THE MAGIC PILLS

                                                                  THE MAGIC PILLS

Harry woke up with a headache. It was something to do with the antidepressant he had taken the previous night. It would make him feel good, the doctor had promised.

Harry Croydon was a wealthy, self made man. He was 55 years old. His marriage last year, with an upcoming model had drawn a lot of attention. Mrs. Helen Croydon was a stunning blonde of only 30 years. The press described her as the proverbial trophy wife.

The marriage had taken an adverse toll on Harry. He found himself inadequate for his young wife’s happiness. He really loved her, but he believed the press when they proclaimed that she was in it for his money only. The thought depressed him. One of his friends referred him to a doctor who prescribed a course of ‘antidepressants’ or ‘feel-good-pills’ as he liked to describe them.

Today was Helen’s birthday. Harry had thrown a grand party to flatter her. He hoped that such acts of opulence would make up for his lack of youth. He hoped that his headache would not ruin it.

Helen had left a message for him. She had left for her tennis lessons and would meet him only before the party.

He got dressed and left for the office.

Maria, his secretary greeted him warmly. He reciprocated.

“My poor boss! He looks so tired,” she thought.

Harry heard her voice in his mind. “Excuse me,” he turned his head to Maria.

“Yes, Harry.”

“Did you say something, Maria?”

“No boss.”

“Odd,” he thought.

“What is my day like?” he asked.

“I kept it light. Peter  will meet you in an hour’s time. “

“Make sure that Jonathan is there.”

Jonathan Croydon and Peter Baxter walked into his room at the slotted hour. Jonathan was Harry’s son from his first marriage. He was the Vice President of Marketing. Peter was the Vice President of Finance, and had been with the company for a long time. Harry trusted him fully. The same was not true of his son.

Harry looked at them as they walked into the room. Suddenly, he heard Jonathan’s voice in his head.

“Dad looks so sad. I wonder what is on his mind. How I wish I could help him. My bad luck that he does not trust me.”

Harry almost jumped out of his seat. He never expected so much feeling from his son. He had always felt that his family loved him only for his money. He was also intrigued by what was happening. Overnight, he had been blessed by some psychic ability to read other people’s minds.

He remembered the doctor telling him that the pills could have side effects. Some of the effects could be mysterious which medicine would never be able to explain. The human brain for was still an unsolved mystery for modern science. It could be capable of unexpected powers depending upon the stimuli it received.

Harry was now sure that it was the pill’s side effects. He was feeling much better already. Jonathan’s feelings perked him up.

The meeting went well. Jonathan had designed a marketing campaign for the company’s new product, and Peter had already arranged the finances for the same. Harry looked at Peter and read his mind.

“I love this company. I hope I can serve it well. I only hope Harry trusts Jonathan more. This boy has talent and deserves more responsibility.” It was Peter’s voice in his mind now.

Harry went home feeling good. His headache had disappeared.  Before leaving he used his new found powers on some other unsuspecting associates. He made a mental note of finding a replacement for the HR head. The woman had no passion for the company.

Surprisingly he did not look forward to meeting Helen. He was no fool. He had no such illusions that the woman had married him for love. She had married him for the Croydon name and fortune. But the stark realization of the whole thing dampened his spirits. He already knew her mind and  would find no joy in reading it.

Helen greeted him at the door. She looked lovely in her designer outfit. The couple kissed each other.  True to his fear, he heard her voice in his mind.

“Oh Harry. I love you so much. I wish you would not waste so much money on my birthday to impress me. I would much rather you take me out for a quiet evening. ”

He did not expect this. He had started believing the press so much that he had stopped believing that this gorgeous woman could actually love him. He looked in her eyes and saw love. He felt a surge of emotions in his heart.

He took her in his arms and kissed her much more confidently. She closed her eyes, and kissed him back.

“This is all that I want my darling. I only want your love and affection. “She was kissing silently, but it was her voice in his mind again.

“I love you my darling.” Harry finally found his voice. “And you look so beautiful.”

“It has been a long time since you said that. I love you baby. You are a wonderful man. You have done so much for me.’

“I am sorry Helen.”

“Sorry for what, darling? “

He did not answer, but just held her close and kissed her.

The couple managed to survive the party. They were both extremely relieved when the last guest left.

Before going to bed, Harry flushed the pills down the toilet. He had no need for any psychic powers or magic pills. He had found Helen’s love. And that is all that mattered.

Helen was eagerly waiting for him on their bed. She looked lovely. He took her in his arms. She looked into his eyes and kissed him as he caressed her golden curls. They had much to catch up on.

Word Count: 990