An all-terrain dream vehicle stopped. The person driving it got out and looked at the majesty of the Nature around him.
It was a lush green surface, clean unpolluted air – he took a deep breath to enjoy the feeling of this pure air rejuvenating him.
About half a mile away, the clean back water of a nearby dam shimmered in the golden light of the setting sun that peeped out from behind a wall of thick clouds through an opening.
He faced a sizeable farmhouse made entirely of wood. The fine craftsmanship and the peaceful paint on the exterior, beckoned him to enter and enjoy the luxuries within…
A huge name plate on the main gate displayed the glory of its owner …
‘SUBBU KUMAR’ (No Trespassing)
He smiled at the board and pushed open the main gate of the farmhouse.
He then drove his car into the driveway adorned by a well-maintained lawn and a garden on either side. He parked his car into the garage and deliberately walked on the lawn smelling the flowers as he walked toward the main structure.
He paused dramatically in front of the main door and pushed the bell.
He had a wait of few seconds before he heard slow, old, tired footsteps on the other side. He watched the door unbolted and open.
A thin, frail, old man looked at him in relief and smiled, “Welcome – Master.” He looked beyond and turned to face him again, “You alone or is someone special hiding around?” and laughed at his mischievous question.
“Are you going to let me in or keep me waiting till I answer all your questions.” he replied with equal mischief.
“Oh! I’m sorry – do come in and make yourself comfortable till I get your baggage from the garage.”
Saying thus the old man proceeded toward the garage and he kept looking at the thin old frame with a smile of affection for him.
He walked in smiling at the comfort of being there and occupied a luxurious couch near the fireplace. This was the only place in that farmhouse structure which was made of stones and cement.
“Ramukaka” he looked at the old man who entered with a medium sized sack, “Please light up this fireplace. I didn’t think that this place was going to be so cold.”
“Sure – and I see that you won’t be staying for long looking at the size of your baggage.”
He laughed, “You’re right. I’m here only for a couple of days before I get really busy. Wanted some time out for myself…”
Ramukaka looked at the ceiling even as a lightning sounded a huge thunder, “I’m so glad that you could make it here in time. I was worried. The weather here has been stormy – the entire week and it seems – It’s going to get dangerous tonight.”
“How do you know that?” he laughed.
“Experience…” he shook his head in concern, “I remember – it was a similar stormy night when you were born. I had a tough time getting your mother to a hospital. Your father was away on the other side of the globe – attending his business meetings.”
He winced at the mention of his parents and the situation at the time of his birth…
“Ramukaka – let’s not talk about it. I’m here to spend some peaceful time with myself. Don’t want to think of past or future,”
“Okay.” Ramukaka smiled, “Would you like to enjoy a drink by the time I cook our dinner? This year, I have grown the green vegetables at this farmhouse and they are delicious.”
“Yes – definitely.” he got out of his seat and walked toward the well-equipped bar, “I know that the food cooked by you will be super delicious – I already feel the empty pit in my stomach scream Yummy.”