STORY - EVENING WALK

Every evening after coming from School, I go for a walk along the road, along the river, until it becomes dark, carrying a torch,as most of the road is not lighted by the Panchayath.

Most of it is rice fields, through which the road runs, parallel to the river, sometimes going  away to the right side. On return, it will be dark or there may be moon light, depending on the  Full Moon day. It gives me great joy to watch the sky after Sun set, when the stars come out one by one. I may rest and have refreshments at the tea shop on the way. Or, some friend  may invite me to have tea in his home, if it is near about.

The greenery is soothing to the eyes and the cool,, fresh air nutrition to the body.If the weather is unfavourable, I prefer to sit at home and read. I don’t like TV. Being a bachelor, with only mother and father at home, my elder being abroad, I am somewhat isolated. The work in the School makes me busy otherwise and days and months pass by, leaving me untouched. I am nearing twenty eight and not very eager to get married.

One day my brother from the US phoned me to sy that I have good chances, if I come there, as  there is good demand for teachers there. I told him I shall think over it.

The next day, I discussed the matter with my colleagues and the HM.All were unanimous that I must seek better opportunities. Burt that evening, one of my students, Neetha by name, met me during my walk and invited me to her home, which is quite near. She often talked rto me just for the pleasure of being near to me and I understood her motive, but did not discourage her. At home, her parentsa nd one uncle were there. They were lad that I came. Neetha told them that I am going to the US. It was already known to all in the School. After refreshments, I walked home..

The next day she came with me, right from the school “After you went away, they were discussing about you. I overheard their talks. Mother was in favour of my case, .for marriage with you, before you left to the US, as otherwise, some white lady may snatch you. I laughed. “Am I such a fool to be enticed by the white skin? At the most I may go with a temporary visa, during the vacation and study the situation there. Do nnot worry, tell your mother.” She appeared calmed.”Will you like if they ask for your hand?” “I shall surely consider it, if you really like me.”.She thanked me.when we departed,, shaking hands.At heart, I was pleased.
Now she made it a point to co e with me every day during my walk, thus cementing our friendship. I told her that most probably I may go to Guruvayoor temple before I went abroad.” Would you like to come?”
“I shall ask my father.” So on a Sunday, we went there by train, though it was overcrowded. We had to stand all the way, arm in arm. We went on talking and reached there in an hour. We stood in the Que and did not know how time passed. At last, our turn came and prayed to Him. I :”What did you pray for?”
“I have you all the time in my mind. What else can I demand from Guruvayoorappan?”
We had free meals together. When we finally came back to her home, they were very much pleased.
As my time for going abroad came, she was very much upset. I consoled her: “One month will pass in no time. I shall call you every day, You can also contact me through e:mail. Have you any mail address?”
In the school computer I made a an address for her and taught her how t use it.
From my brother’s house, I used to send her a report each day. Her letters were full of endearing words, nothing else. I found the career of a teacher very attractive, with chances of getting work in Universities if I passed their examinations. I came back, very optimistic about my future. Before my second trip, we got engaged.
“Our marriage should be at Guruvayoor,” she said.