He looked at the man with a disfigured face and realized that the man was completely drenched and shivering in the cold stormy breeze.
“Come in” he invited him inside, wary of his moves. He felt sorry for the person. He was limping, hardly able to put his left leg on to the floor…
“Did you meet with an accident? Was there anyone else with you?” he asked in concern.
“Yeah! I did meet with an accident – but, that was a long time ago. 25 years ago to be precise and I was alone at that moment – just like you are at this moment.”
“How do you know that I’m alone here?”
“If you weren’t alone, Ramukaka would have opened this door. – but, you did.”
“Oh! So you know Ramukaka… he’s not here at the moment.”
“I know – he is at the hospital. His daughter seems to be in labor pain – about to deliver a baby.”
“Well – If you know where he is – why didn’t you go to the hospital to meet him? Why come here in this dangerous storm?”
“I came here to keep you company and have few words with you.”
“Oh! Ramukaka – he’ll never let go of his concern for me …”
“No, Ramukaka didn’t ask me to come here. He doesn’t even know that I’m here with you.”
“If Ramukaka didn’t ask you to – why risk your life and reach this farmhouse?”
“I did say – to keep you company and have a word with you.” the person said and occupied the couch he normally used to occupy. “I hope you don’t mind me sitting here… I’m so cold and drenched – I couldn’t help sitting here for warmth.” he pointed out the fireplace.
Once he was settled in the warmth, he looked around at the dimly lit up hall as if he was trying to recall the nooks and the corners of a familiar place, “I have been wanting to meet Ramukaka – however, the meeting couldn’t be made possible. I wanted to express my gratitude. He spent all his money, and also, all the money I gave him… toward my recovery from the accident. They didn’t allow me to meet him.”
“If you don’t mind … may I know about the accident?”
“No – I can’t speak about it. It’s not allowed.”
“Not allowed?”
“Yes. It’s not allowed. I already am in the pain of living this wretched life – I won’t be able to bear if they torture me…”
‘This man is not only queer. He also seems intriguing and sinister.’ he thought, now more alert to any of his movements.
“Do you know who I am?” he asked searching the guy for any reaction.
The guy looked at him and started laughing, “I know how you feel about my sudden presence – here in this room – especially, when you wanted to enjoy some peace and find answers to the questions that have been bogging your mind.” he looked direct. “You don’t have to be alert – I mean no harm to you.”
He continued, “You can put that revolver back in your sack. You won’t need it.”
“You still haven’t answered me…”
“Ah! Yes! I know … You are Subbu Kumar – the sensational superstar, the most handsome guy on the silver screen. You are someone who dictates his terms to everyone. You are absolutely rude to anyone who approaches you, except Ramukaka. You respect him a lot, though he is your servant, since your childhood. You haven’t had nor do you have time to reflect upon how many girls, actresses, models you have had an affair with…”
“You are telling me everything that has been spread widely by the media – I must say you have done your homework.”
To Be Continued…..