The euphoria had not yet subsided, the smiles had not yet left the sleepy faces, sleep was still lacking the power to lull Ben, smiling from behind the reception desk, into a long awaited sleep. That would come in an hour or two, in the comfort of the apartment.
It was 1st of Jan, 2000. Y2K had whimpered out after all the confusions it had thrust upon the bewildered world. Benny Pete was awaiting Shabana, she was to come in for the morning shift. The New Year's party, the previous night, was still lingering in its effect. What was lacking in spirits and sprites, was more than made up by the camaraderie and banter.
Shabana was to come in at 8 am, and the clock showed 7 more minutes to go. Ben was humming to himself. The entire lobby was free. No Binoy, no Sabu, no Satish sir, no Freddy, no Chef.... no usual presence. Ben was thinking about giving a call to Eliza, then put it off.
'Nah! I'm too tired, will call in the evening,' he thought to himself. His new year resolution had been 'Giving quality time to Eliza.' Though, at present he was stuck in Kottarakkara, he vowed he would earn enough atleast to give themselves a satisfactory life. But, first he had to get some long awaited sleep. He had not slept for twenty four hours now. Sleep was muddling his thoughts.
'Where is Shabana???' Hunger pangs and sleep deprivation were getting on to Ben's nerves. He could imagine the warmth of his bed and later in the evening the warmth he would get after calling Eliza. Mobile phones were a thing of luxury, he had seen Sudhakaran sir, the proprietor holding one last night. It looked like a black brick. 'One day I'll have that,' thought Ben. For the time being he would have to use the PCO to call Eliza's home hoping that she would pick up the call and not her parents or her pesky younger brother, Linu.
Ben could now hear Shabana now, talking to someone just outside the door to the reception counter. Ben looked around, nothing out of place. He was mentally in the cafeteria, tucking into appam and chicken stew.... He was already at the door when Shabana came in.
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