WE SHARE... Part 6

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Author: Divya Saksena

“The sun’s almost set now. It’ll be getting dark soon and we don’t want to be late for the evening service.” observed Father Antony.

“Yes!” exclaimed Preeti. “They’re going to sing me happy birthday!”

Father Antony explained quickly. “A little tradition. The choir sings it and the congregation often joins in.”

“Come on!” Preeti hopped up to the gravestone and stood waiting as her father lit the long taper and carefully placed it in her hand. Gripping it tightly, she reached over to light the candles, then suddenly, she turned towards Browning and held out the lit taper.

“We share.” It was not a question.

Wordlessly, Browning moved forward, his hand closing over the little fist. Carefully, they lit the two candles together. Father Antony, Anita and Rajan stepped back, hands folded in a gesture of respect, and watched as two tiny flames sprang up and began to glow stronger as the rays of the dying sun slid away towards the west and the shadows began to lengthen with the onset of the short Indian twilight.

Browning turned too Preeti’s parents. “I really ought to thank you for taking care of it. I just wish I had known…that I had managed to come earlier.”

“Don’t mention it,” replied Rajan. “It’s kind of you not to object to us taking it over, so to speak!”

Browning grinned suddenly. “You lot took India over!”

“Indeed, we did. But all this,” Rajan waved his arm around “all this is part of your people and ours too. Oh, don’t get me wrong! There’s no nostalgia for the Raj. But somehow, all the people buried here are part of India, so they belong to us Indians too. Though perhaps in their time they didn’t see it quite like that! We share a common history, good or bad.”

“And all this is our shared heritage,” added Father Antony, glancing at his watch. “Oh dear, I hate to rush you all, but we mustn’t be late for the service.”

“Please don’t let me keep you,” said Browning.
en.wikipedia.org




“Would you like to join us?

“Thank you, but I must hurry too. My friends at the hotel will be wondering where I’ve gone.”
Preeti piped up. “Will you come to my party?”
“Eh?”
Anita said, smiling. “A small party for her friends. But please do join us for the family dinner afterwards.”
“You’re very kind, but we’re only taking a short break here before flying back to England.”
Rajan pulled out a small notebook, tore out a page, scribbling his address, and handing it to Browning. “Here’s our address. Just in case you are able to make it. And oh, if you need anything done here, please just drop us a line. We’ll take care of it.”
“Or write me at the Church address,” interjected Father Antony.
“Thank you. I appreciate it. And I’ll give you my card too, in case I can help with anything.”
             Goodbyes said, the four of them hurried away towards the church where the front portico was beginning to glow with lights switched on inside. Preeti turned back, tugging at her mother’s restraining hand. “Will you come next year?
“I’ll try. Or maybe the next.”
“Okay.” She scurried off happily.
 To Be Contd...


About the author:
Dr Divya Saksena earned her PhD in English from The George Washington University, USA I 2003. She has taught English and Women's Studies in the USA, Canada and India for over 18 years. She is an avid reader and prolific writer.




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