UNTO ETERNITY : (Part – 3)
(A poignant love story, inspired by a Thai folk lore)
By
Colonel Surinder Bhatia
The Governor was received with much fan-fare befitting his big office. Both, he and his pretty daughter appeared much pleased. They also took a keen notice of a strapping young man being zealously projected by Pedro all along-his nephew Sengpong. The first impression at the reception was very favourable, to say the least.
Soon Pedro called upon Sengpong (of course with an express nod from Guv) to take Lenova out for a joyride of the sprawling Island Estate. The two-horse driven Victoria ideally suited the mission. The young-ones returned only in the late afternoon after a hectic trip to cover the impressive timber plantations, the sawmill complex, the port and the port city, the clearings and the meadows, the picturesque lake and the spring and back to the jetty. People, everywhere had lined up to wave and cheer up pretty Lenova. She was beaming. She could also have a closer look at Sengpong. She was impressed and now more than willing.
The stage was now set for the evening dance and dinner project. Young Lenova simply loved dancing. Oceana was decked up like a bride – Pedro had himself overseen every small detail though Charlie was there at hand with his customary expertise to organize the big event. The polished and shining ball-room flooring was very inviting. A mini-stage was also created for a grand-orchestra while a ceremonial band was there to usher-in the Guv and Lenova at the start of the grand function.
Governor’s table was centre stage with a commanding view of the dancing floor and both the open flanks. Pedro was keen that Sengpong’s newly acquired dancing skills be unleashed effectively and decisively, at the opportune time. Eida was beautifully attired for the occasion and Sengpong with his handsome persona appeared her perfect match for the dance. Pedro was keen that the pair could give a memorable demonstration of a flawless and artistic waltzing from this tiny Island Estate.
Soon, Sengpong and Eida were making waltzing waves on the floor. They appeared very passionate about their waltzing as their eyes sparkled brightly. They were all grace and excellence as they glided across. There was no competition. The dancing crowd around slowly thinned out and were now watching the duo perform from the sidelines with an unparalleled ecstasy. Pedro was quite upbeat when he saw the Governor stand up and applaud. This should have been the right signal. But the couple would not relent and started dancing yet more passionately, closer and closer oblivious to the world around. The orchestra also went into crescendo to spur on the couple who went on and on. Lenova was now looking sideways, nervously, to hide her embarrassment. Governor was clearly feeling restive as he smiled wryly at Pedro, throwing up his hands. Pedro took the cue and he walked across the dancing couple clapping all the way. “Lenova” he softly whispered to Sengpong.
Now Lenova took the floor with Sengpong. She was a good dancer but could hardly keep pace with the overcharged Sengpong. They danced for a while but any ‘chemistry’ between them was simply missing. Sengpong was frequently looking over his shoulder to catch Eida’s loving glances. Lenova was also a bit uneasy. The scene was not lost at the centre table. Then Sengpong bowed very gracefully to Lenova as the number ended. He certainly looked forward to a second fling with Eida as he walked back with Lenova. But Pedro in the meanwhile took out Eida as Lenova was now visibly happy in the arms of the Governor. Sengpong had to sit it out all alone. There was something amiss. The sudden change in the frequency was omenous!
The Governor’s visit was a disaster. He left early next morning, cutting short rest of his engagements. Pedro was visibly shaken and very very upset. His perfect plan had boomeranged because of an obvious indiscretion. He admonished Eida saying “Sengpong was a novice but you could have been a little wiser ‘dear aunty’”. Eida could feel the sting. Yet, in her inner soul, she wanted to relive those golden waltzing moments in the arms of Sengpong. Still, she bore some remorse for betraying Pedro. She consciously steadied herself and now kept a measured distance from Sengpong. She was now confined mostly to her library.
Sengpong too fell very quiet and reserved. He spent most of his time away from the Oceana, wandering about in the wilderness. Occasionally he ventured out for some small game, his 12-bore slung across his shoulder. He genuinely felt sorry for his uncle and wanted to make it up. He too now appeared to be estranged with Eida.
Sengpong, however reflected, that he had been completely bowled over by Eida. It now struck him that he was in fact ‘madly in love’ with her. The past fortnight had been a dream sequence. Erotica lessons and waltzing with Eida were embedded in his heart forever. Despite his appreciation and gratitude for Pedro, he could barely think beyond Eida. He would never call her ‘aunty’ again, he firmly resolved.
Pedro was cheerful. It seemed to him that Eida and Sengpong had realized their folly once and for all and needed not to be embarrassed any more. The Oceana household welcomed this ‘back to normal’ change. Charlie and Brenda heaved a sigh of relief. They were much concerned for their master.
