Phone Call

It's winter. Everything is covered in snow. A gentle breeze is blowing and children are skiing on the frozen lake.

I am in my bedroom scrolling through the contacts when I notice a number of my best friend Akhay who died last year.

"Why do I need that number?" I think. I am about to delete it, but then I take a pause. For some reason.

It's cold. I turn on the heater.

It has been a month since he died. I never gave a call on his number after that. Won't it look rude to delete the number in such a way? I decide to make a call. Maybe his parents will receive it. I will speak to them about our friendship. I'll tell them about the cheerful moments I had spent with my best friend.

I call on his number.

'Trrriiiiiing... Trrriiiiiing...' the caller tune rings.

I notice that I am shivering. "Because it's cold today" I say to myself. I look at the clock.

'11:32 a.m.'

The caller tune is still going on. I am about to press the red button when I hear-

"Hellllooo... Akshay speaking."

A chill runs down my spine. My body hair stand out. It's the same cheerful voice of my best friend. I slowly lift the phone to my ears.

"A... A.. Akshay?" I stammer.

He begins speaking and I too get lost in the conversation. He is the same. The same funny friend. He makes me laugh by cracking jokes. I feel completely comfortable speaking to him. The conversation continues for an hour. Finally, he asks-

"It's been a lot of days since we spoke with each other. Why didn't you call?"

Another chill goes down my spine. I whisper-

"Because..... you died."

I look at the clock.

'12:45 a.m.'

The snow outside has began to melt. The Sun has turned brighter. Small ponds of clean water form on the road. The breeze turns warmer.

I am still waiting for his reply. Still shivering. Of course, because of cold.