Part 35

After driving in silence for blissful moments, they reached his bungalow quite late. Sameer entered the short driveway and pulled the car to the side of the walkway. Although it was dark, the garden lights as well as those on the terrace and around the house were on. Naina cautiously looked around as soon as the car halted and Sameer killed the engine. He only looked at her but she wasn't paying attention to him. So, without any words, he hopped off and came around to open her side of the door. That was when she realized that he had already left the car and was awaiting for her to descend holding the door and stepping aside like a true gentleman. He closed the door while Naina was busy fawning over the splendid garden with a two-seater white swing under the shade of the banyan-like tree. How she and Preeti always wanted a jhula at home but there was no space. There were lines and rows of colourful flowers and plants that she might have not even heard names of. She wasn't a Botany enthusiast but even she could tell that apart from the usual Indian varieties of flowers like roses, lilies, dahlias and carnations, there were several hybrids that must require painstaking care for blooming. She wondered if Sameer had any interest in gardening or at least basic knowledge more than hers.

She didn't realize that she was walking slowly admiring the natural beauty around her when Sameer whispered almost inaudibly around her, "andarr chale...thand badh rahi hai!"

She turned to look at him and followed his lead when the sight in front of her bowled her over. A sprawling white mansion with rounded terrace was three-storey high. One of the rooms had a Juliette balcony while others had large French windows. The height and breadth itself presented its grandeur that was further highlighted with small yellow moon bulbs lending it an ethereal orange glow. Naina had never visited a real palace but read enough history and seen pictures to imagine that this could be a modern version of one of those. Indubitably, Sameer's personality had exuded a royal confidence and now she knew clearly where it originated from. He surely descended from an exquisite lineage. She wished she could map his genealogy. Just as soon as the thought crossed her brain, she tapped herself for invading his space without permission. She had to wait till he shared.

They entered the small verandah which had a rocking chair, which surely gave the vibes of an age and countless stories. She rightly presumed that it might have belonged to his grandfather who he talked fondly about. He unlocked the main door with the set of keys that chained his car as well as house keys and a couple others and pushed the double door open. If she was awed by the vision outside, she was totally mesmerised by the view inside. He let her precede him like a chivalrous gentleman and they entered a small passage that connected to a large hall. It was well furnished exquisitely with delicately carved and hand-crafted pieces of furniture as per need. The decorative artefacts and pieces just enhanced the glowing halo cast by the overhead small chandelier. It gave a classic Victorian feel without overdo. The lights were left on and while she was still taking in the breathtaking structure, a voice was heard from the other corner of the room.

"Bhaiyya...aap aa gaye?" Hume toh badi chinta ho rahi thi. Aap theek se kuch bataye bina hi chale gaye. Hume toh yeh bhi nahi pataa tha ki aap kab wapas aayenge! Main khana bana doon Bhaiyya?" Ramdhari was worried as usual and also noticed the guest but refrained from commenting when he noticed both their haggard states.

Before deciding for them both, Sameer looked at Naina and asked politely, "tum kuch khaogi?" When she shook her head in a no, he tried one more time out of politeness, "Ramdhari Maggie bhi bahut achchi banata hai!" She smiled slightly at his effort but still denied. "Thank you par abhi peth bhara hua hai!"

Sameer looked at his caretaker, "Nahi Ramdhari...hum khana khakar aaye hai". He was deliberating as to what to say and how to say it, but then went for a direct approach, "Ramdhari yeh Naina hai. Meri dost. Inke rehne ke liye guest room taiyyar kar de".

Ramdhari shook his head in affirmation and left. Naina was still taking in the pristine white surroundings and the marble tiled flooring, which only the previleged could afford. She had always known that he was from a very well-to-do family but this was downright rich and elite.

Despite having talked on numerous occassions, it was all silent talk, projecting thoughts and reading each other's minds that too only a certain portion that either shared. This was different. They met in person for the first time and that too in dire circumstances and conversation was not habitual.

Not knowing what to say or how, Sameer started explaining the topological geography of his house since her eyes were constantly darting around trying to gauge her surroundings.

"Hall toh tumne dekh liye hai. Wahan uss taraf kitchen aur Ramdhari ka kamra hai. Wahan uss taraf chota sa dining alcove aur peeche Nanu ki study aur ek extra room. Wahan peeche se lawn mein jane ka dusra darwaza hai aur uske paas storeroom. Upar paanch kamre hai, Nanu ka, mera, aur dou guest rooms." He paused and Naina knew something hit a cord. She didn't want to scratch it but rather heal it.

And even before she could give it a second thought or refrain, she asked. "Aur paanchva kamra kiska hai?"

Sameer wasn't expecting it but he had underestimated the determination of the ferocious girl. And somehow he felt he could share everything with her. "Mummy ka kamra tha par saalon se bandh hai...maine kabhi andarr se nahi dekha!"

Naina understood that melancholy was associated with the memories of his mother. She wanted to know more, soothe him, bring back the smile on his face, but knew this wasn't the right time or the moment. He would have to open up and she would help him but slowly and steadily.

Sensing that Naina was still staring at him and waiting for him to continue, he pulled himself together and continued, "chalo main tumhe guest room dikha deta hoon. Thoda aaram kar lo. Baaki baatein subah karenge".

Without waiting for a response, he moved towards the staircase leading to the rooms, letting Naina follow him of her own accord. She realized that he was in no mood to discuss anything further, a nerve was hit and whether or not he admitted, it was clear that he wanted to lick his wounds in privacy.

He showed her the guest room, which was no less than the mini version of a royal guest chamber. The walls were painted the lightest shade of yellow and the large king-size bed would surely engulf her. The green and bronze sheets, cushions and curtains gave a unique color tone to the room. While she was looking around, Sameer quickly peeked into the bathroom and came back and announced, "Ramdhari ne sab rakh diya hai. Towels, napkins, soap, wagareh. Fir bhi kisi cheez ki zaroorat ho toh bata dena. Saath wala kamra mera hai". He pointed in the direction and assured her, "kabhi bhi knock kar sakti ho".

She nodded an ok and he was about to leave but turned around and turned back hastily, "mmm....ok...ahmmmm goodnight!"

She murmured a soft goodnight in response. He didn't want to go, something was pulling him to her, but she hadn't made an attempt to stop him. So, reluctantly, he started to turn away and walk slowly when she hollered suddenly. "Sameer".

He turned around with a jerk and a wide smile, "haan bolo na Naina, kuch chahiye kya?" He asked to initiate some form of conversation.

She hesitated but had no choice, "hmmm haan woh..." she looked down at herself, trying to indicate something. Sameer followed her line of vision but before he gauged, "woh...agar kuch kapde mil jaate toh...." she blurted out without looking him in the eye.

He mentally smacked himself, how didn't he see that her wear was completely soiled and of course ahe would need something comfortable to sleep in. But what could he arrange for her. This was a totally male-occupied house. In his lifetime, no female had ever resided here. So, there was nothing extra lying around except...
"Tum ruko...main kuch dekhta hoon". Saying so, he turned around and left hurriedly. He went to his room and shut the door and started pacing around anxiously running his hand in the hair multiple times. The gesture that was endearing and usually his style statement now depicted his nervousness. After much deliberation, he still couldn't make up his mind but he decided to trudge the waters he had never treaded before. He opened the drawer of his simple but elegant oakwood dresser drawer and fished around at the back corner. A second later, his hand came in contact with something on the upper surface of the drawer, taped to the underside of the table. He pulled it free and slowly withdrew it.

It was a key to a room, which he had accidentally come to. When he had turned 12, he was inconsolable and was at the peak of tantrums that he would not cut the cake until his mom arrived. After much coaxing and cajoling, Nanu had managed to pacify him that he would make sure that somehow his mom contacted him soon. Later that night, he had seen Nanu going into the forbidden region, his mom's room. He had stealthily followed him but hadn't realized that Nanu had already left the room, but had forgotten to remove the key after locking the door. So, Just when he was about to open that door he felt a jolt of electricity and was almost pushed back.

Nanu had caught him in time, but had scolded him profusely for not obeying his explicit orders that no one would enter that room without his permission. Sameer had n number of questions that why couldn't he visit his mother's abode also if he couldn't see her in person. What was hidden behind those doors that Nanu forbidded entry. Nanu didn't have many answers, so trying to diffuse the situation, he reasoned. "Beta...teri Maa, meri beti Vishakha, meri ek lauti santan thi. Aaj woh kahan hai kaisi hai, zinda hai bhi ya nahi, main nahi jaanta. Buss uske kamre mein uski yaadein sajakar rakhi hai aur main nahi chahta ki koi bhi usmein khalal daale. Tujhe teri Maa se zaroor milaunga...sahi samay aane par. Par tab tak tujhe mujhse vaada karna hoga ki tu uss kamre mein nahi jayega".

Sameer could never say no to his beloved Nanu and never disobey him. So, reluctantly he promised him that he would wait for the right time, which Nanu over the years conveyed to him that it would be when he turned 21. What Nanu didn't know was that day Sameer had already palmed the key to that room, but given the promise he had never acted on his whims to check it out and left it hidden in his drawer until today. Thankfully, even Nanu had thereafter never ventured in that area, thud not noticing the missing key or even if he had, he had never questioned Sameer at least.

He was already 21, and since Nanu wasn't around, the matter hadn't come to his memory. But now. He suddenly remembered it all when Naina asked for a pair of change. He debated with himself whether he could open the room or not. Would it be ok, would he be breaking the promise or was the duration of the promise over since he had crossed the age threshold?

Finally, he decided to take a chance...after all every child had a right to know about his parents. He still had no clue about his father but at least he could get to know something about his mother and may be it might also lead him to his father. Hopefully, Nanu wouldn't mind, how he wished he knew where Nanu was and could simply ask him for advice.

Without much ado, he walked to the end of the verandah to the locked door. After one more second of deliberation and gathering the much-needed courage, he slowly and nervously inserted the key to the padlock. After all these years, it hadn't rusted and was a perfect fit. With one click, the levers gave way and the padlock came undone. With slightly shaky hands, he removed it from the bolt and pushed the door inwards. Due to years of no movement, the hinges squeaked loudly but swung inwards like any door in a haunted mansion.

Reminding himself of the last jolt, Sameer lifted his right leg and paused mid-air dreading the strong jolt and its impact he might encounter again. Before he lost nerve, he stepped inside the threshold of the room, nothing happened, which emboldened him and he took the other step in, thus, firmly and completely stepping into his mom's world for the very first time in his life.

The dark room cast an eerie feeling and a chill ran down his spine, but the next moment, his heart was surrounded by the warmth he never knew. It was a different feeling altogether. He attributed it to his emotions in overdrive since it was the first time he was anywhere close to his mother. In that moment he forgot that somehow he was able to see clearly despite no light or no moonlight from any window. He moved around with ease in the dark touching and feeling around the furniture, the desk drawer and the dresser that was ornately carved in a very feminine princess-style design. Things were old and worn but gave the impression of once regality that might have been his mother's style. He already knew that she was his Nanu's dearest and so it was not surprising that the things were of the finest quality and design as per her taste and Nanu's affordability. He was sure that due to Nani's absence, Nanu must have spoilt her just like he spoilt him. The large four-poster bed was covered in silken sheets that only the rich could afford in those days as a luxury. The sheets now slightly yellow with age were still the same smooth texture. Nanu being the uncrowned king of the textile business would have always bought the best for his house and loved ones. He perched on the edge of the bed trying to get the feel of his mother's warmth as she would have occupied this room and bed night after night. He closed his eyes and tried to picture her around the room as a young carefree happy girl before she met his father and then she and her life changed according to Nanu. He took in a deep breath and sighed, what he wouldn't give to have one glimpse of his mother or know about her whereabouts or dreadfully even her final resting place if she was no more a part of the living world.

He got up and moved around towards the dresser table and delicately touched her objects, hairbrush, some tiny trinkets, some tiny bottles that had dried up but still exuded a mild wet soothing fragrance. He locked away the smell in his brain that once belonged to his mother to save it as a part of her that he could keep close. He moved to the wardrobe and saw a keyhole. Dreading that it might be locked, he still gave it a try and pulled it open with both handles. Thankfully, it wasn't locked and opened easily with a slight squeak. It was a dark mahogany wood almirah with simple but elegant design without many fancies. But it was larger and elongated than most designs and when he opened it, he realized why. The collection was huge, a wide variety of dresses, Indian and Western hung from the hangars. Salwar suits, skirt-blouses, jeans, slacks, tops, gowns, short dresses, and even some exquisite sarees. The lower shelves had some ordinary dresses and some not so jazzy stuff, which he assumed would be her casual and home wear. A smile automatically quirked coz he understood that his love for fashion came from his mom's impeccable sense and taste of style. Her collection was finery. He felt connected.

Just then, the the room lit up and when his head turned to his left, his eyes widened and face was horror-stricken.