!: Order Old Gringo Porfirio: 2011

!: Short Story - Fate

We were walking along the road, talking about the law and order situation in the city, especially about the safety of elderly people.

I saw some one lying in the gutter. I wanted to see whether he is alive, but my friend held me back, saying it may be a Case of murder even. Why attract the attention of the police?

I heard some sound, as if coming from the man. I came nearer and found that he was trying to show something. He looked like a perfect gentleman in white shirt and pants.

Yes, it was a packet in his pocket. I opened it. It looked like sugar.

My friend rushed towards us, took the packet and emptied it into the old man's mouth. In a few seconds, he sat up. We helped him to walk and presently, he called a rickshaw and got into it, thanking us profusely.

We walked along side the rickshaw as we wanted to make sure that he reached home safely. My friend explained to me that it was a simple Case of diabetes. Sometimes low sugar can even kill him. He was lucky we saw him. He was wearing a costly watch and had a gold chain.

His wife, so we assumed, came out to receive him, abusing the poor man: "didn't I tell you not to go alone? One day you will die."

The man invited us to come in, but we declined, saying we will come some other time.

One day, car stopped suddenly, as it passed by me, in the traffic chaos of the road. The old man, whom we had rescued, put his head out through the window and asked me to get in. As I was about to get into the front seat, he said: sit by my side.

When I was seated, he continued:" that day you two ran away. I could not even thank you properly. Tell me who are you? What are you doing?"

"I came to work, as we are very poor people. My friend brought me. I stay in my room. That day we were returning home."

"What do you do?"

"I sell books and magazines."

"Who are at home?"

"Mother and a sister. Two sisters are married."

"Father?"

"He is no more."

We had reached his house which was very big.

His wife came out. A fat, pot bellied woman, with an evil look.

We went in and I was offered a chair. Seeing my hesitation, he said: "you saved my life. You are like God to me. Tell me, can you help me?"

"Oh! Yes. I am ready. How can I help you?"

"See, I am alone. I have to go here and there. In the evening, I go for a walk. You have to be with me; that is all".

"OK."

"I will give you six thousand every month."

I went to my friend and told him every thing.

With the advance salary he gave me, I went to our village home. My mother could not believe me.

I said:" he wants my sister to assist in the kitchen."

After some reflection, she said:" then you take her with you."

There was a festive mood at home. Mother made her favourite fish curry. Neighbours came to participate in the rejoicings.

Before I got this new work, I used to sell pornographic CDs and books to young men and women. I knew it was illegal, but I got good response and easy money. Many became very friendly with me. One girl with curly hair, was always hitting and kicking me, because I refused to do her bidding, which somehow I didn't like. She is very fair and I do like her.

One day she waylaid me by stopping her car just in front of me. She got out of the car and asked in an angry tone:" where are you these days? Don't you sell CDs?"

Both of us entered the back seat and she did whatever she wanted. At last, when exhausted, she said:" they have fixed my marriage. Till then, I want you here, every day."

Then she dropped me at my friend's room.

My friend began asking questions about my sister's stay in the old man's house. "Where does she sleep? Does the old man make advances towards her?"

I told him she seems to be happy there. She will always bring something delicious to eat.

I showed him the revolver, with proper license, given to me by the old man. It was loaded and I practiced shooting at a stone in a lonely place. In a few days I learned to shoot, with accurate aim. I shot a crow from a distance of fifty metres.

One day, I was escorting the old man to the bank. After our work was over, we returned to our car and the driver started the engine. I did not notice anything unusual. When we reached a lonely place, two armed men suddenly came in front of the car, forcing the driver to stop the vehicle. Apprehending danger to my boss, I shot one and injured the other. The latter was brought to a hospital and the police informed.

I explained every detail, as I thought it my duty to serve the old man.

We returned home.

That night, the police came and took me away. They treated me well, but told me to sign a document, saying, if I signed it, they would try to save my life; otherwise I would be hanged, as there was a perfect case against me. I signed it.

There were mosquitoes. The atmosphere was gloomy. Some how, I was not unduly disturbed. If they hang me, my boss will take care of my sister, I knew.

Next day, my boss came with a lawyer. They tried to get me bail, but their efforts failed.

In the evening, my friend, the curly haired blond, came with another lawyer. She was very much upset and worried. They did not allow her to come very near to me.

A few days passed. Then she, along with the lawyer, met the magistrate and showed him some documents and video, to prove that we were married, and attended the reception at her town, on that fateful night!

As prima facie, it was genuine, the magistrate ordered my release on bail.