A Bend in the River of Life (20 page)

Finally, after a week of Vish's surprise disappearance at his wife's fiery appearance, he came out of his hideout, resigned his job and returned to his hometown Mangalore with his wife. However, that episode left Iris in virtual trauma. She became depressed. Even after the threat and embarrassment was over and she went back to her lodge, Keka told her to come and stay with them on weekends or whenever she would feel lonely. Obviously, the incident created a bond between Keka and Iris.

Repelling the fear of Rana that his new bride might be lonely and uncomfortable in a new place far away from her parents, they settled down comfortably in Bombay in a relatively short period of time. The Arabian Sea is all pervasive in Bombay. As such, there are some lovely beaches in greater Bombay. The metropolis is also not very far from the Western Ghats Mountain Range extending from the north to the south of the southern cone of India along the west coast.
Consequently, there were a number of weekend hideaways on the beaches and on the mountains within a couple of hours of drive or train ride from Bombay.

Rana took advantage of those opportunities to make sure that his vivacious bride felt neither lonely nor bored. One of the most memorable short hops was Puna about a hundred and twenty miles Southeast of Bombay on the Western Ghats Mountain Range. Originally, Puna was a lovely cantonment town or an army barrack, situated on the southern plateau of India about two thousand feet above the sea level. Later, the outskirts of Puna became an important industrial hub. The journey took place by a special train named, “Deccan Queen.”

By then, Deccan Queen already had more than half a century of history, serving the Bombay-Puna route of the Western Railways. Through the centuries business, cultural and emotional ties between these two cities had been very special. There were many who would love to live in the sylvan surroundings of Puna on the mountains but whose work would take them daily to the din and bustle of Bombay, the commercial capital of India. Deccan Queen was specifically dedicated to these commuters. It was a three-hour train journey, leaving Puna station at seven in the morning and reaching the Victoria station in Bombay at ten. The return journey commenced from the Victoria station at five in the evening, reaching Puna at eight. There was only one scheduled stop between Bombay and Puna.

They took advantage of a long weekend in early July. Since this trip took place not long after their honeymoon, the taste of honeymoon was still fresh in their minds. Monsoon was in full swing. During three months of monsoon the Rainfall used to be about 80" inches in greater Bombay and the adjoining areas of the Western Ghats Mountain Range, known as Malabar region. Though Puna was on the eastern slopes or in the rain-shadow area, the rainfall still used to be about 40" inches. The literary works of the great Indian poet Kalidasa described the scenic beauty of the Malabar Mountains
during the monsoon as romantic and enchanting.

Rana reserved a first class coupe for two so that they could enjoy the unparalleled splendor of the Malabar Mountains in rain glued to each other without any interruptions by the ogling eyes of the curious onlookers. As the beautiful Deccan Queen approached the foothills and the mountains were visible in the distance, distinct change appeared in the surroundings. The landscape became pronounced lush green and the topography pleasingly uneven. Nature was unfolding its astonishing beauty under the steady rain drops of the Malabar Monsoon. In a little while the Deccan Queen began its ascent on the mountains from the west to the east to position itself in the middle of the range. Little later, when the train reached sufficient heights, it began running from the north to the south, keeping the peaks of the mountains to the west or to the right side of the train. Shortly, Keka became excited seeing one large waterfall and then another and then many in a series. She snuggled up to Rana. A rainbow appeared on the western horizon behind the cliffs of the Malabar Mountains.

Watching the rainbow Rana asked, “Keka, have you seen that rainbow?”

Keka responded, “It looks so beautiful over the mountains! I have never seen anything like this in my life!”

Rana said, “There is a reason why the rainbow appeared now.”

Keka asked, “What's the reason?”

Rana responded, “There would be some remission of the steady rainfall soon.”

Keka thought Rana was trying to pull her legs. She asked, “How do you know?”

Rana answered, “Because God promised it to Noah.”

No sooner did Rana say that than the Deccan Queen made its entry into a large Junction called Khandala for its only scheduled stop for ten minutes.

As if to give respite to the passengers from the monotonous rain
and an opportunity to stretch a little, the sun peeked through the clouds. Rain stopped as Rana predicted. Keka looked at Rana and smiled.

Rana asked, “Why are you smiling, Keka? Have I made a fool of myself unwittingly?”

Keka said, “Every time you predict something it happens. See the rain stopped.”

Rana said, “Rain did not stop because I said so, but because God promised it to Noah as soon as he and his family came out of the ark after the flood waters of the Great Flood receded. Seeing the destruction caused by the flood, God was remorseful for bringing in the flood. In that repentant state of mind He made a covenant with Noah never again to orchestrate relentless torrential rain, causing a devastating flood to destroy the earth and wipe out all living creatures. As a trigger mechanism, God set the rainbow in the cloud so that every time dark rain clouds gather in the horizon and threaten to inundate the earth with pouring rain, the rainbow would appear on the clouds to remind God of His everlasting covenant with Noah and He would cause the rain to cease. So the rain stopped because of God's everlasting covenant with Noah not because I predicted.”

Keka said, “I do not remember anything about the rainbow, though I read about Noah's ark.”

Rana said, “Now you not only know about rainbow, you are an authority. You can write a book about it.”

Keka said, “No, I am not an authority. You are joking about it now. But see, how lucky I am! Even during my trips I do not cease to learn something new. Thank you so much.”

Rana said, “Don't thank me; thank God for that.”

Like many fellow passengers they also stepped out on the platform to breathe fresh and cool air and enjoy the beauty of the mountains soaked in rain, looking gorgeous, enchanting and romantic. From the platform they also had a full view of the majestic Deccan Queen painted in glossy dark green with double red stripes at the top from end to end. However, they had to step back into their coupe because
keeping the strict railway time dinner was served. In a minute, the train whistled to resume its soulful journey through the mountains, under the tunnels and over the bridges. The chicken dinner was delicious to match the mood of the nature outside.

The sun disappeared behind the clouds once again and the raindrops gathered momentum. In a few seconds it became apparent that the train was climbing the steeper slopes. It was also discernible that the scenic beauty of the mountains that they had left behind minutes earlier was just the precursor. The mountains now began unraveling their true treasure trove. Literally hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the steep slopes from a height of about 4000 ft. created an aura of dreamland. One could look at that lavish outpouring of nature's beauty in an enraptured mind for hours together.

Keka again crept up to Rana and placing her head cozily on his shoulder began counting the cascading streams of water. But soon it felt like counting stars. There were so many in a row that counting lost its track. The emotional state of the nature made Keka emotional too. Wrapped up by Rana's loving arm and enamoured by the nature's unmatched beauty she began pouring out her heart. She said, “I have always had a good life. I always got whatever I wanted, but now I am happier than before. My parents and grandparent are simple, good people. But they are so deeply involved in their law practice that they never seek greater pleasure than commuting between Calcutta and Burdwan by car on holidays. They don't have a romantic mind like you to travel to exotic places. I have got more than I have ever wanted.”

Rana was happy and embarrassed at the same time to hear that favorable comparison with her family from his beloved wife. He said modestly, “Keka, my sweet love, who would not be delighted to hear those encouraging words from one's own wife? I have no vocabulary to express how much I love you. I can only promise that I will keep striving to make you even happier.”

At that moment the state of their minds was such that love was
gushing out of every pore of their body and soul and words could hardly find the flights of fancy to express their soaring thoughts. Not much was said thereafter. Their unstinted love for each other began overflowing in the shape of tears from their eyes like the beads of pearls.

And that is the nature of love. In the core of the loving souls silence takes the center stage as the loudest expression of feelings.

It was not long before they got startled by the glare of lights. Rana realized that the train just entered the Puna station. This trip to Puna was short, but full of life, love and vivacity. However, more than any sightseeing in Puna the train journey through the mountain rains was the most enjoyable part of the trip. There were many other short trips that they enjoyed while living in Bombay. But this one they counted as the second honeymoon of their marriage and would forever remain etched out in the colorful gallery of their memory.

Keka and Rana were happy and contented. Bombay treated them well. Rana's good work brought him nothing but accolade from his CEO as well as the rank and file. Keka too kept herself busy at home and in her volunteer work. She found immense pleasure as the homemaker for the first time in her life. Meanwhile, time was galloping unnoticed. They just celebrated the first anniversary of their wedding. One year just passed by like the flash of a lightning. But they had promises to keep. Before their departure from Calcutta, Rana had promised to Rajani that soon after settling down in the new job, they would take her on a visit to Bombay. There was not much time left before the sun would set on her life. So they hurried up. Rana arranged for a short vacation and advised Rajani that they were on their way to Calcutta to bring her back to Bombay. She was looking forward to the day when she would be able to see the household of the gem of her eyes.

Rajani was excited to hear that Rana would be arriving after twelve months. That was the longest period ever that he was away from her
eyes. As a natural descent, he was her grandson, but from the emotional standpoint he could also be considered as her youngest son. When his parents were quarreling childishly over their ego, she was the one who protected Rana, loved him, nurtured him and cared for him like a parent. Never before was he away from her eyes for more than a few weeks. So Rajani's anxiety for Rana reached an unprecedented level.

Rana's insatiable desire to give a pleasant surprise to his grandma did not abate even after his marriage. He told her that they would be arriving by the evening flight whereas he bought their tickets for the afternoon flight. But that did not matter to her. As always she argued to herself that they might even come earlier if somehow they could board an earlier flight! All morning she cooked delicious food for him. No one knew more than her what food he liked most. After her lunch and a short nap Rajani set her camp on the front balcony of the second floor so that when they arrived she would be the first one to see them. She did not like to be told by someone else that Rana arrived. She herself would like to see him getting down from the car, go down the stairs despite her frailties, greet him, hug and kiss him. She thus waited in anxious anticipation for Rana, the apple of her eyes, looking at every car and every taxi that passed by. Yes, God responded to Rajani's fervent prayers. On a late January afternoon at about four the airport taxi stopped at the front gate of the Roy family home. Rana got down from the taxi and waved at Rajani. In a split second she was up on her feet. By the time he paid off the taxi and turned around, she was standing at the entrance next to Keka with her eyes beaming from ear to ear. Nothing would obliterate that scene of pure joy and unbounded affection from the mental screen of Rana.

Not long after they arrived, she called both Keka and Rana into her room and whispered, “See my luggage is arranged neatly. I am ready to go any day you ask me.” Looking at Keka she said,
“However, I really do not want to be a burden on you Sweetie. As such, I want to make sure if I come with you it will not cause any inconvenience to you.”

Keka responded, “Grandma, what inconvenience you are thinking of. We lead a simple and uncomplicated life. You will bring only joy to us. Your grandson will be so happy.”

Rajani appeared to be reassured that she was not going to impose herself on them. She was pleased with Keka that she was encouraging her to go with them to make Rana happy. Then she began a dialogue with Keka with regard to her new household.

Looking at Rajani immersed in conversation with Keka, Rana's mind flashed back many years on the memory boulevard. He could see her in her late forties, full of energy, healthy, self-assured and intelligent, carrying the burden of a large family and raising baby Rana in her comforting shadow. It was only because of her fortitude and foresight that the family survived the turmoil of the unsettling days of partition and its aftermath. Certainly, it was not easy for her to see her hearth and home going up in smokes in one moment and build everything new in a land not known to her, in the next. And now she was simply thrilled with the prospect of visiting with the grandson whom she saved from the throes of neglect and indifference arising out of the internecine war between his parents! That was the only reward for which she was ecstatic!

On her arrival at Bombay Rajani was delighted to see the beautiful apartment of Keka by the sea. More so, because of the way Keka organized her household. Rajani said no praise was high enough for Keka for her diligence in taking care of Rana. “Taking care of Rana” was the only criterion to judge Keka's merits! Rajani was merely judging the current world through the norm of her days. No one would grudge her; Keka didn't.