What's her mistake ? - 10

Silence ruled that room for quite some time. No one was ready to break it.

Nammu Aunty was moving in her chair uncomfortably. Dammu Aunty (should I call her aunty? She seems the same age as Nammu Aunty. But still...) was keenly looking at Nammu Aunty.

“Why  me?” Nammu Aunty asked Dammu Aunty directly.

“Because....” She held Nammu Aunty’s right hand with her left hand and started touching Nammu Aunty’s left with her right hand. Nammu Aunty waited for her reply.

I noted one thing. Nammu Aunty never refused Dammu’s offer outright. Does that mean she is craving for some company? If so, if I am asked my opinion, I shall force Nammu Aunty to accept the offer.

Dammu took her time. Nammu Aunty was still looking at her, but never pulled her hand from Dammu’s hand. Finally Dammu let a deep sigh out and then said, “You just look like my elder sister. I lost her when I was very young. When I came to know about you, I came running... please...” she looked at Nammu Aunty with a sad face and continued “Please don’t reject my offer. I will never give you a chance to complain... I will look after like a flower...”.

Nammu Aunty stopped her and asked “The world has so many people. And you have chosen me...”Dammu tried to interrupt her. But Nammu Aunty stopped her by lifting her hand and continued “yeah, I know you told about your dead sister...” Dammu looked horrified...”Hey, when did I tell you that she is dead.. I only told I lost her...”

“What do you mean?”

“She just vanished... whoosh!” Dammu moved her right hand from right side of her body to the left in front of her face.

“I am hoping that she is coming back some day. Till then... please stay with me” she held the hands of Nammu Aunty who was standing now.

Nammu Aunty looked at me beseechingly. I encouraged her by a smile. “Nammu Aunty, say yes. It is good to have a company. Especially if the person is as jovial as Dammu Aunty...” I left the sentence in the middle because Dammu was looking at me with a stern look.

“Young man, do I look like a joker to you?” she asked seriously.

I felt very uncomfortable.

“No....” I was too embarrassed to say any further.

“Ok then. It is settled. You are coming with me and staying with me. No, more questions...” said Dammu. Then she told Nammu Aunty “I implore you to stay with me. In case you feel I have overstepped your privacy, you are free to get out of my home. Is it ok?” Dammu asked.

I nodded and saw that Nammu Aunty nodded. The oncologist looked relieved.

Dammu Aunty gave the address.

We left from there promising that we will come the next day which was a Sunday.

Nammu Aunty was silent throughout the journey back to her house. I asked her why.

“Look Sonny. I am surprised with the turn of events. Just today morning your uncle’s brother’s son spoke with me...” I looked at her questioningly. “I am sorry. My house owner..” she enlightened me.

“Oh” I said.

“What was I saying...? Oh, ok. My house owner today asked me whether I can vacate the house. He is keen to rebuild the house”

“Thank God.. you got one more place to stay!” I exclaimed.

“That is ok. I don’t know anything about her. She is talking about her missing sister. Everything is looking surprising. But ...” she left the sentence unfinished.

I told her “Nammu Aunty, you give a try. If you are not happy, then you can quit”.

But inside my heart, I was thinking, will Nammu Aunty is given chance to rent another house? Somehow it seemed impossible as of now.

When we reached Dammu Aunty’s house, I was stunned by looking at the house.

Dammu Aunty happily welcomed us. We were given a very warm welcome. “ Come Nammu, The house got a new look because of your arrival. I am thankful to you” said Dammu holding both the hands of Nammu Aunty and taking her inside the big house.

Actually, another surprise awaited us.

“There is one more condition” said Dammu. Both of us looked at her.

She categorically declared “I want you to stay with us, young man”

I stood rooted to the ground. Why on earth she want me stay here with them?