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| They were 85 years old, and ha d been married for sixty years. Though they were far from rich, they managed to get by because they watched their pennies. Though not young, they were both in very good health, largely due to the wife's insistence on healthy foods and exercise for the last 2 decades. One day, their good health didn't help when they went on a rare vacation and their plane unfortunately crashed, sending them off to Heaven. They reached the pearly gates, and St. Peter escorted them inside. He took them to a beautiful mansion, furnished in gold and fine silks, with a fully stocked kitchen and a waterfall in the master bath. A maid could be seen hanging their favourite clothes in the closet. They gasped in astonishment when he said, "Welcome to Heaven. This will be your home now." The old man looked out the window and right there he saw a championship golf course, finer and more beautiful than any ever built on Earth. "What are the greens fees?" grumbled the old man. "This is heaven," St. Peter replied. "You can play for free, every day, any time of day that you want. Next they went to the clubhouse and saw the lavish buffet lunch, with every imaginable cuisine laid out before them, from seafood to steaks to exotic desserts, and free-flowing beverages. "Don't even ask," said St. Peter to the man. "This is Heaven, it is all free for you to enjoy." The old man looked around and glanced nervously at his wife. "Well, where are the low-fat and low-cholesterol foods, and the decaffeinated tea?" he asked. "That's the best part," St. Peter replied. "You can eat and drink as much as you like of whatever you like, and you will never get fat or sick. This is Heaven!" The old man inquired, "No gym to work out at?" "Not unless you want to," was the answer. "No testing my sugar or blood pressure or..." "Never again. All you do here is enjoy yourself." The old man glared at his wife and said, "You and your bloody bran muffins. We could have been here twenty years ago! |
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| Chapter 1
Sixteen-year old Sydney was away from home soon after leaving his cradle comparable with his uncle Triumph the younger brother of his father. His grandmother was dead long before he was born and when his uncle was only a toddler. Sydney was lucky having both parents living until recently. Yet his mother believed that her son should grow up independently getting a good exposure that was denied to his class of youngsters. Hence he was sent to a reputed boarding school at a very young age. On completion of his secondary education and was looking forward to be with the family disaster struck him. Sydney’s complexion is spotlessly tan with jet black thick hair on head back-combed with sticky cream nevertheless returns to position unruly. He didn’t care fancy cloths either opt to wear dazzling white that accentuated his slim tan figure. He was popular and well on spotlight with his attire often referred to as ‘Prince in white’. How and why he was called a prince no one knows! Indeed he is a pauper prince presently without a home of his own given shelter by a friendly family. His legacy not in the vicinity, he kept busy writing letter after letter lying in his comfy bed. Chest firmly rested over a newspaper which is spread, feet in the air bended from knees he concentrated. His domain was one large room more like a studio in the mezzanine floor of the house just few feet above ground level. A chair and a table were at the far corner of the room adjacent to the large window strewn with books. Oil paintings hung on the wall and a nearly finished woman’s portrait in the easel. Built in cupboards are full of nick knacks and cloths. A single-sided tea cupboard attached to the aisle side of his bed. Six well polished wooden planks firmly fitted to a wall in the elegant patio down below without a balustrade made an entrance to his room. The large French window adequately ventilated during warm days when he is working at the table. The French window lead to the balcony made an emergency exit as it stood nearly two feet from the balcony floor. It is also an internal access joining corridors of other rooms. Sydney was startled when Fiona the lady of the house surprisingly interrupted him. Fiona is no relation of Sydney. She is the wife of a doctor Abby who succeeded Sydney’s father Dr. Victor in a remote hospital. Fiona was in her late thirties nearing forties concealed her aging tendencies with an expert make-up. She let her sparsely greying curls to look fashionable without colouring. She had a permanent smiling face to remind that laughing makes fat. Yet she is nether fat nor slim but healthily built with full of fire. Sydney’s parents were killed under a very dubious circumstances and the young fellow was advised to stay away from home. Abby and Fiona without children were delighted to accommodate the unfortunate boy in their home. Observing the pile of letters he was writing Fiona suggested comically. At this rate you may require a secretary to ease your writing. Seeing his astonished face with wide opened eyes she pacified him leaping inside the room through the French-window. I usually come to the balcony when the house inside is warm. Did I frighten you? No I didn’t expect to see you. Oh… writing to pen-pals I suppose? She asked. No… I’m applying for a job. Lucky if you are acknowledged. Smilingly she responded. That’s not very encouraging! Sydney observed with a sigh. I’m sorry Sonny… if I did hurt you. These classifieds are just eye-wash giving the idea of equal opportunity! One in a million succeeds. You’ll require a personal introduction; that is something they rely on. There are many employment network agencies to guide you and they would arrange the ideal job for you. Would you recommend one? Sure! I shall but as you are a little charmer recommendation is unnecessary. … I believe Venus is on your side. Any employer will be happy to have you in his work place. You are knowledgeable in most pursuits; any job is safely in your pocket. Venus! What do you mean? Most people know Venus as a female deity. Venus is a female deity according to folklore. Factually it is a bright planet seen at dawn it’s known as Morning star seen at night it is the Evening Star. Hindu and Greek mythology describes it as a young well educated and finely conducted goddess who would not harm or hurt anybody. She bestows good luck; favours happiness. Her punishment is lenient when you are on her wrong side or irritate her. She is also described as a strikingly beautiful, a joyous cupid. She always enjoys the bliss of life, playfully looking out to be helpful to others. She dresses immaculately with finery, adorned by precious jewellery, she talks pleasantly. If you are under her influence, undoubtedly you are in for a fine period because Venus is truly a beneficial planet. This would give you an ample picture of your position. That does not mean the entire life is blissful there can be rough patches here and there. Gosh Aunty! After all that how about a cup of tea? You do? Ok I’ll bring you a cup. She steps back to the French-window to disappear when Sydney suddenly called her back. Wait Aunty! Don’t go please. Why are you scared of ghosts? No! I’m not. Then what! Uncle too disturbed once seeing a ghost. Eying an advertisement in the paper, he cried excitedly, Aunty this could be the job one in a million and the last I’m applying for. Look here, it says: ‘Hand-written applications are invited to Box 1224 Black Pool; with very good references to assist a doctor in his secretarial work. Requires working in a remote area. Successful applicant will be able to drive a motor vehicle in an emergency and possess a good knowledge of a second language.’ It is a very unorthodox position, no driving licence required but able to drive, no certificates requested but must possess a good knowledge of a second language unspecified. Is it French, German? Or English? Anyway I have all qualifications. A polyglot, are you? At sixteen could you speak many languages? Well if ignorant people cannot understand… it’s not my fault! Come on Sunny if you seek employment you have to give serious thought! Aunty since we; Pearls opted to our Sing-song Aryan dialect that belongs to Indo-European group of languages as the official language the second language probably is English. Now of course we have two more official languages. I think they are looking for a Pearl with a sound knowledge of English. They may not require German or French. These two languages are confined to the tourist industry only… See my logic? Apply… and get a reply! I wish you luck!! Why not ask Uncle? He may know this doctor. And don’t think I’m trying to stop you getting a job. You are only sixteen and when they know you are young and underage, they will offer junior wages. This position has no future prospects and it is not a base with which to gather job experience either. Above all I’ll miss you. I have no children… I pleaded with your |