Autumn's Ravage

by Phil Armstrong

The new Indian restaurant opened with the right amount of local fanfare. Gyanesh and Bindi were pleased with the response from the local press, and the verdict delivered by the local food critics. This eclectic group is normally biased and a little closed-minded, but the food critics raved about the food, the variety, the ambience and the service! Liz was especially pleased about the service comments and hoped it would be enough to ease some of Bindi’s initial concerns. Gyanesh had been busy preparing the meals in the kitchen, with Bindi welcoming the patrons and seating them efficiently, she’d watched the operation running while paying attention to every last detail. Liz made a point of being punctual for the first night’s opening; she arrived early and would stay late, to help the owners with the cleanup and close out routines. Bindi was never warm to Liz, but she had a professional way about her that Liz had come to respect; Liz felt she could make it work. She’d easily adapted to the job and was becoming quite knowledgeable about the menu, the food, and the combinations. She’d devised a way to suggest to the customers combinations of dishes where they would order alcohol with their meals, this would elevate the bill amount, and of course, the tip. At the end of the week Bindi had praised her efforts, and she received a much needed pay cheque, with an envelope containing some extra cash representing her share of the tips.

  Most of her money was consumed by the rent she was paying for the motel room close to her work. In her off hours she would scour the local newspaper looking for a more suitable place to rent. It would need to be within walking distance of her work, but she soon realized the available selection was slim, for that area of town commanded a rent rate she could ill afford. Bindi had named the restaurant “The Spice of Rajasthan” and thankfully, it seemed to be off to a good start. Liz was hoping to get some words of encouragement about her job and her performance, where she would feel more comfortable sourcing a place to rent, but Bindi was sticking to her original two-week evaluation period. Liz felt reluctant to commit to any landlord, without knowing that she had a secure job to cover the rent. She was starting to feel that she would need to break her promise to Dan, and it was breaking her heart. What could she say to him? How would he take it?

  At the restaurant, occasionally there would be food left over in the kitchen at the end of the day. Bindi knew that Liz was just managing to scrape by financially. When Bindi became comfortable with Liz, she would offer the unserved left over food to Liz to take home, “It’s good that you can try these menu items, so that you can honestly answer the customers questions.” Liz would smile gratefully, but both women knew it was charity - Liz would accept gracefully. By the second week, Gyanesh was sneaking un-ordered, freshly cooked, food items into her take home bag. Each night, Liz would graciously thank him pretending not to notice, she would not reject the food for she desperately needed the help. She felt guilty that this was eating into the profits of the business and worked even harder to help out with additional duties.

  It was Thursday of the second week and Liz felt sad. She would not keep the promise she made to her son even though she’d made a good start in her new job, she still couldn’t get a good read Bindi’s decision. Would she get to keep her job? She felt tears start to well up in her eyes and decided to run for the back door; Liz was embarrassed to be seen like this. Bindi heard the sniffles coming from the back and suspected the worse as she pushed her way through the heavy steel door, “Liz, are you okay? Did Gyanesh say something to upset you?”

  Liz was horrified, “No, no,” she said hurriedly, wiping away her tears, “Gyanesh has been wonderful. I’m not upset because of your husband.” Bindi sat next to Liz, both women now seated, in silence, upon the cold concrete step.

  “Tell me about your problems, perhaps we can solve them together,” Liz peered into Bindi’s large brown eyes. She was genuine, warm and caring, it was obvious that Bindi was really trying to help. Liz opened up, as she talked about the rough start to life that Dan had experienced, and she described the bullying combined with his foster home experience. Liz explained to Bindi the promise she’d made to Dan, and how she would feel breaking that promise and letting him down. She couldn’t hold back her tears.

  “It’s okay, you’re a good Mother, you work hard, and you try to do the best you can for your family, I admire that. Indian women are the same,” she said smiling.

  Liz raised her eyes and studied Bindi’s face carefully. It really looked like she meant it; she was not patronizing her. She managed a half smile, “Thanks, that means a lot. He’s a good kid, I just wish I could give him more.”

  “He has a lot already, a Mother that loves him, and will fight for him. Some kids don’t have that you know.”

  “I guess you’re right,” Liz had stopped crying, for she suddenly realized she was doing everything she possibly could.

  “I like you Liz, and you know that this restaurant,” Bindi stopped in mid sentence to wave her hand at the building behind her, “this business, well, it’s everything to us. We have to make it work, we’re in too deep to turn back now. It’ll make or break us financially, and quite frankly, as a couple also. That’s why I’ve been so strict with you; I wanted to make sure we hired the right person. No offense, but anyone can serve tables,” Liz stiffened visibly as the ultimate truth was delivered expertly, “but we weren’t looking for a waitress, we wanted an ambassador, a person that extended the experience and philosophy, that we’re trying to create here.” Liz diverted her gaze to the stained concrete below her. She knew at that moment that she was either going to get this job or be released. “I like you Liz, I like your attitude, and your work ethic. I think you’re honest and hard working, but what’s more important is that you get what we are trying to achieve here, that’s why I’m comfortable offering you this job full time.”

  Without thinking Liz lunged forward wrapping her slender arms around Bindi and hugging her tightly, “Oh thank you, thank you. You’ll not regret this,” Bindi had thrown her a lifeline. She needed this badly, and she’d worked very hard to listen and pay attention to what was required of her. She released Bindi from her relieved hug and stared into her eyes. She mouthed the words, “Thank you,” but no sound would escape from her lips.

  Liz started to cry again, but this time it was different. It was a feeling of relief, and yes, possibly a small amount of happiness. Bindi smiled, as she reached out and held Liz’s hand. It was a gesture to tell her to stay and they would continue their chat. “I have a proposal for you to consider, one which makes sense, and I think you’ll like. Liz raised her chin in anticipation. Bindi had a glint in her eye; she was about to deliver the words that could radically change Liz’s fortunes. She waited, enjoying the look of expectant anticipation washing across her pretty face. “I think I have a way for you to keep your promise. Above the store we have two small apartments, the one that faces the main street is the nicest, for it gets the morning sun, and Gyanesh’s Grandfather lives in that one. He’s from the old country and totally lost over here in the States. His English is poor, but he’s low maintenance, doesn’t interfere with our business, and has been exceptionally kind to us when we first started out as a couple. He reads a lot and still has a sharp mind. He’s a bit wobbly on his feet and walks with a cane.” Bindi could see the look of confusion crawling across Liz’s face as she tried to reconcile how this old relative could help her keep her promise to Dan. “I’m rambling on, let me get straight to the point. The other apartment is smaller and faces the shade, but it’s available. I would make the rent very reasonable and you could make it comfortable. There’s a small room that you could make into a second bedroom for Dan. Your commute to work would be a small flight of stairs, which would be handy for the both of us. I wanted to see if you worked out before I offered you this option. If you’re not interested, I would fully understand.”

  Liz shuffled nervously; “No, No,” she said raising her hand, “of course I’m interested. Providing I can afford the rent - it sounds ideal.”

  “On the evening shifts, if i
t made you feel better, Dan could visit across the hallway with Raj. Raj could keep an eye on him while you work and he would make sure Dan is safe from any trouble. I’m sure Raj would appreciate the company. Being supervised by an adult, and so close to you when you’re at work, can only help in your argument to get him back, no?”

  Liz couldn’t dispute the appeal of having Dan so close. If it started to get slow in the restaurant, she could actually pop upstairs and check in on him quickly. “If I can afford this, it would be wonderful.”

  Bindi smiled, “The apartment comes with a small kitchen and bathroom, it’s not opulent, but I’m sure you can make it cozy, and it’s safe. There’s a separate entrance, so you can come and go as you please. Oh and one more thing, the school is right around the corner, a ten minute walk.”

  Liz felt her heart soar with hope, “Can we make this work out? You know how much I earn.”

  Bindi squeezed her hand, “We’ll make it work; you’re part of our family now.”

  Family, that sounded good to Liz, for she’d never been part of a family before, but she liked how this sounded and how it was beginning to feel. A wave of relief rushed through her, and she burst into tears again - tears of joy. “I’m really looking forward to my meeting with the Children’s Aid counselor tomorrow, can I tell her that I have a job, and a place to live definitely?”

  “Sort of,” Bindi responded with a mischievous smile.

  “Sort of,” repeated Liz with her heart pounding?

  “Well, normally before you decide to live in a place you go and check it out, don't you?” Bindi pulled Liz’s hand, motioning her to stand as the two ladies went to inspect the apartment.

  Liz loved the place. It was traditional, with ceiling moldings, hard wood floors, and warm red brick walls. A couple of worn rugs were supporting a tired looking couch. The apartment was furnished, but it didn't look like a home. There were no personal touches, no touch that a woman would bring.

  “Gyanesh has been using this place as an office while the work crews ripped the restaurant apart. He’d sleep here sometimes, when he needed to make sure they stayed to complete the work on time. As you know, it came down to the wire, and you have to ride these guys constantly. The furniture’s not great, but in time you can bring in your own or replace them immediately.”

  Liz remained silent until she’d walked through every room. She inspected the apartment but she tried to feel the vibe by imagining her and Dan living there. Did it feel right to her? She trusted her intuition above all else. Her heart was floating as she turned to an anxious Bindi, “What about Gyanesh?”

  “My husband makes certain decisions. He decides how the restaurant is to look, what the menu should contain, and he has total control over that part of the business because he’s damn good at what he does. When it comes to the business side of the business, keeping the books, dealing with our suppliers, and renting the apartment, that’s what I’m good at, and it’s my decision. Besides, I’ve already told him that’s what we’re going to do and he’s agreed,” she said with a beaming smile.

  Returning the smile, Liz simply said, “It’s perfect.”

  A day later Liz was signing Dan’s release documents and handing over copies of her rental agreement to the counselor at the Children’s Aid society. She’d met her conditions of release. Bindi had furnished Liz with an official letter confirming her employment at The Spice of Rajasthan. The counselor was a portly woman with a booming voice; she inspected the documentation thoroughly, “So you got the job then?”

  “Yes,” nodded Liz.

  “And you found an apartment above the restaurant?”

  “Yes.”

  “How convenient. So if I wanted to visit you, in say a week or so, you could let me have a look at the place?”

  Liz stiffened up, “Is that normal?”

  The portly counselor fidgeted and leaned uncomfortably close to Liz, she paused for a brief moment and began to talk in a stern manner, “We wouldn’t want to put Dan in harm’s way now would we? Restaurants can be busy places, with lots of people coming and going. Not to mention the hot stove, sharp knives in the kitchen, and dangers that a professional cooking environment can pose.”

  Liz’s face dropped. The bright smile she’d been wearing all day faded quickly. She’d moved too quickly, she hadn’t thought about the dangers. Strangers and grease fires flashed through her mind. A voice surged upwards through her body like a coiled snake rising, ‘Say something, quickly,’ she thought.

  “The restaurant is new and modern, it’s state of the art. The kitchen is brand new with high-end equipment, the owners have spared no expense, and I’ve participated in their nightly cleanup routines. Gyanesh conducts a safety check each night, and the kitchen has all of the safety features required to recently pass a state inspection. The apartment is not connected to the restaurant - it has a separate entrance and exit. It has a sturdy door and is alarmed with the restaurant’s monitored security system, and in many ways it’s better than most apartments. We share a complex with Gyanesh’s Grandfather, who lives in the apartment across the hall. This is another reason why Gyanesh will ensure the safety of the inhabitants that live above his business. I’m very happy with this arrangement and I’ll be working downstairs while my son is being supervised by Raj, Gyanesh’s Grandfather. Most single Mothers would kill for this type of arrangement.”

  Liz was in survival mode, a Mother fighting for her Son. She’d raised her voice and unwittingly leaned forward to match the aggressive posture the counselor had adopted. The counselor leaned backwards, like a large cat backing away from an unwanted fight, “It sounds good, and so you wouldn’t mind if I visited you both in a weeks time then?”

  Liz picked up on the word ‘both.’ If she played her cards right, and kept cool, she could be going home with Dan - going home together, “That’s fine with me, you’ll have to come between my work shifts.” Liz immediately regretted her words, why did she say that, it was stupid.

  The counselor cracked a half smile, “We’ll arrange a suitable time. Dan will need to be supervised by an adult while you are away working, until the age of sixteen. That’s a condition of his release and I’m assuming I can arrange this validation visit by contacting you at the restaurant number?”

  “That would be fine,” said Liz, without the consent of Gyanesh or Bindi.

  “By the way, I was meaning to ask you a question about Dan. How did he get that scar under his lip?”

  Liz’s inner voice ripped through her body as she talked to herself, ‘Remain clam, she’s just trying to get a rise out of you.’ Liz took a deep breath and steadied herself, “The reason we moved here to Westtown was to escape the bullies that preyed on Dan at his previous school. One of those bullies was responsible for the beating he received, and the scar was a result from that. It’s all in the files I’m sure. There was a witness; a little girl that I spoke with personally. That's when I decided to get Dan out of that toxic environment, to start a new life. Like I said, it should all be in the files.”

  “Oh, I’m sure that's what it says,” drawled the counselor trying to make it sound like there was more to the story. Liz forced a smile then signed the release papers presented to her, and before she knew it, she was waiting in a small, dull looking room, as they went to collect Dan. Dan charged into the room dropping his large gym bag bulging with hastily packed clothes and launched himself into his waiting Mother’s relieved arms.

  “You came, you really came!” Dan was close to tears. Dan liked to portray himself as detached, solemn, and vacant, but this was a defense mechanism. He wasn't a particularly big or athletic kid, fortunate to be armed with a physique to protect himself. The reality was so far from the façade; he was a high energy, happy, intelligent and engaged kid, full of life, and brimming with gratitude for the simple pleasures. He hugged his Mother tightly; squeezing her as if to prove to himself that she was real.

  “I promised I would. Wait until you see our new home, its right ab
ove where I work. We’re finally getting our act together kiddo!”

  Liz’s affectionate nickname for Dan was ‘kiddo,’ she used this often when she felt happy and relaxed. Today he’d never been more proud of his Mother, for she’d delivered upon her promise and managed to win him back. He knew what an accomplishment that was and how hard she’d had to fight for him, he knew delivering upon that promise wasn't easy. The time Dan spent at the group home had dragged on, and he was more than ready to leave. The kids had been cool, they’d been nice, left him alone when he wanted solitude, and he’d felt safe. He’d managed to read a couple of books and escaped into adventures and lands far away. He’d followed instructions given to him by the staff and tried to keep a low profile, it was his way of existing, blending in, but he’d dreaded the inevitable disappointment of this day, and in an effort to prepare - he’d played it through in his mind.

  It was a very slim chance to expect his Mother to secure a job and find a place to live all within two weeks. He’d rehearsed his lines for this difficult conversation and he knew she would feel devastated and ripped apart with guilt, so he’d planned some careful phrases, designed to make her feel better and reassure her of his faith in their new life. Today’s positive news surpassed his wildest dreams, and he quickly forgot his well-rehearsed lines, as he held on tightly to his Mother’s arms.

  She pushed him away, lowered her eyes to his height, and stared at his happy face for a second, “We’re getting out of here kiddo, let’s go home. Pickup your bag, we need to leave before they change their minds,” she said smiling, with a cheeky wink.

  Dan didn’t need to be told twice, in one swift movement he’d swooped his bag from the floor and was heading out of the room.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 7: The Dream Cane

  Westtown, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., 2014

  “The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.”