Condolence

 

 

                               Condolence

It was a busy day. CEO is visiting the Regional office next week specially to review the new Project the company obtained against stiff competition.

Last week end too, could not go home due to pressure in the office, Radhika told to herself. Somehow want to complete the assignments given by Friday afternoon and catch the late night train to reach home early morning. Radhika could not take calls from Ramesh who is on an official tour to Mumbai and expected to join her by Friday evening. As usual, her husband was particular to receive the return call which she  got missed over the schedules at office desk. Mother in law’s call which is seldom and unusual too was also disconnected before answering. Anyhow her conversation is mainly thro’ his son only and was a bit worried for the urgency in calling to her office.

It was just when reached back from office to the Quarter’s and freshened up, remembered and read the message from Jt. Secreatary of RWA.  “ Dear members, our esteemed Resident at E 1010 and Plus Point owner Mr. Dhanapalan  passed away early hours at KMG Hospital. A condolence meeting will be held at the Club House as scheduled. May his soul rest in peace.!

 It was a stunning and shocking news. Is it that Mother in law too wanted to convey and Ramesh was calling me repeatedly. What about Dhanya and their Son. What will happen and who will take over their business. He appeared to be quite healthy and even attending the sports events briskly a month ago. Ramesh was his class mate and a thick friend and how will he be able to accept the sad news. Dhanya and Dhanapalan  is  known for their loving, helping nature in the society and takes part in all activities voluntarily.  They were more liked by Mother in law, because they always lovingly supplemented to her requests for provisions or essential items soon , as both of us are away from home at workplaces and available only on weekends and that too irregular off late.  Mind  was crowded with many issues at hand, but had to wait until Friday  to catch the train on time.

Though no plans made in advance worked to perfection, she wanted to meet Dhanya and if possible to spend some time to console and her son who is also faraway studying for his Masters. Luckily the train was on time, and when woke up after a disturbed sleep, only half an hour was left to alight. Not waiting much for, got into an Auto from the station and reached in no time to her Apartment. 

Mother in law opened the door, and without waiting for a breath, complained to tell that Ramesh’s flight was delayed and that he may not come this week. And that her consultation with Doctor is overdue and blood tests to be carried out today itself before meeting the Doctor. The maid Shanti is absent for the last three days without any notice. There was no mention of Dhanapalan’s demise or Dhanya.  Is it that she deliberately avoiding the news for not attending the call to office !

She knew that Ramesh will not come and the flight delay was only a cover to avoid the condolence meet. He is afraid of attending the funerals and rituals since long. After completing the morning chores, and cooked  for lunch, Radhika was ready stepping out to meet Dhanya at her home. Mother in law was at the door and made a comment; “ Don’t you know that it is Saturday and nobody goes on this day for condolence, specially when seniors are alive at his home”. Though lived for more than three decades with Ramesh’s father of  a different caste, she has no qualms to quote of  rituals or traditions.

It is better to keep peace at home than moving out to meet Dhanya, thought Radhika, already tired with no rest for the last so many days. It was when another calamity appeared with no notice in the form of Ramesh’s uncle and family of three.  Now, she had no choice than to curse the day and her fate. Sunday was a day of rest and of small mercies, and luckily the guests at home left   as they have come , without waiting for lunch.

Radhika with no hurry made up her mind to meet Dhanya at their Plus Point-mini super market, generally open on Sundays also. When reached there it was total disappointment to see the shop is closed and  she felt bad with different emotions. And when reached back home, with no remorse Ramesh and his mother was watching an old movie, happily to her surprise, 

Radhika’s next visit  to home was after three weeks, with an added holiday. It is more than a month after Dhanapalan passed away. Will it be proper  to meet Dhanya after such a delay. It will not be correct also if not met her atleast now. The RWA office boy whom she met last time told that they all left for their ancestral home immediately after the funeral rites and that is why Radhika could not meet them in the Shop , last time.

And today, Oh God, she reached in front of Plus Point and saw Dhanya talking to some customer and transacting at the cash counter. How easily she is transformed to the new situation, though looked lifeless and sad. Dhanya's eyes met her  surprised, and Radhika felt so bad , words not coming out and mumbled to say Sugar 2 kg and Lux Deluxe 5. Dhanya handed over the packs and extended her hand with the bill and balance amount looking askance at the blue sky far away ! 

An after thought prompted Radhika  to tell her to contact for any help, with words not coming out, but the reply from opposite side was a deep silence. Returning with the packets in hand Radhika felt unexplainable emotions on herself of sadness, anger or piety .    Who is the loser, Dhanya or herself ?

And the victor is again loneliness !

 😔