"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you..." A lot of different voices singing the happy birthday song in harmony could be heard.
The man or child of the day, Shivansh. The day 15th August, 2010. It was a jolly moment for all. Afterall, this was his first birthday in the newly rented two room set. Suddenly Shivansh fell into a daze.
The time travel had partially succeeded. Instead of going to 15th August, 2007, the year became 2010. Shivansh had come to his 3rd birthday.
The soul of the 3 year him merged with his body. The rules of the universe do not allow two same bodies regardless of age or era to exist in the same timeline. A small mistake can cause the whole timeline to shatter into countless shards creating infinite parallel subspaces and realities.
This was truly a gamble. A gamble that he had won. He had gained another chance at life.
The birthday boy had a small height (Duh! he is 3). He still had quite some baby fat on his face, showcasing a child's innocence. He also had a long nose and beautiful eyes like that of a deer. He had short hair and bronze skin.
He wore a big birthday cap and a cake could be seen in front of him. A candle of the shape of 3 was burning. His whole family (mother's side) and his fellow neighbor kids were chanting the birthday song. His parents joining them.
Shivansh woke out of his daze but just as he made the slightest movement, his worst fears came true. As if mocking him, Time Had Froze.
"Ma? Papa[1]? What happened? Talk to me? Why? Why are you not speaking? Wish me happy birthday!..."
A worried voice sounded. He tried to shake his parents and family members but no response was shown. His voice started to crack with emotions. All these years he had to suffer so much but when a glimpse of hope was seen, it was extinguished. His only hope was taken away from him.
It was one of the possible consequences. There were only four such consequences.
1.Nothing goes wrong
2.He perishes
3.Infinite different timelines get created with every small movement. Endless parallel timelines.
4.Time freezes for everyone and/but him.
The devastated boy crashed down to the ground. He started weeping and wailing for the only chance that was lost to live life once again.
The candles on the cake burned brightly but provided no warmth whatsoever. The family cheered but were devoid of love. The room was frozen in time. It was cold just like his hopes.
Shivansh could be seen on the ground. His hands on his hair. A mournful voice of a child that could shatter one's heart could be heard. A voice of pained innocence. The voice of a helpless kid.
"WHY? WHY GOD? MA!!"He cried.
"PAPA! TALK TO ME!" He wept
"Why did this happen to me? It.. It was supposed to be perfect! Then why?" He continued to mourn.
But life is not that fair. Actions do have consequences. He had dared to play with the laws of the universe, tried to manipulate them according to his will. The consequence could be clearly seen.
The forgotten faces of the loved ones reopened countless scars that were long forgotten. The mental anguish of not being able to do anything was pushing him very close to the brink of insanity.
"Happy birthday to you..?"
Shivansh shot up and looked around. His eyes dashed around the whole room unable to find anything unusual, but he was pretty sure he heard something.
"Who- Who is- there?" He stammered wiping his snot and tears from his face.
"Happy birthday to Shivansh. Happy birthday to you. Well remember me?" A voice sounded once again. More clear this time.
Shivansh looked towards the direction of the voice. It was a face that he had never seen before, yet it seemed so... familiar?
It was a man. He was around 6'5 in height and had a athletic body. He had long hair tied into braids and a bun. The hair looked messy but well combed at the same time.
He was dark skinned. His eyes looked as if it contained the whole universe. He wore a light green kurta[2] with sleeves folded up. It was paired with simple white pajamas[3]. He also had a sharp nose and a calming smile. He wore a tilak[4] on his forehead and a necklace of rudraksh[5] could be seen around his neck. He smiled and slowly walked towards Shivansh.
"Wh- Who are you?" Shivansh stammered totally confused by the turn of events. None of is family members of friends fit his description. This was not one of the possible consequence. Had he made a mistake?
"Really? I was hoping of all, at least you would recognize me. Man, it is such a sad moment for me. But.. maybe you are also not in your right state of mind. You seen confused. Was I not supposed to be a consequence?" He asked while walking towards him.
Shivansh nodded unconsciously. He then realized that the person knew about the consequences. He panicked and tried to talk but he was unable to speak a single word. He panicked even more and started moving frantically.
"Calm down, calm down. It is just a small trick. You know I do not like being interrupted. Let me tell you a story..."
[1] Hindi for Father.
I will also use a few hindi words but will explain it to you.
[2] A form of dress that men usually were
[3] Form of loose trousers
[4] an ornamental spot worn on the forehead chiefly by Hindus as a sectarian mark
[5] search for it. Unable to explain it (sry)