Iris said, “Yes Rana, I cannot thank you enough for acceding to my request.”
Steadily but surely, the departure time for Iris was upon them. It was a Sunday morning that Rana would never forget. He drove Iris to the airport. There was a little time left after the baggage was checked in. They had cold drinks. Then the departure announcement was heard on the public address system. For a few disconcerting moments Iris wept the most heart-breaking cry that Rana had ever witnessed. Understandably, he was also overwhelmed, but steadied him self first and then helped Iris calm down and gather her composure back. She was the last to go out of the departure hall to the tarmac. Rana went up to the public gallery to see the departure of her flight. Watching Iris walking slowly with short, reluctant steps toward the aircraft, his mind flashed back eight years when Keka was walking to the airliner for her flight to Calcutta with newborn Saurav wrapped up in her arms. Tears welled up his eyes. Iris looked back a few times before boarding and they waved at each other. Rana stood there motionless till the flight took off. Another chapter of his lonesome life just drifted into the River of Life, flowing gracefully to its distant destiny oblivious of his solitary existence.
In a couple of weeks, Rana was informed by his Head Office that the CEO designate would arrive in two weeks and was expected to relieve him in further two weeks. So he called Iris and said, “Finally, the words came that the designated CEO will be here in two weeks and I will be relieved in another two weeks. So before a month is over, I will be out of Bombay. But lest I forget about it, let me tell you about my meeting with your Chairman. He is very happy with you and had some nice things to say about you. Just keep up the good work. You will be better off. They are good people.”
Iris was very happy to learn that she was in the good books of her new boss. She was also anxious to meet Rana. So she responded, “Rana, many thanks for letting me know that the Chairman likes my work. However, are we not going to meet again?”
Rana said, “I actually called you to discuss that with you. My comments with regard to your Chairman was just incidental. As I said, I am expecting my replacement in two weeks. Handing over the charge might take further two weeks. Then I will proceed to Calcutta to spend couple of weeks with Saurav and Smita before leaving the country. So I was thinking that the best thing for you is to come here before my replacement comes.”
Iris said, “I know it is going to be hectic for you. Only two weekends are left. You let me know which of the two would suit you better.”
Rana said, “Okay then, let’s decide right now. If I send you the air ticket for this weekend will that be okay with you?”
Iris said, “Yes, that will be perfect for me.”
Rana said, “Iris, your ticket will be for Friday evening flight from Goa and Sunday evening flight from Bombay. I will receive you at the airport.”
Iris said, “That will be fine with me. I really look forward to seeing you this weekend.”
The flight from Goa arrived on time. It was nice to see Iris smiling again. They had just two days in hand. Rana gave the choice to Iris as to how best she wished to spend those two days.
Iris said, “I would like to go to my old church and pray with my pastor. I also want to say hello to my former roommate. Otherwise, we will spend rest of the time between ourselves or whatever else you suggest.”
Rana said, “As I mentioned, this weekend is solely dedicated to you. I am at your disposal. I have decided nothing in particular. This evening we will go out for dinner wherever you wish to go. Tomorrow morning we will finish off with your church and your roommate and then take rest at home till your departure.”
Next day, Rana accompanied Iris to her church. They met the pastor and prayed together for some time. Then they proceeded to meet with her roommate. The two friends were exhilarated seeing each other after a couple of months. They decided to go for lunch. After lunch Iris and Rana dropped her friend back at her apartment. It was almost four in the afternoon.
Rana said, “Iris, it’s almost four. Why not we take a stroll on the beach before we go back to the city? Who knows when again we will come back here?”
Iris said, “Yes, I like the idea.”
They began walking on the sandy track, which they had trodden many times before. Rana remembered the first time he came to visit her apartment during a long weekend. Since then they spent many weekends there. Among many other things, watching the sunset hand-in-hand was one of their pastimes. They began talking nostalgically about those fond days left behind.
Rana said, “Those days will never come back again, but their memories will revisit us time and time again until the memories are obliterated altogether.”
Iris said, “Why are you saying that the memories will be obliterated altogether?”
Rana smiled at her and said, “Because memories are destined to be obliterated once and for all at the passage of life when the soul departs the worn out body.”
Iris also smiled and said, “Okay, I understand now what you meant. Yes, I will also remember the deeper thoughts like this that you used to express once in a while couched in a philosophical language. These are the unique experiences of my life.”
Rana said, “I believe that Saurav and Smita will also forever remember the week they spent with you on this beach in joy and merriment.”
Iris said, “Probably, but for me that week will always remain unforgettable.” Dwelling on Saurav and Smita, she asked, “I am sure you have told them about your transfer to London. How well have they accepted the transfer?”
Rana replied, “Iris, the more I see them, the more I am impressed. They are so supportive and understanding that they always think whatever daddy does is also to their benefit automatically. They have reconciled easily with the fact that daddy will not be able to come and visit with them more than twice a year. They accepted that as a matter of fact. No further coaxing was necessary.”
Iris said, “I have never seen such disciplined and obedient children. When are you going to take them to you?”
Rana said, “It is very difficult to say. In the new assignment I have to travel quite a lot. Who will look after them in a new place in my absence?”
Iris said somewhat light-heartedly, “You get married soon and that will take care of the problem.”
Rana asked, “Do you think it is that simple? I hope you are not testing me.”
Iris smiled and said, “There is nothing wrong with that.”
Rana held her hand and said, “I will not let you go back to Goa. You will go with me to London and you will look after the children when I am away.”
Iris said, “Rana, you know I would have loved to do that had it not been for my old mother.” Things were getting a little serious. Her eyes were filled with tears. Then she changed the subject and asked, “Rana, is this our last meeting? I think you will always fly directly from London to Calcutta and back. Isn’t it?”
Rana answered, “Depending on the day of travel, I might also travel via Bombay. I will let you know when I do and you will have to come down from Goa like this.”
Iris said, “I have no problem with that.”
Then it was Rana’s turn to pay Iris back with her own coin. He asked. “Iris, what if you get married in the meantime? Will you still come to see me?”
Iris smiled and said, “Marriage is not on the horizon for me now. Are you now testing me?”
Rana laughed and said, “No, I am now getting even.”
Two days in the tract of time is like the twinkle of a star. They spent two vivacious days pulling for and encouraging each other. Her flight was in the late afternoon. Rana drove her to the airport for a fond send off. This time there was no trauma, no hysteria. Time was the greatest healer. She was getting adjusted to the separation. Yet a little bit of emotion was humane. Iris held Rana’s hand and requested him to send his address in London and stay in touch. Rana gave her a parting kiss. Tears flowed nonetheless. They parted the best friends, not knowing if they would meet ever again
.
The River of Life is always shrouded in mystery. In it each and every character interacting with other characters has a string of roles to play through relationships that are sometimes simple and sometimes intricate. In the process, there may be emotional upsurge of joy and sorrow, hope and despair, intimacy and indifference alternately. The River of Life takes them all in its strides. It acknowledges them all dearly, but has no time to pause and dabble in their emotions. For its sight is set inextricably to its far away and way far destiny, the ever evading Eternity.
HEATHER
Rana boarded the British Airways flight from Bombay to London. The reception in the first class was warm and cordial. As the plane took off and the passengers were pampered with drinks and dinner, his mind delved deep into introspection. So far he had traveled abroad mostly to the east; only twice he went to the west. And in all those cases the travel was to attend meetings and seminars. But this time he was on his way to the west as an International Officer of the Bank. Effective immediately he will be in-charge of his bank’s African Operations with his base in London. From now on and till the end of his career all his moves are expected to be to international destinations or to the Corporate Office of the bank in New York. Rana was looking forward to see what life in the west kept in store for him.
The flight arrived at the Heathrow Airport at about eight-thirty the next morning. It took more than an hour to clear immigration, baggage and customs. So by the time he came out to the public reception area it was mid-morning. A representative of the Human Resources Department of his bank, Bob Sanders was waiting to receive him. He brought Rana to Hamilton International Hotel at Park Lane and said, “Mr. Roy, you take it easy for the rest of the day. Tomorrow morning I will pick you up at nine and take you to the office.”
He thanked Bob for his help and hospitality and said he would be waiting for him next morning right at the lobby.
After an early lunch Rana took a nap and then went out to take a stroll along Park Lane up to Oxford Street, known to be the shoppers’ paradise. He did some window shopping there. On his way back he also took a peek at the Hyde Park. Upon his return to the hotel at 3:00 PM he had the first taste of British tea time. Coming from India, tea, as such, was not his special interest. His curiosity was the paraphernalia associated with it. He was more interested in the cakes, pastries and biscuits that were served with tea. The aroma and the taste of those confectionery products were superb and he relished them with the top quality Darjeeling tea. Later he went to his room and watched some golf on TV. In the early evening, he took the BBC news of the day. The main topic was economy. The British economy was reeling under the oil crunch. Oil prices soared from $12.00 to $40.00 a barrel and unemployment rose to over 13%. Actually, being a banker, he was already informed of this bleak picture. Moreover, he saw the most current unemployment figures displayed on the electronic boards at various places along the way from Heathrow Airport to the hotel. He also noticed “To Let” signs on the doors of hundreds of small businesses all along the drive. So the economy was in turmoil. The only hope was the North Sea oil field, which was not operational yet. However, to some extent the tourism kept the British economy afloat. The oil rich Arab Sheikhs and their friends and family were ubiquitous from the hotel lobby to the shopping centers. When the evening matured into darkness, he went down to the Polynesian Restaurant at the basement of his hotel for dinner. To top it off on the very first day on the British soil, he watched a short but sweet BBC movie before going to bed.
Next morning Bob was at the lobby sharp at 9:00 AM. On the way to the office Bob said he would introduce Rana to his boss first and then to his staff. He also informed him that the next seven days he would be in the Orientation Program along with few other officers transferred from the United States. He added that these seven days would be rather easy paced. Traffic on the way was not as heavy as Rana expected. On further reflection, he did make out that the Underground Train System were responsible for relatively light traffic on the streets.
Upon reaching his bank Rana was first introduced to his boss Mark Harrington in his office. His secretary Sue Grant was also with him. Both Mark and Sue were very cordial. Sue mentioned that they had been looking forward to receiving him for quite some time. Mark chipped in to say that the most important thing was to see him arrive in one piece however late. By nature, Mark was a very courteous and affable individual. When Bob was about to take Rana to his own department, Mark made himself available to walk with them to be personally present while he was being introduced to his staff, in order to lend an additional importance to him and his position. On the way, they met Rana’s secretary Sarah Parkinson. Visibly pleased to see Rana, she said, “Mr. Roy, we get to see you finally!”
Rana replied, “Sarah, better late than never. I only hope you are glad that I have arrived hale and hearty.”
Sarah said, “Of course, we are all glad. We have heard so much about you.”
Rana said, “Something good or bad.”
Sarah laughed and said, “Without question, good.” Everyone joined in the laughter. She then said, “I know you will be in the Orientation Program for a week. However, should you need my help on anything, please don’t hesitate to ask me.”
Mark then took over the task of introducing Rana to the other members of his staff. Before leaving him with Bob and Sarah, Mark told him, “Rana, usually, we take our lunch at the Executive Lunch Room. Let’s meet there at the noon time. Sarah will give you a lunch room pass that you have to present at the door to enter. While taking lunch we will go over your personal matters so that you feel more at home.” Then looking at Bob he asked, “Sorry Bob, I don’t know if you already set up a separate welcome lunch for him and other new comers.”
Bob responded, “No, I would have taken him to the Executive Lunch Room only.”
Accordingly, Rana met Mark at lunch. It was a buffet but served by the servers at the long buffet table. They picked up their choice of foods and sat at a table for two. Mark began by saying, “Rana, you will find that one of the many good benefits that the company provides to its senior officers here is this wholesome lunch. The most important thing about this lunch is that the food is prepared under the guidelines set by the company approved Dietician. As such, there is nothing to worry about the calorie, sodium, sugar and things of that sort.”
Rana said, “That’s great to hear. I am little careful about my food.”
Switching the subject Mark said, “Let me now try to know you more thoroughly than what is provided in your profile. I believe your wife deceased several years earlier and you have not re-married yet.”
Rana replied, “That’s correct, Mark.”
Mark asked, “Do you have any plan to re-marry in the near future?”
Rana answered, “No Mark, marriage is not on the cards in the foreseeable future.”
Mark asked, “How old are your children?”
Rana responded, “My son is eight and daughter, six.”
Mark asked, “Are you planning to bring them here immediately?”
Rana replied, “I will not take that risk now. They are too young to be on their own.”
Mark said, “You are right about that, especially, when you have to travel a lot. Then you are not hung up on a big or small house.”
Rana said, “No, not really.”
Mark said, “However, let me tell you some of the neighborhoods that would be good from the commuting standpoint.” He continued, “Some of the real nice areas that are not very far from the office are Belgravia, Regent Park, Queen’s Park and Swiss Cottage. I am sure Bob would explain to you more in details and help you every step of the way. I have no doubt that you will find a good place easily within the decent entitlement we have in our housing benefits. For house hunting you will have the help of the company approved brokers. Bob will introduce you with them and provide you with all the details. Of course, you will get a car of your choice within the limit that will be enough to obtain a Jaguar but not R
olls Royce.” He laughed and continued, “Depending on the area of your residence, commuting by the Underground Train System should be the best to avoid traffic. You will need the car basically for your weekends and holidays.”
He continued further, “Now, let’s touch upon the work. I will give you a detailed rundown on our operations in each country under your supervision as soon as your orientation is complete. I have tentatively scheduled your first trip to all these countries beginning a month from now. I will accompany you on the first trip primarily to introduce you formally with the management of each country in the region. All your staff in this office is well trained. You will also get a lot of cooperation from the field. I wish you best of luck. Please do not hesitate to drop by my office during your orientation should you have any questions or concerns.”
Rana breezed through the orientation. Then Mark gave him the countrywise feedback on the region under his supervision. In the next phase, he sat down with his staff one-on-one to be apprised of each country operations and credit profile and began studying the files and asking questions wherever necessary. To begin with, his staff was a little uptight as it always happens in any international posting. To loosen them up, on the first Friday Rana invited all his staff for dinner over beer at a pub not far from the office recommended by his secretary Sarah. They appreciated his gesture and welcomed him to their country. In an informal setting he carefully listened to their personal stories; their accomplishments and struggles, their triumphs and tragedies, their likings and dislikings. There were lively discussions on sports and games, oil crunch and unemployment, government and politics, music and films. The more Rana heard them, the more he realized that the only difference between one nationality and the other, between one race and the other, was in the physical appearance. But inside they were all the same. They had the same hopes and dreams, same joys and sorrows, same cravings for peace and happiness and the same abhorrence for violence and injustice.
A Bend in the River of Life Page 27
