Beautiful And Complicated

Isha is a 26-year-old married woman, who hailed from Pune. She got married to Ravi, right after her higher education, leaving behind a vast ocean of career opportunities. She is very studious, humorous by nature and beautiful at heart. Whomsoever she met in her life, she would leave her imprints on their heart. It was unfortunate that her parents found a suitable groom for her at a young age. Being obedient to her parents, she could not refuse and married Ravi, assuming that she may start her career after marriage.

Ravi had a travelling job. Every 4 months he has to travel to different cities for his work. They had completed 3 years of marriage. Neither Isha had a career, nor she had any children. They bought a new home in Pune. The entire day she would be alone at home when Ravi is not in the city. Most of the time she used to travel to either her parent's or in-law's house. This was a routine travel for her. She had many friends from her college days, but she never felt like hanging out with them, especially after marriage. She got tired of these regular visits because of her relatives, who started too much intervening in her personal life. There is no shortage of money for Isha, as Ravi is earning a good amount. But the loneliness is a big concern for Isha. It also started impacting her mental well-being.

One day when Ravi was packing his belongings, Isha came into the room. "I cannot live like this always. I feel bored when you are not in the city," complained Isha. After listening to Isha, Ravi thought for a while. "I can understand your concern. If you want to have a job, I will arrange for an internet connection so that you can keep yourself busy," suggested Ravi. Ravi cannot take Isha along with him due to his job type. It's been 3 years since Isha lost touch with her studies. But she had no option left to say yes to Ravi's suggestion. Before leaving the city, Ravi called the internet guy for a connection at his home. 

The next day after Ravi left, the internet guy came and made the connection at home. Isha started learning new things on the internet. Somehow, she started taking an interest in learning and kept herself busy. She also started preparing for job interviews. Despite doing all this, she still had a feeling of emptiness inside. Ravi has never been emotional to her, as he is always busy with his work. Isha would often weep in silence rather than complaining.

Two months passed after Ravi left. One morning, Isha's mobile rang. "Hello Isha, Ravi here. How are you? " Before Isha could speak anything, Ravi spoke again. "Today my cousin brother Rakesh with his wife Lata and his 4-year-old daughter Jia, will be visiting our home". "Is there anything special today they have?" asked Isha. "Nothing special, Rakesh got a new job in our city. He has yet to find suitable accommodation for himself and his family. So, till they find accommodation, it is better if they can stay in our home for a few days. In this way you will also enjoy a good companion with Lata at least for some days," replied Ravi. Although Rakesh is a cousin, he is very close to Ravi and his family. Isha has known him since her marriage. Isha at first got annoyed, since Ravi did not bother to take her permission regarding their stay. She paused for some time, then finally acknowledged Ravi's words. Anyways all day she is alone. If someone comes and stays, then it's for her betterment only. Isha hung up the phone and went to the kitchen to prepare lunch for the guests.

Rakesh and Lata reached Ravi's home with their daughter. Isha welcomed them and made them comfortable at her home. She showed them the room which was arranged for their stay. They all had lunch together. "You guys must be tired from the journey. Please take some rest. We will catch up in the evening for the tea," suggested Isha. "Thank you, Isha, for this delicious lunch. You also have some rest," replied Lata. Without further chats, all went to their rooms for a small nap. 

All of them again gathered in the evening. Lata helped Isha in preparing snacks for the tea. The tea table was set up in the garden area. Jia is playing in the garden chasing behind the dragonflies. Rakesh started a conversation with Isha, "Isha, why don't you start doing a job? In that way, you will not only earn but also get rid of your boredom. I could see Ravi, is out of the city most of the time". "I am willing to do it, but I do not know how to start. Already 3 years have passed since my graduation," Isha replied with a low voice. "You don't have to worry as long as I am here. I will assist you in getting a job", assured Rakesh. For the first time, Isha felt a sense of relief hearing Rakesh's words. It was getting darker outside. All of them went inside. Lata and Isha started preparing meals for the dinner. Everyone got a peaceful sleep at night after having a sumptuous meal. 

The next day, Rakesh is getting ready for the office. Lata handed over a packed lunch box to him. "The aroma is too good, when did you start preparing such tasty snacks?" asked Rakesh. Lata smiled and said, "I did not prepare anything today. All is Isha's effort." Rakesh paused and looked at Isha. "Thank you, Isha, for this delicious snack. Let me know if you need any groceries, I will bring them while coming back from the office", assured Rakesh. "Sure, I will ask Lata to call you in case I need anything", said Isha. 

In the office, every day Rakesh would spend some time in search of a job for Isha. As if he had taken the responsibility of getting her a decent job. Even he started helping Isha prepare for job interviews whenever he had free time at home. Thirty days passed after their arrival; Ravi was still out of the city. Isha is in touch with him over the phone only. After frequent meetings with Rakesh, Isha developed a strong bond with him. She started liking him despite knowing that Rakesh is married to Lata. His kind and helpful nature was enough for Isha to start liking him. Isha was unaware of Rakesh's feelings. Whether he is also feeling the same for her or he is just helping her for the sake of humanity. This liking gradually converted into love for Isha. Isha could not open up about her feelings because it could be a one-sided love. According to her, developing such kind of feelings is also not allowed in Indian culture, especially after marriage.

One Thursday morning, Isha was doing her routine work in the kitchen. Rakesh had left for the office. Lata just entered the kitchen after bidding bye to Rakesh. "Isha! I just wanted to tell you that we have found a new house for our stay. The house is nearer to Rakesh's office and Jia will also be admitted to the nearby school", said Lata. Isha was first shocked by hearing this from Lata. But after some time, she calmed herself as their leaving was expected." So when you both are planning to leave?" asked Isha. "We are planning to leave by this Saturday, as we need to settle in our new home by Sunday", replied Lata. "So early, you people will be leaving? I mean you could have stayed till Ravi came back", Isha was emotional. "Not possible Isha, as Jia is already late for getting into a school, we had to make the decision", replied Lata. Isha just nodded her head in acceptance. 

In the evening Rakesh returned home. "Hey Isha, did you get any call from the companies, where you applied for the jobs?", asked Rakesh. Isha stood silent over there. "Isha, I am talking to you? Are you fine?", asked Rakesh anxiously. Lata came there from her room. "I think Isha is worried about being lonely again after we leave here", answered Lata. "Ravi has to think of some permanent solution to this problem. He cannot leave her alone like this always. Rakesh, can you please talk to Ravi on this? Maybe he will listen to you", said Lata with great concern. "No need to tell him anything, I am fine here alone. Otherwise, he will think, I complained to both of you against him", spoke Isha after breaking her silence. After dinner, everyone went to their room without further discussion. Isha could not sleep that night. She came out to the garden area, sat on the armchair and got lost in her thoughts. She cannot bear the separation from Rakesh who was too kind to her during these thirty days of stay. Her hands suddenly hit a flowerpot while walking on the lawn and it fell on the cemented floor of the lawn. Rakesh woke up due to the noise at midnight and came out to the garden area in distress. He felt relief after seeing Isha standing over there. "What happened Isha? What are you doing here at this time? I thought it was a thief, so came out to check. Is everything ok with you?", asked confused Rakesh. Isha did not dare to speak the truth in front of Rakesh. "I am fine Rakesh. I over ate my dinner, hence, could not sleep. So came for a walk. Now I am feeling better and will leave for a sleep. I am sorry for the noise that woke you up", lied Isha. Rakesh without much talk left the place and went to his room. He also felt very confused and disturbed that night. He felt as if he was going to miss something forever.

Two days passed by, and the day of the journey arrived. Rakesh and Lata were busy packing their belongings as they had to leave the house. Isha prepared and packed some delicious snacks for them, for which Rakesh appreciated her earlier. Jia seemed very excited and happy about her new home and school. Rakesh put all the luggage inside his car. Isha had no courage to confront them and say goodbye."Isha, you have been a very nice person to us throughout our stay. I don't have many words to say in return for your hospitality. But do visit us anytime you want. I will call you, once we reach our home. Thank you so much for your cooperation. Goodbye", expressed Lata. "Yes Isha, thank you so much. Also, do call me for any kind of help you need and keep me updated regarding your job searches. Goodbye!", expressed Rakesh. "Thank you both for these kind words and for being companions to me in my loneliness. Goodbye", expressed Isha. Rakesh, Lata and Jia left the place thereafter. Soon after they left, Isha burst into tears uncontrollably, which she was holding for longer and went back to her lonely world.