Nurungukal....contd..

   I was away from Trichy for a fortnight in connection with the last ceremonies of my father. My mind was in doldrums. I longed for solitude. My only choice in Trichy was the banks of the pond about which I mentioned in my last post. The cool breeze was once again caressing me and I felt consoled. I sat there till the last bit of sun descended behind the hillock. There was no sign of Muniyandi or his herd and I returned to hostel in dismay. For the next two days I was busy with a practical training and could not go to the pond. Next day I took one of my fellow trainees for a company and waited for Muniyandi. The sound of the hooves and cries of the cattle became audible. I was so happy about the impending reunion. But as the herd came closer and closer It was not the familiar silhouette of the boy I knew.  As usual the cattle headed to the water, but my friend did not come to me . He was sitting on the other bank and I walked to him to say hello. To my surprise the lad was not Muniyandi. When I enquired about my friend he narrated a story which felt me desolate.....contd