Mythili, a cute little girl at her early twenties. She is not gorgeous, not so fair, but a pleasant looking girl. She is highly oriented towards culture. She prefers visiting temples, than hang outs with college buddies. She is the first girl from her native village to study in college. She has earned respects back at her home town. She is little less than a genius. But performs well in her academics. There were so many stumbling blocks in pursuing college education, though her family is residing in the city since her father got a job. But, her quick wit convinced people and now she is in her last semester. Just a couple of months to leave college.
Campus interviews were mounting up in the college. This young girl managed to get a good hit with a renowned MNC. She worked hard for exams and achieved ‘Distinction’ too. She is now going to face the real world.
Today is her first day in the office. She became spellbound when she first saw highly raised office buildings. So many thoughts raced in her mind. “God! Is it really true that am a part of such a big organization? The architecture itself entices me a lot”. She stood gazing at the office for a couple of minutes. Then she made a first step into the office – a first step into her professional life, indeed!
She is quite selective about her friends, but she is not an introvert. She is happy with her few friends as her world is so small and she is highly contented about it. Life to her means a pleasant journey and she had moulded herself to learn from things that occur in every moment of her life. She believes in her own principles, even her dressing sense cannot be criticized by others. She argues but never altercates.
She is amused to see girls in low waist jeans and skirts at workplace, because workplace is worship place for her! She is in her salwar with her duppattas neatly pinned. She hates free hair and always prefers plaits. She approached the receptionist who had countable number of make-up coats. “God! How these girls manage to make-up in the busy morning hours and have it intact?”.
The charming receptionist gave Mythili all information related to her training. Mythili felt a river of enthusiasm flowing through her body. She is bit thrilled too. She is going to meet her ‘Colleagues’. But above all, she had mentally prepared herself to face new people. She had decided not to go for any Best Friend / Close Friend kind of stuff and to concentrate only on her career. The relationship she had decided to maintain with her ‘Colleagues’ has been called by her as ‘Professional Relationship’. (What on earth is this?!).
She saw few buddies waiting in the training room. She rushed and occupied one of the seats next to girl who had dressed up much similar to her. She is bit afraid of and reluctant towards girls who are very Modern in their dressing sense.
The training started with good introduction about the company, followed by technical training. She made sure that she performs well in the training and gain maximum knowledge. All she knew during her training was her trainer and the computer allotted to her. She completed all her assignments on time and stood first in the final assessment after training.
“Thank you my dear God! I have achieved my first milestone of excellence in training. Now that I am allotted into this project and please be there by my side to support me to achieve my next milestone of excellence at work. Hey I need to tell this to you. I have so many such milestones ok? I will tell them one by one to you. I don’t want to confuse you. Bubye”. This was her instructions (so called prayer!!!) to lord Ganesh idol in her room, on the first day of work after training.
She was puzzled to know about her first team. As per the instructions, she approached her Manager, got her cubicle and got brief information about the work. Her Manager introduced to her immediate boss, Arun. Arun is a young dynamic chap with 2+ years of experience in the industry. He is always sticks a smile in his mouth. Curly hair, cool specs, not too tall, not too lean and very attractive. “Wow! This guy is too handsome”, felt Mythili. But, “No Mythili! You are here for work. It is bad to have such thoughts…. Forgive me God!”, was her reaction towards herself.
Arun introduced Mythili to the Team. The team consisted of Anitha, Jenny, Jaya, Vivek and Vinodh. Anitha is bit less than replica of Mythili. “Thank you God!”. Jenny is too lavishing in her formal suit. “Hmmm… how these girls are so pale, but claim themselves fair?”. Jaya is not so modern like Jenny but not so homely too. “She is ok”. Vivek always stares at the monitor with headphones plugged in his ears all the time. “Is he fine? Anything wrong with him?”. Vinodh is a cool guy. No worries, no pains and life is only full of fun for him. “How can a guy be so cool? Sounds like he is very irresponsible?”.
Her cubicle is in the middle of the team. To her left sits Jenny and to her right sits Arun. “God! Arun is seated next to me. How can I work effectively and reach my next milestone?.... No Mythili! You are here for achieving in life and not for losing yourself in the game of life”.
Arun explained various modules involved in the project. He allotted some work for her. She is thrilled to take up her first module. Arun explained her about the module she need to finish and gave an ending note, “Mythili, don’t get frightened. It is you first job and first module. I am always there for you. I shall always help you!”. She was moved by his words.
In the following weekend, she rang up to her friend and was narrating about her project, her team, stylish Jenny, funny Vivek and enticing Arun. Her friend Suchi had never seen Mythili talking about a guy for such a long time. It aroused so many questions to Suchi. Being a dearest friend, she asked Mythili, “Dear what is up with you? I have never seen you talking so much about any guy. I could still remember how you blasted poor Raj from our college when he proposed you. You had strong belief in Arranged Marriage and had always claimed that ‘Love’ is a humbug. Now, I can’t believe that your company and its atmosphere had mounted so much change in you. Hey buddy what happened? Is it…”, “Hey stop it!”, interrupted Mythili. “Look I just told you that my boss is good and caring. I have read somewhere that, across the world, every sub-ordinate will dislike his / her boss. But it is not so in my case. I am happy about my boss. He is funny, caring and helpful. Nothing more. Still I believe that ‘Love’ is humbug. Do you think that I am such a cheap to go behind a guy forgetting my family and my future? How dare you ask me such a question? For your information, we have friends since sixth standard and it is since 10 years. I know how much my dad struggled to earn every penny and I would never dump them. And you please...”,”Hey cool cool!”, interrupted Suchi. “Cool it dear. I know you dear. I am sorry if I had troubled you!”.”Hey that is ok Suchi. Ok. Keep in touch. Bubye”, said Mythili.
The conversation is over and Mythili had a feeling that she had answered Suchi’s questions. But, she could feel that Suchi’s questions were still resonating in her mind. She rushed into her room and locked it. She sat in one corner of the bed and spoke to herself. “Mythili! What happened to you? How come your dearest Suchi ask you such a question? She really doubted whether you are in ‘Love’. Oh god! You are not that kind of a person. Out of so many troubles you were able to join college and now earning decently. Your parents have tons of hope on you. You know that they have so many dreams about your marriage. You are very much aware that love marriage is not your style. You are born to achieve and bring laurels to your parents and not dump them. You are very blessed that you have a cute little family. You are the world for Mom, Dad and Chinnu. You are bit confused and for sure this is not Love. This is not even worth to be infatuation. Don’t get confused Darling! Be clear”. Then she rushed to her bathroom and washed her face thoroughly. She felt herself relaxed. She went out of her room and sat in the drawing room with her mom.
Her family is as small as a bird’s nest, filled only with love, affection and happiness. Her mom Lakshmi is her closest friend, next to Suchi. She remembers not even a single instance, when her dad Murthy, had said ‘NO’ to her wishes. Her brother Chandran is a techy geek. He can talk about any technical topic. He loves his sister more than anything in this world. He supported her during her struggle to take up college education. He is working in Bangalore. He used to surprise her with amazing gifts, every time he visits home. Her grandma Muthammal is an orthodoxy lady. She used to say bed time stories to Mythili. She is excellent in her creativity. She had made so many stories about Kings never heard of. Mythili always call her granny as a ‘Heterogeneous mixture of Rowling and Kipling’.
Lakshmi enquired Mythili about her comforts in office and suggested to quit if she finds the job to be difficult. Her granny always disliked her working. Her only concern is to get Mythili married off to a well settled boy. Still, Mythili convinced them all and exhibited her happiness on getting her dream job.
Mythili had good time at office as Arun was always there to support her. She concentrated only on her work and kept herself from unnecessary conversations. It is Vinodh, who always puts up unnecessary and sense less questions to her. She hates talking to him. He is a deliberate flirt. Anitha and Jaya never listen to this guy unless it is an official issue. Jenny had scolded him twice in front of the team for his hokum act. She is brave enough and highly boastful about her beauty. She is an enticing woman at her age. She has high degree of dressing sense and technically sound.
One fine day, Mythili noticed that Arun and Jenny dine together for lunch. This annoyed her a bit. But, she calmed herself down quickly. There have been gossips in the team about Arun and Jenny. Though such scandals frustrated Mythili, she controlled herself from being too emotional. “What bothers you? Arun is just your colleague. He has all rights to marry anyone. For sure, you are not going to marry him. So why to annoy yourself?”, said Mythili to herself.
She likes Arun, for his caring and humble nature. She hardly speaks with Jenny. Jenny always throws a galling look at her. She used to criticize for every bit of work Mythili does. It is only Arun who backs her up and soothes her. Mythili adored him. “What a man? Highly mannered. Understands others’ feelings. Respects others’ opinions. Balances relationship with everybody. Hurts no one. Certainly, Jenny is lucky to marry him. Except for her good looks, she possess devil attitude and does not deserve such a lovely man. God! I wish I also get such a man as my man in life!!!”.
Mythili had noticed several times Jenny staring at her with irritations, whenever she talks with Arun. “God! I just got my doubt cleared from Arun and why this idiot lady is staring at me, as if I am going to swallow Arun”.
It has been 5 months since she joined the office. She was performing well in the Job. One fine day, when she started to office from home, she heard her dad talking over phone about horoscopes, matching, her profile, etc. She had a mild doubt as whether her parents arranged for her marriage. Immediately Arun’s thought raced through her mind. She became restless. She was disturbed in the office too. Arun had enquired her at least 5 times whether she is not feeling well or had some issues in office. She said nothing.
Later in the evening, at home, Mythili enquired her mom as whether they had fixed any for her. Her mom smiled and told her that they have started searching groom for her and got few good proposals. Mythili wanted to shout at everybody at home. She disliked hearing the very word ‘Marriage’. But, she kept quiet as she noticed a ray of happiness in everybody’s face. The very thought of Arun killed her. She is afraid to disclose her wishes even to Suchi. She cried herself to sleep and this happened every night.
Her family and friends noticed that she is not enthusiastic and active. They found sorrows in her eyes. But Mythili managed to convince them that her job is bit hectic. People consoled that soon she will get married to a good guy and can give up this job. But, she felt that her liking towards Arun had changed into love. She failed to listen to herself. She failed to convince herself. She failed to concentrate on her life. It is the love towards Arun, tore her into bits and pieces.
Few months passed by and on one fine day, “Hi dear! Good Morning” said Chinnu. Mythili was partially awake and was astound to see Chinnu at home.
“Hey Chinnu how come you are here? When did you come?”
“Jus 20 minutes back”
“Wassup man?”, smiled Mythili at Chinnu with a teasing look.
“I should asking you that?”, continued Chinnu.
“Enough people! Mythili get ready for office and Chinnu go and take some rest”, interrupted Lakshmi.
“Mythili, you need not go for work any further. Stay back at home. Learn cooking and household activities. No one is dependent on you.”, said Muthammal.
Mythili stood staring at her granny with no clue about what is happening around her.
“Granny what do you mean?”, stared Mythili.
“Dear, we have received good proposals for your marriage and a groom’s family will be visiting us tomorrow. We are planning to fix your marriage”, explained Lakshmi in a soft tone.
Mythili has been mounted with shocks from dawn. She was unable to reflect on what her mom said. She stood still for some time. It’s the ray of happiness that had struck every body, controlled Mythili and she said, “Ok mom. Things are planned for tomorrow only right. I shall take a day’s leave tomorrow. Today I have got important schedules at office. I can’t spare them” and rushed into her room to get ready for the office. Her granny kept shouting at her, but Mythili had gone numb. Its only Arun’s thoughts that were flowing through her mind.
She was numb for the whole day. She didn’t speak with anybody, not even with Arun. She avoided looking at him. She was highly emotional too. Arun was puzzled by her abnormal behaviour and kept asking her if something went wrong. But poor boy didn’t receive any response. While leaving for the day, Mythili informed him that she won’t be able to turn up the next day and rushed off not even bothering about the response from him.
The whole night was dreadful for Mythili. She felt that she is no more alive. She could not digest the fact that Arun had slipped away from her hand. She started talking to herself. “Dear, what had happened has happened and no one could reverse them. You adored your family more than anything else. Your family had provided you with everything you wished for. This is the right time to exhibit your gratitude. Stay calm. Jenny is lucky enough and you are not. Don’t bother. Things will change, time will pass by and current tortures will become long forgotten memories. So stay calm and make your family happy. Your decision will not only make your family happy, but Arun too. He will Jenny and will live a happy life. If your ‘Love’ for him is so true, then you should be bothered about Arun’s happiness and never about yours. So calm down and sleep now”.
Next day, She was bit normal than the previous day, but still suffered the pain. She dressed herself for the evening’s schedule and saw her parents were hyperactive in arranging food, decorating house and sorting things to be discussed with the groom’s family. She just smiled at the happenings around her.
It was at 6 in the evening, that groom’s family came to her house. The groom was young and charming. They discussed about the plan for engagement and marriage. Both parties liked each other and were happy about this proposal. But, she didn’t have any opinion about this. She stayed came and didn’t bother to listen to their conversation. She was seated straight across the groom in their drawing hall. But, she never bothered to look at him at least once. The discussion got over and they planned engagement after 2 weeks and marriage after 6 months. Both the families agreed to the dates and the groom’s folks thanked Mythili’s parents and were set to leave. Chinnu hurried near Mythili and murmured, “Hey Mythili you did not see the guy at least once. I have noticed that. Don’t blush a lot sis. Jus look their. The guy is in Blue shirt with specs and is standing near the door”
“Come on Chinnu. Its ok. I don’t want to look at him”
“Won’t you look at him at least for my sake?”
She couldn’t help herself and just made a look at him. The very sight froze her. Yet another shock! It is Arun. She stood perplexed. But the folks left the hall. Arun throwed a smile at her and left too. She was highly confused. “What does he wanted to convey in that smile? God! It is his usual smile that made me go mad. I understood care in his every smile. But this one means something else”, felt Mythili. She badly wanted to know how on earth such things can happen. She decided to talk about this with Arun.
Following day, Mythili was unusually late. She sat still in her cubicle for couple of minutes without even switching on the monitor. Then she turned to Arun and asked him to come to terrace. She does not even bother to hear his response and went up hurriedly. Arun was bit tensed up and confused. He had never seen Mythili behaving arrogantly. But, he made sure to keep his temper low whatever happens and went to terrace.
“Yes Mythili. Any issues?”, initiated Arun with a smile.
“Arun, I need to talk frankly with you” ‘Oh my god! I can’t look into his eyes’, felt Mythili.
“Sure Mythili”
“I can understand your position Arun. Though we are modernized and westernized, people do deny love marriages. Thank god I am involved. You don worry. I can very well talk about this to my parents. I will support in all means. I will always help you to get your lover girl as your wife”, said Mythili emotionally with few drops of tears running over her cheeks.
Arun was unable to do anything except blinking. He was unable to apprehend any of her words.
“Mythili please tell me clearly. I am unable to get you”
“Arun please…”, She sighed heavily and continued. “Ok… Arun I know that you and Jenny are in love. I respect your feelings. I don’t want to collapse your dreams. You both make a good pair and I can very much help you both”. Wiping the overflowing tears, Mythili continued “Tell me Arun how to resolve this issue?”.
Arun and Mythili stood still, staring at each other for a minute. Then, to Mythili’s astonishment, Arun broke out laughing. He continued so for more than a minute. Mythili was totally lost on his reaction.
“Wassup Arun?”, asked Mythili in a lower voice.
“Just hold on”, said Arun and quickly dialed a number. Over the phone he said, “Hi come to terrace immediately” and disconnected it. He stood silently turning away from Mythili and staring at a tree down on the road. Nothing struck Mythili and she stood numb.
Jenny appeared after 5 minutes. “Hi Arun. Wassup?”, smiled Jenny. “There is a lot of confusion as expected”, replied Arun. Jenny drew a small smile on her face. She turned to Mythili and smiled at her for the first time in Mythili’s history.
“I expected such things Mythili. I just…”
“Yes Jenny. I am very much ready to help you both. I am not the one to be accused and I …”
“Hold on Mythili! Let me complete”. Jenny was clear and steady.
“Look there is no such bloody thing called ‘Love’ between me and Arun. Its just an endearing friendship. The stories woven around us were twaddle. You please don’t believe such stuffs. We both are very much aware of such gossips. We have clearly understood our relationship. So such scandals didn’t affect our relationship. So please don’t make any decision without knowing the facts. Is that fine?”
Mythili was overwhelmed with Joy. She hardly found a word to speak out. She started laughing, crying, sighing – a mixture of emotions.
“Thank you so much Jenny. Thanks a lot”, Mythili paused and continued, “Things are surprising me. Thank god! Thank you so much!”.
“You are supposed to thank Jenny and not god”, said Arun.
“Yes Arun. Thanks a lot for explaining everything to me and I would never forget what…”
“Jenny has few more facts to reveal and you have to thank her for that too”, interrupted Arun.
Mythili looked at Jenny with a question mark on her face.
Jenny smiled at her for second time and asked, “Aren’t you in love with Arun? Tell me frankly”
“What?”, exclaimed Mythili.
“I know the truth. Just open up.”
Mythili looked amazingly at Jenny.
“How do you know Jenny?”
“I know Mythili. I sniffed your love”, said Jenny and broke out laughing.
Mythili was perplexed.
“Mythili, I was in love once upon a time. But that bloody idiot dumped me. I was totally dejected and depressed. I lost good opinion towards guys. But, Arun is a wonderful man. I had yelled at him many times. But, he had handled me carefully. He showed concern on me and helped me to overcome my toils. He is my guardian angel, my best friend and my only friend”, said Jenny with a sigh and shared a smile with Arun.
Mythili kept listening and looking at Jenny.
“Mythili, me and Arun had little doubts about your behaviour. I had seen you blushing even if Arun discusses officially with you. You did not bother to share your mobile number with anybody in the team. But, you have downloaded your entire history to Arun. You lost focus on your work. You become restless whenever Arun runs late to office or takes a day off. If you hadn’t had any love for him, you wouldn’t have become emotionally disturbed. Say, right now your marriage is fixed with Arun. If you had not had any love for him, why should you become so emotional in discussing the so called affair between Arun and me?”. There was a long silent.
“Mythili I have been through such turmoil. So I can understand you better. I like you a lot. Arun deserves a girl like you – highly traditional, lovable, caring, humble and soft. Also, Arun likes you. He had good opinions about you. So, I spoke with your parents and got this marriage arranged. I want my buddy Arun to be happy forever. This is just a token of gratitude for what he had done to me”. Mythili noticed Jenny becoming emotional for the first time. Jenny wept a bit.
It was so hard for Mythili to see Jenny crying. To her, Jenny is always a terror and tough girl. She always considered as a heart less devil. She disliked her more than anybody in the world. But now, Jenny appeared as an angel to Mythili. She understood her tender heart.
Mythili had no choice of how to react. She fell on her knees, closed her face with her hands and cried. She kept crying and crying. Arun knelt next to her and lifted her face in his hands. He felt a bunch of wet roses in his hands. He saw her love for him, twinkling in her eyes.
“Dear, enough crying. I can feel your pain. You are to be happy forever and I am always there by your side to enjoy your smile. I admire you, adore you, value you and Love You!!!”.
Mythili fell on shoulders of Arun and cried.
“Darling I know you love me more than anything in this world. But, how you came up to stopping this marriage?”.
“It is the same love Arun. Your happiness meant a lot than anything else. Love is not what you get. It is what you give. I wanted to give you only happiness. I always wanted my love to be happy. So I did not disclose my love to you thinking that it might disturb your relation with Jenny”.
Arun hugged his love and kissed on her forehead. She calmed down on his shoulders and rested for a minute. Then she opened her eyes to see her angel Jenny. But, her angel had already left!
