ArHi SS: Inertia [Completed] - Page 18

08. Summer breeze

"What made you choose archaeology as your subject?" Khushi asked Aman who was carefully removing dust from a heavy set iron trunk with a paint brush.

"I am actually an anthropology major. Archaeology started as a hobby during my first year at college and then I couldn't stay away from it. I kind of mashed it up and it has become a necessity for my thesis." Aman replied without taking a break.

"I don't understand." Khushi said, thumbing through photocopies of documents they found in the iron trunk. It was one of the most important haul from the dig. The moment Venkat was notified, he had asked Khushi if she could come though it was her day off. She wasn't going to decline given the importance of this discovery. She wanted to see it too.

"My thesis is on misogyny, feminism and woman warriors in Indian history. When Dr. Venkat told me about Leela, I was sold. I am able to expand my thesis on women who aren't represented in our history because they aren't tangible with historical achievements. If Leela did live the way we believe she did, then it's a story that's worth telling. Princesses wearing men's clothing was to be incognito among the crowds; to be open and proud about it? It's amazing." There was pride in Aman's voice and Khushi felt a lump in her throat. His words made her oddly sentimental and found herself feeling melancholic about a woman who was buried under their feet.

"Will Leela's story be famous?" Khushi asked, wanting girls of her own age know about the forgotten princess and appreciate her individuality.

Aman laughed. "It will be radical if we get a three minute spot in state run TV channel let alone national TV. Unless someone sees a profit in it." He points through the content of the iron box they excavated. "There is nothing to be profited from this box Khushi. There are just stories, maps of kingdoms, tax collected, budget for festivals and other celebrations, diaries of princes and princess...no one cares for that anymore. News channel will spend a day dissecting one hundred and forty four characters written by a celebrity than run an entire segment on documents such as these."

"I am not sure if it's sad or ironic." Khushi said moments later.

Aman studied Khushi as she collected the stray photocopies and piled them together. "Why are you here?" He asked softly. Khushi stilled her moments and gave him a questioning look. "This summer is probably the last vacation you are going to get before you start your final year post grad after which real world won't allow you this luxury. So, why? Why be here in this hot sun, driving around for hours while you can have fun?"

Before Khushi could reply, Venkat slipped in humming loudly. He was obviously in a very good mood that transcended to everyone in the team. "Let's pack up for the day and go get something to eat. My treat." He announced. Aman grinned while Khushi cheered.

"We will continue this later, okay?" She said.

During the drive back to the city she kept formulating answers in her mind. Venkat was chatting happily on phone, probably talking to students from other sites which gave her time to sort out her thoughts.

In the beginning it was a means to an end to her boredom. She had met Venkat accidentally and he had offered her a job which she had taken. Her father asked often if she was satisfied with her job. Her answer hadn't changed for six weeks now. The simplistic means to an end job was slowly becoming a part of her life. She wasn't going to become an archaeologist and of that she was very sure. The experience however had given her a new perspective on academia, on history and on life.

Venkat was a great teacher and so was the worker who dug earth for a living. There was catharsis in that worker's action, his entire living depending on the strength of his shoulders, the tenacity of his back and speed of his hand. When she had picked up shovel, the worker had given her some basic instructions on how to operate the hardware. When her bones ached and muscled screamed in pain, she felt her stomach unclench the tightness that had made home since the end of college. The next morning she had proudly presented callouses in her palm to her parents.

"We are here." She told Venkat and parked the car in the almost empty parking lot. "A junk food chain joint? Really?" She asked slipping out of the car to see a grinning Venkat holding his arm out for her. Rolling her eyes she linked her arm with his. "Here I was, expecting a fancy dinner."

"It's four in the afternoon." Venkat said. "I may have thought that first and then realized I have around sixty interns working with me. So we will be doing this eating out thing for each site spanning across the week starting with the site that made the discovery. What do you think?"

Khushi shrugged. "Rule number eleven. Never say no to free food." She said sagely.

Venkat gave her a pointed look. "Free food doesn't make top ten?"

"It was in top ten. And then I added another rule that was more important than this."

"What is it?"

"Always check for toilet paper and water flow before sitting down on a toilet." Khushi grinned.

Venkat laughed. "That should be in top five."

Khushi snorted. She turned around when various voices called her and Venkat. The interns and Ph. D students were already gathered in a large booth in the corner. She received a happy wave from the group as she made her way to them.

It was only Khushi and Aman left. The group had dispersed after decimating an impressive load of burgers and milkshakes. She sat on the hood of the car nursing a soda while Aman relaxed next to her with hot coffee.

"I like driving. I like the feel of wind in my hair and the unknown tension settled in my shoulders start to dissolve. When I drive, I don't feel lonely." She slurped loudly, pausing to allow her words to settle around them. "And I was lonely, at the start of summer. This job was a means to an end."

"Is that all?" Aman asked.

"Sometimes answers to big questions in life are quite simple Aman. There isn't some deep psychological reason or a complex emotional overture. I was bored and I took the job. I continued with the job because Venkat is awesome and not one of you turned out to be serial killers."

Aman looked at her baffled. "You thought there would be a serial killer among us?"

Khushi gave him an affronted look. "Hey! I watch a lot of cop shows and am a huge fan of Criminal Minds, okay? You have no idea what kind of twisted sick individuals are there. That's why I carry pepper spray, knife, cool key chain with zillion tools and my old hockey stick under my seat." She grinned at Aman's appalled look. "What?" She asked.

Aman laughed softly. "You are an incredible person, you know?"

"Yes. I am." She replied seriously. Aman shook his head and laughed silently at Khushi's candor. "I've got to go." She said jumping down from hood. "I have to meet someone." She said looking at her cellphone, a hesitant smile blooming her face.

"Sure," Aman said echoing her actions. "You seem happy." He said pointing to her cellphone.

Khushi shrugged. "It's a work in progress." She said enigmatically and waved goodbye.

The thing between her and Arnav was indeed a work in progress.