64) Ajoba

He has gone someplace you think

Because the truth will take its time to sink in

A couple of days, a couple of weeks, maybe more

Even though you saw it happen 

Right before your eyes

Saw him pass in front of you

You were with him those last few moments

As he was restless and in pain

Seeing him hurting, not knowing this isn't the usual pain

Not knowing these are actually the last moments

And then suddenly he is no more

Just like that

Sleep eludes you that night

That image of him taking his last breath etched in your mind

And when hours later

Sleep finally overtakes your tired exhausted being

You manage a couple hours of restless doze

And you wake up, convinced this was all a nightmare

You will see him pottering about the room

Brushing away at imaginary dust

Humming some random melody

Oblivious to the world around 

But ofcourse he isn't there

He is away you think, travelling, visiting someone

But you see his spectacles sitting in its usual place on the table,

His room slippers and walking stick lying beside his bed,

His phone sprawling nearby - it won't be ringing anymore

His bottles of medicines & dabbas of munchies neatly stacked - not to be needed again

You look around the room & see all his papers & radio & thermos

Those rows of freshly done laundry

All of it in as is condition

All except him

You feel a void, an ache, a heaviness in the heart

Moments with him pop up randomly in your mind

Bittersweet memories - his maddening habits & his endearing love both

Tears fill your eyes at odd moments

"I won't live to see tomorrow morning" he had often said

In his dramatic outbursts & tantrums from time to time

Just this time - it turned true!

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