Episode: The Black

Once upon a time, in a modern city called Bangalore, there lived a stylish (let it slide) girl called Aditi. Not only did she have a fashion sense, but she had an extensive wardrobe filled with colourful and  sensationalistic clothes. Among these immense range of items, lived a Black Sweater. Aditi had brought her at a company discounted price, but that still did not deter her from loving the Black. She considered the Black to be one of her prized procession.

There was never a time and place, where the Black did not make its presence felt. Aditi carried and wore her everywhere. She considered it to be her dependable back-up. The Black looked after Aditi at every occasion, be it gloomy, windy or rainy. She was a constant companion in her wardrobe and car seat. Yes, she even brought Black along on her long drives. 

On one such occasion, the Black was in the back seat of her car, when Aditi was dropping her father off at the bus stop. But, Aditi failed to see the bag was placed on top of Black and how she got camouflaged with the seat and bag colour. Needless to say, when Father got off the car, Black got dragged out of her perch and was thrown onto the ground. Father stepped on it and ignored her, as he thought it belonged on the road. Aditi didn’t turn around to check, either. She was too wrapped up in saying her Byes and watching the passing Traffic.

Alas, there the Black lay in the dirt, forgotten. Neither could it speak or rant about its impending doom. Being abandoned was new to the poor being. How could such a fate befall on her? None picked her up. None reached out and lent a helping shoulder. The Helpless!

By the time, Aditi realized the fate of her friend, she was too far away. Despite the memory lapse and failed calls, she knew it was already too late. Her eyes welled up with sadness at not being there for a friend in need. Nothing could fill the void she felt in her heart and mind. Hope was a faraway stranger who couldn’t even hear her even if it glanced her way. But, there was a small bit of chance that Aditi was willing to take. Try and go down the same street. Fingers and toes, both, were crossed.

The drive to the street was filled with true contemplation and anticipation. “What if!”.. Traveling through the turn in the road felt like an eternity. Glaring through the fog of the night light. Wishing and biting nails, moments passed too soon.

Lo & behold, Aditi saw a dark shape lying at the spot. Running and skipping through the tarred road, reaching her hand forward and swooping upon the shape, was spent in complete earnestness. She grabbed it with all her might. The Black now lay in her hands. She hugged her friend, with dirt, sand and muck and all!

Things were back to normal. Soaked, washed,  rinsed, folded and fresher.. The Black was back at her No. 1 spot on the podium.  Aditi thanked her lucky stars at having found her friend. She would not leave it to chance and fate, going forward.

They were stuck together at the hip (until death do them part).

*** The above is based on true events! It did happen, People. Believe you me! There is such a thing as Good Fortune!