Nocturne is a romantic short story I planned on posting for Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that. Writing it took time, but editing it took even longer. It’s a short story inspired by my VIP duty, which was a disaster. My experience was bad. Nocturne is a story I wrote wishing things could have gone a little differently. It’s also an ode to the one good thing throughout my duty. That is the hotel I stayed at. It’s called Tripura Castle. It’s a heritage I fell in love with and is my favourite place in the city. Nocturne is longer than the usual short stories I write, and I hope you all enjoy reading it. The featured image is a picture I took of an area within Tripura Castle.

***

The moon gate stood before us, inviting us to enter another dimension. Its crescent shape was covered with green moss and dew, sparkling in the dying winter sun like jewels embedded in a crown. It promised us entrance to a place where dreams came true. 

Our ambulance ambled behind the white cars that escorted an important person attending a national event. We crossed the gate, and beyond it was a driveway lined with lights, illuminating the driveway up to the Castle. I watched the canopy of trees above us sway as a gentle breeze blew through the hill.

The Castle loomed over us in all its glory. A large two-story house that stretched from one end of the estate to the other. Its wooden verandas and slopping roof gave it a vintage touch, a heritage that withstood the test of time. The golden glow around it gave it a cosy feeling as if one was home.

The line of cars came to a stop as our important guest disembarked at the Castle entrance. Not knowing what he looked like, I assumed I was escorting a tall, handsome middle-aged man. I got out of the ambulance and took in my surroundings. The sun, setting behind the hills, and the fireflies lit up the courtyard as crickets chirped to fill the silence. If peace was a place, this was it. It was difficult to believe that such a picturesque scene existed in the heart of the bustling city.

I leaned against the ambulance, staring at the crescent moon above, waiting for information to trickle down the hierarchal ladder. Time passed by when an overweight man dressed in new formal attire walked in our direction. I stepped away from the medical team and met him halfway, a thing we always did on the numerous duties we attended.

“So the Governor will have a cup of tea, rest for an hour or so and head towards the Plenary meet where he’ll have dinner,” He said, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. Being the Liaison Officer of our team, the stress was getting to him. He never smoked except when he needed an escape.

“He’s not eating here?” I asked, surprised by his decision.

“It’s supposed to be a dinner where all the delegates meet before the big day tomorrow,” He explained. “You want one?”

I shook my head, refusing the offered stick. He lit it with a match and blew smoke into the clean air.

“If I were him, I’d rather eat here and refuse to meet the other delegates,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. I pulled my overcoat tighter as another winter breeze blew past.

“I’d do the same. Have you gotten your rooms yet?”

“Yes, they were confirmed a little while ago.”

“Lucky,” He said as he puffed another cloud of smoke. “I, on the other hand, have to go home.”

“I wouldn’t call myself lucky. I’ve always wanted to stay here. Now that I get the chance to, I can’t even enjoy it.”

“Of course, if anything happens to our important man, he’ll be your responsibility.”

“Here’s hoping nothing happens,” I said, crossing my fingers as we stood beneath the milky twilight.

“Do relay the information to your team. I’ve got to head back. In the meantime, you guys can eat something at the restaurant,” He put out his cigarette in an empty matchbox where it would lie forgotten. As he walked back to the Castle entrance, he took out his mouth refresher and sprayed in two puffs to cover up the smell of burnt cigarette that clung to him like a shroud.

I relayed the information to my team as we walked around the estate. Out of the many restaurants, we chose to eat in one that overlooked the valley below. While we dined, the sound of the violin echoed in the back. The place was so surreal none of us uttered a word, afraid to shatter the illusion. Food melted in our mouths, sending our taste buds into a frenzy. Only when we returned to the ambulance did we speak. Even then, all we talked about was the Castle. It cast a spell that bound us mind, body and soul. 

It wasn’t long before it was time for our guest to leave for dinner. The police personnel and guards gathered around and got into their respective cars. The pilot vehicle zoomed past, followed closely by a trail of white cars. Our driver shifted gears and accelerated after them. 

The stony building that housed large conference halls looked ugly in comparison. It was a concrete building painted white with a dome on top. Its unpleasant sight made me long for the Castle. After we dropped off our guests, we made our way to the parking, where we waited.

I got out of the ambulance to stretch my legs and joined a few doctors who, like me, were on escort duty. They huddled together near the security shed where the winter wind couldn’t attack them from all sides. The cold January air stung my face as I walked towards them. Never in our wildest dreams did we think, after getting our degree, we’d end up standing in the cold, waiting on someone who didn’t give us an ounce of importance. Being part of the escort team, we weren’t allowed to set foot inside the building. A fully equipped and larger medical team was stationed inside, ready to respond to any emergency. So we stayed out, trading horror stories as our breath fogged the misty air.

The sudden blare of my phone cut through the flowing conversation. It was our Liaison Officer.

“Hey, come in and have dinner,” He said as his voice cracked over the line.

“Are you sure we’re allowed in?” I asked as expectant eyes looked at me. 

“Yes. Tell the other medical teams to come and eat as well.”

“Alright, thanks.”

Everyone cheered as we trooped through the entrance and climbed up the stairs to the dining area. Unlike the Castle shrouded in mysticism, the hall was a stark contrast to it. People laughed and talked loudly; the ambience was chaos. As I stood in line for the food, my eyes settled on the assortment of salads. I stared agape at the bowl of spring onions with the words ‘Caesar Salad’ taped to it.

“Please tell me they’re kidding?” My colleague, Karen, said, unable to take our eyes off the glum-looking bowl. We shared a look before we burst out laughing. It was the first time I’d laughed since my duty began, and it felt good.

“Excuse me, may I have a glass of water please?” A voice came out of nowhere. It was deep yet gentle, a tone I would describe immaculate. Never before had someone’s voice caught my attention, let alone make me want to melt at the sound. 

The voice belonged to a man in uniform with a stern face. While he lacked height, he made up for it with confidence. He exuded an air of authority, making me feel like a peasant in his presence. When his eyes travelled to the filtered water behind me, it was only then that I realised I was blocking the line to the drinking water. Too shy to meet his gaze or have a good look at him, I took a step forward, allowing him access to the water.

I kept my attention on my plate as I heaped food onto it till the end of the line. Karen and I found empty seats and sat down before anyone else could claim them. As we ate, I could not stop my mind from wandering to the man in uniform. Even though I didn’t get a good look at him, he was striking enough to leave an impression. The immediate attraction was there. He was like this magnet, and I, a piece of iron, that happened to step into his magnetic field. I shook my head, getting him out of my thoughts. I was giving too much importance to a man who said, “Get out of my way,” In the friendliest way possible.

As I raised my spoon to eat another spoonful of rice, there he was, standing in front of me. It was as if my brain had conjured him out of nowhere. He stood unbothered by the people running around him, one hand carrying a beige briefcase. Like the Castle, an air of mysteriousness followed him. He stopped our Liaison Officer carrying an empty plate on his way for seconds. As they talked, our eyes locked, and for a few seconds, time slowed. His face remained hidden behind a white mask. Beneath his hat peeked a pair of frameless glasses. Flustered, I turned to Karen and started a conversation with her. When I looked back, he was gone, making my heart sink a little.

We returned to the Castle, and after the team briefing for the next day, we went our separate ways. I waved goodnight at our Liaison Officer as we headed to our room. Most hotels offered a room as a subconscious reminder of the short stay. However, the Castle included a minimalistic kitchen, a large bedroom, a living room and a bathroom. The Castle didn’t give you a room. It gave you a home. 

I showered and changed into a set of comfortable clothes and sat by the phone, waiting for it to ring. The Castle, in all its homeliness, couldn’t cure my anxiousness. If anything happened to our important guest, everything was on my shoulders. I kept running scenarios where I tried to figure out the best course of action. It did nothing to ease my nerves. Instead, it increased my heart rate to the point I was experiencing palpitations. I looked at the wall clock that read a few minutes to eleven. 

“I’m going for a walk. I’ll be back in a bit,” I said, walking out the door and glancing at the phone one last time before pushing it into my leg pocket.

The night was freezing. My nose and cheeks stung as I paced the small yard outside our room. The air was so clean; the stars twinkled without any distortion. I turned heavenward and found the great bear dominating the northern sky. I pulled my muffler over my nose and strolled around the Castle.

I walked the stone-paved path as soft classical music emanated from the Castle walls. People in elegant clothes filtered in and out of the glass doors. I watched the crème of society dine, holding glasses of fine wine in their hands. My walk extended a little longer than I’d intended, and eventually, the music stopped. The pianist sitting in the foyer closed the lid of the piano keys before walking away.

I walked towards the piano, pulled my cap off and placed it on top. I looked around for permission to play, but the place was desolate. At that hour, the Castle had begun turning in for the night. I opened the lid and traced my hand over the black and white keys. Years passed since I last sat in front of the instrument I played as a child.

“Excuse me, Miss! I’m sorry, but guests aren’t allowed to play the piano,” The pianist said, running towards me at full speed.

In normal circumstances, I would have relented, but tonight was different. Being here was a miracle, and I wasn’t going to miss out on playing in such a magical place, even if my skills were rusty.

“Can I please give it a go?” I promise to play a classical piece,” I said, looking up at the pianist with pleading eyes.

He stopped to think for an answer as he caught his breath.

“Show me how good you are. I’ll let you play one piece. If it’s good I’ll let you play on,” He said after some thought.

I gulped at his words and turned to face the keys. I blew into my hands and rubbed them for warmth. Even with gloves on, my fingers were as stiff as a rock. I slid them off and readied myself. I played the first tune that popped into my head, Bach’s Invention Number 8.

My stiff fingers tumbled over the keys, refusing to move how I wanted them to. The sound that resonated was harsh, but as the piece progressed, my hands regained some warmth, and the music flowed. I played the last notes and turned to the pianist for approval. 

“I had my doubts, but you are good. You can play till twelve but after that no more music. I’m afraid it’s hotel policy.”

I looked at the time and read 11:55. I had exactly five minutes.

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you so much,” I said, smiling at his retreating figure.

I eased since I was no longer under the scrutiny of professional eyes. My shoulders relaxed as my fingers spread across the black and white keys. I closed my eyes and played the one piece I thought was perfect for the place. Chopin’s Nocturne Op 9 No. 2 echoed through the Castle. It was the most romantic piece I learnt to play, one I never fell out of love with. The music flowed like a gentle stream on a sunny day without any hindrance as I poured my heart into the song. My fingers glided over the keys as if they had never stopped playing. For four minutes and thirty seconds, I teleported to a place without woe. As I ended the piece, the last of my worries vanished. I closed the lid over the keys, stood up and exited the empty foyer. 

*

“I’m afraid housekeeping didn’t find any woollen cap, Ma’am,” The receptionist said with a practised smile.

“I’m sure I left it in the foyer last night. You can ask the pianist,” I said, fighting off the annoyance in my voice.

“I will, Ma’am, once his shift starts.”

“Thank you,” I said, looking at my wristwatch. I couldn’t afford to wait since it would soon be time for us to head to the Plenary meeting. I ran down the steps and headed to the Castle’s front yard, where everyone gathered. Not getting the proper rest my body required, I stayed put in the ambulance. My sleep had been disturbed, and I had no one to blame but myself. I would fall asleep for an hour and wake up, hallucinating my phone was ringing. I sat in the front seat and closed my eyes to catch up on some sleep.

The car shook as our nurse jumped into the seat next to me. My eyelids drooped until I caught the reflection of the man in uniform descending the Castle steps. Intuition told me there was a possibility we were on the same team, but I didn’t think it could be true. As our guest emerged, my eyes were drawn to the man holding the door for him. Their car zoomed past us, and we followed them three cars down.

Like the previous day, we weren’t allowed to set foot within the premises of the Plenary meeting. Karen and I met up and walked to a nearby park. The waters of the lake rippled as we sat beneath the branches of a tree that sheltered us from the sun. We ate a box of sandwiches I got packed with ducks waddling around us. We both couldn’t wait for our duty to get over and return home and relax. I never mentioned that the tiniest bit of me wished it extended for one extra day if it meant a chance to meet the man in uniform. 

We whiled away our time until we thought it was time to return to the ambulance, not realising it meant sitting for another two hours. I was sound asleep when the ambulance shuddered to live, waking me up from my deep slumber.

“We headed back to the Castle?” I asked, wiping my mouth as I sat up.

“Yes,” The driver answered.

My neck hurt from the awkward position I slept in. It complained as our car zoomed through the city, trying to keep up with the cars in front. Like the first day we arrived at the Castle, we waited in the courtyard for news. One of the Castle dogs greeted me when I stepped out of the ambulance. I crossed my fingers, hoping our esteemed guest would stay put and wouldn’t go out anywhere. Thirty minutes later, our Liaison Officer arrived with information.

“He’s not going anywhere any more, so all of you are dismissed. Except you,” He said, looking at me with a wry smile.

While everyone else packed up their things, we returned to our room. Even though we didn’t have to go out any longer, I stayed in my work clothes just in case I got summoned. The nurse and I had a cup of tea as we sat on the sofa, relieving our sore backs. While we sat silently watching TV, she drifted off to sleep, her tea left forgotten on the table. Her soft snores sounded as I placed her legs up and covered her with a warm blanket. Not wanting to disturb her sleep, I grabbed my overcoat and headed to the foyer where I knew the pianist would be. I hurried up the stairs, and as luck would have it, there he was, playing his rendition of La Vie En Rose.

“That was beautiful,” I said, clapping my hands as I walked towards him. 

“Thank you,” He said, bowing his head.

“Do you have my woollen cap with you?” I asked. “I left it here last night.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t have it with me.”

“There goes another good cap,” I sighed in defeat.

“One of our guests enjoyed your Nocturne last night. He complimented me, but I had to come clean,” He said, standing up.

I was rendered speechless. It was the biggest compliment I’d received in a long time. I was so stunned I didn’t know what the appropriate response was. The pianist stepped aside and offered me the stool.

“He would love to hear you play it again,”

I looked around the foyer and noticed a man on one of the pristine sofas with a newspaper. A pair of well-ironed trousers and shiny brown shoes poked out. 

“Don’t worry about messing up. He doesn’t know a thing about music,” The pianist whispered in my ear. He gave me a reassuring smile before he stood behind me.

I sat at the piano and placed my fingers on the wooden keys. My hands trembled. It was ages since I played for anyone. I took in a deep breath before Chopin’s Nocturne echoed. I allowed the music to control and lead me. The rhythm flowed seamlessly from start to finish. I turned to look at the pianist. Instead, I found the man in uniform standing there, his newspaper abandoned on the chair. His eyes widened, and so did mine. I stood up from my seat to meet him.

“You’re the girl I met at dinner,” He mumbled. I didn’t think he intended me to hear his words, but I did. I turned red at the sound of them. I didn’t think he noticed me that night, let alone remembered. We didn’t share a word, yet something between us transpired. 

“I think this is yours,” He said after a few seconds of awkward silence. He fished out my woollen cap from his pocket. “I love Nocturne, and when I heard the song last night, I had to see who the pianist was. By the time I reached the foyer, the only thing present was this. You play it well.”

“Thank you,” I said, blushing even more as our fingertips brushed as I took the cap from him.

“So, you’ve been staying here the whole time, doctor?”

“Oh, you don’t have to call me that. Sam is fine. And yes, I’ve been staying here.” 

“I have two hours to spare before my boss wakes up. Would you like to join me for coffee?” 

Unable to accept what was happening, I stumbled over my answer. 

“I’d love to,” I replied, meeting his gaze.

His stern face broke into a smile for the first time.