17| A Stoke of Luck- Part 1

"What a pleasant day!" Vicky exclaimed pleasingly as the sun's rays slanted towards the horizon, signalling the approaching noon heat, Vicky made his way to the office, his mind absorbed in planning the first-term break-up.

Unintentionally, his eyes glanced over the sight of a waving hand but dismissed it and continued his relaxing ride. After crossing the overbridge, he noticed an elderly man sitting by the roadside, massaging his weary legs, which had been the sole energy that had kept him walking since very early dawn.

He had almost covered fifteen miles on foot. The old man, too fatigued to walk further, had waved at Vicky in hopes of getting a ride.

Vicky pedalled his bike with the elderly man sitting behind him, wondering what had compelled him to stop and offer a ride to a stranger. The qualms of his conscience had pushed his right foot down, and now he felt a sense of calm and purpose at once. The old man, seemingly grateful for the ride, began to speak in a low, raspy fatigu