Page 116 of The Secrets of the Tea Garden

CHAPTER 22

Two days later they said farewell to Rafi. Sophie was going as far as Shillong with him, and then returning in the car with Daleep. Libby gave Rafi a fierce hug, trying not to cry. No one knew when they would see him again but no one wanted to say so.

‘Have fun in Delhi,’ she said.

Rafi smiled and kissed her forehead. ‘Tell Ghulam, I’ll look forward to playing cricket with him in Lahore when he comes to visit after Independence.’

Libby gave him a tearful smile. ‘I’ll write and tell him everything,’ she promised.

They waved him away with shouts of encouragement, watching as the car bumped down the drive and went out of sight beyond the factory compound.

Later that day Manzur arrived from the Oxford. Libby saw the strain on his handsome face, despite his smile of greeting.

Over lunch James asked his assistant what his parents wanted to do.

Manzur looked embarrassed. ‘Sahib, that depends what you intend to do – whether you will be coming back to Cheviot View. If you return they will stay as long as you want them.’

‘And if I don’t?’ asked James. ‘Would they want me to find them another employer?’

Manzur shook his head. ‘They only want to work for Robson sahib.’

James put down his knife and fork, his lunch hardly touched.

Libby asked, ‘With all the uncertainties going on, are you worried about them staying in such an isolated place?’

Manzur held her look and nodded. ‘For them, yes. I am not afraid for myself.’

‘So if we don’t return to Cheviot View,’ she said, ‘where would you want them to go?’

‘They would want to go back to Bengal – to family.’

‘Then that is what I will arrange,’ said James. ‘I shan’t be returning to Cheviot View. But I’ll provide them with a pension, so you mustn’t worry about them.’

‘There is no need,’ said Manzur at once. ‘I will take care of my parents.’

‘I’m sure you will,’ said James, ‘but I insist on giving them something. Aslam has served me and my family loyally since I arrived in India.’

‘And Ayah Meera,’ added Libby. ‘Mother would want her to be rewarded too.’

Manzur looked overwhelmed. ‘They will be very grateful – as am I. Thank you, sahib.’

‘That’s settled then,’ said James, relief on his face. ‘You can put the wheels in motion for packing up the house. No point delaying. I imagine your parents will want to travel before ... before the fifteenth of August.’

Manzur nodded. ‘And where shall everything be sent?’

‘Sent?’ queried James.

‘Your household possessions,’ he said. ‘Or will we store them in the godowns till you decide ...?’

James glanced at Libby and then said, ‘No, I want everything sent to Bombay to be shipped to England.’

‘Dad?’ said Libby in surprise.

‘I’ve decided to return home,’ he said, his voice strained. ‘I’m retiring for good. Leaving India.’

Libby gaped at the sudden announcement. She saw from Clarrie’s astonished look that she had not known of his decision either. Libby could see tears welling in her father’s eyes and knew he was too overcome to speak.

Manzur stood up. ‘May I wish you many happy years of retirement, sahib. It has been a pleasure working for you. You have taught me a lot and been a good friend to me and to my parents.’ He looked at Libby. ‘All the Robsons have been like friends to me.’ He put his hand to his heart. ‘Thank you.’