the long search

When you have nowhere to go, go back to yourself.

A-symmetry

About half an hour ago, he had showed up at my place seeking my escort service. “I need to drop this packet at a friend‘s place and pick up some pictures from another person,” he said.He was always lousy about finding houses. Most of the times, he would lose way in the residential colonies, often making circles of the same place.

I was reluctant. On my day off and for a chilly evening, staying back home seemed a better and warmer idea. But knowing his style, I decided to give him company.

“I have not been to their place very many times. I guess, this is the second instance though I keep meeting them – both the husband and the wife - at their corporate offices and outside. They had a baby in October and this is the first time I will meet them after that. They have moved to a new flat.” He was introducing me to destination number one.

* * * * * *

As we waited for a few minutes, V opened the door. Slowly. Almost carefully. I saw the baby, looking like a bundle of white wool, fallen asleep on his left shoulder. “Come on in,” he said, with a whispering tone.

It was quiet inside. It was kind of cozy. Bright and warm. The light green wall-hangings clearly stood out on the shining white background. There were two portraits on the wall behind the cane sofa. The cabinet right in front boasted of different kinds of toys. A large curtain separated the living space from the dining hall. It was dimly lit.

“I returned from office only a while ago,” V said, gently patting his daughter and gestured us to sit on the divan.

“You seem to be enjoying every bit of fatherhood,” he asked.

“It feels great to be with my daughter. She sleeps and sleeps and is barely awake when I return home,” V said as his wife walked in with a dropper in hand. The baby’s medicine, I thought.

“Did you manage to put her to sleep? Or is she still awake?” she asked. V just nodded as he gently brought the baby back into his arms for the medicine.

We kept chatting for quite a while before he realized it’s time to leave the family alone.

* * * * * *

He drove silently, keeping his eyes on the road; his mind apparently was elsewhere. Twenty minutes later, we were in front of an apartment that appeared to have lost power supply.

E – Block, Flat No 3. Straight towards the end of the line and first floor, the security guard pointed out.
The apartment looked worn out to me. Flat No 1 and 2 were locked and No 4 was had some men working on renovation.
He hit the doorbell this time. “It’s open. Come on in,” said the voice. As we walked in, B greeted us with a feeble smile, which did not, in any manner, hide its affection. He taught English literature, I was told on my way.

The floor was cold; the tube-lights did enough for the two-bedroom flat though. But it was very quiet in there. The white walls looked pensive and the almost-no-furniture rooms exuded an expansive feeling.

The living room virtually had nothing to show. One room across the hall had a computer surrounded by books and more books, all of them littered in gay abandon gathering dust at some places. The bedroom had a TV set just across the bed and a moulded chair.

B was a bachelor. Almost a genius and wasted to a large extent. He lived a solitary life (Someone wise had said: Only God is entitled to solitude) and was not keeping good health. The failing health showed on B’s face.

The curling smoke from the cigarette he held was the only thing that made some “noise” in an otherwise somber ambiance of the flat.

“My doctor would be furious to see this. I was categorically asked to stay away from smoking but have had three since the morning. Just can’t help,” laughed B; his laughter had a tremendous sense of honesty in it.

A little later, we left B alone with his life.

* * * * * *

“How disturbingly contrast were they,” I said as we drove back home.

“I found them happy and quiet in their own ways,” he replied, “It’s all about how you look at it.”

(Image: Flickr)

13 comments:

Trevor Penn 27 December 2008 at 16:53  

I don't know why i was expecting a "pulp fiction" ending...

Life is full of such contrasting tales. It makes you break out your tears when you are at your happiest.

Talking To My Soul 27 December 2008 at 23:34  

-->Trevor

First things first. Thanks for the correction. Was entnagled in so many he/she/his/her....

So, was the ending "pulp fiction" like? Do tell me.

I agree with you, Crooner. Life is full of such contrasting tales. At times intriguing.

Thanks for reading.

*cheers*

Anonymous 27 December 2008 at 23:42  

No two people are the same, that's for sure.
I really like the way you told the "story". As I said earlier, you see such much beauty.

Diana Sahu 28 December 2008 at 10:13  

Loved the way u've brought out every single detail about the contrasts....(just like people at New York Times do)....Must say..u've always hav ur eye for details.

Talking To My Soul 28 December 2008 at 21:28  

-->Agnes

Thank you so much, Agnes and I hope you are enjoying the travel.

As for the "story," it was not much of a story. I am so very glad you dropped in amid the travel to read. And of course, for liking it.

*cheers*

Talking To My Soul 28 December 2008 at 21:32  

-->Di

Heyy, you are extremely generous with your appreciation. But why just NYT? Don't others too see as much details? Do tell me.

Thank you very much lady, for reading and liking it.

*cheers*

Keshi 30 December 2008 at 10:08  

It is indeed all abt how u LOOK at it! I loved this post.

Keshi.

Trevor Penn 30 December 2008 at 10:28  

Nope, there was nothing pulp fiction like. I don't know where that came from. :-)

I hope you have a good time saying bbye to the year gone and that the new year bring you and your loved ones a lot of joy.

Trevor Penn 30 December 2008 at 10:29  

*brings*

Talking To My Soul 30 December 2008 at 14:16  

-->Keshi

Heyy Keshi, thanks for dropping by and liking it.

Howz you doing, lady? Enjoying the year ending holidays?

*smilez*

Talking To My Soul 30 December 2008 at 14:29  

-->Trevor

Pulp fiction!!! I wish I could write one such ending without having to tamper with the real story.

Thanks Crooner.

And here is wishing you a great new year with friends and family. More days of success and happiness.

*cheers*

Anonymous 6 January 2009 at 17:32  

I like your blog

Talking To My Soul 6 January 2009 at 18:28  

-->Costume Jewelry

Heyyy thanks for dropping by and appreciating.


*cheers*

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If we admit that human life can be ruled by reason, then all possibility of life is destroyed

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