It was a vast, empty space — silent and endless — where countless souls drifted toward their unknown destinies. Darkness surrounded everything, yet there was order.
At the center stood a being, an officer of the afterlife, whose task was to guide the departed. Each soul that arrived was given a choice:
to be reborn, remembering their mistakes and striving to correct them in a new life —
or to rest forever in heaven, free from the burdens of the mortal world.
The place was still and quiet, until suddenly — light flooded in.
The air shimmered with divine energy. Every angel began to smile; even the officers radiated joy.
One confused soul whispered, "What happened? Why is everyone so happy?"
An angel turned, his face glowing.
"God's favorite man is coming," he said softly. "He has completed his journey on Earth. This light shines because God Himself is happy to see him, to welcome him home. His life will be shown to you all — that you may learn from it."
Another soul asked eagerly, "When will he come?"
"I heard," the angel replied, "he left the world only a few hours ago. He'll be here soon."
The souls murmured among themselves. "Can we see how he dies?" one of them asked. "We want to witness how peacefully such a blessed man leaves the world."
God granted their wish. A great screen of light appeared before them, showing a scene from Earth.
Earth — Somewhere in India
A man named Arya lay motionless in a hospital bed. His body was broken and bloodied. The heart monitor beeped faintly beside him.
Outside, in the waiting area, stood his mother, father, two brothers, three sisters, his wife, and his little child — all waiting, but none with love in their eyes.
The doctor came out, weary and tense.
"He's been shot multiple times," he said gravely. "There are several bullets inside him. We need to operate immediately. His heart is safe, but we require A– blood. We're searching, but please, try to find a donor as well."
With that, the doctor turned and hurried back to the ICU.
The family stood silent for a moment. Then the wife sighed.
"So, he's still alive," she muttered. "What's the use? He's no good to anyone. I thought he'd die, and I could move on."
Her words struck no one as shocking.
Her mother-in-law replied coldly, "If he lives, it only brings more trouble. We were already planning to leave him. We're not paying a single rupee for the hospital. You handle it — he's your husband."
The wife clenched her fists. "No way. You all destroyed my life by marrying me to him."
The father joined in, his tone bitter. "I've already wasted enough on his education. Not a paisa more. Let him die if he must."
One of the brothers added, "I have my own family and expenses. I won't pay for his foolishness."
Just then, a stranger who had been listening quietly stepped closer.
"My wife also has A– blood," he said softly. "If none of you want him to live, perhaps his heart can save her. I'll give you ten crores for it. I know the doctor — he'll help us. He can make it look like brain death. No one will ever know."
The wife looked at her mother-in-law, their eyes meeting in silent understanding.
"We can split it," she said finally. "Half for me, half for you. It'll help my child's future."
Her mother-in-law nodded. "I agree. Don't raise that child to be like him. Even if Arya survives, he'll be useless. At least if he dies, we gain something. Ten crores — it's better that way."
The deal was made. The stranger spoke with the doctor, who agreed without hesitation.
Moments later, Arya's room was filled with artificial silence. The doctor leaned over, struck Arya's head hard, and began the heart transplant procedure.
The family waited only long enough to receive the money, then turned to leave.
As they walked out, the nurse asked gently, "If you're leaving, who will take care of the body?"
The father didn't even glance back. "Dispose of it like you do with orphans," he said, his voice cold as stone.
Arya's body lay lifeless on the bed. Machines went still. His journey on Earth had ended.
In Heaven
The souls watched in stunned silence. None spoke — they could still see the lifeless body of Arya fading from the screen of light.
One soul finally asked, voice trembling, "You said he was loved by God… but no one on Earth cared for him. Not his family, not his friends — even his wife and child turned away. How could such a man be God's favorite?"
The angel looked into the soul's eyes, his expression filled with sorrow and grace. "Do you not remember?" he said, his voice like thunder wrapped in peace. "The one who walks closest to God…who obeys Him without question… is never loved by the world. He is hated — even by his own people."