Non-erotic The Scarface I Hated by Trambak

[Ramesh_Rocky]

Chapter-11

I woke early in the morning. I opened my door carefully so as not to disturb Suresh. I found Sumitra sleeping in a sitting posture and Suresh too in deep sleep with his head on her lap. They looked like two innocent children, in deep contentment.

I quietly came back to my room.

Imran was sleeping and the locks of his hair was falling on his forehead. I wanted to touch him but was suspicious. Couldn't forget the deception he had played only a couple of hours earlier. But this time he did not wake up. He continued to sleep in a childlike state.

How was I to retrieve him out this quagmire of self-chastisement, I wondered. How could I make him rise from the ashes? I needed to be his strength and bring him out of this limitless depth of self-depreciation that he had sunk to. My task was cut out and I was not letting my beautiful husband to be scarred anymore. Whatever it took, I was ready. And I needed to be strong. I had made up my mind towards the first step.

So, I poked him in the ribs. The poor fellow got up with a start and found me in my stern self. Our honeymoon was over and I was now in my practical avatar. The household activities started with precision and efficiency. Sumitra and I started cleaning up the house as if nothing had happened the previous day. Suresh was dispatched back to his work. Imran looked completely out of sorts. He would have run over to his workshop had it not been a Sunday.

In the afternoon, Imran was back to his funny tricks but I stood firm. I asked him about the mystery behind our marriage. He remained quiet for some time as if trying to organize his thoughts. In nutshell, Imran was approached by Bhavani with the proposal for marriage. It transpired that my uncle was working for him and had requested him to arrange a match for me within his severe monetary limits. Imran was shown my photograph and he was head over heels. But, knowing his own background and embarrassed of the scar, he had refused. Bhavani had been insistent and he later agreed.

I got the picture but asked him with stern sarcasm, "Good story, but I think you did not say 'no' strongly enough." He looked pale and mumbled that he really said 'no' many times.

He was in difficulty and I continued like a teacher, "Tell me Imran, did you or did you not?"

He looked down and after some time said, "You made me forget all my resolve. Believe me, I said no but my heart said yes. Bhavani knows me. He can read my mind. He said yes to your uncle."

He then said weakly, "I know, it is not fair. I am sorry."

I replied with the same severity, "You are very bad Imran, very cunning. But don't do it again." And I laughed and pushed him to bed. The cloud shifted from his face and the sun started shining. And so, did his errant activities of late.

Next day, I went to the college. I had decided to put my first plan into action and I did not want to involve Imran. This effort was going to be my lone responsibility. I had a free period before the final bell and went to meet Shubhra Mukherjee. She, as usual, was enigmatic in her smile.

I sat in front of her and said without a prelude, "Madam, I want Kiana's address. Please!" She appeared perplexed at my request and kept assessing me.

Finally, she said with a twinkle in her eyes, "How am I to know anything about her whereabouts? But, even if you are guessing, there must be some reason for it. Do you know anything else?"

I considered the question and replied with caution, "Madam, I know something, but am not very sure of. I am certain that you know many things about Imran's mother. Will you give me her address?"

Madam retorted back, "Why me? Why don't you ask Imran?" This was a tricky question and replied, "I wish to meet her and I don't want Imran to know. For the time being." Madam took out a sheet of paper; wrote the address; handed it over to me and said, "Meher. All the best. Maybe you will succeed. You are a sharp girl. I knew that I will see you again when I told you that Kiana was Imran's mother. But I never imagined it would be so soon."

After a while, she said, "Let me know what happens. I am interested." I knew she would be. There were large gaps in the puzzle but I was sure that few of the pieces were nearby.

I took her leave and reached home (now, it was my home!!). On reaching, I found things that required rectification and lot of work was pending. Things that I did not notice even two days back glared at me. I felt queer. I had been here for some time but never felt that there was anything for me to do and today work was staring at my face. It felt nice when Sumitra welcomed me with a cup of tea. We discussed household as if we have been doing it for eternity. My viewpoints were changing, I thought. That better be. I had a lot to do. Overturn things that needed turning. Find answers to questions, if not solutions. My hands were full.