The Last Phone Call

The rain had been falling since morning. not loudly not violently just enough to make the world feel heavy.

Aarav sat alone in his apartment staring at his phone.

It was 11 47 PM.

The screen was dark.

No notifications.

No missed calls.

Just silence.

He had been waiting for one call all day.

From his mother.

They had argued that morning a stupid argument really. Aarav had been in a hurry for work and his mother had begged him to stay for breakfast.

You never have time for me anymore. she said softly.

I am building my future Ma you would not understand. he replied sharply.

Her eyes filled with tears but she said nothing.

He slammed the door.

Now the guilt sat heavy in his chest.

Aarav unlocked his phone again and opened their last chat.

Mom Call me when you are free.

Seen 9 12 AM.

He never called.

Outside thunder rolled across the sky.

Suddenly the phone rang.

Aarav jumped.

Incoming Call Mom.

His heart pounded.

Ma I am sorry I was busy and.

No voice answered.

Only static.

Crackling.

Then faint breathing.

Ma can you hear me.

A whisper came through.

Aarav.

It sounded distant and broken.

Ma what is wrong where are you.

I do not have much time. she said slowly.

Fear crawled up his spine.

What do you mean are you okay.

I needed to hear your voice one last time.

His stomach twisted.

Stop joking Ma you are scaring me.

She gave a weak laugh the same laugh she used when hiding pain.

You were always brave as a child. she said even when you were scared.

Rain hit the windows harder now.

Ma tell me what is happening.

A long pause followed.

Sirens echoed faintly.

I was crossing the road. she whispered a car did not stop.

Aarav felt the world tilt.

No no no you are fine I am coming right now.

Listen to me Aarav. she said gently.

I do not want you to blame yourself.

Tears streamed down his face.

I should have stayed I should have eaten breakfast I should have called you.

Life does not move backward my son. she said softly.

Voices cried in the background.

Ma please do not go I love you.

I love you more than every sunrise I ever saw. she whispered.

The static grew louder.

Remember to forgive quickly love deeply and never let work steal the people who matter.

Her breathing became uneven.

Ma Ma.

This call is my goodbye Aarav.

No stay with me I am coming.

I am not afraid. she said peacefully because I raised a good man.

Silence followed.

The call ended.

Aarav screamed her name.

The phone slipped from his shaking hands.

Moments later another call came from an unknown number.

Hello.

This is the hospital we are sorry to inform you.

I know. Aarav whispered.

She called me.

A pause followed.

Your mother passed away before reaching the hospital. the nurse said gently.

A chill ran through his body.

But she just talked to me.

That is not possible.

The line disconnected.

Aarav stared at the phone.

The time still read 11 47 PM.

No call history appeared.

No incoming call.

Nothing.

Only her last message remained.

Call me when you are free.

Aarav collapsed sobbing.

Had it been real.

A dream.

Or something beyond understanding.

Days passed.

The funeral ended.

The apartment felt emptier than ever.

One night unable to sleep Aarav whispered into the darkness.

Ma if you can hear me I am sorry.

The phone vibrated.

A new message appeared.

I heard you I am always with you.

It vanished seconds later.

No record again.

But peace filled his heart.

From that day on he never ignored a call.

Never left words unsaid.

Because some calls do not come twice.

And some goodbyes only happen once.