Storyline: Piya
Caught in a turbulence
The day was over ………… the horrendous day was over. Everyone had retired for the night. His mind went over the day's events. His father was safe and was not hurt in the bomb blast of the train. He was a bit tired and a slight headache was beginning to nag him. The breeze blew gently. The end of a soft silk saree billowed by the breeze touched his cheek. The caressing smooth material kind of soothed him. It was his wife's saree. It felt as if her hands were touching his face. Why did it feel nice to have her touch him?
It wasn't long ago that his mother had created a scene and had wanted him to put the sindoor on Shravani's head. He had done what she had desired. He knew how painful it had been for Archu because his agony had been no less. Time had played a dirty game with him…….as always. He knew there was no future for his wife and him so he gave his promise to marry his brother's betrothed to give her unborn child a name. And then fate had sent his wife back to him. By then his bridges had been burnt. He caught the edge of the flowing saree and just held on to it.
When he had seen his wife fall off the balcony, there had been a roar of fear within him. He'd been shaking when he'd seen her unconscious face. He didn't want to lose her but how could he have her back? When they had gone to see Bappa, he had felt strangely comforted taking her with him. He had held her hands as he had helped her up the steps and when she faltered, he had held her in the crook of his arm. She had fit in so correctly. He wanted her to be there like that forever. The priest had asked him if they were a married couple and he had answered in the affirmative. Why had he done that? Was it because there was no use lying to Bappa when he felt that way? He wanted to confess that they were still bound together in mind and spirit. When he had applied vermillion this time on his wife, he did it with genuine emotions. It almost as if he wanted to erase the earlier anomaly. He did it because he wanted to do so, not to appease someone. He would always be Archu's husband. Bappa knew how much he loved her.
The initial resentment towards his wife for not trusting him had fast dissipated. He had been rude to her when she had tried to bridge the gap. He had since realised that she was genuinely trying to help his family and him. She was a huge support to him when his father went missing in the blast. He didn't like it when his mother verbally abused her and treated her like a pariah. Yet, she never uttered a rude word in exchange. It was not in her nature to oppose authority. And so he felt the urge to protect her. When he went for Varsha's engagement, it was to make the day a success. If Archu could put up with his mother then he would do the same. She had shown solidarity when she followed him out of her mother's house.
Never had she ever questioned him or demanded anything from him. So when Shravani started to mark out her territory, it not only embarrassed him but also irritated him. The covert way in which she was getting to be possessive irked him. He never felt comfortable in her presence. They had nothing in common and their natures were poles apart. He knew nothing about her and didn't even feel the urge to want to get to know her better. There was no feeling of eagerness for this alliance just a resignation.
His dove had come to him with an apology on her lips and tears in her beautiful brown eyes. She had cut herself off from her family so that she could continue to stay with him. Her sorrow was genuine and he didn't want to see her cry. He was extending his arms towards her, when Shravani had come barging into the room and dragged Archu out. He lost his temper. He yelled at her. Nobody was going to try and bully his wife while he was around. He hated vulgar displays of temper……. Shravani had no subtlety. Her petty thoughtlessness and possessiveness bothered him. Archu never behaved like this.
Dear God ………..he thought. What was he doing to himself and her? He pulled the saree closer to him and he slowly wound it round his hand. A hand touched his elbow and he almost yelped …..so lost in thoughts he was.
"Manav," said Archana. "Is something bothering you?"
He spun around and saw her inquiring look. He smiled cynically.
"Don't you feel well? What are you doing with my saree?"
He let go of the saree slowly. She raised her hand to take it off the clothesline. He put his arm round her waist and drew her forward. He looked deep into her eyes. In a choked voice, he whispered……….
"If only my fate I could unlock
And somehow reverse the clock
I wish I could just be with you
And get another chance to love you….."
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