Fiction: Benyamin’s new novel attempts a secular retelling of the life and times of Jesus Christ

Didymos lay awake, immersed in the intriguing rhythm of Peter’s snores as he inhaled the whole of the universe with each breath and exhaled it at a curious pace. The release started slowly, increased steadily, reached a pinnacle and then subsided abruptly. After a brief silence, a few ugly sounds followed before the cycle began afresh. Didymos was not disturbed by these innocent remnants of speech, as his mind relished watching the state of deep sleep. He found Peter’s snores rather charming in their cadence and flow. As if savouring that midnight curiosity, a subtle smile played on Didymos’ face.

After some time, when his mind remained alert despite the weariness of the day’s journey, Didymos wondered at the reason. He had never had trouble sleeping except when his mind was overwrought. Had something happened to vex him today? Had any new hope or eagerness taken root? He could not recollect anything unusual.

With the passage of time, Didymos experienced an unrecognisable, gnawing pain overwhelming his heart. Unable to bear the turbulence, he sat up, wandered around the room, and then stood by the window. He stared at the blanket of darkness outside, listening to the chirping of the cicadas, brooding all...

Read more