The Day The State Split Asunder - 22

The monsoon season is still two months away but increased cyclonic activity in the Arabian Sea brought with it the relentless rain to the inland Bangalore.

Aarti opened the door of her flat and got in. She turned on the light of the hall, placed her handbag on the wooden teapoy, slipped into her bedroom, donned on a white bathrobe, swept her light brown hair to one side of her face, and walked into the washroom to have a quick shower.

After having her shower she put on the purple nightgown, picked up her mobile, and walked into the kitchen. She placed the mobile on the dining table and scanned all the ingredients present in the shelf. 

After five minutes of intense look-see around the kitchen, she opened the refrigerator and there were only two eggs in the egg tray. She thought of preparing a spicy egg omelet but later dropped the idea as two eggs won't be sufficient for herself and to her cousin. Instead, she decided to cook the noodles and immersed herself in preparing it for her and to her cousin. Cooking was like an old pal to her - warm, comforting, always ready to cook delicious items, and experimenting with her taste buds.

She poured two cups of water into the bowl and began boiling it on a high flame. Her phone began to buzz. She lifted the phone and happened to see a message from her cousin Radhika in which she said she will be staying at her aunt's home tonight and not to cook anything for her.

Thank God, I just started cooking, she thought.

Aarti turned off the stove and got back to the refrigerator. She picked up the eggs and engrossed herself in making the spicy omelet made with chopped onions, hot green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, and coriander leaves. The omelet sizzled and filled the kitchen with the aroma of eggs, onions, and garlic. On the parallel burner, she placed a stainless steel pan to melt the butter and began toasting the bread slices. Minutes later she placed the stuff on the plate and walked into the hall. The thought of the letter given by Adarsh dropped from her mind.

She turned on the television and began watching a Hollywood romantic movie along with her favorite omelet. Once again her mobile began to ring. This time it was a call from her mother.

"Hello, Maa!" she said. "I thought of calling you after having my dinner."

"Hello beta what are you doing?" asked her mother.

"Nothing just having my omelet. How are things at your place? How is Dad?"

"He is good. We have been thinking about you all throughout the day and your Dad and I want you to get married soon..."

"What!" she needed a second to absorb the information. She placed the plate on the table and continued, "I already told you a million times that I don't want to get married until I accomplish all my dreams."

"See you are already twenty-three. There can be no good life except marrying a good boy. You can even accomplish those dreams even after getting married..."

"Maa! You're talking as if I crossed thirty. I told you many times before and I am saying it again, I don't want to marry until I start a company of my own," Aartis voice was rigid.

"Shut up and listen to me! A job or business is not that important to a girl. Everyone is asking us when you're going to get your elder daughter married. If you want we will get you married to a person who is running a business."

"Maa! Please do understand me. Don't make fun of my dreams. You very well know that I don't like doing and talking the same things twice. But you keep pulling me into it every day. Try to be the example of those parents who support their daughter's dreams."

"Aarti Please do understand," her mother pleaded on the phone. "Don't be a stubborn horse!"

"Just give me one more year. If I don't achieve it by the end of this year, I will get married as per your wish..."

"Another one year! I am not going to accept it!"

"I said by the end of this year, not one more year. Do you understand?" she put her hand on her forehead. "And Maa today's day was really back-breaking. I reached home just thirty minutes ago. I will call you tomorrow."

"Why are you staying up late in the office? I still don't understand why you decided to work in Bangalore when you have opportunities in Mumbai?"

"I spent my entire childhood in Mumbai. I got fed up with that city."

"Beta tell me one thing, do you have anyone in your mind?"

Aarti's heart skipped a beat. Her mother's sixth sense sprang up. "No… No… Maa, I am your daughter… Why will I do such things?"

"I am afraid since you are staying alone over there."

"I am not alone, Radhika didi is also with me and Mom all this stuff irritates me a lot. I have had a long day. Can you please say something apart from marriage?"

"If you don't get married how will you have a family?"

"I will call you tomorrow..." Aarti said in a disgusting tone.

"As you wish. The kids of this generation got spoiled completely because of these laptops and mobiles. Call whenever... End whenever... Shout whenever... I am just your mother. A channel to vent out your frustrations..."

Aarti took three deep breaths. "I am sorry for shouting at you, I am sorry. Leave me for this year. If I don't fulfill my dreams by the end of this year I will definitely marry as per your wish but please don't pray to God to not fulfill my wishes. I will catch your feet..."

"Why do you treat me like a villain and why will I do that? If you are successful won't we be happy? I will pray to God every day to fulfill your dream of starting a company. Go and take rest. Had your dinner?"

"I am having it Maa! I miss you and love you so much bye..."

"Bye beta..." and she disconnected the call.

"Women go into marriage for the marriage. Men go into marriage for the woman. For the woman, it's a combo, a package deal. You get the house, the stuff, in-laws, the kids, and the guy… it sucks everything..." she said to herself and resumed with her omelet and movie.

The movie turned out to be boring. Suddenly the thought of a letter given by Adarsh flashed into her mind. After eating her food she took the plate into the kitchen, dropped it in the sink, washed her hands, and went back to the hall. She unzipped her handbag and took out the envelope.

What is there in this envelope? She thought and slit it open.

She eased out the contents, two sheets of white paper. Her hands shook a little. She wasn't sure if it was impatience, excitement, or anxiety. She scanned it quickly, trying to ignore the chill going up through her spine. She sat on the sofa and began reading the content of the letter.

Dear Aarti,

First of all, I really wish to convey tonnes of thanks to God for sending a person like you. If my life can be split into two halves, it is going to be before you and after you. I lost my parents when I was just ten. My life was completely gray and colorless until you entered into my life. Until the day I saw you there was no color.

I can't say how much I struggled to write this letter. In a dark time, you were sent to me. Who would have thought we would become more than just friends? Honestly, I never felt like that. I had written this to tell you what I couldn't say standing in front of you. Never in my dream, I thought that I would meet a person like you. Every moment that I spend with you, I feel so happy and so glad that it's spent with you.

I really marvel at how it has turned out this way. I am at a loss of words to explain it. Do you remember when we met on the first day? And how can I forget as you spilled coffee on my shirt? I admit I chuckled a bit. But do you know one thing? Every day I used to be very eager to meet you. For me, you are the most special person in the whole wide world.

I feel lucky and blessed to have met someone like you. And blessed to have a friendship so special and true. In your gentle presence, I found the smile and happiness that I thought I lost it along with my parents. I found your eyes so full of care. It healed my bruised soul.

No words could ever tell the way I feel about you. You're the entire world to me. The only thing that I regret is not telling you all these things by standing in front of you. I was so scared that you will start hating me.

Aarti I can't say what you have done to me. You've set my heart on fire. Yes, it's true. Since ten days pressure is building up inside of my heart. And my heart is not as big as yours, it is just the size of a fist. It is unable to hold the love which is multiplying with each passing second. Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat. I am dreaming about you all day, thinking about you all night.

I didn't believe in love at all before I met you. My heart is and will always be yours. I am sorry if these words have hurt you. But I solemnly swear that I will never leave you alone until death sets us apart. I can't force you to love me but in case if you love me please do try to call me before twelve. I will take it as the acceptance of my love.

Aarti there is no one special in my life except you and I cannot imagine my life without you. Each and every day my love for you only increases.

If you don't like me then there's nothing to worry about. I am not going to bother you to love me. It's your life, your wish. But I can't imagine my life without you and I will quit the company

Aarti, I love you so much... yes I love you...

The cold wind from the windows gave her sudden goosebumps. She stood still for a minute, trying to absorb the news. Could it possibly be a mistake? But it wasn't. She pinched herself and read the letter again. Despite her best efforts to curb it, the initial shock wave refused to ebb. With her mind in overdrive, she started to pace the length of the hall.

She sat on the sofa, looked up above the ceiling, and closed her eyes. She could recollect the moment where Adarsh wanted to get closer to her after the office while they were standing on the footpath. The realization of it sent a shiver down her spine. To her, this is not the first time having received a love letter. She wondered at herself for not getting angry. The paper on her hand is still smooth and not crumpled.

A romantic song was being played on the television at the same point in time. She picked up the remote and turned it off. The sudden rain, the cold wind, the love letter, and a romantic love song were trying to tell her something. She glanced at the time on the wall clock. It showed ten. It means she has only two hours to decide between yes and no. 

There will come a point in life when you will find love to be a confusing feeling when you will realize that you are unsure of your feelings. You do not get it if you are in love or if what you are feeling is simply infatuation and it is going to be hard to figure out which is which.

Aarti got into her bedroom. Turned on the light and looked at her reflection in the big mirror of the dressing table. The mirror was showing her beautiful curves but not a confused woman who is struggling to bring her thoughts together. She began talking to her reflection in the mirror.

Just an hour ago I thought he was one of the nicest guys. I never expected this from you Adarsh. But do I hate him or like him… By this time I should have slapped him a hundred times but why am I not feeling angry upon him…

Did I fall for him?

No! No! Aarti! What are you talking about? You are not that much weak. It is not easy to win your heart. But he is so tall and handsome and yes he can make anyone fall for him… Wait… Wait… why I am thinking like that…

Devon Ke Dev Mahadev.. what a difficult situation you've put me into. And who is he to give me a deadline till twelve? What he is thinking about me? But he is a motherless lad… Maybe I got too close to him… But is this my mistake or his?

What will he do if I say no? If he resigns then again he needs to find another job. I think it's better I talk to him before things go out of control...

These feelings of her are diverging, one moment she is happy, the next she is sad. The truth is she doesn't know which is real and which isn't. 

Aarti took her mobile into her hands and dialed his number. He answered the call in a single ring.

"Hello, Aarti! I hope you have read the letter?" said Adarsh.

"What is this nonsense Adarsh?" she asked sternly. "This is not expected of you..."

"It is entirely your fault..." he said.

"Have you gone mad? You have written the letter you made the mess and you're throwing the blame on to me. What do you think of yourself? You're fortunate that you are not standing in front of me, else I would have..."

"What would you have done?"

"I would have done the same to you what I did previously to those who wrote these filthy letters?"

"I am even ready for that. I love you Aarti… and I know you love me too…"

"But I don't love you..."

"Aarti! Tell me what is stopping you from loving me?"

"Adarsh. Why don't you understand? Love is something that comes naturally; it can't be forced..."

"Aarti, I know it. True Love is all about happiness, respect for each other. And Aarti you know how much I love my mother. I swear in the name of my mother that even if the whole world falls apart, I will be right by your side, I promise I will never leave your hand. I promise, my love will always be with you until I die, I promise to wipe your tears when they fall. I promise to make you feel valued every day no matter what. You are the hope that keeps me going. As long as I live, I will never stop thinking about you! I love you more than you can imagine. I swear all these promises in the name of my mother. I have conveyed all that I can… Always remember one thing. Whether it's friendship or love.

All bonds are built on trust. Without it we have nothing. Now the ball is in your court. Please tell me your opinion before twelve. If I don't get a call from you by twelve, I take it that you don't trust me. I will walk out of your life and I will never show my face to you… Think well before you decide... I will be waiting for your verdict..." and he disconnected the call.

"Adarsh!" she could hear nothing except the beep sound.

What can I do now? He loves his mother so much. Will he take good care of me? 

But he is an orphan. I am not sure whether Dad is going to accept him. O come on! Why am I thinking about marrying him? Why am I feeling like that?

Did I fall for him? No! No! No! it is not easy to make you fall in love… 

She slept on her bed and was staring at the ceiling contemplating the sudden unanticipated turn out where she has to choose between two options yes and no. If she says no, Adarsh is going to resign from the company.

She glanced at the time on her mobile. It showed 11:45.

O, God! What can I say to him? It's ok whatever will happen let it happen... she took a deep breath.

I should talk to him rather than contemplating... 

To be continued...