by Anita Agrawal

It was along walk from the village to the fair. Maureen had little Betty secure in her arms as she tried to keep pace with Roger her brother- in- law. The slightly undulating landscape soon made her breathless and the nearest stall was the only refuge for the moment. She was famished and suggested they have lunch first. Several wayside stalls were open and they entered one.

The strong aroma of spiced meals wafted throughout the shabby shop as the perspiring maid served the dishes to the customers. Fatigued and ravenous from the long walk, Maureen gulped down all that she could of the steaming stuff. Roger sat at a corner, conversing with a couple of men, relishing his dish. Maureen knew those shady characters but was too tired to think about their link with Roger. Betty, her two year old daughter was asleep by now. A few more miles and the fair ground would be in view, thought Maureen. Though the meal was a sumptuous one, she didn’t have the strength to move out. Sleep has extended its caressing arms about her and she gradually leaned on to the wall, totally oblivious of the surroundings. Little did she know that the laced meal she had taken innocently would now reshape her life.

Part-2

The sunlight streaked through the lattice and lighted up her face as Maureen slept peacefully. The chime of the clock woke her up. She sat upright with a start as she looked about her. This was not her home! Where was she? She clasped her head with both her hands trying to alleviate the throbbing pain. Leaping out of bed she looked at the room that spoke of affluence. Though the décor was old fashioned, it was definitely owner by some one wealthy.

“Where am I?” she asked herself.

Her heart skipped a beat when she found the bed empty.

“Where is Betty?” she wondered.

Overcome with anxiety, she flew towards the door to look for little child. The door opened on to a dimly lit drawing room. Standing across the room by the fireplace was a man leaning against the wall. Rather dark, bulky, the man with his misshapen teeth looked like a harden criminal.

“Good Morning!” said he.

“Who are you? How did I come here? Where is my daughter?” asked Maureen in one breath.

Amused at her perplexed look the man smiled and said, “Well too many questions for me to tackle.”

“Let me see … which one do I answer”

The smirk on his face said it all.

Maureen was sold. Sold for a pittance. From now on her world would be confined within the four walls of this dilapidated house, miles away from her home and family. She was now at the mercy of Ralph Simons, the local gangster.

Part 3

Though brought up in an impoverished environment, Maureen was the daughter of a school master. Her mother was often sick and the little that her father earned was spent on her treatment. Maureen was married off soon to Philip a local grocer. An honest man, Philip loved his wife to distraction. He made sure that Maureen the best of everything. Of course his meager earnings would not permit much. The birth of Betty doubled his joy and the couple spent their days in bliss.

Then tragedy intervened.  Philip died in a road accident. All at once Maureen’s happy little world was wrapped in darkness. Nights seemed longer. Daytime was dreadful as the neighbors dropped in to sympathize. She didn’t need it. She needed a reason to live. Betty was the only reason why she was alive. She just wanted someone to tell her that everything would be alight. She spent her days sitting in the porch expecting to see Philip walk up the garden path to plant a surprise kiss on her cheeks. Just like before he would ask her

“Hey dearie what are we having for dinner?”

Things did look up after a while. A distant cousin of Philip’s, paid them a visit. Roger’s arrival was like a breath of fresh air. It was spring time and the new buds were reaching out to touch the air. The soft breeze played through Maureen’s hair, as if sweeping away the agonizing thoughts. Soon Roger organized the disoriented state of affairs. Maureen took charge of the grocery store that her husband used to run. Betty no longer searched for her father as she played in the arms of her uncle. They were happy.

If only Maureen had known that the hideous plans, lurking in the dark recesses of Roger’s mind were already at play.

Part 4

In the eerie silence of the room she was confined to the whole day, Maureen went back in time. It was only three years that Philips had died. He was the only man in her life who had filled her with a sense of fulfillment. If only he had been alive nothing of this would have happened. She joined her hands in silent prayer for the divine power to give her the strength she required to fight the crisis. Her mind raced with thoughts of escape.

It was well past midnight when the slight creaking of the door made Maureen sit up. In the dim light of the lamp she could barely discern the bulky figure of the man stealthily entering her room. As the figure approached her she clearly saw Ralph’s blood red eyes and that sinister smile.

“No” she thought. “H e won’t have his way.”

She put out the light instantly.

In the sudden darkness Ralph found it difficult to see .In his inebriated state he stumbled and muttered curses. Maureen could smell the repulsive stench of his body as he came close to her. This was the time to strike. Slowly she grabbed the lamp with her scarf and struck it on the wall. Then without losing a second she pushed the broken lamp into Ralph. Her aim was perfect in the darkness. A small attempt was made by the man to keep her from escaping but the fragments of glass played a deadly game inside him. Within moments Ralph lay dead in a pool of blood. Seizing the opportunity Maureen clutched at her purse trembling in horror. She shuddered to think that she had taken a man’s life. In a distance she heard voices. Wasting no time, she sped out of the house.

The voices that Maureen had heard belonged to Ralph’s men who were returning after their nocturnal ventures. Seeing Ralph dead, they had informed the police. The death had created quite uproar. To some this was good news while his numerous infamous friends lamented the loss.

Part 5

Police investigation bore no fruit due to lack of evidence. Soon the case was declared closed.

However, one small discovery made by the police, brought a phenomenal change in Maureen’s life a few years later. Carefully kept in one of the lockers was a piece of paper on which was written a note addressed to Oliver Brown. The note read:

Dear Oliver.

I quite understand your dilemma and would not like to press you further. You may come here as and when you wish. Your daughter Maureen is a sweet girl. She reminds me of Jane. I would like to see more of her. Do not deprive me of the pleasure of having her around. With Jane gone I have no one to hand over the estate. So I have decided to leave it all to Maureen. The legal documents are with my solicitor Mr. Astaire. Do get in touch with him as soon as you get this note.

Regards

Lady Maria Smith

Maureen had found refuge at the house of a distant aunt who lived alone on the outskirts of the village. Running away at furious speed, from her place of torment, Maureen had decided to pass through the woods to avoid detection. Crossing the woods was a hazardous task and it was nearly dawn when she finally reached the clearing. Spotting the cottage she had known since childhood she headed for it. Her aunt who was pretty old now welcomed her with open arms.

Part 6

The dilapidated ancient building where Ralph was found murdered, was once owned by a wealthy old lady Mrs. Maria Smith. This childless widow of a rich businessman owned an estate left to her by her late husband. Her only relation in this whole wide world was her brother James.  He lived in London with his wife Rose and his daughter Jane. When both of them died in a motor accident Lady Maria brought Jane over to live with her.

Jane was a bright girl of fifteen. Though it took her quite some time to get used to the rural set up, she did fancy it after a while. Lady Maria was a lot happier after the arrival of Jane. Her days were spent   fussing over her food, clothes, make up, and what not. With the right kind of guidance she would go places, she thought about her niece. Unwilling to educate her Jane with the other children of the village she appointed the veteran schoolmaster, Mr. Oliver Brown, as her tutor.

As much a well wisher as a friend, Mr. Brown soon found himself entrusted with grave responsibilities of the estate. Some eyed him with jealousy, some with suspicion while others with love. The lady of the house soon took him into confidence. His prudent mind and a steady personality helped her tide over several problems. Jane simply adored her septuagenarian tutor for his knowledge and an amazing power to instill in her the ambitious urge to succeed in life.

Tragedy has its own way of interrupting one’s life. A sudden infectious disease sapped all the vitality of this little girl. She lay in bed like an invalid for about a month. Every morning Mr. Brown would come to visit his student. Confined to her bed she would see the colorful world outside through the eyes of her mentor. She would stare at his face with an expectant look and her lips would tremble in unspoken excitement as she wandered in her imaginary world of colorful splendor.

But fate had a different destination for her.

Her health deteriorated gradually and finally one day death put an end to all the pain.

Part 7

The death of Jane brought an instant pall over the mansion. Everyone spoke in whispers as Lady Maria had take to her bed. The only relation she had was gone. It took her a long time to recuperate from the state of stupor after the demise of Jane. Oliver Brown was her only hope. The management of the estate was then in the hands of young Ralph who was making hay while the sun shone. Oliver Brown’s watchful eyes were kept skinned. There were rumors of Ralph’s misdeeds all over the village. That is why every move he made was monitored by the faithful old man. It did not take him long to find out that Ralph was misappropriating money. A steady recruitment of new valets and maids in the mansion raised Mr. Brown’s suspicion. It was soon discovered that Ralph was replacing old faithful servants with his own people. The ulterior motive of Ralph was not unclear anymore. Before he could make further in roads into the pecuniary affairs of the estate, he was caught red handed one night. With his men he was seen supervising the distribution of money among them taken from a damaged locker. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

With Ralph gone Lady Maria felt much better. Reassured that she had a friend in Brown, her days brightened. With Oliver guiding her steps, she managed to improve the sorry state of affairs .Peace and tranquility returned to her life. Along with the calm returned solitude. The emptiness that Jane’s death had created could never be filled.

At this juncture Oliver Brown felt that there was no real purpose for him to serve at the mansion. He expressed his thoughts to Lady Maria one morning.

“I was wondering if I should come here anymore” he told her.

Lady Maria, startled by his statement asked, “Why do you say that Mr.Brown?”

“You had employed me as a teacher for your niece but now that….” trailed off Mr. Brown.

“Oh! No!  Do not think that way Mr. Brown. You have protected my house from evil hands. Your presence is valuable to all of us here. You give me the courage to carry on. Without Jane it is ……”

Lady Maria stopped abruptly. She seemed lost in a deep reverie as she looked out of the large window of her room.

“No Oliver I do need you here” said she but Mr. Brown had already left.

Part 8

Days passed and Mr. Brown’s visit to the mansion became less frequent. His own daughter was growing up and his domestic duties kept him busy.

One morning he was summoned at the mansion. The old man was at his breakfast when the messenger arrived with the sad news of Lady Maria’s death. The very next year he followed her to her heavenly abode. The police had come for the mandatory investigations. She had died a natural death. With no legal heir and no claimants to her property, the police locked up the mansion, relieving the servants of their duties.

Years of neglect had robbed the mansion of its glamour. Creepers grew from every nook and corner of the building. Cobwebs had covered the walls and the windows were broken. It looked like a haunted house to all except for one person who crept stealthily into the building one night. Old habits die hard. After serving a term of seven years Ralph decided to make the mansion his headquarters. Secret meetings, drinking binges, gambling went on night after night. No one suspected anything. The mansion being so isolated continued to be the center of hideous crimes. It was here that he received Maureen sold to him by Roger.

The news of her benefactor and the property she was to inherit came to Maureen as a pleasant surprise. She renovated the old dilapidated mansion and made it into a shelter for those children who have been orphaned at a very tender age. Her days passed cheerfully with about twenty children bustling throughout the mansion. Life returned to that ancient house after a long time.

The books and other stationery for her orphanage, The Holy Shelter, came from a shop in the village owned by an old widow, Mrs. Barn. Maureen learnt that the property had shifted hands and was run by a young lady who was very skilled at her work. Preparing an agenda for the weekend shopping she left for the shop one Saturday morning. The shop was an extension of a small house .The shop was tastefully decorated and looked rather cozy. Maureen observed that the walls were lined with books kept carefully in wooden shelves, according to their subjects.  The mahogany counter was neat with one cushioned seat for the seller.   The shop was empty and she could hear two people conversing in an adjoining room.

“I don’t take no for an answer”, shouted a man from within.

“You may do what you like but I am not going to him. I don’t like him” replied a young woman.

Maureen found something disturbing about this conversation. The male voice seemed vaguely familiar.

“Where had she heard that voice?” she thought.

The conversation continued and she could hear only parts of it.

“Don’t try my patience Lucy. You better go and meet Henry this evening” threatened the man. Without further retort, the young girl breezed into the shop.

Suddenly Maureen shuddered. She felt a chill run down her spine.  She looked rather restless.

“Sorry did I keep you waiting for long?” asked the girl, breaking Maureen’s reverie.

“No not at all. I have just arrived” answered Maureen, placing the list of books on the counter.

As Lucy scrutinized the list Maureen watched her golden curls partly cover her face as did Betty’s.

“You will have to wait for a week for these two books” she said marking them in the list. “I can get them for you surely”, she assured Maureen.

Lucy’s ocean blue eyes were fascinating. Maureen heard nothing. She was miles away. Her Betty too would be this big by now. Tears stung her eyes.  Leaving a request for home delivery she left the shop abruptly.

Back amongst the children Maureen regained her calm. Days passed happily till one Wednesday, well past midnight, Maureen was woken up by loud thumps on the door. The maids rushed to open the door. Maureen was stunned to see Lucy standing at her door, her hair disheveled and her face bleeding.

“Save me save me please, she pleaded before Maureen.

What is the matter?”

“My uncle wants me to … I won’t I shan’t go to that nasty man” Lucy said as she broke down in tears.

As the two of them spoke they heard rough knocks on the door. Finding the door open, a man burst into the house and roared,

“Where is she?”

Maureen was shocked beyond words. Right before her stood Roger, the man who had ruined her life!

It took a few moments for Roger to realize where he was.

“Oh it’s you again? I thought as much. You managed to fool Ralph but you won’t fool me” he said with a smirk.

“Hand that girl over to me right now. I have a customer waiting for her” he ordered.

Maureen was appalled at the temerity of the man. He has ruined her life. He has done away with Betty and now this poor girl. No she won’t let that happen.

“No you are not going to have your way this time Roger. Your game is over. I will not let you ruin another life. Pests like you should be handed over to the police” declared Maureen. Walking across to the telephone as she bent to dial the numbers Roger pounced on her. She fought back but was no match to him.

She picked up the flower vase to strike him as he grasped Lucy.  Before she could hit him a bullet pierced her bosom. Her head began to swim. The limbs felt limp.

Releasing Lucy, Roger sped out of the house at once. Rushing forward Lucy held Maureen fast in her arms. Maureen clutched at her collar as a last effort to hold on to life. What she saw next made her cry out in joy. Hanging from Lucy’s slender neck was the locket she had given Betty on her first birthday.

Writhing in pain she managed to open the locket clasp and saw the picture of her little Betty inside.

Tears rolled down her cheeks.

“Betty my dear Betty” she murmured.

“Who’s Betty?” Asked Lucy perplexed. What are you talking about?”

“I am your mother my child” she said, her words were mere whispers now.

Opening her own locket she showed Lucy the same picture.

With a faint smile she breathed her last.

Part 9

Maureen collapsed to the floor. Her days of suffering were over at last. Fate had once again played a cruel game on her. She was a deprived of the comfort of seeing her Lucy living a secure and happy life.

Lucy stood transfixed at the sudden turn of events. It took her some time to realize that Maureen was her long lost mother and that Roger was a distant relative who had ruined their happy family. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She sank to the floor sobbing like a child cradling her mother’s head in her lap. The feeling of loss was overwhelming but the thought of the perpetrator soon squeezed out her despondency, replacing it with blinding rage.

Laura Fanny and Bertie along with the other maids and attendants collected around Lucy to console her. It took her a while to calm herself. When tranquility had once again descended on the house, Lucy’s thoughts turned to more practical ones. The perpetrator of this tragedy got away scot free.

“How can my mother’s murderer go unpunished?” she thought intensely.

“I shall avenge my mother’s death” Lucy promised herself.

The night dragged on rather slowly.

Next morning, Lucy and the others waited fro the police to arrive. Life was rather sluggish in these parts. Maureen’s body was taken for post mortem the previous night. That was the last they saw of the police. Rather late in the day the Chief Inspector arrived to make the customary queries about the murder. He engaged himself in unnecessary questions instead of specific ones that would expedite the mandatory official procedures. Lucy’s patience was at the end of its tether.

“What good is all this questioning?” She asked impatiently.

“It appears you know very little about the legal affairs madam” the inspector snapped.

“Why don’t you do something to catch Roger first?” she nearly shouted at the inspector.

“All in good time madam” assured the disdainful Chief.

Lucy lost all hope of getting at Roger as she watched the inefficient tardy progress of the police working along the beaten tracks of investigation.

Part 10

Lucy had taken over the charge of the orphanage after the demise of her mother. In fact she was the sole heir.

It came to her as a complete surprise when she confronted the young detective, Larry Sanders, seated snuggly at her office one morning. The lithe structure of the swarthy man became taut as she emerged from behind to take her place opposite him.

“Yes?” she asked.

“I am Detective Sanders.”

“Oh!” responded Lucy, making no effort to hide her misgivings about his efficiency.

“The police have been beating round the mulberry bush for quite some time now. Its amazing they don’t tire” added Lucy, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Larry smiled and looked at Lucy intently. His scrutinizing gaze made Lucy uncomfortable for a while. Collecting herself she was about to unleash more spitfire expletives when Larry stopped her.

“Well the criminal is at large and so I have been entrusted with the responsibility of protecting you. Do keep yourself indoors as much as possible and…”

“Protecting me?” Lucy let out a laugh. “I don’t need protection. It’s Roger that I need. Can those worthy men of yours do something about it? They don’t…..”

“My men are at it .I think you would do yourself good by being a little patient. Good day madam” snapped back Larry.

Hearing no more Larry stalked out of the office.

Fired by her caustic remarks and the blatant lack of confidence in his army of detectives propelled Larry to hurl out instructions to his men, the next day. Every possible measure was to be taken to comb the outskirts of the village and then the town to capture Roger.

Part 11

Meanwhile Roger’s filthy mind was at work again. He was determined to lay his hands on Lucy again. With Maureen dead, his road to victor was clear. Lucy was now a vulnerable prey. It was about a fortnight after Maureen’s death. Lucy was working late in her mother’s office. The house was silent as everyone had gone to bed. Having completed her last correspondence for the day, Lucy switched off the light and proceeded towards the door. She stopped in her tracks as the strong smell of tobacco assailed her nose. She froze. The smell was a dead giveaway. Roger was nearby!

She slammed the door shut and ran for the telephone in a panic. The room was dark and she fumbled her way towards it when Roger stumbled into the room. He was waiting in the dark to pounce on her the moment she would emerge from her office. Lucy switched on the light to see better.

The scarf in his hand indicated his intention of gagging her. Her trembling fingers could hardly dial the numbers of the police station. Intense fear of the predator had sapped up her strength and had chocked her voice. She had scarcely dialed three numbers when the rough hands of Roger thumped down on hers.

“Not so fast sweetheart”, he jeered baring his tobacco stained teeth.

His left hand covered her mouth to stifle her shouts and for the next few moments Lucy attempted a futile fight against Roger. With the last bit of energy drained out she felt victory was finally Roger’s. Dragging her out Roger was near the main gate when a pair of muscular hands overpowered him in the dark. Taken aback, Roger released his hold of Lucy. In the partially lit passage she saw the two men fight each other. She tried to identify the second man who had saved her life but could not. The fight upset the flower pots and they fell all over the place. The sound woke the others up. Lights were switched on and Lucy once again found her voice. As a last effort Roger tried to grasp Lucy but he was hurled towards the wall by his opponent. Clasping his head in his hands Roger collapsed to the floor emitting an eerie shriek. There was a flurry of activities and excitement all over the house.

Leaning against the wall, panting hard, stood Lucy’s savior, guarding his bleeding arm. She walked slowly up to him with trepidation.

“Mr. Sanders!” exclaimed Lucy stunned beyond imagination.

Lucy was ashamed of the rudeness she had displayed earlier. Convinced that her misgivings about his efficiency were wrong she smiled and tended to his wound with her handkerchief.

“How did you get here?” she asked surprised.

“I have always been around after nightfall for your protection.” He answered.

She looked into his eyes and saw a tenderness she had not seen before.

Lucy could say no more. She was at a loss for words. Leaning against Larry she just whispered “Thank you.”

“Well madam my work is done. I must go now” said Larry.

Clasping his hands tightly, Lucy said, “Don’t go Larry. Don’t leave me alone. “

…The end…………………….

1 Comment »

1. Nice story

   Comment by kim — March 21, 2010 @ 7:51 am

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.