The Tunnel - Johnson P.J. (books to read romance txt) 📗

grumble started and it grew to an uproar. Everyone wore caps. Although the distant hill was about one kilometer away from us we hoped that it was opened.

“So, the tunnel is a reality!” He must not have heard my excited expression.

Slowly we felt a wave-like movement. We were among the last and the event was like water draining from a large vessel through a small hole.

“I’m afraid whether it would close by the time we reach there.” His words made me gloomy.

It was tiresome for me as the movement of the crowd was discontinuous. Gradually, when we covered half way the movement became faster. The crowd was diminishing fast and the mountain became clearer.

I was surprised seeing the vast mouth of the tunnel far away waiting to swallow anything in front of it. Three elephants might enter together. We were among the last ones who reached it. Before entering I looked at the sun about to set.

“There is no gatekeeper here! Then why did he register our names?”
Holding my wrist he said, “They also must have left. We are far behind. Hurry up!” His tone revealed a little annoyance. Those who entered with us all moved away. The tips of the towels hanging from their shoulders ware waving rhythmically as if those were beckoning us.

Within a few meters it became quite dim. I could see only darkness in front. Echoes were slowly fading and nothing was visible. The only consolation was that the floor was smooth and the path seemed straight and slightly descending. Suffocating stink of burnt out candles was there but no light was seen. A deafening sound was heard far behind. I did not to turn back.

“It’s the tunnel closed!” His voice was shivering. “It must be exact six p.m. now. It’ll open only in another millennium in a different space-time warp.”

“Because you are holding me I’m able to walk. How should I express thanks…?” Words were choking in my throat.

He did not reply. I felt him pulling me. Although his face was not visible I doubted if he was worried due to my lag. The ground was slowly becoming muddy. It became sticky and I felt it difficult to walk.

“Some of them are hours in front. We two only are far behind. Hurry up!”

I shuddered at his impatient voice. Hesitatingly I asked,

“Shall we light a candle?”

“Don’t be foolish as those who did it in the very beginning. These are for the most emergency time!”

There were not even slight sounds in front. I wondered if the forerunners already had reached heaven although six days of journey was mentioned.

“You are very sluggish. Shall I move forward? I’ll wait for you.”

With a shudder I realized his grip was loosening. His fading footsteps turned me numb.

The chill, loneliness and the droplets falling from the roof awakened me. I decided to walk until I fall.

The exhaustion and hunger at last informed me that about five hours had passed after entering the tunnel. I yearned for a place to sit and take rest. Next step I tumbled down on something. I stood up, balanced and lighted a candle.

I was shocked seeing dead bodies in the mud all around. Towels were tightened around their necks; eyes bulged and tongues protruded. The tunnel was ending and was bifurcating into eastern and western branches. Their bags were intact.


I selected the one leading west. I wished not to see Krishna’s body since he

was my only hope, waiting with a small flame.


**

1. Kerala-The southernmost Indian State.


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Publication Date: 12-25-2009

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