THE GUAVA THIEF
It is late into the night and I am perusing a file after a sumptuous dinner when my mobile goes off. I look at my mobile to see that my grand ma is calling me. And instantly I am reminded of the numerous missed calls from home because of being busy at work. I had thought of calling them back but somehow it had slipped from my mind. As soon as I pick up the call , I heard her reprimanding tone," Collector saab ..Are you so hard pressed for time that you can't even spare a few minutes for us? Oh Maan ! a month into your service and you have forgotten us already."
It's been long since I talked to grandma and listening to her scolding I realize that unbeknownst to me , I do miss her and her reprimands." I m sorry Dadimaa .I didn't mean to miss those calls. I was about to call. I'll not repeat it again. Tell me how are you ? "
"I am fine son. But I don't feel good here without you. Do you know how much we wait for a single call from you? Of course you don't know that is why you ignore us like this. "
" Dadimaa please I said I am sorry and I promise it isn't going to happen again. How is Papa? Where is he? "
"Your father is fine. He was sitting beside the land line the whole evening waiting you would call. But when you didn't he went out for a walk."
I am again hit with a wave of guilt. I had promised to call them every day and here I had not even answered their calls. I couldn't have been so busy. We always have time for what is important to us and my family is important. I feel like I have failed an important test. It definitely is not going to happen in future.
"Dadimaa, I m going to call again once Papa returns. Tell him not to go off to sleep. So how's everyone there dadi ? Any interesting news?"
" Who else do you have here Maan apart from your father and me . And Ive already told you we are both fine. "
And suddenly a face with bewitching, mischief filled eyes and loveliest smile appear before my eyes. While I stand in my room of my government house in Uttarakhand, I am transported to the courtyard of my home in Delhi.I am standing under my favorite tree. She is standing right before me with that small brother of hers hiding behind her back. I can see the mischief dancing in her eyes. I could feel my heart flipping as she tosses her hair and winks at me and then runs away inside the house situated next to my own.
A voice too loud to my ears pulled me back ending my trip to the past. I immediately concentrated on the voice, my grandma's voice. She was almost screaming now, "Tell me exactly whose news are you interested in and then I may be of some help."
My grandmother is not in front of me however I can very well visualize her grinning like the Cheshire cat right now. Grandmothers can be so bothersome at times.
"I was just asking about our neighbours. How is Mohinder uncle and Rano aunty?", I say trying to deviate her from the thoughts that must be running through her over active brain.
" Mohinder has gone to Dhanbad for some work. And Rano is fine. I met her only this morning.'
"and how is kapil uncle doing ? Is bittu back from college?'
"My dear child before you ask me about the whole mohalla let me tell you they must be doing fine. Now I don't carry news about the whole mohalla. But yes I do know something which you give your inquisitive mind some peace."
" Oh and what is that news ?" I ask trying to sound nonchalant.
" Do you remember Geet ...Mohinder's niece?"
A very tricky question indeed. What should I tell her ? That some people you do not have to bother remembering , they are just there with you everytime. Instead I answer in a monosyllable , an art that I have learnt during my training.If you do not want a person to know your motives speak less.
"Hmm..."
" Well Geet..you know the girl who lived next to our house.."
"Hmm"
" Arre the same girl who used to come to our house sometimes.."
" Yes..Dadi I know who Geet is. What about her ?"
"It's not about her. It's about her cousin Titu, Rano's son. He had come today and told me that you are his hero and he wants to follow your footsteps and become an IAS officer. How sweet na Maan ! Now you are t5he role model of the whole Vasant kunj."
"Yeah.. it is sweet," I answer dejectedly. Trust Dadimaa to play such tricks. Sometimes I think she knows my feelings and thus purposefully keeps pulling my legs.
A sigh escapes from my lips. No news of her. I wouldn't ask Dadimaa straightaway and unless I do so she won't tell me.
" Maan do they feed you well ? I hope you are not facing any problems"
" Ah ! yes Dadi. I have got one of the best cooks. Nakul. He has got magic in his hands. Plus the staff here is good. There is nothing to worry about," I assure her
" When do you plan to visit us child ? We are missing you terribly."
" I will come soon Dadi but you know it is my first posting and it will takes time to adjust. Why don't papa and you come to visit me ?"
" I woould have beta but this arthritis does not allow me. I wish I was not so old,"she speaks in a melancholy tone.
" Do not worry Dadi. I'll come soon."
" Okay son take care ! "
"Dadi when Papa returns tell him to wait I'll call him."
"okay."
I am ready to cut the call when she speaks," Maan.. .about Geet..."
" Hmm.."
She does not speak for a while and I wait in silence for her to continue. The only voice that I can hear is the thumping of my heart.
" Rano is looking for a suitable boy for Geet,"and she disconnects the line.
I stand there with the phone in my hand. Everything is silent except for the thumping of my heart.
To be continued
Index
Ch1- Pg 6 / Ch 2- Pg 11
Debate Mansion
99