I was desperate to get a work, any job, anywhere in this world!
After my return from Dubai, where I coud serve for a few years, my plans to go back did not materialise and I felt impatient. Now you can imagine my joy, when I was called for an interview in a match factory at Mangalore.
There was nothing much to talk; they wanted a supervisor and I was found suitable. I didn’t even ask about my salary or conditions of service. As an orphan brought up by my uncle, who was none too well off, I liked to be free. And now I felt like a bird.
My work was simple and called for no exacting, grinding exertion, as was the case in Dubai.
My employer was very pleased and he used to invite me for evening tea, very often indeed. He liked to hear about my experience in Dubai and I used to wax eloquently, especially if his beautiful daughter was present, which was often the case. She may be around thirty and I used to wonder why she remained unmarried so long, but dared not ask my employer, though we were so friendly. Why ask something unpleasant, especially where I was not concerned?
Time passed like a sweet dream, never imagining it will end one day. Or, why should it?
One day, while loitering in the town, as was my habit, enjoying the freedom of a bachelor, I met a worker of our factory who appeared to be close to the employer. I wished him and was about to move, when he requested me to stop and hear him. Any serious matter?- I asked.
No, nothing – was the reply.
So we went to a coffee house ; I ordered something to eat as well, as I was really hungry.
After a respectable silence, he asked me whether I was unmarried. I was flabbergasted! I imagined him to be the father of a dozen girls between six and sxteen, eager to solve at least one problem by netting me in. I was naturally cautious. Yes, I agreed, never thought of it.
He seemed relieved. He hastened to add that our employer wanted to know it. Then why didn’t he ask me?
The next time I went there, I watched her carefully. Oh! She is so sweet, I never realised it. I wanted to talk to her alone, but did not summon the courage to tell the father. He directly proposed and I readily agreed.
The days seemed clothed in rainbow coloured veil. The grass greener than ever, the air sweet as honey! How could an ordinary person like me, be so lucky, to have a real beauty as wife?
I thanked God. Within a month, we were married in a simple ceremony, as was her father’s wish.
The first night came. She quietly entered the nuptial chamber, walking slowly as a fairy. I embrased her and started talking endlessly…..
There was no response. I clapped my hands, she didn’t hear. I shouted at her. She remained like ice.
The whole world seemed rocking up and down, like a boat caught in a storm. Then, I realised my duty as a duly wedded husband and pushed her into the bed!
After my return from Dubai, where I coud serve for a few years, my plans to go back did not materialise and I felt impatient. Now you can imagine my joy, when I was called for an interview in a match factory at Mangalore.
There was nothing much to talk; they wanted a supervisor and I was found suitable. I didn’t even ask about my salary or conditions of service. As an orphan brought up by my uncle, who was none too well off, I liked to be free. And now I felt like a bird.
My work was simple and called for no exacting, grinding exertion, as was the case in Dubai.
My employer was very pleased and he used to invite me for evening tea, very often indeed. He liked to hear about my experience in Dubai and I used to wax eloquently, especially if his beautiful daughter was present, which was often the case. She may be around thirty and I used to wonder why she remained unmarried so long, but dared not ask my employer, though we were so friendly. Why ask something unpleasant, especially where I was not concerned?
Time passed like a sweet dream, never imagining it will end one day. Or, why should it?
One day, while loitering in the town, as was my habit, enjoying the freedom of a bachelor, I met a worker of our factory who appeared to be close to the employer. I wished him and was about to move, when he requested me to stop and hear him. Any serious matter?- I asked.
No, nothing – was the reply.
So we went to a coffee house ; I ordered something to eat as well, as I was really hungry.
After a respectable silence, he asked me whether I was unmarried. I was flabbergasted! I imagined him to be the father of a dozen girls between six and sxteen, eager to solve at least one problem by netting me in. I was naturally cautious. Yes, I agreed, never thought of it.
He seemed relieved. He hastened to add that our employer wanted to know it. Then why didn’t he ask me?
The next time I went there, I watched her carefully. Oh! She is so sweet, I never realised it. I wanted to talk to her alone, but did not summon the courage to tell the father. He directly proposed and I readily agreed.
The days seemed clothed in rainbow coloured veil. The grass greener than ever, the air sweet as honey! How could an ordinary person like me, be so lucky, to have a real beauty as wife?
I thanked God. Within a month, we were married in a simple ceremony, as was her father’s wish.
The first night came. She quietly entered the nuptial chamber, walking slowly as a fairy. I embrased her and started talking endlessly…..
There was no response. I clapped my hands, she didn’t hear. I shouted at her. She remained like ice.
The whole world seemed rocking up and down, like a boat caught in a storm. Then, I realised my duty as a duly wedded husband and pushed her into the bed!
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