The Nemesis

The Next Morning

Caleb was fast asleep. He was awakened by the chirping of birds. For a long time, he had been denied of the simple pleasures of life. He tried to stand up. Yesterday, the after effects of anesthesia and the pain of surgery had completely taken a hold over him. Adding to woes was that stupid girl Izumi who was constantly irritating him. He decided to inspect the place now. The room was beautifully decorated. The bed was very comfortable. There were bookshelves full of Japanese and English books. He stood up, and found the shelves had many English classics too. He was astonished. Something about the room hinted at feminine presence. This must have been a girl's room. But effectively in the inner part of the house, and well shielded from outside world. 

Caleb went over to a canvas, and saw a half done portrait of a boy. It was so realistic, so lively. He felt the face was familiar, but how could that be even possible? He inspected the brushes, and the colours. Someone ardently loves painting here. He saw an old guitar on top of a wardrobe. He limped towards it, and brought it down. An old passion gripped his body. A lost life. A lost love. Guitar, music, the reckoning of a former life. An easygoing life with no war, destruction, enmity, hatred.

To his amazement, Himari came into the room. She said, "Ah, that guitar. It belonged to my elder brother. To Itsuki. He died, fighting the war."

Caleb was disheartened. War wreaks homes. He knew it, he was a soldier, he had seen from close the devastating effects of wars. Nobody would know better than him what loss felt like. 

Himari said, "I am sorry, I did not wish to make  you feel guilty."

Caleb said, "Its okay, Himari. Your brother was a hero. I have nothing against Japs like you. I have problem with those who are initiating this war. You are a very noble woman, Himari, you are treating me with utmost kindness. It is very much possible that I may have killed your brother."

Himari sighed sadly. Caleb said, "Whose room is it? Yours?"

Himari laughed and said, "No, I am not so...much of a reader. Its Izumi's room. She is always painting and reading. A law student, but an artist by heart."

Caleb said, "That insolent girl? I am staying in her room? It is disgusting to bear."

But secretly he was amused. A girl with such an artistic bent of mind can be so narrow minded? But she was, and he had seen the unkindness she showered on him last night.

Caleb said, "How come they speak English?"

Himari said, "They had been in USA for over two years. Mr. Takahashi, your doctor and life saviour had gone for an internship in USA, when things were not so grim."

Caleb said, "And how do you know English?"

Himari said, "I have learnt English from Sumiko. Just a passion. You have not met her. She is Izumi's sister."

Caleb was surprised to find Izumi who had lived in USA, spoke flawless  English with a cool accent, knew all American customs, and yet despised Americans so much. Himari had not managed to master the accent, but he found her English accent with Japanese tilt very sweet. 

Izumi came into the room, and found Caleb and Himari talking. She was infuritated. Why is she being so friendly to an enemy? 

She said, "Again you are giving away all information you have about us. Himari, grow up will you?"

Izumi was furious when she found Caleb was holding Itsuki's guitar. She snatched it away, and said, "How dare you touch this guitar with your bloody hands? You know this belongs to a martyr. Itsuki. And he died for people like you. Like you Caleb Reginald Beaumont. Dont dare touch this thing again."