Moonrise, Sunset by Gopal Baratham

Author:Gopal Baratham
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9789814634847
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish International

I WANTED TO make sure that I got to the Sundrams early. Instead of bussing all the way as I usually do, I travelled overland from Changi to Eunos and there caught the MRT into town. It was near the rush hour but the train was empty. Most people were at this time travelling away from the city rather than into it and for most of the journey I had the compartment to myself. I was glad of this for I wished to be alone with my thoughts.

Vanita had not been in the office when I got back to it. This seemed only right for I expected her to be waiting for me at Cairnhill Circle.

I must have been foolish with hunger for I was becoming increasingly convinced that Kishore could actually summon Vanita’s ghost. What was more, I was certain that the presence he invoked would be capable not only of answering my questions, but of otherwise responding to me. It was difficult to believe, even in my present lightheaded state, that I would be able to see and touch her but I was sure that I would speak to her and, who knows, even get to smell her body. Anticipation made me dizzy. I was breathing heavily and was in a state of high sexual excitement. A middle-aged woman entered the compartment. I didn’t realise that my state was obvious to her till she looked over her shoulder when she left the train. She seemed relieved to see the doors close behind her.

I got off at Orchard. It had been sunny when I left Changi and I was surprised by the change in the weather. The sky was black and a premature dusk had fallen on the city. I could smell the lightning suspended in the clouds, taste the slight panic as people scurried about, clutching shopping bags or brief-cases, bumping into each other in their hurry to get home before the storm broke. I joined them and rushed along Orchard Road and got to Cairnhill Circle at five-thirty. It was dark. Night had fallen early to hide the entry of Vanita’s spirit into the world.

Kishore let me in. Behind him stood Leela. She glowered at his back but gave me a conspiratorial smile and followed this with a nod. As I followed Kishore in, she nodded again. I thought there was something she wished to say to me. She had been Vanita’s confidante. The warmth I felt for her was included in the longing I had for Vanita. I must, I told myself, find time to speak to the old lady alone after the seance.

“You, sir, have concurred with the constraints I prescribed as necessary for invocation of the girl’s spirit?”

“Of course, Mr Kishore. I have had only a glass of milk all day and as to the other thing…”

He smiled. “I understand. The object of your affections no longer has a material presence, so you have been forced to contain your desire till another vessel for your carnal effluences is found.

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