A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 44

                      Martha was furious and despondent. She had started liking John and had looked forward to seeing him everyday in the office and talking with him. She now remembered one particular conversation of theirs. It had been raining heavily outside. After a tiring session of providing the finishing touches to a manuscript, John and she were unwinding for a while, during the tea-break, with mugs of steaming tea in their hands.

                       She had inquired about his background. “John, where do you hail from? Your name appears to be Anglo-Indian. Your features too look Asian, rather than European. I must say that they are very sharp and impressive,” she had laughed as she had said that. “Yes, you’re right. I am from India. My fore-fathers had worked for the British when they governed India. We stayed in the Cantonment at Kolkata, which was Calcutta in those days. I studied in a Convent school there.”

                       “When my father, who worked for a Central Government organization, was transferred to Delhi, I studied at a college in Delhi. I studied the Arts as I was particularly fond of Literature. I did a course in Journalism from the Jawaharlal Nehru University there. Then I worked  in some magazines and later decided to shift base here, when a friend of mine told me about a vacancy in this publishing house and have been here ever since, rising up the ranks to become a Senior Editor; and here I am!”

                     “But don’t you miss India? I’ve read that it’s extremely beautiful and has a very impressive culture. How I wish I could go there sometime in my life!” she said wistfully.

                      “Oh you bet, I do! But herein lies my bread and butter. I’ll definitely be going to settle down in India after my retirement. But I’ll be very lonely there.”

                       Astonished, she asked him, ”Why? I’m sure that you have family back there who’ll be certainly pleased to have you back.”

                     “I’m all alone in this world, Martha.” He said with a pained look in his eyes. My parents died a long while ago. I have no siblings. I have lost track of my other relatives. No one has kept in touch with me all these years. It has been “Out of sight, out of mind!” for them probably. To be honest, I have also been negligent and avoided getting in touch with any of them. Here, after I fell in love with Sarah, life was bliss till we were engaged. Then she went on that fateful skiing expedition and left me alone all over again. Guess I am destined to stay alone!”

                       Even as she saw the half-smile that pulled at his lips, she saw the deep anguish in his eyes and felt his despondence in his drooping shoulders. She felt a strange sensation tugging at her heart. She was confused. Was it sympathy? Empathy? Or some deeper, as yet unacknowledged emotion? She sprang upright as it suddenly struck her like a bolt from the blue. It was love. She loved him, from the bottom of her heart, but had kept pushing it from her memory. Her life was quite complicated, as it was. She didn’t want to push the envelope any further. She wouldn’t be able to bear it if he was hurt all over again.

                       He had continued their conversation, unaware of her inner turmoil at the revelation that she had just experienced. “And mind if I ask you about your family background?”

                      She responded, “Well, I am also all alone in this world. My parents died in an air-crash, several years ago. I am a spinster as you know. I didn’t have any siblings and I remember pestering my Mom for a sister or a brother. But my parents had decided to have only one child so that they could give her the best opportunities in the world. I was the apple of their eyes. Though I was spoiled rotten by them, I was very level-headed even as a little girl. I was studious and hoped to make my parents proud of me some day and I did. When I got a job as a local correspondent in Surrey, where we lived, they were in the seventh Heaven.“

                        “They were people of very modest means so my job meant the world to them. It was a proper job as compared to the seasonal jobs that they both did, for a living and to make my life. As our financial condition improved we bought a modest apartment there. Life was hunky-dory till I sponsored a trip abroad for them. It was what they had wished for throughout their lives. They were to spend a week in France in a chateau. I still remember how they had jabbered excitedly about their forthcoming trip to all their friends and acquaintances, not forgetting to mention the fact that their beloved daughter had sponsored it for them and made their dream come true. I still curse that fateful day when that trip turned fatal as the plane crashed due to bad weather. There were no survivors. My world was shattered.”

                        As she sobbed on recounting that nightmare, John’s heart went out to her and he placed a warm palm on her hand on the table. They shared a silent look of understanding. He remained silent till she felt better and then brought her another cup of tea.

                        From then onwards the bond between them had strengthened. It was as if two lonely souls had united for company. John had been very drawn towards her, but had maintained a polite distance. After all, she was his Boss’ fiancee, though he wished that she was his! He had realized that she was capable of becoming his soul-mate.

                       He found comfort in her company and was very attracted to her physically. Whether this feeling could be termed love, he didn’t know. He had always felt that true love grew over the years, as good wine matured with age. With Sarah, he had just about reached that stage over seven long years. Martha’s association was still fairly new but he had an intuition that if watered, this sapling of love could mature into a solid oak tree. ‘If,’ he winced. Norman, his Boss was to be considered! 

To be continued....

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

A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 43

                                Seeing how innocent she looked when she laughed, the Doctor couldn’t help saying, “You look wonderful when you smile, Madam. In fact, beautiful is the word.” As she colored, he quickly reigned in his appreciation, seeing that she could feel uncomfortable. He had broken his life-long rule of not commenting on a client’s physical appearance, ever. He wondered why he had done that just then. He was inexplicably drawn towards Martha.

                                 He shook himself mentally and said blandly, “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, Madam. I just blurted out my feelings inappropriately.”

                               She laughed as she remarked gently, “On the contrary, I thank you for your compliment, Doctor. You’ve made my day.”

                              Deftly changing the subject, he said, “I hope you aren’t writing now. Are you enjoying your new job? Tell me about it.” As she narrated her experience, especially her fainting spells and the uncanny resemblance of John with Juan, her novel’s hero, the Doctor saw the root cause of her mental turmoil. She had been directly accosted, seemingly, by the very person whom she had been running away from; Juan, the hero of her novel. She would have to maintain a safe distance from her colleague, probably work in another department, if she had to recover. Otherwise the constant trauma of being reminded about him could do a lot of harm. He decided to tell Norman about it in private or through a personal phone call later. He didn’t want her to be distressed.

                          “I think that there is nothing drastically wrong with you. Please learn to unwind and enjoy life. Keep all your novel’s characters aside. Forget about them and come into the real world. All of us are there to help you. Meditate daily. Do deep-breathing exercises. Lastly, don’t dwell on unpleasant things. You are precious.” He corrected himself, remembering his vow. “Life’s precious. Embrace it. That will be all for today."

                         “Well, how did it go?” asked Norman, relieved to see her smiling; and her usual confident self. “Fine! Supposedly, nothing’s wrong with me. I’ve to just take it easy. For starters, let’s go for that movie.” He calmly told her to wait for him in the car as he had a word with the Doctor. Martha felt like a small kid with her Daddy. But she was glad to do as he said. She wanted to just enjoy herself. Not dwell on unpleasant things.

                         The Doctor was surprised to see Norman and relieved too. He told him to effect a Department change and keep Martha away from John. He briefed him about John’s resemblance to Juan, Martha’s novel’s hero. Norman groaned inwardly, but said “Of course, Doctor. Anything for Martha!” Dr. Hussey’s eyes narrowed. Norman was in love with Martha for sure. He felt awful. He was sure that the other gentleman, Arnold felt awful too.

                         The movie was a re-run of the classic “Gone with the wind”. Martha enjoyed herself thoroughly. Norman was also pleased to see her so relaxed. They later had dinner at an elegant restaurant, talking about things in general. Martha had a vague feeling that Norman was trying to appear normal and relaxed when something was evidently bugging him. She uneasily wondered whether Dr. Hussey had told him something worrying about her. Then she decided to just concentrate on the wonderful meal and not bother asking him about the same. Would it alter things? No, was the answer. So why worry? She’d take one day, rather each moment at a time. She didn’t want to lose the present for the future. Little was she to realize that the future, rather the immediate future involved working without John.

                            Norman cleverly avoided effecting the Department change immediately realizing that Martha was astute enough to notice it and link it to their visit to the psychiatrist. Instead, he sent John on outdoor errands the next day. Then he deputed him to attend a workshop instead of him, in London. That would take care of 4 days. Then there was the weekend when the office was closed. Initially, Martha didn’t find anything amiss. But when the next week Norman deputed her to work in the subbing section she saw red. She marched to his office to demand an explanation.

                            “Why did you ask me to work in the subbing section, Norman? I’ve been oblivious to the fact that you’ve kept John out of my sight for the past week. But now I have realized that there is more to it than meets the eye! Has Dr. Hussey asked you to see to it that John and I don’t cross our paths in the office; just because he resembles the hero of my novel?”

                            Embarrassed at being questioned so pointedly and accurately by Martha, Norman merely nodded in the affirmative. “Then I must be told what else the Doctor has advised about me!” she said peevishly. “Well, if you must know, he has asked me to keep John out of your sight, lest you have those recurring panic attacks and fainting spells. Even I feel that it is much better this way. Last week was a dream for me as you were fine, absolutely fine.”

                          When he saw the look of dismay on his face, he softened and embraced her. She pushed him away bitterly and said, ”But that’s taking the easy way out, Norman. For how long can you keep John and me apart? Don’t we work in the same office? At some point of time, we are bound to meet. Then what will you do? Now I’ve realized that you find me, rather my behavior embarrassing. Why don’t you just pack me off, home? Sack me.” Her eyes had filled with tears as she stormed out of his office.

                         Norman thought about her reaction and wondered what was brewing between his fiancée and his Senior Editor? He had some inkling but wanted to be sure. He now had to decide on his further course of action. He had failed miserably in his task.

To be continued.... 

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

A Suitor for the Princess - Chapter 42

                             Norman deliberately kept the conversation friendly and cheerful throughout the drive to the psychiatrist’s clinic. He was uneasy about her aloofness at times but knew that she needed help, professional help, to get her act together. He was also preoccupied with Nancy’s health. He had received unsettling reports from her physician that her days were numbered and it was just a matter of time before she would be no more. As he flinched at the thought, he felt Martha’s arm on his arm and glanced at her anxious face. She must’ve sensed his discomfort and angst. She was a very perceptive woman. After all, she was a fine writer. He looked at her and smiled, much to her relief. His eyes were so gentle, like a calm sea. She felt relaxed in his company.

                              But Norman winced when she inquired about his ex-wife. “It’s Nancy, isn’t it? Has her condition deteriorated? I pray that she gets well soon and becomes strong and healthy, though I know that it’s easier said than done. Norman, isn’t it too taxing for you, managing all things at the same time, besides being saddled with my responsibility? I wish that I too become well soon and stop bothering you.” She said it in a very matter-of-fact tone and Norman was relieved that she hadn’t broken into tears. He hated wimpy women. In fact, Martha’s fierce independence had drawn him to her and he had hated to see her disintegrating into an emotional wreck. She had to pull herself together and he’d see to it!

                          Both of them had a light brunch at a Café, the same where Arnold had brought her the first time. She couldn’t help comparing Arnold and Norman just then. Well, both were sensitive, caring, dependable and handsome. But Norman was a little brusque and practical and Arnold appeared to be the die-hard romantic who wore his heart on his sleeve. Probably both of them loved her. But did she love any one of them? Now that was food for thought!

                          She chuckled as she realized that these days she was eyeing all the males who came into her contact as potential lovers and life-mates if not soul-mates! That was what happened after living a long and lonely life as a spinster. She was however glad that she hadn’t become hardened and cynical like some other spinsters whom she knew, who couldn’t appreciate the beauty of a wild rose nor enjoy the chirping of the song-birds.

                             “A penny for your thoughts?” Norman’s deep voice broke her reverie. “May I share the joke with you?” he asked with a warm smile on his tanned face. “I’m just feeling very light-hearted and carefree. I’m even wondering why on earth are we visiting the kind doctor! Can’t we go to the movies instead?” she fibbed. Now it was Norman’s turn to grin. We will, after the appointment is done with. Will it be O.K. if we reach home late tonight?”“Of course, Norman! It isn’t as if any one’s awaiting my arrival anxiously at home.” Then she remembered her story’s characters and kept mum. They’d have to bide their time, she thought as they walked, hand in hand into the clinic.

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                          Dr. Benedict Hussey greeted them warmly and soon got to the point. “Well, kindly brief me about your progress, Madam. Sir, kindly be seated outside. Thank you.” Norman smarted under his curt dismissal. He’d have liked to stay on in the Doctor’s chamber to know what was going on and see whether Martha responded to his queries faithfully. He doubted whether she even remembered what she had to brief the Doctor about! He knew that he was over-anxious but couldn’t help himself. He was genuinely worried about Martha and hoped that she recovered fully and soon.

                          He was hoping to get married before Christmas, if all went well. He couldn’t wait to have her by his side, living with him in his house. He had grown much attached to her. But he really wondered whether he’d have the patience to keep tending to her continually, if her fragile mental state continued for long. After tending to Nancy, day in and day out, he was tired, mentally and physically. He wanted a strong and healthy woman, not a weak and feeble one. He knew that he was over-reacting but he wondered about how long it would be before he lost his patience with Martha fully. He wanted things to be totally sorted out before the marriage. Otherwise, he was content to remain single and at peace. He was being selfish and mean but he knew that it was for the best, for both of them.

                             “…….. And now I am drawing parallels between the people whom I meet daily and my novel’s protagonists. I also think that I am the heroine of my novel! Doctor, please help me urgently. I think I’ll soon go insane,” Martha completed her tale of woe, even as Dr. Hussey breathed heavily, visibly affected by her impassioned plea. Obviously, things were going downhill for his beautiful client. She looked like a leaf tossed about in a storm. She even acted as one, clinging to any lifeline for succor. Now it appeared as if she had fully reposed her faith in him. If he went wrong or didn’t provide what she needed, she’d perish!

                               “I hope that you don’t smoke, drink or consume drugs, Madam. I’d appreciate it if you informed me about it, if you do!” Hearing her strangled cry, he knew that she was terribly offended. “No Doctor. I have never resorted to any of this stuff in my entire life and never will. But why did you ask?”

                               "You see, some intoxicating substances have hallucinogenic effects on the mind. As do some strong medicines. Hence I wanted to be doubly sure that you weren’t addicted to any of them. I also presume that you are not taking medication for any of your illnesses.”

                               ”No Doctor. In fact, I’ve visited a Doctor, that’s you, after say, 20 years! I’m proud to say that I look after myself very well.” “Yes, you certainly appear hale and hearty,” said the Doctor with a sudden chuckle. Martha was surprised to see that he looked so boyish when he laughed. Maybe he should do that more often she mused, laugh that is! Maybe his high-strung profession and the problems of his clients weighed down on him and made him brooding and morose. Now it was her turn to chuckle as she realized that she had been psycho-analyzing her Doctor, for a change.

To be continued.... 

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