54. Escape From the Farm!

It’s now the 4th day into my farming adventure. Ā I did not get out of bed to go up another tree. Ā I couldn’t help but notice there was a lot of commotion round about the place. Ā I decided to get up if for nothing else then to see what was happening.

To summarize; an older man, a Punjabi gentleman also did not get out of bed to go to the trees this morning. Ā It would seem it wasn’t by choice though. Ā The coroner had just arrived in the community to collect him; not an all together unfamiliar scene here apparently, at least according to the talk I was catching.

His personal belongings were soon collected by some authoritative figure at the camp. Ā This man had lived in a different ā€˜residence’ than I, so I didn’t actually see everything but of course word travelled fast and I was amazed when I heard about this man’s stash.

A wooden box had been retrieved from under his bed. Ā Apparently the elder man was indeed old fashioned and having no use for modern ways, never used a bank. Ā There must’ve been years of cash, his pay I guess, stuffed neatly away in that box. Ā 

I remember hoping the right thing would be done and the money sent off to his next of kin, if indeed they could be found. Ā I was 22 years of age and I knew full-well that I didn’t want to leave this farm like that so … Ā Ā 

Escape from the farm! Ā Ā I found the guys I’d came in with and thanked them for helping me get this job. Ā I confessed I was not cut out for this and it was my time to leave; must return to my original path, the one in the city. Ā 

They offered to drive me to the Greyhound bus station and gratefully I accepted the lift. Ā It was nice to have a few dollars in my pocket: Ā I bought a ticket and was on my way.

Lalit offered a cheerful smile when I walked into his front door of the hotel. Ā It also felt good to pay my rent 2 weeks (total of $14) in advance. Ā 

A nice hot shower was in order and that night I slept very well in my own space. Ā 

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45. At Last I’ve Been Dealt the Perfect Hand – Thursday

January 1959

Thursday morning. Ā I got dressed with a little more spring in my step, enjoyed my breakfast and made sure to grab that bag with those documents before heading out the door.

I looked one more time into the bag, making sure I had also put the $10 American cash (which I had saved from previous American encounters) and my British passport. Ā I did.

I went directly to my job. Ā I worked for an hour and a half and then, it was tea time! Ā Taking advantage of this leisurely break I excused myself and went straight to the U.S. Consulate’s office. Ā 

Theresa was there at her desk and she greeted me with an adorable smile, Ā ā€œNice to see you again.ā€ Ā I put my bag upon the counter, removing all the papers and such, placing them there.

She just looked at me. Ā She didn’t touch them. Ā I’m looking at her, she’s looking at me, still Theresa is not touching them. Ā 

ā€œYou know what?ā€ Ā she asked. Ā ā€˜What?’ I replied. Ā I waited for her to say something else. Ā I am smiling and I don’t know why. Ā The suspense was a bubble just waiting to burst.

She finally spoke, ā€œI am dreaming. I don’t believe it.ā€ Ā Theresa tapped the papers.

ā€˜Did I do something wrong?’ Ā I asked her. Ā ā€œThere’s no way possible!ā€ Ā she said. Ā 

ā€œI’ve never witnessed anything like this since I’ve worked with the Consulate’s office.ā€ Ā Now she’s beginning to flip through the papers. Ā Seems to have met her approval. Ā Ā 

ā€œYou know Mr Masala, I have worked with this office, first in Noumea and now Suva, and I have never had a case like this where the paperwork was completed so rapidly. Ā Usually it’s 3-4 weeks and sometimes more!ā€ Ā 

Making a neat pile of it all, she took from me my passport, the American cash for the processing fee and all the paperwork back into the other office; the Office of the Consulate General.

About 10 minutes later she returned. Ā ā€œOkay that’s it! Ā You have an appointment tomorrow morning at 10am sharp to take your oath!ā€ Ā Theresa seemed excited for me, well it certainly sounded like that. Ā ā€œThen you can collect your visa.ā€

Theresa sent me on my way with, ā€œSuch determination and great follow through Mr. Masala. Ā Good day!ā€

I could feel it, I was ready to fly!

Now I returned to work and stayed put for the rest of my shift. Ā But not before giving Jules another great big hug. Ā ā€œNand, come back soon and take me with you!ā€ she told me as she hugged me back.

Passing on the celebratory cold Guinness temptation, I needed to get home right away this evening. Ā I was even more determined to relish in my family time. Ā 

No developments or questions. Ā It was to be like any other evening at home. Ā I wasn’t expecting to see Noori until the weekend as that has been the normal.

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