They Stalked Her..

They were still following her.

The two of them.

 They did not look like goondas. But then, these days, the chain snatchers also look like respectable persons. But something told her that they were following her.

 

She regretted wearing the necklace. It was glittering. Her daughter in law had picked it up for her in London where she had gone on vacation last month with her son. It was only a piece of costume jewellery, but shone brilliantly like a diamond necklace. She had worn it that morning under great compulsion from her daughter in law.

 

She had to attend this wedding as her husband could not have sprained his ankle the previous evening while playing cricket with the three-year-old grandson. The daughter in law was still reeling under jet lag. Her son had dropped her at the Wedding Hall and she had told him that she would hitch a lift from her friend. She learnt from the bride’s mother that the friend had called a little while ago saying she would be coming only for the reception, as unexpected visitors had turned up. So, she had to find her way back home.

 

She came out of the Wedding Hall and could not spot any Auto. Since Pondy Bazaar was close by, she decided to walk and take an auto from there. But as she came out and crossed the street into the by lane, these crooks had started following her. She thought of stopping and telling them that the piece she was wearing was costume jewellery. But what if they hurt her!

 

She increased her pace. There were a couple of persons walking towards her and she knew the rogues will not come near her now. But they may, in Pondy Bazaar; the place was crowded throughout the day. Anybody could snatch a chain or pick a pocket or grab a handbag and make good the escape in a jiffy. She hurried and reached the road and was relieved to see the countless shops. For once she loved those vendors usurping the footpath, spreading their wares there. No complaints now, that they were hindering the pedestrians.

They were still following her.

 

She walked fast and turned into the space between rows of shops. A plethora of shops….selling bangles, party items, stage decors, kids’ garments, eateries….beauty parlors.

There were shouts behind her and turning, she saw that one of her stalkers had been knocked down and the other was lifting him up. She dashed into the shop close by, with the huge painted glass door. She discovered that it was a beauty parlor. Salma Beauty Parlour. She heaved a sigh of relief. She looked through the door and found them searching for her outside. She sat on one of the empty chairs. She knew they would be after her, once she moved out.

Suddenly, her face lit up. At the same moment, the lady in charge came towards her with a smile. Heavily made up, lips painted in a brownish hue with a touch of silver. A candy pink salwar kameez with a lot of sequins thrown in. Hair, cut short and curled.

 

“Yes, Ma'am ?”

 “ Can my hair be dyed? Black ?” she asked.

 

“ Why not ?”, shot back the lady glancing at her silver-grey hair and running her fingers gently over it.

She sat on the swivel chair. The black robe was fastened over her shoulders. The hair was let loose. Within minutes, the hair was coloured. She was asked to wait for thirty minutes. The hair was then washed. Spray dried. Combed. 

All this was new for her. This was the first time she had ever stepped into a Beauty Parlour. She smiled at her reflection. Years rolled behind her. She looked young. As young as she was, a few years back. She got up and paid the amount they asked her. As she was about to step out, she halted. She looked at the lady and spoke,

“Ma’m, can you do me a favor? I have to go to the Ladies Club function. I would like you to get me a Salwar Kameez so that I can change into it and go from here. Something that would suit me, you know. ”

 

The Lady obliged with great enthusiasm. She sent one of her girls and within minutes, the dress was purchased from a shop nearby. She wore it and placed her saree and other accessories in the same bag. The necklace was already in the depths of her handbag. She left the bag in a corner of the shop.

“Let this bag be here. I shall come and pick it up by four p.m.“

The owner smiled

"You look lovely Ma'am. With the dyed hair and changed attire! "

 

She walked out with confidence. Looked out for auto and found one slowing down. As she was about to get in, she heard them.

Yes, the crooks who were after her were seated on the footpath.

 

“Lost a fine opportunity, yaar. If we had got that necklace, we could have happily sat down and enjoyed life for three years! Hey Bhagwan !! How bright those diamonds were !” One of them was saying.

 

She got into the auto and sped towards home.

 She felt elated…..and young of course!