The Spark (White Gates Adventures Book 4)

by Trevor Stubbs

  Amy Merton appeared through the same doors as Buck but with far less noise.

  “Hi, Buck. It’s you. I thought something was up…”

  “Nah. Just the whirlwind from the Apocalypse,” said Zoe with a wink.

  “Look, Amy,” enthused Buck, “our Zo-lo’s going to do a trek to raise funds for the YWCA.”

  “I ain’t—”

  “You don’t say,” smiled Amy. “Well, what a good idea. I’ve been saying you should get away. The Himalayas would be perfect… And you could call by and see Dev. The trip includes a visit to Delhi and Agra on the way back… It’s in six weeks’ time. Short notice but I’m sure we could attract enough sponsors… This could be just what we need. Three thousand dollars will conclude our appeal.”

  By bedtime, Amy had already secured 1,000 dollars in sponsorship, and Zoe’s fate had been sealed.

  ***

  Zoe emailed Dev to say she would be passing through Delhi on her way back from the charity trek. She got an immediate reply to say she must come and visit his family – he had told them so much about New London and her work. Kakko was delighted and Tam was somewhat relieved that perhaps his misunderstanding might not prove fatal.

  Kakko forgave him but that night she explained that if she was reading instructions on the way to put intrahelical engines together, she would take every word literally. But in things of the heart, the world was full of nuances and hidden meanings that you had to listen to.

  “You have to take into account the tone of voice, the context of what is being said, the people who are being addressed and any others that might be listening and, like, lots of other stuff,” explained Kakko. “It’s well known – and this is not sexist – that girls are better at reading it than guys, so I don’t entirely blame you. The thing to ask yourself is: Is it about someone’s life – is this personal? If the answer is yes, then think more deeply.”

  “Life would be a lot easier if everything were like your engine blueprints.”

  “Yeah. But it isn’t and never will be. When someone is really adamant about something, then usually there is a sort of emotional reason for it. When something hurts, we try and put on a brave face – but hope someone will notice and care all the same.”

  “I guess so. But all that’s so hard to remember… Are you certain Zoe will get to see Dev?”

  “She’s got to. Dev’s expecting her now and Amy’s lined up sponsors for the trek… She’ll enjoy it. Those mountains look ace. I wish I was going.”

  18

  The Himalayas were impressive – even from the plane. Zoe was enthralled by them. She couldn’t take her eyes off them as she came in to land at Kathmandu airport.

  To her great surprise, Dev was waiting at the hotel as the transfer bus from the airport pulled in.

  “Dev! What are you doing here? I thought I would meet you in Delhi after the trek.”

  “Yes. You are expected at my parents’ home. But I thought I would join you on this hike. You see, I love mountains but I have only been here to Nepal with my mother and father as a child and I have never been in the mountains. Do you mind a walking partner?”

  “I would delight in it. I am so pleased to see you. Why didn’t you let me know?”

  “I didn’t know myself until yesterday.”

  Inside the hotel bar, they chatted like the old friends they were.

  “So… you have someone for a wife now, I expect,” said Zoe cheerily.

  Dev shook his head.

  “What about your family? Weren’t they finding someone for you?”

  “Yes, they were. But I said no. You see, I couldn’t say yes, when I still had feelings… elsewhere.”

  “Oh dear. Weren’t they upset?”

  “Yes, a bit.”

  “Do I know the person you still have feelings for?”

  Dev looked as embarrassed as he felt. “You do.”

  “Do I know her well?”

  “Better than anyone. Zoe, you must forgive me—”

  “Nothing to forgive. Tam and Kakko came again. Tam told me about your conversation. He was wrong. He told you what I said but not how I felt. I had no idea you liked me.”

  “I am a quiet man.”

  “Still waters run deep…”

  Dev looked puzzled.

  “It’s a saying,” explained Zoe when she saw Dev hadn’t understood. “It means quiet people may have secret passionate hearts.”

  “Ah. That is true. So you like me, too.”

  “Yes, I do. I’m sorry I didn’t say… I didn’t know how to.”

  “I told my parents about you when we heard you were coming to India. They commanded me to come and meet you here and ascertain your feelings…”

  “They packed you off to meet me here?”

  “I know that that isn’t the way it works in America… But I thought… I would… I wanted to meet you, anyway.”

  “It’s a good job I like you, then.”

  “Yes. We will walk together for a week – I hope at the end of the trek, you will still like me.”

  “And you me. I ain’t the fastest walker in the world.”

  “Speed is of little importance if you eventually end up where you want to get to.”

  ***

  Six days of steep ups and downs, with fantastic views and a warm welcome from the people they passed on the way made the trek one of the best times of Zoe’s life. She had amassed an amazing 5000 dollars for her charity from friends high and low. She didn’t know she had so many. Pledges were still arriving. She had letters with them too. They were from school and work friends, friends of the family, all her relatives and the young and old she had got to know through volunteering at the YWCA. One of the letters was from Mr Williams, formerly from Atlanta and now feeling at home in New London, who had spoken so much encouragement to Dah. Dah and John, themselves, had given her a one hundred dollar note – a lot for them – and a drawing of a smiley face carrying a rucksack.

  When it came to it, Zoe and Dev didn’t have to carry much themselves. Their bags were all carried by lines of porters, who also bore the tents, tables, food and cooking equipment on their heads and backs. It was an impressive operation.

  ***

  It would be fair to say that Zoe struggled towards the end. She wasn’t as fit as she might have been but Dev was on hand to help her up and down the climbs; he was the perfect gentleman.

  On the final night, all the trekkers and porters gathered around a campfire and danced and sang – each in their own style. It reminded Zoe of the Girl Scouts she had once belonged to, and made her realise just how much of an indoor person she had become. She remembered how beautiful Connecticut could be and resolved to get out more often when she got back – but maybe with Dev, she would live in India. She had no idea what that would be like – a lot hotter than Connecticut, and wetter some of the time. But whatever it took, she was with Dev now and that wouldn’t change.

  ***

  At the end of the trek, the party was conveyed back to the hotel and they were immersed in a different type of tourist world of shops and restaurants, street sellers and sightseeing. Then very soon they were back at the airport and boarding the plane.

  As they emerged from the arrival hall in Indira Gandhi International, they were met by Dev’s parents and driven to a very middle class-looking house somewhere to the south east of New Delhi.

  Later, when Zoe reported the events to her friends back in the States, they all had the impression of an interview – but it wasn’t like that at all. Zoe was taken into the family almost immediately. Dev had made his choice. To Dev’s family, the fact that she had accepted their invitation was confirmation that she had accepted their son’s advances. Zoe now understood why it was so important for Dev to be on the trek. In India, a girl doesn’t just rock up at someone’s house in passing! If Zoe was coming to visit, then he had to clarify the situation. Now, all the talk was about inviting Zoe’s people out to India – at Dev’s family’s expense. Zoe was going to have
to learn what was expected of her as quickly as she could. Two weeks before, she had been flying to India with the hope that perhaps things might turn out well – now she was deep into the preparations for a lifelong, life-changing marriage. For a brief moment, she felt herself rushed off her feet and hurtling into something she knew not what, in a place that was completely different to anywhere she had ever known. Even with her eyes shut and her fingers in her ears, she could smell the distinct flavour of this wonderful but daunting country. It was scary – but then Dev’s smiling face and his loving embrace convinced her that this was what she wanted to do. She was losing control – but she trusted him and his family. She sent up a prayer: God, this is what I want. Can I trust You to look after me? The warmth she felt in her heart was sufficient confirmation.

  Zoe then thought of her parents. They were going to have a hell of a shock. But, in America, she had long passed the point where she was expected to ask their permission to accept the advances of a man. When Zoe thought about it, she decided that they would quite like to be drawn in as part of the negotiations – so long as it wasn’t going to cost them an arm and a leg.

  The one thing Zoe would have wished for but knew it was highly unlikely, was to have her interplanetary friends with her. They had contributed a lot – including putting forward the idea of the trek. The world had been a different place since they had arrived – even though they never stayed more than a few days. Whenever they came, things happened.

  ***

  “I’m going to have to take my holiday, whatever,” moaned Kakko. “I prayed that God would open up a gate so we could go on Zoe’s trek. No such luck.”

  “You know it doesn’t work that way,” said her father. “God has His own ideas. And they are always for the best.”

  “I didn’t pray to go on the trek,” said Tam. “Zoe didn’t need anyone else around.”

  “Nah. You’re right. They certainly could do without you,” retorted Kakko. Tam ignored the jibe. “I can’t help wondering how it all turned out, though.”

  “We may find out one day. We could ask Bandi to email Zoe from Persham.”

  “Yeah. I didn’t think of that. A good idea… God, do You know how hard it is for us having a holiday and being stuck here at home when there’s a universe out there to explore?”

  “You’ve been spoiled,” said Jack. “You have had more excitement than almost anyone your age.”

  “I know. Yeah. I’m spoiled. So what…? Oh, a text from Mum… Can I help carry some stuff home from the college? OK. I’m onto it.” Kakko replied: OK. On the way. “Come on, Tam – something to do.”

  As they stepped out of the door, they saw God’s answer: a white gate. Tam smiled. God knew just how much energy this girl of his had, and She expected him to keep up.

  “Better help your mum, first,” Tam said calmly.

  Kakko’s mood was transformed.

  “Brilliant! Thanks. God, is it because I prayed so hard, or because You had this in mind all along?”

  “Both,” considered Tam. But Kakko was already running up the lane to the college so she could attend to the impending adventure.

  ***

  The sights, sounds and smells of India are unmistakable. The colours, the bustle, the cows, the dung, the cooking, the traffic and the shouts of excited children, all mingled to impress on Kakko and Tam a life they had never before encountered.

  “Wow! Another new planet!” declared Kakko. “And it’s packed with people… and the technology is primitive – or is it? Look, they have mobile phones.” A young woman in a sari was using her phone exactly like the people of the USA. “And the engines. Refined-oil driven – they are just like those in the small vehicles in London I saw. And in Connecticut. But it can’t be Earth.”

  “It is Earth. I recognise this from the leaflet advertising the trek. This is Dev’s place. I’m sure of it. It smells like his cooking,” said Tam.

  “You’re right. So we’re on the trek after all. But where are the mountains?”

  “Beyond these houses, I guess… Look, there appear to be other trekkers with backpacks like the ones we’ve been given.”

  “Yeah. They look like tourists.”

  Kakko and Tam walked along a busy street with market stalls selling all sorts of things, from some kind of fly-covered meat, to bolts of cloth in vivid colours. The air was full of the scents of the joss sticks burning on tables of roadside cafés. They decided to sit at one of the tables and let their brains catch up with their sudden immersion into this strange and busy place. They had a wad of cash that the Creator had kindly given them with the stuff in a shed beside the gate. The tables were all filled, except for one occupied by a lone young man dressed in casual Western garb like themselves.

  “Are these seats taken?” Kakko asked.

  “No. I’m alone. You’re welcome.”

  “What’s that you’re drinking?” asked Tam. “We only arrived today and we’re still getting used to things.”

  “Oh. It’s only a lemonade. I’ve never indulged in anything Indian. Not sure what it would do to me.”

  Kakko nudged her boyfriend – India. Tam was right – that hadn’t taken long to establish.

  “We’ll have the same, I think,” smiled Kakko.

  As they sat over their drinks, they chatted with the young man.

  “Are you on holiday on your own?” asked Kakko boldly. “Do many travel singly?”

  The young man laughed. “The answer is yes they do but in my case, no. And most people come with someone else but not all… You new to backpacking?”

  “We’re not backpacking… exactly,” said Tam hesitantly. “Actually we’re here to meet someone else.”

  “They’re going trekking… in the mountains – the Himalayas,” explained Kakko.

  “That’s a long way from here, then. Where are you meeting them?”

  “I’ve got Dev’s address somewhere,” said Kakko. “Zoe gave it to me when she signed up for the trek… She had a suspicion – hoped – that we’d get the chance to follow… Ah. Yes, here it is… Mathura, near Agra.”

  “Ah. You’re in the right place. This is Agra.”

  “Great—” began Tam.

  “What did you mean by saying no?” Kakko was off on a new tack. “You mean you’re not on your own. You don’t—”

  “I came with a girl,” said the young man lightly. “Ruth. She went off with other people and left me… but she is due back here to fly back to Australia. We’re Australian.”

  “So you’re waiting for her.”

  “I was. We were due to fly yesterday but she hasn’t showed.”

  “What about your tickets?”

  “I have asked if I can delay them. It’ll cost, that’s for sure. I don’t want to rebook until she shows.”

  “But where is she?” demanded Kakko.

  “Sorry,” interrupted Tam. “I’m sorry. My girlfriend is Miss Nosey. Kakko, we shouldn’t pry into this man’s affairs. We’ve only just met.”

  “No. That’s OK. Actually, it’s good to have someone to talk to about it… I’ve no idea where she is. She just took off with these guys… To tell you the truth, she was never really interested in being with me. I was just the means for her to get here – to India. You see, her parents would never have given her permission to travel on her own. I was sworn to look after her. But two days after we got here, she met up with these mad guys and took off with them. I made her promise to be back here before we were due to fly. But she told me not to be an old fusspot.”

  “So where’d they go?”

  “No idea.”

  “So if she ups and leaves you without saying where,” reasoned Kakko, “then she has taken responsibility for herself. You could be hanging around here a long time. If it were me, I would just have to accept that she doesn’t want me, and get on with life.”

  “Oh, I decided two weeks ago that she doesn’t want me. But the thing is, I promised her folks that I would look after her. They wouldn’t have le
t her come without me saying I would. You see, I can’t go back without her. Her dad would kill me.”

  “Have you tried phoning her?” suggested Tam.

  “All the time. At first, she texted me to say stop fussing – then she just rejected my calls.”

  “So, do you think she’ll show?”

  “I thought so until yesterday. Today, I don’t know… I’m just hanging around the places we went to. This is the place we met the guys. The last place I saw her.”

  “She could be in trouble,” said Tam with a creased brow.

  “I hope not. But, that’s it, I don’t know… My sister’s looking out for her at home in case she gets home some other way. But that’s unlikely. You see, I have her passport… My sister, Mandy, she’s the only one who knows the truth… apart from you now. The rest just think we’re having such a great time, we’re staying on…”

  “You need help to find your friend,” said Tam decisively. “Kakko, I don’t think we are here just for a holiday. We’re down the road from Dev. Let’s give him a call and ask him the way to go about finding Ruth. This story worries me. Sorry, we didn’t ask your name?”

  “Hi, I’m James.” James held out his hand.

  “Tam, and this is Kakko.”

  “Can we borrow your phone to call our friend Dev. We don’t have phones ourselves.”

  “Sure.” James drew his pass pattern, and handed his phone to Kakko. She looked at it and screwed up her nose. “Give me a clue…”

  “Where did you say you came from?” he joked. The world may have 7,000 languages but the way you used a phone was the same everywhere. “Green square with phone symbol. Bottom left. Then just enter the number including the country prefix.”

  “Got it.”

  “We’d better explain,” said Tam, as Kakko set about keying in Dev’s number. He told James about the white gates. James sat with his mouth open. “You see, we’re not from Earth ourselves – although we have a lot of connections… Kakko’s dad is British. We met Dev and his friend Zoe in America. Our technology is slightly more advanced than yours – Kakko works on engines for interplanetary spacecraft – but we come to help in practical ways. We never know what and where, and we have to learn fast. Often what we do is just encourage in some ways… Although Kakko generally likes to have hands on—”