Missing in Lockdown

Mala was looking out of her window at the empty streets 'You know this kind of curfew, is my second time, I had experienced it when Mumbai was riot stricken' she said to her husband.

'Tell me all about it over coffee please' he begged looking up from the book he was reading.

'Yeah why not, let me ask Tia if she wants too.' She said

Mala knocked on her daughter's door expecting her to be glued to her phone with headphones.

When she had no answer, she opened the door and went inside only to find Tia wasn't in her room. Her phone was lying on the floor and her bedroom lampshade fallen. Books were thrown on the floor and her bag tossed near the window. Mala panicked and called out, 'Rajat! come quick Tia is missing and her room....'

Rajat takes one look at the room and tells, 'Mala she must have gone out in a hurry.' 

'Not possible, not without her phone.' she says picking it up. 'Damn, it's locked. Do you know how to open it?'

'Leave it Mala, just call at Priya's place, maybe she went there while we were napping.' he says, going back to his armchair.

Mala calls Priya's place on the intercom, they live in the same building. Her mother picks up, 'Hi Mala, bored kyaa?' 'Sneha listen, is Tia there?' Mala asked hastily.

Sensing the motherly urgency Sneha said, 'No she is not here but neither is Priya. She said she is going to Raghav's place to hang out.' 
'Raghav?' Mala asked

'Raghav is Priya's boyfriend. Maybe Tia went there too.' Sneha offered. 
'Okay, where does he live?' Mala was getting anxious.

'He lives in C block, here his intercom number is 6754. Have you tried calling her?' 'She hasn't taken her phone.' Mala said worried, 'Okay let me call his place, thanks Sneha.' 

She immediately dials Raghav's extension. An old man picks up the phone, 'Yes?' 
'I am calling from A802. Is Tia or Priya there?' she asked not to wasting any time. 'No!' he barked. 'Please, I think Priya is Raghav's friend is she there?' wondering why this old man was being rude. 'Useless Raghav has been out since morning madam. I don't know what that boy does?' 
'Could I get Raghav's number?' Mala asked. 
'I don't know, what has happened? Has he done something?' the old man was coughing loudly. 
'No no, I am looking for my daughter who is friends with Priya.' Now Mala was really getting worried. 
'I think I know this girl Priya, she comes here sometimes. I am telling you, the youth nowadays are a bunch of rascals.' Mala had enough of this bitter old man, 'Thank you' 

She looked at Rajat, he was lost in his book, 'How can you not be worried? It's a curfew day and your daughter is missing from home, left her precious belongings lying on the floor and her room is ransacked. Is it not slightly out of ordinary for you?' Mala could be her sarcastic best at times, that's why she excelled as a boss to her competent marketing team. 
'Did you check at Priya's?' Rajat asked her weakly.

'I have been on the phone, chatting you think for so long?' she was furious, 'She is not there neither is Priya and nor is her boyfriend Raghav.'

'Wait Raghav Ram? Is he Priya's boyfriend?' he asked. 
'Rajat I don't have time for this, I just know Tia's not home. Where can she go?' she sat down with Tia's phone in her hand, trying different numbers to unlock it. After five attempts it did not allow her. Rajat sat down next to her and took the phone from her hand. 
He said while trying to unlock the phone, 'Raghav is state tennis champion, I have met the boy, a couple of times. Here it's unlocked.' she looked surprised, 'What was the password?'

'It was your birth date. Can you imagine that?' he laughed. She started laughing too, in spite of the worry. 
'Hey, why are you laughing?' He asked Mala. 'I am surprised that you remember my birth date without any reminder.' 'Come on, when have I forgotten? Let's check during social distancing, where has our daughter gone?' he said.

They check the phone, they see a message from an unknown number. It reads:
"-Before us great Death stands Our fate held close within his quiet hands.' Come soon."

'Rajat what is this? Who sent it to her? Come soon where?' Mala said gripping with fear. 'Mala checks where Priya is, meanwhile this seems like a line from a poem. Let me go through her phone.' Rajat said calmly but he was a bit shaken with the profound message. It was perfect for the world gripped with fear for coronavirus. 

Sneha informed Mala that Priya's phone was unreachable and so was Raghav's. She had called them after Mala had rung. She suggested they could meet and check the complex club. Usually their phone is unreachable.

Rajat saw his daughter had joined the campaign of social distance and ffight for corona in her recent activities. She was a smart girl, but what is this all about? He went back to her room. While Mala updated him, wore her mask and headed to meet Sneha to go to the club.

In her room, he saw some books which were thrown on the floor. They were her chemistry books. He picked her bag and saw her wallet was missing. He found a library slip, she had borrowed collections of poems 'Ariel by Sylvia Plath'. Where is the book? He could not find it. He searched online the exact message she had got. Then it struck him he could call that number. He immediately did that. It went unanswered. He tried again, this time a boy picked up. 'Hello' he answered casually. 
'I am Tia's father, who is this?' Rajat asked.

'Uh uncle I am Tirth, her classmate.' he seemed a bit shaken. 
'Where is Tia?' Rajat was a bit annoyed. 
'I don't know, I was waiting for her at the library. She was supposed to meet me.' he said.

'Which library and why were you guys meeting? Don't you know you are not supposed to be outside today?' Rajat was angry.

'The complex library, we were going to shoot a video for the campaign. I had the idea I wanted Tia to help.' he sounded scared. 
'Isin't the library closed, how did you manage to open it?' Rajat asked incredulously. 
'I am sorry uncle but I have to go.' 
'Wait…' said Rajat but Tirth had hung up. He called him again but it was unanswered.

He got a call from Mala, 'Rajat, hello, are you there?' 
'Yes Mala, I can hear you, did you find her?' 
'No, but the watchman saw Priya sobbing and Raghav was with her, consoling her outside the club. We are heading to Raghav's block to check.' Rajat told her about the phone call. Mala stopped Rajat and asked, now equally worried Sneha, if she knew who Tirth was? Sneha said she couldn't place it but she had heard that name.

Rajat went through her phone again, there he found a few messages from Tirth's number. Some vague messages about death and coaxing her not to do something. What was his daughter doing? His phone rang, it was Mala. 

'Raghav has his uncle's flat which is empty, his grandfather suspects maybe he is there.' Mala quickly updated. 'Where is the flat?' Rajat asked. 

'It's in Aasra township. Should we go there?' Mala was unsure, but her motherly instinct said something was not right.

'Yes, is Sneha coming too?' asked Rajat 

'Yes she is worried too.' Mala answered.

'Ok wait at the Exit, I will get the car.'

They got into the car and drove to Aasra township. He handed Tia's phone to Mala. Mala started going through it. 

'I think Raghav has taken his car. How else could they travel?' Sneha said. 

'Raghav has a car?' Rajat was surprised. He must be a year older than Tia. 'Yes, Sneha said, 'He got it on his eighteenth birthday from his mother.' 

Mala suddenly said 'There is a group, having Priya, Raghav, Harpreet and two other unsaved numbers. They are writing in codes I think lines from poems. It's about some online event.' 

'Hey that Tirth said something about shooting and Tia helping him in some campaign in the Library.' Rajat connected the conversation to Tirth.

'Library?' Sneha asked, 'But it's closed due to the CoronaVirus situation for the whole of last week and its keys are with Joshi aunty.' 

'That's what even I thought, but he hung before I could know more.' Rajat said. 

'You know what this boy Tirth I remember now, is Joshi aunty's grandson. He came here six months ago from the US, his parents left him to go to school here. I did not remember his name but now I know he could have got access to the Library. I think he is in Priya's class.' 

They reached Aasra township, and headed towards the building complex.

As they approached the flat, they heard Priya crying loudly. Rajat checked most flats on the floor were unoccupied. Sneha quickened her steps and rang the bell. Raghav opened the door, he was surprised to see all of them. Sneha ran inside to look for Priya.
'What is happening?' Mala asked Raghav as they walked inside. As they went inside they saw Priya sitting on the bed holding Sneha and crying. There were some blood spots on the bed cover.

Rajat cornered Raghav holding his arms, 'Quickly explain everything.' he said angrily. They did not see Tia there. 

Priya said, 'Uncle, Raghav is helping me, he hasn't done anything. I am … I was pregnant and scared to tell mom. So I told Tia and Raghav. Raghav knew a good doctor and he prescribed the abortion pills. We had to do it this week or it would have been dangerous for me.' Sneha's mother was quietly crying, Mala though still troubled was holding her hand.

Rajat left Raghav and sat down still looking at him sternly. Priya cried out in pain, her cramps were bad after the second medicine she had taken in the morning.

Raghav quietly said, 'We got the doctor to prescribe and send it online. I got her the pills and we have a doctor on call in case she is not feeling well. But the doctor said she would have bad cramps and heavy bleeding. When she met me at the club she was in a bad state. We had planned to get her here.'

'We?' Rajat asked

'Tia was supposed to be with us, helping Priya. But because of the curfew, she said her family would know if she went out.' he said. 

'But she is not there at home, her books and mobile were lying on the floor.' Mala said urgently.

'Tia had come to the club and gave us some toiletries but she did not join us. This was in the morning uncle, at around 11.…' Raghav explained.

'Who is the father of the child, Priya?' Rajat asked and looked angrily at Raghav.

Raghav and Priya looked down, not answering, she cried out in pain again. Her mother held the hot water bag closer to her and said, 'Priya answer us, at least you can tell me that much.' She saw her mother was embarrassed and hurt. 

'Its Tirth, Joshi aunty's grandson.' she whispered.

'Tirth?' Sneha was astonished, 'But I thought Raghav was your boyfriend. Oh God!'

'You are right Ma, he is but before that I have been close with Tirth. I was helping him as he was new. But …. Aaaaaah.'

She cried out. Raghav got up and picked up a medicine to hand it over to her, 'Enough Priya! have the painkiller. Doctor said you could have it. Don't behave sacrificial.' Priya had it.

Mala got up, she still did not know where Tia was?  

'Does Tia know it was Tirth? He has been sending her cryptic messages about death.' asked Mala.

'What messages? Tia did not say anything to us.' Raghav said. 'But yes she knows.' 

'What online event do you have?' Rajat asked.

'It's a dark poem recitation. Everyone was going to join from their homes tonight. We were discussing what we should recite, Tia chose Sylvia Plath'. 

'Everyone?' Mala asked.

'Yes we had our classmates nominating themselves over the last week. And anyone with an invite could join.' Raghav said.

'Who is organising it, your college?' Rajat asked.

'No, Tirth is heading it, and some of the boys from the computer club are supporting.' He said.

'But where is Tia? She is missing.' Mala was pacing the room.

'Aunty can I have a look at her phone?' Raghav asked. She gave it to him.

'Priya what do you know?' Sneha asked. 
'I know Tia confronted Tirth with the news of my pregnancy, I asked her not to but she said he has to know.' Priya was still in pain but she continued, 'When he knew, he met me and asked what I intended to do. I was furious that he had not used protection while we were close.' she looked at Raghav, he flinched.

'I told him I planned to abort, he was abominable. He said this was sin and we were murdering the child. He blamed Tia for brainwashing me. I told him she did not. He started screaming but Raghav intervened. Tirth left but he sent me messages too, I should not do it. He was odd and that's why I stopped being with him.' Priya said with tears.

'I think he has sent her some messages, the last call was from him.. see aunty.' Raghav was showing it to Mala. It's the same number as the messages.'

'When did you guys see Tirth last?' Rajat asked. 

Raghav looked at Priya, 'I roughened him up a little after Priya got messages from him a week ago. Asked him to stay away. That was the last I saw but Tia said when she went to the library he was lurking around but she didn't pay him any attention.' 

'Where can we find this Tirth?' Rajat asked.

'At the computer club I think, if he is hosting this online event.' Raghav quickly said.

'We have a computer club in our complex?' Mala asked incredulously. 

'It's just a small room adjoining the club.' Explained Raghav.

'When does this event start?' Rajat asked.

'It starts at 8PM.' he said.

'Ok Mala, let's go find Tirth and maybe we will find our daughter. We have 2 hours before this starts.' Rajat said getting up and heading towards the door.

'Wait….' Mala said, 'Raghav you said he might have sent her a message. What did you mean?'

'Uh from these lines 'Because when you take a closer look, this world is a pretty evil place' I felt he has given her a message or a note.' Raghav scratched his head. 

'Her poem book she borrowed from the library was missing when I had looked in her room.' Rajat said enlightened.

'Okay thank you Raghav. Mala let's go.' Rajat said. 

'Sneha, I guess you will be with Priya. Take care of her. We will keep you updated when we find Tia.' Mala said.

'Should I join you? maybe I can help to find Tia.' Raghav said.

'Yes I think it's a good idea, after all this is my fault.' Priya cried.

Rajat looked at Mala, she nodded. 'Okay.'

'I will be back aunty, we have all the supplies here.' Raghav told Sneha. Sneha accompanied them to the door, 'Tell me as soon as you know.' She patted Raghav, 'You are a good boy.'

Rajat asked Raghav if he could try Tirth's cell number, he wasn't answering his call. Raghav said he doubted he would take his call either but maybe they can try Mala's phone. They called but his phone was switched off. Raghav made some calls to other friends. 'The event is on and he is online taking questions from the participants. I asked Harpreet to ask him where he is?' Raghav took a call and updated that he is not answering Harpreet online. 'Ask him to check with Tirth in case of technical issues where he should call? Said Rajat. 

Raghav conveyed it to Harpreet and waited. Harpreet told him, Tirth gave the number of the club. 'My guess is that he is there. At the computer club.' Raghav said. 

They reached their complex, Rajat drove directly in front of the club. They got down and headed towards the club. It was dark at the club. A tiny light came from an extreme corner. Raghav pointed there and whispered 'Computer club'.

Rajat yanked open the door, he saw two boys huddled over two laptops with some other devices. 'Who is Tirth?' he barked. They looked scared and started shaking their heads. 'Neither of them' answered Raghav.

'Where is Tirth? Where is he operating from?' Raghav asked.

'We don't know, he is online and handling it from wherever he is.' one of them answered. 'Ask him where is he?' Raghav raised his voice. 

'We already did, but he simply asked us to manage the online streaming and traffic.' they said timidly. 'Then why is he directing technical issue calls to the club phone when he is not here? Raghav asked.

'He has routed all the calls from the club to his cell phone when he was here in the afternoon.' one of them said.

'What time was here?'Rajat asked, 'Have you seen Tia?'

'He came around 4ish I think and no, we don't know her. He was here alone.' confirmed one of the boys. 'Has something happened? We are not doing anything wrong.' they were scared.

'No it's okay, here take my number and call me if Tirth comes here.' Raghav shared his cell number.

They left the club, Rajat checked his phone. It was around 4 PM that he had called Tirth. 'He is hiding something, after my call he would have come here to the club.' Rajat analysed what they knew.

'I am going to his place, I don't know where Joshi aunty lives which block but I will ask Sneha.' Mala had to do something, she was tired.

'But aunty I don't think he will be at his place.' said Raghav.

'Let us at least rule that out. Meanwhile I suggest you both keep looking.' Saying that she left. 

'What did you speak to him Uncle? Should we inform the police?' Raghav was tense now.

Rajat told him about his conversation and he felt going to the police would be when they could not find Tia at all. Currently they were all busy with the curfew he was sure.

'You know what uncle, let's check the library. He said he was waiting for her there. What if she did go to meet him?' Raghav said.

Library was behind the club, it was ten minutes walk to it.

Raghav got a call and meanwhile so did Rajat. 

Mala went to Tirth's place, Joshi aunty was alone and unaware of Tirth's whereabouts. When she asked aunty when was the library last open she said last week before the lockdown. Mala asked her if anyone else had the keys to the library. She said it was only in her custody and backup with complex management. When Mala asked her if Tirth would borrow the key she stiffened and started asking why was she asking all these questions. Mala had told her everything, she had the right to know. She immediately looked for the keys and told Mala they were not there. She tried calling Tirth but his phone wasn't reachable. Mala updated all of this to Rajat over the call. Rajat asked Mala to go home and wait, they were heading to the library.

Raghav told Rajat that Tirth had announced that he would be telling them something really dark today during the recitations. They hurried to the library. It was locked but from inside. It was dark inside. Now they were sure Tirth was inside probably even Tia.

Raghav told Rajat he would check the windows if it was open. Rajat got call from Mala, 'Rajat I got a crumpled paper near the dustbin, it says

'A secret told -

Ceases to be a secret, then -

A secret, kept-

That can appall but one 

Better of it - continual be afraid

Than it-

And whom you told it besides-' ~ Emily Dickinson

Seems like a threat to reveal about Priya I think.'

Rajat told her to wait, he is at the library.

Raghav found an open window, they got in and switched on the mobile torch. They heard a small noise like continuous banging from somewhere inside. The library was slightly smaller than the club. They found Tirth hunched over his laptop with headphones. He had not heard them. As Raghav held him tight in his grip from behind, Rajat faced him. He was a medium height bespectacled boy with a slight stature. 'Where is Tia?' 

Tirth panicked and tried to get up, Raghav pinned him down. 'I am asking one last time, where is Tia?' Rajat growled.

Tirth pointed towards a store room, 'My …. My event is going to start. Please leave me.' he begged. Raghav continued to hold him. Rajat quickly opened the latch to the store room. Tia almost fell outside drenched in sweat. She had been locked close to 5 hours. Rajat held her and asked her if she was okay. She could barely speak but she nodded. Rajat looked for water and saw fear stricken Tirth. He handed the bottle to his daughter and then stood in front of Tirth and boxed his face.

When Tia was finally able to tell her parents that she got a call from Tirth, he had left a note in the book I had borrowed from the library. He wanted to reveal online today during the event that Priya was killing her child and he asked Tia to meet him so she could stop it from happening. When she desperately was looking for the poem book she got his call again. In a hurry she dropped her phone and met him. When she did, she scorned him for being so unorthodox and that that he was responsible for her condition. Tia threatened him that she will instead reveal his deeds. Hearing that he got scared and pushed her inside the store room. He locked it from outside and kept shouting not to jeopardize his event and that we all were sinners.

Raghav cancelled the event. Rajat took Tia home while Raghav kept holding Tirth till Rajat returned. Tirth was bleeding from the corner of his lips. Rajat warned Tirth that he would be reporting this to the authorities and if he ever tried to harm anyone again. He was taken home and was locked in his room. Priya returned home the next day. They were all under the lockdown to fight the pandemic.

Our carefully crafted illusion

Of predictable security,

Destroyed by a simple virus,

We watch as the well oiled gears

Of our elaborate world machine

Grind to a shuddering halt

An invisible enemy

Illuminates hidden lines

Of our interdependence

Eerie silence prowls empty streets

Enforced isolation teaching us

Just how much we need each other.

~John Mark Green

Thud from the attic

"Vibha, I have never stayed in a house before." Said Parth
"What do you mean?" Asked Vibha unpacking the boxes.
"I mean I have always stayed in flats, never in the house which has a floor and an attic." He said admiring the house once again.
She laughed, "Come on, help me with these boxes and let's unpack."
He slowly walked to her and held her in his arms.
"What are you doing Parth?" Vibha asked.
"Oh you asked me to unpack." He smiled and lifted her t-shirt, caressing her back. They moved avoiding the boxes in their way towards the only furniture in the room, a sofa. Kissing one another passionately and at the same time tugged at their clothes.
There was a sound, thud thud, loud enough for Parth to stop what he was doing.
"Did you hear that?" He asked her.
"Yes, I think it came from upstairs" she said breathlessly.
Parth pulls his t-shirt on and moves upstairs to check. Vibha looks confused but she grabs her clothes and puts them on.
Thud thud, it came again louder as if some one was banging on the door. By now, Parth was on the upper floor. "I think it's coming from the attic." He said a bit scared. Vibha follows him.
They inch closer to the attic door only to find it locked.
Thud thud, the sound was louder and stronger. "Who is there?" Parth asked. There is no reply.
He whispers to Vibha, "Go get the keys while I wait here". Dazed Vibha nods and runs downstairs.
She scrambles through the bag for the bunch of keys given by their landlord. She again hears the thud and Parth asking loudly the same question. She feels relived as her hands get hold of the keys.
Parth screamed loudly. Vibha ran upstairs. Parth is no where to be seen, the door to the attic is open. Lock is broken and fallen to one side.
She panicked, calls his name several times. No answer. No thud sound. She takes a long breath and creeks open the door slowly to looks inside. There are a lot of spider webs and nothing else except for a rocking chair and a window which seemed to be open. Holding her breath she slowly moves towards the window while the chair is rocking. The window is made of thick wood and heavy to move. it's located on a height. She bends down to see, it was a windy day. Her vision is blurry due to the wind and looks at someone lying in the garden. "Oh my God is it Parth, is he hurt?" She thinks in dismay and bends down more for a closer look. That's when Parth pops out from behind the door and screams "Vibha, it's a prank."
Scared Vibha loses her balance and falls down in the exact spot where she had seen a body lying.

When the doorbell rang

He had been waiting, it had been hours. The longest he would have waited. The whole matter was such, it could not have be spoken over the phone, video call or email.

Netra, his sister, was coming home after two years. She had been studying in Australia. In last few conversations with her, he had sensed some upheavals in her life. He was concerned, they were not just twins but best friends too. She kept saying she was okay, she will speak to him when she returns home.

The door bell rang and he rushed to open it. There she was standing, smiling despite being tired. He hugged her, how much he had missed her. She hugged him too wholeheartedly.

From behind her peaked a foreigner girl, smiling she said 'Namaste'.
He smiled and said, 'Namaste, to you too'
Netra looked flushed, 'Bhai, meet Samara my girlfriend.'
Instantly he knew just looking at his sister, what she had been holding up for so long.
Netra was searching his face for reaction. He opened the door wide, smiled his brilliant reassuring smile and said 'Welcome home, girls.'

What if you are not there!

I ask, "What If's or if only's." Always expecting an answer from you. Your answer always lie in the warmth of your eyes.
It just balms over my upheavals of uncertainty about what is going on in my life.
Your ever listening ear to my excitement, woes or frustrations have only led me to be myself without any judgement. Your smile at my smallest achievements have given me strength to strive harder. Your uncanny view of the world has only made me realise the real world around me. You made me understand to live the fullest in the moment and not worry too much.
Not once have I thought about who is that some one for you, like you are to me. I truly hope you do have someone as best as you in your life.

Thank you for everything!

Untold Story of Naal

The water was gurgling and he was pushing his Bullock cart forward in the dousing rain. It was a small stretch of river. The heavy rain made it look dangerous with depths, he had not known before. Parvati was waiting for him at home. He finally had sold his final stock of pulses in the market. He could now handover her the money they have been needing for a very long time.Now that their family was growing, he was desperate to get more income.

He struggled with his cart on the river. He got down to push the bulls ahead. He stepped into the water he realised the force and swept him off his feet. He fell and was pulled away by the force of running water, he struggled to hold the cart and swim afloat. Unfortunately he could not and the water threw him against a rock. He smashed his head and only Parvati's face flashed in front of him before it was dark.

Parvati kept waiting for Ganpatrao, she was now due anytime. He had gone into the closest town to sell their produce. It was pouring and she was worried. She felt restless and as if feeling her emotions, the baby kept moving restlessly inside her. They were going to lose the house if they could not pay the rent. She was worried, with the baby coming how they will manage?

Her aunt was sleeping outside. She soon slept a restless sleep. In the morning, Nana came to their house, she had just woken up. He was crying and she knew something terrible has happened. He told her Ganpatrao had drowned in the river last night in the rain. She broke down crying holding her stomach. A sharp shooting coarsed through her.

Her aunt knew the baby was coming, what a timing she thought? They called the midwife and Parvati delivered a baby boy.
There was no joy in the house, as the funeral was being arranged for his father. Parvati remained weak and unconscious to say goodbye to her husband.

Days passed by and Parvati nursed the child but she couldn't feel the motherly love or joy. The child often cried and she won't even realise. Her aunt watched her drown in depression of her husband's death. They were going to lose the house. She informed Nana. Nana cousin brother of Ganpatrao was childless.
Nana suggested if his wife could take care of the child while Parvati recovered. She could stay with aunt at her place.
Parvati got angry when her aunt suggested that she parts with the child.

"How could you say this, kaki?" She said. "He is all I have of Ganpatrao."
"Parvati, you don't have house anymore, nor do you have family apart from your brother who is jobless." Her aunt said, "how will you take care of the baby, tell me?"
"Nana is good man, his wife is childless and would love to raise your son. He will raise him well, Parvati. Make this sacrifice for your son." Aunt argued.
Parvati was silently crying, knowing this was true. She could not raise her son, and if she kept him any longer she will not be able to give him up. Reluctantly she agreed to her aunt's suggestion.
Nana came the next week with his wife to take the child.
"What have you named him?"Nana asked Parvati.
"Today is the 40th day, dada. I haven't named him. Maybe Taai and you can name him." Parvati said, tears streamed down her face.
Nana's wife cradled the child in her arms and looked at the angelic face.
"We should name him Chaitanya" she said.
"That's a lovely name, Taai. Please take care of him as your own." Parvati said, "I just have one more request."
"What?" Asked Nana.
"Please don't tell him about me. And I don't want to know about him either." Parvati choked while saying this. She left the room, no more able to see her son being taken away.

• Nana and his wife left with a little bundle of joy in their arms.

My First Teacher

You have been my first teacher of life and always will be. When I was young, you told stories of mythology, God's and Goddesses. Your own story and the quaint miracles of your life. You told me stories without forcing the lessons on me. You allowed me to ask questions and challenge the ancient logics.

You encouraged my inquisitiveness to learn whatever I liked. I remember I learnt to make jewellery and clothes for God. You taught me how to make garlands and sing hymns. You even taught me your native language, Bengali.

As I grew, you slowly started disseminating the truths about life and relegion. You did this so effortlessly, that I had no trouble grasping the understanding.
You taught me so much my beloved grandma, I have become who I am with your teachings and support. I will carry them all throughout my life and may be I will be able to one day put on your shoes.

Post Master

I never thought that one day I will be standing in the Hindu cemetery which I passed everyday on my way to work. I always admired the pretty garden they had made around the premise. Maybe it was beautified to bid farewell to the dead in their divine journey. I am not sure how one is supposed to feel when someone passed away. I have seen my mother cry all day long and she has seen few deaths in our family but this was my first. My father passed away before I was born and my maternal grandfather when I was just two years old whom I obviously don’t remember. Today my grandfather has passed away.

It was early morning; my mother usually went up to his room to serve him tea. He was unable to move around much in the last few months. She was the one who found him dead. Her scream still resounds in my ears, like in the movies. I was scared and in a complete state of confusion. We immediately called the ambulance and in the hospital doctors declared him dead on arrival. They said he peacefully died in his sleep from an acute heart attack. Now that does not absolutely sound peaceful at all. I was not convinced, how did they know he was peaceful? He could have struggled for breath or gasped and we were all in deep sleep to be able to hear him. But then doctors perhaps were trying to make us feel better by just saying that.

I loved my grandfather a lot, I knew him as my father. My best buddy. But yet here I am doing all the rituals feeling impassive about the whole thing. When I discussed about this later with my friend Bharthi, she described it as being in a state of shock. She is studying clinical psychology and often I am her subject. I could not believe he was gone. I had held my mother’s arm and escorted her to our home. She was weeping silently by the end of the day. But I sat there feeling utterly empty, devoid of any emotions.

A fortnight went by and I had a constant dull pain in my chest. You know it’s a feeling when you have lost something precious. Bharthi tells me, this is how I am grieving for my grandfather. I was at home. I had taken leaves for the thirteenth day ritual and prayer service. The postman arrived at my door step. He delivered two letters, one was from a firm called Joshi & Associates and second one was from Central Insurance. Both the letters were addressed to me, which was the most surprising part, because I don’t usually receive any letters.

I quickly opened the letter from the firm called Joshi & associates as I had never heard of them before. The letter quietly read as:

Dear Sir,

We are named, Joshi & associates, as the legal executer of the will of Mr. Devigada. Upon his death at his request we are to announce his will to you and your family. Kindly request you to inform us of a convenient time for a meeting to announce the will.

We are truly sorry for your loss.

Yours sincerely

Michael Jackson

Solicitor with Joshi & Associates

“Michael Jackson!” I read aloud and laughed. I felt l should write and ask if he is The Michael Jackson. His parents must have been an ardent fan. Anyway the more important matter at hand was that we had to meet with these lawyers. I was curious but did not indulge into any thoughts about this meeting. I spoke with mother and decided to call them and fix an appointment for the next day itself. My uncle had just returned to the village and he asked us to attend the meeting and inform him. I called and spoke with the solicitor with a ridiculous name Michael Jackson. At the end of the conversation I almost expected him to say “Oou”. But containing my imagination I finally indulged in thinking what could he have left behind for us?

As far as I knew my uncle, my dad’s elder brother already had grandfather’s house in the village. My grandfather was a retired post master from Mangalore city. My father had a trust which after his death, me and my mother were the nominees. I remember Grandpa had taken up a job of a librarian in a college for as long as I could remember. He had retired from the librarians post when I had been in twelfth grade. Then he just whiled the time helping out mom in the general store she ran and in book keeping.

The next day we reached the lawyers office. In the corridor we were met by a man who was as tall as six feet, glistening dark complexion and a moustache.

“Hello, my name is Michael Jackson. Please accept my condolences.” He introduced with a slight Malayalam accent.

My mother mumbled something and we followed into a small wood paneled room. The musty smell of old files and air condition could not be missed. He cleared his throat and looked at his assistant. The bespectacled assistant cautiously opened the files and handed over the papers. “Here is the will of Mr. Devigada. I will read it out aloud. Please ask me questions if you have not understood anything.” He looked at us and I gave a curt nod for him to continue. My throat was painfully dry but I wanted to hear it out first.

“Mr. Devigada’s will states that all his life insurance money is to be forwarded to the trust fund belonged to your father. All the proceedings would obviously be handled by Mrs. Devigada, your mother. The life insurance money totals up to Rupees ten millions.” My jaw just fell at the mention of the amount. Where did my grandfather get that kind of money for investment? I looked at my mother and she looked equally surprised. Mr. Jackson continued just the same, ignoring the expression of his listeners. He must be accustomed to such reactions day in and day out. “He wishes his grandson, Arya Devigada to continue the use of this trust after his mother’s demise. Meanwhile, his grandson, Arya Devigada has been left with a house in Bhowali Uttrakhand. He would have to take full care to ensure the house is maintained properly. He cannot sell this property but can continue to hand them over to the rightful owners. The clause of “not selling this property” is important and meaningful. The meaning has been explained in a letter which I am to handover after the will has been read.”

I obviously could not concentrate any further. Uttrakhand, my God! I faintly remember studying about this state in Geography. How am I supposed to maintain it? What is the story behind this will and house, I wondered? When my mind was wandering in Bhowali Uttrakhand, he mentioned about some saving which was forwarded to my uncle and few of his items were  to be given to my uncle and me.  He handed a yellowed envelope with my Grandpa’s scrawl on it. I tucked it into the bag along with the copy of the will.

“Thank you Mr. Jackson for all your assistance.” I smiled ruefully.

“Sure, if you need any further service we will be glad to help.” He replied and gave his card to me.

We went home quietly, I was still stunned to know about this will and it’s content. We belonged to middle class family and hardly we talk about properties and will.

I went up to my room, my mother wanted to say something but I told her I will speak to her later. I carefully kept the letter on my desk and kept looking at grandfather's bold handwriting spelling my name.

Gradually I picked it up and slowly unfolded few sheets of paper. I wondered when did my grandfather took the time to write so much. My chest felt heavy when I started to read the salutation, I felt I saw him sitting in my room looking at my reaction. I blinked twice and started reading the letter.

My dear son,

You must be wondering if your grandfather had lost it during his last days to make such an arrangement. One thing you must learn a simple life can be much more complicated than you think.

I won't praise you much, but I know your mother has raised a solid boy. Whom I can entrust this unfulfilled work.

At this juncture I wish to clarify somethings to you. I hope you do remember I was the post master of my town. All incoming letters had to be transferred to proper pin codes under my supervision.

I received a letter which had no pin code but an address. We did not have Google back then to check the exact location. It was addressed to a Mr. Hareendra Pathak living in Mangalore. I checked the envelope for a returning address, it was Bhowali, Utrrakhand. Signed in the name of Malini Sharma. It was written in Hindi and I was the only postmaster in the area who could read that language.

You see my dear, my father was in railway and as a family we often kept shifting our home before we settled in Mangalore our hometown. I learnt Hindi in school while I was is in Varanasi for 5 years we lived there. The Ganges ghat after school are the most memorable time of my childhood.

I read the postcard so as to get an idea how I could deliver this. In that Malini wrote to Hareendra to come back to Bhowali quickly she had to tell something important and it cannot be mentioned in the letter. Their father was not keeping well and he should not delay. I asked my colleagues if they recognised the address. One of them did and gave me directions. Since it was unusual postcard with no PIN number I could not allocate it to any of my postman. It was around ten kilometers away from the city of Mangalore near the ports. Upon reaching the place, a neighbor told me that Hareendra has vacated this house. I asked if he had left any forwarding address. She said he mostly kept to himself, however her husband worked in the same company. She could ask her husband to enquire about him if it was urgent. I gave her my name and post office address and asked her if she finds out to let me know. I thanked her and left from there.

In the meanwhile the content of the letter stayed on my mind. I felt bad that Malini was trying desperately to reach this Hareendra but he could not be found. Your grandmother saw my dilemma and asked me what was the matter? After discussing the content she insisted I write to this Malini that he could not be found at the given address. The next day I did that.

I looked at the time on my wall clock, it was well past one am in the night. I had to attend work next day. I checked my phone and saw couple of messages from Bharthi asking “how was I holding up and how the meeting with the lawyers was?”

I replied to them “All ok” and then realized how late in the night it was and hoped it did not disturb.

I wanted to read further but decided to do as soon as I was back from work. I put them in the envelope and kept it at the bottom drawer of my desk.

In the morning, my mother fussed around me. I detected she was curious to know about the letter left by grandfather.

“Maa, what happened?” I asked her.

“Did you read the letter?” she asked not able to contain herself anymore.

“Yes partially, it’s a long letter going into few pages.” I answered but I knew her next question so I continued, “I will tell you about it once I completely read it.”

She nodded as she packed my lunch box.

“I will be late from store today, I have to check the stock with Vishwas.” She said, I observed my mother, she looked tired and aged.

Throughout the day I kept thinking why grandpa was telling me story of Malini and Hareendra in the letter. I was intrigued and was sure that they are important part of his life.

I reached home and hurried to my room. I opened the drawer and took out the letter. Took them along with me to kitchen and made some tea.

Along with a cup of tea, I started reading the letter again.

Two months passed by when I got a letter addressing me from Malini. It started with thanking me for taking the effort to find her brother. Their father had passed away and now her husband is taking care of their log business. Hareendra (Hari) needs to know the decision of their father. Her husband Pratap is Hari’s best friend and a local head in a political party. They have been looking for him from the evening of July 23^rd when he left home after a big fight with their father. Her father got her married to Pratap by September and now it was November. She still did not know where Hari was and how he was doing? She had got this address from an investigator Pratap hired to find him. She pleaded him if he could somehow find out where he is living now that would be grateful. I felt very bad for her and we started writing often to each other. In the meanwhile, I again had tried to check with the neighbor I had met earlier. She said she did check with her husband but he told her Hareendra had been promoted and moved to another department. His office was further away by another ten kilometers and he did not know anyone in that office to pass on the message. She told me to check with her again if she can get the address of that office from her husband. Then she enquired why I was so insistent to find this man. I briefly told her how his family was looking for him since last 6 months.

I kept Malini updated of my findings and one such emotional letter she told me she was expecting and that she was in her sixth month. I was a bit confused as she had told me that she was married in September that year. During those days my son, it was highly uncommon women were pregnant before marriage. I suspected that was the case for Malini. Your grandmother was astonished when I told her I had kept in touch with this unknown and unseen woman. Your uncle was then just turning two and she was busy with him all day. I told her what I suspected of Malini’s condition. She advised me not to get myself involved any further in their family problems. I had just nodded in agreement.

Malini had somehow drawn me into this web and I could not ignore it anymore. In one of her letters she had mentioned how unhappy she was with her marriage and Pratap was losing his temper often. Her letter sounded agitated and desperate to find Hareendra. I had got the address from his neighbor of the office where Hareendra was working which was further away. I had to change two busses to reach the destination. When I did reach the office, enquired about him. They told me he was on a merchant ship which is due to be back on January 20. I left a sealed letter with the reception for Hareendra. I mentioned about his sister looking for him and there were some decisions to be finalized once he returns to Bhowali. I signed with my address so that he can get in touch with me or Malini directly.

I wrote to Malini the same day and she replied after few days. She was glad to know I was able to track him down. But she had hoped that I would have been able to meet him. Now she had to wait till January. She, in this letter revealed some more about her family. She had started to trust me and would often confide her feelings. She was adopted by her father and Hareendra was his own son. She was the daughter of his partner in log business. Their family had been very close. Her parents had passed away in an accident. Since then he had looked after both the children with help of his elder sister. Hareendra was only a year elder to her. Hareendra’s mother had passed away when she had given him birth. We have been very close growing up and each other’s best friend. Their father adored both the children and often got them gifts from his travels. Meanwhile father’s elder sister whom they called Buaa took care of them. Buaa was widowed and childless, she was their mother, scolding them whenever they fought which was often. Once she remembered how they were running around near the lumber yard which was next to the river. Pratap and few more of Hari’s friend were chasing him and they were jumping over logs near the river. I was hollering Hari to be careful as I ran behind them. I was breathless but I saw Hari slip and fall into the freezing cold river I screamed and saw the water getting red where Hari fell. I instinctively jumped and Pratap after me while the other children ran to call some adults. We pulled Hari out of the river and I saw his forehead was badly cut and blood was oozing out, I was calling him, tears streaming down my face. He did not respond at all and I was shivering from the cold water. Buaa came running and helpers helped Hari into the small truck we owned. The doctor asked buaa to take him to a hospital. The hospital was almost an hour away. Buaa asked me to wait in the house, father was away for some work to Delhi. I would not listen at all and kept holding Hari’s hand. At the hospital he had his forehead stitched and on IV. I was admitted as I had developed uncontrollable high temperature. Poor buaa was torn between two hospitalized children. A telegram was sent to one of our uncle in Delhi where father was staying. My father came after two days by then we were both playing on hospital beds. When we were home we promised each other never to leave one another. Hari has broken his promise. As I read the letter I saw the next few words smudged as a tear would have fell. I could not help but really feel Malini’s anguish. I replied to her not to distress herself so much as it was not good for her condition now. However I always wondered what had happened between Hareendra and his father which led him to abandon his family and place where he grew. I could not ask this question to Malini, what would she think?

Mother came home and tapped on my shoulder, “Are you alright?”

“Yes, Maa I am hungry.” I pleaded. Mother looked at the pile of sheet I completed reading and my face. Without a word she started cooking dinner for us.

Quickly after dinner I continued reading in my room.

It was end of December and it had been almost 20 days I had not received any letter from Malini. I was worried and often thought of her. Then by first week of January I received her letter. Pratap has found out that she has been writing letters to me. He was very furious that she was in touch with a strange man from another corner of the country. She was unable to go out of house much and hence entrusted this letter with one of her helper. If Pratap finds out it would not be good for me or her. I found that uncomfortable, what was Pratap capable of doing? Her next few words explained it. He is very powerful and has all goons working for him. She was being watched at all times and last evening she heard him talk to a lawyer about her father’s will. In the will her father had left all business and properties in the name of Hareendra. Only their ancestral home and her birth father’s home was in her name. Pratap had been furious when the will was disclosed upon their father’s death. He had asked me why her father had done that. Why Hareendra, he had asked her? She told him she was adopted. He fumed and told her he was tricked by her father. She was confused why Pratap was so angry? Since she was upset and grieving she did not pay much attention to these details. Soon she realized Pratap wanted to control the entire log business which would have helped him grow stronger. He was now angry that his missing friend was the owner and not Malini of this business. She heard him last evening talking about this will and in what circumstances Malini can become the owner. She was afraid to even write what the lawyer answered to those questions.

He said that upon Hareendra’s death Malini can become owner of these businesses or if Hareendra himself surrendered it to her. She can even contest in the court for the half of these properties as she is legally adopted child. To which Pratap had replied that she will never contest as far as he knew and Hareendra would not surrender it to her. He would have to do something about this whole matter. The lawyer had soon left and Pratap called in a meeting of his most trusted hands. She could no further eavesdrop on their conversation. She was very disturbed and asked Pratap if she could have her delivery in her father’s home. He did not mind as he can continue with his business without her being around. She was being watched in her own home by his goons guarding the entrance of my father’s home, she dared sending this letter. She wanted him and Hareendra to be careful of Pratap as she felt he had some really vicious ideas. I shuddered reading this. I did not know that in just few months of letter writing could lead to this. I was afraid for Hareendra and thought of leaving another message at his work. In the end of the letter Malini had given a secondary address where I could write. It was I think her helpers home address. I quickly replied to her to be careful and that I was going to drop a message at Hareendra’s office.

Next day your uncle was suffering from high temperature and your grandmother was worried. I could not go to his office. Your uncle was detected with jaundice and we spent next few days visiting the doctors for treatment. I did not realize that January 20 had passed by when I reached the post office. There was a letter from Malini for me waiting at my desk. As soon as I realized that it was 23^rd January I left for Hareendra’s office. I thought I will read her letter on the way. But on the way I met one of my friend and I could not read her letter in private. I reached his office and they informed me that his ship had docked and they delivered my message to him. I asked if I could meet him but they said he was on leave. I then just assumed that he had gone to Bhowali after reading my message. I felt foolish coming all the way. But I asked where he lived and they gave me his address. I took that so that at least I can meet up with the man because of whom he now considered himself a friend of Malini.

On my way home I read Malini’s letter. Pratap had found out that this child is not his and he was murderous. A midwife who visited her informed Pratap that she was due in next month. He was confused and came thundering to her place asking questions. He hit her and then finally she confessed that the child is that of Hareendra. They loved each other, buaa had once caught them lying together in verandah when we were 19 years old. She had warned them both that a brother and sister did not behave like this. Since them they were careful of buaa and their father. They wanted to marry each other. Hareendra had gone to study Marine Engineering so that they could both run away from Bhowali. When he returned and father wanted him to join the business. He tried his best to show some interest in the business but he could not and spent most of his days with her. They planned their escape, he told her in Mangalore there was a huge port being set up. She did not even know where Mangalore was located. She was just happy to be with him. One rainy evening they got passionate and he made love to her for the first time. Their father somehow came to know about them and they fought. Hareendra maintained that she was not his real sister but father was disgusted with both of us. He told us that buaa had warned him but he did not tend to her suspicion. He told us he will disown his son as he was appalled by his behavior. Hareendra was angry and told him he will never come back but in the heat of the moment no one paid any attention to her. As soon as Hari left, father got me engaged to Pratap and she could not even say a word as she did not know where Hareendra was and how she should find him. Pratap just assumed that Hareendra was not interested in the business after their fight with her father.

I was shaking when I read her letter. I did not know what to make of it. I read further. She requested me to come and visit her once. She was hoping Hareendra will come after receiving my message. She was thankful that I had helped her, a stranger out of nowhere and she hoped I would not judge her. She was afraid of her child’ life and that of Hareendra’s. In the next sentence she pleaded if I could help her in case Hareendra does not come. She could only trust him and no one else. I really felt distressed. When I reached home your grandmother asked me if I was okay. I could not hide anything from her ever, so I told her everything. She seemed shocked but surprisingly she did not judge Malini. In fact she felt worried about her. I had renewed respect for your grandmother. She insisted I write to her asking if Hareendra came and what help she required. I did that next day.

There was no reply for another month from Malini. I just hoped that all had gone well but I had a bad intuition. I got telegram from the helper mentioned by Malini. It just said please come soon, all is not well. I told your grandmother and she insisted I visit immediately. She said now we had a relation with this strange woman. I arranged to go. I took me three days to reach Bhowali after change of three trains. The place was beautiful in spite of my tiredness. The mountains were heavenly and the cold chilled my bones even though I was wearing warm clothes. I reached the helpers home, her name was Radha. She served me paranthas for breakfast and informed she will take me to meet Maliniji in some time. She told me she has delivered a son, but she was not keeping good health. I asked her if Hareendra had come, she looked surprised. She replied that he had not come.

I wondered why, the office had told me that they had delivered his message to Hareendra. Then why did he not come to help Malini. He will definitely ask him once he met Hareendra. Radha took him to meet Malini. She was lying on the bed and a baby was sleeping next to her. She was beautiful with long black hair, fair milky skin and big round eyes. She got up as soon as she saw him but she was weak. I motioned her to stay seated. Malini took her time to assess me and smiled weakly.

“Namaste” she said. Her eyes darted around the house. The house in itself was beautiful. It was nestled in between the hills and surrounded by fruit orchards.

Radha told Malini she had an hour before the change of goons at the entrance. I was speaking in Hindi after a long time and sounded strange on my tongue.

“Namaste Malini, how are you?” I asked.

“Shyam, I delivered my son yesterday night. Radha helped me. No one knows.” Tears streamed down her face. “Hareendra did not come, do you know why, did he not get your message?”

“I do not know why Hareeendra did not come, I asked his company and they said they gave him my letter. I intend to ask on my return. I thought he came and that’s why I did not receive any message from you.” He said agitated.

“No he did not, I was not well for last few days. The midwife had told me I will deliver soon but if I had gotten weaker it would have been dangerous for both my son and me. Pratap did not even come to visit me once from the day he found out about the child not being his. He just promised he will kill both child and his father. I believe him as he is capable of doing that. I need a favor from you Shyam. I do not have much time.” She pleaded crying softly.

I already had an idea what was she going to ask. “Tell me Malini, what can I do?”

“Please take my son, I don’t want Pratap to kill him. Please take him to Hareendra. Ask him to take good care of our son. Please ask him to leave and go to some new place where he will be safe from Pratap. I need not know anything I have surrendered to my fate.” She held her son wrapped in a soft silk cloth for me to take.

“Malini, please take care of yourself. You are one of the strongest woman I know. This decision is not easy. But I want to let you know what happens when I return.” He said taking her son from her.

“No Shyam, you promise me you will not communicate any further with me. I do not want to endanger you, Hareendra and my child in anyway. I trust you will make the right decisions. You are present here at this moment is a prayer God has answered for me. I have been talking to my father’s lawyer and I have arranged a trust fund anonymously which will help you or Hareendra with my son. Here take the papers, there will be no questions asked whenever there is money withdrawn.”

“I don’t know what to say, seems like you have planned this well. Wishing you good health my dear friend.”

Radha led him out the back door and same afternoon he was on his way to Mangalore with a new born child. Radha had packed all amenities required by new born and told me to feed the child every few hours. I was missing your grandmother, she would have known what to do. But we both managed to reach Mangalore. I took the child home and your grandmother took over immediately. I narrated her the story of my travel.

Then she told me that police had come over to our house asking about Mr. Hareendra Pathak as they found a letter in his house with our home address. They want to meet you as soon as you come.

“Did they tell you what happened?” I asked dreading the answer. She had asked but police said they will talk to you.

I reached the police station next day with all the letters received by Malini as a proof. I waited for Inspector Rao who had called me.

As soon as he came he beckoned me, “You are Shyam Devigada?” I nodded.

“How do you know Mr. Hareendra Pathak? And where were you on 28^th February?”

“But sir what is the matter? Is Hareendra ok?” I asked cautiously.

“He is dead. His neighbor called our station and when we reached his home we found his throat slit. On his desk we found your letter and you were one of our suspects.” He said as a matter of fact.

I narrated him the entire story and showed him all the letters and the telegram I had received. I was in train on 28^th February traveling to Bhowali. This could be even verified by the Ticket Collector.

 “I wish I’d been there earlier. It might have made all the difference. So all I can tell you is why he was murdered.” I told Mr. Rao.

They took his statement but were not able to identify the murderer. Pratap had a strong alibi on the day Hareendra died. This is all Inspector Rao was able to reveal to me. It remained as one of the unsolved cases with Police.

I took transfer to main city of Mangalore where we raised your uncle and your father.

I stopped reading as I was shocked. My father is son of Malini and Hareendra Pathak. I was not sure if my mother knew or even if my father did. I never met my father but I wished I did. Grandpa had really kept his promise and none of us ever knew.

Trembling I read the last page of the letter.

You will visit Bhowali where your father was born and meet Malini your real grandmother. Tell her everything, ask her to forgive me I could not keep one of her promises. I could not take keep her son alive, I wish it was him along with you visiting her.

Till my last breath I will not forget the day your father passed away in front of my eyes. Your uncle never understood why I always looked after your father more. On his passing away I had invested some of the money from trust fund in life insurance. I had received a notification by Joshi & Associates that Mrs. Malini Sharma has nominated Mr. Shyam Devigada as the rightful owner of the house in Bhowali with a clause that he cannot sell it to anyone but pass it on to rightful owners. I had been surprised to receive it and realized she kept track of me. I used the same lawyers to further make my will.

You will take care of the matters henceforth and love your mother. I am very proud of you son.

Yours always loving,

Grandpa

I knew what I had to do. In the end of the letter there was a address of Malini Sharma who now resided in Delhi.

He told his mother everything, she cried out aloud. How could your grandpa keep this hidden from us she asked?

She decided to accompany me to meet my grandmother. We booked a flight to Delhi.

We were greeted by helper and asked to wait in a spacious room filled with antiques. Slowly they wheeled an old elegant lady into the room. She peered at me by adjusting her spectacles.

“Who are you young man?” she asked shakily. My mother urged me and I touched my grandmother’s feet.

She was taken aback. I told her I was Arya Devigada, her grandson. She gasped and asked me to sit down. I introduced my mother and she touched her grandmother’s feet in respect.

“Where is my son?” she asked looking around, my mother started to softly cry. I told her what I read in grandfather’s letter.

She had tears in her eyes, “your grandfather is truly a great man, Arya. Truly worthy of my respect always. I always remembered him in my prayers. May God bless his soul.” She said and called them closer to embrace her.

She then narrated that she had separated from Pratap with the help of her father’s lawyers. It was painful process but she did. “The police had got in touch with her and informed her of Hareendra’s death, I had broken down.” She said, “During those weak moments she had thought of getting in touch with Shyam but she had promised never to be in touch again. She often wondered how her son must be doing. She had great trust in Shyam that he would have raised him as his own. She always wondered how Shyam’s wife took in all this matter. She tracked their whereabouts without getting too close. Pratap was on lose and she was then still afraid of him. She moved to Delhi to be further way from Pratap. She sold the business to a good buyer and kept some percent of the holding. The business has grown over the years and now expanded upto Assam.

I was taking in as much as I could. I remembered grandpa had told me to take everything in my hands. I learnt from Grandma as much as I could during my stay. We stayed for few days and returned home with a promise to meet often.