“What we seek is some kind of compensation for what we put up with.”
(Haruki Murakami)
Tune into this calm instrumental and hope you enjoy the narrative that follows:
“So, Mr… tell me what’s wrong?”
“What do you mean? There’s nothing wrong. I…”
“Then why are you here?”
“Well… because I have nowhere else to go.”
“Umm, that comes under my definition of something being wrong.”
“I guess you’re right then.”
“So we are at the beginning again. You are here at… 6 o’clock in the morning, at a mental hospital, correct?”
“Wow! It’s six already? Jeez!”
“YES. And you have nowhere else to go, right?”
“That’s what I said. No? Umm… Yes yes!”
“Ok! And so you decided to come here, why exactly?”
“Yeah well, you see… people think I belong here… and I’ve spent so many years fighting them. Telling them that they are the crazy ones… but I’m done fighting. I want to rest now.”
“Okay, that’s really good. I’m glad you’ve came to us. We’ll help you out just fine. But first, I need to ask you a couple of questions…”
“Alright, shoot! If we can speed it up that’d be great. I’ve been travelling all night and I’m tired.”
“No problem, we’ll make you all cozy in a room with a bath tub. And we just need to pull up your records so that we can make your interview quick and easy, alright? What’s your name again?”
Lie. LIE!
But… if I lie then he can’t get my correct records and then I won’t be able to sleep.
Tell him you are Remi D’souza from Calicut.
No! I’m done listening to you. I’ve come to this place already against my own will and I’m not going to cave now.
You can try to fight me all you can, but you know you’ll come back crying. To me.
“My name is Rehan Mascarenhas.”
“Alright Mr. Mascarenhas… sit here and wait for me. I’ll be right back.”
Now, what have you done!
What? I did nothing.
Are you kidding? Now he has your records. He’s going to know everything!
I know. I’m turning myself in. I heard the asylum is better than jail. I’ve already pleaded insane once before… this is no different.
No different? You were twelve the last time something happened. And when you said you were crazy, they just turned their heads and patted you on the back. You were never going to be put away.
Well, I’m a big boy now and this is my choice. So shut up and deal with it.
Rehan, I know you better than anyone; I’m your best friend. So I know what’s best for you. Listen to me, RUN. Run while you can. He’ll be back any minute.
Janus, I can’t…
Yes, you can.
Oh no… he’s coming. What do I do Janus? I’m scared. I don’t think I want to stay here anymore… What was I thinking? They are going to kill me!
Pick up the lamp.
What! Why?
Just do it.
Okay!
“Mr. Mascarenhas, why are you holding the lamp? Put it back, please…”
He sounds scared.
That’s because he knows everything now, Rehan. Now, hit him. Before he runs.
But…
Don’t hesitate! Do it now and everything will be all better. Like always. NOW!
“Mr. Mascarenhas, please! I have a family, I…”
Janus… did I kill him?
I don’t think so Rehan. Chuck! Now go to the front door and walk out calmly. First we will stop by the nearest McDonald’s and get a Big Mac. Then we’ll have to leave town.
Aww… again?
Yes. I’m sorry.
Janus, you are the best friend ever!
I know Rehan. Now let’s go… there’s another place we have to visit.
Where?
The next one.
***
A young man with a turbulent past and a peculiar friend by his side to help him. But does he help? Split between two thoughts, two worlds, two roles… a mind that is on a mission to pay off his debts. Or, his deaths.
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© Tanumoy Biswas and The Nomadic Soliloquist 2013. All Rights Reserved.
The Nomadic Soliloquist 
wow, disturbing but draws the reader completely in.
Really glad it disturbed your mind, but drew your heart. Thank you! 🙂
Hey Tanumoy..
loved your space.. and your post was enticing.
I am looking forward to read more from you 🙂
Thank you Jyoti for dropping by.
Even you have a great blog, considering that you are already a seasoned one. 🙂
It’s a pleasure to have you here. Will look forward to more of your visits as well as writings. Cheers! 🙂
Oh. That’s a bit messed up, huh.. Good story, though.
Hahaha! ‘Messed up’ was exactly my state of mind when I wrote this. So you reached the core of the narrative pretty well. 😉
Thanks!
Very intriguing story…very sad. Yet, so truthful of how we get caught between the ego and the Spirit that dwells within/higher self Many Blessings, mary
Ah, Mary. You just wrote it perfectly: “caught between the ego and the spirit”. Couldn’t have related it better than that. Thank you so much for your visit, and reading my stuff. 🙂
And I wanted to say, I agree with a few great words you wrote in your “About” section: “Like I have been told my poems are ‘old fashioned sounding’… so I respond, ‘That is ok, I am a very old soul.'” I belong to the same thought as well. Good day to you. 🙂
i just loved it.. it’s awesome..
Thank you Kaushani! Khub khushi je tui porli eta! 🙂
The craziness of the story kept me reading….I’ve always enjoyed a strange and weird tale when it is told the right way. Good writing and love the opening quote. You pick out some really good ones : )
Really really glad you found this meek attempt amusing. Well, I always try to think what I’m writing at every point of the writing process, and that sometimes helps me in choosing what quote or picture may go best with it. I’m happy this one came good enough to be read. Thank you! 🙂
Just too awesome
Thank you, Jayshri! Really glad you liked it. 🙂
I doubled back and read this again..Wow, this is really good! The suspense almost rivals Stephen King’s work..Great job! Silly question..but is this part of a larger piece of fiction?
It’s time for me to say: “Wow”!
A comparison with Stephen King! *somebody come and pinch me hard* Thank you so much Lenise! Your kind words of appreciation are a constant source of inspiration. 🙂
And you just planted a sweet little idea inside my head, by posing the question: “is this a part of a larger piece of fiction?” Surely will give it a thought. Something like a series or a bigger plot maybe. *excited at the idea* 😉
Good one! But the moment McDonald’s came in, I kinda lost the flow. Was imagining a dark and dingy scene as I got the hint of the split-personality element at an early stage, so I lost it when it got a bit modernized with the implementation of the brand. But it’s not bad either, maybe your own way of depicting it.
Thumbs up! 🙂
Thank you Saurabh. Well, the detail at the end was added to make it a bit realistic and contemporary. The abruptness and the casualty in speech was also done purposely. Glad you liked it, bro! 🙂
Agreed with your point of view.
But personally I felt as if a window has been abruptly forced open, disturbing the atmosphere within.
On the other hand, since it is a small portion of a larger piece, as you told me, I guess its too early for me to make such comments :D.Waiting for the full version 🙂
Hahah! The disturbance was chosen to keep the reader hungry for the next piece… 😀
So yes, even I’m waiting for my brain cells to come up with ‘what-shall-be-next’. 😉
While i read through it i felt as if the dilemma was mine own…. as if my mind is debating with my heart… how do you manage to make your pieces so lifelike?? truly awe inspiring!! 🙂
Hahah! I just present the images I perceive in my mind. Really glad it connected with you. Thank you! 🙂
Wow! Nice piece!
As-salam walaykum, Kaye… thank you so much.
Glad to connect with you here and also for reading this piece. You have a lovely blog. 🙂
Tanumoy
Waalaikum Salam. Thank you for following my blog and for the nice words. As I was reading your post, I was like watching a suspense movie. The scenarios seemed all real to me.
I’m really glad you loved it and that I could create such an atmosphere… it gives immense pleasure to know you, and I must say your artwork is very impressing. Hope you enjoy more of my works… 🙂
For sure I will. Keep writing and maybe one of these days we’ll be seeing your name on the big screen.
Aww, shukraan… and I hope to see your name on the big screen too. 🙂
Oh my Knight in shining Armour, you related a tale that had been hooked right from the first line. There are so many things that popped into my head now and then whilst I raced down in anticipation, and I was smiling at the sheer brilliance of you. I believe we all have a split personality and most of us keep it well-contained. Now and then in a few souls the battle is lost, and the other emerges and subsides to only re-emerge. Lovely read…
Ah, the Charming Princess… you humble me with your appreciation… every time.
“Now and then in a few souls the battle is lost, and the other emerges and subsides to only re-emerge.” — such a deep thought you came up with here… amazing and true indeed! Every day the greatest fight is against our ‘self’, yes or no, right or wrong, right or left — all sorts of soliloquies cloud our mind — giving rise to split minds, split hearts, split souls… O Princess, you really struck the chord perfectly. How do you do that every time?
O mighty lion, I just saw an aspect of what u probably related and you confer upon me this. It is your charm that has me captivated, that I sit still and read, all enthralled. O mighty king of the jungle, I bow to your humbleness…
Ah, now you are turning him into a ball of fur! 😛
*bow at all the praises*
What a story, Tanumoy! Fantastic and scary.
You bring such delight to the heart! Thank you! And I was thinking it was a very weak attempt. Yayy! 😛
Another chillingly interesting tale! Well done!
Thank you! Really glad you liked this. 🙂
Oh my God. This is so enthralling, so fascinating! Gripped me till the end of it. Awesome work, Soliloquist!
I just found this. I’ve read a lot about many things by many authors during my life. Your writing is equal to anything I’ve ever read by anyone and far exceeds most. With your permission I think I’ll just camp here a while and feel.
Disturbing and beautiful !!!
You have cooked up the right recipe..!!
Waiting to read the other posts too 🙂