LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
Dr.Jagdish completed his swearing in formalities that day in the state capital Jaipur as an MLA . Ganga accompanied Jagdish leaving the kids in the charge of sumitra and Dadisa. Anandi and Shiv also attended that state function and every one was so elated.
The latest buzz doing the rounds is that Dr Jagdish might go from being a doctor to a Minister in the state cabinet .The way he developed the hospital in Jaitsar is an achievement , he nurtured the hospital and turned it in to a super specialty hospital , that will definitely give him a higher edge. With this achievement he may get the post of the health minister ' says a source .
The same evening they returned to Jaitsar to share the happiness of the historic event with Badi Haveli people and the villagers ! The entire Kesar Bagh family was also invited to BH, but only Minu and Anup turned up with Amol.
The villagers arranged a warm welcome to their new Sansad and pledged solidarity for what all he plans to do for the region. Later in the evening a big family function was arranged and attended well by the near and dear ones! One could see various person-to-person interactions and group dynamics with elated high pitched expressions and emotional recollections like never before!
Suguna hugged Anandi and they talked about their childhood days and how Suguna took care of Anandi in her adolescent days and how they played , shared and cared for each other ...Ganga stood there with a smile and watched the two friends talk. Anandi was circulating, interacting with everybody. Ganga was trying to get insight into the relationship which Anandi shares with every family member of the Singhs' household. It has always been a new experience to her , each time a new revelation... every time she learnt something or the other from Anandi and over the years she developed immense respect for her and adores her as her mentor guide and philosopher. Suguna and kids, Shyam and his parents left early in the night after dinner.
Dinner over, people were regrouping to extend the festive spirit into later part of the night. Dadisa ,and other elders were entertaining Minu and Anup, talking niceties and exchanging notes on the goings on at BH and KB. It was planned that Anandi and her family would leave early next morning and hence everybody wanted to make the best of the occasion!
Badi Haveli was abuzz with kids' screams, shouts and playful laughter ! Nandu, Amol and Mannu were playing in the garden like chirping birds , they were talking with each other simultaneously and laughing gleefully for every word of each other and planning for their future meetings.
They were sitting in the garden chairs under the starry sky. Amol said ' Nandu bhayya ...see those stars ..how they are twinkling in the sky especially those seven stars little away from the moon! I always love to look at those stars ...''---then Nandu said ...Oh I too love them ...Amol ! Once Dadisa told me, that group of seven stars are called SaptaRishi! I will pluck all those stars from the sky and will make a Har and give it to you! Rest of them I will put in my school bag and carry with me ! Suddenly Mannu said moon is entirely mine ! I will play with that with Abhi! Leave it for me!' They all agreed.
Amol said with a smile ...Ok Nandu bhayya...I would like to paint the sky with all those stars , small and big, the moon and those few dark clouds with silver lining and make a beautiful painting for you, Nandu was excited and said yes ...yes ...I would love to have that painting''--- Nandu ran inside and returned with big white paper and a set of crayons and in no time, Amol made a big sketch of the sky he was seeing and filled with realistic colors and said ... I painted a rainbow also there for you, so that you can imagine the color of the clouds! It turned out to be a beautiful painting in their imagination and Nandu was very happy to get that priceless gift! He said, I will keep it in my room carefully as I always wanted to take that rainbow from the sky and keep it by my bed side ...so that I can use those colours whenever I need them !'' Meanwhile ---Future is taking shape and moving fast in their thoughts ... The sky, the moon, the stars , the clouds and the rainbow ...the entire galaxy are appearing as mere toys for these kids, the future mankind !
With all those stars and the painting reflecting in their eyes, the kids entered in to the hall and Dadisa was sitting there along with other elders, beaming with happiness . Kids surrounded her and asked her permission to allow them to sleep together in the same room for that night ! She with a smile said ...'why not ?!but you must sleep next to me in my room ...so that I will tell you many stories until you sleep!
Then Dadisa ...we won't sleep tonight ...you have to tell us so many stories', with his little hands Mannu showed how many stories he wants to hear. Amol and Nandu nodded in approval...they have taken the decision and Dadisa informed the new arrangement to Anandi, Gehna and Ganga and she ordered Sumitra to take care of Abhi for that night ...with a matured smile on her wrinkled face she said, ... Let the young couples have some respite for that night.. they are too tired with the recent fast track happenings!' With an understanding smile Sumitra agreed and nodded in approval. The elder people slowly started to settle down for the night.
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Night time ...Shiv and Jagdish went out for a walk after dinner. Jagdish brought up a discussion on the present political scenario and it's impact on the development and improvement in his area in a bid to learn from Shiv, the administrator's point of view and how the political system interferes with his work . Shiv discussed about the health condition of Amol and the line of treatment they should pursue with Jagdish.
One has paved the way for the development of that district in the recent past and now the other one is about to take it further to shape the destinies of the people of Jaitsar.
Anandi and Ganga sat on the swing on the terrace and gazing at the sky and started talking about the proceedings of that day and then...the topic veered towards their personal lives .
'No respite for me till now Anandiji. Abhi's birth , then Mannu's ill health...revisit of my past ...kneeling down to save the life of my tender sapling... DR Sa surrendered all his dignity and tried to convince that man...meanwhile God intervened and saved my son and has given new meaning to my life ...some where there is humanity ...tenderness left in that man, just like the presence of water in the core of a rock. Got my son back...'
'Anandiji ...you have given new lease of life to me and Mannu . you saved him from the clutches of those cruel persons ...putting your life at risk that day . What a life it was...deserted by fate escorted by misfortune ...wounded by marriage ..., became a mother ... , then almost lost everything in life at one stage lost my life itself ! Later DrSa saved me ...guided me towards Nurse Training and he has given a new lease of life to me !''"
Ganga ...you are very lucky to have a husband like Jaggiya ...he is a changed man now ...a lovable husband to you and a great leader to this town !' with thoughtful eyes Anandi said again...
You are right Ganga ... we have seen the valley of sorrows and also the acme of love ...what life has thrown at us; just like sand castles, all happiness crashed in front of our eyes without any sound ...hurt inflicted by marriage ...instead of association we got harassment in different ways at different levels, left us in that catastrophic phase as silent hapless spectators!...there was nothing left to live ... we lost everything .. lost the meaning of life itself...contained the infernos deep in our hearts and tried to cool them with waters from all the oceans on earth in the form of raining tears! But failed to get relief from that unbearable pain and give comfort to our burning hearts ...to bring them back to terms with reality!
Then in both of our lives, a ripple of hope ...a wave of longing...a tide of affection ...a cascade of love, a cavalcade of relationships ... set in, as a mark of craftsmanship in the hands of fate and its magic wand ... then there was a new dawn on the horizon...love made another knock at our hearts ...like an evening cool breeze at the end of a scorching hot day ...like a bright twinkling star at dusk... like warm rays of sun at the end of the dark winter night ...then a beautiful morning and brightness in life that gave us a confidence to walk the ways of life and put up a strong protective facade for the shivering soul .''
' How well said Anandiji... at last we regained our paradise which we lost at one stage ...scaled all those hard ...haunted challenging mountains and now reached the plateau at last ... and supported each other in this crusade ... every now and then...now we have the family support and blessings .''
Anandi hugged Ganga and said ...'now I am very happy that Jaggiya is blessed with an understanding wife ...at last he has got what he deserves . He is lucky and now I have seen a relaxed Jaggiya and a leader in him ...because of your presence in his life Ganga !'
Ganga wanted to say something to her but hesitantly stopped ...Anandi looked at her questioningly ... Dr sa earlier told me, ...he was always uncomfortable in front of you, whenever he was with Gowri ...and always had a guilty feeling ! Now he is happy for you Anandiji for your happy life with Shivji. May be because of that ...he is a relaxed man now !?' while saying this, she was searching for a possible something' in the eyes of Anandi... but her eyes are as pure as truthfulness and reflecting the entire love on earth .
Anandi said with a smile ...'you are very lucky Ganga ...Jaggiya is a great person ...though he did some mistakes in the past ... he always repented and rectified all his mistakes as much as he could . Now he is a caretaking friend and a dependable family man and a good human being with the welfare of the society at heart. While saying these words Anandi gently pressed Ganga's hand as if assuring to her on behalf of her childhood friend and a life long ... associate!?
Ganga knows the intricate relationship of Jaggiya and Anandi ...suddenly she remembered ...when she pointed out his mistake in the case of Gowri and suggested him to go and seek the forgiveness of Gowri..he listened to her ...understood the positive side of her suggestion...but before going to Mumbai he met Anandi that midnight ...only after talking with her in the presence of Shiv ...and giving the responsibility of informing it to his family ... he left for Mumbai to meet Gowri. That day Ganga understood the precious, pure and unique relationship they shared with each other in their life !
Suddenly she clasped the hand of Anandi and said smiling ...'thanks for everything' ...with a quiver in her voice ...''Anandiji ...I feel like making a beautiful necklace with all those stars in the sky and decorate it with some of my love and friendship..and present it to you now !''
Anandi laughed loudly as if some thousands of wind chimes swayed at a slow wind and said ...
'then I will paint on the clouds with a rainbow, a beautiful life painting and adorn it with the frame of full moon's light and present it to you !''"
They lived over again their own pains and pleasures ... a sentimental occasion !
With smiles on their faces ...Anandi and Ganga moved towards their rooms ...but ...but before moving away Anandi smiled at Ganga with a teasing look .
Ganga suddenly remembered what she did that evening which Anandi is yet to discover and smiled back too.
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Ganga was smiling and thinking about what she did that evening!... in the evening Anandi and Ganga, were walking in the garden and suddenly Anandi said ..."Ganga I will pluck some flowers and Jasmine buds for pooja. Dadisa loves these Jasmines for her evening Arti... Do you know ...towards evening these buds will open their petals and spread enchanting fragrance all around the area .. seems the summer is in full swing and so are these flowers ''and she collected pallu full of buds and while making garlands, in a playful mood, described how she and Suguna made beautiful garlands for Devima and also kept some for themselves ...and now made beautiful garlands for Devima and for Kanha and also kept aside some for Dadisa's pooja. Ganga was watching Anandi and suddenly she got an idea ...she collected different colours of Roses ...and she spread all those roses on the bed of Shiv and Anandi and covered it with the comforter! But before leaving the room Ganga put a white rose on the pillow !!
Everybody called it a day after hectic festivities and fulfilling interactions and were retiring into their respective bedrooms in that palatial Haveli
As Shiv entered in to the room, he noticed the flower and started wondering how and when Anandi became so bold to keep a rose for him on their bed ...he is yet to notice the floral decoration under the wrap! But he thought whenever Anandi was in BH, she was always in a relaxed mood and at ease! Meanwhile Anandi walked in with a jug of water, saying, Shiv, did you notice tonight's skyline?...so cool, beautiful and captivating' and walked towards the balcony, expecting Shiv to follow her! But after a while, she noticed that Shiv was still standing near the bed! When she looked at him, he was smiling and pointed at the flower on the pillow, as if asking, what you mean by this? Suddenly, Anandi was surprised at this uncharacteristic bold advance of Shiv, as she understood! Anandi's romantic dialogue as she entered, sort of confirmed Shiv's inference that the flower on the pillow is her tribute to romance! He walked towards her into the balcony and watched the sky holding her by her shoulders. He felt immensely happy to see the sky scape described by Anandi and said Anandiji..thanks for that flower!' Anandi was surprised at this and asked which flower?' Shiv lead her to the bed and showed the white rose. Anandi expressed her ignorance and denied her involvement time and again and held Shiv responsible for this. Finally they agreed to disagree, but were already revolving in a romantic orbit!
She thought he was very romantic that night while Shiv thought that, like Anandi's pure and tender love, the white rose is so delicate and fragrant. They smiled at each other mischievously and were about to retire for the night, but as they lifted the comforter and tried to tuck-in, they noticed a beautiful spread of rich colored flowers... a bed of roses...the ultimate poetic expression of conjugal bliss! They were pleasantly surprised at this sudden beautiful expose. Again they suspected each other but in the softly worded blame game, the lights went off! Later in the night it dawned on Anandi, who could have done it...she turned to the other side and smiled!
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Thinking about the floral decoration she made in Anandi's room and with a smile on her face and in a relaxed mood Ganga was about to enter into her room. At the same time Jaggiya was coming out of the room and dashed against her near the door ... As she was about to fall, he caught and held her in his arms to save her. Suppressing a bit of pain in her eyes with a shy smile she looked sternly at Jagdish with mock anger! With a wink Jagdish said,' this is a good heart to heart talk Ganga!" The attacking warrior's explanation to his love smitten maiden !
' Talk ? No Doctorsa ...this is an attack, I know you did it deliberately ''---with mock anger she tried to come out of his hands !
He lifted her in his hands and closed the door with his foot. Jaggiya is always gloriously romantic , she thought! "Ganga please don't say that word attack...if media heard it ...they will publish it tomorrow as headlines, Domestic violence of a sansad against his wife ...and the reporters will come and ask you what I did to you ...think ...you have to answer them in detail?" She lost herself in his charming smile and remained silent .He put her on the bed and immediately she sat on the edge of the bed and he sat beside her. Ganga always admired his sense of humor .
Ganga ...now my responsibilities have increased and I want your help and you must be with me all the time in both my endeavors as a Doctor and as a member from this area . Politics is a full time job ...people always expect my presence and for their problems I have to provide solutions too. This time young voters voted not only for a change , for development too ...they want solutions, not lame excuses ...for that we have to work hard ...for the benefit of the people .''
'I know Dr Sa...I want to be your shadow for everything you are going to do' He interrupted her'' not a shadow Ganga ...be by my side and guide and help me whenever I need !''"with these words he looked in to her eyes and got the assurance that he needed !
The romance was cradled into a song ..which their hearts were singing... The moonlit starry sky with an occasional cloud with silver lining was clearly visible through the French window, making the mood more romantic. Since ages poets empowered the lovers' to pluck the stars from the sky or bring the moon to the earth to gift away to their beloved as an expression of unequivocal love ! But in the context of the present mood, there was no giving or taking but only owning the universe in its entirety!
Love and union were exchanging new ideas... the two notions began to intermingle...it is somewhat curious to every lover...arouse amusement and interest . Golden moments of heart stirrups held them in an embrace for eternity ...time forgot to move ...space lost its existence...so great was that sweet pain in happiness and in losing one's existence in that expressiveness !
He lost himself in her and she regained herself in his presence!! He extended himself in to her love and she reflected herself in his longing ...the moonlight has manifested itself as a smile on her lips ,and the cool breeze has surrounded them with floral fragrances of Jasmine !
Ganga ...did you arrange these flowers?' with a pleasant surprise in his eyes Jagan asked ... Ganga laughed loudly for a while and suddenly turned red and shook her head with a NO. But she never said who did that ...and with a fold on his forehead... he never asked her anything again.
As an inquisitive intruder shyness was swinging between them, at times dominating, sometimes defeated by the bold steps of desire ...love enthralled the hearts of the young couples .
A small cloud moved towards the moon and was swept aside by a gush of wind! The new dawn was witness to boundless jubilation in BH and had brought in refreshing winds of change and a new hope for people to strive and thrive !
Life is beautiful if you get a compassionate companion to travel!
Life is beautiful if you get an yearning partner !
Life is beautiful if you get a soul-mate who can sail along in the rough seas of life on the ship made of love !
Life is beautiful if you can shed your inhibitions and set aside your prejudices !
Yes !! Life can be lived beautifully !"with love ...with a sense of belonging !!!
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--One night on my terrace, while gazing at the stars in the sky ...one of my friends sent me a message with a starry necklace as a gift to me ...in reciprocation I have written her that I am sending her a beautiful painting that I painted on the clouds with a rainbow brush !
Yes ...her message is the main inspiration for this OS ...and I am dedicating this story to my dear friend ...a member of this Forum !!!
------------ seetha
Edited by SEETHA.K - 31 May 2014 at 7:31am
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