Vivek kept guzzling water while waiting for his visitor. The house was basking in the glory of his success. After all, just yesterday he was awarded the achiever of the year in his firm of repute. The trophy occupied its place on the rack kept against the wall facing the main door. Vivek was happy indeed but it was short-lived. The night of the office party after he got home he saw an envelope at his doorstep informing about a possible visit slated the next day at 11am. The handwriting was very familiar but he was unable to place it in his head. The several shots of tequila had disoriented him a little. In no time he changed into his pajamas, threw the envelope away and fell fast asleep. It was a quiet house and that was its USP.

Bone-chilling cold was the order of the day. Vivek felt thirsty when he was anxious. That day in December of 2018 it was no different. Vivek was restless and all by himself in the house of servants. Vivek Singh, was not a loner but liked taking these breaks of no human life in and around his house. It never was a house arrest but a little getaway from the madness of city life. It was going to be the peak of the holiday season and he felt that his peace was being hijacked by this unknown yet familiar visitor on its onset. He never had thought that in his 40th year he would achieve so much. Being promoted to a general manager of his company that dealt in tiles and bathroom fittings was no small thing. Lucknow, the capital of a northern state in India, Uttar Pradesh was bringing in all the luck he deserved. This visitor was totally unexpected.

Finally the doorbell rang and Vivek sprung up to solve the mystery. To his surprise a man in his late 70’s waved a hi at him once the door was opened. 

In front of him was a man who looked dapper in a dark brown leather jacket, black jeans and a black thick cardigan. The neck was covered with a light beige muffler and a woollen skull cap had covered his grey streaks that jutted out above the ears. 

Shell shocked Vivek hissed, ‘Is that you Mr. Pramod. The man I met 10 years back in a train going to Bengaluru, the silicon valley of India. What a fluke bump it was to meet someone who I never had met during my childhood as you were a resident of the USA, yet my mother’s favourite long distant brother. You even signed a book and gave it to me. Now it rings a bell why that handwriting looks so familiar. Good to see you, stylish man.’ added Vivek. 

‘Yes, it’s me indeed Vivek. You have a good memory,’ said Pramod. 

‘Had I not seen you I would have never been able to place you as you hardly visit India. Not a good memory at all I would like to add to that less deserving compliment. That makes me think how come you wanted to meet me out of the blue.’ asked Vivek. 

‘Being an average author is not easy. I got swayed and lost track of so many things midst observations, literary luncheons, extensive research related travelling, money making and the works. Guess it was some kind of a trance. A race where I never wanted to lag behind. My contemporaries were doing so well and I felt I just didn’t want to miss out on anything. Time flew and I flew with it. Not realising I got my health on the line. It’s not easy to wake up to a condition of being in the 4th stage of lung cancer when you are feeling comfortable in the efforts you have put to make it worthwhile.’ shared Pramod.

‘4th stage of lung cancer. Are you really dying, Pramod Uncle?’ shakingly and hesitantly asked Vivek.

‘Everyone has to die someday not knowing when. I know it, it is coming and somehow preparing it all to make it a good exit. That’s when I thought of visiting you.’ smiled Pramod.

Vivek was at a loss of words and kept listening.

Pramod continued, ‘Death cleaning is a concept I would love to follow till I breathe my last. Slowly I am giving away my things to people I love dearly so that it becomes of some use while I am gone. Both my kids are awfully busy with their lives and families. While I am around in this way I would not only meet people but also handover things that they deserve. It’s going to be two months now that I have taken the reins of it all in my hands and I am enjoying it trust me. It will be less cumbersome for my kids after I exit this beautiful world. Will you accept something if I give it to you out of sheer happiness?’ asked Pramod. 

‘I will feel honoured by it Pramod Uncle. You don’t have to ask me. Your wish is my command. After all, my departed mom would love it too.’ said Vivek.

‘So sorry I couldn’t be there for her in her last journey of life. I have many regrets but I wish to erase all complaints once I meet her up there. She was so fond of me and I feel so bad that I was so lost in my world that I just couldn’t stay in touch. Vivek, help me redeem myself son. I know you love to read books. Please say yes so that I could ship it to you. The remaining ones are still in my room. I could only manage to get two suitcases with me. They are in my car. Please take them.’ Pramod insisted.

‘I feel lucky to have a place in your thoughts Uncle Pramod. Lets go and get them for good from your car.’ Vivek concluded. 

Pramod was beaming post this input. He hugged Vivek as if a burden was lifted. The burden of completely forgetting his mom led him to guilt trips as she was so fond of him. Gifting his life-long collection to Vivek acted as a balm for his corroded soul. Vivek’s acceptance of his books brought effortless smiles. Pramod didn’t sit for long and a cup of tea made by Vivek warmed him physically and spiritually and he was good to go by offering to stay in touch till all turns to dust. 

The books now sitting on Vivek’s study table heaps of them he felt were staring at him with no emotion. Just two years back he had got rid of his collection as he had no time in the world to read. He had outgrown the habit of reading. The passion got lost in the mayhem to make it big. Was destiny and forces of nature playing tricks on him yet again? He hated books he had no clue why? Something he loved so dearly did not exist in his world any more. He was clueless as to why he did not say no to Pramod uncle. The question still intrigues him in this corona filled world of 2022 though the whole North room of his house is filled with Pramod uncle’s books. The books remain untouched till date.