Tales from Beyond (continued)

"I hope the old man isn't bothering you?" she asked with fake concern. 'Old man'? Sushma felt a sudden surge of dislike for this beady eyed woman. She ignored the question and asked her "Who is he?" to which the woman replied "my husband's father" in a dismissive hostile tone. "can't remember anything and is more trouble than he's worth" she retorted. Sushma felt a deep anger welling up inside her. She would have gladly struck the woman across the
face if she could. "no he isn't" she answered shortly. She had a sudden urge to speak with the old man, to comfort him. "I would like to talk to him please" she said. "Talk to him? What could he possibly say that might interest you? Can't remember anything and just mumbles all day" said the beady eyed daughter in law. "I'll decide that. I would like to talk to him." Sushma repeated stubbornly. "I don't think he wants to talk to you" said the maid with a tight little smile. Sushma strode up to the entrance of the hut and called out softly "baba, are you there? I would like to speak with you. This is baby." There was no response. After a few more calls Sushma gave up and decided she'd be back. She felt certain the old man held some answers to the past and was determined to be back. (continued in next post)