Anjali

It was an exhausting day at work after my visit to Little Angels Orhpanage. All the random images from the time I was married to Manish flashed before me as I tried hard to concentrate at work. 

"Manish! You can't torture me like this. I can file a case against you"

Between his gritted teeth, he replied "and I will pour hot oil all over myself and tell everyone you did it on purpose. "

On another occasion, he had let his mother insult me 

"I am sure you are responsible for his changing behavior. It's because of you he has no interest in women."

On yet another occasion, 

"aap mujhe divorce kyu nahi de dete asaani se" 

"What is it that a woman like you wants from a marriage. I am giving you a place to stay, two meals to eat and good bedroom to sleep. What else do you need?"

"Manish, I feel suffocated in this relationship. Why don't you understand? I am expected to behave like a normal couple, a normal wife infront of your social group and family during weddings."

"I am warning you Anjali."

At that very instant, he had pulled my hair so bad that I winced in pain "Shut up , will you ? You utter a word to anyone about me and I will this time burn you alive. You know I am capable of doing that just like I burnt my hand last time. Don't you dare play smart with me Anjali.Either I burn you or I burn myself and put the blame on you. You won't survive any way, you will be thrown behind bars"

"Stop it Manish! Stop it please!" I pleaded as his hold on my hair tightened.

"I will only stop if you give me something to make me believe that you won't spill my secret"

"Promise, I won't tell .."

Cutting me off he mumbled in my ears "A promise won't do this time. "

"Manish, please.You are hurting me. I won't tell"

That was the tipping point. After he had left, I had contacted Pooja. All his threats would be about hurting himself but this time he threatened to hurt me. The man needed help and I needed help to get out of this mess. 

Around 4pm, my work colleagues wanted to grab a quick coffee and head home. I had a lot of work still pending. I did grab coffee with them. I stayed to myself mostly at work. I would only interact with my immediate next cubicle neighbor Leena who had introduced me to two other friends. The good thing was we all would be so busy with our hectic schedule that we would rarely be indulged in each others lives. When we met, we mostly talked about weather, work or environmental issues. The reality of my marriage and divorce was only known to my boss Mr. Ravi Kulkarni only because I had to take too many leaves at once. He was a kind hearted fellow, didn't ask too many questions on my personal grief but granted me leaves when necessary.

After Leena and her friends, I went back to my cubicle to now tackle the workload so that my next day wouldn't be affected as much. I usually exited office by 5:30 pm and reached home by 7 pm. Today, it was 6:30 pm and I was still working. I decided to get off from work at 7pm. 

Sometimes I really do feel stars are not in my favor. As I got off from work and headed towards the company transport, the transport co-ordinator informed me that the none of the drivers were reporting for the late shift (after 5:30 log off is considered as late shift) today. All of the cab drivers had gone on some sort of strike propagated by the Mumbai Taxi Driver Union. 

"Oh God" I muttered and left the building premises to look for an auto. Mumbai isn't as scary or as unsafe for women as some of the other cities are but I preferred to be in safe vicinities of my neighborhood at this time everyday. 

I couldn't trace a single empty auto on the road. My bad stars! Bhagwan ji, ghar pahuncha de ache se aaj! 

Just then it started to rain, that was the last remaining straw of patience in my pocket...

"Dang, You really don't like me" I muttered looking at the sky. 

Shivani

Riya had made friends in the apartment building that was my Maayka in Mumbai. She was playing with the next door neighbor's daughter. Shiv and Harshit were still at work while Papa went in the apartment community common area to chit chat with other senior club members aka his friends. He had been coming home early to spend time with me and Riya while we were visiting.  After Riya decided to play with her friends, Papa also went to the community common area. 

At the moment, it was just me and Dadi who was resting in her room. After prepping up for dinner, I went to Dadi's room which also happened to be my former room. It was so great to be spending time with Riya in this house, to tell her tales from my childhood and the tales that her Mamu's were not this sweet and caring at one point of time. 

"Dadi, how is your headache now?" 

"Aa gayi meri beti, abhi thik hai sardard. Shiv aur Harshit aa gaye kya? " 

"Nahi Dadi, lekin aap se baat karni thi."

"Haan bolo beta. What is it? Come, sit close to me" 

Sometimes I felt, my Dadi had a divine aura around her. I felt so peaceful, so calm, so beautiful inside when I was around her. "Dadi, I spoke to Shiv about having a companion. Jai and I think he needs one. He seems to have agreed so Jai and I are going to talk to this family in Delhi. They have been family friends of my in laws for a long time now. They might know someone for our Shiv. Is that ok with you?" 

"Beta, all I have ever wanted is to see my children happy. My son Surya is also all alone today. He has his children's happiness to look forward to but I worry for Shiv. Iss tarah usko akele to nahi dekha jaata. Hasta hai, mazaak karta hai, zimmedar hai lekin beta wo khush nahi hai."

I can't see him like this. He laughs, makes us all laugh, he has become so resposnible but he isn't happy.

"Hmm Dadi, This has started to affect Harshit too. He doesn't know what to even want of a marriage. How are my brothers going to live like this Dadi ? This is not a home. Its a bachelor pod of three men. "

"Hmmm beta. But I am very happy that you have spoken to Shiv. I am so happy that Jai is your companion. Isliye Kehte hain ki betiyan ghar ki lakshmi hoti hain. Wo dhan sirf rupayon se nahi balki ghar me khushiyan bikher ke bhi dhan laati hai. Jeeti raho beta. Dekhna Maata Rani tera ghar bhi khushiyon se bhare rakhegi. Riya hai na tere ghar me."

That's why they say a daughter is Goddess Lakshmi's avatar. She doesn't only bring wealth in the form of money but also in the form of happiness. May you live long my child. Maata Raani will also keep your home full of happiness as Riya is in your home

**I hope I gave a good translation but now I understanding translating text and still keeping the same sentiment is so difficult :)  

I smiled and hugged my sweetest Dadi while she kissed my forehead and blessed me. Hmm, so now I just had to talk to my parents in laws and go with Jai to meet the Singh family.

It was Riya's snack time and I decided to call her but not before making sure that I had packed all of Shikha's memories from Shiv's room. I had already mentioned to Shiv that I am going to store away the visible photographs from the room.

Shiv

"Lets go home?" I asked Harshit as it was time to wrap up and go.

"Actually bhai, some friends from my college are meeting up for dinner. I was  planning on going there. You go home bhai."

"Ahh ok. Come home on time and remember Shivani, Riya and Dadi are staying with us. So don't drink and come home."

"Yes bhai, ofcourse!"

I went to the parking lot and started my car to go home. 

Riya had asked me to pick up some make up kit for her barbie doll secretly. My sister won't allow us to pamper her so she had slid a note in my shirt pocket with a scribbled note explaining what exactly I should ask in a toy store. 

There was a toy store just down the road from our apartment and I was headed there when it started raining. 

**It's also raining as I write this beautiful piece.

The road was a choc a block with cars, two wheelers, trucks and auto's alike. I was waiting for the lights on the cross roads to turn green. Somehow my mind went back to the day I met the strong yet innocent Anjali. It was raining that day too and the hesitation on her face was so adorable when I had asked her to sit down. 

Just then I spotted Anjali. I thought my mind was playing tricks with me as I was just thinking about her and she was there standing on the side of the street getting wet in the rain. I double checked to see it was actually Anjali. She was waiting at the bus stop without an umbrella and looked very uncomfortable. Something didn't seem right.  

I drove to the side of the road and lowered the window on the passenger seat. 

I called out "Anjali, Hi !"

"Ahh Shiv , Hi ! " She responded. She was wearing a green dress and I saw she had a laptop bag kind of a big bag that she was holding close to herself and covered with her dupatta probably to save it from the rain.

"Aap yahan bus stop par?" I asked not wanting to offend her but it was late, raining and there was not another lady at the bus stop. It didn't seem right that she was standing there among men of all classes.  

"Yes, there is a taxi driver union strike and I can't find an auto. So I am waiting for the bus now" She replied with a small smile. 

"Please come inside, it's raining. I will drop you somewhere" There was no need to even think when I said that. 

"Umm Shiv, it's ok. I will wait. The bus might be on its way."

"Anjali, look don't be so formal. It's raining and from the looks of it there is a lot of traffic and the bus also might be delayed. Come inside the car." I requested her. 

She thought for a second for which I waited with a baited breath "Ok"

She sat down on the passenger seat and mumbled a "Thank you! "

"It's really fine! Is the car air conditioner too cold for you? I mean you got wet in the rain."

"It's fine."

"Ok. This line hasn't moved for twenty minutes now"  I muttered

"Yes, I think something is wrong ahead somewhere"

"Oh is it. How long have you been standing here?"

"For nearly half an hour now. "

"Oh!"

Soon there was a lot of honking of cars and it was obvious after a minute why. Someone had managed to turn around as they had a small sized car which is why everybody was honking.

I lowered my side of the windows and called out to the driver in next car/

"Kya hua hai bhai?" (What is wrong brother?)

"Sirji, people are saying the taxi driver union is ahead of us two next intersections from here and they won't unblock the roads to let anyone through and that's why cars are now turning back. I am going to turn around at the next available instant. You should too."

"Oh ok thanks"

I looked around to my side and looked at Anjali who had visible lines of worry on her forehead. "Theres no other way out from here. I will need to turn around too. "

"Shiv, please just ask if the SV Road is open, we can take that and you can drop me at the local train station. I will take that"

"Ok, Good idea"

Once again, I asked the driver in the car next to mine and yelled

"Bhai, do you know if the SV Road open. Can we use that ?"

"No Sirji, the word around is that there is been a tree uprooted due to rains on that road. Where do you have to go?

I looked at her confirmed for Borivali which is nodded to and then told the driver "Borivali ..Bhai ji"

"No no wait for a couple hours until they open the roads" He replied checking with the other car that he could ask in 

"Ok ok"

I once again looked at Anjali "Look, my house is just by the corner, it's only 10 minutes when we turn around the car. Come home!" 

She immediately responded. "Shiv. No. I will wait at a restaurant.Just drop me at the same place that we met before. It's very close from here. I will ask my friend to come and pick me up. "

"Look, I won't force you but it's better to come home than wait at a restaurant in this state." I said but then I also added what I was thinking  "And my sister and dadi are home, so it's not like I am inviting you home when I live alone"

"No no, don't get me wrong. I didn't mean that. It's just that why bother you and your family when this situation itself is tough for everyone." This time she was quick at responding. My mind suddenly made a comment in my head 'strong headed'

"It's absolutely not a problem if you are comfortable. Why don't you inform home and let them know I will get help to turn around and then you can let me know your answer.

I had managed to finally turn the car around amidst the chaos while I heard Anjali tell her mother that she was stuck and she was with a 'friend' whose details she would message. 

"Sorry, my mother gets worried and that's why I said I would text her your car number and your number too."

I smiled, that was indeed very sensible of her to do. "Not a problem. It is actually a very sensible of you. Write down my number. 972******* and my car number MH 04 B* ****. "

The RJ was giving local updates about traffic and roads in between 'baarish' themed songs; an impromptu themed aired episodes due to rains.

" and now Mumbaikars, the next baarish song is for all those that have their relationship status as it's complicated. With this song, we want at Radio Mirchi want to give them the hope to a second chance whether its in their current relationship thats strained or a hope to find a new romantic relationship."

I was focussed on driving but glanced at Anjali and at the same instant she glanced at me and looked outside the window.

Mohabbat barsa dena tu, sawan aaya hai ...

Tere aur mere milne ka, mausam aaya hai..

Sab kuch chodd ke aana tu, sawan aaya hai
Tere aur mere milne ka, mausam aaya hai
Sabse chupa ke tujhe seene se lagana hai

Pyaar mein tere hadd se guzar jaana hai

***Song credits to makers. 

** Also, there may be a better song but I racked my brains and could only think of this one suiting the situation. 

The music slowly faded away.It was a silent car ride home apart from the RJ continuing to give local updates.

We reached the apartment parking and I parked the car. Anjali got out of the car and looked at me and nodded. I nodded back and said "Don't worry. I will drop you when the roads clear up."
I don't know why I said that but I figured I could give Riya a ride in the car late night while also dropping Anjali. I had to also tell Riya that I couldn't get what she asked for due to rains. 

We reached our apartment and I rang the door bell. My sister opened the door.

"Come brother, Dadi was getting worried for her Grandson thinking he got stuck somewhere in that rain. Oh who is she?" she asked looking at Anjali

"Shivani this is Anjali,  and Anjali this is Shivani, my elder sister."

"Hi, nice to meet you!" My sister's eyes lit up mischievously as she looked at Anjali and then gave me a 'you have a new friend' look.  

"Will you let us come inside first?" I glared at my sister.

"Yes yes, please Anjali come inside. You look like you enjoy rains!" Shivani smiled at her

"Actually, Anjali was waiting for the bus as the taxi's are on strike and auto's become non existent during rains and I spotted her on the side of the road and thought I will get her here since the roads to Borivali are also closed down."

"Ok ok. Come in Anjali." My sister gestured Anjali towards the living area.

"You did the right thing Shiv. Anjali sit down" Anjali looked very uncomfortable and was looking around the living area. 

"Shivani beta, is that Shiv? Is my child home?" Dadi called out as she was walking with her slow steps due to old age towards us.

"Aa gaye beta. Bin mausam bahot baarish ho rahi hai. Ye beta, tumhari dost hai?" Dadi asked looking at Anjali

You have come my child. It's raining a lot in the incorrect season here. Is she your friend?

Anjali moved forward and touched Dadi's feet. Dadi blessed her "Jeeti raho beta, hamesha khush raho." 

May you live long and happy!

"My name is Anjali, Dadi. Hope you are doing well" I was actually touched by Anjali's gesture. She was not only sensible, smart, strong individual but also a woman with good values who came from cultured family. 

"Yes beta. But how are you so drenched from rain. Shivani beta, take her inside and give her clean clothes to wear. Your clothes will fit her" 

"Dadi, I am fine. Please don't worry so much" Anjali replied with the same hesitation on her face.

"Anjali, you should change, come inside. Dadi is right" Shivani grabbed her by her arm. 

"Arey come on in, Don't be so shy" Shivani insisted and took her to her room which is really my room. 

"Shiv beta, you also go and freshen up" Dadi looked at me and gave me a 'who is this' look

"Mamu , Mamu, where is my you know what" Riya came running over as she must have heard our voices. 

"No my girl. Did you see the rains outside? But I will go and get it tomorrow for you. I will change and come and then talk to you" 

Her face fell a little bit but she said ok and ran to the window to ponder at the rain. This girl loved staring the rains.

Anjali

Shivani led me to a room and mentioned that it was actually Shiv's room but he had given up for her and her daughter. I wasn't expecting such a warm welcome to Shiv's home. 

"Look, is this ok Anjali?" Shivani held up a blue kurta and black tights to show me.  

"I am really sorry Shivani ji. I am really fine." I insisted once more but I knew I had to now change since Dadi had requested. The old lady was really warm and I couldn't say no.

"Anjali. I know how you must be feeling. We have just met but you know my brother, right. It's really fine. Go and change. That way is the washroom." She said handing me her clothes. 

"And my hairdryer is also in there, dry your hair too. I have dinner ready. Come soon, we will eat together. Do you need anything?"  She asked. 

"Thank you and I am really sorry again." I said squeezing her hand. 

She left the room and I turned to the washroom with my phone and the clothes. I called up Ma and informed her that I had reached Shiv's home and that his family seemed nice and that I was going to be eating dinner with them. I also quickly called up Pooja to see if she or Aniket Jiju could pick me up or let me know when it was safe to travel back. Pooja stayed between Shiv's home and my home and it could be ideal to go to her. 

I then changed into the new clothes and dried my hair and my dupatta since I wanted to wear it again. I had forgotten to ask Shivani for a dupatta or a scarf.  I stepped out of the washroom and took in the room. It was a big room with a bed and a small couch on the side. A large plasma TV on the opposite wall to the bed and a big window on the other side. The theme was all black and gold. There was just one picture next to TV of Shiv and her former wife. They both looked happy. 

Without wasting another second, I stepped out of the room and a little girl of probably Aarya's age walked up to me.

"Hello! I am Riya. And what is your name Aunty?"

"Hello little Riya. I am Anjali. "

"Anjali. Wow, there's a girl in my class named Anjali and she is very talkative." 

I chuckled at her innocence 

"Arey Riya, let Aunty come and eat and you also come and eat quickly." Shivani ji called out.

I walked towards the dinner table. Shivani informed me that Shiv's younger brother was stuck like me at his friends home and their father was also in the same neighborhood enjoying some time with his senior citizen group. I saw Shiv had now changed as well and was sitting with her Dadi, sister and niece. I ended up sitting at one of the two empty chairs.

"Dadi, Shiv,  I am so sorry to have interrupted your family time. "

"Anjali beta. Eat first, you are coming from work Shiv tells me." Dadi said

"Anjali, don't be so formal. It's just dinner. Did you inform your family you are here?" Shiv asked me. 

"Yes, I did. My friend and her husband can come and get me or I will go to them after the roads are clear." I said

"Beta, Shiv will drop you if your friends can't come." Dadi said

"Anjali, there is just a normal meal, some rice and dal and chicken curry with roti" Shivani had started serving.

"I will take it on my own. Now you are being formal" I looked at Shivani. 

I served myself a small portion of dal and rice.I was indeed very hungry which I realized only after looking at the food. 

"Beta, tumhare ghar me kaun hai?" Dadi asked

Beta, who is there at your home?

"Ji, It's just me , Ma and Papa"

"Ok ok"

The rest of the dinner went quietly. Shiv kept insisting me to eat and not to be formal or shy when it came to eating. 

After dinner, Riya was playing a boardgame with her mother while Shiv and I sat with Dadi.

"Marriage beta?" Dadi asked me. I had dreaded that question honestly. I looked at the old lady and took a deep breath 

"Hui thi lekin ab nahi hai" 

I was married once but not anymore. 

"Koi nahi beta, kismat me kuch acha likha hoga isliye bura Waqt aa kar nikal gaya" Dadi said. The words were deep indeed but were they true?

It's ok beta. Your destiny may have something nice written which is why the bad phase came and went

"Acha, beta Shiv ko kaise se jaanti ho"

How do you know Shiv?

"Dadi, Anjali se court me mulakat hui thi. Where did you put the mouth freshener you got from Amritsar ?" Shiv answered guessing the awkward question there.

Shiv must have guessed my hesitation one more time as he got up and got us all mouth freshener to change the topic. 

My phone buzzed and I saw it was Aniket Jiju. I put down the call in few minutes and spoke to Shiv.

"Shiv, my friends husband will come in sometime to pick me up. I will spend the night at her place and go home tomorrow. Where is Shivani ji?"

"Ok that sounds good. Shivani is changing my niece inside."

Shivani walked out a few minutes later with a sleepy looking Riya.

"Shivani ji, I will come and drop your dress soon."

 I explained Dadi that I will be leaving soon and that it was so nice to meet her. 

After about 25 minutes, I took her blessings one more time and bid goodbye to Riya and Shivani. Shivani took my phone number and said I should call her once I reach Pooja's place. 

Shiv walked me down to Aniket Jiju's car when they found out they know each other. 

"Anjali, I was at the cafe to meet your friend. Aniket, how are you?" Shiv laughed looking at Aniket. I didn't understand for a minute what Shiv was referring to.  

"Shiv ! Is that you? Anjali , he is right. I was going to meet Shiv while you were supposed to meet Pooja and kids. 

The two of them spoke for about 10 minutes setting up another appointment to meet this time at Pooja and Aniket's home. 

I thanked Shiv several times before leaving with Aniket but he was indeed a down to earth person as he kept saying Dadi and Shivani were happy to see me and I should stop thanking so much. 

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

So, Anjali's past was bitter.

Shiv's gesture of bringing home Anjali was sweet, right ?

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