Junior reached Roshan’s house: a small cottage with cheerful bow windows. There was a stone-paved path and a garden full of flowers and colourful butterflies in front of the house.
He looked around but didn’t find anyone. He rang the doorbell and waited.
A young lady opened the door a few minutes later. She looked at the stranger in surprise. He managed a smile and said, ‘I’m Junior Amin.’
Staring at the tall, strong, young man in front of her, she said with a teasing smile, ‘You look senior to me! Tell me, what is it I can do for you?’ she asked with mock seriousness.
‘Is Mr Roshan in?’ Junior asked, a little nervous.
‘No. Roshan has gone to fetch his friend from the bus stand. He will be back soon.’
‘I am that friend,’ responded Junior.
‘What?’ She looked at the handsome man in surprise, and said, ‘Well then, welcome Junior. Please come in. I’m Nadia by the way – Roshan’s sister.’
Just then Roshan arrived, visibly disappointed. ‘No trace of him!’ he declared.
‘Who?’ asked Nadia with a broad smile.
‘Junior, of course. Oh God, what am I going to tell Adeeb?’ Roshan looked worried.
‘If you were so concerned, why didn’t you go a little early?’
‘I set off early. It’s the damn traffic,’ he responded defensively.
A playful smile appeared on the generous curve of Nadia’s lips. ‘He is here,’ she said with a giggle.
‘What?’ Roshan almost yelled in surprise.
Nadia burst out laughing. Roshan turned and with wide eyes stared at Junior in disbelief. There was sudden relief. Junior saw tension ease on Roshan’s face.
‘I apologise most sincerely for not waiting for you until you arrived,’ said Junior before Roshan grasped him in a tight embrace.
‘Welcome home, Junior, welcome home.’ Junior felt odd; he truly felt at home. Roshan looked at Nadia and said, ‘He must be starving.’ Then he turned to Luke. ‘Did you have a pleasant journey?’ Nadia placed plates with egg, potato curry, and chapattis before him. Some aching memories flashed through Junior’s mind. He tried to ignore them by staying in the moment.
‘Yes, a very pleasant one.’
‘What did my Adeeb say about me?’ asked Roshan with a smile.
‘A latecomer,’ Nadia said with a giggle.
‘That’s true,’ Junior admitted with a hesitant grin.
Roshan stared at Nadia in anger but said nothing. Roshan introduced his family to Junior. ‘Me, my mother, and my dear sister Nadia live in this modest house,’ said Roshan, wrapping his hand around his mother’s shoulder.
‘Junior! Are you coming from Bahrain, I mean, from Luke’s place?’ asked his mother excitedly.
‘What?’ Junior responded, hiding his tension. Then he slowly shook his head.
‘Yes! I am.’
She was very excited and asked for details about Luke.
‘Adeeb is my nephew. They both work together. Adeeb respects and adores him a lot.’
‘Have you ever met him?’
When Junior said he had, she said, ‘You are very lucky. I too wish to see him before I die.’ She seemed to believe it to be impossible. With a deep sigh, she said, ‘Adeeb promised me once that they would surely visit us. I hope he keeps his promise.’ She laughed happily at the thought. Junior said nothing.
He was very impressed with the hospitality. He thought about his mother. ‘Oh dear, if you treat others kindly, then you will find only those who will treat you in the same way wherever you go.’
Junior closed his eyes and said to himself, ‘Yes Mama!’
‘Junior, have a shower and get some sleep. You look tired.’ Roshan led Junior to what was to be his bedroom. There was a small mirror on the wall, framed with shells, and a neat bed. The smell of room freshener was to his taste.
Junior lifted his head and looked at Roshan. ‘I am looking for a job, Roshan. Can you help me to find one?’
Roshan nodded and said, ‘Adeeb mentioned it to me.’
He stopped for a while and said, ‘There is a job, but I don’t think you would be able to do it.’ Junior looked at his face, seeking more details. ‘Hassan is the rich businessman in this area. Most of the days, he is away from home, on business. He is looking for a driver for his family. But …’ Junior looked at him in surprise.
‘What’s that? They need a driver only for weekends?’
‘Actually, he is looking for someone who can take care of his animals and property. You know … I mean … all outside work,’ Roshan looked at him, not sure of what reaction to expect.
‘Done.’ There was a smile on Junior’s lips. But Roshan was disappointed.
‘No, Junior. We’ll find some other job. Right now, you have a shower and get some sleep. You look tired.’ Junior stopped Roshan when he was about to leave the room.
‘Roshan, I’m interested in that job. Take me there please. I want a job to keep me busy.’
Roshan hesitated at first, but then said, ‘If you are interested, we’ll meet him tomorrow morning.’