Mansoor had now been a tenant for three months. He had seen through the worst of the monsoons, which was much lighter than even the winter rains of his village. At work, his industriousness and cheery nature had already got him one increment, and greater responsibilities were on the horizon. Based on Shama's advice, Sandesh had made him the manager of the guesthouse, in exchange for a 25% reduction in the rent and hot dinner, provided he got the guesthouse to full occupancy. So, he got all the other rooms to be triple occupied by labourers who worked under him. He ensured that the workers would all leave for work together, and give the rent to Mansoor for a consolidated submission to Sandesh. He managed to have at least one worker per room to have an off day over the weekends, and his day off was still Tuesday, when all rooms were empty of tenants.
Everyone called him Mani (jewel) Sir, and assumed him to be an immigrant from the delta region of the neighbouring country to the east. The unimaginative modification of Mansoor to Mani Sur also hid his religious background in the local sun oriented, idol worshipping community.
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Autumn
The third Monday of September coincided with Mansoor's birthday. He took a half day off, and rushed to the market. When he reached the guesthouse two hours later, he carried a blank paper bag with two gift wrapped packages, and a chocolate cake. The shutter of the shop was still down, so he went to his room, kept the cake on the only table he had, placed the candles and knife appropriately, and walked up to the landlord's home. He didn't ring the doorbell.
M: Madam?
S: Yes, Mr Mani? What is it?
M: Will you please come to the guesthouse after lunch for two minutes?
S: Why?
M: It's my birthday, and I wanted to celebrate with you.
S: Happy birthday, Mr Mani. But I think it's not required.
M: Look, Madam, I have taken a half day off. I have no other friends here. Please, just two minutes. We'll cut the cake and take a picture, that's all.
S: OK, I'll come on my way to the shop.
At half past two, Shama left the house with her daughter, telling Sandesh that she would be back in fifteen minutes. She didn't tell him where she was going.
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With eager expectations, Mansoor opened the door of his room in response to the gentle knock. He was rendered speechless and motionless at the image before him.
Shama stood at the door, with her daughter standing by her right, holding her left hand. As she stood at the door, waiting to be invited inside, he boldly apprised her- her light pink saree with a white sleeveless back-knotted blouse, her large kohl lined eyes, the small but prominent mole near the left edge of her upper lip, the light smile on her red painted lips, the black beaded gold necklace that is synonymous to her status as a married woman. She had made herself ready for a party, and it pleased him.
S: Good afternoon, Mr Mani. Sorry for being late.
M: Oh, no worries, Madam. I am so happy that you accepted my invitation. Please come in.
As the mother-daughter duo entered, Mansoor took a long whiff of the perfume. She had really gone to some length for him.
S: Wow! Look, Kusum. Chocolate cake.
K: Mumma, chocolate.
Mansoor latched the door and came to Shama's side.
S: Wow! Uncle got a chocolate cake for you. Didn't I tell you that we are going to a party?
M: Why don't you cut it, while I get the plates.
S: No, it's your birthday cake. You must blow the candles and cut the cake. And the first piece is also yours to have.
M: Madam, now that your daughter is here, let it be her celebration. We can have our party later.
Before she could respond, he turned and disappeared into the next room. She didn't want to waste any time on futile arguments, so she knelt down and fixed the candles on the cake. As she was lighting the candles, he returned with the plate.
M: Wow! Now blow the candles and cut the cake.
Mansoor started recording as the candles were blown, the cake was cut, a piece was put on the plate, and given to the toddler. Mansoor motioned towards the inner room, and Shama walked her daughter to the single bed inside. The child walked up to the bed and sat down on it. Shama placed the plate in front of her, and stepped backwards, watching her daughter go for the large chunk with relish. Then she walked back to the cake table.
M: Come, Madam. You also have some cake.
S: I will feed you first.
M: Madam, you have been feeding me for quite some time. Let me feed you this time.
S: Ok,ok. Let's do it together.
He took a small piece, while she took a big one. He didn't break eye contact with her as he opened his mouth. As she stuffed his mouth playfully, he clamped his lips on her fingers and sucked slowly. Simultaneously, he inserted the cake piece into her mouth, and while continuing to suck on her fingers, he rubbed his fingers on her lips gently, applying the chocolate cream on her face.
S: What are you doing? Stop it!! You have ruined my makeup!
M: Nothing can have any effect on your beauty, Madam. But if you don't like the way I fed you the cake, I am sorry. I am willing to do anything you say to make amends.