Value of Sacrifice

I woke up this morning with a hope.

A hope to see the sunshine, 

A hope to see the outside world and amongst them with a hope to see my family.

It’s been long years since I have been in this place. Sometimes I wonder what the reason for being here is. Is it my innocence responsible? Or is it my devotion for truth? Or is it my unbound love for my family?

I have heard that every year the king releases some of the prisoners in the holy month of Ramadan. And every year I hope that I may find my name in the list. Unfortunately 14 years passed but my name was never mentioned. Most of my mates have been released and are enjoying their life maybe.

Today it’s also one such day, the day when the king announces the name of those lucky prisoners who would be leaving this place. The sudden thumping and creaking sound of the prison gate put end to my thoughts. The jailer announced to me that I was  among one who would be released by the king today.

My happiness had no bounds. I thanked almighty incessantly. Finally I would be going out of this hell. I always disliked staying here. But, it was my decision to end up here.

14 years back….

I had a happy family. My family was complete with dad, mom and a brother. We lived in Middle East. There was happiness in our small home. We would enjoy each and every moment together. There was lot of difference in behavior as well as personality between me and my brother. He was an aggressive and stubborn individual, whereas I was calm and kind.

Years passed on dad got retired and soon my brother got a decent job and was married. But his behavior was not kind enough towards his wife. Many a times everything would fall apart and my parents would put a lot of effort to put things back again.

I could always see the attempt my sister in law would put to make my brother happy. Irrespective of his nature, I wondered how she could love him unconditionally. But all her efforts would go vain. But she never lost hope.

One morning I heard my brother having a heated conversation with my father. I never had the courage to speak with dad in such a loud tone. I could hear him saying-

“Shut up dad!! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU SOMEDAY!!”

My Dad was speechless by hearing it and stood numb. Saying so my brother left.

It was a foggy evening. Mom and sister in law had gone to clinic for regular checkups. Dad was busy with his new cd- player and I was helping dad in setting it up. Finally, it was all set. I could see the happiness in my dad’s face as if a child got the thing it desired for. I could see the sacrifices he made for me and my brother so that we could lead a decent life. I promised myself that after finishing up my studies I would look after my parents well and not behave like my brother. Little did I know that this would be the last time I would see my dad smiling?

We both were having a good time and suddenly it was interrupted by my brother’s presence. I could see the devil in him. He was again angry with dad and now I knew the reason. The reason was dad had refused to give him share in his inherited property. Again the arguments started and there was exchange of hot words. The argument grew so violent that in front of my eyes my brother stroked my dad’s head with an iron rod. In no time my dad fell off lifeless on the floor. I ran towards him. But his pure soul left the body. I was crying and screaming. My brother stood there like a rock with no feelings or emotions.

The neighbors gathered and one of them called the police. The police was about to reach. My sister in law came near to me and pleaded to save her murderer husband. She pleaded me and swore against the child in her womb. She didn’t want her child to have a father who was a murderer nor did I. I had two ways left in front of me, to accept the crime and save my brothers family or to speak against my brother and destroy his family.

I could hear the alert of the siren. Before the police could reach I snatched the rod from my brother’s fist. The police arrested me. I saw the sign of relief in my sister in law and a sign of grief in my mother’s eyes.

“No. 625” – jailer shouted.

I got up and came to reality.

“Get ready. Today is your day” saying so he patted my shoulder.

After so many years it was the first time I smiled.

The procedures and terms and conditions were fulfilled and I was released. I was released into the outside world. I could see the sun shining and emitting its rays.

All these years I had one visitor and she was my mom. I hastened to leave for my home as soon as possible. I hired a taxi and left. I reached my destination. I could see my mom watering the plants. She saw me and was speechless and in tears’. I saw many changes in my house. It was not a middle class house anymore.  My brother’s son ran towards me. He was happy to see me. Suddenly my brother pulled him back and told –

“Don’t go near him. He is a murderer. He killed your grandfather.”

I went deaf. The words pricked my heart and with a heavy heart I left. I thought – Be this the value of my sacrifice?