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.
S: You smooth talking scoundrel! Give me a napkin to wipe my face clean.
M: May I show my sincerity and gratitude for your generosity?
S: Ok.
While he had been talking to her, Mansoor had taken some icing from the cake on his right index finger. He now applied that cream on her left cheek. Shama recoiled backwards and reacted irately.
S: What are you doing, Mr Mani?
M: Madam, you made me a happy man by accepting my request and coming to my room. Now just humour me by letting me take a picture of my beautiful and lovely landlady.
S: Are you mad? You want to click my photo after dirtying my face?
M: But Madam, I am telling you that you are still as beautiful and lovely.
S: Stop this nonsense, and give me a napkin. Or I will leave this second.
M: Sorry Madam, I will just get the towel.
The toddler walked in with her plate and asked her mother for some more cake. When she saw the cream on her mother's face, she laughed and playfully added some more cream on her mother's chin and forehead. Shama accepted her daughter's playfulness and joined in her daughter's laughter, while she put a piece of cake on the plate for her daughter. Mansoor picked up the child, pulled out his phone and positioned himself such that when Shama straightened, he was ready to take a picture of the trio. He said, "smile", and captured the image. Then he put the toddler down, who walked back to the inner room to sit and enjoy the cake her mother was carrying.
A few moments later, Shama came back to the room and stared angrily at Mansoor.
S: Mr Mani, will you please give me a napkin?
M: I am sorry to see you in this angry state, Madam. I have just the right idea. Will you please allow me to cool your anger. I will remove the cream myself.
S: Do it now, or else we'll leave immediately.
M: Madam, I will do it very softly and very deliberately and I will not leave any visible signs of the cream. But please don't leave me alone on my birthday. I will give you a treat. I will first remove the cream next to your lovely lips.
Mansoor walked over to where Shama was standing.
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Interlude 3