I have been busy the last few days, too busy to continue my reminiscence about Azura but not busy enough to shake her off my mind. She was there - everywhere.
That first summer separation with her was the longest summer I ever had. I found myself counting days for her return, and waiting for morning to arrive to bring me another postcard or aerogramme from her.
Midway through the summer Azura suggested that I take up a summer job. Besides earning extra pocket money, it would help to occupy my mind and my days, she said.
I had a friend who was studying in Nottingham and he was working in a Frozen Peas processing company not far from where he lived. Before the week was over, I was comfortably settled sharing his room and working as a production operator. My tasks were to pick up any unwanted elements from five of the production belts - where washed peas traveled on their way to cold storage for rapid freezing. I had to keep watchful eyes on the belts - but my mind was with Azura. I would be wondering what she was doing at the same time in Malaysia. The job was monotonous and repetitive - but my thoughts about Azura were not, always colorful and sweet. I would play back her kisses - the tenderness of her lips and silky smooth touch of her skin. I would imagine our future - then I would be really anxious about the differences in our status.
At the end of one month, I quit for it was time to return to London. College would be re-opening and Azura was returning in three days time. All together, after paying my share of living expenses to my Nottingham friend I managed to save more than pound-sterling150. In those days when a fish and chip cost only 50pence, a hundred and fifty quid were really good money.
I went shopping -I walked in out of many jeweler shops looking for the best ring which was within my budget. Finally I chose a silver ring with a solitaire ruby. Memory of the ring always brings sadness to my heart. The ring was given to her with love and returned to me with tears.
That first summer separation with her was the longest summer I ever had. I found myself counting days for her return, and waiting for morning to arrive to bring me another postcard or aerogramme from her.
Midway through the summer Azura suggested that I take up a summer job. Besides earning extra pocket money, it would help to occupy my mind and my days, she said.
I had a friend who was studying in Nottingham and he was working in a Frozen Peas processing company not far from where he lived. Before the week was over, I was comfortably settled sharing his room and working as a production operator. My tasks were to pick up any unwanted elements from five of the production belts - where washed peas traveled on their way to cold storage for rapid freezing. I had to keep watchful eyes on the belts - but my mind was with Azura. I would be wondering what she was doing at the same time in Malaysia. The job was monotonous and repetitive - but my thoughts about Azura were not, always colorful and sweet. I would play back her kisses - the tenderness of her lips and silky smooth touch of her skin. I would imagine our future - then I would be really anxious about the differences in our status.
At the end of one month, I quit for it was time to return to London. College would be re-opening and Azura was returning in three days time. All together, after paying my share of living expenses to my Nottingham friend I managed to save more than pound-sterling150. In those days when a fish and chip cost only 50pence, a hundred and fifty quid were really good money.
I went shopping -I walked in out of many jeweler shops looking for the best ring which was within my budget. Finally I chose a silver ring with a solitaire ruby. Memory of the ring always brings sadness to my heart. The ring was given to her with love and returned to me with tears.
I still have the ring in my safe keeping.
Labels: azura
