Image for representational purpose. Courtesy: rgbstock. Photo by Lusi

(Unni R’s Malayalam story ‘Sahayathra’ trans. by: Nithya Mariam John)

“How shall we die?” Radhamani asked Sumathi.

“Let’s jump in front of a train”, Sumathi replied.

“But,” Sumathi doubted, “what if it sends us flying in two different directions?”

Sumathi agreed. At least in death they must lie together, and not on either sides of a rail track.

“We will drown ourselves in the river”.

“I know swimming” Radhamani replied sadly.

“Why not drink poison” Sumathi asked with hope.

“Certain poison just burns your throat, but never kills.” Sumathi looked at adhamani sorrowfully.  Radhamani also looked at her miserably.

“I feel angry with god”.

“For what?”

“I don’t know. Just like that.”

Radhamani felt a strong urge to hug and kiss Sumathi. She looked around and held Sumathi’s hand firmly.

“What shall we do after death?”

“I don’t know”, Radhamani replied.

“It must be better than this”. Radhamani nodded her head.

Before that, let’s take a photo with us in each other’s arms”.

Radhamani smiled.

While the photographer adjusted lights, Sumathi said,

“Let’s hug each other”.

Sumathi put her hand behind Radhamani and held her close.

The photographer burst out angrily. “Hey girl! What are you doing? Stand apart”.

He separated them and set the lights on their faces.

The photographer said from behind the camera,

“Smile a bit please”

Neither of them did.

He repeated the request.

They didn’t smile.

He warned them that if they don’t smile, the picture won’t look perfect.

They held their arms together and walked out saying that they would come when the time is perfect for a smile. They walked past the framed pictures of the newly married couples.