Chapter 2 (Introduction)

I and Subham were childhood friends. When we were young, we used to play together. His father didn't like it and always scolded my father for this. He always believed that the lower class were meant to serve the upper class. So, they could never be equal. 

My friends arrived at the doctor's place after hearing the news about Subham's condition. They also used to play with us. We lost touch somehow as we all went to our separate ways to fulfill our dreams. I never had one. Watching them together filled my eyes with tears. 

"Hey, is this true?" Rahul asked in a tensed voice. 

Rahul was a huge guy with a height over six feet. He was dark-skinned and had big bulky muscles. He worked as a cart puller in the Royal capital of Bambai. His short black hair, triangular face and small black eyes made him look quite dashing. Despite having all the features of a muscleman, he had a kind heart and never hurt a soul in his life. He was wearing a full-sleeved t-shirt like something which was looking quite dusty and brown fitting pants. 

"Yes," I said in a low voice, trying to put on a sad face. 

They all ran inside when they heard this, and I followed them. 

"Uncle, how is Subham?" Surya asked Subham's father. 

Surya was the shortest in our group, with a height not over five feet. His curly black hair, light brown skin and a round body made him look like a teddy bear. His upper four front teeth were protruded outwards which made his face look hilarious. He looked after his father's fruit shop in the primary market. He wore a white full-sleeved t-shirt with a white baggy pants. 

"Doctor said that he is not in a good condition. They could not find the cause of his illness," Subham's father replied. 

I saw pain in his eyes. For the very first time in my life, I felt bad for him. He made me remember my father when he was alive. My mother died early when I was little, so could not even remember her face. He took care of me after then. He was a father, a mother and a friend to me. I could have seen the same pain in his eyes if I had been in Subham's place. For the first time in my life, I wanted to do something for Subham and his father. 

"How did this happen?" Govind asked me.

Govind was the oldest guy in our group. He was ten years older than me and was going through the same problem as me - Lack of Women. I didn't know why but his hair had already started becoming white. He had brown skin, a moustache, brown eyes and a well-toned body. He worked as a daily wage worker which explained his toned muscles. A distinct feature in him was his deep voice. He had a height of over five feet and six inches. He wore a white sleeveless banyan like something and old looking gray pants. 

"We were walking on the street and he suddenly cried in pain and fainted," I said. 

"Did the doctor say anything?" Ashok inquired. 

Ashok was a farmer, a rich one. He made a good income from his crops every year. His father sent him to study medicines in the other town. When he returned, he began to work as a farmer. He had a round body, short black hair, brown eyes and dark brown skin. His distinct feature were his cheeks which were filled with cracks. He was five feet seven inches tall. He wore a white kurta with a white dhoti. 

"No, he cannot identify the cause of his condition. He is trying his best to treat him, let's hope for the best." 

"Can we meet him?" Surya asked while trying to peek inside the room from the little space between the door. 

"I don't know, but we should not disturb the doctor." 

I looked at Bhaskar. We had an argument a few years ago, that was why we did not talk to each other for a long time. There was no one for me now. All I had left was my friends. I wanted to make up with him as soon as possible. 

Bhaskar was a soldier in the royal army. He had a short black hair, big black eyes and a long face. He was almost six feet tall with well-toned body. He wore his soldier uniform which was a leather armour. He also had a sword which was in a sheath attached to his waistband. 

I was looking at him, and he was looking at me. They all were looking at us. There was a silence in the room. Subham's father had his eyes closed and was holding his head with both of his hands. I wanted to say something to break the silence, but I constantly remembered our argument. I didn't know why but I didn't want to talk to him. It almost felt like if I talked to him first, it would be like admitting that I was wrong back then. But, somewhere in my heart I wanted to make up with him. Oh, I was in such a dilemma. 

"Hey Bhaskar, how are you?" I said, listening to my heart. 

"Good, and you?" He replied. 

"I am also good."

I wanted to cry. The happiness I felt, was something I could not explain. I signalled him to come outside with me. 

"How long has it been since we talked?" I asked, looking ahead at the street, standing beside him. 

"Six years and a few months I think," He replied.

"Are you well?" 

"Yes, just busy doing my soldier duties."

"Hm, that is good."

I turned to him, he also looked at me. 

"I wanted to apologize for our last argument. Because of that..." I was about to complete my sentence but he interrupted me. 

"No, no, you don't have to apologize. I was equally wrong back then. I should apologize too."

Well, that's how easy it was. It was that day I realised that apologizing for your mistake does not make you smaller. One problem got solved, but we had a bigger problem. Subham's health was deteriorating rapidly.