THE AGE OLD STORY

Priya Raman

I again cursed myself for starting my journey without intimating my visit. In fact I planned to telephone my arrival from the station. But, when the telephone beeped long beeps repeatedly, I was in a tight corner. I have to reach my destination on my own. I slowly dragged myself to the bus stop with the suitcase weighing a ton.
When the bus came, I double-checked and boarded. Being new to the city, I started to nag the conductor to inform me at the right stop. The conductor tried to be polite and repeatedly assured me.
To avoid inviting the conductor’s wrath, I started to surf through the passengers. Presently she caught my attention. She was in her teens and nature had blessed her with all the charms in the world. Her large dark eyes surrounding long sharp nose are a treat to watch. The lips were natural red and needed no lipstick. She had a slim body neatly proportioned to match her height. Her aura was so powerful that everybody in the bus was influenced by her presence.
But it was not her charm, which attracted my attention. The way she waved her hand to assert herself, the way she nodded, the way she raised her eyebrows, something, something in her looked very familiar. I could not put my finger on it. It was getting dark and my anxiety returned to torment me. I once again reminded the conductor and he snapped at me to be patient. On hearing our conversation she looked up and told,
“Sir, don’t worry. I am also getting down at the same stop. I will remind you to get down. O.K!”
This unexpected answer relieved me of my anxiety. I planned to take her help to reach my destination.
“Sir! We have to get down when the bus stops.” She cooed.
I gripped my suitcase and got down. The streetlights were on. I tossed within my mind how to approach her. She threw a glance at me and proceeded on her way slowly. The fear of her refusal to accompany me made my mind dizzy. I mustered enough courage and asked her
“Will you please guide me to this address?”
She glanced through the piece of paper and looked at me happily.
“Oh! Grandpa! Can’t you recognize me? I recognized you the moment I saw you, but was feeling shy to ask you. Come on, the house is very near and Dad will be surprised to see you with me.” She told in an excited voice.
That did the trick. She was exactly like my son and obviously her movements looked familiar.
“Oh! What a relief?” I replied. “I was very worried as I had ventured on this journey without intimating your dad. I telephoned from the station, but your telephone seems to be faulty. I was in a fix. It is very difficult to locate a house in a new locality at this age.” I continued.
“Don’t worry Grandpa. I will take care of you. Come on let us go.” She caught hold of my hand and started guiding my way home.