“I should learn flattery from you” the old man smiled, “I’ll first cook the dinner and then set up your bedroom.”
He sat there, on his comfy couch, enjoying his drink …
He glanced at his mobile phone – No Network. He smiled at the thought – ‘This is heaven – Nobody will disturb me till I’m here’ – he put his phone on the airplane mode to ensure complete disconnection.
He put a soft soothing music on his phone and sipped at his drink – smiling again and again at this peaceful seclusion.
He looked out through the window at the gathering darkness even as another lightning sounded its powerful thunder. He found this setting enigmatic.
His peace of mind was interrupted as Ramukaka entered to announce that the diner was ready. He put his unfinished glass on the table and followed him into the dining area of the kitchen…
He looked at the dining table decorated with all his favorite dishes. He was pleased at Ramukaka’s efficiency and his care for him.
He ate with appetite and with a feeling of satisfaction returned to his couch and sipped on the tranquility of the unfinished drink while Ramukaka had his dinner.
His peace was broken yet again – this time as the land line to the farmhouse rang. He answered the call – it was from Ramukaka’s son-in-law.
He informed that his wife (Ramukaka’s daughter) was experiencing labor pains and they were shifting her to a hospital, He wanted Ramukaka to be at the hospital for support. This was going to be their first baby and he needed support…
He understood his nervousness and assured that he would ask Ramukaka to be there to which he was informed that his neighbor would be at the farmhouse to pick him up.
Ramukaka entered the hall and looked inquisitively at him about the phone call. He could very well see the excitement on him. He picked up a pouch from his sack and wrote out a cheque for One Million.
“Ramukaka – This is a happy moment – I’m going to be called Uncle – don’t know by a niece or a nephew. I want you to cash this cheque and secure the future of the baby – please don’t say NO – You’re the only person I consider to be my family. It was you who parented me when I was a child…”
“How can I go leaving you alone in this storm?”
“No worries – I’ll take care and will drop in at the hospital tomorrow morning. It’s a question of one night – I will manage.”
“Please come with me – The weather looks really bad and I will be concerned about you till I see you tomorrow. Please come along with me – I’ll be sure that you are safe.”
“Stop worrying about me Ramukaka – I’m a grown up man now. I’m the most sensational movie star and I can take care of myself. It’s your daughter who needs you the most right now – Do Not Worry about me – I will be okay…”
They had to wait till his neighbor showed up … to pick Ramukaka up and get him to hospital …
They had a long wait to see lights of a vehicle that shown up from far, approaching the farmhouse. It was raining heavily now. He was wondering what type of vehicle could possibly be making its way to the farmhouse. There was nobody in the area who owned an all-terrain vehicle like him…
He soon realized – it was a farming tractor even as it entered the main gate and stopped in front of the main door.
“Please come with me – The weather looks horrible…” Ramukaka implored.
He smiled and stubbornly shook his head – instead he walked in and got a thick wad of currency which he handed over to Ramukaka “Here, keep this with you for any emergency, now – go, go, go …”