Page 283 - E-Magazine 2016-17

THE WORTH OF WINDCHIMES

“Mr. Wells…” she began…. “ Today is my last day in the Convent. I really don’t know what
future has in store for me, but I am going to pine horribly for your company…” At that
point , Mr. Wells turned to her . The moonlight reflected off his wet face , as tears rolled
down his eyes . “Anisha, the year passed by had a lot of meaning for me. I will miss you ter-
ribly. Separating from a good friend is never easy ….. But , you see those wind chimes?
Whenever I miss you , I will gaze at those wind chimes , and I shall know that you are out
there, evolving as a bold and beautiful woman … You are just like those wind chimes . Beau-
tiful and unique in every single way, from top to bottom , and powerful enough to influence a
wide territory…. You see?” .

Anisha hugged him tight for one last time, and left. Left to enter a new world, sans the com-
passion and care of Benny Wells. Anisha was jolted into reality by a shrill call … Turning
around, she saw Nina Lake coming towards her .

“Firdaus , I never knew you dreamt in broad daylight ..” said Nina , with a pinch of sarcasm
in every syllable . “ I was just gazing at the wind chimes … Their beauty fascinates me…”
replied Anisha . “ Funny…you know that gardener, Benny Wells? He died just few months
ago . Every day he used gaze at those wind chimes. A week before his death , he requested
the matron to hang the wind chimes by his side … and minutes before his last breath , he
smiled at the wind chimes , and rested in peace . Now even you seem to have a similar affec-
tion … I mean, what is so exquisite?”
Anisha felt choked, and after some sauntering, Nina left. Even after her graduation, Benny
Wells had spent several minutes of his life thinking and praying for Anisha … For that Ani-
sha, who had been banished from her family, for that Anisha, who was never worth loving.

Yet, this man had been compassionate enough to think of her even minutes before death ,
thereby shattering the nuances of neglect she had been subjected to , throughout her life.
She smiled at the wind chimes , for she knew that the worth of the wind chimes had trav-
ersed every boundary of neglect and sorrow in her life , and had paved way for a new Anisha
Firdaus , who had been loved and cared for immensely by Benny Wells , for all that he was
worth …..
SHIVANI PILLAI XI-C