Lalji's Story: A Rags to Riches Colonial Story by Nitin Nanji

Author:Nitin Nanji [Nanji, Nitin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Nitin Nanji
Published: 2023-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

Three days later the newlyweds embarked on their journey.

Janki had been excited and was looking out of the window during the train journey to Mumbai. That was her first train ride, and she felt excited and inspired. She was travelling through Gujarat, the names, language, and script all familiar. On reaching the harbour in Mumbai and seeing the Malabar, a massive ship, she realised the onward journey was into a new phase of her life, into a strange land. Lalji saw she had become pensive, and she looked vulnerable.

He gave her a reassuring smile. He showed her their sea view cabin in second class and took her on a tour of the steamer. She found the stairs frightening with their slippery metal grills and the passages narrow. She held onto Lalji’s hand so tightly he had to ask her to let go after a while. Everywhere she went she wore the anklets Lalji had bought her; the soft tinkling made Lalji feel warm and loved.

There were a few other ‘passenger’ emigrants on board, mostly young men or couples like them. Some had children with them, most having left them back with family until they had settled in Africa. They were emigrating of their own free will, paying themselves for the passage. Unlike indentured labourers who signed a ten-year contract to serve the master paying for the passage.

Janki seemed to cope well with the listing and the noise of the ship. They spent time taking walks, playing cards, talking, and reading. Janki had a copy of the Bhagavad Geeta (Hindu scripture, words of Lord Krishna). She would read the Sanskrit words aloud in the morning. She would then discuss the Gujarati explanation with Lalji. She loved to sing and had a voice for it, but not having had encouragement to learn, she remained reluctant to sing in front of others.

“I want you to tell me everything about Nairobi. I want to hear about the place, you must tell me about your work, your home, what you buy, what you eat. Also what Ramjibhai, Nizarbhai and Bhaskerbhai are like. How do you men spend your time, what is there to see in Nairobi, how close are the wild animals, have you seen lions and crocodiles yet?”

Her string of questions made Lalji laugh at her impatience. Every answer led to further questions followed by quiet periods of reflection. It was after all the first time they had spent so much time together. Lalji was surprised at how well Janki remembered everything he told her.

Getting to know each other’s thoughts, emotions, and reactions, was an exciting time for both. Time seemed to fly past. The physical and emotional bonds that were forming between them, becoming rooted into trust and friendship. They were committed to each other, despite not knowing each other well. Neither realised while they were forging a partnership they were gradually falling in love. Janki had found her way to obtaining daily fresh drinking water and arranged a regular slot on the communal stove on board to cook .

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