I know I am supposed to get up and start my day but don't you think it's still too dark out there? It seems as if the clouds that poured last night are still lingering outside and telling me to sleep more. But there is this urge that is asking me to get up and get my life on right track again. Track of life where I used to wake up early and complete all day tasks by noon. And then after noon all I would have done was to be creative and feel alive. Sometimes I would have taken a nap too. As time would passe by, evening colours would fill the landscape and that way I would have realised, 'Oh. It is now sweet time for me to savour the sunset with chai with the flavour of ginger and peppermint.' As blue hour would pack up all remaining light to depart, town already be lightened up with all those streetlamps, car's light, the light that leaks out of closed window and yes, the light that fills the other black spots of this town by escaping from translucent glass windows. At times, the silhouettes of the household activities would make me wish to join them for the party they are throwing, dinner they are serving or television shows they all are enjoying. Sometimes I took a peep, sometimes I saw some kids sneaking out to attend party out of the dinner they were having or parents sharing a kiss after tugging their kids in bed as they have fallen asleep while watching tv. Once I saw, this elderly couple dancing and embracing the time left.
All I have to say, I have so much to learn about this world. This normal world.
My biological father died in an accident. My mother remarried my father's younger brother for the sake of us, that is me and my younger brother. I respect both of my parents. Mother, for devoting her life for us. Father, for stepping up during those critical times. But there were always gaps and distances between them which eventually made me amazed by the normal romantics and simple joys of this normal world. As we grew up, me and my younger brother were not allowed to visit any friend's house or to accept any gift coz my parents witnessed cruel realities and ugly truths of this supposed to be normal world that made them be overprotective of us, kids. At first, it didn't matter much but as we grew old, we became aliens to this normal world. Unaware of all the cool things that cool kids used to do or have, I was tagged as outcast. I would have done anything to be connected to things, to those sparkles of teenage. I had drawn homework diagrams for nothing in return, I had been a bad student in front of teachers who I really admired, I had spoken anything that would bring a laughter. It took me a moment to realise I was being mocked. Then one day, I stood up. For myself. But that made me more of outcast. Even teachers were all the same. Such discrimination when faced at young age makes something and break another thing in a child. Things eventually became rough and I realised something. This world is such a brutal place filled with filth I once thought to be normal. There was no human out there.
Things stopped mattering. Still, this world piqued my interests. I wanted to know whether I can believe anything or not in this world of liars. I wished to be known and remembered. Not like someone who is war hero or science contributor or infamous yet loved criminal. Each and every time, whenever I am filled with this emotion of unnerving excitement inside me, I am always served with bland taste of nothing. Every damn time, every spark I develope with being on my own is lost beyond repair after every encounter. I still want to believe but I am exhausted.
Anyway, it's fine coz I ran away. To the unknown roads. I drew. The stars, the clouds, the characters I love. I read. I played. In the playgrounds with swings and slides. Oh gosh, it was so fun. I will go this weekend. Maybe also visit home. My parents will be happy. But they will ask me when I am returning? I don't want to return. Just not, yet. For the sake of myself to repair what feels broken inside. I am still trying to mend myself up. It's been six months. Already? Only six months left till—
Ouch. These bitches, mosquitoes. A window must had remained opened. But last night I checked, they were all closed properly. Or maybe I might have left one partially… open. I must had check properly. It is also feeling surprisingly cold. Must have been the wind.
I got myself out. The floor is cold such that it is sending the shivers. Where is my shawl? It's there on chair. I wrapped the shawl around me and went to window to see the sky outside. Yes, it did rain. The roads are sparkling and glittering with the water droplets on it and streetlight falling on it. The sky is becoming lighter shade of dark blue. The colours of the landscape fascinate me. Everything is blue except the lights that are in shades of yellow. I leaned by the side of the window wondering if I am able to draw this? See, the buildings in the landscape are not entirely blue. Blue light is just over them. So how should I make these buildings? For the lights, I can do some blending or some light brushing over the blue world I am seeing now with the palates of yellow colour. I must capture it. I hurried to grab my phone to take a picture. Resultant photograph was not as good as I expected it to be. It just didn't capture the colours right. I should go downstairs and photograph it from the road directly. Just me and empty road. I put on the slippers and walked down. I opened the door. I photographed the one side of street. The results were better. I need to learn these camera settings. I turn to capture the other side of the street. On the other side there's this one street light that is flickering. I want to capture the photograph in such a way that all streetlights are ON. I took few photographs in hurry to not the miss that ON moment of that lamp. I looked at the results. First is not bad. Second is with OFF streetlamp. Third is with lamp ON but it is bit blurry. Fourth is OFF. Fifth has streetlamp ON but there is some figure under the light. I scrolled to the last photo; the figure seems to be coming closer. I looked up. There is no one standing on this end of street.
But there is someone, lying on the ground. I ran to that figure. Clouds must have been feeling heavy that they starting crying and drenching me and this stranger I encountered today. The stranger is he. He seems to be collapsed. I try to lift him. He is heavy and thanks to his heavy water-drenched coat that adds more weight, more struggle to me. I dragged him to the insides of Maple's. I made efforts to get him out of his heavy coat. And succeeded. Then I dragged him to the couch I used to sleep on when I was just new here. In this whole act of service to drag (…. Wait a second, I moved hand across his face to get a better view of his face….) this handsome stranger, I am soaked.
What a way to start the day.
I went upstairs. I played the music. Reflections by Neighbourhood was playing. I brushed my teeth. Washed my face. Fell in dilemma whether to take shower now or later. Then took the shower. Thankfully, the laundry was done just yesterday and now I am into clean pair of clothes. Did the skincare and hairdo. With another song that is Mai Ne Meriye playing in the background, I walked downstairs. Only to see that collapsed stranger is not there on couch anymore. His coat is still hanging on the clip I hanged it on. I pause my music. Take out my slippers. Without making a sound, I walk down. I could hear some sounds of utensils from the kitchen.
Thank you, mother for your teachings. Today's the day, I will put all those lessons taught to me in use. I moved silently towards the main door. Thankfully, the angels are on my side. The main door is open. I walk out and since I know the main door can be closed only from inside. I made the decision.
It has been a long time. The winds are chilly and the way those are cutting through my skin is hurting me more as I started running. It has been really long time. Mother, thank you. For making me run miles and telling me that every girl should know how to run. You know, one cannot always fight but one can always run. Every girl must know how to run. Thank you, mother. Thank you.
And so, I ran. To the garden, I tagged along Naina to swing on swings and slide on the slides. It was empty. The swings, the merry-go-round, the slides, the climbers and yes, the den with paintings inside were all drenched with rain. I ran to den. It was relatively warm inside the den. But one whose feet are now all bloody must not complain for the sandy floor shelter with the roof with oddly shaped cutouts they have received. Thankfully, I had my phone with me. I must call someone.
But who?
Mother?
Father?
Brother?
Juni or Tara?
Maybe police?
Tara's house is somewhere near this playground. But would it be okay to wake her up so early in the morning? Police is safe option but would they come knowing I am no VIP? I will call—
Suddenly, I hear the screeching of merry-go-round moving. I also see the silhouettes of swings swinging. I cover my mouth and snuggle more inside the den. My eyes are at the cutout entrance from which I entered.
Not knowing there was already someone watching me from the hole overhead.
I am scared. Out of sudden, all those screeching sounds stop. There is someone outside. There is a shadow moving towards the entrance hole. And shadow becomes figure. Figure is paws of a Black Panther with emerald green eyes glowing and watching me so intensely. For a second, I thought I must not look at those so captivating eyes. Might bring me my death. Who knows?
There is a voice that came from behind. Following the voice, arrives a face that peeks in the hole. It is him. The stranger guy. He moves inside as he spoke,
'Aren't you little too runner for being the bare feet?'
'Just don't touch me. Don't you dare—'
'Woah. Sorry for scaring you. Just answer me these questions?'
'And you will let me go?'
He takes a breath, 'I don't intend to harm you. I am just here for some work.'
He looks at me; I snuggle more over in the corner more and more as he is entering in this close compact and congested place.
He moves his hand over his forehead,
'Maybe, this is not the right place to talk. We should return. To Maple's.'
His eyes saddens as he looks at my feet.
'It must be hard being a girl, right?'
I was about to say something that I don't know but then he touches my bloody bare feet. It gave a tingling sensation and woosh. My feet are not bloody anymore.
I started laughing. The guy is taken aback.
'This is dream, right? My feet aren't bloody anymore. If this is dream, I can do anything, right? I can be strong and beat you, right? Coz this is my dream? But what are you, stranger doing in my head? Tell me, have we ever crossed roads and caught each other glancing towards each other unknowingly? Have I ever even met you? So, what are you doing here coz I am no god? Or you even human?'
I move to reach out to touch his face. He holds my face,
'This is not a dream, Sia. You have to remember me.'
Must be cause of blood lost that I lost my consciousness and fell asleep.
…
I open my eyes. The room is well lit with morning sunshine. The phone is in my pocket. The lockscreen displays '7:23'. Oh, no. I am late. Everyone will arrive by 9. I need to clean the floors. Wipe the tables. I got up. And was shocked with the stranger guy who is asleep in front of me.
That was not a dream?
I have to get out of bed. As my feet touched the floor, I felt something soft beneath me. Rather, hairy soft. It is the tail of black panther (from my dream?) who was sleeping and is now awakened as I stepped on his tail?
So, that was not a dream?
I screamed. The black panther who was asleep is now fully awake. The stranger guy is also now awake. He is rubbing his eyes. As he sees me terrified; before I could even do anything; he runs to me and hold my hands.
'I need to talk. Just hear me out and answer these few questions.'
I nod in confusion.
'Thank you, for god's sake.'
He looks at me and asked me to get change. He adds a warning to not to try to run coz he will catch me anyway.
I asked him go outside my room.
'Ah. Yes.'
But the black panther was still there.
'I am shy to animals too. Take him with you—'
A fearless voice speaks to me, 'My pronouns are she/her. And yes, I will leave if you say so.'
I felt guilty for a moment as she stepped outside. I look at my feet. There's a slight pain and no blood. Clean pair of clothes I just wore today after bath turned to be waste of an outfit for the day. I changed in another pair of clean clothes. I did my hair and went downstairs. I open the door. All I see his back, waiting for me to get changed. His light blue shirt and trousers that just were wet this morning are now surprisingly all dried up and looked so neat. His one hand is holding the jacket and another is in the pocket. He is just as same height as me. But I would have been easily hide well behind him. As he hears the door opening, he sets his hair, not knowing I am just standing behind him. He turns to face me. I am stunned by his features. He seems pale due to not having good food for a while but in my eyes, I will remember this face with quite details for a while. Maybe if I had known all the rules and anatomy knowledge to draw a person, I would have painted him. His soft face which seems to portray some grief of loss. His brown eyes though glimmers of hope and innocence. His hairs are just ruffled in an indefinite manner. But looks have deceived everyone since the ancient ages. Also, I am a fool of a kind.
I must hear him first.
He signs if he could enter the room? I make way for him to enter the room. The black panther, follows his lead. He asks me to take a seat. I take a seat on the chair. He remains standing and the black panther comes to me, takes seat by my feet. Adorable.
He coughs to grab my attention for what he has to say.
'What is your name?'
'Sia.' 'And yours?'
'Advait. Do you know Naina?'
'Yes. I know of her. Is this message from her side? Just where is she now—'
'This is message sent to you on behalf of Naina by her friend, Sir H.'
'So, Naina isn't the one sending me this message?'
'Yes. Here, is the letter she sent us and requested us to deliver it to you when right time comes.'
He hands me a letter.
Sia,
Hey. I wonder how well you have been managing the Maple's in my place. Actually, there is nothing to wonder, I know very well you have been doing a good job. You must be waiting for me, but truthfully speaking when you will be reading this letter I won't be ever coming back. The reason is just the matter of works. I wanted to tell you my real job but I thought maybe I will tell when I will return. But whenever I return, strangely I would change my mind. I really wanted to tell you all those experiences of my mine I collected on my work.
This letter is the last work I wish you to take.
Apart from being a mindless traveller and sometimes managing the town's most popular diner Maple's, I operated a Station for all kinds of Traveller. The Station which opens at Zero o' clock. A place where the time doesn't flow. The Station is the first floor of Maple's. Just above the restaurant and just below the chambers we rest in. I want you to become Operator of that Station.
This is my sincere most yet selfish request to make to you, who is just 23-year-old lost child.
Have this assurance, you will find the answers of questions you haven't even known yet but will come to you soon.
Loads of love
Naina
I read it again and again. For several times.
Travellers. All kinds of travellers come to our place normally as this is one of the main attractions of town. But what does this mean the Station where time doesn't flow? Am I going to be a part of some time travelling world? I always wanted to. But this doesn't feel real. Maybe, things like this really exists. Or maybe this is some kind of prank for Naina had known I am gullible.
I fold the letter and walk to him.
'How I am supposed to believe this letter is real?'
'Jeez. Naina was right. You will pretend to not to believe.'
'Pretend? What pretend?'
'Yeah, yeah. See, here is necklace that arrived at our residence few days ago. We believed it was from Naina and was meant for you.'
It is a simple glass bead necklace. I take a looked inside the bead. And then arrives.
The memories I never knew I had.
The moments of me with my biological father. The way he would argue with my mother to not let any relative holds me. The way he would make goofy faces to make me giggle. The way he would photograph me whenever mother doll me up. The way he would hold me on his stomach till the moment I fall asleep. The way he would put me on shoulders so I could have better view of things I didn't even understand at that point of time.
I fall. My legs lost the strength. Suddenly, everything becomes blurry. I thought all the moments, visuals captured in that bead were coming to an end but that is not the case. It was me who was crying. It was my eyes that went watery and teary.
I found myself crying.
I remember. One time, I presented my wish to Naina about wanting to know what my father was like? Everyone had told me that I was beloved daughter to him. Very dear to him. But I was just not able to understand those words they spoke with sad eyes they had while speaking to me and looking at me. I have seen his photographs. I had realised there was just a little resemblance between me and my father. So why everyone looked at me those sad eyes?
On watching those moments, I understand that it was not the resemblance in face but resemblance of mannerisms father and I share. The lines under eyes when smiling, the act of touching face after smiling for a long time, way to keep something that is dear to me very close to heart, the frown I make in disagreement and so much more that I wasn't able to see is all inherited to me by father.
Naina's work was able to fulfil this impossible wish of mine?
I need to stop crying. I wanted to thank her sincerely once she would have returned. This letter is the chance for me to thank her in way she really would have appreciated.
Advait bring me the bottle of water that I kept by bedside. He squats down to offer me bottle and (I think) his hands were reaching to pat me on shoulder or wipe away my tears. But to surprise of both of us, I exclaimed, 'yes, I would do the job Naina has asked me for.'
I am smiling. He looks at my face. I must have looked funny to him due to all those crying or maybe my hairs were not in right beautiful way they are supposed to be in coz when I looked at his face, I saw him smiling. What are you smiling about though? Being a creative overthinker, I assumed that you're finally at relief for finding someone you have been finding for all your time on this earth while doing the daily life chores?
I must have imagined.
…
After all that crying, a notification appears on my phone. With that noise I got up, Advait has more to say to me but phone matter is urgent. It's reminder I set for myself to collect the vegetables and milk from the store at the delivery service is on day off today. I look at the clock. It is 7.50. I am so short on time. Maple's is supposed to open by 8.30. I have to do cleaning. I have to wipe the tables. I have to chop the onions, garlic and tomatoes. I have to collect milk too. And other dairy products. I have to refill the coffee beans—
Panic must have been painted well over my face, for Advait to come to me and ask if I need any help. I look at him. There was so much I want to ask him. But it is not the right time. I can see the potential of labour in him at the present moment. I ask him to put his jacket in my room and to tell the black panther lady to stay in the room.
Surprisingly he did as I asked him to do without any resistance. Strange. I give him an apron so that during the work he is going to do for a while his clothes don't go dirty. But even if they do, he'll clean them up like the way he did in the morning. I will ask him how did he do that? But him being a helper now, must wear the apron. I ask him to wipe the table and broom the floor while I will collect the vegetables and milk from the outside store.
I left.
It had been almost twenty minutes. I had collected all the items needed for the day. Time is 8.15. I wonder if he had finished the tasks, I assigned him to do? As I enter from the back door, I hear some chattering and giggles. I wonder who might this be? To my surprise, it is Advait, who had not only finished the tasks I have assigned him to do but also made chai whose rich aroma is pulling me closer to it and savour it with joy to continue with this already busy day. Uncle who seems to be in good mood is taking sip of his chai along with Advait. They sensed my arrival, welcome me with bright smile. I am flabbergasted. Uncle is someone who is very had to please. He has never been satisfied with any work I did before his arrival. Once in a while, I would have cursed Naina for making me go through all this dissatisfaction coz of her absence. But well, well. Here we are. Sipping this savoury chai and laughing before starting the Maple's.
'Good morning, Sia.'
'Uh. Good morning, Uncle.'
'Uncle, he is Advait—'
'Oh dear. He already told me. He is Naina's friend's relative who is looking for part-time job. And here he is. I must say Naina always brings amusing people here. Whether it's you or him or Juni. And even me. It has always been like this. And it always gets better here. For me, it did. I hope it does for everyone.'
I thought to myself, 'this is new to me. So, sometimes it takes chai to bring out the lukewarm person out.'
I smile and nodding to his words, I lift the cup; let the aroma took me in. I take a sip. It's similar to the way my mother would make me on rainy days, when slight change in weather would have made me catch a cold. I can't help so I smiled again. I look for Advait who has by now finished his chai and is now chopping onions.
We make an eye contact. I whisper, 'thank you.' He smiles and whispers, 'your, welcome.'
Eventually, me and uncle are done with our chai. He assigns me to do the restocking. With Advait here, all the veggies are chopped in time, and uncle begins his cooking chores. They're working in quite a harmony. Soon after, Juni arrives with her bag of notes. She had prior informed us that she has exams next week. We assigned her the first floor, the café area where the crowd is only present during evening hours. Along with Tara and Shri arrive other part time workers of the morning shift.
Advait piques everyone's interest in him; whether the work is of stewarding elderly group or college students or helping Uncle with culinary or simply putting out the trash, he just receives the appreciation from everyone. Except Juni.
She is on the first floor. With Advait alone being plenty of help to others on the main restaurant on ground floor, I decide to join Juni on first floor to help her as she has to study. But as I opened the door, I am left abased as this girl who was telling everyone that she has lot to study is setting camera. She is shocked as well. My eyes demand an explanation which she very well understood that she asks me to take a seat at the counter while she serves me snack. I took the seat. Waited for her to explain. She comes with the short cake that Tara has baked at home. She knew that whatever explanation there is to be is going to make me not satisfied for her to bring banana bread to me which I utterly love.
Quite clever girl she is.
'I didn't lie about the exams and studying part. But this is something I have to do for my own sake. You know that guy, once I told you about.'
'That guy who brings the same book every time he comes by and you concluded that maybe he was re-reading it again and again.'
'Yes, that guy. Last time, when I was waitressing here, there was so little rush. And then I observed something. If I placed the camera making it face the window which views the staircase of the building in front of our building, I would be able to capture this girl's daily outfit and helped her to make 'fit check' video for her social media—'
I was about to say something but she continues,
'I had talked with that girl for this matter. I wanted to try street photography. And she wanted to video for her social media handle. So, we made a deal. I started to do this every day. But the results did not come out as fun as I expected. Also, I did this whenever there were no customers here.'
I nod in agreement as she should prioritise work.
'This time I was setting the camera when suddenly the bell by the door rang, marking the arrival of the customer. I just finished setting up the camera and with the sound of bell, I panicked. In such a way, that the customer ran to not to let camera fall.'
'And it was that guy?'
'Yup. It was him. Unknown him. I thanked him with awkward smile. I was about to move to the stand and he stopped me from moving it. I was confused. Later he asked me what I was intending to do? He was so persistent that I end up telling him the matters. And also, that part where results didn't come as great as it should be. He tells me to leave the camera and asked me to make his order of this cherry vanilla milkshake along with Swiss roll.'
'Ohk.'
'What a sweet tooth guy!' I thought to myself.
'He first did some alterations in camera settings. Then he extended the tripod and check different angles on the basis of information I told him. Finally, he found a spot, he extended the tripod, checked again and took a photo.'
'He really was invested.'
'Yup, he was. The photograph came out to be something that I would not have been able to take. Later he taught me various camera settings; shutter speed, aperture and ISO. I had once looked into those settings and it always looked difficult for me to understand. But he made it so easy for me to understand. As I served him his order, he asked to try one by myself. I was able to take a better shot. I made a call to that girl. She told me she was about to leave luckily. I captured her. It was so much better than all my previous pictures of her. Later, he asked me to show previous photographs I previously took. I hesitated. But he insisted. I showed him. He quietly studied every photograph I took. I was wondering there isn't much to look in those anyways, so what's taking him so long? After all that studying, he looked up to me, and said that these photographs tell me that they are captured by an amateur. I frowned at that reaction. Later he added, amateur who is trying. And then we talked.'
'About what?'
'You know stuff? Related to photography?'
'Nothing else?'
'Yup. Nothing else. Then he asked to do only one photograph each day.'
'Do you not think it would be better to take multiple shots?'
'I told him this too. But he then said that every day when you will be giving it all, remembering every young and old detail of mistake you made in previous shot, you will be doing every calculation and alteration to make things right for the next chance you will be getting next day. If you think you wish to take multiple shots, go for that. I will still help you. But it is something I want you to try.'
'So many heavy words of inspirations.'
'Yup, those are. Truly. Once I take the shot I will pack everything up and will return to studying.'
'Alright, then.'
Juni engages herself in setting the camera. I savour the dessert. The windows are flapping a bit with the monsoon wind. As the wind blows by my ear, sending me shivers down the spine and it felt like it whispered a warning.
Apocalypse from far away western lands yet to knock on my door?
Or climb up through the window?
…
Ever since I came by Maple's, all my days were done in blink of eyes. I had felt the exhaustion from the chaos, yet never able to explain that how bad I was tired with only few works on hands. I felt full but not able to come through a proper meal I had. Sometimes I did, sometimes I was not able to. I felt happiness flowing in every direction in my body, but I was not able to pin point what exactly is making me happy?
Or maybe it's coz I was not sad?
Does this mean I am happy?
It feels like someone snapped the fingers and the sky outside the windows turned pink and orange. On second snapping of someone's fingers this rush of staff binding work, wiping the tables, moping the floor, washing the dishes or putting out the trash, will all be bidding me farewell for their respective places they call home where someone's waiting for them to return. I have a home too. But I can't return just yet. I have been alone for those days after them leaving. But not today. I have a company.
Maybe it is not safe. I know all the exits. But since this morning I have realised something that this young kind hardworking handsome man is here for work. Even if I run, he will catch me. But since when caught me today, he didn't hurt me, so he wouldn't do it now?
There is silence. Even though the lights of the main hall are ON, the hall seems to be lightened up with the illumination of street lamps through the windows. I move to the switch boards to turn OFF the lights. As I turned OFF the lights, I find it funny to see how the hall feels like something is lost even though it is still filled with so much light. That's what details do in art.
As well as for life.
I climb the upstairs with tray of food for both us. We ought to eat in first floor first and then get to business. I ask him to take shower as he seemed exhausted this morning. Though, he look neat afterwards. As I enter the first floor, he was sitting there by the main counter table. There is a stool beside him. I move to the other side of the main counter in order to serve him with the food. I intend to ask questions but he seems so flawless just not at all exhausted. I silently serve him the rice with dal and onions. I ask him to not to be shy and ask for more if needed. He nods and silently fills his appetite. He must have been exhausted and famished that he focused solely on finishing his plate of food and taking another share. I too eat in silence. I am hungry too. We took almost thirty minutes to finish our meal in utmost silence. Once we were done with food, I move to collect the dishes to clean them before I discuss the matters with him. But instead, he insists to take the dishes and clean them. I let him be. And followed him to kitchen. He is washing the dishes. I take a seat by the platform. I thought to remain seated there and watch him watch dishes. But then I think that maybe this will creep him out. I walk to check the supplies, reminders or any kind of note on fridge. Just the usual list of things to be bought tomorrow morning for refill, reminder to talk to suppliers and yes, cross on today's date.
I was done with checking up the tasks to be done. I turn to see if he was done with the dishes. He is almost done and now arranging the dishes.
Have I met you before?
I walk to him to wipe the platform while he arranges the dishes. There is silence among us. There are things I want to ask this stranger I met on whim today. Other things apart from whatever work or duty I am going to be assigned. I want to talk to him about the exhaustion he carries inside and yet manages to become reliable person today. I let you be you today to do whatever you wish to. Yet you choose to come to help me? I know from the moment you collapsed that you were exhausted yet all day along you smile making me worry for you, stranger. Yes, I am strangely worried for you.
He begins,
'Thank you for the food. It truly helped me to come more to my senses. We were at—'
'The part where I was requested by Naina to work as an operator—'
'Yea. There we were. Sia, select any time and speak the first time that comes to your mind.'
I nod. I think and say the first time came out to be.
It was 10.47.
He smiles on the response.
'I somewhat guess it to be something like this.'
I tell myself, 'How were you able to do that—'
'No big mystery work for that. Just call it a hunch.'
I nod.
'Wear the necklace that came with the letter.'
Letter is still in my pocket with necklace in between the folds. I take it out and try to wear it. It is difficult then I thought it to be. Advait must have noticed me struggling coz he lifted his hands help me out. But I move the hook in front and then lock it up. Adjust it. And I am done. I notice him putting his hands back in pocket.
'Here. Take this watch.'
He hands me a pocket watch. It has ruby coloured gem on it which seems to lost its colour as it's not sparkling. It is made up of wood. There are carvings, looking like star in middle of forest fire. There's also a child or person who was pointing towards the star in middle of forest fire.
Must be suffering? Or complaining?
'When the time in the watch shows 10.47, you will turn this card…' he points to the OPEN/CLOSED hanging besides the cup shelf on the wall of the reception… 'In a way such that OPEN side of the card is facing the wall.'
'Ohk.'
'And that's it. Then just wait. For all kinds of travellers to drop by.'
'Is that it?'
'Yes, for the opening of station but then you have to do normal waitressing if they wish to place order. And don't worry, I will help you. That's my job to fulfil.'
I have to waitress again for another slot after waitressing all day. I want to fix my sleep schedule and get everything on track.
'When will this end?'
'It depends on you. But since today is your first day, you must operate for only one hour.'
He must have read my mind as he adds, 'and don't worry much. When operating the station, this place escapes from the real time world to the zeroth dimension where time flows but doesn't affect your time in real world.'
'The moment I return, time passed by in real world will be zero minutes?'
'Yes. Check the watch I gave you and you have to always keep that with you.'
'It's 10.'
'Just forty-seven minutes to go.'
We remain seated there in silence. All this day, there has been so many questions I wanted to ask him and so many things he must have to tell me but this is it.
'Advait?'
He hums to me as he was folding his jacket and searching something in those pockets.
'Tell me something more.'
'You ask. I tell.'
He is still searching the pockets.
'What are you searching for?'
'My wallet.'
'Why now?'
'I ought to pay you rent as from now on I will be staying here.'
'What?'
'Sorry. I forgot to mention.'
My mother, my father and Uncle will surely be not okay with this. Even, I am not okay with this.
'Do you not think that you must ask me if I am okay with you staying here?'
He looks up and ask, 'do you have any problem? I am requested by my supervisor and Naina too.'
'If it's Naina then it is okay but still what do I tell my parents? If they suddenly decide to drop by? And uncle? What will I tell him where are you staying? And why are you staying here only?'
'Sia, tell them I am your boyfriend.'
My response was underwhelming. It must have seem that way to him.
'No.'
'Jeez. I was teasing. We have two rooms. I will use Naina's room. You stay in your room. Tell whoever asks that I am staying for a short while in Naina's room as I have some work in the town to be taken care of.'
'This won't be much but I will be able to handle that much. You said, you are staying here for a short while? Is that true?'
He stops looking in his jacket pockets and walk to me.
'Sia, I am staying here for a short time only. Do you want me to stay for long time?'
To be honest, I want him to stay here for more. I want him to fill this place with whatever kind of energy; he has gotten with him.
For a while.
'I was just asking.'
He smiles, 'alright, then.'
'Where is she? Black panther that accompanied you here?'
'Ahm, yes. I requested her to hide herself. I think she has hidden herself in the above floor…'
'Lemme, look for her.'
I walk upstairs and he follows me. As I open door of my room, there is a small black cat resting on my bed. She looks so tiny, so soft and fluffball contradicting of my first impression of fearless, graceful and full of pride of her. She is still quick coz as we started approaching her, she opened her eyes and is now inviting us to come join her on bed with her small paws. We walk to her while she was yawns. I love her.
We take seat on bed with her sitting in between us.
'It seems Advait has told you about your job. I will introduce myself to you the current Operator.' She leaps on the floor and transforms into the fearless black panther she was in the day. She bows,
'I am Chitra, Guardian Angel of Advait, the Trotter. From now on, along with Advait I will assist you in your work.'
I nod with confusion.
'Since there is still so much of time still left, I will narrate you a story.'
'Story of what?'
'Story of Zeroth space.'
'Long ago, there lived a madman yet a genius who accidentally opened one of twelve Divine Gates of Time. Misery of many and tragedies of time could have been stopped once, if he would have come out of the gate and never returned. But instead, he chooses to bring the apocalypse. The Doom of Fate on the Travellers of the world and making them Trotters. Once entering the gate, one will enter in one of the twelve Dimensions of the universe. The Gate he opened was Gateway to Sea. There he came across the Atlantis where still resides the extinct secret of ocean. He studied them and returned with not only the knowledge of haunting ocean but also the vision to save the sea from destruction. He made major contributions which led to rapid development of technology to the heights, the present world would have taken century to reach.'
'If he made the contributions, then this is supposed to be a good thing. But why I am not able to recall such genius?'
'Coz of his curse of curiosity. It was later discovered that all these Gates move in circle, in space of universe. Since one Gate was opened the flow of their motion was disrupted as once the Gate is opened, it will choose its own path. Each Gate has one curse and one boon. His first boon was the vision of perfection and his first curse was to escape the real-world time.'
'Success comes with a greed always. He was genius madman who has now discovered greed as well. He went on exploring more gates. After long time of his hard work, he finally stumbled upon another Gate, Gate of Firefly Meadow. This was the neighbourhood for all the lost astronauts who lost the contact from their control. This time he took all the discoveries made by them to the real world. To let world know of their missions were not completely unsuccessful. Few gave him messages to deliver for their loved ones. This time his boon was of teleportation but his curse was to lose the colour from his eyes. He was still fine with it. He shared the knowledge. He delivered the messages. And he fell in love with a girl on his journey being a postman. Even though he lost the colour but coz of her remembered colours. He was able to imagine her in her real colours. Her ginger hairs, ocean like blue eyes, her bold red lipstick and her floral yellow summer dress. His monochromatic world has her now, the colour of his life. Colour he lost but the colour he imagined her exactly in. They got married.'
'It seems like okay like a genius man here for the world and fell in love. They must have happily lived together.'
'Sadly, that would have been the case if he had protected himself from the curiosity and the greed. He went on exploring the Gates. Since the Gates that were opened once, are now set on undefined trajectory, people all across the world accidentally started entering the Zeroth space. The number of people increased as he opened more gates. His wife got pregnant and sadly died during giving birth to their baby girl. Since he was miserably in love with her, he went on opening remaining Gates to find a way to bring her wife to life leaving his new born daughter all alone. Accidentally, he entered the Gateway to Retribution. A courtroom where he was found guilty of the crime which led to devastatingly large number of people to people enter the Zeroth space. All the Gates he opened are now in an unknown path and they appear and disappear on their own. His punishment was to live the day his wife died for 12 years.'
'That must have drove him insane.'
'Indeed, it did. Since on entering Gate gives one curse and boon. His curse was to become forgotten. All the contributions he made, all the messages he delivered and every request he fulfilled vanished away. His boon was ability to curse. Hence, he cursed every single individual who entered the Zeroth space to be forever forgotten and their existence be erased. He cursed his daughter it too but somehow, she escaped her curse. They say it. Nobody knows about her. That man is still out there. He is currently out there and everyone says he still is working on a way to find a way to return to his wife.'
I have so much to say but only a single question manages to come out, 'What's his name?'
'Ryuu.'
'And speaking of myself, as I am Trotter. I am a Traveller that accidentally entered the door and is now forgotten by my timeline. Since, I am remembered by the present where I am, I am Trotter. The person who taught me when I entered this time space is one of the Globetrotter, the strongest: Sir H.'
'What is the difference between Trotter and Globetrotter?'
'Globetrotter is the one who has closed the Gates contributing in bringing the balance. Once all Gates will be closed, every single individual will be able to return to their timeline. Sir H is special.'
'Why?'
'He was able to close two doors.'
'Oh wow.'
'Isn't he?'
Advait is someone who take pride in achievements of his known one. I like this about him.
'He also helped me to meet my Guardian Angel, Chitra. That was such big task.'
'Oh. Tell me, Advait. Am I Trotter too now?'
'No. You are the Operator of one of the twelve Dimensions.'
'What? Seriously?'
'Your dimension is a Station from outside and Café from inside. Infinitely many Travellers and Trotters are walking their journey. Once you start operating this Station, everyone will be able to take a pause from their respective journey. You as an Operator not only allow them to take a moment of breather only but also operate the only place where everyone can gather to discuss the matters. Only stop of everyone's journey that is protected and hidden from Ryuu. There are few others places protected but here traveller is welcomed warmly and have a space to voice out their opinion.'
'Would I be forgotten?'
'No. You won't be. You are just an Operator.'
There is a silence which I need and yet wish not to be there at same time. What do you mean by I am just an Operator? This job is like a social service. For the strangers. And I am just an Operator? Really? Maybe, I wait and things will unfold. I will let everything be and it will make sense. I have learned this much about myself.
'Is there any else work expected for me to do?'
'Yes. One job I remember for you to regularly meet with the higher ups of this town. Other side quests will come to you soon. Just be ready.'
To be honest, I am not happy. I don't want to be ready for it. The sole reason I agreed upon on coming here on Naina's request is not to only mend what's shattered in me. I want to live a little too. I want to believe in things like humanity. I want to make time for myself before everything slips out and I get permanently stuck in the chaos of art block created by this world. Everyone, everything is pacing at a speed in future but I want to remain still before I became the part of it, the world of liars. I want to create a habit so that no matter what happens in my daily routine, I will always make time for myself to create. Coz that brings me joy. And that way I will find my peace in chaos. Supposedly. I am forgetting things. I want to remember. I feel the nostalgia but not able to remember what is making me nostalgic. Habits will help me.
In short, I wish is to draw every day. Bad or good. Being happy or sad. I just want to draw. And create. And paint. Everything that seems like dream to me. I will draw that. Then I won't lose my sanity.
'Sia?'
'Yes?'
'I was sent here to help you with your work. I do not think that the reasoning behind this to be not trustworthy of you not being able to fulfil the duties assigned. Globetrotters seem to know you quite well, I don't know how exactly. But Naina specifically requested me to be of assistance to you. She must have had some reasons.'
How clever of her to know me so well while I am here waiting for her to return and completely unaware about her.
You were such kind stranger to me.
'Yup. She does no things for no reason.'
I look at him. He has his hands put slightly back on the bed and was now looking at the ceiling. There is a window in the ceiling. I have always hated pitch darkness. Watching something while drifting off to sleep, always help me with sweet sleep. But lately, I had been worried about Naina that even the river of stars failed to fulfil its job to me. I know this window is essential for me to sleep still when I saw him watching the stars, I can't help myself to ask him,
'It's pretty, right? Do you want to sleep here? I will use Naina's room—'
That startled him. I repeated my words but I was wrong about the fact that he didn't hear.
'Sia. I am fine. You do not worry. This is beautiful on looking to for a while but it is not something that is going to help me—'
'What do you need to help you?'
'You require help when you are facing some difficulties but I am facing none. So, why would I need help?'
I know he lied. But I think that is okay. I will let you lie like I let everyone else till the moment they come to me and tell me the truth. All I can do is wait. For you. For everyone. I will lie too till I let be known of truth. That way it will be fair. We all are liars to strangers of all kind.
I smile. I take out the watch.
It's 10.43.
'We must go downstairs.'
'Yeah.'
I ask them to go ahead and I will join after a while.
I turn OFF the lights. The room is lit with the lights of streetlight. The unfinished sketch I started working on few days ago caught my attention for few seconds. It's a scene from Gossip Girls where Blair is in red dress meeting Chuck at the station, I was trying to sketch that. But I dropped it halfway.
I closed the door.
…
We're on the second floor. Standing beside the card, I move my hand to touch it to turn it but then I turn myself to look at Advait.
'Do I look okay?'
He's left in daze. After overcoming the daze, when he was about to respond got interrupted. Chitra compliments me, 'dear, a lotus like you always look pretty to me.'
'Yes, same.'
I smile. With an ounce of compliment gained from compliment, I turn the card. There is nothing but more silence. I look at Advait with an expression that said that what now? I look outside the window. There's nothing much of change in scenery that I usually see out from the window. Windows glowing from the neighbourhood and windows of the homes glowing from the far in the town. Lights of cars moving, marking the road for travellers of sky. Moths flying to streetlamps, only to be died with heat of it or maybe coz of their short life span.
And everything is stopped. It takes a moment for everything to stop. Everything is now frozen. I was viewing this frozen version for more time but heard a knock. I move to the main counter table to see who is my first guest? A silence again. We wait for the guest to enter. I march to door but then I was called midway by Advait. He insists to check on by himself. I nod. Chitra stands in front of me. Advait moves to the door and open it slowly.
'Took you time to open the door for the guest, servant.'
It's a woman.
Advait slam the door.
'Servant, open the door.'
He put his hand on forehead. He seems annoyed. I ask Chitra what is going on? She also seems exhausted from watching them. She looks at me and says, 'this is going to take a while.'
I remain there for a while. Advait seems to not get along with the woman. For the first time in today's day, I am able to see his other expressions other than smile. I find it amusing. I want to know who is this person—
I fainted.
I wake up and find myself laying on a bed that was never in the building. The bed is so soft and warm. I roll more in the bed. Somewhere a tap is leaking. I get up to look for it and suddenly the bed I was laying on vanished away. From the sound of it, the tap seems to be running now rather than dripping. As I go on looking for it, the sound becomes more unclear. Now it seems like sound of waterfall nearby. I look at the floor as I felt something was wet and soaking my jeans. I feel cold. Shivering cold. The room seems to be getting filled with water. The water level is increasing by every moment I blink my eyes. Toes. Knees. Waist. Shoulder. I was about to be drowned and, in another blink, all the water drowning me vanished away. I look around, there must be drain somewhere coz there were evidences of water on the floor. I take a step to move forward but there's something pulling me at the foot.
I was red.
A voice call for me,
'Sia? Sia! Sia!'
I am awakened for real this time.
Advait's rubbing my hands in distress. I am laying on the bed, I dreamed of. Was it really a dream?
I got up in bed. Advait's relieved that I woke. Chitra's sitting on me in form of kitten.
'Advait? What happened? I saw a dream—'
'That was my doing.'
There's a tall woman standing in front of me by the door. Even though she has her glasses on and bangs covering her face, I was able to see her dark eyes. Seems like dark brown. I am not sure. Her hairs are tied up in this feminine bun which is decorated with bougainvillea flowers which complimented her long floral maroon maxi dress and blue velvet boots. But you know, what's most catchy about her? Her earrings. They seem like long chains and every time, she takes a step to walk to me they seem to create a melody that is putting me further in sleep—
'Don't sleep again. Here, --' she sprays a perfume on me and hands me the bottle, 'have, it.' I am no longer feeling dizzy. I come out from the bed and the bed vanished away.
'That was also my doing.'
I am going to miss that bed.
'Lemme, introduce myself. I am Pramita, the Dream Dweller.'
'Do you not think that you are forgetting to mention something important?'
'Um, I don't think so?'
'Seriously? Sia, Pramita is also a Globetrotter.'
I exclaim with excitement, 'Oh my god. Seriously?'
Pramita saw my reaction and walks swiftly to me.
'We need to chat more.'
'But, Advait what about the night shift?'
'You fell asleep. Or I should rather say, you fainted.' He moves his gaze to Pramita and continues, 'thanks to someone.'
'Well, it is not my fault that this happened. It has happened and will happen to every person I will meet for first time. You should have done better job than this. Such useless servant, Harish has sent.'
'There was nothing I could have done here. You should have been considerate—'
'But what happened to me?'
'Sia, I have this curse to drown people to sleep and have them suffer lucid dreams such that in worst possible cases they die. And dwelling in dreams was my boon, I eventually learned to not let curse overpower my boon. I dwell in dreams, showing people sweet dreams which eventually drift them to a good sleep. Sleep has become such a privilege nowadays. What is wrong with everyone, nowadays? Dreams are collection of everything we ever saw, being a Dream Dweller, I often work on connecting dots, finding clues and evidences through dreams to know what is truth and what is lie?'
She looks at me,
'Sia, truth is not harsh. Neither is the lie. You escape but it will be of no use.'
'What are you going on about?'
'I said what I wanted to said. Anyway, always wear that perfume and spray some on the door too.'
'Alright. So, shall we continue with our shift?'
'Sweetie, you don't need to continue it today. You do it tomorrow. You shall be mine for the remaining time. Servant, what do you have in menu for us?'
'Stop calling me that.'
'You should have been accustomed to it by now. What a stubborn child you are.'
Before Advait could respond, I call out, 'Lemme, waitress you. This is the least I can do now.'
She smiles, 'whatever shall be fine with me.'
I walk to the main counter. I thought what to serve now? I make her coffee and prepare a plate with muffins. I watch them from afar. They seem to be pretty close to me. I am happy seeing them. I often am over witnessing these nasty confetti moments of people around me. That makes me a knowledgeable person, I always wanted to be. And what's this? Her, hairstyle and outfit are different now. Now her hairs are tied in two buns, braced with lachha dori. She is now wearing long denim skirt and maroon blouse. Her shoes are same. Wow. I walk to them with the tray of small meal. It still amuses me to watch the world out so calm, so noiseless and just us, alive.
'Sia, come sit here.'
I obey her. Across me is Advait and Chitra is laying on his lap.
'Word will spread. 'Station is now being operated again.' I sincerely thank you, Sia.'
'Yes. I am happy to be of help.'
'Now, let's get to business. There is work assigned to both of you other than operating Station.'
Advait straightens his back, 'what is it?'
'There is a word that Librarian of Akashic Records is acting suspicious these days. Our call is that he seems to be working with Ryuu.'
I raise my hand to ask, 'What is Akashic Records?'
'A place that records and documents everything happening in the universe. Even the records of those whose entire existence is erased of the scale. Though, we never got hold of record regarding Ryuu or his daughter there. Those were stolen. Furthermore, it seems the librarian is hiding something more somewhere.'
Advait calls, 'what do you want us to do about it?'
'He will be here, soon.'
I panic, 'why?'
'Hunch or gut feeling? Whatever you say. He will be here soon.'
'Any description to keep an eye?'
'Nothing.'
'Seriously, nothing?'
'Yup. Not even his face is known or name. Noone has even met him.'
'How are we supposed to find him?'
Pramita stood up and walks to window. We follow her with so much anxiousness.
'Come on. Tell us.'
Her voice seems different. There's doubt in her voice.
'Sia will know.'
'How?'
We both responded in unison.
'Naina didn't bring you on whim, Sia. She saw something or must have felt something. She never discussed any of that with any of us. Even I don't have much trust whether you will be able to find him? Or in Naina's decision of choosing, you as an Operator? She had fucked up many times before but this time, she simply left without uttering a word. There must be reasons, I don't know of and I won't even understand. But—'
'But what?'
'I have nothing to do but have faith in her decision.'
I am feeling something. Something I am unaware of. Awe? Anger? Happiness? Disappointment? I am feeling something, a rush flowing in my body. I don't know.
She turns to face me. Her eyes are scaring me. And in a blink of eyes, her eyes are invading my soul, that I want to step back. I have to bluff to be not be dazed by that like I have done many times. She holds my mouth,
'Sia. If by any chance coz of you this place gets in danger, you will be responsible for it, whether you're did something or not, in bringing the misery, you will be only responsible for that. I will come for you and you don't want to know what I will be upto—'
Are you even serious? First you guys choose me; make me the Chosen one; make me do labour and all without even a pay check. Am I Chosen One for being the pot that will hold the blame of everything? I get a hold of her hand that was grabbing my mouth to free my mouth,
'Excuse me, if your hand seems to be aching. You know I have a good grip for hands like yours. Well, anyway I am trying to not to be too rough. People won't believe me when I tell them that I am a selfish person. The only reason I didn't leave this place even long after Naina disappearance is for my own calculating reasons. I have no interest in doing a lot for strangers that seem close to you. I am just returning a favour and doing my job. So, behave. My pride won't be hurt and your work will be done.'
Her hand seems to be pain. She takes her hand away.
'Ouch. I am sorry.'
She looks at me as I smile. She lets out a hysterical laugh. Her eyes didn't make step back but her laugh did.
'This is going to be so much fun. It has been a long time. I like you, Sia. I knew I was right about liking you.'
She takes a pause before continuing, 'I will leave now. Farewell, sweetheart and servant.'
The air I am breathing now seems to be feel more refreshing now. It has been long time since I feel this happy like emotion. After that she bid us a farewell with teasing Advait to not get nasty thoughts while his stay here. It is bracing to watch them. I ask him I should turn the board. He nods in agreement. The world relapse. The faraway car lights seem to be in moving. That streetlight under which I found Advait today is flickering again. The moths are coming closer and then flying away from the lamps. Somewhere a music is playing. I like the sound of it. I close my eyes to listen it more. I think I will remember it for long time.
What a way to end such happening day.
…
Wind blew across. It feels nice.
I sensed him leaning on the other side of the window I was leaning on. I open my eyes. He's not looking at me. His eyes are filled with fog. You know, the fog that makes you remember and yearns for something they had. Or maybe something they never had? He sensed my eyes on him.
'Sia?'
'Yes?'
'You scare me.'
A feeling of subtle satisfaction flows inside me but then he interrupts,
'But I think my time here will be ok.'
I smile, 'I have feeling too.'
We hear Chitra yawning. I look at the clock. It's 11.
'Guess, we must go to bed.'
'Yeah.'
We climb upstairs. Naina's room door is front of mine. We stood in front of doors facing each other in the alleyway. Chitra seems to have fallen asleep in hands. I want to ask him if I can have her sleep with me instead but then I thought telling me not to do that. I ask him if he needs a pair of clothes? He says no. I ask why though? He hesitates and ask me to follow him inside if I am okay with it. I nod and he opens the door. Surprisingly, the room is already cleaned up. He must have done it sometime in the day with magic. He will be of great help in future. He tugs Chitra in bed and pulls out a long key. He then moves it to his other hand and penetrates it in his hand such that blood started gushing out. I got scared but he eyes me to not to worry. I choose to believe him. He then moves his bloody hand in air in such a way that seemed like as if he's opening imaginary door. A door opens up right there. He enters the room and I follow him on his hand gesture.
This is someone's room.
'It used to be my room.'
'Oh.' I am a bit surprised.
'I come here whenever I need anything. This room happens to have everything I have ever needed. It was gifted to me by Sir H.'
'Seems thoughtful to me. So, who lives here?'
'Noone.'
'How come so?'
'My mother already had dementia before I became forgotten. I visit her every now and then. I do some chores, bring the groceries and talk to her quite often. Even though she doesn't remember me yet she never fails to make me feel at home. Doctors believe her dementia is improving as chores are being done by forgotten me. I remember her. That is all that matters to me. I will be here for her.'
I am saddened a bit. I miss my mother now. I will talk to her tomorrow. I will also call father.
'Hey! Don't be sad. That's me. Anyway, look—'
He showed me a collection of things. A weird collection of things.
'You know, every now and then I steal whatever I find interesting enough and then bring it here.'
I tease him, 'Thief!' and we both share a soft giggle.
There are so many things he has collected from time travelling. The limited edition of hot wheels car. Watch I once I came across on Pinterest and wanted to buy it. The old currencies. Even a small cute projector. Many outdated coats. I guess he loves coats. There are models of camera that are no longer available even in black market. There are posters too. All, with such vibrant illustrations of movies, bands, international brands and celebrities. I know if I had looked more, I would have found many more stuff that I had forgotten but I once wanted so much.
'You know, I want to return.'
'For your mother?'
'Yes, but more than her, there is someone I want to meet after returning.'
'Oho. I am sensing some kind of love.'
In response, all I get his sad smile. I feel guilty now for teasing him, a stranger I met today only.
'Anyway, let's take clothes and return. We must sleep too for next day.'
I help him to take clothes. Mainly are types of blue, white and black. He hands me couple of ties along with coats. I walk out with the heap of clothes. He then tells me that he would go and see his mother to check on her. I nod. I put his clothes on chair near the study table. I am exhausted. And sleep derived. I walk to washroom to wash my face and do the skin care. I get myself into pair of Shinchan pjs. I know once I lay down, I will fall asleep. Before entering my room, I peeks in his room. He's tugging Chitra in a small bed that seems to be engineered for her only. As soon he gets done, he catches me peeking. I pull the door to open more. He walks to me and wish me good night. I wish him back. He closes the door. I know he must have simply fallen on bed and entered eternal sleep slumber.
I smile. I walk to my door. The stars seem to be waiting for me to narrate them my day. As I narrate, a spell got casted.
It has been a long time. So, good night.
…