I peeped through the window overlooking the road… there was no sign of Payal or Dad. I broomed the pieces of shattered glass into the bin. The time was nearing 7 in the grandfather clock. I looked through the window again… still no one. Ma was still sleeping in her room. Somehow the look of blankness on the dusty road and the silence of the moment gave me an eerie feeling. Before the clock struck seven, I put on my slippers and tiptoed out of the house.
Venky uncle’s shop had a telephone booth. It was just across the road. Uncle was sitting on the steps, enjoying the little bit of relief the evening wind provided from the summer heat. He could read the look of worry on my face.
“What is it Aruna Ma, you look so tensed?”
“Nothing much Uncle, actually, Payal and Baba haven’t come home yet. I needed to make few calls .Our telephone is not working”
He understood the urgency of my voice and led me to the old black telephone without further questioning. I picked it up to dial Baba’s number. The phone rang. No reply. I tried again. Still no reply. Maybe Baba had left the office. Maybe he is on his way. But…
I took a deep breath. Everything is going to be all right…I assured myself. I turned around to have a look at the road… No signs of Baba or Payal. Old Venky Uncle stood behind me wearing a questioning look on his face. “Baba left the office...I suppose”.
He gave a difficult smile and sat down on his chair in the shop. Now it was difficult to contact Payal. Though I had the Institute’s number she worked at, the phone usually was never received or stayed out of order. I decided to give it a try. I dialed the number and the phone rang. Someone picked up the call…and click…the line went dead.
My fingers went numb. Tension gripped me. I dialed the number again, ‘the number which you have called is busy, kindly try again after sometime’..and the melancholy voice went on repeating it in three languages. I tried again…and then again..still the same answer.
The wind outside was getting cooler, but somehow it made feel worse than good. Venky Uncle rose from his chair. “Aruna, I guess they are on their way. Don’t worry so much Ma”.
I could only nod my head. It was unusual for Payal to stay out this late, she was usually punctual. I decided to call my classmate Arjun. Arjun stayed a few houses away from institution where Payal worked. I dialed Arjun’s number. When he picked up the call I went on with my story without listening or making sense:
“Hey Arjun, Payal… home...late…can u…what will ..oh god…baba also not !”
“Shhh..Aruna…relax. Breathe. Whats wrong”. I controlled my tears and took a deep breath. I narrated him my worry. “that’s all naa, don’t worry. I’ll check out and bring her along if I find her on the way. And you get back home and stay with your mother. I shall check out on Uncle too. And for God’s sake Aruna…Relax. Everything will be fine.”
I wiped my tears and placed the receiver down. Venky Uncle offered me a glass of water and escorted me home. The time was seven thirty, Ma was awake... “Arunaa, where had you been. I was so scared. Where is your Baba…where is Payal..” Her voice was subdued in the noise of a vehicle which just arrived. Everything went silent…..
