Fool’s Day

There once lived a lad in a small town with no one but his dad. Sharing his birth with his mother’s death, he grew up hearing words bitter. A drunk father waiting with whips and sticks, his everyday welcome! Years of emotional torture weakened him to the core. Just then a ray of hope glistened on him, an opportunity knocked at his door. Yes, this was his golden chance, the only chance to escape a life of drudgery and move towards a bright future. Admission to a reputed college was all he ever dreamed of and now it came true, what good luck! “Brighter times are coming my way”, he thought but destiny smirked!

What a welcome he got! From stripping in public to eating roaches, he was made to do it all. Why, you ask? That’s how you welcome freshers, after all they need to know who the senior is! Not daring to raise a voice against it all, he became a soft target. A new punishment waited for him everyday, with every passing day his inner strength was falling apart. Great courage was needed but finally he made his way to the admin block with just one thought on his mind, to expose them all. Destiny smirked again, he was seen there by the gang. Apologies followed and he forgave them.

Caught later at the hostel, the 1st day of April marked the start of a new friendship. The hug lingered for long and while he was still in that trance a razor kissed his pure head. Bald he was left, the last punishment for the session or… Standing by the bay he breathed his last and celebrated his last Fool’s day!