December 01, 2007

I climbed up the rocky surface of the mountain, my bare feet smarting every time their rough skin touched a jagged rock. Below, the calm blue sea made only a soft inviting sound which was music to my ears. My three younger brothers huffed and puffed as they followed me. I was the eldest son of a poor fisherman.

After finishing the day’s work, it was my wont, rather a hobby, to go with my brothers to practise diving in the sea. It was the only activity I got pleasure from in an otherwise boring and dull life.

Now I was standing on the ledge of the rock looking at the sea which spread majestically down below. The golden rays of the sun glimmered and danced happily on the waves. And it was time to dive.

I took a deep breath and extended my arms languidly. I twitched my calf muscles and the usual thrilling, hair raising excitement pulsed through my veins. A world of diving pleasures lay ahead of

me. As I dived from the ledge, cool air rushed through my face and I let out a cry of joy. I loved nothing more than the thrill diving gave me. I somersaulted in the air, relishing the way the warm summer air whipped my face.

I felt myself at complete harmony with nature; my heart was singing a heavenly song far sweeter than any the songs on earth. Soon I was close to the surface of the sea; I braced myself and went right through it.

Just as I was about to pop out, I hit something hard and a terrible pain shot through my body.

I shut my eyes and opened them again only to see myself in a pool of blood. I made an effort but the pain was unendurable and didn’t allow me to move myself.

My vision was fading now, and the heavenly melody was losing its rhyme. The last thing I heard were the mournful yells of my brothers and their panicky voices.

When I regained consciousness I found myself on a bed in the small village hospital. I tried to move my head but couldn’t do that.

A soft sobbing sound filled the room. I could pick up a few words. A business-like voice was explaining to my father that I would never be able to move again. I closed my eyes.

The heavenly song I cherished a short while ago sounded mournful now. And I wished I had never heard it. My world was ruined. I would never be up in the air again.