A Quiver in the Purlieu by Amit Verma

Author:Amit Verma [Verma, Amit]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Madville Publishing
Published: 2021-07-16T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

the universe expands to lose itself

“Why are you still single?” I asked Orphia. We were sitting on the couch in my apartment and staring at a mindless game show on television. It was a very warm and sultry late afternoon.

“I don’t know. Maybe I like it this way,” she replied. “I’ve been busy with my work and never had time to think about these things. Why? You have problems with single women focused on their careers?”

“No. Of course not. You know me better than that,” I said.

“I know, I know,” she said, while still staring at the television. “I am tired of being asked this question. I know you don’t have the intention, but everyone else does. I am tired of being an object of pity. I hate it when women are defined by relationships. And if I ever, ever make the mistake of letting my displeasure show, no matter how polite, I run the risk of being labeled an irascible old shrew.”

“So, you still care?” I asked.

“Yes, I do. I do enough to avoid people and situations. I am not naïve. There are so many things in this world that are impossible for women to do if they are by themselves. The public space, sadly, is still owned by men, and women can run the risk of being treated as intruders to be harassed and driven away. And unattached women like me, you know, those beyond a certain age, are also looked at as outcasts. But I don’t care for many of those things.”

“We’re not too different in our opinions, me and you, in this regard,” I said. “But I am sorry if I said something unwarranted.”

“No, I told you, with you, it’s different. I think we had something together. If I were to spend my life with someone, I think it would have been you,” she said matter-of-factly, still staring mindlessly at the screen.

“So, it’s all in the past? Or is there a future?”

“Are you asking me to marry you? My answer wouldn’t be a yes, you know that.”

“I know. But it’s not a no either.”

“Just figure out your life first. Don’t latch onto me to give you direction. I’ve been by myself and independent long enough and I do not intend to provide that service to anyone. Even you.” She looked at me with not quite an emotive expression.

“Or an anchor?” I interjected.

She didn’t say anything. We remained silent for a while, trying to absorb ourselves in the dull program. It wasn’t easy. I finally gave up and went to the kitchen to make tea for us. When I came back a few minutes later with two cups, she had changed the channel to news. I handed Orphia her tea and sat down on the couch. We again sat silently for some time.

“Do you like children? Have you ever been around them?” she asked me.

“It’s interesting that you should ask,” I replied. “Have I ever told you about Shaun? No? I’ve thought about him on and off.

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