'Cliffsword Library'

No one can elide the scorching sun outside on a mid-summer afternoon. Sitting in the library at this hour only meant closing my eyes and leaning on the chair, while the table fan tries hard to beat the heat. The library had been empty at this hour for a few days now. 

I wondered if I could close the library and head home. This was an inconceivable thought for my parents for they staunchly insisted on abiding by the strict timings of the library. The timings have been 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, for almost forty years now. 

 

If I ever avouched for making a strong shift to other viable profiting business options, they bogged me down with the story of my grandfather. I have been told about the magical powers of the library. The dreams and the events that shaped my grandfather’s life, all occasioned from this Cliffsword Library. 

 

My grandfather had started the library in the year 1980. He was only 20 years old when he realized his voracious reading skills has led him to be the owner of uncountable number of books.

 

In the 80s, there was no dream of locals moving to other places for job or work. Most men either ran small businesses, worked at the local schools or were engaged in farming. My grandfather’s father was a high school teacher and his mother was a homemaker, as was common among the females in those days. They could afford to provide him primary education but they dreaded the thought of sending their only son away for higher education or for work. My grandfather quietly ceded to his fate and decided to work at the local tyre shop, until one day, he saw an opening at one of the shops. The shop belonged to an old man who had recently died, and his ambitious son was looking to give up the shop at a very cheap price. He wanted to move away to a more promising city. The dilapidated shop was environed with three concrete walls and one plain glass wall. The glass wall, with the door, overlooked the street. On one side of the shop was a tailor shop and on the other side was a small deli.

 

My grandfather had been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time. He had saved some money and after deliberations with his parents, he decided to buy the place. He had planned to make a library out of his oddity of reading books. He had planned it meticulously as the town had no libraries prior to that. He got a little investment from a local money-lender and decided on a payback plan by depositing a fixed sum of $20 per month for ten months.

 

After having used the initial funds to buy the place, to carry out the repairs and to buy the essential furniture, my grandfather was ready to start his library and quit his job at the tyre shop. He used the family name and called it ‘Cliffsword Library’. He had envisioned it to be the family legacy and indeed, it continues to be. 

 

He carefully arranged all the books on the shelves. He classified them based on genre and he kept one shelf for the ‘recommended reading’ section. He placed new recommendations based on genre on this shelf every week. People found it fascinating at the time mainly because all sorts of digital advancements, which we see now, were considered a necromancer’s trick.

 

My grandfather had lured the readers by offering them a membership of the Cliffsword Library for a month at the price of only $5. The members were issued an identity card that allowed them to read as many books as they liked, with a limit of three books a week. They were expected to return the books in six days. They could take the books home or just sit and read in the library. The only problem was that since the place was too small, he could only place two chairs and a small table. Most readers, therefore, preferred to carry the books home. 

 

The library, being a novelty, was an instant hit. Soon people from nearby towns also started visiting the library as the other towns were only four to five miles away. As the crowds gathered, my grandfather approached a book vendor, far-off in the city, to send new books monthly. The vendor used to come and handover new books to my grandfather and collect cash from him.

 

Things were going as usual, when one day a young girl visited the town. She was walking down the street when my grandfather saw her and was rendered speechless by her beauty. He hoped against hope that she visits the library. And when she turned and looked inside the library, her eyes met his, and she walked in. As she entered, she looked at the book shelves first before approaching my grandfather at the counter. All that while, my grandfather was trying to calm his trembling body. He didn’t know if he could utter words if she approached him. And after a moment had passed, she approached the counter.

 

She timidly said, “I am from the town of Clyderside. It is three miles to the east from here. I wanted to know if I can get a book to read from your library.”

 

My grandfather could not hear her words clearly but he could gather the context. Mustering up all the courage, he pleasantly said, “Hello! I am Lucas. I run this place. I understand you are not from this town and want to learn if you could get books from this library. Am I right?” He was hoping the confidence he was projecting was guising his nervousness well.

 

She replied, “Yes, it is correct.” She spoke with almost the same tone as before.

 

He said, “Great! We just have to fill up a form and I will issue you an identity card. After that, by paying $5, you get as many books as you like for a month. There is a cap of three books a week and you are expected to return them in six days but you can just inform me in case you decide to keep them longer. And since you are not from the town, I would like to know if you would visit the town every six days to return the book.”

 

She said, “My sister is getting married next month. She is getting her bridal gown stitched by the lady who runs the tailor shop next to yours. That lady is also stitching all the bridesmaid dresses. We will have to visit every few days for finalizing the dresses. I think for this whole month, I will be frequenting your town.”

 

My grandfather could not contain his happiness but he still had his doubts. He did not want to be branded a stalker and took out the form. He casually said, “Great! So let us get started with the form. Is it Miss or Mrs.?”

 

She ran her tongue through her left cheek wall to control her smile. His failed evasive attempt to pry on her made it hard for both of them to just brush it aside. She, nonetheless, said, “It is Ms. Isabella.”

 

My grandfather turned red but continued to focus on the form. He asked, “And how old are you, Ms. Isabella?”

 

At that moment, she gathered some unfound courage and said, “Please call me Bella and I am 19.”

 

My grandfather then asked her other impertinent details that were a mere formality. He took $5 from her and asked her to browse through the books while he makes her an identity card. Back then, identity cards were handwritten.

 

Bella looked around but could not set her heart on any particular book. My grandfather quickly finished the id card and went to help her. He went and stood next to her and handed her the card. He said, “What kind of books are you looking for, Bella?”

 

She replied, “I like to read books by female authors. I just feel like reading from a feminist perspective makes things relatable. I am looking for some poems. But I am unable to set my heart on anything in particular.”

 

He said, “Well! You are in luck. Each week I display some recommended readings in the shelf right next to the counter. This week’s pick is a collection of poems by Emily Dickinson.”

 

He could see a twinkle in her eyes. She was really happy at the suggestion. He continued, “If you have time, you can read the book here, in the library, or take it home.”

 

She, almost promptly, said, “I have time. My sister said that she will take at least an hour with the tailor. I was going to walk around the town but sitting here and reading is better.”

 

My grandfather almost jumped and said, “Let me show you the way.”

 

She followed him. They reached the shelf near the counter and he handed her the book. She flipped through the pages and saw some markings. He said, “I am sorry. This is my personal copy and I have marked a few lines here and there. I hope that doesn’t diminish your reading experience.”

 

She reassuringly smiled and said, “I find it better.” He smiled back. Their eyes met and a few moments later, he became fidgety and said, pointing towards the table, “This is the table where you can sit and read. If you need anything, you can tell me. I would be happy to help you.”

 

Bella looked down and said, “Sure!”

 

As Bella sat down on the chair, my grandfather’s eyes carefully followed her every step. When she started reading, he kept looking at her every few seconds. She didn’t care. She was lost in the world of Emily Dickinson.

 

After a while, she said, “Lucas, out of all these, which is your favorite poem?”

 

He didn’t know if he had heard the meek girl clearly, though he greatly appreciated her initiative to talk to him. He very enthusiastically stepped away from the counter and sat on the other chair at the table. He said, “Now that you are a member of the Cliffsword Library, you should call me Luke. That’s what my friends call me.” He smiled at this and so did she.

 

Bella said, “So Luke, which one is your favorite?”

 

He replied, “Success is counted sweetest”.

 

What Bella did next surprised him. She looked into his eyes and recited a part of the poem, 

“Success is counted sweetest

By those who ne’er succeed

To comprehend a nectar

Requires sorest need.”

 

“This is remarkable Bella!”, he said. To this she replied, “I like her poems. If you don’t mind me asking, why do you like this particular poem?”

 

He said, “It helped me have the right perspective when I was initially starting this library. It somehow was empowering enough to not fear failing.”

 

They started looking into each other’s eyes and time slipped away, but Bella finally blinked to look away. She said, “I should probably go now. I will see you next week.” 

 

“See you! Happy reading!”, he said as he felt a part of him leave too.

 

Next week she came at about the same time and the library was empty. My grandfather had just received a new stock of books from the book vendor. He was going through the books when Bella walked in. My grandfather got flustered on seeing her. He dropped a few books. She laughed. He blushed.

 

He said, “Hi, Bella! It is good seeing you.”

 

She replied, “Hi, Luke! It is good seeing you too.”

 

Luke said, “I hope you enjoyed your read! Want me to suggest a new book for the week?”

 

Bella said, “Yes. Sure!”

 

Luke handed her the book ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen and Bella said, “I declare after all there is no enjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a book!”

 

At this point Luke joins her and they complete the quote from the book together, “When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have not an excellent library.”

 

They smiled. Luke said, “Bella, you continue to startle me. You are so well-read. The way you speak these lines, I feel you have a story to tell.”

 

Bella smiled and walked to the table. Luke followed her and sat down across the table. Bella said, “I have no story. I just like to read. My school library had some good books. I spent a lot of time picking up books from there. It was just one of my hobbies. But at sixteen when I  completed school, I had no source to read. Three years later I have found a library that lets you read all that you want.”

 

Luke said, “I am glad I could offer a way to let you connect to your old hobby.”

 

Bella smiled and continued, “We are just two sisters. My elder sister and my mother keep forcing me to learn household chores. They expect me to be prepared for marriage.”

 

Luke replied, “Just like Emily Dickinson a century ago.”

 

Bella replied, “Similar to her.”

 

Luke smiled and held her hand from across the table. He said, “This must be frustrating, right?”

 

Bella looked into his eyes and said, “It is. You should know that my father has promised me in marriage to a wealthy man in our village. I will get married two months after my sister’s wedding.”

 

Luke withdraws his hand. Luke quotes Jane Austen from the book, “Do anything but marry without affection.”

 

Bella smiled and said, “To develop affection, time plays a key role. Nonetheless, I don’t think I have much say in such situations. Freedom is not what you get being a woman.”

 

They both remain silent.

 

Luke then said, “So tell me what makes you feel liberated, Bella?”

 

She replied, “Reading. I want to read all day. I don’t want to sit at home.”

 

Luke said, “That is a fair choice.”

 

She smiled and said, “Luke, will you ever love a girl who thinks like me?”

 

Luke said, “Hand to God! I haven’t ever met anyone like you. Also, marriage was never on my mind. I was focused on my work at the library. But now that you have asked this question, I think I would definitely fall in love with a girl like you.”

 

Bella said, “But you would not expect her to be herself, right? Won’t she be intimidating? You would ask her to just surrender to the social customs, right?”

 

Luke smiled and said, “Well! Since I would have really loved her, I would not have wanted her to change or surrender. I run the library from 8am to 6pm. She could just as easily come and run it for me. In fact, having another person who could take care of the library would only free some time for me to visit a few book vendors around the State.”

 

Bella said, “But what about home? Who would clean and cook?”

 

Luke said, “Home can stay locked while she works. And no one said cleaning and cooking is one person’s job. If it takes a village to raise a child, it surely takes the entire family to take care of the household chores. We could open the library at 9am and do the breakfast together, and do the basic cleaning before that. Then later, after 6pm, we could together clean and cook. I mean this is all just from the top of my head. The intricacies could be worked out as and when we face the hurdle.”

 

Bella said, “What about when you have kids? You will want her to take care alone, right?”

 

Luke laughed and said, “Kids need their fathers as much as their mothers. I am sure we could manage the kids and the library together. But let’s just say that we will cross the bridge once we get there.”

 

Bella shook her head in disbelief and said, “That is just all the talk. It is impractical. The societal pressure is all too much to let women work.”

 

Luke quotes another line from the book, “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”

 

Bella smiled.

 

Luke continued, “No matter what one does, the gossips of the town never end. So even if a women works or stays at home, they will find a way to make a big deal. Marriage happens between two persons and their happiness together is all that matters. No two marriages are alike. Each couple write their own story with their own terms. It just has to work between the two and the whole world will follow.”

 

Bella smiled with tears.

 

Luke said, “Did I hurt you?”

 

She said, “No. But I think, it is time for me to leave. My sister must be looking for me.”

 

The following week, Bella had gleaming eyes when she walked in the empty library. Luke’s heart skipped a beat. He still managed to say, “Hey Bella! It is so good to see you. I was expecting you. How was your week?”

 

While making her way to the counter, she recited another poem of Emily Dickinson,

“Wild nights- wild nights!

Were I with thee

Wild nights should be

Our luxury!”

 

She stops at this verse because she had reached the counter. That was the first time ever Luke had hoped the library was bigger. It would have let her complete the poem. But his mind echoed with the quote of Emily Dickinson, “Saying nothing sometimes says the most.”

 

They both smiled. 

 

She finally said, “What book would you recommend this week?”

 

Luke said, “I picked out Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. It is a gothic novel. It is different from all other love stories.”

 

Bella quotes from the book, “He’s more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

 

Luke is rendered speechless.

 

She then said, “I read it when I was 16. But it will be good to read it again because like you said, it is indeed a classic. One cannot ever read it enough.”

 

Luke said, “I am amazed.”

 

Bella smiled and walked down to the table. Luke went and sat with her. 

 

Bella kept the book aside and said, “Last week you said that you haven’t thought about love or marriage. Why is that?”

 

Luke said, “I never was in a hurry. I am the only child and my parents come from a modest background. I had a vision to open a library that could create a family legacy. I had a ten month plan. I intended to pay back the loan in ten months and start making profit thereafter. I always thought I would think about marriage once I break-even.”

 

Bella then asked, “So you always thought love would just happen after ten months?”

 

Luke said, “No. It just never crossed my mind. I always felt like things take their natural course. You cannot force it. Sometimes you unexpectedly look across a glass pane and see the one. You meet them thrice and you feel like you have known them your entire life. You feel like you can just be yourself around them. Their eccentricities make you fall harder for them. Eventually, the thought of future paints a picture, in your mind, of you and them smiling together.”

 

Bella smiled at this. She took the book and flipped through the pages and stops at one page to read, “If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be; and if all else remained, and he were annihilated, the universe would turn to a mighty stranger.”

 

She closed the book and looked into his eyes. They both let the time slip. 

 

Bella finally moved when a customer walked in. “It is time for me to leave. My sister must be looking for me. See you next week, Luke!”, she said as she got up and moved to the door.

 

“I cannot wait!”, Luke said under his breath and moved to the counter.

 

The week finally came when Bella had come to return her final book. She just walked straight to the counter. The empty library had an eerie ambience that day. 

 

Luke said, “Hi Bella! Is everything alright?”

 

Bella nodded while keeping her eyes fixed on the counter. 

 

He said, “Do you want to pick another book?”

 

Bella continued to look down and said, “My sister is picking her dress next door. It is ready. I won’t be visiting the town anymore. I don’t think I can continue the membership to the library, Luke.”

 

My grandfather said, “It is not that far. You could just travel to read. Can’t you?”

 

At this Bella looked up. Her eyes were red. The tears made her vision blurred. She recited a poem by Emily Dickinson,

“Tell all the truth but tell it slant-

Success in Circuit lies 

Too bright for our infirm Delight

The Truth’s superb surprise

As lightning to the children eased

With explanation Kind

The truth must dazzle gradually

Or every man be blind”

 

My grandfather knew exactly what she meant. He said, “Yes, Bella! ‘You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you’.” He quoted the line from Pride and Prejudice but meant every word.

 

Tears rolled down Bella’s face. He continued, “Bella, I love you. I have loved you from the moment I saw you standing outside the library. I love everything about you. Your feminist ideologies. Your feeble voice. I love it all. I might not be very rich but I promise to accept you as you are. I love your flaws and your perfections. I never thought I could love someone so deeply.”

 

Bella then walked to him behind the counter and said, “Luke, I love you too.” They hugged each other and he said in her ears, “If you are willing, I would like to come and ask you for marriage from your father.”

 

At this, she loosened her hold and kissed him. She then looked into his eyes and said, “I do.”

 

My grandparents, Bella and Luke, have been married for 39 years now. My grandmother was the first woman in  the town who ran a successful business with her husband. To this day, they cook and clean together. 

 

This story reminds me of dreams, hopes and fortuitous events. For all those who share these beliefs, should know that’s what our Cliffsword Library offers.