Viji unplugged

"You know I am scared of heights...!  Please don't force me.", terrified Rekha hid behind Ram.

For the previous part, visit here

When Kaesav returned, the house was silent and he heard Aakansha crying softly, at the sitout.

He went and stood before her and said, "The photograph was taken before we got married. If you could remember, I told you on our first meeting itself, that I loved a girl, but she left me after we got engaged. There was no reason, no explanations and she just disappeared and I tried to locate her but with out any success. Few months back, out of blue, I got a call from her, telling me that she is back and she was sorry to have left me like that. I was furious and told her that, I don't wish to see her and I am married to a girl, who thought that the world begins and ends with me."

Aakansha stared silently at Kaesav's face. She had questions for which she hasn't got her answers. She really wished Kaesav had plausible answers and if he gives one, one part of her was willing to accept it, while the other waiting to search for gaps.

Kaesav continued... "Ahalya insisted that she wanted to meet me once. 'For old times sake', she said. I wanted to go to and meet her too, out of curiosity to know, why she disappeared the way she did. Little did I expect the shock waiting for me. When I reached the restaurant, I scanned all the tables, couldn't find her. I sat on a corner table and waited. A middle aged fat woman, with dark shades who sat across the room, stood and started to walk towards me. The world spinned before my eyes and I cried out, "What the fuck happened to you?"

"Lots happened... I knew that we don't hold a chance with all those people, waiting to kill us. I wanted to save your life, if not mine" said Ahalya.

"To kill us... Come on! there wasn't anyone waiting to kill us.", said Kaesav

Ahalya insisted, "No, they are still lurking out there.  After all these days, they still follow me wherever I go and I had been travelling round the country and wherever I go, they too follow."

Kaesav slightly uneasy, told her, "Ok.  We will discuss about this later.  Tell me what you'd like to eat".

Ahalya said, "Not now.  Let's escape through back entrance".  Her eyes wandered here and there and dragged Kaesav out through service entrance.

"She demanded that I meet her everyday.  We met couple of times and she behaved perfectly normal.  Third time when she asked me to come to her place, she seemed to have forgotten that I was married and asked me if we could get married that Friday.  It was the fourth time,  when I saw her lying on the floor, covering herself with mattresses and rugs.  She told me, waving her hands, that if only those men knew waiting outside, knew she is hiding beneath the mattress, will pull her out and rape her.  It was then I understood something was really wrong with Ahalya and discussed about her condition to a doctor friend of mine.  He paid a visit and when Ahalya started being abusive and threatened to kill him, he told me, that she is dangerous to be left out.  He added, that she suffers from a mental disorder called Schizophrenia.  People who suffer from Schizophrenia starts hallucinating and live in that world and forget that a world exist around them.", recounted Kaesav.

He continued, "There were times when she recognized me, there were times when she didn't.  When she recongnized, she acted as if we never parted.  She wrote mails, she chatted and I had to go with the charade, as she was undergoing treatment. The doctors felt that, if otherwise, she might try to kill herself or even harm others around her.  Aakansha, there were times, when I wanted to tell you all this, but it was hell for me and I didn't want you to suffer too.  The photo you saw, was taken when I was dating her.  I need not justify myself to you, for I was not married to you then, but nothing happened after that kiss."

Aakansha her eyes wide, knowing what to believe and what not to, asked Kaesav..."Where is she now?"

Kaesav looked at Aakansha and said, "She's dead.  She killed herself."

Aakansha stared at Kaesav and started to apologise and Kaesav stopped her and said, "Hope you atleast believe me now, if not I can take you to the doctor right away and you can check for yourself."

Aakansha said sorry and she sobbed with relief, Kaesav gathered her in his arms and kissed her forehead.  She said, "wish you had told me everything at the beginning itself and you need not have faced it alone."

Aakansha and Kaesav stared at each other for a while and Aakansha slowly started walking towards Kaesav.

First part: http://viji-poetrymypassion.blogspot.in/2011/08/no-not-tonight.html


"Damn...! tell me now... what's bothering you?", Kaesav grabbed Akansha's shoulders.  "Why are you like this? What's wrong, dear? It hurts..."

"Kaesav, I want to ask you something.  First an apology from me and then an explanation from you.  Let your explanation better be convincing, else it's better for us to break up." said Aakansha.

Kaesav gave a confused look and thought Akansha was joking. Then when he looked at her face, he knew she was serious and said, "I knew something was bothering you for sometime now, I am happy atleast now you've decided to share your problems."

"Two months back, one day you left your mailbox open and out of curiosity, I scrolled through your inbox and found few mails, a photograph, which was really disturbing... I know I shouldn't have opened your personal e-mail but I did that and I am sorry." She paused...

"But, I want to know about the 32 mails saved in a personal folder in your mail box, more than that the photograph where you and she...."

"We on our wedding day vowed to be faithful to each other, but looks like you are not... how can you do this to me, Kaeshav? I am hurt and I wish I am dead".

Kaeshav's face turned pale, he looked everywhere but Aakansha and slowly said, "You shouldn't have opened my mail box..." This comment made Aakansha furious and she threw the book she held in her hands on the floor and said, "Wow! nice...! you make out with another woman, while you are still married to me and you are not sorry for that, but you are angry that I read your mails??? How convenient!"

Kaeshav opened his mouth to say something, when the door bell rang.  He shrugged, with evident relief on his face, as he went to answer the door.  He welcomed Aakansha's parents who stood at the door.  Her mom entered and scanned the room and knew something was wrong, she bent down to pick the book that was spread on the floor half torn and placed it carefully on the table.  Her eyes were on Akansha's flushed face and she turned to her son-in-law and said carefully, "Sorry for dropping in without calling you, we happened to be at the neighbourhood and decided to come home".

Little Akansha's mom knew that it was a blessing in disguise for Kaeshav.  "Aunty, you are welcome anytime.  You are not a stranger to fix an appointment and come home.  Feel free to come home any time. I have to go out for a while, will meet you for lunch.  Please excuse me", saying that he hurried out, leaving Aakansha with out an answer and left her exposed to her mom's scruitning eyes.

- to be continued

The baby looked golden in the morning sunlight... Mom and Dad were loving the sight of their baby and amazed at the way he was created... pretty neat he looked, nestled in green cloak, he looked good enough to eat and they were proud.

After a terrible writer's block, I am planning to resume my writing. Please make sure not to keep sharp objects like knife next to you.  I warn you ahead, I am not responsible for any of your acts.

With this word of caution, I am planning to write a love story of two young hearts.... Just remember, that I am out of a tough writer block situation and be sympathetic and empathetic and leave generous comments...

Please forgive me, if you don't like my love story, as I am bit under the weather at this moment. But, the story can get a bit corny, and I strongly feel that's how it should be...

Abhi asked himself again as the 3 days he gave for himself was about to end.

The other day when he kissed Kavya, she stopped him when he lost control.  He was grateful for that.  What if something happened between them.  He shuddered at the thought.  He suddenly realised he was 5 years younger to her.

Am I in love with Kavya? (The face of the new girl who joined his office that day came before him and he hurriedly pushed this question to the back of his mind)
"I like her a lot.  She is a damn good friend of mine. I don't want to lose her friendship ever." 
 
If I quit the job this moment and leave the city and severe all the connections with her, will I miss her?
"No! true friendship doesn't mind distances... missing each other can never happen in friendship... we will always keep in touch"

Even if she is willing to marry me, can I convince my parents and get married to a divorced woman and never regret the decision?
This question does not arise.
 
There was only thing in Sam's mind during the whole day and it was to save Kavya from the rude reality.  He didn't bother about himself.  He went to the hospital and saw the boy's parents sobbing uncontrollably.  They were taking the boy home.  Sam slowly went and stood before them with folded hands.  He couldn't speak.
 
The boy's mom hurled words at him and started to curse.  Sam stood there and listened to every word lashing at him.  He didn't flinch.  After 15 mts of abuse, she started to cry again.  Sam looked at Sanjay's dad and told him, "God didn't bless me with a child.  But I can understand your mysery coz, I know how my mom and dad used to fret when I had a small headache... Sir, please tell me whatever you want. I know I can't give back your son but I will be a son to you and carry out all your wishes and will take care of you both till my last days.  You might think, I am saying all this to save my wife.  That's true in a way.  I was about to divorce her.  But I now realise, I love her more than anything else in this world.   She is suffering, she is down with guilt and she had not come out of the room since yesterday.  I know only time can heal her.  And, I doubt if time can heal your tragedy."
 
The boy's dad looked at Sam told him,  "You can leave now.  Tell your wife she is free to make more accidents, for all I care.  The only reason, I am not going to the police station to open the case again coz nothing is going to bring my son back. I don't need any favour from you. Earlier I accepted your help as I was not rich and I was doubtful if I'd be able to give the best treatment to Sanjay.  Now nothing remains to be done. My wife need not get up early in the morning to prepare breakfast, she need not stay awake during nights to prepare midnight snacks and tea, no exam pressure, nothing.... nothing at all. We will spend the remaining days thinking about our son and will look forward to the day we will get united with him in heaven." Saying that he started to cry and Sam couldn't stop tears from his eyes.  Whether they needed him or not, he was there with them the whole day... It was almost 2 in the afternoon and he realised that Kavya is alone at home.  He called Sheela and gave her the news and asked her to be with Kavya till he comes back home.
 
Sheela knocked the door and found it open.  She couldn't find Kavya in the bedroom or living room.  She called out her name and heard a feeble moan coming from inside the bathroom.  Sheela rushed inside the bathroom to find Kavya lying down on a pool of blood.
 
Sheela called Ambulance and then called Sam.  Sam rushed to the hospital to find Kavya in the operation theatre getting operated.  Kavya's dad and mom where there and they signed the consent form as it was an emergency surgery and they couldn't wait for him.  That was a deep slit in her wrists and doctors were trying hard to extract the broken glass pieces from her wrists.  It was around 6 PM the doctor told Sam that Kavya is safe and he can just see her for a minute.  Sam went in, looked at her and there was only one question in his mind, "Why Kavya?"
 
He was scared to step inside his house.  He automatically straightened everything and finally gathered the courage and stepped inside the bathroom.  The huge mirror was broken and everywhere there was blood stains....
 
He came to the living room and sat on the sofa and it was then he noticed a stick pad stuck on the tea table, in Kavya's hand writing dated the day before... it read "Sam! you deserve a better wife, a wife who can carry your child and who can make you happy... I will somehow will make this happen, but the sight of knife or sleeping pills gives me a scare :) ... But I will somehow gain courage and will make this happen..."
 
"Why the hell, didn't I read this yesterday? How did she gain the courage? He knew the answer himself... the boy's death....
 
"I love you Kavya", he shouted but the strong sea breeze didn't carry those words to his wife... She turned and asked, "Sammy did you say something?"
 
"Yepp! the sea is blue and so are you... blue becomes you! and did I ever tell you that I love you?"
 
"Yeah! only 14 times today." she said laughing. "Samuel Livingston... I wanna be your daughter during my next birth... I wanna be your wife, your mom, your dad, your sister... I want to be everything to you... I can never love you enough... Yeah! I know I am greedy". 
 
"Oh! drat Christians don't believe in rebirth... Maybe you will not be a Christian during your next birth..." Kavya started to giggle... 

When Abhi looked at the time it was 11.30 AM.  He kicked himself for doing what he did to Kavya. He was staring at the entrance and saw the usual shuttle entering the office doors. People got down and walked towards the office.

Kavya took leave and slept the whole day off.  It was two in the afternoon when she woke up.

It was at 3 AM in the morning, when the three of them walked out of police station.  Kavya looked aghast and walked like a zombie between Sam and Abhi.

Sam rang the bell for the third time, wondering why Kavya not opening the door.  He tried the key in the lock and it opened.  He switched on the light and entered their room.  He can't help but feel worried.  It's almost a month, since he stopped picking her up from the office.  He missed her sitting next to him and chatting non stop.

Kavya looked striking in a red salwar kameez, her face void of makeup looked fresh, soft, a tiny red bindhi on her face, gold ear ring and a solitary diamond adorned her left side of her nostrils.  She sat at the pew and was listening to the Pastor's speech.  It went on for ten minutes and after that he said, "I would like to call up on Samuel Livingston before my parish, before my community, before my friends to appreciate his good deed.  I am deeply touched by his love and compassion for his fellow human beings."

Abhi got up from his seat and walked past his friends and rushed towards the lift.  He wanted to talk to Kavya and ask the reason behind her decision. He saw her text message and knew that he had to see her that moment. She was sitting in her cubicle, her face red,  looking fierce. He stood next to her and asked, "Care for a break?" Startled she looked at Abhi, blinked her eyes and stood to leave.

They walked silently to the lift and there was that unusual silence between them. Abhi waited patiently till they reached the cafe.

"What will you have?", Abhi asked."Cyanide", Kavya replied.

Abhi ordered a pepsi for him and lemonade for her. He sat next to Kavya. "How would prefer? Bitter or sweet?" asked Abhi.

Kavya gave him confused look."Cyanide", he said.Kavya tried to smile, but her lips trembled and tears slipped through her eyes.

"Hi Abhi, long time, no see!" cried Vivek.  Abhi's eyed pleaded to him to leave them alone.  Vivek waved and left them in peace.

"So?" he said. "We decided to put an end to this charade. I agreed to divorce him. Eight years of marriage, I just cannot believe this. How we loved each other. What happened? Where did all the love go? Where did we go wrong?"

Abhi, though knew that the relationship between Kavya and Sam was not all that great, he didn't anticipate this. Kavya looked at Abhi, her eyes doleful. Abhi couldn't bear the pain in her eyes. He repeatedly assured her things will be alright.

But he was confused at the tiny spark of joy in him. He stared at Kavya's bent head and controlled the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her pain away.

Abhi ordered another beer and stared at the cigarette he was holding. It was difficult to understand his feelings for Kavya. Though there was an element of sympathy, there was that curious exhilarating feeling whenever he thought of her. "Am I in love?" he asked himself.

He gave himself three days to decide his stand. His gang was chatting non stop.  Abhi was silent, the air conditioned pub was noisy and it started to get too crowded.  Abhi went out for a breather and sat on the parapet wall.  It was then he heard Sam's voice from below.  He heard it clearly.

Sam was talking to a friend about Kavya. "I know! you need not have to remind me.  I loved her and I thought she loved me too, till the day she called me Abhi.  I knew they were close friends but from then I found she messaged him at odd hours at odd times.  She will be lying next to me, yet texting him. I told her yesterday night, that divorce is the best thing that can happen to us... she looked shocked but nodded."

-to be continued