A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 28

         His reverie was broken by the sound of a tray being placed gently on the coffee-table and the click of cups, then the sound of tea being poured into them.  When Martha handed him a cup, he could see that she had a very odd look on her face.  As if she was struggling with an inner demon that wanted to be set free!

        “Feel free to tell me what’s troubling you Martha.  I can see that you are desperate for a confidante.”

        “Well, let’s finish our tea and snacks first.  Then I’ll tell you,” she said simply.  They had their tea and cup-cakes in utter silence, with only the chirping of the birds and the sounds of the crickets breaking the silence that hung like a shroud over them.  Arnold felt uneasy.  There was an unnerving eeriness in the setting that spooked him.

        After they had finished their tea, Martha settled down on a couch near the fire-place, beckoned him to occupy the couch opposite hers, and started talking.  “Arnold, I’m afraid that I may be losing my memory.  I’ve read a lot about amnesia and short-term memory loss, when I was researching for an article on that topic.  Unfortunately, I find myself in the same helpless state now, as those who suffer from these disorders.  I’m also bewildered that this disorder that apparently, usually starts at advanced ages; has already started affecting me.  I am not yet 50 and here I am, perpetually at a loss about figuring out whether I’m an author, who is Norman and even forgetting about my current bearings.”

        “When Norman called me up yesterday and reminded me about spending an overseas vacation with him in Shanghai and attending a writers’ conference there, I was shocked.  I still am, as I can’t recollect a thing!  Besides, he told me that he had presented me with a broach and I still couldn’t remember the occasion.  But I’m sure that he was right as I do have a beautiful brooch which matches his description; in my closet’s drawer.  Why I don’t recollect it, beats me!  Could I be losing my memory, Arnold?”

        “You remember how shocked you were when I mistook you for Norman?  In fact, I still don’t know him.  I’d be grateful if you could give me a picture of his!  I really think that I should be seeing a psychiatrist!  What do you think?  Will you come with me for a consultation?  Do you know of any good one, a psychiatrist, I mean, so that we can go there at the earliest? ”

        “I’m very anxious and apprehensive about the future.  Please help me Arnold!  I’ll be eternally grateful to you.” As she spoke, she started sobbing softly.  She started rubbing the corners of her beautiful eyes, from where the tears streamed down steadily.

       Arnold felt awkward.  He wanted to comfort her, so he got up and went next to her.  He pulled his couch closer to hers and put his arms around her and slightly pressed her shoulders to pacify her and said in a soothing, placatory tone, “Please don’t cry Martha. I’ll help you as much as I can.  I’m sure that this is just a passing phase and you’ll soon be fine.  May be you are too stressed out and over-worked.  Try to cut down on your writing and…..”

        She interrupted him with a startled, “I can’t Arnold.  I love writing and as you know, that’s the only thing that keeps me going.  I can’t live without it!”

        “Martha, just listen to me fully, for God’s sake!  I’m not asking you to give up your life-blood, but only asking you to take a well-deserved break and get your mind out of it for a while!  May be you could spend some hours at Norman’s office everyday, for a change.  By the way, he has asked me to request you on his behalf to do so.  He feels that you could be a boon for his office in his absence!”

        As Martha’s thoughts wandered to Norman’s secretary, she became depressed again.  Oh no, she didn’t want to face that lady again!  As she remembered her encounter with her in detail, she marveled at the clarity of her memory.  Well, all was not lost yet!  Her memory hadn’t abandoned her completely!”

         “First and foremost, we have to go to some psychiatrist!” she emphasized, as he nodded his assent. “Right then, let me find out about someone really dependable to counsel you and then I’ll let you know. I really think that I should be making a move now. My wife will be worried as it’s quite late. I’ll keep in touch and….”

               Martha had gripped his arm and was sobbing. “Please, can’t you stay here for the night? I desperately need some company. Let’s just chat so that I can feel happy, at least for a while!” she implored. With lots of tact, Arnold gently pulled away from her grasp and said firmly, “I must leave now. See you soon.” Without a backward glance, he quickly walked out of the cottage into the dark and cold night.”

             Phew! That had been close! He had wanted to stay back with her. He had been tempted by the warmth of her touch and her vulnerability. He was loath to admit that he found Martha extremely desirable. He had always liked women who liked to lean on him for support. It gave him a high! He felt on top of the world. Very manly!

            But he couldn’t betray Norman, right? And fall in Martha’s esteem the next day, as one who had crossed the limits of decency and breached her implicit trust in him as a close friend. He would have had to face the hurricane, his wife’s wrath too. He sighed as started the ignition, waved at Martha who was soulfully looking at him from the porch, and zoomed away.

            Martha kept looking at the receding car till she could only see darkness. Then she switched off the light on the porch and made her way wearily into her cottage, dressed for the night and curled on her bed for a long and restless night. Yes, she was lonely. She needed human company. She’d consider Norman’s suggestion seriously, was her last thought as a disturbed sleep took over.

To be continued.... 

The copyright of this story is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 27

        At this juncture, Martha’s stomach growled with immense hunger.  She rose and went to make coffee and see what the fridge held, to halt her hunger pangs.  As she casually glanced at her bedside clock, she was surprised to see that it was 4 a.m.  She had written non-stop for hours.  Surprisingly, she wasn’t tired at all!  In fact, she wanted to pursue her story and Myara’s expedition.  Only her stomach had howled in protest and temporarily put her writing to rest!

        She hurriedly heated the milk in the pan and was about to open the fridge, when the phone rang.  Surprised that someone remembered her at this hour, she went to pick up the receiver.  The voice on the other end was robust, yet tender.  As she wondered about the voice being so manly and sexy, it said, “Good morning, Sara.  I hope I haven’t disturbed you!” Wait a minute, she thought, “I’m Martha, why had the caller said Sara?  “I’m Martha, by the way, not Sara!” she said peevishly as the voice said patiently.  “I’m sure that I called you Martha, dear, not Sara.  May be you heard it wrong!” Hurt that that voice insinuated something amiss with her hearing, she was about to disconnect the call, when the voice said “I love you Martha. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve been thinking about you all night and haven’t slept a wink!”

        “Are you Norman?” she asked testily.  “Yes of course, darling, who else would dare to call you at this unearthly hour?” he laughed into the receiver.  She had a feel-good sensation and felt it coursing through her veins till all her grumpiness disappeared and she felt very happy.  Very ecstatic!  Which woman wouldn’t want to be loved so much?

        “I’m sorry Norman.  I really am!  I must be really out of sorts to get upset with you.  But will you forgive me if I confess that I don’t recollect you at all.  Can you fill me in on who you are and how did we happen to meet and……”

        Worried, Norman told her in a calm voice “I’m the publisher of all your writings.  We fell in love 3 months ago and even went on an outstation trip to Shanghai for a writers’ conference.  We shared a room there.  I had to suddenly come here to Scotland when I received a distress call from my ex-wife Nancy, who has been diagnosed with cancer.  You had agreed to wait for my return, in Yorkshire and turned down my proposal to accompany me to Scotland as you didn’t want to cause any more suffering to my already suffering ex-wife.  I hope that you recollect everything now!”

        “And yes, I had given you a brooch, bought in Shanghai.  Remember how the shopkeeper had admired us as a couple and remarked on how good we looked together?”

        As Martha tried to tax her brain and recollect that incident, she felt a migraine starting.  Hence she fibbed, “Of course, Norman!  I remember it clearly now!  I’m sorry to have troubled you with my forgetfulness.  I hope that you aren’t put off by my absent-mindedness.  I pray that your ex-wife recovers soon and you come back soon!”

        Relieved no end, Norman happily said “You bet, I’m dying to see you and hold you in my arms, darling.  See you soon.  I’ll not take any more of your time.  Bye! Have a nice day!”

        “Here’s wishing you alike,” she said with forced gaiety and ended the call.  Then she sat down with a thud on the chair at the dining table.  Her coffee had grown cold.  She got up and started re-heating it, her mind in familiar turmoil; her head whirling with misgivings.  Should she visit a psychiatrist?  She wondered.

        A happy Norman had immediately phoned his dear friend Arnold and briefed him about the latest development.  “Martha remembers everything!  We needn’t worry.  Besides, there will be no need to take her along to a psychiatrist,” he exclaimed over the phone.

        Relieved of a huge burden, Arnold decided to visit her that day and reassure himself.

        When Arnold reached her cottage, it was evening.  The wind was biting cold as he got out of his car, unlatched the cottage’s gate and let himself in her garden.  He was delighted to see Martha seated on the wide swing on her porch, but worried on seeing the pensive look on her face.  She seemed far away and unapproachable.  She looked at him and merely said “Good evening, Arnold!”

        He was pleasantly surprised to hear his name.  He had sort of got used to being called Norman!

        “So how’s life Martha?  Just came to pay you a visit and have your splendid tea.  The weather’s turning nasty, isn’t it?  Looks like there’ll be a shower anytime.  Why don’t we sit beside the fire-place?  I could do with some warming up.  I’m chilled to the bone,” he gave a half-laugh as he sheepishly realized that she was as silent as a rock!  Immobile too!  She just kept staring at him as he jabbered on.

        Frightened and nervous, he slightly jolted her swing from the top.  She came out of her trance and got up.  “Yes, let’s go in.  I’m glad you came.  I want to discuss an important issue with you.  But first I’ll make a pot of tea.  Would you have some cup-cakes?  I baked them myself this afternoon.”

        “I wouldn’t mind it at all!  Come to think of it, I’m a little hungry. Just came straightaway from my office,” he said amiably.

        As she went into the kitchen, her shoulders slightly sagging, he pondered over what she wanted to discuss with him.  His thoughts strayed to Norman who had, just that morning, assured him of her recovery.  He hoped that his friend was right just as he instinctively knew that he wasn’t!  Something about Martha’s demeanor suggested that something was definitely amiss.  Well, he’d soon know!  He looked around the cozy room gazing at the fire roaring merrily in its hearth and wondered at its neatness.  His wife Joan was so careless and untidy.  Perpetually in a hurry to get things done, neatness be damned!

        But Joan was a dear!  Lively and witty, there was never a dull moment with her around.  

To be continued.... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 26

        She saw a pitcher of water and splashed the water liberally on that lady’s face.  She stirred slightly and moaned, “Who, who is it?”

        “I’m Myara from the Kingdom of Regina.  I’ve come to take you to your son Juan,” said Myara gently and clearly.  On hearing her beloved son’s name, a spark of recognition came into that old lady’s eyes.  Her eye-balls moved sideways to see Myara, who could feel the heat of her gaze.

        “I can’t move, my child.  My body has stopped supporting me.  When Juan didn’t return even after a year, I lost all interest in life, became listless and slowly even my limbs wasted.  Nowadays, some sympathetic ladies come and tend to my needs, whenever they can!  Otherwise, I’m left here all alone, craving for my son, my only son Juan!”  A tear rolled down the corner of her eye.

        Myara could feel the tears rolling down her own cheeks.  But now was not the time to feel sorry about her.  Time was short and her task was incomplete.  She had only 5 hours left to take Juan’s mother to the king.  She hired a horse-carriage, got her lifted onto its seat and instructed the carriage driver to follow her to Regina.  Throughout the long journey, Juan’s mother moaned and cried.  Myara kept consoling her and feeding her rice gruel.  Her own horse had been reined to the carriage instead of one of its original horses, to ensure speed.  They reached Regina exactly at 6 p.m.

        “Get down mother.  We’ll first meet the King and then go to meet your son, Juan.” The carriage driver lifted her bodily from her seat and carefully placed her on a bench in the garden in front of the palace.

        Myara knew that Juan’s mother wouldn’t have been able to walk into the Assembly hence she told the carriage man to wait beside the ailing lady and hastened into the Assembly Hall where everyone had just gathered for further deliberations.

        “I’m sorry to walk in unannounced, your Honor, but I’ll have to request you to come out in the garden and personally confer with Juan’s mother, who is ailing and unable to walk!” Myara announced in a clear tone.

        Everyone in the Assembly looked at each other, awe and happiness reflected in their eyes.  All of them admired that spunky young lady who, true to her words, had succeeded in bringing Juan’s mother to Regina, as promised the very next day itself.  They wondered how she had located her from the multitude of villages that dotted the outskirts of their vast Kingdom.

        The King exchanged a loaded glance with his Minister and both of them got up and briskly walked outside.  As they neared Juan’s mother, lying on the garden bench, their hearts sank.  How would that ailing and incapable lady be of any help to them!  How could she climb to that shrine, over its steep steps and meet Juan, if at all he emerged from his hiding-hole?

        “Greetings to you, Juan’s mother!  I’m the King of Regina and this is my Minister.  We’re sorry about your son….”

           Juan’s mother slowly opened her eyes and haplessly stared at the two men. She knew that she was supposed to get up and pay obeisance before them, but her body wouldn’t pay heed to her commands! She closed her eyes, feeling wretched and then opened them once again. Finding her voice, she asked almost in a hoarse whisper, “Where is my dear son, Juan? Please call him and tell him that I am here to see him.” The King, his Minister and Myara looked at one another guiltily. What could they tell her? That he had lost an eye and had been imprisoned forever in a forbidden shrine, from where none returned? That no one from this world could see or speak to him even if they wanted to?

        The King began solemnly “Mother, your son is living in a shrine since the past 3 years.  He…” The Minister interrupted his narration saying “I’m sorry to intervene, Your Majesty!  But, as we are seeing, her condition is too bad.”  Then addressing Juan’s mother, he said reassuringly, “Mother, Juan is safe and sound.  He’ll soon be with you.  The King has sent him on an urgent mission there.  Since the matter is highly confidential, you had not been informed earlier.  But now since he’ll soon be reporting back, we’ve got you here so that he’ll be overjoyed on seeing you and both of you can have a happy reunion.”

        Taking his cue, Myara said, “Let’s put up mother in our special visitors quarters!”

        The King understood that belaboring the ailing mother with the sad news of her imprisoned son would break her heart and hence his trusted Minister and the faithful Myara were intervening before he put his foot in his mouth!  He looked at them gratefully.  They’d saved him the unpleasant task of briefing a mother about the misfortune that had befallen her only son.

        Later the Minister begged for forgiveness from the King and stated simply “As we saw, she is not in fit condition and cannot make the arduous trek up to that shrine.  Hence there was no point in telling her the truth and making her more sorrowful.  We’ll have to find some other way of rescuing Juan from there.”

        Just then Myara politely knocked on the door of the secret conference room and entered when the King said “Come in, my child!”

        “Your Majesty, I’ve an idea which I can execute if you’ll permit me.”

        Intrigued, both the King and his Minister looked at her questioningly.  “I’ll disguise myself as an old lady, pose as Juan’s mother and try to speak to Juan and help him to escape out of that shrine.”

        The King and the Minister threw back their heads and laughed loudly in unison. “Why, you foolish girl, where did you get that preposterous idea from?”

        “We admit that you’ve gone out of your way in getting Juan’s mother here and applying your mind to this problem.  But what you’ve just suggested is way too preposterous!  Improbable too!  Thanks, but we suggest that you take rest and leave us to think over this problem.”

        Undaunted, Myara persisted, “Please Sirs, this will be my last chance.  If I don’t succeed, I’ll leave this matter, but please, please give me an opportunity to prove myself and help my dear Sara.  I just want her to recover as quickly as possible!”

        Seeing her earnestness and impressed by her perseverance, the King couldn’t help giving the ‘Go ahead’ to her.

To be continued.... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 25

           Exasperated, he kept quiet and started looking around.  To change the topic he said, “Won’t you offer me a cup of your marvelous tea?  I’m chilled to the bone by the cold wind outside!”

       

           “Oh, of course, why not?  I’m sorry that I didn’t offer you any, on my own.  I’m extremely sorry…” As Arnold saw that she was embarking on another of her babbling sessions, he showed her the action of drinking tea from a mug.  Chastened, she rushed into the kitchen and busied herself making the brew.

        “If he’s not Norman, who is he and why is he so concerned about me that he comes to meet me everyday?” She looked out of the corner of her eye and saw that handsome man leafing idly through a magazine on her coffee table.

        His fingers were slender and long, his head bent now, was a thick mop of rich brown hair, his features were very aristocratic and he looked wealthy.  Most of all, he was gentle, kind and considerate.  Amusing too!  A total package, she chuckled inwardly.  100% husband material, she thought, amazed at the train of her thoughts.  She wished that he was Norman!

        But if he said he wasn’t, Norman was another man, the one who loved her and was going to eventually marry her. What was Norman like?  She couldn’t remember even a single thing about him.  Wait a minute! She remembered that beautiful broach in the drawer of her closet.  Had he given it to her?  His taste was impeccable and classy then!  Not bad, eh, she wondered.  But she was anxious to know what he looked like. 

        Arnold had informed her that he was a respectable and acclaimed publisher and had even published many of her writings.  Now that was another source of worry for her.  Was she really a writer?  Why didn’t she write or even feel like writing those days?

        “Here’s your tea, Arnold.  I hope I haven’t forgotten to add sugar.  I seem to be forgetting everything these days!  I only hope that I remember who I am or else I may forget even that some day.”  Seeing the stricken expression clouding her lovely eyes, Arnold immediately reassured her, “I’m sure that you won’t Martha.  It’s just a temporary phase.  You just need to take a long break from your routine and mingle in society.  Norman feels that it’d be a great help to him, if you could go to his office for at least 3 hours every day and oversee its operations.”

        “By the way, where is Norman now?  Why is he not coming here?” Martha inquired in a puzzled tone.  Arnold shrugged wearily, as for the umpteenth time he told her that Norman was with his ex-wife Nancy, suffering from cancer, at her home in Scotland.

        “Well, if he can’t come here, can we go and meet both Norman and Nancy there!  Let’s surprise them!” Arnold looked at her thoughtfully and simply said, “I’ll have to consult with Norman, Martha.  You must realize that your arrival there, could affect Nancy’s well-being.”

        “Why and how would my presence there upset Nancy?  I’ll tend to her like my own sister,” said Martha plaintively, Arnold struggled to swallow the sudden lump formed in his throat.  How he wished that this wonderful woman could become all right again!  He mentally made a note about taking Dr. Frank Hutchings appointment.  Dr. Frank Hutchings was an authority on mental disorders, a renowned psychiatrist.

        Arnold decided to brief Norman about Martha’s well-being that night and ask his permission to take her to that psychiatrist for an assessment.  The sooner, the better!

        Late that night, midnight to be precise, with a heavy heart Norman gave his go-ahead to Arnold.  He felt as if a huge burden laid on his heart and try as he might, it couldn’t be lifted.  Restless and uneasy, with sleep eluding him, he sat down to meditate.

                                    **********************

        At that very moment, Martha was perusing the pages filled with her story.  She had just finished reading the manuscript. It was obviously incomplete and begging to be completed.  Why of course she remembered now!  Her heroine Sara, the fair and brave damsel in distress, the troubled King and Minister of Regina, the sorrowful Queen, the spunky Myara, the beautiful Princess Sara, the handsome one-eyed Juan; the suitor for the Princess, the forbidden shrine and a host of other characters and incidents in her unfinished novel flashed in front of her minds eye, like a picture fast-forwarded!  Yes, she had conjured them and brought them to life in her manuscript. 

      Her pulse quickened with familiar excitement.  She was the author; the writer.  So Arnold was right!  She couldn’t wait to brief him about regaining her memory.  But first she had to start writing.  When was the last time she had written?  She saw the date on the last 3-4 sheets.  07.05.2013. Good Lord!  Today it was 30.05.2013.  Three weeks had been wasted in her forgetfulness.  She chided herself and started writing.

                                                ********************

        Myara reached Juan’s small abode and called out to his mother.  “Is anybody at home?  I am here to meet Juan’s mother!  Hello, hello, anyone about?” Not getting any response, and seeing the door open; she peeped in to see a shocking sight.  An old and infirm lady lay on a rope-strung bed over which an old and sagging mattress was spread.  She was just skin and bone.  Obviously starving since ages!  Her eyes were sunken and stared vacantly into space.

        Scared stiff, Myara gently touched that lady’s forehead.  She didn’t stir.  She shook her slightly.  No response.  Myara shuddered.  Was that lady, probably Juan’s mother, dead?  If so, her worst nightmare had come true.  She had been dreading this eventuality from the start of her mission but had hoped against hope that she’d succeed in getting her and going with her to that forbidden shrine to get Juan released.  Now she felt as if all her hopes had dashed to the ground.  But she wasn’t one to give up so easily.

To be continued... 

The copyright of this novel is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.