A rapprochement is LONG overdue ... Momma T. must be the catalyst ... feel free to weave this into your storyline ... your flunky writers can do better? Great! Go ahead ... astound me!! I'll leave the Hindi dialog to you ...
The Reconciliation.
Anuj returned to the room having seen off the Mathurs. They were all seated in the midst of silence ... Papa-ji, Manju, and Abhi. Simi stood by the bedside gazing at her young sister so far removed from her usual feisty, garrulous self. Mili lay on the hospital bed, in a state of sedation. 'Did they say anything Anuj?' asked Manju. 'Umm, no Ma' ... Dr. Shastri walked in accompanied by the nurse. 'Folks, there's little reason for you all to stay here. She will be comfortable with the sedative. She's in the best hands with Nurse and our staff. We have your contact information in the event we need you. I would recommend you all go home and get some rest'. 'No, doctor, I would like to stay with my daughter', said Manju. 'Ma, why don't you go home, Papa-ji will need you. I will stay the night with Mili. Doctor, can you arrange for another bed in the room?'. 'Yes of course ... Nurse, could you see to this please', said Dr. Shastri. 'But Simi, you have to go to work tomorrow'. 'No Ma, I don't have any classes tomorrow, just a bunch of papers to correct. I was planning on working from home anyways.' He did not acknowledge her suggestion. Her eyes sought him out seeking his approval. 'Abhi, is this OK?', she said, desperately hoping he would look up at her. He had an air of indifference. An indifference that comes from fatigue. 'Yeah, sure'. 'Shall we go then?', asked Anuj, Slowly they streamed out of the room. She looked at this retreating back, silently entreating that he would turn back and make even the briefest of eye contact. And then they were gone. He had not looked back. She felt her heart ache. That feeling that had been a constant companion of late. Was it only last week when she had last felt his strong arms holding her? In the kitchen when he scared the living daylights then laughed silly at her reaction? She had been slowly getting accustomed to being in his arms, feeling the warmth and strength of his body. The sweet smell of his flesh every time she nestled her head on his shoulders, her face against his neck. Oh how she yearned for it now! That kind of love was something she had never known before. Hot tears streamed silently down her face.
The streets were feverish with that mid-morning activity of Karol Bagh. The sun appeared to be high in the sky. He felt disoriented. 'What time is it?' He looked at the bedside clock. '11:00 a.m??!!'. 'What's going on?'. Then it all rushed in. The events of this last week. He felt that same torment and oppression take hold of him. And then there was that despair. He loved her more than life itself. How was he going to repair this rift?! Tears welled up in his eyes. Then, it came back. All those times when he had scraped a knee, or an elbow. Mom was there with her comforting voice and warm hugs. He wanted his mother! 'Mom, I need you', he cried out silently. Then he reached for the cell-phone. 'Hello?', her silken voice said at the other end. 'Mom', his voice quivered. 'Abhi? Is that you? What's the matter son? You don't sound well'. 'Mom', now his voice cracked and he sighed, trying to compose himself. 'Abhi, what is the matter my child?! You are beginning to worry me!'. There was a silent pause as he tried again to regain his composure. 'Mom, I need to see you'. 'Well of course! You come over right now! Dad left this morning for a business trip to Germany and Anita has gone shopping with her friend Vanita. They're invited to a party at their mutual friend Achala's tonight, so I don't expect her back until late. You can have me all to yourself'.
She heard Ramona the housekeeper's voice cry out with glee 'Abhi Bhaiya! Where have you been all this time?! It's SO nice to see you!!'. 'Hello Ramona, how are you?'. Anusha ran to the front door to see her baby boy walking in. He slowly walked into her arms and warm embrace. Then he looked down at her. His ashen face and graven eyes. She had never seen him like this before. Never! She caressed his face with both her hands and kissed his forehead. 'It's so good to see you sweetheart! Just look at you! My strong, sweet, lovely boy! Come, have you eaten anything yet?'. He shook his head. 'Ramona, could you let chef know that we are ready for lunch? Abhi, he's prepared your favorite Kadhi Chaval and some new paneer recipe he's been wanting to try out. We'll have cold, cold mango and litchi for dessert!' Mother and son walked arm-in-arm into the dining room with her starting to tell him all the news and gossip of the family. Satish and Suresh Mamas and his cousins. Oh the things that had been going on! They're off to America for a holiday. And did you know? ... The small talk filled the room as he enjoyed his lunch pushing everything else into his subconscious.
'OK, now I want to know what's going on. You brushed me off at the jagrata'. She walked to her room and he followed her. She sat on the bed . 'Take off your shoes, and put your head in my lap. Just as you used to'. He did. She ran her fingers through his hair. Her darling boy. He was hurting so, and it would take her mother's love to soothe and comfort him. She was a pro at that. 'What is happening to me Mom? I thought marriage would be absolute and divine bliss. And yet, here I am - an angry man. Burning up! Who is doing this to us? If this script has been handed down by Matarani, I think she needs to re-enrol in writing school!'. There was a momentary pause. ' I cannot live without her Mom. I love her more than life itself'. Slowly, he related his anguish. 'Abhi, I am your mother, and you did not think to call me before now?', her voice was stern with that edge of tenderness. 'Mom ... how could I? I've been so ashamed of my behavior!'. 'Abhi, I think you and Simi have not had any time to yourselves. I'm sending you on a honeymoon.' 'Mom, no, I cannot have you do that'. 'Abhi, I am your mother. You came here for a reason, and you are going to do as I say. Why do I have to be blessed with two children so stubborn?!'. 'Mooomm'. 'Abhi, shush!' 'I'm sending you to Sikkim for a holiday and the cool, refreshing mountain air. It's supposed to be absolutely lovely! You can relax and get back into your photography! Don't forget to take your camera when you leave here'. She pushed him aside, arose and walked to open her armoire. She returned with a box covered in silk, it's edges fraying, yet with that wonderful patina of age. 'This is a family heirloom. It was given to me by your Daadi when I came as a new bride. It belongs to your wife now. You must give this to Simi. But not until after you are up there and settled in.' 'What is is?'. She slowly opened the box, and there was a beautiful kundan bracelet. Red and green enamel, set with diamonds. 'Oh mother!! He hugged her, his face under her ample bosom. She ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his head. 'Mom, I love you!', he said languidly. 'I will take care of all the arrangements. You just get up there and have a grand time. I insist on it!'.
'I guess, I should go to the hospital to see to things'. He reached for his phone out of his pocket and called her. 'Simi, I've gotten tied up with a couple of things. I'm headed to the hospital now'. He hung up before she could reply. She wasn't there when he walked in. Mili was awake and sitting propped up on the bed. Her face and arms covered with bruises. The doctor and nurse were checking her vital signs. 'Abhi, we sent Simi home to shower and rest'. 'Hmm ... OK'.
Simi walked out of the bathroom, toweling her hair. She glanced at her phone lying on the bed and noticed a missed call. It was from Anusha. She called back 'Mom? You called? I was in the shower'. 'Oh Simi! how lovely to hear your voice! Child, Abhi was here earlier. I need to speak to you. In person'. 'But ...'. 'It's OK beta, I'm alone at home. I'm sending the car to bring you over. It will be there in 45 mins. Does that give you enough time?'. 'Uh .. yes ... is everything OK mom?' 'Let's talk when you get here. I love you sweetheart!'. Simi walked in to see her mother-in-law relaxing over a cup of tea. She was greeted with that characteristic warmth of a hug and kisses that she had come to recognize as part and parcel of Anusha. 'Sit ... let's have a cup of tea'. Anusha poured milk into a cup and then the tea. 'Sugar?'. 'Yes, mom, 2 spoons'. Suddenly her felt her throat constrict, a sob escape her lips and her eyes well up with tears. She cried. Bitterly. Anusha pulled her over on to the sofa and hugged her. 'Simi, I know neither of the 2 of you are experienced at this phenomenon called marriage. Come to think of it, who is? I'm sending you and Abhi on holiday. When you return, I want you to speak to your mother and father about moving out and finding a place of your own. You need time and privacy and I think being so close to the family is unhealthy'. Simi nodded silently, blowing her nose. 'Anuj is there to take care of things. It's his responsibility anyway. I need to work on mending that relationship next. The difficult part is Anita's dad! But let me concentrate on you two first'. 'Mom, I need to make sure that Mili is fully recovered before I broach the subject with Ma and Papa-ji'. 'OK, but don't get too embroiled in that situation. I want to see at least one of my children happy in their marriage. Anyway, I will make all the arrangements to fly you 2 to Sikkim for a week'. 'Sikkim?! Oh, I've heard so much about it! You know I love him mom, don't you? Sorely! I couldn't go on without him ... not anymore'. Anusha smiled her lovely smile and hugged her daughter-in-law.
It was a short 2 hour flight to Bagdogra. Anusha had dropped them off at the airport in one of the Taneja cars. Simi fell asleep, her head on his shoulder. He loved that intimacy but could not yet put his arm around her drawing her closer. He was hesitant and unsure of his own feelings. He played around with the new camera lenses that his mother had purchased for him. They were to drive from Bagdogra to Gangtok. A serene ride of some 4 hours through those picturesque hills. The sky was a clear blue with the occasional wisps of white clouds. The verdancy and the color of the flowers was enthralling. He asked the driver to stop to let him take pictures. 'What are those flowers? On the tree?'. 'Oh those?! Sir, those are Rhododendrons. They're native to the Himalaya. The flowers make a delicious wine'. More color. More green. Driving through the villages. The children going to/from school. The meandering river, a sheet of silver in places as the light reflected off. In the distance, the prayer flags of the Buddhist monasteries. He felt that rawness in him begin to heal.
They drove into the hotel grounds. The Royal Plaza Hotel. It overlooked the valley. They checked in at the front desk. Anusha had arranged for them to stay in the Royal Suite. 'Simi, you go up to the room. They'll bring up our bags. Don't forget to tip the boy. The light is perfect outside. I want to take a few pictures before it gets dark'. The sun had started its descent. He had been waiting for this. There, in front was the grand Khangchendzonga. Starting to be set afire! An orange he had never seen before!'. From where he stood, faint spots of light of the town below began to emerge. He was back in his element! That camera had once been an extension of his persona. Finally, he slowly made his way back to their room. He did not feel dismembered, raw, hurting. He felt that wholeness again.
The room was lovely. The double bed with clean white linen. The duvet was turned back. 2 pillows each. The walnut paneling on the wall behind glowing a rich chocolate brown as the wall lamps shed their soft light. There were bathroom slippers by the bed. Simi was standing by the window, looking out at the Valley below. She had showered letting the warm water soak her fatigue and anxiety away. Yet, she felt it come back as he walked into the room. 'Did you get a lot of pictures?'. 'Simi, it's beautiful outside. I cannot wait for the morning! We're going to the Tsomogo Lake tomorrow!!. Where did you want to eat dinner tonight? The concierge tells me that the Orchids restaurant has some of the best food in Gangtok. Want to go there?'. 'Sure. Sounds wonderful', she said softly and then turned away feeling her heart race in that uncomfortable way that she had been prey to over these past few weeks. 'Please let everything go well! I couldn't stand any more unpleasantness', she thought silently. 'Great! I want to take a shower. Why don't you call the front desk and make a dinner reservation for whatever time you think right'.
To be continued ...
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