Debdas started to have second thoughts as he unloaded his bags from the bus. Would Uncle and Aunty see his visit as an imposition? They had hoped to have their son for the summer vacations but Samar had elected to join a tennis camp instead.
In his defense, the tennis camp was a highly sought after affair and the coaching there would give him an edge going forward. Places in the camp were difficult to come by and Samar had spent the last year working very hard, practicing his court work and going around getting recommendations.
The original plan involved Samar and Debdas spending the vacation at his place with his parents. The camp invite for Samar arrived late, so late that Debdas, who had already informed his mother of their plans had no recourse. His mother had already left to spend a week in her native village. He was left stranded.
Samar had assured him that his parents would love to have him over. He had made calls and arranged things. So when the day came, Debdas and his bags were loaded onto a bus early in the morning. It dropped him off at the main thoroughfare of the town, late in the afternoon. Famished, he had a plate of roti and sabji in a nearby dhaba and washed it down with a glass of orange juice. He had trouble finding an auto to take him to Samar's address. Most of the auto bhaiyyas refused because the house was located on the outskirts of town and in a slightly isolated. Finally one agreed after Debdas agreed to pay him extra.
As they drove out of the urban area, they went through a road flanked by thick woods on either side. The scene was distinctly rural. They crossed a few ponds and a few a huts before they reached their destination. The road was winding and stopped at a large black iron gate.
A high, brick red wall ran along the entire property. Debdas could see that the wall was topped with glass pieces and barbed wire. Through the slit at the gate, he could see glimpses of the compound inside. The house appeared to be a bungalow and there was cobbled driveway leading to it. As he tried to open the latch on the gate, the lights in the porch came on.
"Debdas?" called out a woman's voice.
"Yes, it's me," he called out.
"Wait a minute beta, we'll open the gates for you," she shouted.
Footsteps hurried towards the gate. The lock turned and bolts were unlatched. The gate swung open and he stood face to face with Samar's parents.
"Welcome beta! I hope you didn't have trouble finding our place. It's so good to have you. Have you paid off the auto? Let us pay him off."
This must be Neerja aunty. Aunty was in her late forties. She was medium built with a strong, lined face and a warm smile. She was wearing a thin cardigan over her traditional wear.
"Thank you Aunty for having me," said Debdas. "I paid him off. It was not difficult to find the house."
"Come my son!" said Uncle snatching a bag from Debdas.
This was Anup uncle. He seemed to be in his sixties. He was wearing a polo shirt and shorts. He was short, fat and he had a bald pate. He gave off a confident, self-assured vibe that appealed to Debdas.
"So, how was term?' he asked, as they made their way across the compound to the house. "Samar said that you are doing very well in poetry and elocution."
"Oh! He did? I do okay, Uncle."
Debdas lived in a cramped flat with his mother. He had rarely been in the vicinity of architectural elegance. They walked from the gate to the house on the driveway, passing by a well maintained lawn. There was an empty kennel in the corner. Was there a dog anywhere about? Debdas did not much care for dogs. They were usually prone to biting him.
The sloped roofs were painted green. The eaves were painted red. The flower garden was beautifully maintained. The garage was locked but through the grates he could see two cars inside. He took his shoes off at the front door. The inside was surprisingly cool, compared to the stifling evening heat outside. It was a welcome respite. The door led to a beautiful living room with bookshelves lining the walls and vases with flowers on the corner tables. Sofas lined a centrally placed glass topped coffee table. Aunty took his bags inside to one of the rooms while Uncle invited him to make himself comfortable on the sofa.
"So, Debdas, tell me this: how do you like our little part of the world?" he asked.
Debdas was happy to talk to Uncle. He listened politely. Uncle had a certain understated authority and a few strong opinions too. Uncle had been an executive for a chain of plantations. His work often took him to different parts of the land. He had a wealth of knowledge about the various rural holdings and forests.
"Now, now, don't bore Debdas with your stories. He is very tired from his journey. Why don't you freshen up, beta! We'll have an early dinner."
Aunty led him to his room. It was actually a spare room for guests but it had been recently tastefully furnished. There was a nice wardrobe, an attached bathroom and a table and a chair. Aunty pulled back the curtains and left after closing the door. There were large French windows that opened out into the garden. There was even a bookshelf with assorted novels. Debdas loved reading and he hoped to find a few treasures in the shelves. He put his bags on the bed and started taking out his night clothes.
