Home sweet home

Siripathy JAYAMAHA
 

The house was a two storeyed mansion. Within its confines adorned furniture designed by the best in the land and arts and paintings of exquisite beauty and of fabulous value. The present generation was the last link between a prosperous and respected family before its fall. Two brothers were the heirs. The younger brother was diplomatically evicted by his thirty year old elder brother to literally oblivion and made everyone to believe that his twenty one year old brother had gone abroad at very short notice to take over a business. The actual fact was that he did not know where his brother was, and was not bothered to know.

The usurper lived a licentious and extravagant life. He entertained lavishly, travelled round the globe and was the most sought after person at all religious, social and school functions. He had one drawback. He was pathetically illiterate in letters and figures. He employed a team of secretaries and accountants. People took advantage of this weakness and ego. They cunningly made his money to work for them. He began to loose his fortune. Friends abandoned him. He sold his assets. The house was mortgaged to redeem the house, the household items were to be auctioned. The usurper, the auctioneer and a large gathering of the elite were present. Every item from the elegant paintings to the exclusive silverware were sold. However, the sum collected was far short of the required amount. Only one item remained, the family grand piano. A masterpiece, meticulously maintained. Before bidding began for the piano, the auctioneer requested any one in the hall to come and tickle the ivory. No one dared. Those present knew the names of most of the masters and their immortal works, but sadly did not know to bring their works to life. They had no desire to display their ignorance music-wise. The auctioneer looked worried. The usurper heir was going to loose the mansion and also his credibility.

Then, a foreign gentleman who was in the gathering walked up. "On behalf of my principals in Britain," he started. "I have been requested to bid for the piano." He had been to this house about twenty years back. He had in fact played on this piano. He is a good friend of the family especially the younger brother, who is not with us today. He is a multi-millionaire businessman and a collector of antiques. I have brought with me a certified bank draft for 2.5 million Sterling Pounds - drawn in favour of the present occupant." He handed the draft to the auctioneer who glanced at the owner. A perspiring heir nodded his assent. "Thank you", the foreign gentleman said , "And incidentally, the new owner had been informed about the auction," and he said with a smile "I am sorry there is no one here to play on this classical beauty before it gets back to Britain."

Just then a person entered the hall. A shabbily dressed man, unshaven, hair up to the shoulders, a worn out tie round his neck, a worse one slid through the loops of his trousers and tied with an enormous knot. The ties were those of a prestigious school. Removing his hat he walked in, slowly assisted by a walking stick. He had an envelope in his hand. As he hobbled in, the crowd moved away from him in disgust. They were scandalised. There were murmurs. Unperturbed, he reached the piano, placed the walking stick by its side, gave the envelope to the auctioneer bowed gracefully to those around sat on the stool and started to play.

And play he did. Unbelievable. Pin drop silence. From his fingers came forth the nectar of music-Chopin, Beethoven Mozart, Bach, the beautiful waltzes of Strauss and Bizet. He played and played. The audience was mesmerised. Who was this person? An eccentric prodigy, a reincarnation of one of the masters or had Orpheus descended? They begged time to stand still. Those present drew closer and closer to the pianist. Him, whom they had at first loathed at first. Next he played Schubert's 'Ave Maria' and gently swaying his body he played the Maestros immortal 'Lullaby'. People were drawing their handkerchiefs out. The pianist then stood up looked up at the ceiling and played Mendlesson's wedding march. Only the composer and the pianist could have brought out the exhilaratingly solemn piece of music alive. They saw tears roll down his cheeks. Tears were rolling down the eyes of the audience too. Then he played the National Anthem of his Motherland. Tears flowed freely in that hall that day. After a beautiful rendition of 'Home on the range.' He bowed to the audience and the auctioneer, and stumbled. Quickly the auctioneer and the heir helped him. He clasped the owners hand as he was helped up and winked at him, smiled, sat down and played. He played 'Home Sweet Home'. As he came to the final bars, he was bending down over the key board. When he came to the end - he rested his head on the key board.

Then was absolute silence, quickly followed by applause. 'Encore', 'Encore'. Thunderous applause. The pianist did not hear their thunderous ovation. He had gone to his Home Sweet Home. It was then that the heir ran up to the pianist and took him in his arms. "Oh my brother, my terribly wronged brother", he cried "I took away your birthright, your dreams of a happy family life and, your home sweet home on this earth. Take me, take me, with you to the home sweet home where you have gone. He knew that he had lived amidst pleasures and palaces and would never have a home sweet home.

Epilogue - The letter in the envelope given to the auctioneer read "Dearest brother, my sweet brother the past is forgotten and forgiven. The money is yours settle your debts, redeem the house, find a suitable partner and let this house once again resound to the sounds of the patter little feet and laughter that both of us experienced. Help those afflicted and make this house that was our home be once again a Home Sweet Home.