Short story – Love at last

Yes, come in. When I looked up, it was a new face. She was a very young girl, whom he had not seen before. As the Bank Manager, she used to meet almost everyone I knew in town, but she didn’t show up as a customer. There was something elusive and attractive in her innocent face. She sat down only when I told her.

What can I do for you?

Sir, I want to stay in your hostel.

Who told you about my hostel? It is my home. I stay on the first floor and on the ground floor they are all men. No women in my house. I am single, it is unlikely that I will marry at the age of fifty-five.

How does it matter? I’ll take a room on the first floor with you.

I do not know you. Who are you? Don’t you have your parents?

When he told me about his father, I was surprised, he is one of the richest in town. He had some reasons that he obviously doesn’t want to share with me.

I was in a dilemma. She didn’t want to disturb her. I was reluctant to admit her to my house. What will people say?

Sir, you will have no problem with me. I will come at 5 pm.

So, it left me wondering, what lie am I going to tell my fellow lodgers to keep their mouths shut?

He arrived exactly at five. After finishing my work, we went to my house in his car.

There were only one or two in the hostel. We went upstairs and opened my room. He had the typical bachelor’s look, with newspapers, magazines, notepads, etc. scattered here and there, my shirt thrown on the bed and the bath towel hanging on the line. She took it all in at a glance. You can see the rooms, saying that, I left her and joined the men in the hostel.

Who is this girl? A distant relationship; she can stay here for a couple of days. She was in the United States.

Actually, she looked very strange in her loose pants and t-shirt, with her hair cut very short and walking without a care in the world. So it seemed convenient to explain myself, anticipating more questions.

After some time, she came down with black coffee. Everyone was pleasantly surprised.

You may be wondering who I am. My name is Tinu. I am studying at the university in the afternoon.

He then asked for the whereabouts of everyone, including me. She left early. She was relieved.

When I went to my room, I found everything in order. She had swept all three rooms, opened the windows and turned on the fans. He soon returned with his luggage, a stack of books, and a sleeping bag. She occupied the room next to mine.

He distributed cakes and sweets among us and invited us to dinner in an expensive restaurant. She rented a car so everyone can go together. After dinner, we said our goodbyes and retired to our rooms.

For some time I could not sleep. Early in the morning at five, she came with coffee in bed.

Get ready, we’re going for the morning walk, he declared.

When I looked at her in surprise, she continued: I know you don’t have the habit. But who will take care of your health? Tomorrow I have arranged with a doctor.

He was walking very fast and it was impossible for me to keep up with him. After half an hour, we were returned.

She made a breakfast of sandwiches and told me she’s bringing lunch to the Bank.

The next day I was nervous when the doctor told me to lie down in the office bed and put all those devices and wires on me. My heart started beating faster. Blood, urine, and sputum were also examined.

Upon our return, he said my EKG was normal. It was a great relief.

Looks like she’s a dietitian. I thought she forgot to put salt in the curry. When I reminded him, he lectured me about reducing salt intake. That captivating smile can disarm any inveterate glutton! I gave up.

On Sundays we drove aimlessly. When we want we stop, we eat fruits that she always stores in abundance in the car, and we drink coffee from the thermos. She always prefers the top of a hill.

I often like to eat something spicy, but she will object.

One afternoon I saw a young Nepali-looking man talking to her at her home.

Who is he?

He wants some work.

But we don’t need any watchmen here.

I’m thinking of giving him some project. The west side is now just a forest. We can set up a cattle shed there. Initially ten cows will do. I take care of all the expenses. This guy will get the job done.

I’ve thought about it. It is not a bad idea. So work started immediately and in record time a dairy farm was ready. We all enjoy good cow’s milk, curd and ghee. In due course, a chicken farm was also established.

For a few days she was gone. I never questioned her activities. So I didn’t ask her where she was going or when she would be back.

One fine morning she arrived with a newborn baby with a trained nurse to care for the baby. We were all curious to know about the baby that was something dark. I carefully avoided asking any questions.

At night, I went out on the balcony and stared at the sky. There were some stars. White clouds moved slowly, lovingly, across the sky. The eastern horizon was getting brighter, and now the crescent rose reluctantly, as if guilty for being so late.

She was standing very close to me. I don’t know how long we were like this, immersed in the enjoyment of nature, so pure and calm.

I came alive when he placed his feather-soft hand on my shoulder. She smiled shyly and said softly: It is this quality that I like in you, sir. Anyone else would have asked a thousand questions about this baby.

He kissed my cheek and continued: Before I tell you everything, let’s relax.

Saying that, he gently took my hand and led me to my room.

Over the past year, he had carried out extensive repairs throughout the building, to make it more comfortable and modern. The wall on the west side of my room was demolished and replaced with a single pane of glass that can be lowered, like a glass window on a car. Now I can see the sloping grassy land beyond our house, and the sunset.

My small bed was replaced with a double bed, all with his money. Now we lay down next to each other and she continued: I have a fast friend in the United States. I was there too. She wanted to terminate the pregnancy, but she strongly opposed me. So we secretly came to India. She gave birth to this baby in a Calcutta hospital, in complete privacy as she is not yet married. I went there and took custody of the baby, saying that I am her sister. My name was listed on the birth certificate as mother. A large amount of money has been deposited in the name of the child, in the Hyderabad branch of his bank, from which I extracted all the information about you, and this is how I came to you in advance, to secure a place to live, in full . privacy. I thank God that I was not mistaken in my calculations.

You are so sweet. Then I started loving you.

He turned to me and asked: have you ever loved someone?

I do not think so.

Can you love me?

I don’t know what love is.

Do you read poetry?

Nope.

She was silent for some time. She then hugged me and told me: poor thing. There is no one to take care of you. Now you have to marry me, since the baby must have a father. We cannot live incognito all the time.

Are you afraid?

I’ll think about it.

Did you miss me when I went to Calcutta?

YES A LOT.

I also wanted to fly back as soon as possible. This is Love. Saying this, she kissed me long and passionately.