1945, My Love Story (Unedited & Raw Version)

Phase XVXII: A Roar From The Lion

The following day, I woke up late, my mind immediately drifting to thoughts of Avni and Clerk Jones. It felt as though I hadn't slept at all; my head was heavy with fatigue. Shaking off the lingering thoughts, I went to freshen up. After getting out of the bathroom, I switched on the radio again.

The BBC announcer's voice filled the room, "Today, Japan's Emperor Hirohito was heard on the radio for the first time ever in a broadcast in which he blamed the use of a new and most cruel bomb for Japan's unconditional surrender. He added, 'Should we continue to fight, it would not only result in the ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but would lead also to the total extinction of human civilisation.' Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee said, 'The last of our enemies is laid low.' He added that special thanks went to the US, without whose prodigious efforts the war in the East would still have many years to run. After the surrender of Japan, two days of national holiday have been announced for celebrations in the UK, the US, and Australia. There will be Victory parades across the world.

Waking up to this news was profoundly disheartening. More innocent lives lost.

I switched off the radio and went downstairs.

"Edwin, good morning!" Mother's sweet, happy voice came from the dining area.

I turned and greeted her in return. "Good morning, Mother. Have you eaten your breakfast?
" I asked as I walked towards the dining table."

Just finished; please take a seat." She gestured to a chair opposite hers. "Last night felt like a dream. Everything went so well. You and Miss Linton make such a great pair. I am so happy that you have finally found a lady who can share your happiness and sorrows." She sighed in contentment. "I can now rest in peace."

"Mother...please, you know I don't appreciate you saying such things," I replied, shaking my head in disapproval.

At that moment, Avni and Bhavani entered with food and water. Avni took away Mother's empty plates, and Bhavani served me my breakfast.

I didn't dare to look at Avni. I knew she was as broken as I was, but we both tried to conceal our pain from each other.

I think, my sudden silence after her entrance was pretty evident to mother. I noticed her glancing at Avni and then looking at me as if she knows it's unfair for me but she can't acknowledge it. When she blinked at me with an empathetic feeling, I lowered my face down.

Mother's question, "So, how are you feeling now?" struck me as slightly amusing.

"I don't know..." I began to respond, but at that exact moment, Bhavani chimed in with, "Jee, mem sahib..."

I quickly turned my head in bewilderment, and for a brief moment, all four of us were thrown into confusion.

Mother then clarified, "I was asking about Bhavani's daughter's health. You were saying something?" It was at that moment I realised the question had been intended for Avni, not for me.

"Pardon me, Mother," I muttered, feeling a wave of embarrassment. Instead of finishing my breakfast, I abruptly left the table, unable to concentrate on anything positive. I knew it was impolite to leave while Mother was still seated, but I was mortified that I had failed to conceal my emotions in front of everyone.

I went straight to the garden and stood there, leaning against the bars of the swing. My gaze lingered on the vibrant plants, where many flowers had blossomed, yet many others had withered away. I couldn't help but draw a parallel between them and myself—I, too, felt like a withered entity.

Plants need a lot of care, as do human beings.

As I was lost in this thought, the sound of flowing water broke my reverie, drawing my attention to its source. I turned around and saw her, watering the plants with a can. Her back was to me, so she hadn't noticed my presence yet.