Compromise? An equatorial paridise.

PART ONE

========

Mark Pwint Phyo is past his twenty fifth birthday two years ago. Last year he met Leonard in a drinking pub off Club Street. During his younger years, Leonard and himself were sailing together onboard a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) 200,000dwt (deadweight), from Bahrain, Gulf of Arabia to a Chiba, Japanese port. Those were carefree days with money and women on their minds only. After securing his Master’s ticket and commanded a Handymax container ship of 50,000dwt lifting 4000teus (twenty equivalent units), Leonard Chee started his own chartering business. Through his good contacts, Mark Pwint Phyo secured a position as a charterer’s broker for a large soya beans Importer. That year he did not go back to Yangon on account of his new job. His office’s in Odeon Tower, walking distance from Raffles City MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Station. Even though not schooled as a shipbroker, a Master FG (Foreign Going) license plus his command experience on a 20,000dwt multipurpose ship, and some working experience in a shipping company office was sufficient to secure his current position.

Mark Pwint Phyo stepped ashore about two years ago and put up with his three buddies in three rooms apartment at  #32/04 at level four in Block 31 Eunos Crescent, a few hundred steps from Eunos MRT Station. Being single and a carefree person, he would not say no to a good catch should the opposite sex with good looks pass his tracks. He would however not go out of his way for them. He believed his matrimonial partner would be from back home in Yangon, thus Singapore was to fill his coffers to the maximum in the shortest possible period.

One day he caught his usual 7.35 a.m. train from Eunos MRT Station. Inside the carriage, the seat reserved for the elderly and the handicapped was empty. Even though the carriage was crowded, no one took the seat. He looked around and as no one seems to be requiring it, he placed his buttock on the seat and sat down. Nothing to do, he stole a glance at a novel to his right where the young lady was engrossed in her reading. He discreetly eyed the novel and noticed it was ‘When eight bells toll’ by Alistair MacLean. He continued to give a peek or two to see at what stage she was on . He read it about six years ago while at sea. Suddenly he heard a comment.

“You seem to be very interested in my novel. Would you like to read it?”

He was shocked by her unexpected remarks. It was loud and the people around him all stared and his face turned crimson. Sweat started to perspire in the air-conditioned carriage and he needed a quick answer to his dire situation. This was bad and he was most embarrassed.  He needed to uphold his prestige.

Mark Pwint Phyo bumbled out, “No thank you. I was just admiring your novel. I noticed that it is ‘When eight bells toll’ by Alistair MacLean. I read it a few years back. It is a wonderful thriller. So sorry for my intrusion, the fault is totally mine, please forgive me.”

That said, the stares were no more. Thank god for that. He closed his eyes and tried to shut out the unpleasant experience till his alighting station at Raffles City. On getting up to alight at his station, he apologized again to her.

“So sorry again for my unnecessary intruding glance.”

She just gave him a Mona Lisa stare.

Mark Pwint Phyo was as usual swept by a crowd of people view Raffles City Station being one of the main stations where bulk of the workers spread out to their work places, some commuting further by bus. As for him, Mark needed to find a vessel to load 35,000 metric tons of bulk soya beans from a River Plate port to a Japanese port for discharge.

During his lunch break, he walked over to the adjacent building of Bras Bazaar and had fish porridge at the food court.  Due to about fifteen minutes still remaining, he walked over to the secondhand bookstalls on Level 1. On a pile heaped up in front of one stall, he sighted ‘Ice Station Zebra’ and ‘The Golden Rendezvous’ by Alistair MacLean, which he bought without a second hesitation. Back at his apartment room, he tried to reason with himself as to why he bought the novels. He had read them all and to give it to the girl he saw that morning, she was not too nice to him either. With no valid answers, Mark called it a day and switched off the headlamp and turned in for sleep.

The next morning, he took his usual 7.35 a.m. third carriage train at Eunos Station. As expected the carriage was full. He elbowed and pushed in. There he saw the girl who was not too nice to him the morning before. She was hanging on to the shining ceiling stainless steel guardrail. Mark managed to squeeze beside her and took out the secondhand two novels from his black nylon shoulder bag and handed to her while trying to balance himself on the moving train. He thought the novels looked still pretty new.

“ Hello. Here is ‘Ice Station Zebra’ and ‘The Golden Rendezvous’ by the same author Alistair MacLean. The pace is electrifying as ‘When eight bells toll’. You will like it.”

“Why? Thank you. I haven’t even finished ‘When eight bells toll’. I think maybe I’m only about half way through.”

“No problem. Do take your time. When I read them a few years back, the thriller was chilling and could not put the books down. I am sure you’ll find it the same. By the way, at which station do you get off?”

“Tanjong Pagar is my alighting station. You did not have to, but thank you again for the two novels.”

Mark Pwint Phyo looked at the MRT map on the side of the ceiling and the light flashed on Raffles City. Just before the automatic doors opened, without thinking, words came out of his mouth.

“Why don’t you thank me on Saturday? Noon. Outside Cold Storage Supermarket, Raffles City. It will also give me the chance to apologize, to you properly. Okay?”

Before he can wait for her acknowledgement, Mark Pwint Phyo was swept away by the sea of people to the escalators to the street level. On his way up, the thought of the young girl disappeared and work loomed in his mind. He was thinking of the 11hours time difference between Singapore and Buenos Aries. He would open the inward emails first, if negative, he will telephone them, as there would be closing shop soon. The longer he waits, the worst it will get. He must secure a fixture by hook or crook. He’s got another 24hours, otherwise he needed to call Baltic brokers for a fixture. That will mean splitting their brokerage commission and someone will be much disappointed and unhappy including himself.

Mark Pwint Phyo niche market being handysize bulkers from 10,000 dwt to 35,000 dwt, at times up to 50,000 dwt with contacts he built up over the years. This being Friday, he gave his full attention one hundred percent. While other brokers left for the weekend, he was at his work desk punching emails, phoning Tokyo and to ships at sea via Skylink. He was doing all things humanly possible so that his Saturday will not be disturbed. By the time all was done, the time was already 10.00 p.m. He locked the office and made his way back to Eunos Station.

Only then did he realize that he was famished. At Eunos food court, he grabbed a plate of economy rice (choice of curry, two fried vegetables plus stemmed rice), from a Malay stall just about to close. After filling his stomach, he walked a few steps to #32/04 at Block 31 Eunos Crescent. He then took a shower and while sitting on his bed in his room, he noticed that he was totally bushed and hit the sack without further ado.

On Saturday early morning till around 10.30 a.m., Mark Pwint Phyo did his chores according to the shared roster posted on the kitchen wall. His friends did suspect something was wrong but no one asked as none of their business. By exactly noon, he was waiting outside the Cold Storage Supermarket. He had his hands in his gray cotton slacks as they were sweating. His mind was on overdrive. Will she show up or not? Was he an idiot or a fool for waiting here without her confirmation? Was he that hard up for a woman?  She must be laughing behind his back? Questions abound with blank answers. Should she not meet him here, his prestige and dignity for sure will be in the gutters. He was most anxious under the circumstances. Suddenly, like the sun shining after a storm, she showed up after fourteen minutes. Far from being angry, he was relieved she at least showed up. Thank god for that!

She apologized and questioned, “Sorry I am late, have you been waiting long?”

“No problem, not too long. Shall we first have a cup of coffee or tea by the fountain?”

“That’s just fine.” She replied.

Both moved to the café by the fountain at Basement 2. They sat on the cane easy chairs and the young waitress approached them.

“Anything ma’am?”

“Yes. A hot Caffe Latte, please.”

“Sir, yours?”

“Hot black coffee, thank you.”

The waitress took their orders and disappeared in the direction of the kitchen by the left side of the fountain. For the first time he really looked at her properly. She was in her blue Levis, with a stripped red blouse. Her hair was jet black cut short (original, not dyed), very fair, beautiful, younger than him, must be around 22/23, small waste, bum not large, wide or sagging. Her features were striking, intellectual looking, nose befitting her lovely face and lips were inviting with a hint of lipstick. Eyes were sparkling like diamonds and her cologne was intriguing and addictive to say the least. Boobs, well, might not win any prizes but still presentable. In short Mark Pwint Phyo was totally captivated by her. Why was his heart thumping, he asked himself?

They talked for nearly two hours. Her accent bothered him. Even though she spoke English better than him, she does not sound like a Singaporean, Chinese, Malay or Indonesian, Filipino or don’t know what. He felt too rude of him to ask her.

Offering his right hand he said, “It’s only right to introduce myself. I am Mark Pwint Phyo, a Myanmar national, single, working as a charterer’s broker for a soya beans Importing House in Odeon Tower, a few minutes walk from here. All my friends call me just Mark, as my Myanmar name being so unpronounceable and live in Eunos HDB apartment with my buddies.”

She shook his hand and found it to be firm and manly indeed.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Hena Nakagawa, single, a Japanese national, working with Sumitomo Corporation, a trading house in International Plaza above Tanjong Pagar Station. I live in Bayshore Park, and my MRT station is Bedok.”

“Now I get it. You are Japanese. I know Bayshore Park it’s a condominium. Must be expensive living there though.”

“Not really, I live with a Japanese couple working here in the electronic industry. I have a room to myself and it worked out cheaper for them and so to me also. They travel to Johor for weekends and golf and thus have the place to myself. No cooking meals though, so I fill myself before going back. At weekends, I eat at the nearby East Coast Food Lagoon or at Parkway Parade. Any problems with me being a Japanese?”

“No problems what so ever with you being a Japanese. No wonder I cannot place your accent. However your pronunciation does not become you, if you know what I mean? No offence intended.”

“Oh I see. After my graduation in Japan, I went to the United Kingdom to brush up on my English. Friends told me London was not that English anymore, so I went to Oxford and worked for a building society there. Everything was great except for the weather. It was mostly cold, dull and raining and decided to move on to Singapore, another English speaking country where the people are of the similar race and the weather is kindly to me with lots of sunshine. I spent two years there.”

“No wonder your English is good Hena. By the way, Alistair MacLean penned over eleven novels and should you enjoy his writings, please also try Hammond Innes and Ian Fleming novels too. They are all thrillers but also write some sea adventures, however I preferred Alistair Maclean as can appreciate what he writes about, which was more akin to me.”

“Actually he is my first read. I go more for romances by Barbara Cartland, Daphne du Maurier, Jane Ayer and the likes. So you must be a seaman. Navy?”

“No, Merchant Navy. I secured my Master (FG) license a few years back, and served as a Master onboard a trans-Atlantic 20,000 dwt multipurpose ship for a short while. Then I transferred to a sea related shore job in Singapore before like-minded people, takes over. The pay was good onboard but I realized that sailing was not for ever and needed a foothold ashore.”

After they chatted about everything under the sun, Hena wanted to go up to Level 4 where the food court was. She viewed everything on offer and decided to go for Malay food. She chose assam fish (tamarind based fish curry without coconut milk), some fried vegetables and a big dose of balachan (fish paste spiced with chilies). Mark followed her choice and paid for the meals. She was not a wallet bleeder or a teaser to be sure. He was surprised to see her dug into her lunch with delight, while sweat started to form on her unblemished fair forehead. Afterwards they had ais kachang (ice shavings with red beans, sweet corn, small cubes of glass jelly, peanuts and assorted sweet colorings) as desert, which was sweet and cooling. On a full stomach, they proceeded downwards viewing stores at each level and enjoying their decorations. By the time they finished Robinson Department Store at Level 1, the time was after four. Both hop on the East West train and alighted at Bedok Station. He escorted to her shuttle bus stop and waited till she was onboard for her journey back to Bayshore Park. Mark took a leisurely train ride back to his Eunos Station and carried on his weekly washing and ironing. The Saturday was fully enjoyable however he yearn for more.

Hena also did her washings and cleaned her room too. She enjoyed the lunch with Mark and he was a good date. She felt that this was going to be a long walk, but to be sure test him out from all angles. She told herself that she must not be seen as too eager or an easy pushover. She could sense that he liked her. He also has her mobile phone number and wanted to see how he’s going to make use of it. Full examination to be carried out and watch his every step, before she decide on any decision. That night she had a bowl of instant noodles, as the lunch was heavy. Around nine, she rang her mother and father at Tokyo and took a long shower before turning in for the night. On Sunday, Hena got up late as usual but was on the shuttle bus to Parkway Parade for her weekly appointment at her hair saloon to undertake her weekly hair wash and setting. Lunch was a simple Yong Tao Foo soup and did a small grocery shopping at NTUC (National Trades Union Congress) Fairprice Supermarket and made her way home by the shuttle bus. Back at her apartment she cleaned the lounge, kitchen and the washing area spotless as they left it. Soon the Hamadas should be back and she did not want any reasons for them to give marching orders to her. She liked the ambience and suited her lifestyle. She must be ever careful for them not to dislike her and also to watch her steps she reminded herself, prevention was better than cure. That evening she ironed her wears for the week ahead and also cleared the mess in her wardrobe. For dinner she had a bowl of instant noodles again while watching Channel 5 on her tiny television.

Around ten her mobile phone rang, she could not recognize the number on her cell phone screen.

However she said, “Hello?”

“Hello, may I speak to Hena Nakagawa, this is Mark Pwint Phyo.”

“This is she.”

“Hello Hena, just a tinkle to thank you for a wonderful time yesterday. May I offer you a dinner one evening after work during the weekdays?”

“Thank you Mark, but no thank you. I work late and my finishing time varies with the work load.”

“How about coming Saturday? Hena you set the time and name the place, I’ll be there.”

“This is your mobile number, yes? I can let you know during the week sometime, if its okay with you?”

“Okay, do take care, till then, bye.”

“Bye” Hena said and turned her mobile off.

Actually, Hena was playing hard to get. She cannot be a push over or be seen too eager. She must play her cards right. There was nothing better she liked than to have a meal with Mark, but it was not the way. She was not a broad looking for   short good time nor was she hard up for guys. She was an independent girl and knows right from wrong. She needed no one to be relied upon and she left the safety of her nest in Tokyo to make it out on herself. She squeezed a few smiles and carried on her chores before hitting the bed.

Mark was so disappointed that Hena did not accept his dinner invitation   weekdays. Saturday was also neither here nor there. He wondered what was wrong? Monday came, followed by Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. No calls from Hena. Was he a gonna, he wondered? He could not understand why he was acting this way. He’s like a spoilt child loosing his best teddy bear. He never felt like that before. He wondered was this love? That cannot be! He consoled himself. After all there are many fishes in the sea, why must it be this one? It’s beyond his dignity to call her again, but his fingers were itching to dial. He refrained himself and concentrated on his work. Mark Pwint Phyo did manage to secure a 35,000dwt bulker for loading full shipload of soya beans from San Lorenzo, Argentina, a River Plate port to Kashima Port, Honshu Island, Japan, where the anchorage was deep enough to accommodate his 10 meters drafted vessel. Next week ought to be interesting where Mark was to made good a COA (Contract of Affreightment) for bulk soya beans 100,000 metric tons, in 2/3 bottoms from Santos Port, Brazil to 2/3 discharge ports in Japan, to be declared 7 days from conclusion of contract and ships to be 3/4 days apart, all at Buyers option. Quite complicated but never the less exhilarating. Telephone call from Hena never materialized. As Mark was about to winch in the anchor from his blues, his mobile phone rang at 1800hours.

Mark recognized the number on his mobile phone screen. It was Hena. He cannot be seen as desperate. Thus only after four rings he switched on his mobile.

He said, “Hello?”

“Hello. This is Hena Nekagawa. Let’s meet at East Coast Food Village entrance at 1.00 p.m. tomorrow. Bye.”

“Bye” was the only word he could muster.

His heart was beating like a drum and could not stop smiling. He must have congratulated himself a thousand times. Mark Pwint Phyo was a very happy man.

He managed another date but to him it was much, much more. The next morning he ensured all his chores according to the common roster were completed in full. No outstanding, in fact he did more than his share. Happy to help out he said to himself.

By 1.00 p.m., he was waiting outside the entrance of East Coast Food Village. He slipped on his beige Bermudas with a yellow tee shirt and swore his Burmese slippers. Hena as usual was late by about 11 minutes. He does not like untimely appointments, but what to do as he was still courting her. He told himself there would be enough time for such trivial matter, all in good time. 

Hena was wearing her short Levis and donning a white tee shirt with the words ‘I’m dangerous’ in blood red with fangs as inverted commas in front. All very amusing but she does looked stunning.

“So you found the place. Hope you have not been waiting long?”

“Fine, no problems.”

“Shall we have a look at the stalls what they has to offer?”

“Let’s do that.”

Hena led the way. As usual she viewed each stall with an eagle inspection. After viewing from start to finish, which took about fifteen minutes, she declared her food desires.

“How about some grilled chicken wings? Also stingray sautéed in chili sauce inside a silver foil over a coal fire, plus fried sambal kangkong (chili peppers, fish sauce and Chinese water spinach) with balachan plus steamed rice?”

“Okay. Why don’t you scout for a free table, while I take care of the food?”

“I’ll do that and will shout over our table number.”

The queue for chicken wings was long. While standing patiently in line he heard her shout out “Table 048”, which he acknowledged with holding up his hand. When his turn came, he ordered six chicken wings, that was six wings plus six thighs. He paid and told the stall their table number. He queued again for grilled stingray and the rest. He paid again and their table number was repeated. All done, Mark looked for table no.048. He was pleased to see that their table was beside the walkway overlooking the beach. The table was rather small, however sufficient for the orders they made. They sat on the concrete benches and waited for their food to arrive. Being afternoon, the weather was hot but with time, the breeze from the sea was somewhat cooling. 

When the orders arrived, Hena poured additional chili sauce over the stingray in silver foil and squeezed a healthy dose of lemon on the grilled chicken wings. Both tug into their food with zest and Hena ordered two fresh coconuts with a straw each, which complimented their meal. Thereafter she ordered two long metal spoons and demonstrated how to scrape off the soft flesh from inside the coconut. It was also their desert. She seems to know her food, that’s a lot for a Japanese girl.

Mark said, “You seem to be at home here. Do you come often?”

He was trying to fish with whom she came here with. He wanted to know a lot more. He was at home with her and cannot seem to have enough, just like a thirsty man from the desert. To Mark, the food was immaterial. Just to be beside her was a joy and he could spend the whole day with her. Still Mark would ask for second helpings.

“Yes I do. I come here with the Hamadas when they are not on their trip to Johor. If we both arrive early after work, we also make it a point to eat at the Food Village. It’s a nice walk in the evenings. We split the bills three ways and it works out cheaper for all. Besides, the food here got variety and better than restaurant food any day, fresher too.”

Mark managed to drag the information without Hena knowing. He was pleased it was not the competition. With her looks she should have no trouble, securing suitors. He was also thankful for the weather, as it could have rained and spoiled the outing. After their meals, they walked along the beach up to the Bedok Jetty. There they saw Chinese, Malays, Indians, granddads, grandmas, couples, children young and in groups fishing seriously by poles, in nets and lines only. All very interesting, indeed. There were small tents on the jetty and larger ones by the beach. It looked some were spending their weekend here. When the sun was no more, they took a bus to Siglap and supported a small Japanese restaurant by the name of Fujiyama-tae. The patronage were sparingly which they liked. The food was a simple set menu but they drank pots and pots of green tea. They discussed their fears and aspirations, after which he walked her back to Bayshore Park and took a bus ride back to Eunos. While on the bus, the Shakespeare Play ‘Twelfth Night’ Act 1 words came rushing back. ‘If music be the food of love, play on’. He smiled to himself. He was a happy man and the Saturday was well spent with Hena, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He saw that she was happy also, that made him feel rewarded and content.

On Sunday he was still hungry for her companionship and his heart was yearning for her. He took a bus just before noon to Parkway Parade even though he did not has a date. He knew Hena would be somewhere in a hair dressing saloon. He checked the legend at the entrance and noted most of the hair saloons were on Level 2 and 3. He looked and peeked at all the hair saloons and found Hena under a dryer in a hair saloon at Level 3. He waited and when she came out, Hena was most perplexed and surprised to see him. Before she could say anything, he stopped her with his comment.

“Please don’t be angry. I know I don’t have a date with you, however to have a meal with you overwhelmed me, thus the reason for me to be here. Furthermore I’ll to go back after our meal together. An ex-mariner honour and promise!”

Hena smiled and laughed. She took him to Level 2, Kartini Indonesian Restaurant. The food there was good and spicy. When the time came to pay the bill, Mark settled by his Bank Card. However Hena insisted that they go Dutch and paid back half the bill amount. They then strolled on to NTUC Fairprice Supermarket and did a spot of dry ration shopping.  After that, he escorted her to the shuttle bus stop and waited there till she boarded. He then took a bus back to Eunos that afternoon. He just loves to be with her.

Their Saturday outings turned to both Saturday and Sunday too. From weekends to one or two evenings during the weekdays plus weekends also. From there, it progressed on to he meeting her at Tanjong Pagar around eight in the evenings during workdays plus weekends too. They would venture to Chinatown and Bugis for meals before he escorted her back to Bayshore Park around eleven at night. By that time, he was holding her hands and would steal a kiss at every opportunity. After all, they have been together for nearly a year and can be said to be a serious couple in love. Hena was now sure that Mark was all hers and willing to walk the long road hand in hand with him, of course subject to, he wanted the same. By then, Mark was a changed man. He was no more the happy go lucky guy. He was more serious at work and saved as much money as he could. That year around December, he did not go back, but manage to send S$3000/- in addition to his monthly remittance of S$200/- per month through Ye Yint store at Peninsular Plaza. Not only was it easier than the bank, the rate of exchange was higher at the black market rate. They also arranged for the funds to be sent directly to his parents at home, latest the next day. He no longer gives the eyes to nice looking skirts passing his way and only wanted to be with Hena all the time. He aims to handle Hena like a fragile flower with all the care and attention. Mark Pwint Phyo was also fixing more ships and was the top broker in his office for that year. Bonus perhaps maybe 3 months pay?

Some Saturdays, given the chance, Mark would cook her a Burmese curry at her place at Bayshore Park. They would at times also just laze by the pool and have a bite at the food outlet in their grounds. Hena says he cooks a mean curry. One Saturday, he cooked her a pork curry accompanied by a Burmese tomatoes salad. Cleaning the kitchen back to its spotless condition took twice as long more than the cooking. After that, he played the 1942 Casablanca on Blue Ray disc. The movie was a famous black and white romance, staring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, which she enjoys. She would cry, laugh, smile and watch it over and over again. He gave the disc as her birthday present. That evening they watched it again while cuddling and kissing on the settee. Strangely that fateful evening it rained heavily which added more intimacy to their cuddles and kissing. One thing led to another. Past midnight he was making love to her for the first time on the settee. They then moved on to her bed. Hena did not switch off the Blue Ray player or the television set, there was no time for that. He was a strong lover but was gentle with her. With the heavy rains outside, the waves of love crashed over and over again, and by morning they were fully spent and drained. Hena was not angry with him on herself. She was just happy to hold his warm body next to hers. She also wished that she could do that for always.

By Sunday around 11.00 a.m., Mark was on his way back to his Eunos HDB apartment, to discharge his chores as per their designated routine posted in the kitchen. Besides, he needed to do his washing and ironing to be ready for the week ahead. Hena also did her normal Sunday chores and does not venture out unless Mark was with her. One thing Mark religiously did was to telephone her every night around midnight without fail. The talks and conversations were never ending.

These lovebirds were now always together, day in, day out. They would not be out of each other sight except when working, sleeping or going about their chores. His friends at the apartment noticed the change in him, but did not questioned and he did not offer any comments either. This was a private affair and none of their concern. The days and months continued, and one Saturday in early March while having their lunch at a Siglap food court, Hena shared about her impending trip to Mark.

“Darling, I need to make my annual trip to Tokyo from 29^th April to 4^th May, to see my parents during the Golden Week, when it’s a holiday there also and catch up. Hope you understand.”

Of course Mark did not like it, but what could he do? What’s got to be done, got to be done. No two ways about this, after all it was a family thing. Tokyo was too far for him to swim, thus he has got to bite the bullet.

“Hena darling, no problem. You go ahead. Parents are important they have done their part, now it’s your turn. I shall call you every night. It’s only an hour difference between Singapore and Tokyo. Besides, it’s only for a six days.”

Hena liked his comment. They continued to enjoy Raja’s fish head curry, which was famous for not having any MSG (monosodium glutamate) and coconut milk. No use crying over spilt milk and sulk, as time together was too short and scarce to be wasted. They walked to the East Coast beach and spent their time lying on the grass beneath the shade of the swaying palm trees, as afternoon sun was penetrating. They talked, laughed and shared an ice cream and ice lollypop too. By the evening they built sand castles together with the children on the beach. When dusk came they feasted on grilled satay (seasoned skewered meat) and otah (fish paste with spices, chilies and coconut milk wrapped in banana leafs) with quy linh cao (Chinese desert of black jelly made from tortoise shells powder and other herbs) with a healthy dose of honey on top, at her favorite East Coast Food Village. Around eight, he walked her back to Bayshore Park. He held her close, lost in own thoughts and did not speak. She enjoyed it and wished that this would never end. She wanted to be always held by him. He was hers to be sure and now nothing could change that. Afterwards, Mark took a bus back to Eunos feeling top of the world.

Back at his apartment room, he was thinking to make a short weekend trip back home while she was away in Tokyo. That way he would save precious time and needed only one day leave. His office will surely be not too unhappy. Mark discussed this over the phone with Hena during their daily chat at night. With her concurrence, Mark booked a return flight to Yangon for himself. On the 28^th April night he picked Hena from Bayshore Park and took her to Changi Airport to catch her All Nippon Airways last flight out of Singapore. At the departure gate before the Immigration counters, he kissed her full on the lips, not for enjoyment but more of a consolation, then me made his way back by MRT to Eunos.

Come Saturday, he also took a flight back to Yangon. From Yangon Mingalardon Airport he took a taxi back to Kabar Aye, his house. All were surprised with his unannounced arrival. No one asked and he put his overnight back in his old room which was converted into a store. He took a cold shower (anyway no hot) and put on his father’s on loan longyi and his cotton tee shirt. They sat together in the sitting room for their daily dose of Korean soap opera with Burmese sub-titles and the national news that followed. The weather was hot with no air-condition, he was sweating even though the fan was on full blast. After the news, he enlightened them.

“Father, mother and little sister, I made this short trip to keep the family posted. I need to be back on Monday at Singapore. I feel that it is my duty to inform you face to face like a man that I have fallen for a lovely Japanese girl, 5/6 years younger than me. It’s getting serious and if everything goes my way, I may end up marrying her.”

Suddenly the electricity went off. They were to be used to this as they had candles at the standby, on the side tables. Mar Mar, his sister got up and lit them while mother handed father a hand held palm leafs fan and placed herself beside him.

He continued, “It’s still a long way off and who knows what the next bend will bring on our common road. At least, I got it off my chest. I also came back as I miss you all and not been back for nearly two years.”

The lights came back on after about an hour. The fan was on again. Mar Mar got up and extinguished the candles and sat on the floor again.

His mother was next to speak, “Does she really love you? Do you think she will be able to stand by you through thick and thin? What about the difference in culture? Can she cook? Hope she is not lazy? What about her education? Large family? Rich? Do you need any money? What’s her health like? Any issue on age difference? I’m your mother, you can tell me. If you are short, don’t forget that we have savings. In the short term, I can sell my diamond buttons and my gold bangles plus my gold comb. That should raise some capital. If the push comes to the shove, I can let go of my jewelry of ruby one set, presently earmarked for Mar Mar.”

“No need mother. She got her degree from Tokyo University and works for a trading house in Singapore, and an only daughter with her parents still living in Tokyo. I think she is beautiful and she does love me. Yes she knows that I am Burmese and even though difference in cultures, she must follow ours and so must I to hers. This is the only way. No two ways on this. So, no need worry.”

Mother continued, “I’m only thinking for you. We all want the best for you. Do you have her photograph? I would like to see what she looks like?”

Mar Mar butted in, “I would prefer a sister-in-law from our own kind and not the slant eyes Japanese.”

Father till now keeping quiet, his face turned red and came down like a ton of bricks.

“That’s enough. Mar Mar, keep your thoughts to yourself. Your brother is a man now and he’s got every right to live his own life. Don’t you influence him in anyway, please do continue my son.”

“Thank you father for your support. Don’t worry Mar Mar, she would love to have a sister-in-law like you. Hena, that’s her name is a hard working girl and with a heart of gold. I’m sure she will be an added asset to our family. I also thought that I would fall in love back home, but this is life. This is fate. I came back just to tell you all, of my situation. I love her and I also love you all. The family comes first and I am here to listen to your thoughts and seek your much needed advice too.”

Father terminated the family meeting.

“Enough. We all now understand and know your situation. Do what you have to do. Tell us if you need any help or assistance. We are here to support you. Tomorrow, go and see your friends and eat what you like. Take the car. It’s all yours. Now it’s well past bed time and all should be turning in.”

That said, father got up and retired for the night.

Mother and Mar Mar continued to pose questions, which they were uncomfortable with. He gave  the answers as well as he could. Sleep was the least on his mind. It felt good to be back with the family and be part of them again. However, Hena never left his mind. God, the weather was hot.

The next morning he went to see his old friends and ate all that he wished, food not available in Singapore. He came back home early and teased his mother and also had a long chat with her. Father worked as an auditor for an accounting firm and Mar Mar is an established lawyer now. Money wise, the family was managing well with his small monthly allotment also. Even though his parents were in their fifties they looked pretty fit and well. Mar Mar, now a grown up woman and pretty too. She must have suitors or was she thinking to be a spinster and stay beside his parents?  Mother still continued to cook and manages the house.  She bought a few sein-ta-lone (solitaire) mangoes for his friends at the apartment in Singapore. Mother asked Hena's date of birth and planned to consult the astrologers next week, monks too he presumed.

Come Monday morning, Mark tuck into a moakhingar (fish thick gravy with small rice noodles), a traditional breakfast fare from a stall near their house, it was good, he enjoyed it. He had a long talk with Mar Mar and found out that she rather remain unmarried and be beside father and mother. She found that more rewarding. He always was close to Mar Mar. By late afternoon he paid his respects to his parents and was driven to Mingalardon Airport by his father. Late afternoon he was back in his HDB apartment and as his buddies came back from work, gave the mangoes. They were more religious then he. They intended to offer to Lord Buddha shrine next morning first, before they ate. They all may be younger than him, however were above him spiritually. That night he rang Hena and told her about his trip but not the discussions he had.

On 4^th April, he met Hena at night, at the arrival gate of the Changi Airport. He took her back to Bayshore Park by taxi. On route she gave him a few packets of preserved cherries that he liked, plus a silver letter opener in the form of a miniature samurai sword complete with sheath. He intends to use place it on his worktable at the office.

PART TWO

=========

Days turned to weeks and then to months. They were a couple heavily in-love. Inseparable in all that they do except for work and sleeping quarters. They could not have enough of each other. For them, 24 hours in a day was too short. One thing was for sure they wanted to grow old together. 5^th November, Guy Fawkes day was celebrated with a dinner by the Singapore River. There, under the cool of the evening breeze he sounded Hena about his yearly trip back home.

“Darling, I would like to go back for a week after Christmas to Yangon. I have not been really back except for the two days last May. They need me and I miss them also as I have not gone back properly since 2 years back. This time of the year is cool in Yangon and I hope you don’t mind.”

Hena had been reading a lot about Myanmar on the Internet, which she found to be interesting. In fact, she was interested in all things Mark.

“No problem, please do take a trip back. If it’s okay with you, I would like the opportunity to meet your parents and also your kid sister too and spend a couple of days meditating at a retreat.”

Mark laughed and replied,” Darling it is not that I mind, but will you be able to face life there? It’s all very basic. The toilet facilities are not yet comparable to Tokyo or Singapore. Mosquitoes will be waiting in the evenings to pounce on you to suck your sweet blood. There will be no air-conditioning and sleep will be under a mosquito net plus don’t expect hot and cold facilities either. However, if you really want to sample Yangon, I can book a hotel room so that you will be more comfortable.”

“I want no special treatments. If you all can take it, I don’t see why I cannot? In my mind, I am prepared to live in the bushes if needed be. The only question is whether you want my company or not?”

“Darling you don’t have to live in the bushes, but are you really up to it, living like a local? Sure?”

“I told you that I am prepared to live even in the bushes. What more assurance do you want from me? If you all can take it, I don’t see why not I?”

“Done, I shall come back to you in a few days.”

“Thank you. I shall be waiting for your positive arrangements.” She smilingly said.

On the second day during their nightly conversation he gave her the latest developments.

“Hena darling, I’ve made return bookings with the agents, leaving on 28^th December and returning on 4^th January. If it’s okay with you, please check with your office and come back to me by tomorrow 1500hours to confirm. Okay?”

“Okay Mark I’ll call you back tomorrow at 3.00 p.m. What about my meditation? Where am I staying? What airline?”

“All in good time my darling. Just give me your firm confirmation tomorrow at 1500hours. Alright? Bye.”

“Bye” Hena said, but she was unhappy with his half answers.

The next day she called him during his lunch break to confirm all was in order but Mark still did not address all her questions. That night during his usual call to her, he gave her the details.

“Darling, confirmed return bookings per Jetstar flight, leaving Singapore on 29^th December at 9.10 a.m., arriving Yangon 10.40 a.m. Returning by same airline on 4^th January at 11.45 a.m., arriving Changi 4.20 p.m. You shall put up at our house and arranged 3 days at Maharsi Yeiktha Meditation Center from 30^th December morning till 2^nd January evening. All in order I hope.”

“Please don’t be sarcastic. Of course it’s all right. I just want to be prepared. After this, I will still have 12 days holidays left. Meaning minus my Golden week in April/May, I should have a balance of 5 days remaining for the year.”  

“Good that you are happy with my arrangements. By the way, being a Jetstar flight, please note only hand luggage and no in-flight meals. Last but not least, I love you.”

“Thank you for all your arrangements. Darling, I love you too, goodnight, bye.”

“Good night, bye” said Mark and smiled to himself and called it a day.

November passed by while many Singapore landmarks and department stores got started with their decorations and by middle of December, most were ready to greet Christmas and the shoppers too. It sure was a pretty sight. Mark and Hena enjoyed the many Christmas decorations and took snapshots of themselves in the make believe white winter land at tropical Singapore. By 29^th December while Singapore waited for the new year, Mark picked Hena by taxi at Bayshore Park and both proceeded to Changi, to catch their Jetstar flight to Yangon two hours ahead of flying time. In Yangon, both were met by the family and all squeezed in the family car, Mar Mar, Hena and himself at the back, while father drove, mother sat in front beside him. At home, Mar Mar offered Hena her bed and agreed to kip with his parents. Hena disagreed and wishes to share the single bed with Mar Mar as this was for a few days only, and did not want his parents to be disrupted. After a few discussions all were settled while he was to sleep in his own bed, in his old room. Hena managed the toiletries. At least the bathroom was clean, dry and without any smells. She also managed a cold shower and changed into a htamein which she borrowed a few from Mar Mar. Mother had three yawgi (follower of Buddhist faith) htameins (Burmese female traditional wrap round skirts) and three white blouses at the ready for her. She tried on one however her wearing of htamein was unbecoming, suppose it will get better with practice. Hena could not share his bed, as they were still unmarried. Sharing accommodations under the same roof was already stretching enough and unacceptable in most eyes. Cultural differences. 

Hena gave Mar Mar an Elizabeth Arden cologne, for mother was a brown calf leather handbag and for father was an Omega automatic watch as presents. Must have cost a bomb. Mark wondered when she bought the items? Mark gave Mar Mar a cotton tee shirt with the words ‘Don’t’ touch’ on the front, an Indonesian Batik for mother and a black Braun Buffel leather wallet for father plus an undying love for all.

The next morning, Mark drove Hena to Maharsi Yeiktha Meditation Center. She was wearing her yawgi htamein and white blouse and extra two sets plus her basic toiletries in a white second hand plastic bag. He handed her to two monks and drove back, betting to himself that there should be many interesting experiences to listen on her return. He spent the day being a chauffeur and drove mother also to Mhawbi town monastery to pay her respects to her monks and introduce him too.

On the 2^nd January evening around 6.00 p.m., he fetched Hena from Mahasi Yeiktha and the two monks and three nuns said their goodbyes to her. Mark also made a donation there, which pleased the monks and nuns.

On the drive back he posed a question to her,  “Well?”

“Well, what? I enjoyed and liked the meditation, all very peaceful and serene. The food and living quarters were acceptable except taking a bath was rather cold from the concrete water storage pond. Apart from that, all was in order. I cannot do it days on end but like to experience it again for a few days on a yearly basis. You should try it.”  

All Mark had to say was “Welcome back to our world and glad you made it.”

They joked and laughed on the way back to home. Home was a single story brick building, with a healthy compound supported by Mango, Jackfruit and Tamarind trees. On arrival, Hena got down to helping mother and Mar Mar at the kitchen. 2nd and 3rd January were also spent at home while he became the family temporary chauffeur and drove father and Mar Mar to work and fetched them back in the evenings. The days were spent mostly at home.

On the 2^nd evening when they all sat down for a family dinner, mother asked Hena to sit beside her.

Mother in her broken English said, “Thamee (Daughter), me to you. Mother diamond ring. Give present. Mother to Hena.”

It was a pleasing and touching gesture to be sure. The ring fitted her right hand first finger even though a bit loose as not made especially for her.

Mark instinctively remarked, “Not necessary mother.”

Mother shot back in Burmese, “Don’t you ever interrupt me or to my actions. I know what is best and will do all that is necessary for the good of the family. Remember you are still my son.”

These were the hands that rocked the cradles and ‘she’ who must be obeyed talking. She was still the law of the family.

All remained quiet.

Hena bent across and kissed mother on the cheeks and muttered, ”Thank you mother, I shall always treasure and wear it too.”

Everybody clapped. Nobody uttered a word. He just realized that he had not offered Hena an engagement ring. Now it was done for him without a word. Mother could see and sense everything without fluttering an eyelid. Father and Mar Mar looked on with delight. It must be the age difference. Mother did the necessaries without the need for referral to him. Good wasn’t it, he said to himself.

Hena went shopping with Mar Mar daily and automatically became her helper. She was her assistant in the early morning marketing and helped mother and Mar Mar in the kitchen too. She also helped in the daily cleaning and washing of clothes. Her wearing of htamein was more neater, and good enough to pass of as a local. Hena aims to be a good sister-in-law to Mar Mar and be an obedient daughter-in-law to mother.  She was turning out well and more than expected. She acclimatized. No more comment.

On the 3^rd January, being their last day in Yangon, they went to Shwe Dagon Pagoda in the evening. The breeze was dry and cooling being January. He offered water at the Thursday corner and added gold leafs at the designated Thursday Buddha’s Shrine. Hena did not know which day she was born on and except only knew her date of birth which mother memorized and reconfirmed the information for astrological calculations later on. Mother’s a smart woman, she saw and heard everything without the need to ask or see. Hena and Mar Mar were like two parrots, always yapping about don’t know what.

4^th January was Independence Day and a holiday there. They both enjoyed the early morning moakhar by a stall near the house, and it was good and delicious. Around ten they had a small meal and both paid respects to his parents as per Burmese culture and tradition. They also prayed by the Buddha Shine in the house and all rushed off to Mingalardon Airport. Before entering the departure gate, Mark kissed mother, father and his kid sister on the cheeks and all gave him a return kiss back. Mother also kissed Hena on her cheeks and squeezed her hands and told her to take care. Hena returned the salutations to all. Suddenly Mar Mar kissed Hena on the cheeks with tears welding in her eyes. He thought she preferred her own kind. What happened?

On the aircraft, Hena had three Balachaung (pounded small shrimps fried with chilies and prawn paste) sandwiches while he had two, prepared for Hena as she liked it, by his mother. Balance one sandwich still remaining wrapped in plastic stored inside her sling bag.  The smell was not that overpowering as nil passengers nor the flight stewardesses complained, or were it an oversight. Don’t know which, as Mark did not ask and didn’t want to know either. 

On route Hena looked at her right finger again and appraised. She thought the ring suited her quite well and did not possess such an item in her small jewelry collection.

“I think it suits me. I like it and I shall wear it for always from henceforth. Pretty, yes?”

Mark commented, ”For what’s worth, the diamond ring belonged to my great, great, great grandmother. She gave it to her daughter, my great, great grandmother as a wedding present. Great, great grandmother handed it down to my great grandmother on their wedding day. Likewise, Great grandmother gave it to grandmother on her first born boy. Grandmother gave it my mother on her wedding day. I do not know what impressed my mother to give it to you. You are the sixth generation and the sentimental and heritage value is priceless as this being our family heirloom. I don’t care much for it’s monetary value but it means a lot to our family, so that you know. Do take care of it.”

“Thank you for the history lesson. All duly noted. What did you give me?”

Mark closed his eyes and pretended not to hear. He said to himself that it was a good week. It seemed as though Hena was well accepted by his family. He thought she did try to blend in. Now what about the tasks ahead?

Mark took Hena back first on landing Singapore and proceeded back to his common apartment at Eunos Crescent. Weeks went by and now they would spend their weekends at Bayshore Park, subject to the Hamadas being away. He cooked and laid the table and Hana did the washing up to the point of acceptance by Mrs. Hamada’s standard. She did cook the rice in the rice cooker though. Time was spent swimming, reading, sleeping, watching television and of course he would make love to her given the opportunity. They both enjoyed the life of a married couple at home, at least during weekends.

One Sunday after cooking and eating a chicken curry with potatoes and a plate of green salads, boiled ladyfingers and sliced raw Japanese cucumbers, Hena informed Mark about her Golden Week trip to Tokyo.

“It’s that time again and soon I shall have to make a trip back to my parents in Tokyo during the Golden Week.”

“Do go. It’s no big deal. This is your annual pilgrimage period. I understand.”

“I was wondering whether you would like to join me? Besides, my parents would like the opportunity to meet you too.”

“Oh I see, my inquisition by your parents. The time is as good as any and better to get it over with, I suppose. I’ll let my office know. I think I’ve got about seven days balance coming to me for this year.”

“Don’t be that sarcastic. My parents are not bad people. As I mentioned about you quite a bit in my conversations, they just wanted to see you and get to know you better, I suppose. They just wanted the best for me. May I take it as a ‘Yes’?”

“The kettle can call the charcoal black or the charcoal can call the kettle black. Black is still black. So, I’m saying that I am ready for my inquisition. Yes, Yes, Yes! I’ll join you this Golden Week.”

“I think you better go back now. I am sure you have lots of chores to be taken care of. Besides the Hamadas’ should be back in a few hours and I have to clean the place back to their standard.”

Hena was not happy with Mark’s attitude. He was right in every sense though. Yes, the visit to Tokyo was for her parents’ personal interview with him. She just did not appreciate his dark humor. She just wanted to put her parents mind at ease and to show them that Mark is every bit an honorable gentleman to be trusted upon.

The situation between them improved with time. Both Hena and Mark became a happy couple again. Mark believes that she must have been a Malay, Indonesian, Burmese or an Indian in her previous life, as she enjoys curries and spicy food more than him. They took only five days leave from work view intervening weekends in between. In actual fact they were spending eight nights there. They left on 28^th night being a Friday by last All Nippon Airways flight. By the time they arrived Tokyo Narita Airport it was 29^th early morning. Hena said to give taxis a miss there, as rather expensive. They stuck to trains and must have changed two, three times before they were on the way to Saitama area which was about 25 kilometers from the heart of Tokyo. As a last leg, they took a Saitama rapid railway line train to Kawaguchi Motogo Station, and he was checked into Sakura Residence. This was an inn where he took temporary residence in a single room with common bath and toilet facilities without breakfast, but the room was cheap. The room was so small that he had a hard time moving inside. Hena left him there and walked to her parents’ apartment. He slept most of the day, after seven hours plus flight and more than ninety minutes trains ride. In the evening, Hena picked him up and walked a few streets down for about ten minutes in Kawaguchi-shi district, to a 10 stories building, one bedroom apartment on the eighth floor. Her parents’ apartment was not small but rather a pigeonhole. Now he understood why he was put up in an inn, not that he minded. There he gave an Inlay light blue hand made silk shawl to Mrs. Nakagawa, and a tiak-pone (Burmese traditional male jacket) beige colour, also hand made to Mr. Nakagawa. He tried it on and fitted like a glove. Mark guessed his size, picking up from many conversations with Hena. After a few pleasantries, the inquisition started in earnest, but in short episode at a time.  Around eight thirty, they all moved to a small Japanese restaurant down their street. Mrs. Nakagawa does not cook large meals at home. Her father worked as a pharmacist in a nearby shohousen (pharmacy) and her mother works for Japan Post Office in the area. Both are around mid fifty-five and spoke English. Was it a blessing in disguise?

The restaurant was small but cozy. Being Japanese food the presentation as usual was beautiful and tastes good but not spicy, as Hena would have wished. Part one and two of the inquisition was over and Mark believes that he passed it. All the same he felt as bit disappointed as Hena just looked on while he spoke. Must be their culture he supposed.

Everyday while there, Hena picked him up for breakfast around eight and they would have it around the corner where there were a few food outlets. Breakfast would be plain rice porridge accompanied with grilled fish and some pickles or udong (thick rice round noodles) with soup and a couple of slices of fish cake etc. The inquisition would start in Mr. Nakagawa’s apartment in short burses till lunch and would continue in the evenings likewise up to dinner and beyond on some nights. They wanted to know everything. From his qualifications, his work, pay, his aspirations, how’s he currently living, his parents, family, Yangon house, their careers etc. etc. Mark thought that work interviews were a piece of cake compared to this.

Out of a total eight nights there, they visited three hot springs. Namely, Niwa no Yu, Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura and Spa LaQua. They were not cheap, but their parents and Hena seemed to enjoy it. To Mark, it was one big glorious bath.

Mrs. Nakagawa said it all, “Enjoy it. It’s our tradition having a family bath together. Nothing to be ashamed of our naked bodies. We spent many an hour in an Onsen and talk over things. Good relaxation.”

The view of seeing Hena beautiful body like this baring a small white towel covering her private parts was enjoyable, however, same cannot be said for the others.

“Thank you Mrs. Nakagawa. I’m not used to very hot water, but I will enjoy it to be sure.”

He was always the last one in. Mark would dip in his toes first, followed by his feet, then his legs and the body would gently slide in slowly, but the smile never left his face. God it was hot.

Mr. Nakagawa stated, “I bought our apartment about 27 years ago before Hena was born. We did not expect another baby. This was supposed to be temporary, as we owned a house in Kusatsu town. When Hena was born and went to school, we did not wanted to disrupt her studies and besides, everything was so convenient here, thus our stay up to this day.”

Mark also learnt a few pointers about Hena, which she did not mention. Hena must have slept in the small living room area cum her bedroom at night. He could not fathom how they took it in their strides. It must be normal in Tokyo.

Mrs. Nakagawa added, “Kusatsu town is famous for its hot springs and in close proximity to Kyoto and Osaka with less than 150,000 inhabitants. My eldest son and his family that is with my two grand children are staying there. It’s a three bedrooms two stories house, very comfortable. Should you both wishes to stay there or in Tokyo, you’re most welcome. We can always move back to Kusatsu town.”

Mark was thinking of Japan’s population of around 126 million and Tokyo inhabitants near to 8 million against Singapore’s 6 million, therefore definitively a no. The crux of the matter was living spaces being so tiny that one can hardly breathe. However, he knew what to say.

“Thank you very much Mrs. Nagakawa for your kind offer, I’ll put it in mind.”

She further said, “ Hena, that’s a nice ring. The cut of the diamond looks like from the days gone by and the ring seem to be ancient.”

Hena replied, “Yes mother, a present from Mark’s mother a few months back. I like it, pretty isn’t it?”

Mr. and Mrs. Nakagawa being vivid golfers, spends most of their free time on the driving range as booking for a round of golf on a course takes about a year. On such a day, the whole day was dedicated to golf, even though playing itself was about 3 to 4 hours only. The rest of the period, were used up by traveling time. He had a few dinners at the driving rage with them.  Her parents liked it.

To be sure both Hena parents were good and perfect hosts, though no sight seeing were done and none offered. This trip was purely for his inquisition, even though Hena does not appreciate his choice of words. With that on 5^th May, the trip came to an end. Both bided their farewells and salutations and took long train rides back to Tokyo Narita Airport in the late afternoon. The inquisition was finally over, thank god for that.

On their All Nippon Airways flight back to Singapore, Hena smiled and made a comment.

“Darling, you passed with flying colours. They liked you.”

“I told the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth.”

“Alright Mr. Bighead, let us re-energize. Back to the salt mines tomorrow.”

Mark pretended not to hear and stared blankly into the pages of an in-flight magazine. Such times, silence was golden. 

On arriving Changi Airport, Mark took Hena first to Bayshore Park and thence a ride back to Eunos Crescent. He just realized how tired and bused his body was. It was taxing on his brains too.

Marriage? A HBD 4 rooms apartment first!

In Singapore, they continued to view 4 rooms HDB apartments to rent in the Marine Parade area by the sea. Their intention being one bedroom for themselves, one for future kid(s) and the other room for their parents should they wish visit them, and currently be a study or spare room. They may look into changing their citizenship in the future.

Singapore being just a short hop to Yangon and not too far a ride on the aircraft for Hena to Tokyo either. The medium of English was acceptable in most places also. As such, this was their perfect choice as a compromise in an equatorial paradise, where the weather was kindly with full amenities and a good land to bring up children too. They choose this area as Hena enjoys the East Coast and the variety of food offered was endless. The distance to town was not too far and in close proximity to the airport. Besides the sense of space, freedom and transport plus amenities were all at their finger tips. This being their aspirations.

Indecently, Hena never finished reading ‘When eight bells toll’.