Courtesy: Photograph by Highlander
“What could be behind that door?” this question has been haunting him since last some years.
The house is four times as old as he is, and the door has remained close for more than three times his age. As the generations progressed, the reasons became lesser and lesser known. He always wondered why this urge of opening the door and seeing what lies behind it has never hit anyone from his family. Or did it hit some of them?
He too, numerous times, has had this tingling sensation to go and open the door. Check out what does that door hidden in shadows, resting in plain sight, holds. Are there any dirty secrets? Are there any facts which might put all of us in danger if exposed? Are there any objects which are kept there for rainy day? But objects out for rainy day is ruled out, because not a single will of his ancestors seem to mention anything about such things, objects.
He used to loiter around the door, around at the evening time so that the shadows hide his presence. He has touched the lock numerous times, but has chickened out when it came to opening it. Thinking if something unusual, something unexpected, something bad happens because of this, he would never be able to forgive himself. But then I would never be able to make a decision, face the consequences if I don’t open the door at all, he thought to himself.
The other day he was standing in front of the door, staring at the wood and the carvings on it, may be trying to look right through it without having to open it. A faint smile appeared on his lips. He was amused how this situation perfectly matches to our life. How this phenomenon aptly describes the life, his life, our life.
We all are aware of quite some such doors life offers us, but we chicken out when it comes to opening them. What if something bad happens? What if this is not the right door? What if…? We get caught in some “what ifs” and allow the moment to pass. It’s as simple as a diversion in the road. If you don’t take the diversion, you might not lead to the point where you want to go. Or maybe you’ll somehow figure out another set of diversions to reach that point, but then at what cost remains the question. If only we have had the courage to anyway open the door and see what it holds for us? Unless and until we open the door, we’ll not come to know.
“Go ahead, open the door” a calm and composed voice coming from behind startled him. He quickly turned back and suddenly went pale and shaky in his knees. It was his father, standing in front of him with a faint, content smile on his face. That confused him even more.
“You heard me. Go ahead and open the door” reiterated his father slowly moving towards him. “I’ve been observing you since quite some time now. I see you loitering around here and your expressions speak your heart out. I know you want to open this door and see what’s inside” confronted his father. This sudden turnaround of events really puzzled him.
“But dad…” he started to speak when his father cut him, “No ifs and buts now. Even I have been having the same questions you have about this door, but never had the guts to open it. Over the years the enthusiasm and earnestness to know what lies behind this door has also waned. But I now, at the later stage of my life, understand that I should have taken the step forward instead of backing out. I see that you are interested and before that interest dies I want you to take the chance. Whatever the outcome is, whatever the consequences are I want you to give it a shot. So go ahead and open the door”.
By the time his father finished with his confrontation, he was more than happy and eager to do the act. He ran towards his father, hugged him and holding his hand he came back to the door, “Let’s do this together” said he.
The lock opened with a bit of force, the door creaked open and they went inside.
The World Through My Eyes... 