OurWord

Kanhiya Lal walked out of his flat for a regular morning walk. Weather permitting, it would be odd not to see KL walking out the building resolutely for his regime. Kanhiya Lal was also known as KL. Kids around the block called him Uncle KL. Others his age called him KL.

KL was never inclined to hold conversations with anyone at all. Any pleasantries exchanged would be as brief as a blink of an eye.  Any longer than that would result in an explosion of euphoria and mirth amongst the neighbours. The participants of that gold-plated conversation were known to rush to buy a lottery ticket as it could be their lucky day.

KL was always a man of few words. Meena, his wife, left him for another man who spoke. KL’s only companion was his daughter  Sunita, who visited him every Sunday with her children and husband Avnish. Sunita would fawn over her father. KL’s medicine groceries cooked food would be taken care of by her. A house help would come thrice a week to clean up. The house help would remark to Sunita that she has walked away from many houses because the owners micro managed her work. This was the only house that there was no appraisal of her work.

Sunita and the house help would have a good laugh about it. Avnish would sit bewildered by his father-in- law’s commitment to eliminate noise pollution.

There were moments  though when KL would be indulgent with his grandkids. They would jump over him and talk to him not overly concerned by his minimal response. And of course KL had chocolates for them.

The grandson Aaryan was impressed by his grandfather’s silence. The other day, Aaryan seeing his father’s inability to cope up with Sunita’s deluge of questions suggested quietly to his dad to learn to be silent like Dadaji (grandfather) and just grunt.

Avnish was amazed that his son’s advice could be the only way to counter Sunita’s verbal onslaught.

KL would often introspect during his walk. What is wrong in not talking unnecessarily? “At least I don’t hurt people by my words,” he countered.

KL considered his silence as a bliss for him. Nothing in the world would excite him to begin a conversation with anyone.

That day KL was unusually chirpy. He smiled at his neighbour’s grandchild and even kicked the soccer ball back to the kids. He remembered his soccer skills were decent enough to play for his college.

Women were attracted by his sombre demeanour. KL was aware of that. “Maybe these women find me mysterious. But, I am sure they would find me dumb.” He muttered.

KL remembered how Meena tore into him for embarrassing her in social gatherings by not being communicative enough.

” How can you be so dumb Kans? Kala was striking a conversation with you, and all you could do was nod in response.  I am actually done with you. Everyone ignores you now. They now prefer talking to the walls.” Meena, not long after that, left for other pastures.

Meena’s words rang in his ears and his eyes went moist briefly. KL walked out to the park. These were the moments he loved. A long, uninterrupted walk refreshed him to the core. He was whistling. KL was surprised at his chirpiness.

“It is so different today,” He said loudly.

And KL heard his name being called.

” Kanihyaji, can you help me please?

It was Kala calling out.

KL, somewhere deep inside him, had a soft murmur for Kala. He considered Kala classy sensible and sensuous. Although Kala was married, KL could not help himself being attracted to her.

KL turned around to a stressed out Kala.

“KLji Fluffy has broken his leash and has disappeared behind the bushes. Can you help me find him, please?”

“Of course, I will see if I can get him for you” responded KL.

KL was very surprised by his enthusiasm.  He reasoned why not. After all, the lovely lady was in distress.

KL walked to the bushes. There was a scramble in the bushes. KL was now on his fours, making inroads into the bush.

Fluffy was sniffing around for a frog he had chased.

KL caught hold of the broken leash and pulled Fluffy out. They say dogs are observant, and Fluffy was no different. He protested by a brief bark for spoiling his chase but was delightfully wagging his tail.

Uncle KL had actually spoken to him. “Come out, Fluffy, good boy, good boy.”

KL stood up shaken by his rescue act and stirred as well by Kala’s presence.

Kala admonished Fluffy for his irresponsible act. She looked up and touched KL’s hand.

KLji thank you so much for your help. I could not have gone into those bushes to fetch this naughty fellow. I can see a few cuts on your arms and left cheek. Please let me take you home to tend your bruises.   I will get Arvind (Kala’s husband) to give you a call. We should meet more often.”

KL refused medical help. He insisted on completing his walk.

The pleasantries were exchanged. KL smiled, or was he blushing? Kala realised KL was blushing, and he was dying to disappear.

Kala parted with a soft comment “Kanahiyaji you are a kind man.”

KL was traumatised by this explosion of affection by a woman he secretly admired.

KL brushed himself, with an unmistakably swelled chest, resumed his walk.

He walked past the bushes, the location of his chivalrous act, looked around to see if he was alone.

KL pumped both his arms and hissed “YESSS”.