Disclaimer: The characters in this novelette are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.
Vicky was waiting at home for his uncle. Kiran was only ten years old when Vicky was born. As there was very little age difference between Kiran and Vicky, they were very close to each other and were more like friends than Uncle and Nephew. They discussed everything under the sun and about everyone with no shame or fear of retribution.
Vicky and Kiran shared common views in most of the topics and their tastes were very similar. They were partners in crime; in everything – be it watching a movie missing school and work or ogling at the friendly neighbourhood girls or purely gossiping about one and all.
That day Vicky had wanted to accompany his uncle to have a look at the prospective bride for his Uncle. Unfortunately, he had an important Chemistry laboratory class that he could not afford to miss; Chemistry had always been a nightmare for him. Though he was physically in the classroom, all through the class, his mind was with Kiran. In fact he had already seen a picture of Swati and she seemed to be very simple and elegant. Still, he wanted to meet her in person.
Vicky returned home around half past five in the evening. He had a quick shower and ate the idly’s kept for him. After eating, he went to the terrace to study.
Terrace was a peaceful haven to study. It was really a great fun to study in the open air. Also, the terrace was the place where he could have a lot of secret fun – looking at the strangers and neighbours. Vicky unabashedly looked at the girls and commented on their style and demeanour to Kiran. Vicky also loved to strike a conversation with Anita, the girl that lived in the opposite house, for he had a secret crush on her.
Vicky did not see Anita that day. The sky was slowly greying. Though his eyes were gazing at the printed text that talked about the aromatic structure of Benzene and how the famous scientist Kekule discovered its structure, his mind refused to register anything. Kekule dreamt of a snake trying to catch its own tail and he proposed the circular structure of Benzene. Vicky was just wondering as to what could be happening at Ms. Swati’s home. He was straining to read as it had become darker now. He went down and switched on his study lamp.
He came back to his study and once again tried to concentrate on the aromatic structure of Benzene. He was startled, by the buzzing of the calling bell. The time was around half past seven. He knew that it was Kiran and others who have returned from Swati’s home. He rushed downstairs to open the door.
‘Hey Kiran! How is my new Aunt? Did you speak to her “alone”? How did you find her? Interesting?’
‘Vicky, how do you expect him to answer all at once? Why don’t you give him some time to breathe? Anyway, he is going to tell you everything…’ said Ammu.
‘Yes my dear Granny! I know that, but still, I am all excited to know ALL that happened today. Kiran, lets go upstairs to the terrace. We shall talk for sometime and then I will continue with my Chemistry lesson.’
Kiran and Vicky went to the terrace.
Geeta and Ammu went to the kitchen to prepare dinner. Raman switched on the television. He was very much interested in hearing the News telecast by the popular Tamil channel, Sun TV.
‘Amma, Swati says that she is an assistant professor in the college. But, the fact that she did not speak at all was really surprising for me. Only God knows what she teaches in the college. You know Amma, she was giving all her replies in monosyllables. Well let us see.’
‘In fact Geeta, I was very surprised by the fact that she did not seem to be have any enthusiasm about this proposal. I don’t know, if it was just my imagination’.
And their conversation diversified into various topics – their regular work; who are all the people, who need to be invited, if this alliance worked out; when to fix the marriage date, et al.
Kiran and Vicky spoke for about an hour. Vicky was listening to his uncle with a lot of interest. He listened to each and every word spoken by Kiran. Kiran told about the meeting of Swati; his talk with her at the terrace; the food they ate at her house; about a friend of Swati, her likes and dislikes.
Vicky felt a glitch somewhere. He was not able to identify it. He was not even able to tell as to what he felt was wrong in the entire conversation that he had with Kiran. He raked his brain for sometime. He was not able to figure it out. There certainly was something that was pinching him.
Vicky thought that it was all him; he was just imagining vague things and was over analyzing the sequence of events. He wanted to forget the very fact that he was feeling uneasy about something.
Once Again…???!!! Chapter 2: the Genesis
to continue…