Chapter 1 Mrs. Saan closed the files, fetched keys from the handbag. Locked a few files in the safe and put them back in and walked towards the washroom. On her way checked her staff and noticed every one left. She checked herself standing before mirror, she’s five feet six and it reflected her figure from the waist to head. She watched her physique and was proud of it, despite fifty plus age there were no signs of aging. And fortunately, she has no aging ailments and considered herself beautiful. Straightened the folds of her sari, pulled and adjusted the blouse on her back and returned. The security locked some sections and was approaching her cabin, took her belongings and walked towards the elevator. Saan unlocked the car and tossed her handbag on the next seat. She took her mobile and called home, after five rings her son answered. “Ahin, you are early son? I am on the way.” “Mama Dad asked me to wait and he wants me to drive him to the party and asked you not to prepare dinner for us.” The call was disconnected. Saan threw the mobile on the dashboard, clock showed half past six p.m. The parties were celebrated twice or thrice a week and she got used to dine alone at home. Mr. Juar closed the files and stretched his arms, took a deep breath twice and relaxed. Turned head sideways, placed arms in his lap and closed his eyes. Juar was awake by the phone ring, it was dark except the two lights overhead and the time was fifteen minutes past seven. He slept for fifteen minutes. He answered. “Yeah,” “Am I talking to my man?” “No, He-man’s here,” he corrected. “You do have a family, He-man, remember?” “Yeah, sure, want me to get something?” “Yes, get the snacks and soft drink for your daughter’s class tour.” “OK done, anything else,” “Come early man, bye,” was a command and he smiled. “Do I get anything in return?” “Let me think it over after you return.” “Bye Darla.” He shut his pc, called the security to lock the section. On the way, he switched off the lights and walked down the stairs. He regularly takes the stairs as a part of exercise to cut the fat on his five feet seven figure. After shopping, Juar smoked at the parking lot and saw Saan’s car at a corner. She left office long ago and he has a doubt. Was her car stolen or breakdown or deliberately parked to avoid parking ticket. She might have come leisurely for the shopping he thought and left. After a while, Saan came out of the supermarket with two carry bags, adjusted bags in one hand and unlocked. She placed the grocery bags on the rear seat and moved out with the usual traffic. * * * Saan’s often alone in the evenings after Ahin joined the college. Earlier, her son use to wait for her and they would have tea and snacks together. Later, they spent some time playing chess, sang songs or watching TV. Then, she cooks the dinner, Ahin would finish his study and they would wait for Ahahr’s return. After dinner, she would be busy, cutting vegetable or preparing the mixture of ingredients for the next day’s menu. This was the routine; she’s used to the schedule and felt proud serving her family. Now, she was feeling lonely sitting on the hanging chair in the balcony. After, reading the report of the murder of an old man for wealth, she was disturbed. ‘Why were these events taking place in the society? Was it just for Money?’ She put herself in the old man’s position and calculated a rough figure. The cool breeze was a relief for her wild thoughts. She drew her legs up, locked her knees with her hands and tilted her head on the knees. A few minutes passed quietly. She knew father and son won’t be returning home tonight. If they returned there could be a battle for tasty food, or a new dress, money or the pride. She felt the chill and went into her room. Prepared bread sandwiches and milk for her dinner, but she did not feel like having. Called Ahahr, he did not answer. After a short while called her son again, he answered. “Ahin, its half past two and what’s your dad doing still?” “Maa, I had finished my dinner and dad’s still with his friends.” “Ahin you should take your father and start at once or he’d ruin the party,” she was angry. “I can’t Maa, he and a few of his friends are inside the guesthouse.” She understood he’s with the betting game. “Son, you come home now and safely with your father.” “Maa, Maa I can’t drive now, I’d better sleep here and return early in the morning.” He confirmed he was drunk. “Ahin if you don’t listen to me now, you will repent later, keep this in mind.” “Maa, Hello, you there. Hello,” she disconnected the call. Switched off the lights and lay on the bed. Sometimes freedom and individualism are double-edged swords, she thought. She gave her child good education in reputed institutions and never made him feel unaffordable or unhappy. But children now think these facilities are their rights and coolly ignore. Saan’s unhappy about Ahahr, his addition to alcohol and aggressive nature. Nowadays, she doubted his behaviour and his new acquaintances. She realised, it made sense and blamed herself for not spending intimate life together as earlier. She hardly finds the love and happy moments for each other and could not point how and where they went wrong. Despite sound financial support and affordability, she felt something they missed. A dislike has been piling up inside Ahahr against his wife from the moment he lost his job. His bank account’s nil and could not even buy a pack of cigarette. Saan pities him, anguished sometimes for his laziness, for not taking up a job. As he said, now it was her turn to earn and manage the family, she convinced herself. Get Your Copy
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AuthorPagadala. Vijay Kumar lives in Secunderabad, AP, India with his beautiful wife and two lovely children. He loves his three dogs and gardening. Writes to kick his insides out - obsessed. ArchivesCategories |