The Lion and the Sun – Chapter 10 – Part 2  (The Rising Sun) – Cont’d

    When Maung Ba arrived home after work, he felt reluctant to divulge his involvement in the radical movement, But he soon plucked up some courage, as he conspicuously held Ba Sein’s note, trying to rouse her curiosity.   Instead, she flung her arms around him, as if thankful that he finally appeared safe in her arms.  “I’ve been waiting for you to come home soon,” she began. “I’m so frightened!” 

     “It’s going to be all right,” he consoled, as he held her in his embrace.

      “Let’s get married soon,” she pleaded. “Let’s leave Rangoon immediately, before the invasion.”

       She finally noticed the note that he was still holding and asked. “What’s this you’re holding?”

       “Nothing important,” he said.

        “Is it from the office?” she inquired.

        “It’s from someone I know.”

        “It doesn’t matter if you don’t want to tell me,” she said, releasing herself from his embrace.

        “I do want to tell you,” he said. “This is something that you should know.”

       “What is it?” she asked. “Does it pertain to your work?”

      “Oh, no. Not at all. I haven’t told you about it, but it’s all in the past.”

      She was confused.  “Is it serious?” she asked.

      “I used to belong to a student movement against the British,” he revealed.  The note is a request that I should soon attend an important meeting.”

       The revelation was too much to swallow.  “What is it about?” she asked. “I hope it’s not seditious politics!

       “It is in a sense. But don’t worry.  I’m not going to attend the meeting.  All I want now is you.”

       “Why didn’t you tell me about it when we first met?”

       “It wasn’t relevant to our introduction.  On the other hand, I didn’t want to lose you.  Does it make any difference now?”

       ”Not at all,” she replied. 

       He wanted to sidestep the issue and suggested that they dine in a restaurant.  She agreed.