Home Alone

It was 5.30 PM. The chatter of colleagues making weekend plans drowned the noise of Maya’s phone buzzing nearby. When she finally heard it, her eyes sparkled with excitement. “Who could it be?” She seldom received calls nowadays. Could it be her brother? Was he finally planning to fly down from Kuwait to spend some quality time with her away from his busy bank job? 

She grabbed the phone and rushed towards the water cooler for some privacy.  It was Dana, her counsellor, calling to reschedule her appointment. Maya obliged! After all, her weekends were quite uneventful, except for leisurely outings with Max. Max was six and waited for weekends when he could have Maya all for himself. They would visit the park, the beach or just walk at the Marina enjoying the sea breeze. He was as lonely as she was!

She switched off her laptop and hurried to the elevator. Max was really all she had to hug and hold after her husband Neil’s death two years ago.  Until then, they had been a happy trio, having fun weekends like normal families. There were picnics, BBQs and parties with Neil’s colleagues. Those were merely memories now. Maya had lost her mum and Neil within the same year. She would have slipped into a depression had it not been for the responsibility of caring for Max. Often as she cuddled him, she relived the happy life they’d had. 

Maya preferred not to chat with anyone in the elevator. Pity and sympathy – she’d had enough of both! 12th Floor. Jay stepped in. He was probably the only person who didn’t fuss about her changed circumstances. He had interviewed her years ago for this job. He was quite the star at the office. Still a bachelor, people joked that his rise to success was a result of being married to his job. 

Ground Floor. Maya hurried towards the building’s exit, then frowned. It was pouring outside. The metro station was a good seven-minute walk. She sighed. “Can I drop you home, Maya?” It was Jay. She was still collecting her thoughts to respond when he added, “I’m going over to my sister’s. You once told me you live in the vicinity. Same place? Or have you moved?” “Yah, it’s the same place,” she mumbled. “But I’ll take the metro. Don’t bother.” He insisted. It all happened quickly and before she knew, they were in his car cruising through the rain drenched roads of Dubai. 

Despite her initial hesitation, Maya felt at ease sinking into the comfortable leather seat. Soon she was giggling at Jay's funny anecdotes from the office. Maya’s thoughts wandered. Neil had always picked her from the office thanks to her fear of driving. Now she was forced to take the metro which was tedious. 

“Should we grab a quick dinner?” Maya was jolted by Jay’s offer. It seemed inviting but she thought of little Max, waiting patiently for her hugs. Maya declined, “I really need to get home.” “Oh, it will be quick. There’s a nice Chinese restaurant down the road,” Jay insisted. “No, I’m sorry. Max is alone at home. It will be his dinner time soon,” Maya spoke softly. For the first time, Jay felt a little guilty. He didn’t know Maya had a child. His mind wandered to the first day they’d met. She was impressive at the interview. After her husband’s death, he had often thought about getting to know her better. She seemed withdrawn and he had secretly hoped to bring her smile back.

Maya was now directing him to her block. She got off and thanked him. Suddenly Jay gathered the courage to ask, “Do you mind if I come upstairs to meet Max?” Maya hesitated. Max had become awfully wary of strangers. But Jay had been kind and it would seem rude to refuse. “Sure. Come along,” she said. Her mind was racing. “Would Max overreact, or would he behave? Jay pondered too. Should he have at least carried a box of chocolates for the little boy? It was too late now. 

Maya unlocked the door. Jay walked in looking around the delightfully decorated living room. As expected, hearing a stranger walk in, Max had gone into hiding. Maya went in calling out to him. Jay waited. Maya appeared carrying Max in her arms. Jay was shocked. Then he laughed. “Can I carry him?” he asked, “Growing up, I had two dogs myself, both retrievers.” “Of course,” Maya smiled, “If you keep him busy, I’ll fix his dinner and then make us coffee.” Maya was relieved. Her pug was now snuggling cosily in Jay’s arms. 

Amidst relaxed laughs and a wagging tail, the smell of fresh coffee embraced the apartment. It seemed like no one would be home alone on weekends anymore.