Home!
She reached late at night. Her shoulders drooping under the heavy weight she bore. A bag full of books, A bag full of empty snack boxes, a water bottle, and a thermos or two. Well, a teacher’s shoulders carry the burden of shaping the future citizens.
As she kicked off her shoes, her swollen ankles screamed with glee, like convicts tasting freedom. Freshening up she headed to the kitchen to make herself a cup of green tea. The peppermint flavour was particularly great. That’s when she noticed the change in the setting. Her, writer hubby was humming, as he flitted around. A superbly aromatic Rogan josh was bubbling on the gas, While the heavenly aroma of pilaf sat delicately on the hob, steadily filling up the entire space available, much like an Indian housewife. Well! Well! Well!
“What’s cooking, Darling?” she murmured pleasantly.
“Your favourites, my Dear,” he chirped brightly as he gave her a warm hug and a delightful kiss. Her eyes nearly fell out of their sockets, as it had been days since she had received such loving attention.
“Oooooh! I am indeed lucky!” said she as returned the favours.
The table was quickly laid with their prized linen, candles, and the lip-smacking gourmet meal!
Perfect!
“How was your day? Did you write something?”
“You won’t believe it…”
“I had quite a day! First, that naughty Rahul from grade 10, didn’t submit his assignment, again. On calling his parents, they started turning the tables on me…. Can you imagine? Wonder when they will realize- supporting your child means to help him manage his work on time… not help him evade repercussions at school.”
“Or the services of an Inspirer-in- chief!” he quipped.
“What are you saying? Who ever heard of that?” and she started giggling.
The good food and good ambience created a good mood. The couple enjoyed every morsel. After dinner he played some old favourites… Carpenters, specially!
Those were such happy times
And not so long ago
How I wondered where they’d gone
But they’re back again
Just like a long lost friend
All the songs I loved so well.
Every Sha-la-la-la
Every Wo-o-wo-o
Still shines
“How was your day honey? Did you write something? Hey how come your editor is not haunting our evening?”
“That’s what I wanted to tell you about….”
“ For God’s sake what is that?” she screamed pointing to a transparent bright pink bangle. “For God’s sake who came here? For God’s sake tell me the truth!” she wailed.
“Poof!” There stood Mona the inspirer-in-chief, in the middle of their drawing room looking disdainfully down her long, sharp nose.
“Yikes!” said wifey and leapt up high! She could have easily put a pole vaulter to shame!
“Oh! So now you have started an affair? But who is she? Why can I see through her? I mean why is she transparent?”
“Hey! I am Mona inspirer-in-chief! I helped your adorable husband this afternoon. Seems like he has not bothered to tell you about it. I used to be a ghost writer; you know … when I was alive!”
“ Oh my God! After that lovely dinner, I have to hear this…. An affair with spirits!”
“Darling! Please listen… Mona is a life saver! Because of her I could submit the most amazing story today and have got a contract for a year!”
“ I knew you have strange connections … but this?”
“Hello! I am the President of the association of inspirers. We work very hard to keep inspiration flowing and definitely don’t have time to waste. You invoked me, so how may I help you?”
With her husband’s arm lovingly draped around her, the good food and music working their magic, she relaxed. She was at home after all. She was gently led to their cosy couch, as the husband narrated the way in which the ‘ghost writer’ had redeemed his task.
“ Mona, you are one of the finest people, er souls or ghouls or whatever, in the entire universe!”
Mona was turning crimson, as she blushed and insisted on helping them. The wife felt her heart warming up to this creature, who seemed to have more sense of duty, than most people she knew and even when she was rendered homeless.
“Mona! Our home is our pride, a temple to love. We do like to invite guests home too. So, whenever you wish, you may come and visit us,” she muttered as she yawned. Streyching her arms she headed to her bed and her pillow…
“Mona! Can you help wayward students and their misguided parents too?”
Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
