It is not my way to spin a yarn. Telling the truth is my forte. Indeed, I am known to tell truths tellingly at times. Even uncomfortable truths. So, I am not very popular with some. That is the way with me. I can’t help it.
Today is 17th November 2006. Only a couple of days ago, Uncle Pai left home for Mumbai after a memorable Children’s Day he gifted to a thousand children here. The media lauded the event as historic, and everyone there had an unforgettable experience. He came at my behest, at the rich age of 77. Initially he said ‘no’, but gave in for what he called this “last visit outside Mumbai” after one full week. “I am not growing any younger, you see”, said he.
Something happened a few minutes ago- something I had never heard happen to anyone, either in life or in tale. I came out of the shower in warm water this cold evening. As is my wont after a hard day, I wanted to lay down on the bed with the newspaper. Before I reached the cot, I felt as if a strand of hair was between my legs. In the mind, I cursed my wife- and at the same time commiserated with her losing hair so fast from her head. I knelt down to pick it up, but nothing came in my hand. I let it go, blaming my failing sight.
I lay on my back and read a few pages. Soon, I felt drowsy but could not rest. Now on the ear, then on the nape, I felt some sensation. I swatted at the place and looked at the palm. There was no mosquito. Maybe they had got more agile, I thought. I felt angry at my wife for leaving the door open in the evening to let the insects in. Only this morning, I had asked her to fumigate the house. I had felt mosquitoes on my back last night. All windows are meshed, and mosquitoes have had no chance of getting in. This has been so for the past two years. But then, once in they have no way to get out either- see?
Soon I felt I could not rest. It was time to get to the computer and attend to mail. I got up and sat on the bed. It was then that I saw a hunched spider walking away. Crawling away from my bed- yes MY bed. All along, it was there- spinning a web around me. Suppose I had gone to sleep?
I hope it was not a tarantula. India is not known for them. But then, you never know….
