Winter Musings

This was yet another winter, cold and unforgiving on old bones. When Rajaram had acquired this house in the hills, he was not all that old, rather he was quite young. He had bought this house as a surprise to his wife as a summer getaway for them. However, as it happened, within less than a year of acquisition of this house, his wife had left him. She had taken away the house in the city along with their son. It might be more appropriate to say that she had kicked him out of the house. Although he had paid for the house, since it was in her name, she had got possession of the house.

He had thanked his good fortune that he had registered this house in his own name, otherwise she would have taken away this house also. He used to spend his summers here while he was working. After his retirement he had permanently shifted to this place. While shifting, he had only considered nice cool summer weather without giving any serious thought to harsh winters of this place.

He wondered if should buy a small house in a city which was not so cold in the winters. He knew that his sources were limited. Given his meagre sources of income, perhaps banks may not be amenable to extending him the loans. He put the idea in the back of his mind to be considered before the onset of summer.

As he looked up towards the window, he could see that snowfall had started. He remembered the times when he used to visit hill-stations just to witness snowfall. It had ceased to be novelty for him now. This place always had snowfall every winter. Yet, looking through the window he admitted that it was a beautiful sight.

He wondered if should make a cup of tea. Looking at the clock he realised that it was still early for evening tea. This was the one of the issues where he and his wife had completely different choices. She was a coffee person. He wondered if his son was also a coffee person.

Thinking of his son reminded him that he must be a grown-up man now. Perhaps he was already working somewhere. He wondered if he was still staying with his mother. As an adult he must be competent to take independent decisions. He might even visit his father sometime.

Thinking of his son and the possibility of his visit to this place revived his spirits. Life was not so bad after-all. Snowclad mountains were visible almost throughout the year from his house. Although he did not socialise with many people here, yet the residents of this place had always been nice and helpful to him. Summers were pleasant here.

His musings were interrupted by the sound of telephone. Thinking that it could be his son, he looked at the screen of his mobile. As always, he was disappointed, it was another spam call.

He decided that perhaps it would be a good idea to have a cup of tea now.