Lover of the past! ( Part - 5)

Sushma and Vinay were happily spending their vacation with their near and dear ones. Vinay did not receive any call from Divya during that week. Still he was reminded of her at times and stayed disturbed.

Final day of vacation for Sushma and Vinay arrived. They were feeling little upset to go. But still they have to go on. As Sushma was packing her things, she felt uneasy and fainted again. Vinay was terrified and this time he decided not to listen to Sushma’s stories, but to take her to the doctor.

Everyone in their family was worried. Sushma was taken into doctor’s room for examination. Vinay and few more were waiting in the lobby. He couldn’t digest that Sushma was sick. He wept, but made sure no one noticed. After some time, he was called into the doctor’s room. He appeared puzzled. His heart was pounding out.

After ten minutes, Vinay came out of the room. His family was eagerly waiting to know what happened. He was weeping and now everybody noticed that. Behind him came Sushma and she too was weeping. Vinay slowly looked at them and smiled. Everybody were puzzled.

“I am going to be a ‘Daddy’ soon” , shouted Vinay, laughing out loudly and ran to his mom and hugged her. Everybody turned very happy on hearing this. They blessed Sushma and Vinay.

Back at home, it was a joyous moment of celebration for them. Long awaited good news had come now. For Vinay and Sushma it was a fabulous moment, next to their wedding.

Everyday after that turned very meaningful for them. Vinay tried to spend much more time with Sushma. And Sushma became very very particular about her diet. They were feeling the baby growth and spent their moments talking about the baby.

A couple of months before her due date, Sushma had been sent to Coimbatore. They had a very grand baby shower celebration. To-be grand parents were busy in sorting out the names for the baby.

Vinay was alone back at home, just counting the days to see the baby. He was hardly reminded of Divya in past few months. Also, he did not receive any calls from her either. He decided not to think about her anymore and wanted to concentrate on the baby solely. He started buying various dolls, dresses, cradle etc., for the baby. He allotted a separate room for baby and decorated it with all that he bought. He was just cursing the time to fly off quickly.

It was a Friday morning. Vinay was hurriedly getting ready to office. It was last day before a small vacation. Sushma’s due date was on Wednesday and Vinay will be off to Coimbatore on Saturday itself. He wanted to stay with her during the whole course of wonderful moments.

In the Evening, he started little early from office, though he had ample time to catch the train. As he was waiting in the signal, he saw a friend of him in a car besides his car. He was happy to see him and beckoned him. Buddies having met after a long time went to a coffee shop for a small chit-chat. It was Anoop, Vinay’s room mate. He was a good friend of Divya too. They talked about their job, family and past memories.

“Those are crazy days, which I can never forget”, said Vinay.

“Ya! Our Tyson is also getting married next month. Good to see everybody settling down”, said Anoop.

Vinay wanted to ask him about Divya. But he was bit hesitant. Still he wanted to know about her.

“Anoop, I want to know something. How is Divya?”, asked Vinay.

Anoop froze. He appeared shocked. Vinay couldn’t comprehend his reaction.

“Anoop, what happened?”

Anoop relaxed and continued, “Viany don’t you know anything about Divya?”

“No I don’t”

“She is dead. I am sorry!”

Vinay stayed immobilized. He felt a thunder above his head and quake below his feet. He couldn’t stop the tears rolling down his cheeks.

He regained and continued, “Is that true Anoop?”

“Ya! It was a miserable death. After discontinuing her studies, she went to work in a hospital as nurse in her native town. His parents were compelling her to get married. But she denied. They threatened her. Still she did not agree to them. Then one fine day, her father attempted suicide. He was saved, but got paralyzed. Divya was totally collapsed. Somehow she made up her mind to get married at last. But, before that she wanted to meet you at least once. She lied to her parents and somehow managed to come here. But unfortunately, the train she travelled collided with another train and she died miserably”

Vinay couldn’t say a word. He was word struck. He felt his heart to be very heavy.

“When did this happened Anoop?”

“It was almost ten months ago. Do you remember the Vijayawada accident? Dviya was one of the victims”

Vinay couldn’t withstand anything. He recollected those pictures he saw in the news article. He remembered Divya’s phone calls. He remembered all creepy things that happened. He felt as if he is about to burst out into pieces. But he was disturbed by a phone call from his mom. Sushma had severe pain and had been admitted in the hospital. Also, she was expected to deliver the baby anytime.

Vinay could do absolutely nothing. He could not digest what Anoop said and could not react to the call from his mom. Anoop understood what he was going through. He pacified him and made him to just calm down. Then he told him not to think about Divya anymore and to leave to Coimbatore soon.

Vinay gained strength and drove back to home slowly. His car got stopped in the usual place. He started to sweat profusely. He kept staring at the mobile. After a while, he received a call from an unknown number.

“Hello”, said Vinay. His voice was trembling.

“Dolly, I guess you now know everything”

“D… D… Divya”

“Dolly, I was not interested in marrying anyone. I wanted to meet you once for all and go away somewhere. I have been living with you in my dreams. I could always feel you with in me. Your memories stayed afresh. There could hardly be any moment that I forgot you. I am sure I cannot marry anyone else. So I decided to run away from my home. No one had a clue. I was just hoping to see you and did not think anything beyond that. But, I never thought that my life will stop with all those hopes in my heart and all those dreams in my eyes. I always wanted to live with you. You were annoyed by those mystical things happening at home. It was all me. I tried to live my life with you, at least after my death. I have been longing for your love and care. And I am going to get that back soon Dolly. Yes. I am going to be re-born. I am going to be re-born as your daughter. Now you rush to Sushma. I will be there as a small girl awaiting your love. Love you!”, said Divya and the call ended.

He sat still for few minutes and drove back home. He packed his clothes and rushed to catch the train. He raced through all that happened till now. ‘Divya! I am always there to love you and care for you. I would never let you down. I promise’, said Vinay and promised himself.

After reaching the hospital, he saw Sushma on the bed and lying beside her was a pretty golden baby. Everybody was celebrating the joy. It was a baby girl. Vinay took the baby in his hands, kissed on her cheeks and said ‘Divya!’ into her ears. The baby smiled at him!!!

---------------------------------------- The End ----------------------------------------------

Lover of the past! (Part - 4)

“Hello!”, said Vinay.

“Hi Dolly!”, said Divya.

“C’mon Divya. Stop playing. I really want to meet you and know what you are doing”

“Why suddenly? You never thought about me for past few years and now that you want to meet me?”

“Divya I was searching for you soon you left the town. But nobody knew where you are. My parents grew restless and at a point of time I had no other way than to abide by their words. So try to understand me Divya. I miss you so much”

“Ohh! You married Sushma and you two were living happily. Hardly would you have thought about me and now that you say you miss me”, said Divya and laughed out loudly.

Before Vinay could speak out, the line got cut. He couldn’t digest the fact that she knew about Sushma.

His was building up tension and was sweating profusely. He felt helpless. He wanted to run away to some other planet.

His mobile rang again.

“Hello!”, said Vinay harshly.

“Hi dear! What happened? You sound tensed”, said Sushma humbly.

“Will you just stop pestering me?”

“Why are you so rude?”

“Yes I am. What the hell?”

“Nothing. Bye!”, said Sushma and disconnected the call.

She felt dejected. She had prepared Kesar Bath for him and was waiting to tell him that his shirt is neat and white. She couldn’t wait anymore and so she called him. But she never expected that he would behave frantically.

Vinay came home and saw Sushma standing near the window in drawing room and weeping. He understood its his fault. He felt a pain racing through his heart. ‘Its my fate to face troubles for what I have done. Why should she be punished, being an innocent?’, thought Vinay. He went closer to her and said, “Sushma! I am sorry. I was bit rude. I understand that I had hurt you a lot.”

There was no reaction from her.

“Sushma I love you a lot. Please forgive me”

Still no reaction from her.

Vinay sat in a sofa behind her and closed his eyes to calm down him self.

After few minutes, Sushma came closer to him and kissed him on his cheeks. Vinay opened his eyes and saw Sushma both weeping and smiling. He smiled at her and hugged her.

“I am sorry darling”, said Vinay.

“Don’t be sorry. I love you”, said Sushma and they kissed.

“Dear I have prepared Kesar bath for you”, said Sushma with a twinkling smile.

“Oh really! I will just refresh and come in a minute”, said Vinay and went inside the room.

As Vinay was enjoying the Kesar bath, Sushma surprised him by showing his favourite shirt. It was dazzling clean. Vinay stuck spellbound. Sushma was smiling at him innocently. He felt he had gone mad for her. He left behind the Keasar bath and took Sushma into the bedroom.

Next day morning, Sushma faced the same Dosa mystery. She was little frightened about all these crazy things.

Vinay started receiving calls from Divya everyday. His car would definitely stop somewhere and immediately a call from Divya is expected. Vinay was growing annoyed about this. But he never wanted to share this with Sushma.

At home, Sushma was surprised, or might be little threatened by anonymous happenings. One evening Sushma was preparing evening snacks for Vinay. She was thinking about making some tea for him. Vinay never likes tea. He always loved Divya’s preparation. So, he stopped having tea ever since he lost her from his life. Whenever Sushma prepares tea, he would hardly drink it.

Sushma prepared spinach pakora and was hoping that Vinay would enjoy it. When she was about to make tea, Vinay reached home. She was out of kitchen for a while and was talking with Vinay about his day at office. When she came back to kitchen, she saw tea pot on the stove. She was sure that she didn’t leave a tea pot. But she convinced herself that she might have left it.

Also to her astonishment, Vinay had tea that day. He himself was not sure how that happened. He was reminded of Divya and the way she prepares tea for him. He became nostalgic and had the cup full of tea.

Other day, when Sushma was dusting the attic, she saw a book lying at the corner. It was Vinay’s favourite novel by John Grisham. He treasured it not for the story, but it was gifted by his friend who died in a road accident. He had been searching for this book for a long time. Sushma herself remembered that she looked into the same attic many a times for the book. She is now thrilled to see it lying obviously at a corner.

That evening, Vinay was very much happy to see that book. He saw his friend’s signature in the book and wept. Sushma pacified him.

Two months had gone by with all those web of mysteries around them. But these didn’t bother Sushma much. Vinay and she were married since two years and in a month, they will be celebrating their third anniversary. But, they don’t have a child yet. Though Sushma sounded euphoric all the time, deep in her heart she had a longing for a baby. They were a happy couple and her medical tests also proved that they are normal. But still she couldn’t conceive.

“Sushma! Sushma!”, called Vinay as he was removing his shoes near the door.

“Ya dear! I am here”, said Sushma and came running.

“Hold on! How many times do I have to tell not to run?”

“No… just like that... well, what’s the matter?”

“Here are the train tickets for our trip next month to Coimbatore. My leave request got approved. We can happily relax one whole week there”, said Vinay and smiled at her.

Sushma looked little upset. Her in-laws, parents and all their relatives are in Coimbatore. They will be looking forward to hear good news from her.

The day of the journey arrived. They were all set to move off. As Sushma locked the front door and set out, she felt a total black out and turned unconscious. Vinay panicked. He took her on his lap and soothed her. Soon she was alright. Vinay wanted to cancel the trip and take her to the doctor. But, Sushma convince him that she had loads of work that day and was restless. Vinay got pacified and they were off to Coimbatore.

to be continued..................

Lover of the past! (Part - 3)

“Hello!”, said Vinay with a trembling voice.

“Good evening dolly!”, said the voice. It is Divya.

“Divya! How are you? Where are you calling from?”

“Why do you want to know where I am?”

“I… I tried calling you back yesterday. But, I couldn’t reach you. So asked you”

“I am glad! You never tried to reach me in these few years and now that you want my number to talk to me?”

“No Divya. Its not like that, but…”

“I miss you so much”, interrupted Divya.

Vinay could hardly respond and the call got cut in few seconds.

Vinay slowly drowned into his past. College days are one of the precious memories in every one’s life. It plays an important part of life in moulding a man. Everybody will face all possible emotions in their college life – laughter, tears, sorrow, hatred, crush, love, break-ups and on. And it’s the same for Vinay too. He met Divya when he was in his second year of Computer Science and Engineering. She was residing in 1^st cross street with her parents and this playboy was in 2^nd cross street, with his friends in a room. She was a medical student and was highly ambitious. As usual, our hero hates books. At the end of 1^st cross street, there used to be a chat shop, which always remain crowded. Vinay had never spent his days without having at least one samosa per day from that shop.

One fine day when he saw Divya, it was love at first sight. Then he started spending more time near that shop at mornings and evenings just for a glimpse of Divya. This had increased the income of Chat wala and definitely Vinay holds a major share.

After few months, he intelligently wooed this girl. But, he became serious about this relationship. He started to focus much on his studies. Divya was so sure that her parents would never allow her to marry Vinay. They were very orthodox and not much broad minded. It was a big struggle for Divya to take up medicine, in spite being a meritorious student. All they wanted is to get her married off to a guy in a good job and with good family background in their community.

It was last year of college for Vinay. He was placed in Infy. He was so sure about marrying Divya soon after she finishes her studies. But, Divya’s parents were not patient enough till then. They started looking out a groom for her. One fine day, Divya disclosed about Vinay to her parents. But, they were not ready enough to give an ear to any such thing. They started to search for a groom seriously. Vinay was helpless. Though he had a job, he is yet to finish his studies. He believed only his parents could help him. He told everything to his mom and dad. Event they were initially bit hesitant about this. But, later they realized that nothing is much important than their child’s happiness. So they stepped forward to meet Divya’s parents.

At last one day, Vinay and his parents visited Divya’s. They tried to convince her parents as much as they could. But they never seemed to be convinced. Divya’s dad wanted her to discontinue her studies and get married. But, she did not oblige. As a result he went up to the extreme of suicide attempt, but got saved fortunately. Soon after that, Divya and her folks left town and she discontinued her studies.

After a couple of years Vinay came to know that she is working as a nurse in some hospital near her home town. He tried a lot to get back her contact. But he could hardly get any detail. Slowly days rolled by and after four years he got married to Sushma.

He knows how much he treasured Divya. But now that he is married to Sushma. And he did not want to reveal about the lover of his past to her. It will be hard for a girl to withstand that her husband had loved someone so much.

Sushma is a very enthusiastic girl. She has so many facts in her mind about health and hygiene. She is one of the reasons in transforming Vinay from a dirty playboy into a decent professional. She changed his looks, attire, attitude and what not. Now Divya remained as a bunch of memories and Sushma turned into a treasure for him.

Vinay was suddenly disturbed from his thoughts by a call from Sushma.

“Hello dear! What happened? Late today too?”, asked Sushma.

“Ya. I will be home some time now”

“Alright I was bit worried that it started to rain”

“No problem. I will be there some time”

“Fine. Bubye”

“Bye”

At night, Vinay was having his dinner calmly. It was news for Sushma to see this unusual calmness.

“Any problem at office today too?”, asked Sushma.

“No dear. Everything was fine”

“Then why are you so dull today too?”

“Just that yesterday’s things got sorted out and I was thinking about that”

“Oh c’mon. When you come home, stop thinking about your office. It is very bad. Ok?”

“Alright!”, said Vinay and smiled.

“Vinay I got to tell you something”, said Sushma at night, on bed.

“Well… what is that about?”

“Nothing but I have spoiled one of your shirts. Your favourite white striped one. I unknowingly washed it with your red t-shirt and your shirt got red patches here and there. I washed that shirt again and again. But, the patch remains. I am very sorry Vinay”, said Sushma in a humble voice.

“Sushma do you know how much I love that shirt? I have told you it was gifted by one of my close friend and I have preserved it all these days”

“Ya I know that. It was lying in that cup board for a long time. So, I thought I could wash it, press it and then put it back so that it would stay fine for a longer time. But, I dint expect this to happen”, pleased Sushma.

Vinay could hardly say anything. He was disturbed because it was gifted to him by Divya. It was the only gift he got from Divya. He could still remember how Divya surprised him with this shirt, soon after he got placed. Divya was gone and now her gift too. Vinay silently struggled to get some sleep and finally slept.

Next day, Vinay appeared bit upset about that short. Sushma tried to convince him as much as possible. But still he stayed upset and left to office. She washed that shirt again and dried it in the backyard. Still there were some patches. She felt bad and just called her friend to get some tips for removing the patches. She was hoping that at least after trying those tips, she could recover the shirt. She rushed to the backyard to see if the shirt was dry. The shirt was dry and there were absolutely no patches. She was astonished.

‘What crazy is happening here?’, said to her self and went off.

In the evening, as Vinay was driving back home, his car stopped again in that place and his mobile rang. It was again Divya.

to be continued......

Lover of the past! (Part - 2)

He kept trying again and again to the same number. But, the response remained same.

He stopped calling and started to drown in his memories of past. After few minutes he was disturbed by a call from Sushma. He told her that the car broke down and it would take some more time to fix it. He had not disclosed his past love Divya to Sushma. So he did not want to do that now either. Out of anxiety, he tried to start the car again. To his astonishment, it started. The air around him seemed to be filled with puzzles. He reached home in next 10 minutes.

“You got our car fixed so soon?”, questioned Sushma as Vinay entered the house.

“Ya it was a minor thing and I fixed it by myself”

“That’s really nice and my dear, go, refresh soon and come fast. I have a surprise for you”

“Well, what is that?”

“Jus refresh and come soon!”, said Sushma and pushed Vinay from his back into the bedroom.

Vinay remained haunted as he was having veg samosas.

“Darling! You seem to be dull. Any issue in the office? You would forget your world for these samosas. But, what happened now?”

“Nothing dear”

“No. Just share your problems with me. If you are dull, you don’t look handsome anymore. Just tell me”

“Nothing. I received few performance issues from my client today. I am little upset about that”

“Well, that’s what haunting you so much? Don’t worry dear. Definitely you are going to get that The Geek award”

Vinay stared at her for a minute. He just then remembered the dream and laughed at it.

At night, on the bed, Sushma was lying by his side and kept talking about a new television program on interior decoration. But, Vinay stayed lost in his thoughts.

“Are you listening?”, shouted Sushma into his ears.

“Oh god.. yes yes”, perplexed Vinay.

“Anyways, you know what breakfast I am going to make for you tomorrow?”

“Don’t say any new flavor of Kellogs”

“Oh C’mon! I am going to make Dosa for you”

“Hey, really? That’s nice”

“Well, no more diet here after. Happy?”

“Are you alright? Something crept in you?”

“Heyyy…”

They laughed, giggled and slept as night started to pour in deeply.

Next morning, Sushma looked excited to make Dosa for Vinay, ‘cos that’s his favourite dish.

She made the first dosa. It became so thick and got stuck with the pan. When she she tried to take it off, it got torn into pieces. She then tried the second one. It turned worse.

“Sushma, what happened? I am getting late”

She poured the batter for third dosa and came out to dining area to tell him, “Dear, first two went bad and the third one is awaiting the result. Hopefully this one should come out well. Else…”

“Else what? Kelloggs only”, sighed Vinay.

She went into the Kitchen to see the dosa. It was plain, crispy and golden brown in colour. She was very very happy to see that.She took it out for him, and made the fourth one. She flew into the dining area to serve the dosa. Vinay was very happy to see that. More than taking care of dosa preparation, she spent her time watching how Vinay enjoyed the dosa.

Vinay was very happy about her preparation.

“Darling I am very happy for you. Tell me what do you want?”, said Vinay.

“Oh I am glad that you are happy. You have given your love in excess and that’s enough for me. I don’t want anything else”

“I love you”, said Vinay and kissed on her cheeks.

“I love you too!”, said Sushma and she was overwhelmed.

After Vinay left to office, Sushma wanted to taste those crispy dosas. But, to her astonishment, everything she made was worse like her first two dosas. She couldn’t figure out what went wrong and ended up having kelloggs.

Late in the evening, as Vinay was driving back home, he was reminded of the car breakdown and phone call. Again, the car stopped at the same place. Vinay remained motionless and as he expected, he received a call from an unknown number.

to be continued.........

Lover of the past! (Part - 1)

It was a wonderful evening. All the eyes in the auditorium were awaiting an awesome scene. Vinay was bit restless and tensed. But, he made sure he appears composed. With the President of U.S.A on one side and Microsoft Giant, Bill Gates on other side, how can one rest his feet on earth? How can one’s heart beats only 72 times a minute? And that’s what this little chap was undergoing. He was about to be presented with the “Techy Geek” award, the most prestigious award similar to Noble, but confined to IT. The moment arrived and he stood up to touch and feel the statue. He could see the whole of the auditorium applauding, but could only hear his heart beat above that. He could understand that the droplets of sweat were about to fall from his forehead. He saw the statue sparkling in the hands of President. He couldn’t believe that in the next minute the statue will be sparkling in his hand. As he extended his hand, he woke up with a thud.

“C’on yaar you are getting late to office”, shouted Sushma with a straining voice. “It’s already 7.30!”, continued Sushma.

“Oh god! My award…”, blabbered Vinay and he appeared befuddled.

“What happened dear?”, said Sushma and smoothed him.

“My techy geek award…”

“The what?”

“My award. I was about to receive it from President.”

“From our President?”, exclaimed Sushma.

“No! From the President of US. I am sure Bill Gates was by his side.”, sighed Vinay and continued, “It was for the data protection technique that I designed for Pentagon and I was about to receive the award”, finished Vinay.

Sushma couldn’t control herself any longer and she broke out laughing like anything.

“I thought you had a worse night mare and that some ghosts were chasing you. But, I never thought that you would have had such a worse night mare than ghosts and that too with US President?”. Sushma still couldn’t resist her laughter. Vinay felt bit humiliated, but reminded himself that he is a normal chap working in Infy among thousands and thousands and for a client not much renowned in US.

He got up and went to the bath room. Got dressed up and kept staring at him in the mirror for a while, thinking about the dream. He just threw a smile to himself and left to dining table.

“Kelloggs? Today also? Can’t you make some dosa or upma?”, questioned Vinay.

“Dear this is very good for health. You should reduce carbohydrate content and increase fibre in your food. That’s the healthy diet”, smiled Sushma.

“Hmm.. You and your Home Science facts!”

“I am a gold medalist in Home Science. Don’t forget that.”

“Never I will. Not even in my next 7 births.”

“So nice of you!!!”

Vinay just smiled at her and gulped the remaining milk in his cereal bowl.

It wasn’t a heavy day for him. So he had time to surf through the net for some news. He read about a train collision near Vijayawada. It was a worst mishap, which swallowed 130 lives. The pictures were intolerable. He felt pity for a minute and thanked god for having gifted him a beautiful life. Then he got back to his chores. While driving back home, he felt fortunate about Sushma. As he was recollecting his funny moments with Sushma, it started to drizzle. He slowed down the speed purposely to enjoy the evening. He was racing through his mind to surprise Sushma with some gift. As he was sorting out various gift items in his mind, the car stopped abruptly. Vinay tried to start it, but no reaction from the car. He opened the bonnet to find out what went wrong. But, everything seemed perfect. He could only do is to scratch his head. He was reminded of Sushma and thought of informing her about this. He got into the car and took the mobile. Before he could dial, he received a call from an unknown number.

“Hello”, said Vinay.

“Hi Vinay. How are you?”, a sweet voice from other end.

“Good! Who is this?”

“Oh… So you forgot me dolly?”, continued that voice.

Vinay froze still for sometime. The word ‘Dolly’ reminded him everything - his college days, friends, 1st cross street and most importantly Divya. He couldn’t speak a word. Every word that he tried to pull out got buried under his throat.

The voice at the other end is definitely Divya.

“Divya”, uttered Vinay.

“So you got it huh?”, laughed Divya and the call ended.

He was panicked and paralysed for a minute. He regained his conscious and called the number back. All it said was, “Number doesn’t exist”.

to be continued....

Love as Tribute

Mahi is an enticing, enthusiastic buddy. She knows only happiness in her life. She is pretty and her smiling face attracts everybody. Her family is the most beautiful world for her. She has no restrictions. But, she has defined freedom to enjoy. She is allowed for hang outs but not for dating. She has respect for ‘Love’, but has a strong gut feeling that only arranged marriages are successful and not love marriages. She had seen her friends both suffering and enjoying their love lines. She wants only happiness and so she never games with love.

She is an accountant in one of the MNCs. She had earned a good name in her office. She does not believe in hard work, but on smart work. With minimum input, she can get tremendous output. She has good managerial skills too. She prefers finishing off the days work soon and relaxing rest of the day.

Things were moving in their routine style for Mahi. It was beginning of the year and recruitments were up. So many new buddies, both experienced and freshers joined the company. Her beloved Chief Accountant, Renu got married and settled in US. So she resigned her job. This annoyed Mahi a bit. But, she believes that ‘Life is to keep going’.

It was beginning of the week and freshers had come to the office. There was a little bit of restlessness in Mahi’s department. The post of Chief Accountant was filled. People were eager to know about their chief. There were few gossips, but they died soon. Mahi never worries for anything. So the talk about new Chief, does not bother her much.

A guy in jean and t-shirt came up to Mahi, who was standing near the water cooler in the entrance of her floor. “Where is the Chief Accountant’s room?”, asked that guy. Mahi looked at him as if he is an E.T. “Pl go and ask the receptionist”, said Mahi. “Hey she only told me this floor”. Mahi got bit irritated. She dislikes guys in informal outfits in office. She wants men to have good dressing sense as to wear which outfit where. “Better wait here, in this sofa” and she was about to leave the place. “Just hold on ma’m,” continued the guy,” For your kind information, I am the Chief”. Mahi was shocked. “Oh my god! How come this idiot got the job?”, thought Mahi. Then she replied, ”It is the first room on your right”, and she flew to her seat.

Ajay is a very cool guy, cool headed than Mahi. He never gets tensed up for anything. He remains cool headed and solves anything. He is the only child to his parents. His parents are living in his native village and this guy is in city. He loves music, so one can find him always with headphones plugged in his ears. He has the fastest brain. He takes decisions quickly, sorts out issues and plans perfectly.

People were thrilled about their new Chief. He had never portrayed an image that he is a Chief. Besides, he is too young for the post too. So he was able to mingle with people easily. Within a month, he came to know almost everybody under him. Everybody liked him for his nature. He is helpful and friendly. Mahi did not have any opinion for him. She just bothered her work.

One fine day, Ajay rushed to Mahi with a big file in his hand. Mahi did not notice him. “Mahalakshmi. Excuse me!”, said Ajay. Mahi still did not bother. Ajay was standing behind Mahi. He moved to the front of Mahi and said “Hello Mahalakshmi!”. She looked at him in surprise.

“Wassup?”, asked Ajay.

“Nothing. Nobody had called me as ‘Mahalakshmi’”

“That’s your name rite?”

“But…”

“I can’t call you by your pet name unless you give me permission.”

Mahi smiled and continued, “That is not an issue. You can very well call me as ‘Mahi’.”

“Ok. Thank you and one more thing. Finalise this ‘Salary Revision’ file and get it back to me”, said Ajay and placed the file on her desk and left.

Mahi got irritated. She had planned for an outing with her parents on that day. And now he had dumped her with job. “He spoke as if he is the gentlest man on this world and at last dumped me. Nonsense fellow!”, scolded him in her mind. Mahi has completed her day’s work and was about to leave. Suddenly she got this work. She went through the file. Her concentration was only about her parents. She was irritated and restless. She stood up and walked to Ajay.

“Ajay, I would like to leave for the day.”

“But, the file?”

“If you don’t mind I shall take it to home and finish it off.”

Mahi was sternly looking into Ajay’s eyes.

“Okie. No issues for me. Keep going”, said Ajay and turned towards his computer.

Mahi came to her place, rushed up with her bags and the file, down to the parking slot. She drove fastly to home. Her parents were dressed up and were desperately waiting for her. She quickly dressed herself and together they left for enjoying the evening.

Next day morning, Mahi seemed tensed and restless. She had not only completed the file, but had lost it too. She enquired the security people, searched in her desk and in parking slot. But, she was unable to find it. She started weeping. She came very early to office. No one else had come. She was sitting alone in her floor, weeping.

“No crying Mahi. Here is your file”, said Ajay with a smile, holding the file in his hands. He was dressed up in formals. Mahi was totally surprised. She could hardly find a word to speak out. Mahi said,”Thank you!”, as a token of gratitude. She flipped through the pages of the file. The quoted rates were finalized. She was amazed. She grew respect for him. She understood his humbleness. “He had not even said any word about my carelessness. He is too good. I am crazy to mistake him. Unknowingly I left the file in parking lot. But he is too good to preserve it and gentle having completed the work too. He is really a wonderful person”, felt Mahi.

She took the file and went directly to him. “Ajay, Thank you so much for finalizing the rates too. I am really sorry for all that had happened”, said Mahi. Ajay seemed bit tensed up. “Are you sure that you went through the entire file?”, asked Ajay. “No. I went through only initial pages and I thought… Ok let me check the entire file and get back to you”, said Mahi and went off not even waiting for Ajay’s reply. Ajay watched her leaving his room, with mounds of tension and restlessness.

Mahi went through every page of the file. “Everything is perfect. What a genius?”, astonished Mahi. Before the last page of the file, she found a paper in which she read

Mahi,

I am not good in writing such letters and I have not tried this before. I admire you for what you are. I like your self esteem nature, confidence and intelligence. Besides you are beautiful too. I have never seen such a mixture with any girl. And you are the one and only girl I have ever admired. All I want to say is I Love you and I would like to marry you. I won’t force you or trouble you. But I believe that you too like me.

With Love

Ajay

Mahi was shocked. She had never expected such things from a person whom she respects a lot. She sat still for sometime, resonating the letter in her mind. “How can he be so cheap?... He is not cheap…just expressed his love… how can he have such an opinion about me?...its good that at least he had expressed everything now…I like him…but I wont marry him… My family is more important”, Mahi kept racing her mind with so many questions and thoughts.

She finished scrutinizing the file and went back to Ajay. “Ajay, I finished reviewing the file”, said Mahi with a stern and steady face. Ajay just kept looking at her. “Also,” added Mahi, “There was one scrap paper in the file and I have dumped it in the dustbin” and she went away.

Ajay was depressed and restless. He was highly confident that Mahi will accept his love. But things worked out the other way. He desperately wanted to know the reason for rejecting him. But he did not possess the guts to face her. He kept himself composed for few days.

The soft love towards Mahi grew day by day and started pricking Ajay, for having dejected. One fine day, he went up to Mahi and called her for coffee in the office pantry. Mahi initially felt uninterested, but then she made up her mind to go with him. She decided to clarify her stand, if Ajay happens to discuss about his proposal.

“Heard Mythili gonna quit the Job”, said Ajay, breaking the silence between them. He sat opposite to Mahi, kept smiling and remained composed.

“Ya. I too came to know that”, answered Mahi.

“Why suddenly?”

“Heard she is going to get married”.

“What about you?”

“What?”, exclaimed Mahi.

“No. Just asked when you are going to get married”, said Ajay in a normal tone.

“I donno. My parents need to decide”, said Mahi. She avoided looking at Ajay.

“So, you are not gonna decide your marriage right? You gonna blindly believe and accept parents decision?”

“Stop it Ajay. My parents had been providing me with best things. I get all that I desire. Never had they said ‘No’”

“So why don’t you talk about our marriage? I mean…”

“Its enough Ajay. Look I strongly believe in arranged marriage and prefer opting my parent’s choice rather mine”

“So you mean to say that…”, interrupted Ajay

“I just mean to say that you please don’t disturb me here after. I don’t have any opinion or liking for you. All I knew is me family and my parents”, said Mahi sternly and left the place.

Ajay looked at her leaving the place with a smile and felt a sense of victory.

A month passed by. It was Thursday morning and Mahi was getting ready for the office. She noticed her dad talking over the phone with least botheration that he is getting late for his office. She knew her dad as the most punctual person. She noticed that he had finished talking and so she went to him and asked, “Dad is that your girlfriend?”.

“No, your boy friend”

“Dad…”

Her dad laughed loudly and said, “Dear it was groom’s father. They have decided to visit us on Sunday”.

Mahi did not expect this. “Dad never you had given me any clue. I don’t want to marry now”

“Dear, the guy is too good. You will like him”.

“Please dad…”

“Please dear. This is my only wish. Can’t you make it come true?”

Mahi loves her dad so much and never likes him to pacify her. She always agrees to his decisions.

She smiled at him and said, “C’mon dad. I am game for it. Go ahead”.

Her parents were too happy to hear this.

Mahi was highly puzzled about her marriage. She went to beautician and took beauty treatments. She purchased a new saree. She bought make kits too, which she had never done before. Her parents were happy to see her interest in the proposal, though she is unaware of anything about the groom.

The highly expected Sunday came. Mahi dressed up beautifully like an apsaras. Her mom prepared the delicious recipe numbers. Everybody was set to welcome the groom’s family.

Late in the evening, the groom’s family reached Mahi’s house. They took their seats in drawing hall. The groom appeared young and charming. They beckoned Mahi. She came out of her room and sat in front of the groom, next to groom’s mother. She dares not to look at the groom. But, the groom stuck his eyes only her. She was gorgeous. Groom’s parents were happy about this proposal and they started to discuss about engagement and marriage. Mahi’s eagerness to look at the groom provoked her. She had a quick glance of the groom. The groom smiled at her. She froze in astonishment and could not remove her eyes from him, because it was Ajay!

The discussion slowed down and a sudden silence bloomed. Mahi composed herself and looked at her dad.

“I know about you dear. You have suppressed your desire for your parents. But, your happiness is more important. So I was very much careful in making the decision and I believe that I have made the best decision”, said Mahi’s dad with overwhelming love and happiness.

Mahi was touched by her father’s decision. She stood up, ran to her father and hugged him. She was crying and only crying on his shoulders, out of happiness!

Intimacy

Viji opened her eyes and slowly looked at people around her. Her mom was sitting by her side and kept crying. Her dad was staring at what is happening around her. A nurse was changing the glucose bottle. Viji was quiet sure that she is in hospital, very much alive!

Her in-laws came rushing into the room. Her mother-in-law wept and kissed her on her forehead. Her father-in-law posed a caring smile. The doctor came in and made thorough examination. “Viji needs to be provided drips for next 2 days. She is too weak. No solid foods are permitted. Only liquid. She is doing better and nothing to worry about”, said the doctor.

No one in the room spoke out anything. But Viji noticed eye sign transactions.
“Rani and I are there to take care of Viji. You please don worry and leave. You have something else to do too”, said Ramanthan, Viji’s dad, to her in-laws, breaking the silence. Her in-laws did not say anything, but left the room.

Viji stayed in the hospital for two days. Her in-laws visited her frequently. Her friends and relatives conveyed get well soon wishes. Her parents were always there with her. But, Viji was highly worried. “He did not even bother to visit me, not even a call. How mean he is. I am surely gonna go away from him. Never I want to see him again in my life”, felt Viji.

Viji is a very orthodox girl. She is more humble and calm. She is a typical South Indian girl. She has beautiful eyes, long hair, fair complexion and looks very homely. She cooks well, sings well and is a master in rangoli. She did a UG course for namesake, though she is brilliant in her studies and is working as a teacher in a nearby school. Her family is a most orthodoxy bunch. So for them, a girl’s marriage is important than her education. But, Viji managed to do at least a UG course.

Once, she visited her cousin’s wedding with her parents. Vivek and his parents too attended the same wedding. Vivek is a charming, young guy. He is a Software Engineer, and works for an MNC. Vivek’s parents liked Viji and so they both got engaged within couple of weeks.

Vivek was very happy about this proposal. He liked Viji and was looking forward for the marriage. His love for Viji grew day by day and wanted to meet her. He started living in dreams. He wished for a date with her. His eagerness grew high and one fine day he rang to Viji’s house. Viji attended the call and the hero was overwhelmed. Viji was bit shy to talk with him. But she somehow managed. Vivek convinced Viji to get her mobile number and he got it too. In the following days, he started calling her frequently and started talking for hours.

It had been two months since their engagement and a month left for their marriage. Vivek was too zealous about a date with Viji. It was a pleasant weekend and he called up Viji.
“Hey dear Good Morning!”, said Vivek with a bubbly smile.
“Very Good Morning! Today is Saturday and how come you are very much awake at 8 in the morning?”, exclaimed Viji.
“Sleep belongs to my past. My present and future is only Viji.”
“Hmmm….really? You keep bluffing all the time…”
“Hey don’t you believe that I Love you?”
“Really? Do you?”
“Hey…”
“Ok ok. Cool it. I know much about my man.”
“That’s better. Ok, are you free today? What about a movie, restaurant, beach? What say?”
There wasn’t any reply from Viji. She kept quiet for a minute.
“Hey you there? Hello. Viji?”, said Vivek.
“Ya I am very much there.”
“Then why didn’t you reply? If you don’t like those places, we’ll go somewhere else. No issues for me.”
“I don’t like the very idea itself.”
“What? Hey I just want to spend sometime with you dear. Why don’t you understand me?”
“You know very well about my family right? They did not even like me talking with you for long hours. Do you ever think that they will let me go with you? Besides, I personally don’t like outing before marriage. Please understand.”
“I swear, I won’t swallow you.”
“Not that ya…. But, I won’t come. Let us chat over the phone. That would suffice.”
“I don’t want that. I want to meet you. That’s it”, said Vivek sternly.
There was a long pause.
“Look Viji. Never have I used to stay at home during weekends. It is only for past few months I am staying back sometime. That is too to talk with you. Try to understand dear. Please. Go get ready”, said Vivek in a calm voice.
“No ya. That is not possible. God’s sake don’t force me.”
“Hey you talk so nicely with me over the phone. But what stops you from outing with me?”
“Let us get married and go wherever you want.”
Vivek was bit restless. He was desperate about going on a date. Viji’s reasons did not convince them.
“Wassup dear? You don’t believe or trust me? When girls from my team had joined me for movies and hangouts, why don’t you? They are after all my team mates. But you gonna be my life. Don’t you believe me as much as those girls believe me?”
“Whatever it is, I won’t come. You go out with those girls and I am not game for it. Why don’t you…”
“Hey just stop it”, interrupted Vivek. “I don’t want to hear a word more. I have understood everything. Good bye!”, said Vivek harshly and disconnected the line.

Viji just smiled thinking how much kiddish Vivek is. There had been so many petty fights between them. This is just another one. Whenever there is any such misunderstanding, Vivek used to call back in an hour or two. But, it is six in the evening and there wasn’t any call from him. Viji felt something abnormal. She called up Vivek, but he did not attend the call. Whenever Vivek is in office, he would seldom attend calls. He is always a busy boy. At times he forgets the weekend and adds Saturdays and Sundays to his working days Calendar. Viji was sure that he is in office.

She did not receive any call next day too. She sent him hundreds of message and made thousands of calls. But no response. Instead, there was a call in the land line telephone. Her dad attended the call. Viji kept watching at him. His expressions grew worst minute by minute. He doesn’t seem to speak out. He was filled with anger and was highly tempered. He just sat at sofa and was breathing heavily. He beckoned Viji’s mom and asked for a glass of water. The place remained silent for longer time.

Viji was very worried. She knows well about her dad. She is the only child. But, she was not provided all grants and rights. Her dad is bit bad tempered person. He had even beaten Viji many times. He is highly soaked in tradition and superstition.

It was late in the evening. Vivek and his parents arrived to Viji’s house all of a sudden. Viji and her mom did not had any clue. But, Viji was highly happy to see her man. Ramanathan took a seat next to Vivek’s dad, Murthy.

“There is a small misunderstanding between our children. I thought it would be better to meet in person and talk about it”, said Murthy.
“But, let Vivek explain what had happened”, said Ramanathan.
Viji froze in shock. She was totally amazed to know what on earth is happening in front of her.
“Uncle, I don’t think this proposal will work out. Viji’s wavelength doesn’t suits mine. Basement of a good marriage is trust. But Viji never seems to believe me. She teases me with girls in my team in my office. I asked her to spend a day with me. If she had asked you for the permission and if you had rejected, then I wouldn’t have bothered. But, she gave me lame reasons and denied to meet me. Is this the amount of trust she possess for me? I don’t want any hitch or glitch pricking my marriage life. I have been very true to her. But, she did not even seem to bother me. Always she wants me to listen to her words. But she doesn’t have at least an ear to hear mine. Let’s break up uncle. Things don’t seem to work out. I am sorry about this engagement and marriage arrangements. But life is much more important. Kindly forget and forgive Uncle”, said Vivek. He was highly emotional too.

Viji could not digest the words of Vivek. He means her life. But, never had she thought that he would dump her. Her eyes were filled with water. She was totally collapsed.

“Cool it Vivek”, said Murthy, breaking the silence and continued, ”Well let us give a pause to all arrangements and postpone the marriage date. Lets our children get settled and composed”.
“There is no option for reconsideration. Enough means ENOUGH!”, said Vivek firmly and left. Vivek’s parents hardly had words to speak out and they left too.

Ramanathan turned terror and beaten her without humanism. He denied neither to talk with her nor even to look at her. Viji was highly depressed. She was unable to concentrate on her job. She lost all her happiness. She believed that Vivek would calm down and call her some day. But, her belief started dying.

She grew restless and spent most of her time in her favourite Amman temple. One fine day, she was sitting alone in a shadowy area in the temple and kept weeping. Vivek’s mother, Lakshmi happened to visit the temple and was shocked to see Viji in such a shattered state. She did not had guts to talk to her. But she felt pity for Viji and went to her.

“Viji”, called Lakshmi. Viji did not had strength to smile at her. Instead she started weeping more.
“Cool down dear. I can understand. Please don’t cry. You seem too tired and restless. Look things will happen only in the way they are defined by the god. Nobody can change it. Vivek is too arrogant and adamant about his decision. We are unable to convince him. You deserve a better guy dear. Please don’t worry”, consoled Lakshmi.
But, Viji kept weeping. Lakshmi had no words to console her.
“Aunty, I don understand when and where I did any mistake. Only mistake I am doing is still staying alive”, said Viji.
“No dear, don’t use such heavy words”.
“No aunty, my dad is not talking to me. Instead, he keeps scolding me all the time. He beats up my mom. My mom also lost hope on me. I have shattered their dreams. I have lost my parents. I have lost my life”.
“Everything is gonna be fine soon”.
“I have lost all my hope. What had happened was a mere misunderstanding. I donno how to fix all these issues. I have lost my parents. Thank you so much for what you people had done to me. I have lost my parents”, said Viji and kept crying.
Vivek’s mom did not had anything to do rather leaving the place.

Two weeks went by and Vivek’s parents suddenly arrived to Viji’s house. They had a big discussion with Viji’s parents. They explained that all that had happened were just another passing cloud. They insisted on Vivek – Viji’s marriage. But Ramanathan showed least interest. Still, Vivek’s parents were able to convince him and marriage date got rescheduled and finalized.

Viji was not happy but she was not sad either. She found her parents to be happy. Her dad started talking to her. There wasn’t much love from him, but Viji was happy that he calmed down at least to talk to her.

Marriage arrangements were going on vigorously. Viji agreed to all these arrangements only for the sake of her parents. She was unable to give up her anger towards Vivek. The very thought of Vivek embarrassed her. Her parents were her only world and she never expected her lover boy to shatter it into pieces. She could still hear Vivek’s words ‘Enough means enough’. She admired as how his parents convinced him for the marriage.

The day of her marriage arrived. Viji did not receive any calls from Vivek nor happen to meet him, since the marriage got rescheduled. She remained calm and was not thrilled to see him. He made a small smile at her. But she did not respond to that too. Instead she looked down and sat next to him. Marriage ceremony went well and she was very happy since because her parents were happy.

It has been 5 days since the marriage got over and Viji got almost accustomed with Vivek’s house. Vivek’s parents were happy, as she took care of them well and they believed that she is the most perfect daughter-in-law. But, she seldom spoke with Vivek. She responded to Vivek’s questions and rejected even to go with him to near by temple. It was her dad’s words that kept her away from Vivek.

“I have done my best as a Father. Please don’t create any fuss as you did before. Try to earn good name and win hearts of your in-laws. If you gonna come back to me with a big problem, like the one happened, then you can very well find me hanging in my room”, said Ramnathan to Viji when she got set to leave her house after marriage.

Viji had a strong feeling that it is because of Vivek that she had lost her parents. She could not feel any love for him any more. So she kept away from him.


Weeks passed by, months passed, but there was no intimacy, love or affection between Vivek and Viji. It has been 4 months since her marriage and Viji visited her parents only once. It was Ramanthan who threw knify words on her as he had a doubt whether Viji had brought any confusion with her.

The friction between Viji and Vivek became too obvious and Vivek parents were very much worried about this issue. But Viji had not let her parents know anything and according to them she is leading a most beautiful life with Vivek. Vivek started reaching home late night and seldom stays at home during weekends. He started shouting at his parents for no reason and stopped sharing a word Viji. He appeared very pale and lifeless. All his energy and enthusiasm became things of past. So Vivek’s parents decided to discuss this issue with him and Viji.

It was a sunny Sunday and Vivek was watching Titanic in T.V. So many thoughts were racing in his mind. He rewinded his own past and how drastically his happy – happy life had changed into a sorrowful one.

“Vivek we need to talk something with you”, said Murthy.
“Yes dad”
“One minute… Viji can you come here for a minute?”, called Murthy. Viji was busy in preparing lunch.
“Yes uncle”, said Viji and came out of the kitchen. Lakshmi just kept watching the happening.

“Vivek”, said Murthy and continued, “I understand that you and Viji are not happy with your marriage life. What happened to you both? ‘Forgive’ and ‘Forget’ are too important in a married life. Why both keep pondering over a small misunderstanding that happened ages before?”
“Dad”, said Vivek and continued, “I don’t want to talk about any such thing”.
“Stop it Vivek. How mean of you? How dare you dump a girl?”, said Lakshmi. She was emotional too.
“I am not a dragon to be cruel or mean”, said Vivek with high temper.
“Then what else? I had never seen Viji at least smiling for past 4 months. You were the reason behind what had happened. She was depressed because of you. You gave her hell lot of problems and still continue to do so”, yelled Lakshmi.
“Yes. I am the reason for everything. So what then?”, said Vivek and he sounded terror.
“Viji is a very good girl and she is a boon for you. If she had married someone else, she would have led a peaceful life. She had lost her whole life on marrying you”, said Murthy with full of anger.
There was long pause. Vivek eyes grew red. “In that case I am ready to issue a divorce. You yourself find a better guy for her and get her married off to that guy. I am least bothered”, said Vivek sternly and left the place.
Everybody stood froze. His very words shook Viji too.


There was hardly any conversation between the people in Vivek’s house. Nobody was able to digest Vivek’s words. In the following weekend, one Mr.Janarthanan visited Vivek. They were discussing for more than an hour and then he left. Murthy was curious to know what was happening and enquired Vivek. Vivek’s answer was yet another shock. Janarthanan happened to be a Lawyer in Family Court and Vivek discussed about the proceedings for divorce with him.

Lakshmi started crying and Murthy stood still in shock. Viji could do nothing but cry. Her dad’s thought added to her sorrow and his word, ’you can find me hanging’, echoed in her ears.

Lakshmi and Murthy kept scolding Vivek in every possible chance in the following week. But Vivek managed to keep quiet and did not respond. He made a final decision in his mind and was working on it. So these screams and yells did not disturb him.

It was a Friday evening, Vivek was bit early to home than usual. He went into his room and locked. He came out after couple of hours for dinner and went in again. Viji completed all her duties for the day and went into the bedroom. She was clueless to see her marriage photos scattered on the bed. She thought that Vivek would have required their marriage photo for divorce photo. She felt her heart to be too heavy. She lied in one corner of the room. She recollected her marriage and thought about her dad, who was very happy on that day. She saw only happiness on the day of her marriage. All such thoughts made her cry and she raced too many questions in her mind. ‘What will happen if she gets divorced? How will she face her dad? What if he really hangs himself?’

She woke up. It was almost half past 12 and Vivek was sound asleep. She went into the kitchen and with out giving a second thought, she swallowed a ‘Rat Killing Cake’. In five minutes, she lost her balance and started to vomit blood. She fainted and fell down with a thud. She became unconscious. It was Murthy, who was awakened by the thud sound. He came out of his room and was appalled to see Viji on the floor, with blood all around. She was then immediately rushed to hospital.

Viji opened her eyes and slowly looked at people around her. Her mom was sitting by her side and kept crying. Her dad was staring at what is happening around her. A nurse was changing the glucose bottle. Viji was quiet sure that she is in hospital, very much alive!

Her in-laws came rushing into the room. Her mother-in-law wept and kissed her on her forehead. Her father-in-law posed a caring smile. The doctor came in and made thorough examination. “Viji needs to be provided drips for next 2 days. She is too weak. No solid foods are permitted. Only liquid. She is doing better and nothing to worry about”, said the doctor.

No one in the room spoke out anything. But Viji noticed eye sign transactions.
“Rani and I are there to take care of Viji. You please don worry and leave. You have something else to do too”, said Ramanthan, Viji’s dad, to her in-laws, breaking the silence. Her in-laws did not say anything, but left the room.

Viji stayed in the hospital for two days. Her in-laws visited her frequently. Her friends and relatives conveyed get well soon wishes. Her parents were always there with her. But, Viji was highly worried. “He did not even bother to visit me, not even a call. How mean he is. I am surely gonna go away from him. Never I want to see him again in my life”, felt Viji.

Viji got discharged after a couple of days and was taken to her home by Ramanthan and Rani. It has been one week and she received calls only from Murthy and Lakshmi. Besides, she did not bother to ask about Vivek to them either.

One fine day, Vivek, Murthy and Lakshmi came to Viji’s house. But Viji disliked looking at Vivek and went inside her room. Ramanathan did not like Viji’s behaviour, but he kept quiet. Lakshmi went into Viji’s room and sat next to her on the bed. Viji was lying weeping on the bed.
“Viji, get up dear. Don cry dear”, said Lakshmi. But Viji kept crying.
“Viji”, called Vivek, standing near the door of her room.
Viji stopped crying for a second, turned and looked at him. She stared at him as if to burn him up and turned her face away from him.

Lakshmi left the room and Vivek came in and sat next to Viji.
“How are you Viji?”, asked Vivek.
“I don have luck to commit suicide even. I am very much alive”, said Viji filled with anger and watery eyes.
“Why did you do that Viji?”, asked Vivek.
Viji did not bother to reply.
“You don’t know how much your act had hurt me. You are too kiddish. You should have given a thought before doing so”, said Vivek. He was very pale, weak and lifeless.
“Say something Viji. Look…”
“I don’t want to hear anything from you. Better leave the place and according to you I am dead”, interrupted Viji and continued crying.
“Stop it Viji”, interrupted Ramanathan, breathing heavily.
“You don’t dare to speak a word to Vivek. You are a dumb to shatter your life into pieces by yourself. You don’t know about Vivek…”, said Ramanathan.
“Uncle please…”, interrupted Vivek.
“No Vivek. Its high time and I have to explain things to her”, said Ramnathan. Then he turned to Viji and continued, “Do you know how much he regretted for the fuss that happened before the marriage? Do you know how much he apologized to me personally? He used to call me at least once in a week to enquire my well being. You did not do that. I know everything that had happened, the plan of divorce too. It was Vivek who was much cared for you than me. He tried to console you on initial days. But you silly dumb just stuck to all that had happened before ages. I threatened you hoping that, you will understand him and lead a good life. But, you made his life miserable.”
Viji was perplexed.
Ramanathan continued, “I understand that it is your affection towards me made you to behave differently. But he loves and cares for you more than me. You know what? He understood that you are not happy with him and was much worried about your life than his life. So he decided to part away from you and he wished to find a good guy for you by himself. No man on earth could dare take such a decision. At least by now understand his love for you”, said Ramanathan full of emotion and tears.

He then turned towards Vivek and asked him, “Why did you tried to commit suicide then?”
The very question brought a shock to Viji. She tried to recollect the question, ‘Vivek – suicide?’ She looked into the eyes of Vivek. She was unable to comprehend anything.
“I am sorry for what had happened”, apologized Vivek.
“What had happened Vivek?”, cried Viji.
“I love you Viji. I admit it was me who planned for divorce and I planned so not for me, but for you. I always want my love to be happy. You are not just my love, but my life. I adore you. I always want you to have a happy life. But you disliked living with me. So I decided to part away from you. Still, I am not a saint to see my girl parting away from me and marrying some other guy. You are always mine. You will always be mine…. So only solution for this is to give up my life, so that you can very well marry another guy and I can very well sleep peacefully believing that you are my girl”, said Vivek. He was emotional and his eyes were watery.
“So he tried committing suicide on the same day, you made the attempt”, said Ramanthan to Viji.
Viji started crying heavily. She felt ashamed of herself. She did not speak anything but crying.
“He got admitted in the same hospital as yours and just got discharged. He had come all the way to see you and was concerned only about your act. He was almost dead and was unconscious for past 1 week. By god’s grace, he is alive. We have hidden all these things from you fearing that it might affect your health. I hope you have understood Vivek at least by now. He means a lot you than me dear”, said Ramanathan. He was calm and composed and it was highly unusual to see such a man speaking softly.

Viji moved closer to Vivek, fell on his lap and cried. Vivek lifted her face and kissed her on her forehead. Viji hugged him and understood that her love for him had not died but just got buried up.

Love can never die, it can only get buried up, but still it will remain alive!!!