Vaanathai Pola 14
Hundreds of trees stood as sentinels in the immediate area of his sight and their brethren stood tall and wide as far as Radha Krishnan's eyes could see and his eyes were like that of a cat and could see far and in great detail.
' An oasis. A green oasis. A beautiful Jade like jewel ' exclaimed Radhu the moment he got out of the car and turned to see a visibly moved and shocked Girija Padmanabhan and asked her ' Ma'am, are you okay?'
' Those were the thoughts and dreams of my brother Raja and that was the foundation and the seed that stand now tall and proud as his legacy' she replied and paused in her words to take in The Flock.
At the edge of his peripheral vision of his left eye, Radhu caught a movement, a flicker of white near the window of the building and turned to see what it was and caught a brief glimpse of a man in white disappearing behind a curtain with a cell phone in his hand.
Radhu stored the moment away for his arm was gently clasped by Girija and they headed towards the entrance of the building.
The Flock consisted of Five buildings and the one they were heading towards was the largest of them all and which housed the school and its administration.
The layout was very simple and had been built in a circle with the main building serving as the beginning and the end.
Girija pointed to the smaller buildings ' the first one is for the children, both boys and girls and who are below 10 years old. The next one is for girls aged 10 and above. The next one is for boys 10 and above' and pointing to her left side ' that one serves as the Gym, sports center, library, and the computer center.'
Radhu nodded ' But all five buildings put together stand on just one or two acres ma'am?'
Girija sighed ' therein lies the problem Radhu and maybe the one that has finally felled my little brother.'
' I am sorry ma'am but surely knowing the Brigadier, there should no be problems with the sale and registration of this land and am sure everything was done properly and legally.'
Girija was about to speak when a middle-aged man dressed in a white shirt and white pants came rushing out and greeted her with respect ' Madam, Good morning.'
' Good morning Sekar' and looking up at Radhu, Girija introduced the peon to him.
' Sekar has been with us for only a few months and is doing a great job. The previous peon, Anwar who had been with the flock tragically died in an accident and Sekar here replaced him and is a real asset for The Flock.'
Sekar was a short, round, pot-bellied dark-complexioned man with an easy smile although Radhu could see that the smile did not reach his eyes and politely asked Girija ' Is Sekar the only peon or are there others to assist the administration, ma'am.'
' No Radhu. He is currently the only peon that we have although we usually have two or three office assistants.'
Sekar flashed his false smile ' Ma'am, I can manage for now and if it gets difficult then I will request for another person to help me with the office work.'
With the same false smile still playing on his face, he pointed to Radhu ' Is this sir a visitor ma'am?'
Girija smiled and looked at Radhu, her one arm still holding his ' I am not sure Sekar if sir is going to be just a visitor or a permanent resident? That is something that only, sir, can answer.'
The object of their conversation flashed his most charming smile and introduced himself ' Hello Sekar. I am Radha Krishnan.'
Both men looked at each other and greeted each other pleasantly and Radhu knew that Sekar was the man he had seen at the window a few moments ago.
Only a faint noise of the traffic on the busy OMR road reached his ears and he looked questioningly at Girija and asked ' Ma'am, why is it so quiet? where are all the children? where are all the teachers and other people who work here?'
' It is December, Radhu. Most of the children have left for the holidays to their native places and the few children who have stayed back have gone out with the flock's librarian, Thangamani master to visit the Anna centenary Library and also to see Vijay's ' Bigil'.
Radhu looked lost for a second and it turned out to be an education for later in his room he realized that looks and positions don't matter a damn and it all comes down to what lies inside your thick bony skull.
Even his momentary look of confusion was noted by the peon Sekar, who burst out laughing ' Sir, what sir? you don't know who Vijay is and that Bigil is his latest movie release ?'
Radha Krishnan shrugged shyly ' well, I have been away for a long time and have lost touch with many things.'
Girija smiled and patted his arm' Radhu, it looks like you and I are nearly on the same page when it comes to knowledge about films and music. But, I have got you beat there, for I have heard of this actor Vijay many a time and almost all the times from my nurses and other hospital staff. He is big news and looks destined to enter politics at some point in the not so distant future.'
Radhu subtly managed to look embarrassed and lost although his brain had already made an early report an all that he had seen and heard and in his mental database, he moved the peon Sekar into the folder where he stored the names of future threats and enemies and people who he needed to learn more about.
Using the light moment as an opportunity, the peon Sekar very politely enquired about Radha Krishnan to Girija and did it very carefully and expertly ' Ma'am, if this sir is a visitor, allow me to show him the place while you are in the office.'
' That is a good idea Sekar for Radha Krishnan is going to be working for the Flock as a teacher and will also be handling the administrative duties and will be reporting directly to me.'
She looked at Radhu ' Please go with Sekar and take a look at the Flock while I wait for you here. I am too old to be walking around this large property anymore and I am positive my knees will surely buckle under the strain of it, leaving you both to carry me back here.'
Sekar suddenly remembering something, removed his mobile phone from his pocket ' sir, one second please, let me put my mobile on charge before we leave for it will take us at least 30 to 45 minutes to walk the entire property' and rushed off towards the office room.
Radhu waited patiently for about 30 seconds and looked at Girja who asked him ' Any problem Radhu?' and he replied ' I, I mean it cannot wait any longer. Please, could you point me to the toilet please?'
Girija smiled ' Please, use the toilet in Rajashekar's room.'
Radha Krishnan thanked her politely and quickly jogged towards the office building leaving Girija to think that he must be in a real hurry to reach the toilet and taking her mobile out made a call to the doctor who was in charge of her brother.
An empty room tends to be much more reflective, bouncing sounds from wall to wall, window to ceiling, and to the floor with very little absorption. Carpets, furniture, paintings, rugs, etc. all absorb sound and so cause reflections (echos) to die down much more quickly. That is also why recording studios have those foam shapes on the wall. And why theaters have curtains hanging everywhere. And why many businesses have large rectangles covered with cloth hanging on the wall. They aren’t just there to be modern abstract art and they are there so your bank doesn’t sound like the inside of a bathroom.
Radhu heard Sekar's voice clearly in the halls and heard his words loud and clear ' Thalaivare, Girija madam is here right now and all alone but for a stranger who is of no consequence. This is a good time for you to talk to her without any interruptions and not having to worry about students and other faculty members.'
Radhu waited a minute and came out of the building adjusting his shirt and pant wiping his hands with a kerchief and the illusion was complete.
Sekar returned and apologized for being late by a few minutes and again the illusion was complete.
Radhu looked at Girija ' Ma'am, if you don't mind, please come with us. This is my first time here and I want to know everything about the place and who better than you to tell me about it.'
Immediately Sekar's face began to show signs of panic and confusion and finally frustration and irritation won over and in a rebuking tone he addressed Radhu ' Sir, please, don't trouble madam for she will not be able to walk that far and her knees will not take it.'
But, before Radhu could reply, Girija's replied and replied in a tone that was stronger than the one he had just used ' Sekar, you will not tell this gentleman what to do and what not to do and especially in matters that concern him and me. Please remember your position and learn to remain in that position.'
Sekar quickly apologized ' sorry madam. Please forgive me. I spoke only out of concern for your health.'
Radhu looked at the peon, Sekar ' Is there a wheelchair in this place?'
Both of them looked at him and Radhu said ' well, just in case and if the need arises.'
Girija smiled and clapped her hands like a child ' Now that is a brilliant idea' and looking at Sekar ' bring the wheelchair that is in the storeroom and let my new friend take me around the Flock for it has been a long time since I have been around the place.'
Sekar left to bring the wheelchair and Radhu spoke to Girija ' ma'am, if you don't mind, I have to make a call and let my people know I am okay.'
Girija nodded and watched Radhu as he made the call and sauntered around her and envied them that he had mentioned as his people.
Then, her heart nearly stopped as Radhu stood with his profile turned to her for he looked exactly as her younger brother Rajashekar.
She knew then that Radhu was related to them, but how, when and where and through whom was he related to them, she wondered.
A heart knows. A mother's soul knows. Pure love knows even if it has not fully taken shape as yet.
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