You and I, plus 2 years of marriage!

CHASTE GANGES 

{1}

‘What made you even think that I will accept this proposal, amma?’

Nithyayuvani was fuming. Her mother Devayani gave her a tired expression. She had expected this outburst from her fiery daughter.

‘Don’t start lecturing me on feminism, Nithya. I am only stating their conditions for the alliance.’

‘Nonsense! They don’t want me to work as a journalist. I cannot change my profession just because some random Tom, Dick and Harry is not comfortable with it. You will be doing me a huge favour if you stop discussing about my marriage!’

She abruptly stood up from the dining table and picked up her bag.

‘Finish your breakfast Nithya,’ said her mother wearily.

‘I am full,’ she said sarcastically and strode out of the door picking up her bag. Nihal entered the dining hall after a few minutes and found his mother sitting dejected. He did not fail to notice the unfinished plate of breakfast.

‘As expected. I told you that she will be enraged by their unreasonable conditions,’ he said calmly.

‘I know,’ sighed Devayani and served hot idlis with sambhar and mint chutney for her son.

‘I will get hypertension by the time I get her to agree for marriage. She always has a reason to reject every proposal,’ she said rubbing her forehead.

‘Amma, her reasons are all valid. We should respect her decision. Moreover, you know how adamant she was about becoming a journalist. That is her dream and it is foolishness to expect her to forswear her passion. Give her time,’ he said relishing his favourite breakfast.

‘Do I even have a choice?’ she said letting out a long drawn breath.

***

Nithyayuvani reached the New Times office well before her usual 10am work schedule. Although she had left her breakfast unfinished, she had still not felt the pangs of hunger. The conversation with her mother had indeed given an ugly start for the day. She had an interview scheduled with Ms. Seethalakshmi, an up and coming entrepreneur. Browsing the internet she did a background check on the lady. Once she had sufficient information, she jotted down some important points and the related questions. Later her stomach started growling and reminded her of the hot idlis and delicious sambhar that her mother had prepared.

Damn my anger! I should have at least finished those idlis.

A guilt feeling creeped into her mind when she remembered her mother. Nithyayuvani made a mental note to make peace with Devayani when she went home. After all, her mother was also a hapless victim caught in the whirlpool of rules governing the society. She grabbed a chocolate brownie from the pantry and relished every bite. Impulsively she picked her phone and sent a message on WhatsApp.

What are you doing?

Ronav was discussing a new project with his colleague when he received her message. He did not pick his phone to check the message.

Busy?

When his phone beeped a second time, he could no longer ignore it. A smile lit up his face when he saw her messages.

No. Tell me…

What is your assignment for the day?

He continued the discussion, but his mind was desperate for her reply.

I have to interview entrepreneur Seethalakshmi.

Interesting, you must be very excited.

Hmmm…

Ronav frowned at her reply.

Not in a good mood today?

Nithyayuvani shook her head reading his message. He could read her mind quite easily.

Yeah…

What happened?

Nothing serious, as usual.

Okay.

He never persisted her to say what was running on her mind, although he could guess it right half the time.

Are you free today? Can we meet for coffee?

Ronav almost jumped with excitement. His colleague gave him a queer expression when he saw that huge grin on his face.

Sure. After 6?

Okay. Barista Lavazza at 7 J

Done J

She finished eating the brownie and got back to work. He gave his colleague a sheepish smile and resumed the discussion. A replay of their first meeting began on his mind.

June 20, 2015

12.13pm

Ronav put his hands on his hip and stared in awe at the huge number of books stacked in the rows of shelves. He had already spent close to half an hour in the bookstore but with no success. This was the longest duration of time he had ever spent in a bookstore.

I should have simply ordered a book online and gifted her. Why the hell did I even forget her birthday?

He wanted to kick himself for his hardship with remembering dates. Thank God for Facebook, at least he did not miss her birthday.

‘Excuse me.’

Instantly he turned around hearing the polite female voice. A beautiful, dusky lady stood staring at him. Her kohl-rimmed eyes were captivating and for a moment he lost himself in their depth. She raised her eyebrows and gave him a quizzical look.

‘Excuse me,’ she repeated pointing out that he was blocking her way to the books.

‘Oh, I am sorry,’ he managed to mumble at last and move aside. He noticed the basket of books in her hand and wondered how many hours she would have spent on finding them. Once again he resumed scanning the books on the shelves to choose one. Surreptitiously he stole glances at her. She was tall, voluptuous and sported wavy tresses which reached her bosom. She was dressed in a pair of jeans and a sleeveless cotton kurta. The basket was placed on the floor and she was lovingly moving her long fingers over the titles of the books. Every now and then she picked out a book and read a few pages before reverentially placing it back on the shelf. There was something very alluring about the way she gazed at those books. It was as if she was meeting her long lost lover after years of separation. It was a Saturday afternoon and there were barely any customers at the store. The bookstore was spread across three floors and a heaven for book lovers. He awkwardly pulled out some random books trying hard to concentrate on their content. Yet her presence was very distracting. After fifteen minutes, she chose two books and added them to her basket. She was about to pick it up and walk away when he abruptly turned to her.

‘Just a minute,’ Ronav blurted out.

‘Yes?’ she said looking up at him.

‘Can you help me select a book?’

She tried hard to suppress a laugh, but ended up smiling at him.

‘I suppose you are not a reader. What type of a book are you looking for?’

‘Any book. I just want a good book,’ he said being blatantly honest. This time she really could not help herself from laughing.

‘For me, all books are good. It is just about what interests you. By the way, why do you even want to buy a book when you know nothing about them?’ she asked amused.

‘Well, it is my cousin’s birthday today. I forgot to buy her a nice gift earlier, so I decided to gift her a book. But I have no idea what she might like,’ he said shrugging.

‘Books make for wonderful gifts. How old is she?’

‘Fifteen.’

She ran her eyes through the shelves and immediately pulled out two fat books. They were Volume 1 and 2 of Feluda detective series written by Satyajit Ray.

‘Gift her these books. She will love them. Convey my birthday wishes to her,’ she said handing him the books.

‘Thank you so much. You saved me,’ he said smiling gratefully. She smiled back and walked away. Ronav really wished he had asked her name. Within moments, she vanished from his sight and he made no attempt to look for her. He received a phone call from his cousin and he assured her that he would join her for lunch. Quickly, he went to the billing counter on the ground floor. His heart skipped a beat for the second time that day.

At the billing counter, she was fervently searching her purse. Quietly he went and stood behind her in the queue.

‘I don’t have the remaining Rs.500,’ she said shaking her head at the receptionist.

‘What happened?’ asked Ronav softly. She turned around and gave him a half-hesitant smile.

‘We have a situation here. I don’t have enough cash to pay the bill. I have my debit card but there is a problem with the card reading machine.’

Without waiting for his reaction, she once again turned towards the cashier at the counter.

‘Please keep these books aside, I will withdraw cash from the ATM and come back. Where is the nearest ATM?’ she asked impatiently.

‘I will pay the remaining cash,’ he offered moving forward and stood beside her. She gave him an incredulous look.

‘No, thanks. I can manage. I will withdraw the money and buy the books,’ she said firmly. Her assertion was very intimidating for Ronav. He decided to choose his words wisely.

‘I know you can, but please let me help you. This is something I want to do in return for your help. I hope you won’t refuse,’ he said like a perfect gentleman. She thought for a couple of moments and obliged at last.

‘Thank you very much,’ she said politely. After coming out of the bookstore they walked to the nearest ATM and she withdrew the money. She repaid him and once again thanked him.

‘I am Nithyayuvani,’ she said outstretching her hand.

Nithyayuvani. I have never heard anything like this before and I swear no other name could suit you better.

‘I am Ronav,’ he said giving her a firm handshake.

‘I am pleased to meet you,’ she said warmly.

‘The pleasure is mine.’

They bid each other farewell and parted ways. Although he did turn back a couple of times, she never looked back. The amazing encounter between two strangers had come to an end. Yet for Ronav, it was just the beginning. Back then, he had no idea that those kohl-rimmed eyes would haunt him every day and gift him sleepless nights.

The memory of their first meeting filled his heart with warmth. He could not thank his cousin enough for being born on that felicitous day. She was mad at him for turning up late but his gift mollified her anger. She loved his gift and later appreciated his choice of books. For some odd reason, he told nothing about Nithyayuvani to anyone.

You are my long kept secret. The first woman who made me feel ill at ease with your mere presence.

                                               To be continued...