Pandian’s second wish (900 words)

Pandian, an IT engineer, had come along with his three friends to explore the dense green forest on a Sunday afternoon and to spend time with nature to savour its raw beauty. He had heard there was a beautiful lake, clean and circular, surrounded by wild and colourful flower plants. He wished to find it out and spend a few minutes. But his friends demurred, saying it was getting dark. His enthusiasm overtook his caution, and he went deeper inside alone after requesting that they wait for a short time. Unfortunately, once inside, every side looked alike, and he lost his way and his friends. He tried to reach them through his mobile, but the charge had drained.

 It was only 4 pm, but it was pitch dark. He heard unusual and strange noises, and he was terrified of slithering reptiles. He was scared and started praying even as he continued moving through the maze, searching for a clearing or the brightness of sunlight. Something soft and cool, slightly rubbed on his cheek, and he jumped, startled that it could be a python from the overhead branch. He could see nothing and moved away quickly.

After several harrowing minutes when he lost all hope of escape, he was happy to see an opening that was a little brighter. When he went near, he found to his great relief, an old man of indeterminable age sitting bare bodied under a tree. He was sitting with his legs crossed in Padmasana, had a flowing white beard, and his eyes were closed, obviously in meditation. He sat quietly before him, waiting for him to open his eyes. Pandian was afraid to disturb him lest he get angry and refuse to help him find his way out. Minutes clicked past, and it was almost an hour, and he was still sitting before him when the weird noises around him grew shriller and louder. But nothing seemed to wake the old man from his musing. When a fly sat on the edge of Pandian’s nostril, he could not stop the loud sneeze despite his attempt to smother it. It was then that the old man opened his eyes and, surprisingly, smiled at Pandian.

In a soft voice that was almost a whisper, he asked, “Son, what are you doing here in this dense forest? It is a risky place to be here with crawling reptiles and roaming wild animals.”

Pandian prostrated before him and prayed, “Swami, I lost my way here and could not find my friends with whom I had come. I fear I have strayed deep inside the jungle. Can you kindly help me get out of the forest?”

“I have not seen a human for several years, this far into the forest, ever since I came here as a young boy in search of the meaning of life. I am not normally visible to others' eyes. Lucky you could see me. I am pleased with you. Ask me three wishes and they would be fulfilled immediately.’

“My first wish is to be out of this jungle at my home,” he said

” It will be done immediately. Express your other two wishes,” said the sage-like person

“Swami, I love Swarna, my colleague, very much, but she is not reciprocating. Can you please make her fall in love with me?” asked Pandian

“What is your third wish? Tell me now, this moment before I become invisible to your eyes”

“Swami, I am so tired after the walk all day that I can scarcely think, and I wish I had a sound sleep before telling my third wish, Pandian said unwittingly.

Everything went blank till Pandian heard his mother’s shrill voice, “Pandia, why are you sleeping like Kumbakarnan. You said you have a meeting today. Get up fast, as it is already late.”

Pandian felt happy that his first wish to return home from the dreadful forest and desire for sound sleep were readily granted.

Pandian was not sure whether his second wish about Swarna would materialise as the old man did not specifically respond.

The next day, he was busy with the scheduled meeting in the morning. It was around 3 PM he was surprised to see Swarna entering his cubicle unusually with a broad smile. Extending his hand, he said,” What a pleasant surprise? Am I dreaming?” he said mockingly, pinching his hand.

“I came to this part of the office on work after a long time, and just came to greet and spend a few moments. You look a bit jaded. Anything bothering you? she asked. He denied.

After exchanging pleasantries, she took leave of him with a giggle and parting remark,” I feel your happy days are starting soon,” leaving Pandian confused.

It was at dinner time when the family, including his parents, sisters and one younger brother, her mom asked with a mischievous smile,” Is there any Swana, an IT engineer like you working in your office?”

“Why, why, I know her a little,” he exclaimed hastily.

“Her parents were here seeking your hand for her. She looks charming in the photo. We have agreed to visit them with you tomorrow formally for finalising with your approval,” said his mom.

With the cat out of the bag for Swarna’s visit with her smile and parting remark, he thought of the venerable old man for fulfilling all his three wishes.