The scene was surreal. The old man sat hunched. One could see the flesh sagging on his face. The clothes were over sized, and inside, he was probably just a skeleton. He stared fixedly at a point in the medium distance. Beside him, the stunning beauty. She was too beautiful for words. Flowing raven black hair, billowing lightly in the wind. A few strands would occasionally blow over her face, and she would delicately push them back with a delicate finger. He upturned nose was small but had a magnetic appeal far in excess of the rest of her face. He full lips, light pink in colour, and the majestic high cheekbones, accentuating her wheat complexioned face. She sat close to the old man, hugging him close. Every once in a while she would touch his face, or hair. Always with loving care.
The old man mumbled something. The girl strained to catch what he was saying. “What pa?”
“The cummerbund. I must have it.” The old man spoke in a steady and loud voice.
The girl looked at him helplessly. “But I don’t even know what that is. Much less where to get it. Why don’t I get you candy floss? Ha? That’s your favourite right pa? Come on, let go get candy floss..” she coaxed.
“The cummerbund. I must have it.” The old man repeated adamantly.
***
Ranjan recalled the store selling quaint gifts on Stonehenge Street. Surely they would have a cummerbund. He looked at his watch. Almost 9 pm. They would be closing anytime. He quickened his pace. It was cold. He put his hands into his pockets. And that was when he realised he had only small change. He took out all the coins. The grand total was £ 1.28. Surely a cummerbund wouldn’t cost more than that ?
***
Ranjan looked at the label. £ 25.99. HE rubbed it and looked again. But the figure was the same. £ 25.99. He was in the only shop in town selling cummerbunds. And he was holding the only cummerbund in the shop. And the label said £ 25.99. And he had just £ 1.28 in his pockets. Ranjan looked around. The coast was clear. He furtively stuffed the cummerbund into his coat pocket. Then hunched, he casually strolled out of the shop.
As he left the front door, a thick set man stepped forward. He flashed an ID Card.
“Just a mom’nt guv. Have you forgotten to pay for anything? May I ask you to step this way? And empty your pockets?”
Ranjan thought of the old man. And the beautiful girl. He looked crestfallen as the man caught him firmly by the elbow.
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