When Two Worlds Collide Part 12

Kumar had a great deal of difficulty processing the speed at which, and what appeared to be the never-ending changes in his life. He was too scared though to process it thoroughly. The very fact that just a few short years ago he was running home from the school he attended in his village, where the only drinking water was a well built in the centre courtesy of a wealthy landowner, and now here he was standing in the ornate dining room of a country club whose membership dues were in excess of what his father earned in his lifetime. And none of it had he sought.

The question troubling him the most was, was he really there because people saw something in him even if he did not, or was he there to further someone’s goal, whatever that might be.

He knew that Marjorie, even though he liked her and enjoyed her company, was tied to this lifestyle and had in fact married into it. She was a creature of that universe. She would remain a creature of that universe, with its golf games, electric carts and minimums that had to be spent every month on food. He knew he could never in his wildest dreams offer her anything close to that. He had resigned himself to retuning to India and his village, and to his house without any running water after he had finished law school. In fact, his parents were somewhat disappointed, though they did not tell him that, in the letter he received when he was accepted at Columbia. If Kumar had been honest with himself, he would’ve been hard pressed to justify not returning to his home and his bride to be. Luckily for him, if the announcement of Marjorie’s marriage had arrived earlier, before he had received that letter from his parents, he knew full well he would’ve returned and be there right now. But would he be happy now that he had not just seen how the other half of the world lives but had experienced it?

He didn’t spend much time on the question because delving into it, was delving into fantasy. Here he was standing with Barry Levy, a billionaire’s son, at a table having just experienced the transfer of wealth from some individuals to the State of Israel in staggering amounts. He was waiting for Mr Levy to join them after he had wished the guest of honour goodbye.

While they waited, Kumar looked around the room which he had seen for the first time when he had met Marjorie’s parents there for dinner. He realised he felt a little more comfortable that day than he had some years ago. No, he did not belong there. He could never feel he belonged there because for a start off he wasn’t Jewish and judging by what he had garnered in his numerous conversations over the years, that was definitely a prerequisite to being a member. “Excuse me,” he heard someone say behind him. But not expecting anyone because he knew no one other than his benefactors and Mr Rosenbaum who wasn’t present, he ignored the call until the person tapped him on the shoulder. Kumar jumped slightly, but it wasn’t detectable by anyone other than himself. He turned and found himself face to face with a very good looking man, probably around his age, impeccably dressed with a welcoming smile and an outstretched hand. Kumar shook it as the man asked if he was indeed Kumar Sanyal. A little surprised at the question, Kumar identified himself and then nervously looked for Barry who at that moment was talking to another man. So, it was up to Kumar to hold his own.

“We’ve never met but my name is Stanley Kramer.” Kumar’s jaw dropped. His throat went dry and he hoped that none of his nervousness was noticeable by the man standing in front of him. Stanley sensed Kumar’s nervousness and attempted to allay his fears. “I hope you don’t mind me coming up to you and introducing myself. I’ve heard so much about you. And then when Mr Levy mentioned your name in his speech, I knew I had to introduced myself. I’m actually surprised to see you here.” And then he thought for a quick second, “pleasantly surprised, I must add.” A usually confident and sometimes acerbic Kumar was lost for words. He wished that Barry or even Mr Levy came by and bailed him out, but it wasn’t to be.

“No, no, not at all. It’s nice meeting you,” and then he stumbled on his words, “how’s Marjorie?”

“She’s doing well. Thanks for asking,” he replied and then added, “by the way, most of what I’ve been told about you came not from Marjorie, other than you guys were friends when you were in school together, it’s a shame you guys fell out, but really I learnt a lot about you from Mr Rosenbaum,” he paused for a second as he saw a lost look on Kumar’s face. “If it’s ok,” he continued, “because this is all new to you. It's as if I dropped a ton of bricks on you. Why don’t we meet for lunch in the City where I work. You’re at Columbia law school, aren’t you?”

“Yes,” was all Kumar could answer. Stanley then handed Kumar his business card, patted him on his shoulders to calm him and left.

Barry had finished his conversation, and noticing that Kumar had as well, pointed to a departing Stanley. “Who was that?”

Kumar was lost for words and Barry had to repeat his question. “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m stunned. That was Stanley Kramer. He’s married to Marjorie, Marjorie Rosenbaum.”

“The Marjorie Rosenbaum?” repeated Barry a little surprised himself.

“Yes, yes, the Marjorie Rosenbaum.”

“That’s interesting,” continued Barry, “I didn’t see Brinkmanship Rosenbaum here this afternoon.”

“No neither did I.” It was at that moment when Mr Levy chose to walk up to the two men and put his arms around their shoulders.

“How was everything?” he asked directing his question to Kumar who was still stunned by what had happened.

“Oh, very interesting,” he replied sounding far off.

“He just met Stanley Kramer, Marjorie Rosenbaum’s husband.” Barry felt the need to bring his father up to speed.

“Wow!” replied Mr Levy, “I saw that name on the list, but I really didn’t think much of it. I didn’t put two and two together until you just mentioned it. Was he cordial?” this to Kumar.

“Yes very,” he replied still trying to come up for air. “In fact, he gave me his card and wants to meet for lunch.”

“Interesting,” replied Mr Levy taking the card from Kumar’s hand and reading it. He was impressed. “So, are you going to meet him?”

“Should I?”

“Yes, I think you should. Did you read his card?” Kumar felt embarrassed, he hadn’t.

“No, sorry. I was so caught up with what was going on that it completely escaped me.”

“Here you go,” he replied handing Kumar back the card. He then lifted it up, read it and looked in astonishment at both Barry and his father. “I never knew that,” said Mr Levy. “I have to talk to Mr Sherman. I never knew he worked for him. It just said he was ‘an attorney in New York,’ and that was it. Come on guys, let’s go. I’ll give you a ride to the station.” Mr Levy who still had his arms around both men’s shoulders guided them out of the ballroom to where the valet was waiting with his Rolls.