XX —The witch and other Stories

In the serene landscape two miles away from Obrutchanovo, amidst the transformative phase brought by the construction of a grand bridge, a poignant story unfolds centered around the New Villa. The village, perched high on the river-bank, offered a scenic view of the bridge’s intricate framework, particularly mesmerizing in fog or when adorned with hoar frost, presenting a spectacle that hinted at both beauty and the ominous influence of change. Kutcherov, the robust engineer behind the bridge, becomes a fleeting figure through the village, his presence marked by the occasional passage in his vehicle or by the sporadic visits from his laborers, disrupting the village’s tranquil life on rare holidays.

The narrative takes a turn with the arrival of Kutcherov’s wife, captivated by the lush vistas of the valley. Her persuasion leads them to purchase land and erect the New Villa – a structure symbolizing their aspirations and modernity, contrasting sharply with the rustic simplicity of Obrutchanovo. This edifice, with its two storeys, terrace, and verandah crowned with a flag on Sundays, emerges rapidly, altering the landscape. What was once a pasture for the village cows transforms into a site marked by avenues, gardening activities, a fountain, and an eye-catching globe of looking-glass, all heralding the advent of a new era.

The New Villa, as it comes to be known, embodies more than just a residential haven for Kutcherov and his wife; it stands as a manifestation of change, bridging the gap between the traditional life of Obrutchanovo and the inevitable march of progress and modernity symbolized by the bridge construction. The story subtly explores themes of transformation, displacement, and the bittersweet intersection of past and future, as seen through the lens of a village witnessing the encroachment of modernity on its timeless landscape.