The Landline Ring

The microwave beeped and Ridhi ran to it. Without wasting a moment, she wore her heat resistant gloves and took out the Borosil casserole from the microwave. She had a hectic day at work and couldn’t even give a pause to feed herself a spoonful of fried rice she carried as her lunch. She no longer wished to eat the same after she had reached home so, she had just prepared for herself an excellent choice of dish with eggs, bacon and cheese compensating the gloomy evening. She was just about to stuff the first bite into her mouth when the landline phone pealed. She looked at it and trembled. “That’s weird,” She thought. Though she never had the guts to disconnect the landline connection, she never used it for any communication.

 “Who would call me on the landline phone today?”

 As she walked towards it, she could see an image of her long-gone mother, going scarlet and grinning while talking over the same phone. How could she pick up that evil phone which has brought nothing but sorrows to her family. 

“What if that same man is on the other side?” She pondered and paced forward. 

Though the mind kept reminding her about the food back on the table her heart played well. This could be a chance to find a companion. She had always been alone. There are some boys who tried their best to woo her up at the office but she never bonds with any of them. She even tried to forge the same thinking that would help pass her plaintive lifestyle but failed over and over again. 

The phone stopped ringing the moment she was about to receive the call. She couldn’t console her disappointment for not being able to receive the call in time. She stepped back plaintively. But to her surprise, the phone pealed again. She turned back and without wasting a second, she picked up the phone. 

“Hello! May I speak with Ms. Daisy. I… I always wanted to talk to her.” A trembling yet soothing voice from the other side spoke up. Ridhi was surprised. She was overflowed with questions. Who was she? How did she know her mother? Why did she want to talk to her mother? Where is she calling from?

“I am sorry. She passed away a year ago”.

“Really? Dear Lord! That came as a shock to me.”

“Ok! But who are you?” Ridhi asked as her curiosity geared up.  

“I am Tanya, Mr. Roger Abraham’s daughter.” 

“Well! I didn’t see that coming.” Ridhi replied.

Ridhi didn’t know what to say more. She is baffled and famished. She turned her eyes to the dining table and saw her supper getting cold. She didn’t know what to do. Her family has ripped apart because of this man. She always hated him and now his daughter is on the other side of the phone. 

The words from the other side started coming over again. “Well then. I think I should hang up now.”

“No wait, what did you have to say to my mom?”

“I wanted to know what the reason was for my papa’s suicide. I knew he loved not my momma but her.” 

“Mr. Roger committed suicide? When did this happen?”

“Last year, April 4th was the day when our struggle began.” Said Tanya sadly.

“What? That was the same day for my mom.” Ridhi burst out into tears. 

There was a moment of silence. Ridhi understood the reason behind the sudden death of her mother. She succumbed to her failed relationship. 

“I hope there is someone with you.” Tanya empathized with her.

“No, would you like to come over?” Riddi said sobbing.

Ridhi re-heated her supper and served it onto the two plates. At the table, they talked and laughed. Their eyes were locked and spark seemed to pass from one to the other. Ridhi’s heart raced and suddenly she couldn’t swallow her food. She was enamored and Tanya beamed. She was sure Tanya was feeling the same way. The women were then in the pursuit of happiness.