The Other Rupa

The doorbell rang. Rupa hesitatingly got up. Glancing at the wall clock, she mumbled, “ So early ? at 5 a.m. ? No relative was to come via early train or bus today..who can this be?” She wondered, and opened the door lazily.

Alas! No one was there! She switched on the corridor light, just to make sure that she had not missed locating anyone.

And lo and behold! After a few seconds, a shadow emerged from a distance !

Rupa was speechless. She froze instantly.

Then, coming to her senses after a few moments, she tried to focus clearly in that direction.

Yes! There was certainly a shadow !

By this time, the shadow was walking towards her from the back of a small shrub.

Rupa was in her late twenties, and had always been a strong girl. Of course she did not believe in ghosts.

But this was not usual, she felt.

Rupa waited, as the shadow came close to her. However, It was still difficult to recognize it in this darkness.

“Who..who are you ?” She blurted out. “Rupa “ Answer came from the other side.

Rupa did not like this. “Of course not ! You must be someone else! I am Rupa, living here since last three years.“

“But I am you ! The other you “ was the answer.

This was a challenge now. “I am a whole, complete human being and happy with myself."

The shadow was not rude to her, Rupa realized. The shadow meekly said, “I know, but you had left me behind.”

“When?” What a strange thing to say! Rupa did not like her saying this.

“Many times”.

“Give me at least one example.”

“ Last September when Ramukaka wanted extra money for his village home repair, you had refused and instead scolded him, then.“

Rupa was flabbergasted. How did she know this ?

“This is not correct. I did give Ramukaka some money later on.”

“Yes, but by that time I had left you, my dear twin sister.”

Rupa had a question. “ So after that event, you are back today.”

“No! In fact I returned when you gave the money and have been going away and coming back off and on. Whenever I see you doing something right, I happily come back.”

Rupa wondered and asked with a little sarcasm, ” If that is so, was I right anytime ?”

“Of course! When you help Mithiben’s daughter with school home work, I enjoyed being with you.” Shadow was appreciative this time.

Rupa but could not think of any other instance, where she could have faultered, so continued confidently, “ When did you leave me last time ?”

“When you let go off your right from the family property, I left you again.”

“ But wasn’t that a good deed ? Besides, Hindu HUF does not provide any right to a married daughter. ”

“You are wrong my soul sister ! You should have checked the new laws before signing away.”

Shadow continued. “I have come to ask you, my dear, if you want me to come back ?”

Rupa didn’t want to lose her. “Well of course! You are most welcome…” then adding modestly, “Rather I need you ! “

Who was she? Rupa wondered. “But what name should I call you by?”

“Your Conscience.”

Rupa understood everything now. She came close to her conscience and hugged her.

After a few minutes, Rupa returned to her bedroom, where Vinay was sleeping.

Vinay was surprised to see Rupa enter the room at this hour and asked, “ All okay ? Was anyone at the door ? “

New Rupa smiled. “ All fine Vinay. Just a notion..” and went off to sleep.