too but was yet to pass her exams. Together, we would take long walks in the park, sharing our stories and sometimes hopping into a bus to visit the City Center. I enjoyed her company and my boredom was dissipating away. One day, I saw Jenny standing near the mailbox with an envelope in her hand. She looked crestfallen. What is it? I asked gently I failed my exams again! She said in a small voice No worries! I am sure you will do it next time, I tried to sound cheerful No Sue, this is the last attempt I had. She confirmed I didn’t know how to console her Are you sad? I asked, not knowing if that would help her emotions Suddenly her face lit up. Not really Sue! I miss my Papa, Amma Aunties and Uncles! I miss my home. it has been a long time, I will go back. I shall keep in touch with you. Those words felt like a sweetest song to my lonely heart. Suddenly I felt optimistic. I too had to fail my exam to go back home. That evening I called Baba and said “I will fail my exams severely I emphasized, and come home for the Pujas. After Jenny left, I was on my own again. On some afternoons, I would take the bus to Felixstowe which was a traditional seaside attraction with a spectacular pier. I would walk along the beach, grab some coffee and lazily watch the setting sun on the sea before heading back home Some more weeks flew by. My husband was getting busier at work and was planning to take the fellowship examination of the Royal College of Surgeons. He wanted me to be more independent in doing groceries, shopping and running errands. He wanted to cut down his time on such trivial mundane activities. One morning, before he left for work, he brought out a small plastic card from his wallet and flashed it before me. It appeared to look like a business card but was stiffer. “What is it?” I quipped. “Your passport to the outside world! Buy what you want, he replied.” “My jaws dropped. A plastic card can fetch me anything? Can I buy that beautiful dress that I saw in Debenham’s the other day? Or that beautiful lipstick? What about groceries?” “Of course, you can!” He chuckled. Before he was out through the door, he turned around and said, “Do not spend too much! I am a poor house officer!” I woke up the following morning having slept more soundly than perhaps ever before. It was going to be a big day. Something exciting and new was potentially was on the horizon. I made myself a cup of tea before getting dressed in my frilly attire. I was nervous, as I made my way to the Bu stop and hopped into a double decker bus. Apprehensive and hesitant, I stepped off the bus onto the cobblestone streets of the city center and walked towards Debenham’s. As I entered the store, I was greeted by a mannequin decked up in crispy clothes. The store was humongous! Middle aged ladies were jostling in the aisles looking for their finds. I too searched for some pretty outfits. Finally, I found a couple of stylish dresses and headed to the checkout counter. The cashier smiled at me. I smiled but not making any eye contact, as I had a feeling of guilt that I only had a piece of plastic to offer as payment. A lady stood nearby, neatly dressed in a suit and a badge and smiled again. “Hope you had a good shopping experience today!” She said. UPAHAAR 2021 উপহার ১৪২৮ 33
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