THE HEARSE

We stepped in our new flat in the year 2003. Since very first day in my new flat I was attracted to just opposite flat of my bedroom in "RITAYAN APT"

An old man wearing a white Dhoti and baniyan used to stand on his varanda with a news paper or some times he and his wife were burgaining the prices of vegitable from Varandah. I was curious as I could guess this old couple are lonely .latter on I came to know their son is staying abroad.

Some times in the evening I saw this old couple was watching TV . I don't know when but suddenly I am attracted towards this old couple and thought perhaps they are similar picture of us in our old days .. I kept on looking to their flats . Sometimes I saw untimely spring in thir Flat .. I saw some miidle aged man there and came to know he is the son of this old couple after few days again the same old loneliness engulfed their apartment.

The lady was the perfect image of Indian Wife with white sari and red varmilions are prominent on her white hairs . Many a times I saw her directing her maid for caring their plants in Varandah.

I dont know when I became sadened observing the monotonous tune of their day to day life and started attaching my near futures with them.
I shared this feeling with Ranjana , my wife.

The night before yesterday again I felt many peoples presence in their flat I told Ranjana perhaps their son has come . I was very happy by thinking some good time is due for this old couple.

Yesterday morning I took leave from my office I was sipping my second round of tea I saw the hearse entered the gate of "RITAYAN APT" .

The old lady was waiving her hands for final good bye to her beloved and only companion to her

The wreath offered to the deceased person by co flat owner contains the tag "In memory of Kumud Ranjan banerjee "

Oh.. the old man ...my future image I never went a few farlong ahead to get introduced with them I got introduced yesterday to Mr Kumud Ranjan Banerjee

GOOD BYE SIR.