When I said low profile, I did not mean a fixer upper waiting to be run down by a bulldozer. However, that is what Rishabh understood. So, there I was trying to make do in a bedroom with cracked ceilings and a girl who need comfort more than anything.
"I will drop her off with the social workers", I insisted after taking a closer look at the living conditions. As smart I was for getting Noori out, I was equally stupid for letting Rishabh stay. Somehow, I let the thoughts escape right through the cracks. No one will know, I reassured myself.
But, ofcourse, he had to make me realize what a great feat this was. "Green ass liberal staying with Jayte bad boy. Don't you think this is a little to contro---versi-----yaal. Wrong spelling with an added wink indicated his motives with great efficiency. He asked about Noori's mother every few minutes until I finally responded.
"We are headed for a dead end here. The probability of finding Chandni is almost as much as finding a needle in a haystack: close to none. We are leaving with the sunrise tomorrow. Noori will be on her path to rehabilitation soon".
He looked disturbed, angry and bitter. However, he understood my limitations at the very least. I wish I could be the woman he saw me as. But, helping a chosen few would be denying the greater good a chance to flourish. I had long abandoned the idea of becoming a cult leader who only cared for the opinions that echoed her own. I was a leader with open arms for praise and critique (certain conditions applicable).
He shot me a slight nod and poured a drink without talking. I was not accustomed to his silence or any silence for that matter. I found peace in the noise: prostitutes haggling customers, mafia drugging people, kids begging for food, politicians using parliament furniture as weapons for ego clashes. These were all familiar sounds to my ears, soothing and meditational. So, I sparked up a conversation, the kind you start on an arranged marriage meeting.
The quintessential "what are your goals and aspirations in your career or life in general?"
"Drink and date, I see".
"I beg to differ. This is hardly a date, you are ….."
"I am not finished missy. I see myself as a progressive politician, one who actually does something outside of house hours. Someone who visits field sites, someone who listens more than he talks, someone who implements the suggestions offered to him and someone who abides by the principles he establishes".
Didn't I tell you? The man has a way with words. Call him clich all you want but, you cannot deny his ability to make you believe in his idea. Naturally, I had to keep this going. Getting to know the man behind the table beating hands was a rarity. I learned he was not only good for keeping my voice muffled but also had his own story to tell.
"What are these principles Rishabh? Are you focused on the social issues or does the economy strike as an issue of greater importance? What is your vision for our Bhaarat? And, I do not want to hear you quote the Jayte mission statement. I have read the books through and through. I want to know your thoughts".
"If you think you are going to get me drunk and get some secrets out of me, you are kidding yourself. I have a great alcohol capacity".
He spoke as if I was forcing him to drink, he was the one pouring them. He slurped another peg down.
"I don't see you as more than an eggshell deep. Peel of the delicate ego defences and there it is: the white emotions and yellow mush".
I have often noticed pampering someone's self worth and questioning it can both prove useful if the trickery is used by a skilled person. I consider myself well-versed.
"Fine, I am a liberal at heart. I believe the government should back off and stop interfering in the citizens' lives so much. Education and not punishment should be the focus of intervention. I would not give the Wall Street Journal a second look if Bittuji did not shove it down my throat every morning. I am interested in the arts, I am intrigued by education. I am passionate about social reform and I am driven by the need to become a medium for change".
His deep, deep voice was steaming my emotions. His intellect was enticing, lustful, seductive. I was experiencing immense sexual desires, unacceptable thoughts listening to his hopes and dreams. If you found me in solitude, I would be wet in all the wrong places. What trickery was this? He had me bewitched like a Miles Davis record welling up my heart full of nothing.
"Looks like you are more drunk than me", he scoffed as kept on nodding long after he finished talking.
"Join me", I spoke without thinking. "You have every quality I am looking for in a candidate. I want you to run with the Green Party this election season. Our Government coming to power is unlikely, I know. But, we can accomplish great things as a minority. I know you are capable of much more than you do today. What do you say?"
I was being bold. Perhaps way too bold for his liking or atleast from what I gathered from his expressions. He was calm and contemplative until:
"I have a better idea", he put down his drink and cupped my face in his hands. "How about I join you in this?"
He waited for me to object but, I didn't. He let the realization sink in and then, his lips touched mine. His hands slipped into the khadi of my blouse making room that did not exist. The fabric gave up and ripped off my flesh. His moments were gentle as if testing the waters.
He undraped the sari pleat by pleat, his lips marking my neck and chest.
"If at any point you feel uncomfortable, please…"
I tilted his head up to face me and said something rather awkward. "This is not my first time dummy".
"Thank God you are only a liberal. Not a stuck up virgin spinster liberal". He called that everyday. I don't see the humour. The comment is rather derogatory for my feminist sensibilities. But, I make expectations for only two things: politics and intercourse. Everything goes here. (Don't tell him I said that).
We found ourselves laying on the dinner table, trying to remove the centerpieces out of out way. We had a nice with an abrupt end. Roger found out.
To be continued…...
Pati Patni Aur Panga
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
