She was a master storyteller. The moment we were free we would gather around her. Her extra-ordinary experiences gave us the thrill. She was my colleague and she was single divorced from her husband. She gave us the most intimate details of her personal life and why she got divorced. We all pitied her and pledged to support her. Sometimes I would wonder how come she is the only person to face so many misfortunes so early in life. She had a figure and personality, which would make people turn around. And she would regale us with how a colleague, neighbor or one of her relative made a pass and how she gave back. We would praise her courage and presence of mind. Definitely she was someone who we could emulate. She is alone, single with a child to support and fighting against the lechers of our society.

              One day when the subject of blank phone calls came Rita for that was my friend’s name told me this incident. It happened that she used to get obscene calls from a youngster. He would call up every night and talk sleaze. She told me every word of what this person spoke. I would literally shiver at the demands this person would make. Rita said she felt very tense as this continued for six months. She also told me how it came to end. She told the matter to one of her friend’s husband. He came and fixed a call identity machine to the phone. Then when the call came, she engaged the person while her friend’s husband identified the phone and the place from where the phone call was being made. He caught the person and thrashed him left and right.

             As I became more intimate with her I got hints from acquaintances not to believe what she said. She too sensed the hint of doubt. She waved it aside saying others were jealous of her good looks and confidence. I took a neutral stance with my colleagues saying who are we to judge her life. Nevertheless I became a little careful. Sometimes she would narrate the incidents of her life with others which she already shared with me. I would listen very carefully to find out if there is any inconsistency. I found none. Days passed happily in the company of colleagues working, sharing and crying on each other shoulders.

           In between Rita was on a long leave. She phoned up and said her child was not well. We wanted to visit her place and see the child. Rita said she is staying with her sister’s family and it would be inconvenient for her if we visited. We thought we should not disturb her. Then one morning we got news from one of our colleague that she saw Rita in a five star hotel accompanied by a well dressed person. She said as soon as she waved at Rita, she acted strange as if she doesn’t know her and after sometime she disappeared. Rita’s sympathizers said it may be the colleague’s imagination or mistake. She was one who never liked Rita. Rita’s adversary said they can smell something fishy. The doubts were put to rest until proved.

        One evening I was alone at home. My husband went out of town on work and my son was at his friend’s place. The phone rang. I picked up but there was silence at the other end. I kept the phone back. Again it rang in a similar way. The fifth time I heard a male voice speaking incoherently. When I held on to the phone trying to make out what he is saying suddenly he says, “Are you free tonight madam”. I banged the phone down. Later when the phone rang again I disconnected the phone and went to sleep.

        Sleep did not come easily. I was disturbed by this prank call. This happened for the first time. As I lay thinking my mind suddenly went back to the conversation on phone calls I had with my friend. I remembered all the details she gave me when the incident happened to her. I wondered how she could keep hearing to the lecherous talk of an unknown person instead of cutting of the phone as I did. I felt there was something devious about the whole incident she related to me. But I had no way to clarify.

        Next day it was Sunday and I woke up late. As I opened the newspaper my eyes fell on a news item with headlines, “sex racket in a posh colony busted”. The agent was none other than my friend who cried for all her misfortunes in her life on my shoulders.

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From,

C.Radhika,