ART BY  P.KRISHNAMOORTHY

"Sunrise looks spectacular in the nature;

sunrise looks spectacular in the photos;

sunrise looks spectacular in our dreams;

sunrise looks spectacular in the paintings

because it really is spectacular!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

Courtesy:: www.pinterest.com                    ART BY  P.Krishnamoorthy

                                                                                           

                               

 "Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words. Manage and watch your words,  for they will become your actions. Consider and judge your actions, for they have become your habits. Acknowledge and watch your habits, for they shall become  your values.  Understand and  embrace your values, for they  become your destiny" 

                 -  MAHATMA GANDHI   (az quotes)     

Courtesy  www.pinterest.com

  

               

                "ONCE YOU CARRY

                 YOUR OWN WATER,

                  YOU WILL LEARN 

                       THE VALUE OF 

                         EVERY DROP"

     ART BY P.KRISHNAMOORTHY
        

"MADE FOR EACH OTHER"

- P.Krishnamoorthy

             It was a Monday morning with mildly overcast sky, when Sunil entered the multistoried edifice of Comtech Inc., Mumbai. As per weather forecast the nature’s shower began as a drizzle. The receptionist, a beautiful and cute Sandya, greeted him with a soft smile that followed the customary greeting - “Good Morning. May I help you” The warm welcome was an indicator  of Comtech’s public relations policy to visitors and Sunil was overwhelmed by it. He was sent here by Comtech’s Headquarters in USA tentatively for a year to oversee a special project. “I am Sunil from US Headquarters”. Even before he finished his identity, Sandya was quick to respond him. “Your credentials preceded and we are looking forward for your arrival here. Our CEO is awaiting you”. She informed the CEO over intercom of his arrival, and  ushered him to his cabin. Sunil was highly impressed with the office set-up and very happy to see the well-dressed, aspirational and vibrant faces of youth in both genders of the working staff  He was enthralled by the aesthetic interior decoration of the office, conforming to international standards. After customary greeting exchanges and mutual enquiries, both of them came to the hall and the CEO introduced Sunil to all staff as  Special Director in charge of Innovative IT project. Sunil was informed that Sheila, who  should be assisting him in the project, presently  on vacation, would be joining back the next day. He found his cabin quite big and comfortable. He spent the day in getting acquainted with various systems and official set-up in the new office.

             Sheila reported for duty on the following morning as scheduled, and all her colleagues extended a warm welcome to  her. As a protocol, she called on the CEO who, after enquiring about her vacation, briefed her that she will be working with the Special Director from Headquarters. He took her to Sunil’s cabin and formally introduced him. But Sunil was dazed at the very sight of Sheila and equally she too was shaken  with Sunil’s presence. The power of silence prevailed that was broken with the intervention of the CEO who explained the nature of work between them. Even in confounded condition both had an individual stroll down in the memory lane.

             It was five years before, Sheila was a Master’s student in UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles). Sunil was her college mate. To start with they were good pals mainly due to their affiliation to common Indian culture. Sunil excelled in sports also and he represented the tennis team of UCLA. Smart and handsome with both academic and athletic achievements, Sheila was very much impressed with his behavioral and interactive skills. He was always proactive, offering  a helping hand to others in times of need without any expectation in return. She liked his acumen in all facets of life even at that young age. In his company Sheila was able to forget her isolation agony  as she was more attached to her mother back home in India.. This made her to seek his company more. Sunil also understood her well, and gradually he too liked her. She accompanied him for his tennis matches and encouraged him. Her personal presence made a difference to act as a motivating factor to win the matches, and thus their intimacy had  blossomed into  mutual   love between them.  In any bash event   they were recognized as  ‘Made for each other”. As Master’s program came to a close and both came out creditably in it, they were seeking jobs to sustain their stay in US. Fortunately both of them got placements in a leading firm and their identity of ‘Made for each other’ was well endorsed by their new colleagues also.

             From their individual status and good money earners, they were contemplating to enter into the ‘marriage’ phase. Togetherness in long hours with better understanding of each other was mainly responsible to their decision to become life partners. Accordingly on a decided day, they became lawful husband and wife in a church in the presence of friends and colleagues. The admirers also uniformly acclaimed the couple as ‘Made for each other’  Initial fun and frolic connected to sensitive romancing prolonged with the couple for over a year. On the first wedding anniversary party,  Sheila had to weather a storm when Sunil, in extreme drunken status,  totally embarrassed her and the invitees. He was also in the company of a lady, equally drunk and exhibiting coarse and uncultured behavior. In spite of her personal and poignant pleadings to him to refrain from the unruly conduct,  there was no response from him.  Sheila whimpered over his behavior  and had to exit from the party with full of  tears in her eyes. The one year  understanding of each other was on the rocks and shattered to pieces. She felt this incident had left an indelible difference between them. The next day Sunil’s desperate and unqualified apologies for his behavior did not change Sheila’s irreconcilable deep differences. He failed miserably to convince Sheila over the presence of the damsel. The strong better impression she had on him was being shattered by this incident and any amount of pondering over this,  had not yielded any positive and favorable response within her.  Slowly she was drifting to a stage of solitude where she could avoid Sunil. Because of Sheila’s neglect towards him, Sunil found solace in drinking and thus became a chronic alcoholic. With this scenario they were ‘separately living together’. Months have elapsed and one fine morning Sheila proposed to Sunil, mutual divorce between them to put an end to the innovative concept of ‘separately living together’. She knew that  divorce is not  joy-inducing solution as it breaks the  sentiments built-in between them for months. Yet splitting up was preferable to her, than  staying together under a camouflaged concept  to keep the social status. Divorce option became the final solution to their problem.  Though initially Sunil voiced his reluctance  for this, finally he too agreed, as, according to Sheila,  it would provide freedom to her from the so called ‘separately living together’.

             It is true in the past that people got married and stayed together for better or for worse as society frowned on divorce. Divorced people were likely to find themselves as social outcasts. With access to higher education and higher salaries, they are now less willing to put up with traditional roles and expectations. With the passing of time, individual freedom was outweighing family values and social options. The numerical count of these instances may vary based on the kind of culture they belong to. Though in western culture, divorce was the preferred option of the individuals, the couples that stayed together longer were well respected by the society. However, divorce proceedings were legal, and divorce was granted to them. At this crucial time, Sheila’s widowed mother was not in good health back in India, and she preferred to return home to be with her mother. With Sheila‘s departure, Sunil’s drinking intensified and he was hospitalized for a damaged liver. He gave up drinking only after attending a rehabilitation program that helped him to be free of alcohol dependency. 

              On coming out from this, he longed for a reunion with Sheila. He loved her passionately. His efforts to trace her whereabouts proved futile for which he sobbed alone many a time. He realized his mistake of his uncivilized behavior and his company with  a female stranger on the party day, was the ‘last straw’ that was responsible for their separation. He started living only on  his past memories that brought before him the best of times he had with Sheila. Hoping for a chance for a direct talk with her and with his present transformed personality,   he was  confident that Sheila would take him back in her life. When he was desperate  to be with Sheila again, he never thought  the Comtech assignment would providentially provide an opportunity to meet her again. She looked as beautiful as before and even with a five-year lapse, “age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety” He was enthralled to see her; and all the more, he was happy since she will be working with him.

             Since their separation, Sheila was meeting him for the first time  in Comtech’s place. In the ticking of ‘time’ five years have gone by and they were meeting unexpectedly.  In Sunil’s physical appearance, Sheila observed  a lot of transformation. He looked much smarter than before. She found his conversing differently and also more cultured and civilized. He was totally  in a new shape. After her mother’s demise, Sheila’s lonely life also made her yearn to have his company again. However Shila was still cynical about his habits and behavior. Though he looked totally transformed now;  she was unsure of  that conversion could stand the test of time!  Her negative thinking on his behavior did influence her decision in taking him back. Yet her hostile thought was outdone by  an unbelievable gravity pulling her towards him. She felt suddenly a revelation that she wanted to be with him again. But the question of accepting him as her life partner remained a bone of contention.

          As they came back from nostalgic memories  to present realities in Comtech, Sunil broke the silence by greeting her and enquiring into her welfares and recent vacation. Also he narrated his  past of his total alcoholic dependency after their split that led to his hospitalization for treatment of liver damage and later treated  in a rehabilitation center. Sheila uttered her subtle responses cautiously to his queries. In turn she made enquiry about his welfares, followed by the new assignment she would be working with him. With this initial dialogue, they felt at ease that set  the stage to proceed further.  The days that followed gave ample chances to exchange their feelings on  pre-divorce and post-divorce era, as well their future. His initial dinner invitation to her paved the way for her reciprocal one to him,  and Sunil was able to visit Sheila’s apartment. When he enquired for a rental apartment in the same building, her instant response to get one,  was a big surprise to him. By this both were inclined to have nearness between them. Accordingly  Sunil moved into the same building.. The vital agreement between them was not to divulge to outside world, their previous marital as well as divorce status. This proximity turned into a phase where both had wished for longer duration in each other’s company. Though Sunil was in a separate apartment, he was virtually had his physical presence in Sheila’s place. The new dimension in their relationship did Sunil long for Sheila’s approval to take him as her wedded partner again. Sheila had her own reservation on it, for, she was skeptical and  apprehensive about his future behavior as he could repeat his alcoholic  dependency any time. Even with  her negative thought,  she yearned to be with him after a long separation. To strike a deal between her inner desire and apprehensive outlook, she chose to maintain the present status than to get entangled in the old bonded relationship. But their togetherness made the onlookers to admire them as “Made for each other”.

             On a weekend evening when they were in a Shopping Mall, Sheila was attracted by a tender baby girl in a Baby Show. She was cute and chubby, captivating, full of vigor and vibrant. An adorable darling angel, compelling one to own a similar sweetheart. Her childish pranks were innocent and harmless. Her dimpled cheeks discreetly exhibited a smile that reflected her innocence and unpolluted mind, that got indelibly imprinted in Sheila’s mind. This imprint blossomed into a thought of having a baby on her own.. Her desire to have a baby was not new  as even, after the earlier marriage, she wanted to have a child. But Sunil was against it, as he wanted to delay her wish. Now her earlier unexecuted wish had a sudden rebirth and became an obsession in her. In the spectrum of human feelings, obsession has a dicey dimension of passionate possessiveness. Human tendency was  always  to pardon the past unwanted incidents and individuals, when it had to accomplish  an incomplete desire. Now it was purely Sheila’s selfish decision to enter into wedlock solely for a baby. Though her apprehension on Sunil’s future behavior was a hurdle, her reluctance for a second marriage was more compromised based on  her selfish motive to become a mother for a baby, for which she had to  necessarily be a wedded wife to Sunil.. It was simply her obsession that tipped the scale for reversing and conceding.

           When they returned home, she reminiscended  to Sunil of  their visit to the Baby Show and broached her wish of having a baby on her own. He was thrilled at her proposal and agreed instantly for this,  that guaranteed his wedding again with her. Sheila knew that  instances of remarrying an ex-spouse were a rarity. Nevertheless she desired to go ahead with her proposal on promised assurances from Sunil that he will not resume his earlier alcoholic habit. The wedding in a big church on a suitable day was arranged in the presence of their well-wishers, who  repeated   their  earlier endorsement of “Made for each other”.  On the proposed day, the guests were gathered in colorful dresses in Mount Mary Church awaiting the bridal couple. Shortly the convoy of decorated cars arrived at the entrance of the  church. The bridal couple alighted from one limousine and walked to the center hall of the church. The church was well decorated in colorful festoons and the bright lights from the ornamental Italian heavy crystal chandeliers, were illuminating the central hall and podium of the church.

            The bridal couple was invited to the podium before for various rituals. The priest gave lighted candles to the bridal couple,  symbolizing  joy, warmth and purity. Then the ceremony of exchange of rings thrice was followed — first on the bridegroom’s finger, then on the bride’s.  After triple exchange, the bridegroom kept  the silver ring and the bride had  the golden ring. Accidently the wedding ring held by Sunil was dropped to the ground.  Though it was an accidental fall, apprehensions prevailed with some, due to a superstition connected to it. With choir singing, a chalice of wine was offered to the bridal couple three times. At the end of the ceremony  the newly wed stood  at the gates for the priest’s  benediction.  Sunil and Sheila walked towards the center of podium to complete  some more ceremonies. Then they were declared as divinely wedded husband and wife, that was followed by the customary ritual of ‘kissing the bride’- a symbolic gesture to seal the sacred matrimonial vows.  As Sunil was leaning  to kiss Sheila, there heard a crashing loud noise. The big and heavy chandelier hung over the bridal couple, came down right on their heads with a thunderous sound. The crystals and several branched light bulbs from the chandelier were splattered to pieces on the podium, instantly killing the wedded couple. Guests started running helter-skelter  out of the hall. In the commotion that followed, some whispered  ”old beliefs say if a wedding ring is even accidentally dropped or the flame of a wedding candle dies, it is a sign of various misfortunes, difficult married life or an early death of a wife or a husband or both”. Also another  voice was echoing that even for death they were ‘Made for each other’.

 On the flip side………

P.Krishnamoorthy

 The waning winter was drifting into oblivion at the approach of the spring around the corner in Chicago. Relaxing in a recliner,  I was debating myself about my marriage with Dr. Ramesh  to take place in ten days time.  This is not my first marriage to feel jubilant,  as five years before I loved Chandru and married  him. Our wedlock blossomed in the birth  of Shalini.  But our happy married life was short lived as two months before Chandru was detected with cancer and his end came all of a sudden. In this backdrop how I could be happy with the proposed wedding when the memories of life with Chandru were still green in my mind.

        Ramesh and Chandru were thick pals and Ramesh, a bachelor boy, spent most of his spare time and holidays  in our home. He had an affectionate attachment towards Shalini and reciprocally Shalini also liked him very much. Two months ago when Chandru was returning from work in the snowfall, he got infected with a viral fever which prolonged for a week. He was finally admitted in a nearby hospital where the cruel disease of cancer was detected. Since Ramesh also was working in the same hospital, he took care of his various tests and as per Ramesh, Chandru’s cancer was fast spreading and his life span could not be more than six months.

        Sometime before Chandru had taken a life insurance  policy for a substantial amount. Since Chandru’s end was more certain,  Ramesh promised to get me a job  as well as to expedite the insurance amount after Chandru’s demise. The two options left before me regarding my future life were either to return to India or to take the choice of Ramesh of taking the job in Chicago and with the insurance money to live on.  I was not in favor of returning  to India as my in-laws treated  me  differently as my  love marriage with their son was not approved by them  Left with the only alternative, I decided to take up the job in Chicago and raise Shalini here itself.

        Exactly as predicted  the demise of Chandru happened. Since no other relative was able to come for the funeral, Ramesh himself did the last rites for Chandru. Though the death was forewarned, I was still  suffering from the grief  for a long time.  Since then  Ramesh’s daily visit to my home was more consoling to Shalini besides me.  One evening  Ramesh came to our home to leave some incoming mails in Chandru’s name, received in the hospital, He was about to start a conversation, but  some hesitation held him up. I noticed some different behavior in him. 

  “Ramesh! Something you wanted to say, but abruptly you stopped it”. I questioned him.  

  “Sushi, it is now more than two months since Chandru’s death. With the job you have now and with insurance money, you can comfortably lead a life. But how could you escape from lonliness.  After all, you are still young and a long way to go. Have you thought of getting a new companion for the rest of your life?”.  With these words  Ramesh made a pause and was eagerly waiting  for my response. Ramesh often discussed about realities of future life and he cited numerous instances where people had not made the timely decision about taking the new life partner and suffered miserably later.

“Ramesh! Who could come forward to marry a widow with a child? Even somebody is prepared for it, he should be acceptable to me and he should be  affectionate towards Shalini.”

“Sushi! If there is one  who would be complying with your conditions, are you ready for taking him?”

“Ramesh! I would think about this when such a person is available”

“Sushi! I am prepared to comply with your conditions. You know my attachment towards Shalini”

        I never anticipated such an offer from Ramesh.  He never indicated anything directly or indirectly before. It was a puzzle to me and I don’t know how to solve it. I took time to think it over. My mind was full of thoughts about Ramesh’s offer. In a way Ramesh was right. In the interest of Shaslini. I should give a serious thought on this. She was too young and it was the proper time for me to take a new life partner, as later, after some years,  if I think to marry I should  marry a stranger  as Ramesh would not be waiting for me till that time. He did the last rites for Chandru also.  

         Ramesh was handsome and young and was placed in a professional job. There would be many who would come  forward to marry him. I was lucky to have this offer from him  Yet it was hardly few months since Chandru’s demise and his memories were still alive in my memory. With the pros and cons of the offer, I was wavering to take a decision. Weavering was a  stage where the mind was totally in  confusion. Impulsive decisions were made by emotional feelings. After deep deliberations in my mind I decided to accept Ramesh’s offer. Two days later I was reminded by Ramesh about my decision. When I confirmed my positive response, he was overwhelmed in jubilation and visited me with a bouquet of flowers;  he had even fixed our wedding date.

        It was only few days to go for the wedding when I had sometime to go thru the mails left by Ramesh earlier. Amidst various letters I found one personal diary in the pile. In my effort to find whose diary it was, I saw the various accounts where Ramesh had to pay amounts in different dates and  my insurance money appropriated against them, This evidence tipped the scale to call off the wedding. Never before Ramesh indicated anything about his debts and he now proved himself  to be totally selfish. He wanted to marry me only for the insurance money and not for my welfare.  I decided to tell Ramesh that we will postpone the wedding to sometime later, as I feel uncomfortable since it was only a month since Chandru’s  death . Postponing the wedding was mainly to stall the issue as otherwise he would delay my insurance money.

        I tried to contact Ramesh to inform this; but he was not in the hospital.  When I turned on the TV for the news, I was shaken as if there was an earthquake under my feet, shattering me to pieces. It was the breaking news in CNN that one Dr Ramesh was arrested in connection with the death of Chandru as he had administered wrong medication and hastened Chandru’s death. This was found by a team of doctors in the hospital.  My Chandru was in smiles in the photograph on the wall.

                                                                THE WEEKEND HUSBAND

Courtesy:  123RF.com

                                                                                       

                                                             P.Krishnamoorthy
                                                          

      

  Chaya was no exception to support the TGIF (Thank God it is Friday) slogan. As every American working-class looked to the weekend for a break before the next grind starts on Mondays, she was equally happy that was a Friday.  It was more than a break for Chaya, as she would be with her husband Riaz Sherif. She could be with him only on the weekends as Riaz was employed as a computer programmer in Boston, far from Chaya who worked as a paralegal assistant in Cleveland. Their efforts to settle down in one place proved futile since proper placements did not click in their favor. Her colleagues often made fun of her and labeled Riaz as her “weekend husband”. Their life of two-day togetherness was quite on an upbeat scale as it was charged with the absence of the other remaining days. It was a time of romantic renaissance when they dare not surface their differences on many issues to ensure the shorter period of togetherness had everything that they looked for.

During her college days, Chaya met Riaz. While Chaya belonged to a south Indian Hindu religious family, Riaz hailed from a traditional Muslim family from the Middle East. When they decided to become life partners after several datings, the question of the process of wedding certainly was a bone of contention between them. They finally resolved it to formalize their wedding in a Federal Bureau of Marriages, than solemnized on a religious basis. She would only wear a ring to mark their wedding. It was also understood and agreed by them that neither of them would impose their respective religious faith on the other and they would maintain their religious identities on an individual basis. In short, their living as a husband and wife on religious lines was more on a concept of ‘separately living together’. This was working out very well since they got married six months before. She also ensured that there was no confrontation or conflict on any issue with her ‘weekend husband’ during his short time stay.

Chaya and Riaz were very happy as the terms were strictly followed. Chaya was more concerned with one problem of not even informing their marriage to her father in India. Much as she wanted to inform him, she was reluctant to do so, as she was very sure that even a hint of her wedding with Riaz a Muslim would be the instant killer for her dad. Her father was a chronic heart patient and any effort on her part to reveal such disturbing news to him was nothing but a catastrophe written all over. As she lost her mother in her childhood, she grew as a father’s pet. Often her father used to call her on the telephone and never failed to discuss her marriage. She conveniently avoided any deep discussion on that subject with him on the premise that she needed some more time to even think about it. This was mainly due to his heart ailment. She knew that he will not take her wedding as a reality of time. She knew that he will not reconcile or compromise as he was a strong and staunch Hindu fundamentalist. She was just buying time through evasive responses. She also knew that she would not be able to hold that long. 

It was a Friday evening – TGIF – as she was expecting Riaz’s arrival. She was preparing her favorite dishes for dinner when she heard the door bell ringing.  She was sure that was Riaz and rushed to open the door. To her surprise she found a young Indian standing at the entrance. She was smart and handsome.  His eyes were powerful and radiating his inner energies. His dimpled cheeks added extra strength to his smartness. He did not wait to commence the conversation. As an extravert, he was a believer in initiating the conversations. He adjusted his voice to a perfect pitch with proper intonation and matched with perfect modulation, all to impress her with a lively conversation. Chaya ushered the young man into the living room.

“Hi! My name is Roshan. I am in Brownstone Apartments in Richmond Drive, three blocks from here. My parents are your dad’s neighbors in Bangalore. Your dad was trying to contact you over the phone several times today, but your phone was continuously busy. Through my dad, I have a message for you to be personally delivered to you. Your dad had just got back from the hospital after treatment for a mild heart attack and he is fine now". Even before he finished his words, she rushed to the telephone. She found him right as it was not properly placed on the set. As she placed the phone, there was an incoming call and that was Riaz on the line.

“I am very sorry I cannot make this weekend as scheduled as Sandra wants me to work on an important deadline project. I could not refuse her request. I am sure you will understand my predicament” As he finished his talk he was very eager to know Chaya’s reaction. She reacted with a mixture of disappointment and anger. Disappointment, as she would be missing him that weekend when she had made plans for him. Anger, as Sandra, Riaz’s boss, was holding him with her. Chaya’s concern was all about Sandra Lee who was single and beautiful in her thirties. Chaya’s thoughts assumed different dimensions that included Sandra enjoying her time with Riaz. Chaya felt that she had the first brush with trouble. With a note of despair, she quietly hung up.

Somehow there was a strange feeling within her revealing that Roshan’s visit was more a relieving factor to her. Certainly, Roshan’s presence helped her from an emotional outburst on that day’s disappointment. She was equally eager to know more details of her dad’s medical condition from Roshan. “Excuse me, Madam. It appears you are engrossed in some serious thoughts. It is better I meet you some other time.” Roshan’s interruption made her return to normal senses. She mobilized all her humility to offer an apology to him for her abrupt silence. Roshan began the conversation. “Madam. It was just a miracle that immediately your dad was rushed to the hospital on that day and they were able to save him from his critical condition”. “Roshan I just hate formalities.You can call me just Chaya”. As her eye contact continued, suddenly she felt a strange feeling presiding all over her. Her perception of the visitor was more towards some new turn in her. 

“Chaya! It is surprising as to how we had missed each other all these days though we are staying in the same neighborhood and our families also in Bangalore have been very close for a long time" "“Roshan! I was also thinking on the same lines.” Chaya’s cryptic response led to a long pause. Roshan was keen to continue the conversation. He was searching for some pretext to start again.  When he saw the unpacked cartons around, he said “Chaya! Have you moved in very recently to this apartment? I could see the unpacked cartons all over”. “Yes. Just a week before I moved in here. Before this, I was in another apartment in the same building I have been very busy since then and that is why the whole place is in a mess". “I am working as a computer programmer in Jayson Technologies here” Roshan impressed her with part of his CV. “I am working as a paralegal assistant with Taylor and Brawler, an immigration law firm downtown. “ Chaya’s response was more measured. “I am looking for an immigration law firm to file an adjustment of status to permanent residency. Do you think whether your firm could handle this?” Roshan thought he paved a way to be in frequent contact with her. Chaya’s reply was in the affirmative and said” Why not? You can give me a call and come over to my office with the papers”. Though Chaya’s response was very casual, it mattered a lot for Roshan as he would create a lot of opportunities to meet her frequently. They exchanged their business cards for future contacts and Roshan was all glee when he left Chaya’s place. 

Chaya’s disappointment with Riaz’s behavior did confuse her. Even at the time of his contract with his employers, Riaz was very particular in his terms that during weekends he would not be asked to work. But this was seldom strictly followed. Somehow Riaz also justified his stay in Boston during weekends under the pretext that Sandra was very particular in completing an important project.  So far she had already missed three weekends. He was told that he was the only capable person who could handle that intricate assignment with a deadline set. Chaya was well aware of the staff set up in his firm.  There were also others also available with the same specialized skills and expertise. Then why Riaz alone was picked up for this assignment?

Chaya could not ignore or neglect Sandra’s charming personality. She was tall, slender with lustrous blond hair, flawless skin, and striking facial features combined with a flamboyant style. With her bright eyes, she always mixed her warm smile and enormous charm to lure people. With Raza, it was quite easy for her as his boss and wield her official authority to achieve what she desired. Her doubt was more reinforced whenever Chaya questioned Riaz indirectly on her inherent fear of Sandra’s involvement with him, Riaz managed to convince her of Sandra’s assurance to upgrade him to a higher position with relative financial raise. Sandra had also confirmed to compensate with special financial gains for weekend work.  According to Chaya, these incentives were mere bait thrown by Sandra at Riaz.  She thought he had either in a state of complete denial to divulge the truth or he was professing ignorance for a more sinister reason.  Though she had immense faith and trust in Riaz as she had understood him well in all these years, she was also not prepared to rule out the cardinal principle of man’s weakness on such opportunities. According to her, the definition of morality after all is lack of opportunity. She felt a sharp pang of jealousy over Sandra. In short, Chaya’s mind was a chessboard where she was in a checkmate scenario with Sandra. Her king was at stake with Sandra’s move.

Roshan was jubilant at his first success to be in touch with Chaya. He never spared any stone unturned to keep that momentum. He called Chaya in her law firm many a time regarding his visa problem. During one such meeting, Roshan invited her for a lunch outside. Her instant acceptance was more a positive start in his wishful plans of wedded life with her. In the absence of Riaz, Chaya also felt a kind of relieving and relaxing mood whenever she was in Roshan’s company. Roshan was also inquisitive to know whether she had anybody in her mind before a possibility of his wishful thinking to become a reality. It was more than his own plan of a life with her, as their families also in India had already formally agreed on this proposal.   During the lunch meeting he wanted to divulge his intentions of proposing to her “With his chronic heart problem, your dad seems to be very anxious to have your marriage celebrated. This I came to know through my dad.” After making this feeler, Roshan made a pause for a reaction from Chaya. 

“Yes. My dad worries about everything in life. I have my own personal reasons for my inability to comply with his wishes. I prefer not to lock horns with him on this issue. I would convince him soon. I need at least a year before I settle down with a life partner. I have told him this many times and he still keeps harboring on this again and again.”  While she preferred to open-shut the conversation on her marriage, she still preferred to maintain the dialogue with Roshan to find out his inner intentions. Finally, she ended with her query as to any further details about her dad’s medical condition. “Well, I did not have much except he is now okay and crossed the critical situation. It appears he is more stressed and worried about you all the time”

She knew she was skating on a thin ice on this issue. A strange feeling of guilt passed through her. It was reprehensible to her and she could not see Roshan eye to eye when she made that statement. Certainly, she was inclined to talk any further as she had her own sense of shame knocking her on such a false statement. Obviously, she had to apply restraint to her reaction. She was exploring avenues to change that sensitive subject into something of a general nature. At that stage, she was not prepared to divulge her marriage with Riaz. She knew that would be carried to her father immediately through Roshan’s family. Roshan was also not inclined to pursue that any further at that time. He just looked at his watch and said “it is getting late. I will give a call tomorrow” With a parting note Roshan dropped her home.

It was a restless night for Chaya. The feeling of loneliness mercilessly haunted her and fueled her confused mind. Without Riaz, she hated even to think more such weekends in the future. She was questioning herself what she would do if this would happen frequently and Riaz continued to stay out with Sandra. The image of Roshan rushed into her mind. He is handsome and smart. He also belonged to her religion. On a comparison, she felt, the farther Riaz was, Roshan was closer to her. She was exasperated at her overpowering emotions. At one point, she was disgusted even at the very thought of such a move in her life. She was married to Riaz and she married him only after a long dating and total understanding between them. Riaz though belonged to a very different religion; he was gracious enough not to impose any of his religious faiths. She hated the very idea of betraying Riaz. However much she liked to erase the strange thoughts of her supposed involvement to Roshan, it was getting serious and stronger proportions.

If she had to decide to keep off from Roshan, she could do so only by divulging him of her marriage with Riaz. Now that Roshan was going to be in constant touch with her on some pretext or other, he would certainly ensure that such meetings are continued more frequently and kept them alive so that there would be an opportunity for him to come out with his offer of marriage. In such instances, if she behaves indifferently and precisely negates him, it would impel Roshan to feel defeated. The defeated Roshan would not be quiet and like to probe reasons for her refusal. If she concedes to him that she was married, it was a statement of the obvious that he would convey that message immediately to her father. That probably would be the last straw for her father's end.  Tossed between these feelings, she was confused about the future course of action she should resort to. 

Even with this mindset, Chaya found more solace towards Roshan. She felt very happy and comfortable in the company of Roshan;  as he was in constant contact with her with his overly personal concern. In one of these meetings, Roshan suddenly proposed – “Chaya! Why don’t we go for dinner tonight?” His instant request was a total surprise to her. It was also her birthday. Since morning she expected a call from Riaz to wish her. As there was no call from him she was more disappointed. and made her accept Roshan’s invitation for that night’s dinner.

The Blue Moon restaurant was on the waterfront of Cuyahoga River in Cleveland. When they reached the restaurant, it was seven in the evening. The restaurant was a hallmark of luxury. The very entrance doors were in rosewood with handcrafted designs. The interior lobby was in vibrant colors. When they were ushered by the lobby receptionist, Chaya was astounded by the lavish interior designs. Chaya could well visualize Rohan’s taste and lifestyle. When Chaya preferred to have champagne, Roshan immediately ordered the premium French brand that authenticated his taste for quality and not comprising anything less for premium brands. He preferred to have Scotch on the rocks. Roshan was keeping the time alive with good humor and subtle jokes, followed by discussions ranging from potatoes to politics. After dinner when the waiter brought the birthday cake, Chaya’s eyes reflected a big surprise. “Roshan! How do you know my birth date?” Chaya’s voice was filled with curiosity combined with happiness. . “When my dad spoke to me about you at the instance of your father, they were planning a marriage alliance between us. My dad told me your birth details for your age. That was how I knew your birthday”.Roshan happily divulged the secret. “Thanks a million for the nice evening.” After her cutting the cake, Roshan chanted ‘Happy Birthday’.  Chaya could perceive how much Roshan was personally involved and sincere in greeting her on her birthday with such lavish hospitality.

Chaya now understood Roshan’s plans behind his offers. She could feel Roshan’s plan was more of his parental desire combined with his own. She also sensed a kind of conspiracy hatched by her father to make her settle in married life.  This led her into more confusion. Though Roshan wished a favorable response from her, he was cautious that he had not driven or compelled her for an instant favorable reply. He even wished that it would be better late for a positive answer than an instant negative one.  He wanted to ensure that she was not embarrassed in any way, particularly when she was the beneficiary of his favor of a fabulously entertaining evening on her birthday. “It was very late now. Let me call you in the morning. Have sweet dreams” Roshan escorted her to his car and dropped in her apartment.

When Chaya returned home, she called Riaz to check on the reason for his not even wishing her on her birthday. As there was no response in his home telephone number, she called him at the office. To her surprise, Sandra; picked up the call.  Chaya could hear the happy giggling all over there. “Sandra here!.”. Chaya could well visualize what was going on there. “Could I speak to Riaz please?” Chaya was meaning to be polite to Sandra, but it turned out to be otherwise. Finally, Riaz came on the line. “Chaya, my apologies to you. I was meaning to call and wish you; but it was such a hectic busy day, I could not call you. You will be surprised I have not wished even Sandra here as it was her birthday.too. Only in the late evening, we decided to go out for a dinner and we are just back now to finish the job and that is how I am in office now” 

What a strange coincidence? Their birthdays are on the same date. Chaya did not relish that and labeled it as the most unfortunate coincidence. The night was slightly cool with a gentle breeze outside. Chaya could not sleep for a while. She was more analyzing the incidents of the day with the people involved. It was indeed difficult for her to make a decision about her future life. She had all respect and regard for Roshan. An excellent young man with decency and dignity personified in his every move. A patron of high style and luxury. On the other, Riaz was benign, honest, and sincere. She cannot just erase the memorable memories of her earlier time with Riaz. She thought he had become a victim of circumstances through Sandra and not on his own. She was ready to forgive him. But she was not sure whether Sandra’s involvement was serious with Riaz.  

Riaz was equally perturbed with the indifference of Chaya. Her abrupt ending of their conversations somehow left an indelible impression that she preferred to keep him away. It was true that he had to spend more time with Sandra in office solely on official assignments that would be responsible for Riaz’s future career in the firm. Maybe Sandra would also like to utilize such opportunities to have access to personal passionate favors. Though Riaz also expected any such move by Sandra any time, he was happy that there was none so far in that direction. He regretted his situation where he could not spend his time with Chaya even on the weekends. To begin with he accepted that assignment especially on his career opportunities. He never expected to prolong that for a long period including the weekends. As he was halfway through the assignment, he could not leave in the middle. He easily visualized Chaya’s mindset on her birthday night when she had the unfortunate opportunity to hear Sandra’s giggling in his company. He also understood the havoc caused by his serious lapse of not wishing Chaya on her birthday until she called him. He finally preferred to leave the situation to take its own course and face any probable penalties thereon. But he was totally in the dark with Roshan’s entry into Chaya’s life.

Sandra was the happiest person with Riaz as he was all devoted and dedicated to the special project assignment for that she was responsible for the firm. If the project was to be approved by the multi-national European Corporation for implementation in their operation, her firm would reflect as the best performer in the industry and consequent financial gains in the year. This means Sandra’s chances of getting into the Board were more certain. Only to achieve this goal, Sandra preferred to be with Riaz to provide moral support and technical assistance. She had no intention of developing any kind of passionate relationship with Riaz, except that being too close with him would be a personal pep to get the best of Riaz for the assignment. She also had an inherent fear that if Riaz was allowed to visit his wife during weekends,  there would be a delay in the completion of the project. Also, for some reason, if he was unable to turn up on Mondays, she had to face the consequences for the delay from the Board.  She was well aware and recognized the feelings of Chaya on her loneliness and regretted keeping her ‘weekend’ husband away from her. But she could hardly do anything to help her when her stake of becoming a Director in the Board was hanging in the balance depending on the success of the project. 

This was a Monday morning following the birthday weekend when Sandra entered her office. Riaz was already in his seat working on the assignment. He did not feel her presence by his side until Sandra herself wished him with the morning greetings. Sandra could see an aura of disappointment in him. She inferred that her ‘giggling’ on the birthday night could have sent wrong signals to Chaya of her behavior with Riaz and consequent confrontation between them could be the reason for his depressed feelings. “Riaz! How is that going? Have you finished the second phase? Sandra’s voice echoed concern “Yes. But I am unable to concentrate on the third phase for my personal reasons. Still, I hope to finish it before the end of the day.” Riaz’s response was well-calibrated. His tone was too formal and Sandra could understand his feelings. 

Riaz’s mind was a boiling pot with Yester night’s incidents playing a heavy role... He was breaking his head as to how to convince Chaya that Sandra’s giggling in his company was just an incident without anything meant either by him or Sandra.  The only possible way he thought was to personally convince her by a visit to Cleveland. That was not possible with the assignment on hand as Sandra would not allow him to leave Boston as he was the only person who knew the “nuts and bolts” of the project. Leaving the situation as it had happened would certainly intensify the animosity of Chaya.  Finally, he decided to call Chaya and explain what he had in his mind. He knew it was not going to be that simple as he thought.  Yet he felt he should make at least an attempt. He could console himself on his reminiscing about the pleasant weekends he had with Chaya that gave him ephemeral delight.

“Chaya! How are you today?” Riaz was not daring to proceed straight to the point on which he wanted to clarify.  “I am much better today” Chaya’s instant but cryptic response was an open-shut one.  Riaz thought to strike the iron when it was hot without much loss of time. “Chaya, I know how you feel about yesterday’s night incident. It was a very unfortunate coincidence of circumstances. When you called, we were just cracking jokes and that was how you heard Sandra’s giggle. As we had to complete the project, after the simple birthday dinner, we came back to the office and continued working on our assignment. I do deeply apologize for not having wished you on your birthday. Believe me, it was not intentional. It was more a slip up due to hectic work schedule. I feel like flying to Cleveland and explain the scenario in person to convince you. Unfortunately, I am unable to move out from this place till the completion of the assignment. This is not an excuse. This is my predicament” Riaz felt relieved with his confession as he gave her a verbal shape of his feelings. Chaya was just a listener to the whole conversation. She did not like to react either way as she was not still convinced by his explanation. There could never be a second chance for a first impression. The entire episode made an inedible impression in her mind. “Riaz! Thanks for giving me your explanation. Let me have the option to think it over. Leave me alone now.” She closed the conversation. 

Chaya was quite early in her office on that day as she had to finish some paperwork for a client and also to be in the INS office concerning an immigration case. There was none in the office when she came in. To her surprise, there was a phone call. When she picked up, it was an international call from her dad. “Chaya! Your father here. How are you?” She felt happy hearing her dad’s voice for the first time after his recent return from the hospital.   “Dad I am fine. How is your health now? I am so happy to hear your normal voice. I am sure you are regular with your medication.” “Chaya I am fine. As I had been telling you all the time, I live only for you. Did Roshan call on you? What do you feel about him? He is from a very good family known to us well here. Do you like him?”

“Dad! Roshan called on me and conveyed the news of your heart attack, hospitalization, and later return. I am lucky you survived the critical condition. Roshan is a nice person. With good manners and a smart personality. About my liking, dad, as I had been repeatedly telling you, I need at least one more year to think about my marriage. Please don’t make any commitment to his or any other family on this issue. For the present, leave me alone and I shall come back to you very soon on this. How is the weather there?” Chaya wanted to change the topic. “Roshan seems to be very happy with you. His father informed me of this. I am sure I could get some positive response from you soon. I am old now. I don’t think I will survive in another heart attack" She could sense her dad's half-hearted response.

The sentimental note played by her dad had a very strong impact on her. It was a difficult task for her to take a decision on her two choices. The first to continue to live with Riaz after a convincing personal explanation from him that it was a purely official assignment relationship with Sandra and nothing beyond. A decisive declaration that Riaz’s assignment in Boston would be finished very shortly. If for any reason Riaz is unable to comply with her terms, they would be legally separated and Roshan to become her new life partner. With this, she knew she would be making her father very happy.  But she also seriously thought whether Roshan would be prepared to marry her when he comes to know she was already married and she concealed it all along. Exasperated at the emotional mixed feelings, she was trying to control herself. She felt she had been trapped by people – Riaz, Sandra, Roshan, and her dad.  Now she had to spill her beans on whatever she would like to decide and not evasive any more.  There was no news from Riaz also about his coming at least that weekend to convince her. Roshan’s repeated demand for an instant response from her for his offer, also frequently continued. She was tossing herself in bed without finding a solution to her predicament.

Chaya’s wishful waiting for Riaz’s arrival till noon was more a futile effort. There was not even a telephone call from him. She was also not inclined to call him as she thought it was for Riaz to mend the fences with her. After her lunch in the downtown restaurant, as she was driving into her building, she saw Roshan driving out from it. She inferred he must have visited her apartment and returning when he found it was locked. As Roshan was driving very fast in frustrated mood, she was wondering as to what would be the reason for it. When she entered her apartment to her surprise, she found it was already opened. When she pressed the calling bell, she found Riaz opening the door. Whatever the differences she had with him, his sudden visit without any prior notice, was more a pleasant surprise to her. She felt happy to see him. “Hi, Chaya! How are you?” Riaz was absolutely normal as he used to be, and in no way he was different from her.  She could see the same old Riaz with his radiating and vibrant powerful romantic eyes. Obviously, this proved that Sandra’s relationship was only official and had not done any damage as she imagined. “Chaya my profound apologies to you for whatever happened.” 

Chaya’s inhibitions and apprehensions suddenly vanished at Riaz’s personal presence. She was able to come out very clear of her confused mind. All along the physical absence of Riaz and the continued presence of Roshan were the main reasons for her turbulent feelings. “Chaya. before you came, there was a visitor for you by the name of Roshan. He asked me as to how I am and how I am related to you. I just laughed and said I am your husband. I don’t know why his face became suddenly sullen and sad, and just left the place abruptly” Chaya was in a way happy since what she wanted to convey to Roshan all along was so casually done by Riaz. ”Chaya. I have one good news and one bad news to you”. She was very anxious to know both. “There was a call from your father in Bangalore. When he enquired me as to who I am, I told him that I am your husband”. Chaya was instantly flooded with fear of the news of another heart attack to her father. “Riaz! What did he say to you?” Chaya was very instant in interrogating him. “Sorry, Chaya. I had a follow-up call also  and somebody informed me that your dad had a heart attack and now he is in a coma stage.  The good news is that I have finished my assignment with Sandra in Boston. I also got a very attractive job offer in Cleveland itself. This means I am no more a WEEKEND HUSBAND  but a full-time husband.

Courtesy:  shutterstock

கொடூரத்தின் கொண்டாட்டம்

- பி. கிருஷ்ணமூர்த்தி

சென்ற வருட முடிவில் புதிதாக உருவான கொடிய ‘கரோனா’ என்ற தொற்று  நோய் சீன நாட்டில்  ஆரம்பித்து, உலக நாடுகளை உலக்கி வைத்து, மனித சமுதாயத்திற்கே ஓரு பெரும் சவாலாக இருந்து வருகிறது. அது வேகமாக பரவி உலக மக்களின் அன்றாட வாழ்க்கையையும் பொருளாதாரத்தையும் சீர்குலையை வைத்திருக்கிறது. இளம் வயதினரும், முதியவர்களும் ‘கரோனா’ தாக்கத்தால்,  அதை எதிர்த்து போராட முடியாமல்  தங்கள் மரணத்தை எதிர் கொண்டு வருகின்றனர்.. ‘கரோனவை’ மனித உடலில் எதிர்க்கும் சரியான _ மருந்தும் இன்னும் கண்டுபிடிக்காத வரை அதன் ஆட்டம் எல்லா நாடுகளிலும் தொடர்ந்து வரும். ‘கரோனா’ மேலும் பரவாமல் இருக்க, அமெரிக்காவும, மற்ற நாட்டின் அரசாங்ககளும், தற்காப்பு விதிகளாக, மக்களை வெளியே செல்லாமல், அலுவக வேலைகளையும் வீட்டிலிருந்து பார்கவும், கல்வி நிறுவனங்களும் திரையருங்களையும் காலவரையின்று மூடியும், ஊரடங்கு சட்டத்தையும் உத்திரவுகளக  பிறப்பித்திருக்கின்றன. மேலும் சமூக தொலைவு, தனிமை படுத்துதல், முகமூடி அணிதல்  இவைகளை அரசாங்கம் கட்டாயப்படுத்தி மக்களை அதன் கொடூர பிடியிலிருந்து தப்பிக்க வைக்க முயற்ச்சி செய்து வருகிறது. 

இந்திய தமிழ் நாட்டின் வல்லுனர்களும், மேடை பேச்சாளர்களும், ஊரடங்கு உத்திரவினால் உண்டாகும் நன்மைகளை பட்டியல் போட்டு மக்களின் மன பண்பாடுகள் சுயநல எண்ணங்களிலிருந்து திருந்தி வாழ வழி செய்யும் என கனவு காண்கிறார்கள். ஆனால் எதிர் காலத்தில் அதற்கு என்ன விலை பொருளாரத்தில் கொடுக்க போகிறோம் என்று சிந்திக்க வேண்டும்.  இதற்கு காலம் தான் முடிவு செய்யும்.  

 

அமெரிக்காவின் டெக்ஸாஸ் மாகாணத்தில் உள்ள எல்பாசோ நகரமும் இந்த கரோனா – கோவட்-19 – வேட்டையில் சிக்கிய ஒன்றாகும். ஆக்கிரமித்த ஒரு வாரத்திலேயே பல உயிர்களை பலி வாங்கிய ‘கோவட்-19’, ‘எல்பாஸோவை’ சுற்றி மற்ற பல ஊர்களுக்கும் பரவி  உயிர் சேதங்களை நிகழ்த்தி மக்களின் பயத்திற்கு காரணமாயின. 

இப்படி சோகமே உருவான நிலையில் கூட, பள்ளிகள் மூடப்பட்ட  சூழ்நிலையை மிகவும் மகிழ்ச்சியாக தினமும் கொண்டாடிய  மைக்கேல் என்ற ஒன்பது வயது சிறுவனுக்கு, எந்தவித உலக பாதிப்பையும் உணராமல், வீட்டில் வீடியோ விளைட்டுக்களை வைத்து பொழுதை போக்கிக் கொண்டிருந்தான். அவன்  தந்தை அலெக்ஸ, ஒரு இரும்பு பட்டறையிலும், தாய் எமிலி அரசாங்க மருத்துவ மனையில் செவிலியராக வேலை பார்த்து வந்தனர். மைக்கேலுக்கு இந்த வாழ்க்கை மிகவும் பிடிந்திருந்தது. பள்ளி நாட்கள் போல் இல்லாமல், மிகவும் தாமதமாக காலையில் படுக்கையிலிருந்து எழுந்திருப்பான். அதற்குள் அலெக்ஸும். எமிலியும் வேலைக்கு சென்று விடுவார்கள். அவனுக்கு நாள் முழுவதும் தேவையானதை அவனே கவனித்து கொள்வான். எமிலி, அவனுக்கு   சாப்பாடு செய்து வைத்த பிறகுதான் வேலைக்கு செல்வாள். ‘கோடிவிட்-19’ வந்த பிறகு, மருத்துவ மனையில் வேலை அதிகமாக இருப்பதால் ஒரு நாள் விட்டு ஒரு நாள் தான்  அவளால் வீட்டிற்கு வர முடிந்தது. பெற்றோர்கள் எவ்வளவு கஷ்ட்டப் பட்டாலும், மைக்கேலின் பள்ளி தொந்தரவு இல்லாத  வாழ்க்கையும் வீடியோ விளையாட்டும் அவனுக்கு பிடித்திருந்தது. பல விதமான விளைட்டுகளை வீடியோவில் விடாமல் ஆடி சலித்து விட்டால்  தன் நண்பர்களுடன் தொலைபேசியில் மணிக் கணக்கில் பேசிக் கொண்டிருப்பான். எமிலியோ அவனை மருத்துவ மனையிருந்து தொலை பேசியில் அடிகடி கண்காணிப்பாள். 

இப்படிபட்ட கவலையில்லா மைக்கேலிடம், ஒரே ஒரு குறைதான்  அவனை மிகவும் வாட்டியது.  விதவிதமான வீடியோ விளைட்டுகள் அவனிடம்  இருந்தும், மிகவும் சிறுவர்களுக்கு பிடித்த “கான்டிக்ஸோ ரோபோ” என்ற வீடியோ விளையாட்டு மாத்திரம் அவனிடம் இல்லாதது அவனுக்கு பெரும் அவமானமாக இருந்தது.  அவன் நண்பர்களும் அவனிடம் அது மிகவும் சிறந்த பொழுதுபோக்கு விளையாட்டு என்றும், அது அவனிடம் இல்லாததை சொல்லி கேலி செய்தனர். அதன் முக்கிய அம்சங்களாக, மேம்பட்ட தொழில்நுட்பத்தில் உருவாக்கபட்ட சிறுவர்களுக்கான சிறந்த பொழுது போக்கு அனுபவம். இதை வாங்கி தரும்படி பல முறை மைக்கேல்  அவன் பெற்றோரிடம்  கேட்டும், அவர்கள் வேலையினால் நேரம் கிடைக்காமல் வாங்கி தராமல்  இருந்தனர் இதனால் மைக்கேலின் மன நிலையில் பெரும் ஏமாற்றமே இருந்தது  

ஜான்சன் வின்சென்ட் என்ற மைக்கேல் வயதுடைய சிறுவனை, ‘கோவிட்-19’ அறிகுறிகளின் வியாதியால், அவசர சிகிச்சைக்கு எமிலி வேலை பார்க்கும் மருத்துவ மனைக்கு கொண்டு வந்தனர். சிகிச்சை பிரிவில் எமிலிதான் அவனை கவனித்துக் கொண்டாள்.  மருத்துவர்கள் வின்சென்டின் பரிசோதனையில் மிகவும்  காய்ச்சல், இடைவிடா இருமல், மூச்சு திணரல் இருப்பதால் தீவிர சிகிச்சை பிரிவுக்கு மாற்றினர்.  அங்கு பல மணி நேர சிகிச்சைக்கு பிறகும், மருத்துவர்களால் வின்சென்டை காப்பாற்ற முடியாமல் உயிரிழந்தான்.  அவனை பெற்ற தாய், மேரியை கூட  அவன் ‘கோவிட்-19’ நோயினால் இறந்ததால், அவனை பார்க்க அனுமதிக்கவில்லை. அவன் மற்ற சிறுவர்களுடன் விளையாடியதால் ‘கோவிட்-19’ வியாதி பரவியிருக்கும்  என்பது மேரியின் அனுமானம். மகனை பறி கொடுத்த மேரியின் சோக முகத்தை பார்த்து எமிலி கண் கலங்கினாள்.

சோகமான முகத்துடன் வீடு திரும்பிய எமலி, மைக்கேல் வாசலில் அவளுக்காக காத்திருப்பதை புரிந்து கொண்டாள். வழக்கம்போல் மைக்கேல் தனக்கு வேண்டியதை கேட்டான். இன்னும் இரண்டு நாட்களில் வாங்கி தருவதாக பதில் கிடைத்ததும், இருவரிடையே சமரச உடன்பாடு ஏற்பட்டு அன்றய இரவை கழித்தனர். 

மறுநாள் காலை மருத்துவ மனைக்கு .சீக்கிரமாக வந்துவிட்ட எமிலி, வழக்கம்போல், தீவிர சிகிச்சை அறையை சுற்றி பார்தபொழுது,  அங்கு  வின்சென்ட் விட்டு .சென்ற பொருட்களில், மைக்கேல் கேட்டிருந்தபடி ரோபட் வீடியோ விளையாட்டு குப்பையில் கிடப்பதை பார்த்து, அதை மைக்கேலுக்காக எடுத்து வைத்து கொண்டாள்.  

வேலை முடிந்து ரோபட் வீடியோவுடன் வீடு திரும்பிய எமிலி, வாசலில் தனக்காக காத்திருந்த மைக்கேலிடம், தான் கொண்டு வந்த ரோபட்டை கொடுத்தாள். மைக்கேலின் முகத்தில் அவ்வளவு மகிழ்ச்சியின் பிரதிபலிப்பு. பெற்றவளுக்கு ஒரு நன்றி சொல்லிவிட்டு ரோபட்டுடன் தன் அறைக்கு ஒடினான். அதனுடன் வெகு நேரம் விளையாடி விட்டு பிறகுதான் மைக்கேல் தூங்க சென்றான். 

   

மறுநாள் காலை வழக்கம்போல் எமிலி தன் வேலைக்கு செல்ல புறப்பட்டாள். மைக்கேலின் அறையிலிருந்து மிகவும் பலமாக இடைவிடாமல் இருமல் சத்தம் கேட்க, எமிலி அவன் அறையை எட்டிப் பார்த்தாள். மைக்கேல் ஜுரத்தினால் மூச்சு விட முடியாமல் திணறிக் கொண்டிருந்தான். அவனது . அறிகுறிகள் கோவிட்-19’யை ஒத்து இருப்பதால், எமிலி உடனே அவனை மருத்துவமனைக்கு கொண்டு சென்றாள். அங்கு டாக்டர்கள் பல மணி நேரம் தீவிர  சிகிச்சை செய்து மைக்கேலின் உயிரை காப்பாற்றினார்க்ள். மைக்கேலுக்கு இந்த கோவிட்-19 எப்படி வந்தது என்பதை தெரிந்து கொள்ள டாக்டர்கள் ஆவலுடன் இருக்க, எமிலி, வின்செட் விட்டு சென்ற ரோபட் வீடியோவை தான் எடுத்து மைக்கேலிடம் கொடுத்ததை கூறியபோது டாக்டர்கள் அதிலிருந்த ‘கோவட்-19’ கிருமிகள் மைக்கேலிடம்  பரவியதால்,அவனிடம்  வந்தது. இந்த கிருமிகள் மானிட உடல் மட்டு மல்லாமல், உயிர் இல்லா பொருட்களின் மூலமும் பரவும் என்பதற்கு இது ஒரு சான்று என்றனர். மேலும் மைக்கேலின் உடலில் நோய் எதிர்க்கும் சக்தி அதிகமாக இருந்ததால்  அவனால் உயிர் பிழைக்க முடிந்தது. வின்சென்ட்டின் ரோபட்டை தான் எடுத்து வந்து, மைக்கேலிடம் கொடுத்த குற்ற உணர்ச்சியை நினைத்து எமிலி மிகவும் வருந்தினாள். அங்கு நிலவிய நிசப்தத்தில் துல்யமான ஒரு குரலில் “என் ரோபட்டுக்கு என்னஆயிற்று” என ,அதுவரை கண் திறவா மைக்கேல் கேட்டபோது, எமிலிக்கு உயிர் வந்தது.  மைக்கேலை காப்பாற்றிய ஆண்டவனுக்கு நன்றி கூறும் வகையில் பிரார்தனை செய்தாள்.