and my roommate was standing outside the house. Not to mention that he was the person who was calling me! I knew I was going to be a scapegoat when he enters. As I was about to get up to open the gate, I saw that I had got 7 missed calls – all from him! Not wanting to waste more time (!!!), I got up only to stamp on some pebbles and coins.

When I opened the door, my friend’s look said it all. Of course, I had the sheepish smile written all over my face! The time was 9.30 pm. He started his narration: “You know what? I reached home at 9 pm and saw you sleeping. I tried calling you a couple of times, but you didn’t move at all! I then spoke to my parents for about 20 minutes and again tried to call you. No response again. I took out all the coins that I had in my pocket and threw at you – in vain. Then it was the turn of pebbles – I thought I was going to either spend my night outside the house or break open the lock when I decided to give a final call. And by the good deeds of my parents - you answered that! Thanks!” At the end of it all, he was not angry at all and we just laughed it over.

I swore him the same day – “From now on, I will make sure that YOU TAKE THE KEY WITH YOU WHEN I’M AT HOME!”