STORY-I AM ALONE

I AM ALONE As soon as my results came , I was called by my ex-teacher at Karuvannore , and asked to sign the attendance register of the school . To my questioning eyes , he replied :”I have talked to the District Educational Officer ; we need a teacher urgently . Who else than my brilliant student Netran ? Except for a period of two years , when I took study leave to join the Bed course , I served this school all these long years and retired yesterday. There was a grand send off party , attended by VIPs of the area , where snacks and ea were served. I had to sit in the dais and hear speeches. At last , when it was all over , I felt a sigh of relief. During this period I was married to the daughter of my father’ chum , though I had some minor attachment to a class mate in the college and a lady teacher of our school . When father decided the issue , I kept quiet. She was a simple woman , whose world was confined to the home and our two sons who are now in the US. A few years earlier , she passed away , leaving me alone. Now my life is confined to going to the temple in the morning and the school , where I voluntarily offered to substitute for absent teachers. I needed no preparation and teaching was a joy. Once , immediately after my marriage , my college mate came to meet me, with her two children. Wile talking , she expressed regret that she did not tell her father about our love :”If I had insisted , he would have agreed. You could have got better prospects , if you had gone out.” Now she is in the US . One day , a young girl came to me and introduced herself:”I am the daughter of your class mate in this school. Mother told me to meet you and offer whatever help is needed, as you are alone now.” “I have a maid servant who cooks food also. Give me your phone number. ” I called her (Neetu)when I became paralytic , two years ago , when I was 55 years old. I used to write my life story and now I began to dictate it. Luckily , my left leg only is affected and power of speech remains intact. After completing my notes , I published it . My college mate happened to read it and came to see me. “Hallow dear, how did it happen?” It was Neetu who replied:”He fell down near the school and people took him home ; he was unconscious. I said :”You were in the US; how did you come to know of my illness?” “Now I am here, near Trichur. My married life became sour and we are not on speaking terms .My children have been married off . I am with my father...” Neetu came with tea and biscuits. “She is a friend , now she helps me . “ My sons used to come once every year . The younger one seems to be in love with Neetu . He used to take her to see pictures . “In a way , I am happy. Now I can take full care of you. You are not ill . This is just like losing one leg . Dear , now you are not alone.” When I fell ill , I was very depressed . Who will look after me ? Now I feel much better . Marriage of Neetu with my son took place within two years and my friend shifted her residence to my house. She is still handsome . We slept together . She used to fondle me . It had magical effect . I used t go for a walk for a short distance , with my hand on her shoulders . It was a new life ; I am rejuvenated!