The Man at the Window – Tidings – 10


It was a beautiful Christmas and New Year for the “lovebirds”. Still reeling from the season of celebrations, Poppy and Mary settled into daily life. They took up a one bedroom house close to Mary’s family. The room had a bed, a chair and a small cupboard. There was a little kitchen attached, big enough for one person to stand and cook. The few gifts they had got would come a long way in setting up their home. Poppy just had a box of clothes, as did Mary. That night as they sat on the bed looking at their wedding pictures, they looked at each other and smiled. This was “their” home. This was their little dream. This was where their journey would begin “together”. Life, bringing with it, all the surprises one could imagine. They held hands as they feel asleep, trusting fully in each other, knowing “together” they could face the world, brave and confident.

Soon, Poppy and Mary got busy with work. Mary would come back and cook, while Poppy tutored a few children in the neighborhood. On Saturdays, Poppy would pick up Mary from office and go for a movie or just spend time at home. Mary’s mother would send food for them now and again. “She was an excellent cook” said Poppy.  He went on to explain how she made tasty pickles and jams, but his all time favourite was the sausage curry. On one of the weekends, Poppy had to travel back to Darjeeling to collect some documents and on his return; he brought a puppy for Mary. Oh, how they loved the little thing. Poppy showed me a photograph of Mary holding a little dog in her arms. “Her smile said it all” he said. It was good being married. Work was good and home was better. They were happy.

One morning when Poppy reached school, he was summoned by the Principal. There was a telegram for Poppy - his old man was critical. Poppy and Mary left the same day by train to Madras to see him. Poppy was distressed to see his father in such a state. It was stomach cancer and unfortunately it was too late. A few hours after seeing Poppy, he passed away. It was as if, he was waiting for him. The funeral was held and Poppy and Mary returned home. Slowly things were coming back to normal. Poppy would always miss his father, but life moves on and so did he. A month or two after his father passed away, Mary fell seriously ill. She was unable to digest any food and had become pale and weak. Poppy was traumatized. He rushed her to the nearest hospital, praying for her to get better. The doctor kept her there that day for a few tests to be done. Poppy paced up and down the hospital most of the night.  A glucose drip and a few medicines down, Mary looked better. The next morning the doctor came to Poppy bright and smiling. Poppy was confused. “You’re going to be parents”, the doctor said. Their happiness knew no bounds. “But, what about Mary” he asked, concerned. The doctor wrote a few medicines and a special diet for her and the next day the happy couple was home.

A new dream graced their eyes that night.


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