But strangely, his friend had a sad look on his face. It almost seemed he was sorry ….for me.
Mr Kumar kept talking all through the three course supper, followed by hot kheer. His friend was more of a listener. I just had a soup, two rotis with a subzi and a small cup of kheer. It was full of almonds, but still very sweet and had a strong aroma of cardamum. Shahnawaz spoke in a sweet voice “ I am from Kerala, and we like elaichi very much”. I nodded in understanding.
Days grew into months and it became a routine for me to visit the library everyday on my way back to my home from my office. Always I had to search for the books myself. Mr Kumar never came to offer any help or suggestion. He always sat behind the desk. I found that strange.
Slowly I started getting the feeling that true to its name, the place indeed was full of happiness. On a Saturday, about a year after joining the library, I got a book with a strange title “ You can live forever”. And I entered this book in the register. There was a strange look on Mr Kumar’s face, but he only smiled at me.
It was a sunny morning. It looked more beautiful to me as it was a Sunday. I wouldn’t have to see the frowning face of my boss at the office. Although Zuvyzbu Inc.was ranked 44th company in the world, it was not one of the places I enjoyed going to. The place lacked a soul. And many of the people too !.
As I idly glanced at the table, the golden lined blue library book caught my attention. I took it in my hands and opened it. It looked quite new. Maybe it was a recent addition, or it may have been hardly taken. There was a thick silver coloured twine which acted as a bookmark. I pressed the book to my nose, there was a faint trace of some perfume which I could not identify. Somehow it reminded me of my childhood.
I started reading the book. It was getting interesting page by page. It described various personalities and how they think. I was amazed to find my type – it was “ gifted”. I was so engrossed in the book that the hours just flew by. Oh! This is impossible. The final chapter described ways for one type to attain immortality. And “Gifted” was the type chosen. The procedure was quite simple, it would take only a minute or so. Come on! How can it be ? Anyway, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to try it out. Maybe, it is true. This is exciting. Should I call my friends and tell them. No, no one would believe it. Let them all wait.
I sat in padmasana, as instructed, and closed my eyes. I visualized my best moments in life. My childhood memories flashed by.Then I visualized unpleasant moments. My office came to life before me. And then ! I followed the instructions precisely.
A flash of light seemed to strike me. My eyes opened. It was well past sunset. The lights were not switched on. But I could see Mr Kumar standing in front of me. His body had a strange glow. And I realized that the nameplate in the library had the same glow.
His words were now loud and clear “ You have become immortal. And he gave me the shell studded black ink pen. Now I am freed from immortality. You have relieved me.You will become free when someone born on same day as you, will become a member on the first Saturday of the year and read this book and follow the instructions. Remember, you can’t ask anyone to join. And you can’t suggest any books to read. Else, you will be a prisoner of time, like Shahnawaz.”
Suddenly, the light was gone!. Now I understood the sad look on Mr Shahnawaz’s face.
I got up in the morning and left home. Strangely, my steps led me to the library instead of my office. I went to the desk in the library. A wooden nameplate with golden letters was on it. The name read “M.Milee” I sat behind the desk, and waited. Time flew by, everyday I had my food with Mr Shahnawaz in his house. We never spoke a word during our meals. Sixty six years passed by !. Many members joined but I never got lucky to have a liberator.
I was sitting behind the desk when the sound of footsteps jolted me up. And YOU were standing at the door. I smiled and you smiled back. I could see my reliever in you. At last someone else will take my place. I welcomed you in and assured you that the library had a fantastic collection. I wrote your name with the shell studded black ink pen in the thick blue register and announced “ your library no. is 01.SA.2076”. And I heard the familiar question“ what are the fees”? As I smiled and looked up at the shelves of books, I saw god’s face. And god smiled!.
