Inaya

It was still dawn when I stepped out of the cab and walked towards the entry gate of the Delhi airport. The early morning February air was pleasantly cold.

I was traveling to Bengaluru to attend a college friend’s wedding. It had been four years since we graduated from the same college. This wedding was also going to be a reunion of our batch mates. But what I did not know was that the reunion would begin much ahead of time, right in the queue in front of the airline counter.

I was almost sure it was her. Same height! Same long hair! Same complexion! Curiosity had my eyes glued to her. And then about 60-odd seconds later, when she turned, she proved me right. My ex-girlfriend stood two places ahead of me in that queue. We had never met after college farewell.

When she turned, she saw me. She waved her hands from her place and said hello. She asked for my well-being and then after the exchange of some formal gestures we proceeded to board the flight. No doubt she was also going to attend the same function. She was sitting so calmly, deeply engrossed to a novel, like always. She never tried to know where I was sitting. It was so easy for her.

But I was still thinking whether Inaya was my ex or still my present. I closed my eyes and went seven years back. We were new to college. I had some friends from Delhi who took admission in Bengaluru College. Inaya was also from Delhi but we did not know each other before joining college. Inaya was very pretty and heartthrob of many. I was one of them. She was a complete extrovert, a good orator, a good painter, and dancer. She had everything in her a man could long for. On the other hand, I was an introvert. The only good quality I had was that I was extremely good at studies. She always took me as a good friend and used to discuss a matter related to her life with me. It was true that I was the closest person to her in the college but I knew I was not her love interest. It was Saarthak. He belonged to a family of Army personnel and that discipline always reflected in every walk of his life. They were getting closer day by day. Though they were in love, there were times when Inaya felt a little upset because of Saarthak’s lifestyle. He was an aspiring Army Officer and wanted that discipline from Inaya by all means. Sometimes she felt losing that grip which was holding them together. Inaya was full of life. Daydreaming, falling in love with nature, describing and praising nature, her hobbies were her favorite time pass.

One day she came to me with a heavy heart. She told that Saarthak took her to his house. There Saarthak’s mother asked about her hobbies. She cheerfully told her passion for painting. Saarthak’s parents were not amused by this reply. His mother asked what about driving, swimming, some sports activities. She told that Saarthak’s parents want her to learn driving. I also suggested her to learn driving. This could be helpful as well. She told us she is a daydreamer, her mind goes for a ride most of the time. That time she loves to close her eyes. In that situation how could she drive? I laughed at her reply. I assured her that I would teach her driving. She agreed but showed her interest in learning from Saarthak. But very soon she realized that Saarthak had no time for all these. He was rigorously preparing for getting selected for defense services. Though Inaya was very sad I tried to console her. Sometimes in free time in the evening I used to take Inaya for driving classes. She was learning but she was enjoying sitting on another side of steering, looking out of the window.

It was the rose day. Everyone had their own plans. Inaya was expecting Saarthak would make it a memorable day for her. Time was running fast. It was late evening by the time. But Saarthak did not turn up. I knew Inaya was sad. I started saying that Saarthak must have planned something big for the day. He would definitely throw some bash at night. Inaya did not reply. I went to Saarthak. As usual, he was busy with studies. I told about Inaya and her expectations from him. He said he forgets about the day. I took Saarthak with me. We were driving to the hostel. While we were crossing a pond I asked Saarthak to stop the car. That pond was full of some wild water flowers. I asked Saarthak to get one flower for Inaya. Once she has told about her likeness for the flower. Saarthak refused to step into the water. But I did. Saarthak bought one big bouquet of roses and I put that wildflower at the center. When we reached the hostel, Saarthak called on her mobile, but she did not answer. I told Saarthak that she might be angry with him. I called her and she came to the park. She was not talking to Saarthak. He felt sorry for getting late and raised that bouquet towards her. Inaya exclaimed with joy on seeing that wildflower. She was very happy.

After a few days, Inaya came to me and handed over a handkerchief with the exact same painting of that flower. She thanked me a lot for being her friend and also for letting Saarthak know about her likings. Days were passing by. We all were graduated. Inaya and Saarthak were engaged. We all went our way. I was busy taking care of my family business. Slowly I got cut off from all my friends including Inaya. I had a very small family. I lost my father in childhood. It was my mother who took care of me and business all alone. I felt my responsibility towards her and took charge of everything. My mother knew about my liking for Inaya. She wanted me to get married to someone else and move on. But I was not ready.

Four years passed. Today I saw Inaya after such a long time. Still, I had the same feelings for her. Most of our classmates were present in the marriage. But Saarthak was not there. I came to know that he is posted in some remote area and is getting married to Inaya in two months. I congratulated Inaya. I could feel that she wanted to talk to me but I avoided. I came back and got busy in business. My only companions were cigarette and drinks.

Mother took herself to social services activities. She stopped asking me for getting married. She was busy taking care of underprivileged humans, widows, orphans, mentally challenged people. Times were passing. One day the mother asked me to accompany her for shopping. She wanted to change the look of my room. But I told her to change the room as per her choice. When I returned home I was heavily drunk. I could felt bed sheets, pillow, cushions had new covers. Whatever it was, it was quite refreshing and I was holding that bed sheet in hands trying to look at the design for long. I got up late in the morning. I suddenly got up and looked at my room. That print on the bed sheet and covers were quite familiar. I got up from my bed and started looking for something in the wardrobe. I started throwing clothes from the cupboard. My mother came into the room. She asked me what I was looking for in a fit of rage. I did not reply and asked her to please leave. Finally, I was able to find out what I was looking for.

Yes, it was that hanky which Inaya gifted me. I looked at the design. Yes yes, it was the same designs as on bed sheet. What does that mean? Maybe Inaya had started some business. Yes, this could be true. But I was restless. Finally, I asked my mother where she bought those items. She told that it is the product of the home of mentally challenged people. I thought this means Inaya was giving painting classes in special homes. I expressed my wish to donate some money for a special home and asked my mother its address. I took the address and left. When I reached there I was not able to get anything. I collided with an old lady. I helped her in getting up. She thanked me a lot. When she left I realized that I knew that lady. Yes, it was Inaya’s mother. I moved in that direction where she went. I saw aunty in a room talking to a lady. Same height! Same long hair! Same complexion! Curiosity had my eyes glued to her. And then about 60-odd seconds later, when she turned, she proved me right. Yes, it was Inaya. But why she was dressed in a white sari. Two women came and pulled her by her arms and took her away. She was screaming – mummy mummy, I want to drive a car, please mummy…..

I was shell shocked. I could not believe my eyes. Inaya had lost her senses. When I talked to her mother she told me that Inaya was married to Saarthak but most of the time he was away in connection to his postings. One day Inaya was alone at home when she received a call from the base hospital that Saarthak was critically wounded in a fight with some anti-social elements. She was asked to come immediately. She had no option but to drive a car. She might be deeply engrossed in her thoughts when she rammed the car into a truck. The accident had a deep impact in her mind and she lost her mental balance. And Saarthak also died. But she believes that Saarthak will come one day. Her in-laws refused to keep her with them. They never considered Inaya perfect match for their son. I had no choice but to keep her in an asylum. Though she is cool sometimes she talks absurd. She was very good at painting and still, she paints beautifully. When she feels like doing anything she paints fabric. The doctor says that she may recover. But do not know when. Inaya father died two months ago. I am left alone to look after her, but do not know how long I can take care of her.

I consoled aunty and took leave.

I reached home. After knowing about Inaya, I became restless. I took smoking and drinking heavily. Mother was upset to me but I was not able to tell her truth. One day she found that hanky in my hand and asked about the fact. I told her about Inaya. I also expressed my wish to help Inaya come out of this. Mother could not say anything. The only thing she could say- I will do every possible bit to see you happy.

Next day I went to the asylum. I was permitted to meet Inaya. She was looking at me as if she was trying to find any connection between us. I gave her a box. She opened it. It was full of colors. She was happy to see it. She took the brush and asked for some cloth to paint. I could not see any cloth there so I pointed towards the corner of her sari. She started painting her white sari with beautiful designs. I started paying regular visits to her.

My mother was upset about my smoking and drinking habit. My recent medical tests showed my condition in an alarming stage. My mother requested me with folded hand to cut down on smoking. I could not say anything. One day mother went to my office to meet me. But she was surprised to know that I have not visited the office for a month. She was sure that I was spending time drinking and smoking. Though she never tried to look into my room, that day she decided to clear all cigarettes and drinks from the house. She went to my room and started looking for packs of cigarette. But she was surprised to see no such items. Instead, she found many watercolors, poster colors, and fabrics with paintings. Then she enquired in an asylum. She came to know that I was regularly visiting there and spending time with Inaya. They also told that Inaya condition was improving. Mother was happy that I was cutting short on smoking. She told me that once Inaya gets completely cured, the two of us should marry.

I could not say anything but I liked the thought. One day when I went to see Inaya, she was screaming--- I want to drive a car..” I asked her to calm down and took her for a ride. She was sitting by my side. While we were driving she started shouting-- wildflower... I want, I want.

I stopped the car. It was the same wildflower. I stepped into the water and took one flower. I was completely wet. When I reached the car. The car started moving. Oh my God! Inaya was driving the car. She was yelling- I am driving, I am driving. I am going to see Saarthak.

I was terrified. I shouted—Inaya please stop. But she accelerated and banged on a wall. The car was stopped. I rushed to her. She had hurt her head and fainted. I somehow managed to take her to the hospital. She was senseless. Mother also came there. We all were worried.

The doctor told me not to worry as wounds were minor. But he showed concern that this accident either could recover her senses completely or worsen the situation.

When she opened her eyes, she was gazing at me. I gave her that wildflower. She took that and closed her eyes for a while as if trying to recollect something. When she opened her eyes she told - “Saarthak is posted very far. He will come next week. By that time I would learn driving very well. You help me, are not you?.”

She was able to recall some of the events but not able to recognize me. But I was happy. With doctor permission, I took Inaya at my home. Her mother also agreed. Inaya used to paint, dance and of course driving a car.

She had not recovered much but used to say – “Saarthak is posted very far. He will come next week. By that time I would learn driving very well. You help me, are not you?.”

Mother was hopeful that one day she would realize my love towards her and that day we would get married.

I was happy that Inaya is hale and hearty.