'First night'- a different take (SS)

Okay people- what I didn't like about Friday's episode was the sheer lack of any kind of positivity in the episode- the couple spend their first night after marriage sleeping on the footpath, and the heroine wakes up ill and shivering... and the rest of the tearjerking, downright depressing stuff. Infact, its sad that even after getting a second shot at marriage- things are as bad for ArMan as ever- in their first marriage also, they got nothing- no consummation, no honeymoon and no happy moments, and now their second marriage has started on an unhappy note too. I believe no one, especially those who have tried to be good to others, deserve such miseries all the time.

Manav- a 32 yr old Mumbaikar, having handled the rough world since the age of 16, was expected by the audience to handle the situation in a much better manner. Also considering that the city here in consideration is Mumbai, there were many things that could have been included in the storyline.

Below, in my next 3 posts... is a 'feel-good version' of what happened to Manav and Archana after they were forced to leave home.. with just Rs. 400 in Manav's pocket. Even though we know there were many MUCH MORE practical things that he could have done, (like taking help from Ajit, going to a friend's house etc.), yet okay, I go with the CV's portrayal of Manav as 'self-respecting'.😡

The story starts from the point CV's took Friday's episode, with the common benefit of doubt, assuming:
1.) The bike belonging to Manav was that of a friend.
2.) It was too late when they left home, and shops were closed. (So they couldn't sell any of their own stuff to get more money.
3.) Manav has Rs. 400 in his wallet.
4.) 400 rupees are not enough to get a decent hotel room in Mumbai.

Have tried to give a realistic touch to the story. All the descriptions and situations of the places included in the story are accurate.

In the next 3 posts is the story.

PART 1:
********

The roads were empty- not at all surprising- since the hour was so late. The street dogs were howling loudly. The trees rustled in the wind and made a ghostly noise.

Today when the whole world was against them, even their shadows seemed to hint at betrayal.

He looked at Archana, his 'bride'. Dressed in her bridal dress of an orange nine yard 'navari', and with her flowing hair, she looked beautiful. She was his dream princess and she was back with him. In his heart, he thanked God for sending her back to him.

But what next- he thought? Where would he take her? He had denied Ajit's help outrightly when he had proposed that they could come home with him after Savita Aai had thrown them both out. The reason- he knew Rasika Aai well. She would only taunt both Manav and Archana, and there would be fights in Ajit's family as well. Besides, his house was too small for all of them.

It was just a question of one night, he thought. Tomorrow, he would go and ask his Boss for his salary in advance. He knew his Boss was Ajit's friend, and probably would not hesitate in depositing Rs. 1000 from his hard earned salary before time. He didn't seem so petty. Plus, when banks would open tomorrow, he would go and withdraw some cash as well- he would ask Ajit to help him in arranging a room for him on rent.

But what about tonight- he thought grimly. With only rupees 400 in his pocket, there was no place he could take Archana tonight.

His thoughts were disturbed by a slight tug on his hands. "Manav," said Archana slowly. "Where are we going?"

He looked at her, staring innocently at him with her doe eyes. He knew that she had immense faith on him and his capabilities, and felt that nothing could go wrong till she was with her man. His eyes softened as he smiled back at her.

"Frankly speaking Archana," he said, "I don't know."

He could see the sudden fear in her eyes, and he gulped. "I mean.." he stammered. "I mean.. I have some arrangements, but they can be worked out in the morning only."

Archana nodded understandingly. She looked at the people sleeping on the streets. "I trust you." She said, smiling. "I know that you will take care of both of us."

He tried to look grateful, but turned away his face. Today was their first night after marriage- a reunion that had come about after so many tears, miseries and prayers. And it was proving to be the start of another struggle. He sighed. This was what life always had been to both of them- a struggle, a compromise, a desperate race to make ends meet.

And how sad was it, that the happy moment, which had come after so many longings, had proved to be so short lived. First their parents had left them, and now they had no place to go on their first night.

He looked at Archana again. How much she had suffered! Last time too, when she had been at his house, she had not got the happiness a newly wed got. There had been no consummation owing to the Satyanarayan Puja dictum by his Aai, they had got separated before their honeymoon even. The little innocent pleasures of their marriage had been snatched away from her mercilessly by fate. And the same was proving to be true again, he thought, looking at the people sleeping on the footpath. A woman twisted in her sleep, opened one eye, and glanced at him for a while. As if understanding his thoughts, she moved away, making a little space. "There is space for only one person." She said.

Archana nodded, smiling. But Manav held her hand tightly. "No thankyou," he said politely. Archana was stunned, and looked up at him. "Why?" she asked in a small voice.

He felt he would not be able to answer that question. He fumbled for an answer- but then was reminded suddenly of how Tarun and the garage guys had teased him mercilessly before his wedding last time.

"People don't sleep on Suhag Raat night, so you will be sleeping whole day tomorrow for sure!!!" they had teased him, and he hadn't been able to do anything except blush and protest about how bad they all were.

Archana was still looking at him, waiting for an answer. He thought about how she had placed herself and her destiny in his hands. It was her nature to be satisfied with crumbs, but he wasn't going to let it happen. He would provide for Archana, no doubts on that- he had made some plans for the morning, but at the same time, he would also make sure that their first night would be a truly happy and satisfying one, regardless of whether they had money, support or a place to sleep in.

She tugged his hand again, "Manav, why not?"

"Why yes?"

"Cos we don't have any other place to go. So we better stay here."

He crept closer to her a little and said, "People don't sleep on Suhagraat ." he said.

She seemed horrified by this side of her shy husband, and lowered her head, blushing. Manav smiled and took her hand. He walked with her to the station, bought tickets for both of them and they both sat in the local train. At such a late hour, the local was quite empty. She sat in a window seat and asked him, "Where are we going?"

"Umm.. some nice place.. to make up for all the time and good moments that we have lost." He said, looking into her eyes.

"I know that you are doing this cos we have no place to go tonight," she said sadly. "Its okay, you don't have to do all this. And you don't need to hide facts. Lets go and sit on the footpath and wait for the morning."

He held her hand tightly. "Its not like that." He said. "I just don't want a sad beginning to our new life. See, things are bad, and I know that as well. The times ahead won't be easy. But we have to handle each adversity with a smile. See, this is reality for you- that if we take risks, we sometimes have to face horrible consequences. But instead of succumbing to it and feeling bad and crying, we should laugh at our own miseries. Life's battles are not to be handled by weeping. They have to be faced and fought. Miseries and difficulties never go away from life. But we have to learn to be happy even when we are amongst them. And here I mean- genuine happiness- not content- by sleeping on the footpath and saying we are happy to be with each other. We need to find ways to make ourselves truly happy. If life wants to punish us by saying, all right, you won't get a place to sleep tonight, we laugh back at it and say, oh-okay, we'll stay awake and enjoy. In any case, it isn't safe to sleep there- there might be gundas on the prowl, there will be cars honking about, and accidents can happen, we can get ill as well. If it rains, where will we go in the middle of the night? Tell me, are you really so sleepy that you want to sleep on the footpath, or should we go out and have a little fun?"

Archana looked deep into his eyes and smiled a little. "I just want to be with you." She said. "But where can we go at this hour?"

He laughed back at hour. "Archana, this city called Mumbai never sleeps. It is as fascinating at night as it is gorgeous in the daytime. We always shudder and think about dangerous things that can happen in the city at night- but there is another aspect to it. The roads of Mumbai are an adventure in itself. Do you trust me?"

"Of course.."

"Then I assure you, we'll be safe. Very safe."

She nodded. A little later, they got down at their station- Charni Road.

********************************

"So how is it?"

Archana laughed at Manav, and he grinned

"When the world sleeps, the lovers haunt this place." Said Manav, as he helped Archana sit next to him. They were on Marine Drive, Mumbai's most famous tourist spot, and they were now sitting on the raised cemented structure in front of the rocks, which extended on to the lashing waves of the sea. In the horizon, the skyscrapers and the outlines of the Chaupati beach could be seen. Behind them, on the other side of the road, were big buildings, skyscrapers and so on.

Manav slowly put his hand around Archana's waist as she adjusted her hair. Taken aback, she looked at him. He smiled a shy smile, and she blushed away, not able to look into his eyes. "The moon is so beautiful." She said, looking at the moon, which was casting its beautiful reflection on the waves below.

"Have we come here to talk about the moon?" he asked, teasing. She looked away.

They were disturbed by the loud zooming sounds behind them. They turned to have a look. As was the usual scenario at Marine Drive late at night, crazy bike drivers were riding at full speed, considering traffic was extremely low at this hour. Since it was one of the most posh areas of Mumbai, big cars like Mercedes and Benz were speeding on the road too. Manav was fascinated, and Archana watched with horror.

"Are these people mad?" she asked, shocked. "They will get hurt!"

Manav shrugged, his eyes glued to them. "They won't." he said. He clapped when he saw someone do a particularly dangerous stunt. The rider indicated him a hi-fi.

"This is foolishness and you are appreciating it!" said Archana angrily. "You should scold them!"

"All men have this side to them." He said flatly. "Everyone is turned on by such things. Wow.. did you look at that car.. such a beauty!!!"

Archana gave a disinterested look. "So have we come here to look at them?"

He looked at her, and immediately turned away, to face the sea waves again. He put his hand around her, but she shrugged it off. "Go and watch those stupid speedy people and the cars." She said.

"Sorry!"

"Huh!"

"Sorry na!"

"Don't talk to me!"

"Uff.. now what should I do to win you back?"

**************end of part 1****************

PART 2:

********

She kept looking at the moon ahead. He thought for a while, and then turned once again to look at the bikers. The one who had hi-fied him looked at him and moved his hand questioning what happened. He indicated that his wife was angry. The biker indicated towards the opposite side. Manav looked around a little. There were still people around, and the Marine Drive, being a high security zone, was being patrolled by police from time to time. Archana would be safe, he thought.

"Archana, sit here for two minutes, I'll just come."

He went and she sat there alone for some time, noticing the area. Even though it was past 12, yet there were quite a number of people at the place- lovers whispering sweet nothings in each others ears, old people taking a walk with their dogs, college students hanging out after a tired day- it was as if it proved right the fact that Mumbai never slept. In fact- so different was this posh area from their own suburban Dombivili, that she was convinced that a part of Mumbai came alive at night only. And if you were safe, you could enjoy it.

Manav came back a little later with two plates of makai chana. Archana pretended to be angry and looked away again.

He sat down next to her. "Something special- for a special night- makai chana."

Archana couldn't catch the name. "What- Manav Archana?"

Manav looked at her for a second- threw back his head and laughed. Embarassed, Archana looked at the plate, which had boiled corn (makka) and chana assorted in spices. She smiled at herself.

"You can call it whatever you want." Said Manav, wiping tears from his eyes. "But this dish is special and suited for this night- you know why- firstly, it is famous here, secondly, you get this here only after 12-the night stall does not open before that, this is what the stall owner told me. Years later, we will remember we celebrated our first night after marriage on the roads eating 'makai chana'.." he grinned.. "or Manav-Archana, as you called it, after 12."

Archana smiled and took it from him. They ate as they talked, looking at the waves on the shore. They picked out funny things in their surroundings, counted the couples around, grumbled that the water was getting dirty, watched the crabs that were trying to climb the rocks, but getting washed due to the waves. But each time they again climbed back.

"We got to learn something from them." Said Archana. Manav nodded, looking at her beautiful face, the moonlight shining on it. Archana turned to him, as she hadn't received an answer, and hesitated for a bit when she saw the longing in his eyes. She fidgeted away nervously, looking here and there at the rocks, until she felt a face come close and give her a peck on the cheek.

She was stunned of course, not only by the fact that he had done it in public, but by his first touch of her- it sent shivers down her spine. She could feel him caressing her hair now, and leaning in to kiss her again. "What are you doing Manav?" she said nervously, edging away. "People are watching."

"Nobody is watching." Said Manav in a gruff voice, leaning on her, as Archana gasped. "Besides, you only said na, we should learn something from them.." he pointed to the other couples.

"Them-??? Arey that, I was referring to the crabs, who.. who.." Archana pushed Manav away. "They were climbing again and again even after being washed away by the waves.

"Good," said Manav. "I will also keep trying again and again." He turned her towards him slightly, she blinking away, furiously and gave her a warm and tender hug. She felt nervous for a second, her heart thudding loudly- but finally she closed her eyes and tried not to think, as she rested her hand on Manav's heart.

"Babuji, do rupaya do na?"

They separated instantly, Archana shaking like a leaf. Manav looked up at the child beggar, who had chosen just the right moment to embarrass the couple. Beggars here knew when to play their cards, so as to be guaranteed that they would get something from the couples. Usually, people gave them some money to shoo them off and not ruin the moment.

"Nahi hai chhutta.. " said Manav irked, looking at Archana, who was sitting with a red face. The beggar did not go. He stood there staring at them, until finally Manav gave in and handed him a one-rupee coin. The beggar ran away happily, as Manav fumed.

Archana was sitting quietly, very embarrassed. He put an arm round her, and she trembled. Slowly she rested her head on his shoulder. They sat silently, neither saying anything, reveling in their closeness, until finally Manav pulled her beautiful face up and gave her the first kiss of his, and her life. Archana shied away, looking around, but he pulled her by the hand, in no mood to listen to her defences, and kissed her again, until finally Archana, moved away and sat with her face down, making knots of her sari nervously, blushing. He kept looking at her again and again, and smiled to himself.

"Archana.. I.."

"Sir, I need to talk to you." A police constable interjected. Manav turned around and even Archana was horrified. She looked at him, scared. Manav gave her a comforting smile. "I'll just come." He got up and went down with the police constable. Turned out that the constable was asking him to come with him to the police station for 'violating' a public place by 'obscene behavior'.

"What nonsense!" said Manav. "I have been here since quite some time. I didn't see you arrest any one else."

"Aye Chup!" said the constable gruffly, twirling his moustache. "Zyada shaanpatti mat dikha!!! Come to the station with me.. chal!!!"

Manav looked back at Archana who was looking very worried. He went to her and asked her to come along. "What happened?" she asked tearfully. "Did we break any rules?"

Manav shook his head as they followed the constable. "He is just taking advantage of the situation.. he patrols the place everyday and knows who come regularly, he must have identified that we don't.. and he is now trying to fool us." Manav muttered under his breath.

"But what do we do now?" asked Archana. "What if he throws us in jail?"

"He can't- and he won't. I'm telling you, he will ask for bribe. In fact, he is waiting for us to offer bribe."

They walked silently behind the constable. Archana had started sobbing now, but Manav retained his cool. For the first time, he remained indifferent to Archana's tears. Let her cry- he thought- tears are a good weapon in this scenario.

The constable finally stopped under a bridge. "Look," he said, screwing up his face, trying to look emotional (he didn't- he just appeared horribly manipulative). "I am not a bad man, I'm just going by the rules. Please stop crying Tai." He said to Archana. "Going to police station will be very embarrassing. So lets settle the matter here only. How much do you have?"

"I don't have money!" said Manav flatly.

"Oh yeah!" challenged the constable. "Sitting in such nice dresses and saying you don't have money? I will check your wallets and pockets!!"

"Sure!" said Manav. He took out his wallet and handed it to him. There was only one hundred rupee note in it. The constable looked severely disappointed. He looked at Archana- she had sindoor in her maang.. looks like they are husband wife, he thought sadly. No use giving them threats of informing their parents.

"Chal ja!" he said, shoving the wallet back in Manav's hand with a long face. "Next time be careful. Kahan ka hai?"

"Dombivili."

"arey kahan se- Bihar?"

Manav shook his head. "Maharashtrian- originally from Nagpur."

"Then where is mangalsutra? Sindoor se kya hota hai? North Indian thodi hain hum!! We don't accept it!!"

He went away with a smug smile.

As soon as he went, Manav burst out laughing. Archana wiped her tears. "How can you laugh in such a situation?"

"Archana, negative things become so much positive in life sometimes!" he said. "If I had been rich, he would have looted me."

"But I thought you had more money..??"

"I hid it in the bag when we were walking behind him." He grinned. "He thinks I am a newcomer in the city.. ullu!!!"

Archana tried to smile, badly shaken up. She looked at her watch- it was close to two now, and the roads were quite empty, and there were very few people about. "Are you sleepy?"

"No, you?"

"No."

They walked hand in hand over to where they were sitting, but instead of sitting, they kept on walking.

"The constable was right in a way." Said Archana thoughtfully. "We will have to get through the marriage properly- in front of witnesses- lest some trouble crops up later." Manav nodded.

"What will we do tomorrow Manav?"

Manav scratched his head. "I'll arrange a small room for both of us, and then look around for a better job while continuing the driver job."

"And I'll start taking tuitions of more children than just Pihu. I will ask Pihu's Mom if she knows of anyone else who needs tuitions."

"It's so nice to just walk casually", said Manav. "for two years, we never got to talk much- situations always prevented us. Even such little banter was so much missed- and I realize it now."

Archana looked at him with love, understanding that he too was thinking of all the tender moments of early marriage that they had missed, when they had slowly been trying to get familiar and communicate to each other. Those were indeed the golden days of ones life.. when one tried to know each other.. and the slow, shy intimacy that followed it. They had missed out on all little pleasures- but they would start from a scratch now, and wouldn't let fate or destiny pour cold water over their plans..

As if the Gods above had just heard.. without notice, it started raining.

"Uh- oh!" said Manav, looking around furtively. "There! Quick!" he said, pointing towards a bus stop. They ran to it quickly, and settled down on the bench.

"Ooooohhhh!!!" said Archana excitedly, shivering. "Maza aya!!!"

"Kya maza aya? Geele ho gaye! I hope we just don't fall ill tomorrow." Manav chided. He took out a towel from his bag and gave it to her. She took it quickly, wiped her face and hair, and then started laughing.

"What?"

"Do you remember- last time also on our first night, you had offered me a towel, and we fidgeted over it so much, hesitating and shying?"

Manav smiled, lost in memories of those days. "I was very nervous that night."

"Yeah! More nervous than me even.. no wonder Vandu told me to take the first step.."

"Did she?" asked Manav in surprise, removing a strand of wet hair from her face. "So I should be more upfront in the future it seems." She hit his hand and then lightly toweled his hair. She kept the towel in the bag and they sat with content, as he ran his fingers through her hair.

"Archana?"

"Hmm..???"

"Are you sleepy?"

She shook her head. The events encountered till now were enough to drive anyone's sleep away- one surprise followed by an adventure and one sweet moment followed by another twist.

"Tell the truth?"

"Not sleepy, just a little tired." She said, adjusting her back to a more comfortable position.

"I understand." Said Manav thoughtfully. "We have been on the go since a long time, and the body obviously will answer back."

"Let's have a small nap here for a while." She suggested.

Manav did not like the idea. A tender girl like her, to take shelter in a bus-stop and spend the night there was not what he wanted. She was his wife- and he wanted her to be comfortable.

"This place is not okay." He said grimly. "Your back will break if you sleep in this position. Plus the police might shoo us away."

"Its okay Manav." She said, smiling. "Lets just rest for a while."

She rested her back and relaxed, taking in deep breaths, looking peacefully at the rain outside. Manav, however, was not pleased. He had little money in his pocket- clearly insufficient to take her to a comfortable place. They needed a place till the bank opened tomorrow, and he could arrange for more money and a room. Till then.. was there no place which was slightly okay and where they could spend this night in peace?

He racked his brains, and then it was that he had the brain wave of the century..!!!

He got up and stood at the edge of the bus stop, waiting for a taxi. There were less taxis around, but nevertheless, one definitely zoomed away every few minutes. A little later, he saw an empty one, shouted to it, talked to the driver, and called Archana.. "Come on!!"

"Manav, I'm tired."

"Arey chalo na.. comeon.. in five minutes I will take you to a nice place!!"

"Where?"

"Comeon!!"

"But Manav.."

"Archana.. trust me!!" he said, his eyes twinkling. "Who knows, an Air conditioned ambience with comfortable seats awaits you.. come soon now!!"

***************end of Part 2*************

Part 3:
*******

Archana couldn't believe it.

MARATHA MANDIR???

Every Mumbaikar had heard of this famous cinema hall in Mumbai Central. Or rather, every fan of the most romantic movie in the decade- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge- had certainly heard it. It was the only theatre in the country that had been running shows of this movie ever since it had released- even today a faithful audience gathered to watch this evergreen movie. A lot of changes had come in the theatre since that epic day when this blockbluster was released, but the craze had remained the same.

Manav led Archana inside and went into the ticket counter to ask if there was a show, praying fervently that his luck would not be as bad as the last two times- they had gone to two other theatres, but there was no show at the late hour. But Lady Luck favoured him in Maratha Mandir, there was a show at 3 'o' clock, and as he had expected, the rates of the late night show were much less than during the daytime. He bought two tickets for Rs. 100, bought some popcorn and led Archana inside.

*************************

As the rolling credits opened up with Amrish Puri feeding the pigeons at Trafalgar Square, Manav and Archana nestled together on the cosy seats. "Are you feeling cold?" Archana asked with concern. "We just got wet, after all."

Manav shook his head. "Okay Ma'am.. so now what do you want to do?- Go to sleep???"

"I don't want to sleep." said Archana, pulling her legs up, lifting the handle of the neighbouring empty seat and adjusting herself more comfortably. Very few people were there in the theatre at this hour. "This is one of my favourite movies- I will watch it- it will show scenes of Switzerland."

Manav laughed. He too made himself comfortable and they settled to watch the film together, as scene after scene opened up Simran and Raj's love story- the one which had captured the imagination of millions across the globe.

One love story progressed on screen, a second one progressed in the back seat of the theatre, where Archana and Manav were sitting comfortably, holding each others hand firmly, Archana's head resting on Manav's shoulder and his head resting on hers. It was as if they were in another world now, cut off from the harsh reality, feasting on popcorn, and enjoying the lovely songs and romantic dialogues, as it rained cats and dogs outside.

"Anupam Kher reminds me of my Baba" Manav whispered. "Always telling me to fight for my love."

"And Amrishpuri reminds me of my Aai." Archana whispered back.

Both of them fell silent, as they realized how much they were missing their family members. They did not speak anything, pretending to be absorbed in the movie. Finally Archana looked at Manav and said, "They will accept us one day, you will see." Manav gave a weak smile and nodded back. To turn the nostalgic situation back to normal, he grinned as the villain, Kajol's fianc in the movie came onscreen. "Here's Jaywant!" he exclaimed.

"Shhhhh!!!!" A man whispered furiously, turning from the row in the front. "Go outside if you want to talk. You are disturbing my sleep!!!"

"Hehe!! Sorry!!" said Manav nervously. They concentrated on the movie again. "I will take you to Switzerland one day, Archana." He said a little later. "It was your wish, wasn't it? I will fulfill it. You might be feeling strange that I, your husband is saying this, who does not have enough money to take you to a good place tonight, but trust me, I'll make all your dreams come true. I've hurt you a lot, but no more now." he said. Archana couldn't bear to hear anymore. She simply hugged him, as the curtain romance reached its peak point as well.

********************

"Well what now?"

They were sipping tea at a small tea centre on the road outside the theatre. It was 6 'o' clock, and sweepers could be seen sweeping the roads and streets. It was as if the shadow of depression had lifted up, and everyone was welcoming the break of the dawn.

"Hmm.." Manav thought deeply. "I will go to the bank to withdraw some money- I had saved it for Sachu and Baba in case of emergencies- its not much but will do for now." He said aloud. "And then arrange for some accommodation- I hope that I have at least a sufficient amount. And the first thing I will do after we are comfortably settled will be to get an ATM card.

"Okay." Said Archana, smiling. "I'll come with you."

Manav looked at Archana, whose face was tired and eyelids heavy with sleep. Naturally- she hadn't slept for a long time now. He was used to such overexertion, having pushed himself to his utmost limit when he had overtime in his garage, so many times. But she couldn't take it any more. She needed to rest now- else she could fall ill.

He racked his brains but could not think of anything. There was time for the bank to open. Meanwhile, where could she stay? In which place would she be comfortable as well as safe? In which place could he leave her alone, and yet be sure that she would have proper facilities such as a woman would require? And most important, was there such a place where he could leave her without burning a hole in his pocket?

He excused himself from Archana, who was drinking tea, and went to a corner on the pretext of drinking tea. "Excuse me!" he asked a lady in uniform, who was also sitting and sipping tea, wearing authoritative clothes. "Madam, is there any good waiting place for women somewhere?"

The lady looked at him from top to bottom. "Why?"

"I want some place where I can leave my wife for a few hours." He said. "I have to make a few arrangements- she is tired and sleepy and needs to rest."

"I'm not bothered with whether your wife sleeps on the footpath or on the road." The lady said carelessly. "Go away."

"But Ma'am.. please..???"

But the lady was being beckoned by her friend. "Comeon Shibu!!!" she yelled. "Coming Ekta!" Shibu yelled back. She picked up her bag and walked away. Disappointed, he started walking back to Archana. "Ma'am, is there any good waiting place for women here?" he asked another woman who was reading the newspaper.

The lady seemed pretty kind hearted. "There's a ladies waiting room in the railway station at Mumbai Central." She walked off as she heard her two little twin daughters beckoning to her. "Chalo Bholu and Smarty!"

Manav and Archana walked into the station. They brought platform tickets, but learnt at the enquiry that only those people were allowed to use the waiting rooms who had reserved tickets for a journey ahead. "Caught finally!" he said. "What do we do now?"

"I will wait on the platform." Said Archana.

"No wait, let me think." Said Manav, picturing a waiting room with a female guard and a proper bathroom and chairs. It would be perfect. He asked the girl on the enquiry desk if he could offer money to use the services of the waiting room. The girl refused.

"I need it for my wife." He said. "I need it very badly. She's all alone here. Please help!"

The girl thought for a while. "Buy a ticket to the nearest destination here- Pune, Nasik whatever. The fare isn't much, and since there are a number of trains, you can get a ticket quickly. Then your wife can use the ticket as a gate pass and use the waiting room." She suggested.

Manav's eyes lit up. "Thanks!!" he said.. "Erm.. miss?"

"Niks"

Weird name!- thought Manav, but went to the ticket counter with Archana and bought a ticket to Pune on a train for one 'o' clock. That was sufficient time to arrange for an accommodation, he thought.

They walked hand in hand to the waiting room and peeped inside. There were cheap sofa sets, a big center table and facility for phone charging. A female guard with a pin clip 'sherma' was sitting on the gate.

"Ticket please."

She checked the ticket, and Archana signed her name and wrote the details of her 'journey'. She smiled at her. "Go Madam. You will be safe here." Archana smiled back. A few women were sitting in a group and talking inside. She turned to Manav.

"Manav, what about you?"

"I will be going to the bank.."

"But you must be tired too.."

"I will sleep in our own accommodation, in your lap. But till that time, I have to make arrangements.."

A tear feel from Archana's eyes. "You have had to do so much since yesterday. And I could not help you.."

"Hey!" he said, touching her cheek softly. "Don't worry! Arey from today, we will be setting up our own house, and it will be you who will have to make that house a home.. a far bigger responsibility than mine. So what should I say..???"

"I wish you had brought me here yesterday night itself." Said Archana. "You and I both would have had a peaceful sleep, and you would have got some rest.

"Maybe." Said Manav. "But then it would have been the same as last time- our special moment would have been spoilt, just like last time, and we would have had to stay separately."

Archana nodded, as he pushed her tears away. "I will never forget our first night, Manav." She said. "You made it special even under such difficult circumstances. You proved that my faith in you was right, and my Aai's doubts could be overcome."

He gave her a light kiss on the top of her forehead. "Go and take rest." He said, smiling. "I will come by afternoon."

He left her by the door and bade her goodbye. She went in to the group of women chatting and laughing and lay down on the empty sofa. In a few minutes she was fast asleep, dreaming of their new life together.

The women chatted about the couple. "So much in love!!" said Tanya.

"Thiz love gonna make them strong, mez guessing!!" said Saffy.

"Awww….." said Gauri.

Meanwhile, outside Manav got into a taxi, taking determined steps, to sort out a major section of their problems today itself. This was the first and the last time that they were homeless, he decided. It would never happen to them again. He would rise so high in life, that no semblance of this sort would ever cross them again. What would remain, would be sweet memories of last night, that they would remember with pleasure for years to come.

**************end of story*****************

Alright people, waiting for your comments and feedback. I'm no big writer, nor was this post written to challenge CV's in any way, rather it is simply a dreamer's account, someone who lives pretty much near the area described in the story.. and has an idea of the night life of the area as well. (My college gymkhana is on Marine Drive and I worked till late when I was in charge of my college function).

Waiting for comments and feedback.

Niks 👏 loved each and every line.

oh how i wish their first night was like this.😍

the best part came when Mannu told Archu about how life should be taken in a positive light. You brought back every bit of their past memories....the good the bad and the in between, and spun it into a very endearing story.😃

and how can I forget Kools her twins, Tanya Di, Saffy, Gauri, and you👏

thanks for not sparing Ekta and her CVs😆

👏👏👏👏👏👏superb story niks (hmmm weird name) absolutely loved it....i give you 10/10

Very nice Nicki ..Al lthress of them have manav much stronger than the Manav in the show ....

Thankyou people- Carpe Fifi and Tanya Di- and all who clocked the like button. I'm glad you liked it.

this is so much better then what they showed on screen ........ thnx Nikki 😃

i'm afraid the cv's don't have any clue what the audience wants...but as i posted elsewhere, i'm beginning to think they hate their own lead characters.. it makes no sense what they do to them.....it's not only this serial, they all seem the same...... i'm down to 2 now for the same reason and soon it will be one. Such never ending tragedy and sorrow is ridiculous. what are they thinking?????

thanks for another option nice to read about some smiles