Short Story By: RANJIT SINHA ROY



"How much?"
"Three thousand "

Deepam finished tucking in his shirt, tightened the trouser belt, pulled up the zipper and then turned to her. She was lying flat on her back, a white sheet covering up to the neck. With half closed sleepy eyes she was observing him. Deepam felt uncomfortable, though a little while before, he was in bed with her and not a thread in-between. But, it was different then.

Though she covered her body, Deepam knew from the curves on the sheet that she was nude underneath. In the soft light of early dawn, lying flat in bed, with half-closed eyes, the girl looked irresistibly desirable. Somehow, with great difficulty he controlled the rising passion. He was not prepared to waste money, twice in a day, on a Call Girl.
He took out the purse, put three thousand rupees on the bedside table and said,
"Okay then, I am going now."

The girl was silently watching him and then when he was about to put on the shoes, she murmured demurely,
"Must you go now? It is Sunday today. We can have coffee together.” Her voice was soft like the early dawn light.

"Oh, sure, I won't mind." Deepam smiled.

He was surprised. This was something unusual. He spent many nights with professionals. But no one had ever asked him to stop for coffee. Those were absolute business affairs and no courtesy thrown in-between.

"Nice then. Now, would you please turn around, go to the window and enjoy the outside scenery for a minute. I shall be up and put on something. Do not turn around till I ask you." She was smiling.

Deepam did as told. He was amused at her shyness. Other professionals never bothered. Few minutes later she asked him to turn.

The girl was young, about twenty-three or so, may be few years younger than him. Tall, slim, well shaped and moderately fair. With large black eyes and a smooth oval face, she looked very attractive. Deepam did not notice these all last night. He was full of passion then. Now, she was in a light blue, flower printed pajama suit. With shoulder length faintly brown silken hair, loosely tied into a ponytail, she looked very much a pretty, young, college girl.

The room had a kitchenette. The girl asked him to sit in one of the two chairs at the small dining table and started preparing coffee. When ready, she brought two cups to the table.

They sat opposite each other and quietly sipped. Deepam continued to look at her pretty innocent face. Conscious, the girl gazed sideways through the open window, avoiding his admiring eyes. After sometime, she turned smiling,

"Is the coffee alright?" she asked.

"Oh yes, it is fine. " He smiled back.

Then, a little hesitantly Deepam said,
"We spent the night together, but still I do not know your name. May I ask it now, if you have no objection to tell?"

"Reena"

"Reena what? What is the family title?"

"I do not have any." She smiled. "I was only three days old when they left me on
the steps of the orphanage. I do not know who my parents were."

"What about religion?”

"Unlike most others, this particular orphanage is non religious. It is run on humanitarian principle. When children grow up sufficiently, they are given the choice to select their own religion. I did not choose any." She smiled, then asked,
"Have you finished coffee? Would you like to have some more?”

"Coffee was good. Won’t mind to have one more cup. It being Sunday, I am in no hurry. Will it be all right if I order some breakfast over telephone? No objections?"

"No. No objections." She smiled, turning at him while preparing coffee.

Reena was back to table with two cups. She sat down, pushed aside few stray locks from her forehead and smiled.
"Now I have told about myself, how about you?"

Deepam silently sipped coffee for a minute. Then said,
"I am Deepam, Vice President - Finance of a multi national company. Age wise I may be few years older than you. My parents are no more. Father was from north and mother a south Indian. They married despite vehement opposition of their families and were ultimately totally disowned by them. I have no idea who they are. I am all alone in this world"

"How about your wife? You are married, is not so?" She was faintly curious.

"No, I am not. I was a regular visitor to Pubs and Discos. Once I met a very attractive, fun loving, girl in one of those joints. By some unknown chemistry, we were madly drawn to each other and decided to give it a trial by living together" Deepam paused and then continued,
"Then only I discovered that she was a different type. She slept whole day and in the evening she would be off to her places of fun and come back late, heavily drunk. I was against drinking in the apartment, which she objected. In the process our relationship became strained. After a couple of months we were unable to tolerate each other and mutually decided to part ways before things went worse." Deepam smiled.

Doorbell rang. Reena opened and took delivery of breakfast packets. She arranged items in two dishes and brought to the table.

There were some thick textbooks, one half open, on the table. She asked Deepam to move them to the side rack and make space for the dishes.

Deepam noticed the books were for higher studies in Economics. Mildly surprised he asked,
"Whose books are these?"

"Why, mine! Whose else will they be!"

"Are you studying?"

"Yes. I am a postgraduate student in the Institute of Financial Studies. I am in the last semester now."

Speechless Deepam stared at her.

Reena smiled, "What, it seems you do not believe me!"

"No, no, not that. Only I could not correlate your profession with what you said." Deepam stammered.

Reena lowered her eyes.
"My profession is for the sake of my studies only."

"How come! I do not understand."

"See, the orphanage takes care of its wards upto the age of eighteen. Then they are left on their own. I was a good student, always the topper. By eighteen I passed Senior School with scholarship and wanted to study more. With the help of my orphanage I got admission in a good college with free tuition, boarding and lodging in the girls hostel. The scholarship amount was not much, but somehow I managed and after three years became a Graduate with Honors in Economics." She paused,

"After that, I wanted to go for still higher studies. But how? Then there was one girl in the hostel who was secretly in this trade. She suggested taking up this profession. Being a girl without family bonds, I did not have many inhibitions and after a little hesitation I agreed. The same girl arranged an agent and fixed this apartment for me. Here everybody knows that I work in a Call Center and thrice a week I attend night shift. " She smiled.

"Where do you operate?" Deepam was curious now.

"It is always in star hotels. I do not go to other places, nor do I call customers to the apartment. You are an exception."

"Why this special treatment for me?" His eyes twinkled.

"I do not know what came over me last evening. I think I liked your voice over the phone or your way of talking or my intuition or something, I can not say exactly."

What if anyone here asks, who I am?"

"My long lost cousin, I would say." She giggled.

After breakfast they sat in the long sofa in the living space. There was a TV set and a couple of women's magazines on a side table.

They talked of simple things in life, avoiding anything bitter or unpleasant. She told about her college, institution, friends and classmates. Her favorite novels, music albums, TV serials and films. She narrated a picnic trip arranged by the institute and fun they had. She was like any other well brought up, fun loving college girl. There was not a trace of the profession she practiced.

Depam told about his own student days, his office, his colleagues, friends and his favorite books, films and music. They mostly matched her taste. He told about his trips abroad and people, cities, landscapes and some interesting experiences he had there.

They went on talking and talking and suddenly realized it was almost noon.
Deepam got up and said, "I shall make a move now."

"Must you go now?" She stood up looking sad.

Deepam had a strong desire to hold her in his arms and shower kisses. But he controlled himself. They had a wonderful morning together. He did not want to spoil it.

"When can we meet again?" Deepam asked holding her hand. It was soft and delicate.

"Any time you want." She opened the door and stood aside.

"Alright, next Saturday evening then. I shall come a little early. Be ready, by say, seven thirty. We shall have dinner outside."

He walked to the lift. She stood in front of the door, as it was about to close and waved at him.

While going down, Deepam wondered 'was it real’! He never expected a professional to be like her. He had plenty of experience with Call Girls. But Reena was totally different. Next Saturday was far off, seven days away. He was already getting impatient.

The week moved slowly and it was Saturday again. Exactly at seven thirty Deepam pressed the doorbell and almost immediately Reena opened, as though she was waiting near the door.

She was dressed up and ready to go. She wore a peacock blue dress. Had eye shadow and liners, a little blush-on and glossy lipstick on full lips. With pearl necklace and earrings, a thick silver bangle on one hand, cascading shoulder long silky hair, smooth soft skin, large eyes and oval face, she looked absolutely gorgeous. Wide-eyed, Deepam stared.

"What are you looking at?" Reena said blushing.

"I am looking at the most beautiful girl in town."

Reena blushed pink and looked at her polished fingernails. After some time she said
"Shall we go now or you want to wait for some more time?"

"No. Let us go. I am impatient to show the world that I have the prettiest girl with me tonight."

They were going through the Menu Card, when one middle-aged gentleman with a fat wife and two teen-aged children came in. They were about to sit in the table next to them, when the gentleman saw Reena and as though, seeing a ghost, became visibly pale. Hurriedly he moved over with his family to the furthest table and sat with his back to them.

Deepam was amused. He asked if she knew the gentleman. Reena said, "Yes. I shall tell you later."

On the way back, Reena told about the gentleman in the restaurant.

As he suspected, she said that, the gentleman was only once her customer. Most were like him, middle aged, pot bellied, with a dull wife and grown up children. Their sex lives being unsatisfactory, they would secretly engage a Call Girl in a hotel room and try to satisfy their lust. Unfortunately, in most cases, capability did not match the desire. Then in future, they never recognize the girl in public. It immensely suited her and in fact, she insisted with her agent to engage only such people.

Deepam laughed. "Wise girl. Did you think that I would also be like one of them?"

"Not at all. I had an instinct that you will be different and you did prove yourself more than expectation." She whispered shyly.

Returning to apartment they sat on the long sofa chitchatting for some time. Then she went to bathroom and changed to nightdress. Deepam brought a small night-halt bag from the car and put on the sleeping suit.

Then they moved over to the bed and after well past mid night, tired and satisfied they fell asleep in each other's arms.

Deepam woke up late and Reena was not by his side. She was in bathroom, under the shower, humming a popular tune. Few minutes after, she came out wearing a robe. Deepam pretended to be asleep. Reena prepared tea. Then coming to bedside called him. When he appeared to be sleeping, she put the teacups on the bedside table and shook him. He suddenly put his arms around and pulled her down.

"I do not want tea, I want something else." Deepam laughed.

"Again! You naughty boy." Laughing she surrendered. Tea was cold by the time they got up.

They had light breakfast and then moved over to the sofa. Remembering something important, Deepam went to the bedside table, took out the purse and was about to put down the amount, when Reena almost screamed,
"No, you don't."

Deepam was surprised. He turned around with money in hand.
"Why, it is your usual fees only!"

"No, you need not pay. I am no longer a Call Girl. "

"Since when!" Deepam was surprised.

" Last Sunday. Night after you came first. I have already informed my agent about that."

"Really! But, why! Why this sudden decision!"

"No, it was not a sudden decision. For quite some time I was thinking of quitting this profession. Now my final exams are very near. I must prepare well to have a high score and get a good placement. Otherwise the present will catch up with me forever. There will be no escape then." She had a faraway look.

Deepam did not insist further. Probably she was right. He only asked,
"How will you manage without any income? I can give some money if you need. You can say, as loan, in case you are very particular. "

"Thank you very much, but I may not require any. See I have some savings to carry me through for another few months. Then exams will be over and of course if I do well, can expect to get a decent placement."

Deepam was silent. He felt very sad. Poor girl, struggling all by herself to survive in this cruel world.

He thought for sometime then said,
"Reena, see, I am also from the Finance discipline and went through same subjects, same books, while studying Management. Not only that, now I have on job experience also. If you have no objection, I can help you with your studies. What do you say?"

She looked very happy with the unexpected suggestion and said,
"Sure, I would love to. It would be very helpful."

"Then when shall we start? Today?"

"Tomorrow. From tomorrow. Today I want to be with you only, and nothing else." Her face glowed.

It was then they decided that, every evening Deepam would come to her apartment, directly from office. Help her with studies.

Deepam placed order for a simple lunch.

Meanwhile, he turned pages of some books, asked few questions. He had no doubt that she was a very bright student.

They continued with the schedule. Deepam would come in the evenings, check the portions she studied explain and solve problems if she had any and then leave. But on weekends she would insist him to stay back. She was adamant about that and Deepam would agree. Though apparently reluctant, inwardly he would be willing.

At night they would sleep together. Satisfied, she would fall asleep, cozy and safe in his arms. Next morning she looked much relaxed. Absent was the tension of studying long hours and anxiety for exams.

One day she asked the meaning of 'Deepam'.
"It means Lamp, is not so?"
Deepam nodded.

"Lamp brings light to darkness. You are the lamp in my life." Reena was pensive.
Deepam remained quiet, not wanting to disturb her thoughts.

"Our program is, I shall leave and you will study now.”
"Nothing doing my dear Mr. Deepam.I refuse to study now, at least till evening.”
Reena protested and like a sulking schoolgirl, sat beside him on the sofa.
"We shall watch TV and then have lunch together. You order something simple."

They were watching a program, when after sometime Reena lied down with head on his lap and curled up her legs. Deepam softly caressed her arms; cheeks, bare shoulders and ran his fingers through her silken hair. He was watching TV and after sometime, looking down, found her asleep firmly holding his hand, as if she was afraid that he might go away.

'Poor girl, longing for love and affection.'
For a long time he looked down at her innocent, sleeping face.
'Could she really be a Call Girl?' He could not believe it.

Meantime, Reena was called for placement interviews. She faired well and expected good offers, which might take about a month.

Then one day results were announced. Reena got the second highest position. She immediately rang up Deepam in his office. She was impatient for his return and when he came, Reena hugged him tight and showered kisses. Her joy knew no bounds.
That night they had dinner outside. It was a special treat.

Couple of days later, Reena received appointment offers simultaneously from three reputed companies. All were equally good, offering fairly good salary in middle management positions. Reena was perplexed. Could not decide on which to accept. Evening Deepam came and together they decided on the one most suitable for her. Next day she sent her acceptance of offer. She was to join after fifteen days.

Few days later, one evening while watching TV, Deepam took out a small gift packet and presented it to her.

"What is it?" Reena asked.

"Open and see." Deepam said with a smile on his lips.

Curious, Reena opened the packet. It had a single diamond ring in a small jewel box.
"Beautiful. Why, is it for me!" Reena sounded as though not believing.

"Yes. For whom else it would be? Reena I wanted to tell you something."
Reena expectedly looked at him. She seemed worried.

"Reena, I want to marry you." He said slowly, almost whispering.
When she did not say a word he muttered again.

Holding his hand she said
"Deepam you know my background very well. I am a Call Girl."

"You were, but not now. You are now as pure as gold."

"You do not know how many people I slept with, how much my body was used by others." Reena whispered.

"I am not interested to know. Moreover, I am also no virgin. I visited scores of call girls before we met. I lost count of them."

"I was abandoned by my parents and left at the orphanage. I came to the world, nameless, loveless and unwanted." Her eyes filled with tears.

Deepam said,
"Think of me Reena. Our ancestral family discarded my parents. I know none of my people. I even do not know which place I belong to. In a sense, I am also an orphan like you. Reena, please, please, I want you. I am very sincere. Please do not turn me down."

Reena was silent. Then looking at his eyes she said,
" In few months you will start thinking that I was once a call girl. This will be biting your heart forever. No Deepam, you have done so much for me. I can not bring misery to you, I do not want to ruin your life."

"No Reena, it will not happen like that. I should say we are both equally immoral and equally pure at heart. We are the same soul in two different bodies. Reena, please accept.”

Tear in eyes, Reena was silent for a long time. Then turning she said,
"No Deepam it is not possible."

Deepam looked at her eyes, trying to find out what was in her mind. Then with a sigh asked,
"Is that final, is it the last word?"

"Yes." She nodded and gave back the ring. "Forgive me, I can not accept it. Give it to the girl you marry."

Deepam got up, opened the door, "Good night" he said and went out without looking back.

Night passed without food or sleep. Reena lay in bed, blankly staring at the ceiling. Towards morning she fell asleep.

Morning came and the day passed. Reena had little food, and then waited hoping that Deepam might come in the evening. But he did not.

Days passed, then the week and she kept on waiting. There were black shadows under her eyes. It was weekend again and Reena was almost sure that he would come. But no, Deepam did not turn up, nor did he make any contact.

Reena thought of giving him a call. Twice she dialed, but switched off when he responded. She did not have the courage to talk. Deepak saw the number and knew who the caller was.

In the evening the doorbell rang. She rushed and opened it the door. Deepam stood there, disheveled and with several days growth of beard. He stood looking at her. She held his hand and softly said,
"Will you not come in? I was waiting for you."

As Deepam came in she closed the door and embraced him tight. She sobbed with her head on his shoulder and said through tears,
"Deepam I agree, I agree. You are the only light, in my life of darkness. I do not want to lose you."

Deepam lifted her face up, wiped tears and kissed tenderly, muttering,
"No Reena, we shall never part. Never, never."

The marriage was registered after a month.

Reception was held in the same restaurant where Reena and Deepam had first visited. The hotel manager presented her a large flower bouquet. A well-decorated small banquet room was reserved in advance. Guests congratulated the couple. Everyone said they seemed to be made for each other.

Reception over. Wishing the couple a happy married life, guests took leave.
Deepam thanked the Restaurant Manager and drove with Reena to his apartment.

Reena had never been to his place. At the entrance Deepam asked her to wait, then after opening the door wide, he carried her up in his arms, went to bedroom and putting her down said,
"Welcome home, my dear wife."

Reena still had her arms around his neck. "Even now I can not believe it Deepam. The whole thing is like a dream to me. Hold me tight Deepam. I want to feel that you are real."

Deepam put his arms around her waist and lightly kissed her forehead. They stood holding each other for some time. Then Deepam said,
"Once you said, you do not have any title. Today I give you one. You are now 'Reena Sharma', beloved wife of Deepam Sharma."

Reena looked up at his eyes, smiled and said,
"Thank you, Mr. Sharma."

******************


Two years later, I was invited to the first birthday party of their son.

I knew them both even before they were married. I was a consultant in the company where Deepam worked and a visiting lecturer to the institute where Reena did her post graduation. Both were my favorites.

The baby in his mother’s arms was cute. Deepam looked a loving husband and a proud father.

The photographer wanted to take few snaps of the three. Reena with the baby and Deepam with his arm around her shoulder posed smilingly. Few snaps taken, the photographer asked Reena to stand under the bright light with the baby, for a special photograph of mother and child.

She stood smiling, holding the baby in her arms, eyes tender and soft. I remembered to have seen a similar picture somewhere before, but could not recollect where. Then I suddenly knew.

"Madonna! She looks like Madonna with the child!"

There was a flash of light.The Photographer had finished his job.