‘Mom, see who has come,’ Nyree shouted in excitement as she stepped into her house with her boyfriend from the college.
Helen didn’t share the same excitement as Nyree. She walked out slowly from her study to see who’d come with her daughter. She’d become used to welcoming many young men. There was, however, a difference this time. The young man standing beside Nyree looked very handsome, and she felt stunned for a minute. She remained motionless for some time without knowing why. All her organs became numb in unison, as soon as she saw him.
“Mom, why are you looking at him like that? I know he’s very handsome. The moment I saw him I fell flat for him. Now you don’t fall in love with him too,” Nyree teased with her usual playful nature. “It will complicate matters. Come on, mom, meet him.”
She moved slowly towards him and extended her hand, her thoughts scattering in different directions.
“Hello, Helen, I am Iniyan, from India.” He seemed to have picked up some English manners from the New Zealanders.
“Your face looks very familiar. Have I seen you before?” Helen asked.
“You must have seen me on the TV. Will you not allow me in”?
“Oh, I am very sorry, son. Come in. Let us sit and talk.” She held on to his hand as she led him to the sofa and sat next to him.
“I have got my masters in the Maori art forms and am part of a performing arts group in Massey,” Iniyan explained with pride in his voice. “We are occasionally featured on Maori TV. Recently, we gave a show, also on the New Zealand TV. It was much appreciated.”
“Ha, tell me that.” Nyree put her arm around his shoulder. “Yes, I watched part of it. Many of my friends spoke highly of it.” She kept watching him without batting an eyelid.
“From which part of India are you? I have some friends in India,” Helen asked.
“I am from a small town called Sira. It is on the way to Mumbai from Bangalore.”
“I’ve been to India only once and do not understand much about its geography. You two keep talking.” Helen wanted to be alone for a moment to get her thoughts together. “I shall bring something to drink. What would you like? Coffee or Tea”?
“I’ll have coffee. First, a glass of water, please?” Iniyan replied nervously.
“You can take water from the tap here, Iniyan. It is not like in your country. The water is safe.” Helen went to the kitchen to make some coffee. She needed to remove herself from his unsettling presence.
