Short Story:

Ghost town

Yasmin Jaldin

Rahim lived in Hambantota. His parents owned a fish stall in the town. Their house was situated fifty metres away from the sea with an ample backyard. Tamarind and drumstick trees were grown in abundance, which had bountiful harvests. Rahim relished his mother's tamarind chutney mixed with dates, which she would sometimes distribute amongst the neighbours.

With the sea breeze humming in at night, the atmosphere surrounding the environment with the ships sailing far away at sea was unique and the entire area was a picturesque sight. The family never closed their front windows at night so as to let the sea breeze blow into their house.

They had peaceful nights only waking up for morning prayers. Rahim was the eldest in a family of four sons. The four boys received their primary education at the Hambantota Maha Vidyalaya.

After his secondary education, Rahim excelled in his studies showing a great interest in medicine. His school masters noticed the boy's abilities when a kind sponsor offered him a scholarship at an overseas hospital.

Rahim's father was reluctant to send his son abroad for seven years. Since this was a golden opportunity never to be missed, he was coaxed to send the boy. Amidst a tearful parting from his family and relatives, Rahim left.

Rahim put his heart and soul to his studies. He missed his family very much, mostly his sea baths, boat riding and football which he would play in the evenings by the sea-shore with his friends. He heaved a deep sigh when he thought of these and was homesick. His only solace was his books.

He waited impatiently for the letters and calls he received on the twenty-sixth day of every month from his family and the expenses his father would send him. Rahim would set aside a paltry sum of his pocket money to purchase little gifts for his family, especially trinkets for his mother which he knew she would be delighted when he gave them to her and knick-knacks for his three brothers.

Six and a half years had gone by, and his convocation was two months ahead when Rahim would pass out as a doctor. He awaited his father's call to tell him of the good news. Today was the twenty-sixth day of December 2004; his father had still not called him.

Maybe they must be busy having business since many tourists frequented this month. With a heavy heart he fell asleep dreaming that his father and mother had stroked his head.

The following day too he waited for a tinkle from home, with no sign, when he heard murmurs going round the hostel that a terrific tsunami had devastated many south Asian countries. Little did Rahim realize that Sri Lanka was also on the list. He ran to the Warden's office to obtain more information. The warden knew of the boy's anxiety and pacified Rahim.

Two days later, one of his surviving relatives contacted him revealing the ghastly destruction.

The entire village where Rahim lived had been swept out with no trace of any living being and dwelling. The sea in all its fury had swallowed them all. He grieved for many days.

He was now the lone survivor of his family. The thought of his family perishing at once brought him nostalgic memories.

Then Rahim remembered his father's words, often he would say, "Everything is in God's hands son, we have to take it up', he heaved a deep sigh and made up his mind.

After the convocation, students were granted their vacation. Rahim returned to his hometown and the debris which confronted him was unbelievable.

Patches of salt water which had now turned black in colour was at every nook and corner. The once busy village was a ghost town; it looked sombre and desolate. Only blocks of vacant land and dilapidated buildings could be seen.

The backyard his mother treasured was in ruins. Someone had felled all the tamarind trees only the stumps were seen. No one was around, when farthest he spotted a hurrying passer-by. 'Why are you running, inquired Rahim', 'I cannot walk slowly, somebody tapped my shoulder and I feel its following me, nobody passes this way after dusk' replied the passer-by. Rahim lingered at the spot for a long time, recited many prayers for his kith and kin; reminiscing all his past encounters, and departed with a heavy heart.