He entered the school trying to clear his mind of all worries and tensions. He needs to be calm when speaking to Anandi, to make sure she understands him right and for everything to work out well. He was deeply buried in his concerns when, a loud cry broke his chain of thoughts. He recognised the voice instantly and his body raced automatically in the direction of the sound. As he saw her falling, he stretched his arms as long as possible, praying they reach her on time. Once he caught hold of her mid air, he wrapped his hand as hard as possible around her, making his grip on her body strong, almost crushing her body against his chest, as if to never let her go. His heart was beating so fast like it will fall out any second. Was it because of all the adrenaline rush? or Was it because she was this close to him? Its not like he never touched her, held her but something made him feel so different about their proximity, today. He stood there, holding her in his hands, her body elevated in the air, closely tucked into his chest above the ground, forgetting to blink as he looked at her. She was still in panic, her body stiff, eyes tightly shut, lips folded into a thin line, a frown on her forehead. Everything felt so right at the moment, so perfect, as if it was meant to be, like this is where she belonged, close to his heart with him. He wondered, "why am I feeling so overwhelmed today at our proximity? Is it because I am scared of the consequences that might follow after talking to her? Of her misunderstanding me? or Is it the fear of losing her entirely? or Is it because her decision will change my life forever or Was it simply because I love her so much and being with her is a glee".
Anandi was shocked to see who was holding her above the ground. She felt awkward as she realized the position she was in with him. His one hand was supporting her back, right below her neck. The other hand under her knees, her body folded and held close to his torso, her head resting right above his heart and her one hand clutching his shirt while the other spun around his neck, supporting herself. She saw him staring at her, his hands tightly wrapped around her, as if he was scared to let go of her. His gaze made her feel more uncomfortable and embarrassed. She took her hands away from him, cleared her throat trying to get back the voice which seemed to have been lost, to say something, to escape from this situation as early as possible but in vain.
His contemplation was broken when he sensed her remove her hands and heard her clear her throat. As their eyes met, he realized he was staring at her and still holding her. He immediately composed himself, loosened his grip on her body and spoke still holding her where she was "Aap theek hai?" Anandi looked at him, embrasement clearly visible on her face, wondering why he was still holding her, she nodded her head and whispered "Ji". He asked her very softly with clear concern in his voice "Shall I put you down? Can you stand?" She then understood why he was still holding her. She replied regaining her lost voice "Main theek hoon collector sab". He unwillingly and as slowly as possible put her down. He had to let her go, she is not his Anandi. Yet. There was awkwardness for few seconds as neither of them spoke. He looked at her slowly, trying to understand her thoughts from her expressions. She was fidgeting her fingers, eyes towards the far end of the room, embarrassment all over her face.
He looked at the stool and the poster hanging down, only half pasted to the wall. He said small smile spreading on his lips "Aap akele sab kaam nahi kar sakti Anandiji. Haan, mujhe pata hai ki aapko lagta hai ki aap superwomen hai, aur shayad aap hai bhi, lekin superwomen ko bhi kabhi kabhi dusro ki madhat leni chahiye". Stunned his statement, she looked at him and saw him smiling. She let out a small smile and said "Aisa koi baat nahi. Woh poster ek hafte se pada tha, school ka samay nahi hua, toh mein ne socha ..." . Shiv cut her off saying "Aap ne socha aap poster lagadengi. Right. Lekin kuch kaam dusro se mil kar karne se, ya madad lene sae jaldi hota hai aur bilkul theek bhi. Aap sab kaam akele nahi kar sakti". Anandi retorted saying "Jab mujhe madad ki zaroorat hai toh main zaroor mangte hue. Mai poster lagane ke liye akele kafi thi, woh poster bahut bada tha, aur mera pair ka dard.. "she stopped realizing what she was about to say. He suddenly remembered events from the previous day, panic hit him and he asked "Aap ka pair? Ab kaisa hai? Dard ho raha hai? Aap iss haal mein yeh kaam kyun kar rahi thi? Agar mein time par nahi aaya tho? Aap ko aap ka bilkul parwah nahi hai." He said it all in one go. As he spoke, he simultaneously held Anandi's hand, walked her to the chair and made her sit.
Anandi was surprised as she listened to all his questions. She opened her mouth to shoot back with a counter but before she could say anything shiv said "Now leave it. I don't want you to argue now. Is it paining? Can I help in any way?" Anandi replied "I am fine collector saab. The fall shook me a bit and the foot ached a little with all the sudden movements. I am really fine now. Sorry for the trouble. If something had happened, everyone at home would have been very upset because of me. As is, Dadisa was worried regarding my foot injury from yesterday and with today's fall, she would have scolded me. Thank you for saving me". "You need not thank me Anandiji. I would never let you fall or get hurt. I will always be there when you need me. You can count on me" said Shiv. As soon as he completed his sentence, Shiv realized what he said and tried for ways to deviate Anandi's attention. He moved near the fallen stool, lifted it, placing it in correct position and started climbing it. His actions surely made Anandi snap out of what Shiv just said and ask "What are you doing, collector saab?"
Shiv stayed silent. Once he climbed the stool, he reached for the poster, held it in place and searched his pocket for tape. He then turned around, looking everywhere as he realized he forgot to pick up the 'tape'. Anandi who was watching him, silently picked up the tape, walked to him and extended it to him. Shiv was about to take it from her hand when she said "Aap akele sab kaam nahi kar sakte, collector saab. Haan, mujhe pata hai ki aapko lagta hai ki aap superman hai, aur shayad aap hai bhi, lekin superman ko bhi kabhi kabhi dusro ki madhat leni chahiye" and started laughing loudly. Shiv looked at her for few seconds stupefied. He then let out a laugh, joining her. He was happy that the awkwardness, embarrassment, tension that was there few minutes ago was now gone. She was back to her normal self. He was glad he forgot the tape. He wished for her smile to stay intact always. What will he do if she chooses to go back to Jagya? He didn't know the answer. He decided it is better not think about it now as it will only make speaking to her all more tough for him.
A Pair of glowing bright red eyes were watching the whole scene from the window of the school. Jagya was just a couple of steps away from school entrance when he saw a jeep pullover. As he halted to see who it was, he saw Shiv getting out of the jeep and entering the school. Jagya stopped to think if its right to go and talk to Anandi now, with Shiv around. "No, I have to talk to her alone, make her understand my point. She is my only way to my family, I can't and won't accept her rejection. I have to get the timing and everything right. She has to forgive me" he said to himself. He was angry at Shiv for spoiling his plan. Dejected, he turned around to leave when suddenly a question popped in his mind, "What was Shiv doing here, this early ? What does he want from Anandi ?" Curiosity took over his sanity and he moved slowly towards the window facing the road. As he peeped through window looking around to find them, he froze at the sight in front of him.
In the room next to the one he was peeping through, was Anandi held close to Shiv above ground, his hands closed around her in an embrace as she stayed still in his arms, her hand around his neck. Jagya was not able to see Anandi's face but Shiv's face was very visible. His blood boiled as he saw Shiv staring at Anandi's face. "What was Shiv doing? Why was Anandi not pushing him away? How can she allow him to hold her?" as many such questions raced through his mind Jagya stood rooted observing. Then Jagya saw Shiv's lips move. Jagya almost crushed his body against the window trying to listen to what Shiv was saying but to his disappointment, no luck.
As he continued glaring at them, he saw Shiv placing Anandi down on ground, her smile at him as he said something, him getting on the stool trying to fix poster. Then Jagya understood what might have happened, how Anandi might have ended up in his hands. He felt happy knowing she was not in Shiv's hands on her own but was a mere accident. Same time condemned Shiv for being there instead of him, snatching his opportunity. But his smile was short lived as he saw Anandi walk to Shiv, handing tape, saying something and both laughing loud. That sight made him furious, very furious. He cursed Shiv for trying to take his Anandi away from him. He made up his mind, he will teach Shiv a lesson, show him his place, make him realize Anandi only love's HIM - her Jagya, she belongs only to HIM. He had seen enough. He turned around and walked off enraged.
Anupamaa
