The Bait (Flash Fiction)

By

Chiksunny

(Caferati Flash Fiction contest entry)

Chinmay eyed Parag’s new red car enthusiastically.

 “It’s battery-operated!” Parag was ecstatic with his father’s latest gift to him. “It has blinkers and gives a warning siren when it nears any other object.”

“Let me hold it,” Chinmay pleaded.

“No. The last time I gave you my toy Kawasaki, you broke it.”

Chinmay wistfully looked up at the sky. Dark clouds were rapidly gathering and without warning, a spark of lightening lit the heavens.  Parag shuddered and Chinmay watched his friend thoughtfully.

“You know, Parag,” Chinmay said slowly.

“What?”

“In a few years from now, a heavenly object will strike against the earth, causing destruction.”

“Destruction?”

“Yes. The impact will be so great that all the human beings, animals and plants will die… all the buildings will collapse. The seas will catch fire and all mountains will turn into active volcanoes!”

“Oh, what will happen to me then?” Parag looked terrified.

“Don’t worry, I shall be there for you.”

“What will you do?”

“My dad is shortly booking a trip for my family on a spaceship to the moon.”

“The moon? How exciting!”

“Yes. There is a long waiting list for it.  If you want I shall ask Dad to add your name too. Then, before the earth’s demolition can occur, we will all be safely on our way to the moon.”

“How clever! Chinmay, will you really ask your dad to take me too?”

“Of course!”

“Chinmay, you are my greatest friend! Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome! Err…Parag, can I hold your car just for a minute?”

“What a question to ask! You can play with it the entire day!” Parag announced happily.

“Reading newspapers and magazines surely helps to make up a story,” thought Chinmay gleefully.

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Copyright©Chiksunny February2008

(Note: This is my 2^nd entry to the Caferati contest. Please also visit my other entry

 ‘What a Match!)