Part 4
It was not yet a fortnight since I had returned home. The days were passing by leisurely and I was beginning to sit at my grandfather's desk in his study and pen a few lines. I had to write about shorelines and beaches. Since I love the sea, I also fell for the subject. Of course, I had to write about environmental disturbances that were being caused by builders in their rush to construct resorts. And there was a huge argument over this at home too. I believe that one should do what one believes in. I wanted the beaches to remain natural and pure. Its natural habitat was to be preserved at any cost. Why should any developer want to disturb this wonderful picture of the sea and the coconut trees. But I knew Vish would never agree.
----------------------
It was about twenty months ago that I had got married. I had known him for a few months before. We had met in a builder's office. I had wanted to buy an apartment ? a tiny one. I had saved enough money and my grandparents had given me the rest to help me buy it. I was looking at the layout when this person walked into the room.
"Hello," he said. "Would you know where Mr Sheth is?"
"He's just gone to collect a receipt."
"Ok," he said and pulled up a chair to sit down. "Are planning to buy a flat?" Now why would I want to talk to him? Couldn't he keep to himself?
"I could help you choose a nice comfortable flat in some good locality." He didn't give up. I gave him an expressionless look and then continued to flick through the brochure. Mr Sheth returned.
"Oh how wonderful to see you Vish ! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"I was just passing through and thought I'd stop by."
"Keya, this is Vish," introduced Mr Sheth. "He is one of the brightest young architects that I know and has carved a niche for himself already. Of course, he is into designing homes and more so bungalows. Vish, this is Keya, a writer. She's been writing since she was barely thirteen. She has her grandfather's genes. He is the famous Madan Mohan Sharma."
"Mr Sheth, please ?.." I began, thoroughly embarrassed. I looked at this architect. He was looking at me with one eyebrow raised.
"Vish, c'mon help her to find a sweet home. She needs the quiet to be able to write and it should be preferably near the sea."
The eyebrows changed their arrangement and a frown was formed.
"Near the sea? Why?"
"I love the sea and find it inspirational." I glared at him. I didn't need to explain anything to him.
"I shall take her to the new complex that is coming up not far from the sea and for the moment it's quiet there too. Dinubhai, I shall see you on Monday. The meeting is at 10 in the morning." So saying he walked to the door and held it open. Mr Sheth bid us goodbye. As we left the office, I stopped and turned to him.
"Look, you don't have to go out of your way. I shall....."
"It's on my way, so don't worry." He strode to his car. "Have you come by car too?"
"No." I didn't have a car and never wanted to drive one. My eyes remained downcast.
"Is something the matter?" He thought he had touched a raw nerve.
I shook my head. "No."
He didn't say anything further. We got into the car and drove to the housing complex. He took me to a building that wasn't yet completed. We went to see the sample flat. Surprisingly, it was quite cute. There was a balcony that overlooked the sea. It looked so wonderful. I stood there with my hands on the balustrade looking out at the expanse of the ocean. It seemed to disappear into the sky at the horizon, that's how endless it looked. The wind was blowing into my face and I closed my eyes in exhilaration at the feel of it. It was heavenly. I liked the place. I turned to call Vish to show him the fantastic view. He was leaning against the jamb. His six foot frame dwarfed the doorway. His eyes were narrowed and he was looking at me. But I couldn't read his thoughts.
"This is really lovely." I said. But there was silence from his side. He straightened and walked towards me. I looked at him, a bit puzzled. I could see his tawny brown eyes clearly. His hand came out and he gently caught my chin. He stared into my eyes. I blinked and my cheeks slowly turned pink.
"You have the most beautiful eyes, Keya. And such black hair!" I jerked out of his hold. What did he think I was? I took a step backwards. "Where have I seen you before?"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. What a line! Did he think I was born yesterday? My eyes flashed with anger. And I was indignant. How dared he?
"Wait, Keya. You are angry, aren't you? And your eyes are sparkling, as if there is glitter in them. Where did that come from?"
"Oh! There are some magical doves and in the evenings they sprinkle the silver dust from their wings into my eyes." So there. Let him think what he liked. His hand snaked out and caught the nape of my neck. He urged me forward.
"Really? You truly are a writer. What imagination!" His amused brown eyes were clearly taunting me. I wouldn't call this man handsome. He had a large forehead over which his hair fell untidily. His eyebrows were well defined and his eyes were glassy like a lion's. The nose was hooked. He began to smile knowingly and his lips separated to show a clean set of straight teeth. "Well? Is your scrutiny over?"
"Why would I scrutinise you? Do I look like a horse buyer to you? What you are and what you do is inconsequential to me. And now I want to leave."
"Earlier you wanted to say something? But you got distracted. What was it?"
"I wasn't distracted. Not in the least. I wanted to tell you how wonderful the sea looked. And that I wouldn't mind living here."
His expression changed. His eyebrows furrowed and he almost frowned. "I don't understand how you can like the sea so much."
"I love the sound of water whether it's the wide sea, the flowing river or the gurgling stream."
He looked at me with disapproval. He shook his head as if to dispel some thought.
"Please, don't live here. I can find better places for you."
He looked out at the sea and then in the next instant shut his eyes tightly. "Damn!" he cursed. He took a deep breath and clenched his fists. "Why won't you listen?"
"You seem to be upset. Maybe we should leave. I know this place now and can come on my own." I touched his arm lightly. He shook off my hand as if he had got burnt. I was aghast. "What's the matter, Vish?"
"Nothing, it's just this feeling of helplessness. I have seen you before but I can't place you. Anyway this isn't a good place to stay."
"Why?"
"Maybe it's because I hate the sea.?
"You hate the sea? But why?"
"I don't know why. Somehow the sea and disaster go hand in hand!
He came forward and put one arm around me. His large palm pressed my head against his shoulder and then slowly he stroked my hair. His hands were shaking. I looked up at him. He was looking at some distant place. His brown eyes looked limpid and sad. There was silence. He was so close to me. Yes, he was right. I did seem to know him. But how could that be when I had never met him before?
--------------------------------------------
Current Affairs
Hindi TV Shows
