Jackjot

Long time ago there lived an old man named Highsti. Highsti was quite an aged guy who always wanted a companion which he never had. He had no companion because in his neighborhood only young folks and kids lived who were least bothered about him. As he was very old, he stayed at home and continued his life as it is and in it. One night he was very upset and saw a shooting star. After seeing the star, he wished if it could give him a companion which may be in any shape, size or form.

The shooting stars that were passing by, consisted of two fairies that were fighting while flying, so, the shooting aspect of the stars. But while they were fighting, they heard the wish that was made by the old man. They were in utter shock to hear that wish as that wish asked for a companion in any shape size or form. This made them think because they did not know that there could be such loneliness amongst humans and in their hearts. They then realized that they were way better off than those without friends because they had each other with whom they could talk, play, quarrel, fight etc. At that moment they immediately stopped fighting and started thinking about the wish made by that old man. They then thought about a gift that they could give to the old man. After much brainstorming and after quite a while they thought of something special.

By that time the old man was sleeping, and the two fairies had already thought about a companion that they could give as a gift to the old man.

They had planned to give the old man a talking magical pencil. So, during that night they came into the room where Highsti was sleeping. They sweetly slipped a magical pencil which was just born, into the pocket of Highsti’s shirt and immediately went away disappearing. (The magical pencil which was just born was also fast asleep and had not opened it eyes yet).

Highsti woke up in the morning and twisted his body such that he lay on his chest. He then felt something twitching where his shirt’s pocket was. As soon as he tried touching it he heard a huge scream that was quite funny. That scream made Highsti get up in a jiffy. He was surprised and shocked to hear such a loud scream in such a kiddish tone.

He then shouted, “Who is it?”

The pencil immediately jumped from his pocket and said, “it’s me - The mighty pencil and your pal.”

Highsti then said, “I don’t have pals, where did you come from.” The pencil said that I am sent as a gift to you by some magical beings who heard your prayers. After hearing that, Highsti felt a bit happy and peaceful.

Highsti asked very politely “Can you tell me a joke?” The pencil whom he had named Jackjot then tried thinking of a joke. While he was trying to think about joke which he knew none, he kept on behaving in a weird manner and kept on showing that he is really trying to remember a joke. He was changing his face gestures quite rapidly and coughing while doing that. Every other second it looked like he was going to pop up a joke. This created a hilarious sensation for Highsti who started giggling and then burst into tremendous laughter. At that moment he laughed so much that tears came out of his eyes. He had not laughed for about 25 years and suddenly he laughed like he had never laughed before.

Jackjot was confused seeing Highsti laugh. He said “I did not crack a joke or said any funny thing. Why are you laughing then?” He kept on asking but Highsti did not tell him the reason.

Highsti then suddenly got up and yelled in a extremely loud, sharp and happy voice “Yes! I found a companion!” Jackjot when heard that, it changed his mood from confused to being happy and got satisfied with what was going on.

He then asked Jackjot “What else could he do for him?” Jackjot immediately said “Draw anything on paper using me and see what happens.” Highsti at that time did not know what will happen if he draws anything using Jackjot but he did not seem to be worried with that at that point.

Suddenly he remembered that oil for his light lamps was getting finished so he asked Jackjot what he should do now as all shops were closed for the night and they needed light for the night. Jackjot said “Just draw using me.” Highsti listened to his companion and drew a can of kerosene oil. As soon as he finished drawing the lamp with his crooked hands the oil can came to life. Highsti then understood the capabilities of that pencil. He then filled oil in the lamps and thanked his companion for help.

Highsti was happy that from now on he would not have to use his meagre life savings for buying anything. Whatever he wants he just would have to draw and that would come to life easily. He then drew candies, fruits, vegetables etc. and they all came to life.

Next day he distributed candies to the kids in his neighborhood who thanked him later.

Then he made a flying cart which he used to send across the town at night. That cart distributed fruits and vegetables to the poor as it had its own hands and could fly endlessly.

The pencil lasted as long as Highsti did and gave him company till the end of his days. Both the companions died at the same moment. Highsti went to heavens and the pencil took human form and met him there. They lived happily forever.

📚 Publication History & Original Source

This short story was originally published in the book Air's Complete Fairy Tales (available on Amazon). The complete story was later archived by the author in the official collection on Medium, and a preview hook is featured on Substack. To explore the full library of unique, untold and magical legends, visit the official page on Medium or subscribe for weekly updates on Substack.