The Courtyard

 

 Photo credit: Rod Long, Unsplash

It's an old mansion, with a big, open courtyard. So many people are milling around. I do recognize a few faces. Ah, Sumi bua is here! Sumi bua is my father's youngest cousin. She's just 7 years older than me, more like a friend. 

I actually recognize this place. I have visited this place a few years ago. With Sumi bua. It was someone's funeral. It's Sumi bua's maternal grandparent's house. Haveli.

It seems like a family function. I look around and ask, 'Why are we here?'

And right then, like an answer to my question, a face flashes in front of me. A woman's face. A familiar face. I have seen her somewhere. Here, in this very haveli. 

I woke up with a start only to realize that it was a dream. A vivid dream. Oh yes, I am a dreamer. And I was at my masi's place. I remembered the woman who was in my dream just a few moments ago. Why would I see her in my dream? I never ever thought about her?

After two days, I was sauntering at the rooftop terrace of my home, engrossed in my own web of thoughts. The silent night was shimmering under the moonlight. The patio next to my house looked unusually deserted. I felt odd, as it was Sumi bua's house. The good thing was that our houses were interconnected so that we could visit each other whenever we wanted.

 I was still wondering when I heart someone's footsteps. Sumi bua was here.

'Hey, I was just thinking about you?' I said.

'Yes, I saw you. Felt like talking.'

'Yes, I just arrived. I thought I'd see you in the morning,' I said. 'Has Dadima gone somewhere? The house looks too silent.' I gestured towards her house.

'Yes, she has gone to Haveli. You remember Ma's aunt? The very quiet one who used to sit in a corner and seldom talked to anyone?'

My mind started to flicker. Of course I remember her. I saw her in my dream just two days ago. I was about to tell her when she continued, 'She died two days ago.'

'What!? How?' I asked, baffled. My dream, still very clear flashing in my mind. The Courtyard. Dadima's aunt. Her eyes closed. Blood stained, bandaged forehead...

'She fell from the rooftop.'

(It's a true story. I'm not exaggerating. My dreams are weird, I remember them, well mostly. But this one was the weirdest)