Good Hope

It was at one of the coolest moments of my life, that she joined our journey. After an year of long search, finally me and my friend Sam got a building that suits our dream business. Its in the heart of the city, with a very good view and at a reasonable rent. We liked it the moment we reached there. It was just opposite the 'Good Hope Building' which was the landmark.

"So if you like to take it then you have to be really fast. The owner of the building stays at Greenshore which is 2 hours ride from here. A few others have also seen it and liked. So go and pay him fast if you really want it" the caretaker told us

We were so much excited about our new venture. And finally we got a chance to start it, we couldnt actually believe it. We didn't have any moment to waste. We decided to start from there and meet the building owner and book it right away.

As we got into our car, Sam was at the driver seat. I heard an lady, talking loudly to someone. I looked through the window. It was an old lady, in her seventies. She was well dressed and it seemed she belongs to a good family. I heard her asking him "how can you charge that much to go to Greenshore? I will give you only half of it. Take me there. I am not a foreigner whom you can charge any amount you wish "
The taxi driver refused it. I felt something and i shouted "hey we are going to Greenshore. We can drop you there. Please come".
With a smile the lady walked towards us, opened the door and sat in the car. " thanks dear. They were trying to loot me. Its too tough to travel alone now". She said with an angry face.

I said " thats okey. It happens when people of your age travel alone".
I guess she didnt like my comment about her age. The brightness of her smile disappeared slowly. But I convinced myself thinking that, Its my car. I can say anything inside it.
The car started. Sam was driving it at a medium speed, as if he didnt want to show his driving skills to the old lady. And an uncomfortable silence spread inside the car, which was waiting to be broken by someone.

I started thinking of our new project. And it doesn't seem good to discuss about it and to show my excitement to Sam when this lady is there. I felt it would have been much more comfortable if i hadn't offered her the lift.

"The entire Greenshore used to be my grandfather's farm. But his children divided it and sold it to many and finally it became a town today. We were kids then, I remember walking miles through the farm. But now we have only a house there that's also locked for an year. "
She broke the silence
" So where are you coming from and what are you upto? " I asked her as it was unfair to let the silence fill in again.
" Have you heard of Good hope? " she asked pointing her calm eyes on me.
" yea the building opposite to where we came today. What is it actually? " I expressed my curiosity
" My son said its a place where they will take care of me until he comes back with a visa for me. But after staying there I knew, that's what many people tell their parents before giving them up there"
A smile appeared on her face which made me take a deep breath.
So where are you going now ? Is your son back ? to my surprise sam asked it.

No my dear I am running away from there now. Now I feel like I have born again. Like I am young again. If I was the same old lady, I would have given the taxi driver what he asked right ? I think I have a new life ahead now ha ha ha

I dont know actually she was happy or if she was pretending to make herself happy. Anyways I too laughed with her to encourage her

My elder son is at Germany with his family. He is there for last 10 years. I was with my younger son. Last year he also got a chance to go to Germany. He got visa for him and his wife. Then me and my grandson Peter had no luck. Yea I forgot to tell you about Peter. He is my pet. He is the one who loves me the most. And Now I have hope only in him. She started her story before we ask anything. Like all talkative people, she became very energetic and happy to get two wonderfully patient audiences.