By Accident

It was a tedious trek down the hill. The Sun was shrouded in darkness. Thunder boomed and lightning flashed. Knew I won’t be reaching home without getting wet. I longed for a shelter to be in. By accident, saw a small building a little away I thanked God and all my stars. Walking into it as fast as I could, Sat on a wooden bench at the patio. By then the rain had started pouring in It was so quiet inside except that of rain drops, Battering on the corrugated tin roof. I waited there for the downpour to subside. Felt uneasy as I saw dark silhouettes moving. Soon, I saw a tall figure by my side A creepy sensation ran across me. My blood froze, screaming I tried to run. He came closer to me and smiled. Wow! He looked so familiar. I had seen him before, but couldn’t identify. When I stood confused and somewhat puzzled, He asked me in gentle tones “Don’t you remember me, a friend to your father? I had once been living opposite to your house.” He sounded quite meek and open, That set my mind at peace. I chided myself for my fickleness. Felt ashamed of being so stupid. He came and sat by my side. In better light, I recognized him…. He had been our neighbour for some time. But….., died years ago, in a road accident. I knew my meeting of him was not just an accident, But the precursor to a greater accident! I took to heels braving the pouring rain…!