(Recap – In the last episode, I mentioned, after handing over possession of the property. old couple left for their new destination at Delhi. On my one of intermittent visits of the property, inside the almirah of a room, I chanced to discover an old timed photo duly framed with glass.)
As I told earlier, at the time of departure, the old couple had given me some names, addresses and phone numbers of their local relatives in the city. I tried to make contact on those numbers. One of them, on my persistent request, obliged me and gave me their new address and phone number of the Delhi.To be true, I had not disclosed to that relative that I was in possession of an old photo of the old couple’s family.
To Delhi
In next coming three months, I couldn’t spare the time to visit Delhi because of my being engaged into my preoccupations. Al though despite the delay, I managed to reach at Delhi. I decided to make night halt in a hotel. Next morning, I contacted them on phone and expressed my wish to see them. I didn’t disclose the purpose of of my visit. Merely I said “nothing to worry.” Behind this meeting, I intended to give them a surprise gift of the photo.
Might they already be in possession of a similar type of the photograph. But, I had been here on the call of my inner heart’s voice. By searching the address of the couple, I appeared at their new destination. On purpose, I had been there on the week end. The concealed intention behind was, “the son for whom, they decided to dispose off their house and helped buy him a new flat, whether they were happy there or not!”
The family welcomed me
To my surprise, the entire family, including son and daughter in law, all I found waiting for me earnestly. By looking at the old couple, one thing was obvious, they were being cared and looked after properly by the son and daughter in law. No doubt, an expression of anxiety rested upon the face of the old couple, ” whether there had not arose some issue regard the title of the property.” In fact, they too queried about that. I mollified them and made them at ease.
They served me tea and snacks and on coming at ease, I opened my briefcase, recovered the wrapped packet and handed them over, “I think Sir, this belongs to you. Please take the safe custody of your asset.I think, the ” exact place” of this valuable item is in your house only.” They were looking excitingly at me. I unwrapped the packet and gave them the framed photograph.
A surprise
Both they, at once sprung to their feet and exclaimed, Oh god! We got tired in searching this photograph everywhere on various times amid our belongings. Finally, helplessly we consoled ourselves by presuming, the truck which brought our goods here, had lost it somewhere on its way.” Their eyes welled with tears in emotion, old lady was wiping her tears.
Both they controlled themselves and old man said in trembled emotional voice, ” You have obliged us greatly son! Though we both are at the verge of our last life span, but every one recalls fondly the departed soul of their parents. No matter, how older he grew up. Daily, when we used to pray to our god at our prayer place in the house, we ever happened to miss this photograph” The photo frame, old man tightly held close to his chest.
A relief
When they uttered these words, a deep surge of serene felicity, I felt running through to my whole being. I enjoyed that felicity. For me, my long jou rney from home town to this place was like a big achievement. Then hesitatingly queried, “Have you got demolished the old house?” I nodded my head in simple “No” and said, ” still, every thing is in the same position as you left on the day of the departure. Yes, my wife wishes, e should raze down the old roof and new reinforced concrete cemented roof be laid upon. On that , she plans to erect a new floor.”
“That’s a novice and good idea.”” old man said staidly, then asked, ” when you are going to commence your renovation?” I replied musingly, ” my some good payment is stopped in a deal. No sooner, I collect that, I will initiate the plan.” Now old couple looked at one another with a meaningful intent and demurely entreated, ” Son ! If you grant us the permission, can we visit our old house before you initiate the reconstruction?” An anxious desire I found afloat in their eyes. An entreaty of helpless old couple, this made melt my heart down to the core.
Invitation to visit the old house
Moved deeply by their expression, I said, ” to me, that house still belongs to you Sir. Whenever you find it convenient, you can make a visit Sir. i am giving you my phone number. Kindly, intimate me in advance. And yes! Sometimes, I may not be able to receive the phone call, don’t misconceive that I am reluctant to receive you sir. Ring me again and again, until contact is made. I assure you, until and unless you make a visit to the place, I won’t commence any demolition or reconstruction. I promise you Sir.”
The old fragile age of the human being, is the stage of life when every man at once reaches to the acme of sentimentality. The same occurred with the old couple. The tears began to roll down from their eyes. This made every one present their emotional inclusive of son and daughter in law. The old couple and their son, didn’t lat me leave the place without taking of lunch. When I took my leave and said good buy, once again I insisted to make a visit to the old house. ( Cont’d ) … Penned by — Vinay Pharasi …..
