Chapter 165

Chapter 244: The Loyal Butler

The late afternoon sky spread its golden hue across the sky and reflected itself on the still surface of the Castle lake, beside which stood the butler, watching time prepare its pastoral stage for a beautiful dusk.

Even in his old age, Rahim Chacha had never lost his love for observing the little things that kind nature provided.

The butler was thus admiring the beauty of the golden sky when his attention was drawn to the opened gates, through which rode the dark horse with his Master on his back, having returned from their evening ride.

The sturdy legs of the horse trotted to a stop before the open doorway of the stable and, after Lord Arnav had alighted from Shadow's back and OmPrakash had led the horse into the stable by its reins, the butler marched up and greeted his Master, "Good evening to you, sire."

Patting his wind-blown hair, Lord Arnav looked over his shoulder at the elderly man bowing to him.

"Good evening, Chacha."

The butler straightened up and smiled, "It is an agreeable sight to see you riding again after a week's hiatus."

Lord Arnav chuckled lightly, "Are you suggesting Chacha that you missed me and my commands?"

"Most fervently," nodded a cheerful Rahim Chacha, "But if it wouldn't be considered offensively outspoken, may I enquire as to how your stay at the Village conspired?"

Lord Arnav slipped his hands into his pockets and the gold of the sky reflected in his hazy eyes, "It was different... Perchance, a good change."

Rahim Chacha smiled in understanding, "I am happy for you, sire, that you willingly welcomed the change."

Lord Arnav only smiled in returned and then began to take nimble steps in the direction of the Castle. The butler followed diligently after him.

"Say, Chacha," Lord Arnav continued the conversation as he walked on, "How do you like it here?"

Walking in his Master's tall shadow, Rahim Chacha looked up at the back of Lord Arnav's head, "You mean Arhasia?"

"Arhasia, the Castle and everything," said Lord Arnav, striding onward, "Don't you think it's time you deservedly retired and spent the rest of your life in leisure?"

"And where would I go? What will I do?" reasoned the butler.

Lord Arnav paused his steps and turned to the butler behind him, "You could return back to India. You could be with you family."

"My family is here," said the butler, his voice gentle but firm, "After I lost my son, my only children are you and your sister, sire."

"I know," Lord Arnav's tenor was compassionate, "If there has ever been a worthy father figure in my youth, it has always been you. I know how hurt you were when the letter arrived with news of your son's martyrdom at battle. It was worrying to watch you perform your duties as a butler, never exposing to the world your grieving heart."

"Sire," Rahim Chacha was touched, "Despite your silent detachment, you see and you understand. This knowledge is enough reward to me in return for my loyal service to you."

"But you have served too long," said Lord Arnav, "I insist you retire in health and not when age has-"

Rahim Chacha paled, "Are you going to relieve me of my duties, sire? Pray, don't."

Lord Arnav sighed, "Are you choosing then to persist further this long life of solitude, serving us till the end of your time?"

"I never felt lonely surrounded by your wonderful family, sire," smiled Rahim Chacha, "If you have any care for me, you will let me remain. Yours, sire, is the only family I belong to."

Lord Arnav sighed, "But do you not desire to have a family that belongs to you?"

Rahim Chacha's tired eyes shone with deep wisdom, "I am too old to have a family of my own. If my son were alive, it would be a different tale all together..." The butler was silent for a moment and then he smiled at the First Lord, "But he is not here and there is no one for me but the Raizadas. All my life I have served them and, to my last breath, I intend to be with them."

Lord Arnav nodded, surrendering his persuasions to silence at the butler's vow.

The aged servant bowed low to his Master, turned about and left.

As Lord Arnav watched the old man head for the huge Castle doors which he religiously guarded night and day, a thought crossed the First Lord's mind.

Almost instantly, a decided smile broke on his face.