Non-erotic The Scarface I Hated by Trambak

[Ramesh_Rocky]

Now the drama was only awaiting the shout 'light and action'!

But why did Imran get surprised when he heard 'Netarhat'?

Meanwhile, Suresh and Sumitra were having one of their endless discussions near the kitchen away from us. It appeared to me as if she was trying to drill something into his head and Suresh, the poor fellow was in great discomfort. As far as I was concerned, I was warming up to the idea of this trip. Somehow, the place Netarhat was pulling me towards it. The name had an intoxicating feel to it and I was raring to go.

Imran was out on one of his endless errands. He was missing for the entire morning and returned only during lunch. I needed to talk to him about our impending trip. He completely ignored me, concentrated on his lunch and then came to the bedroom. I asked sarcastically, "Can I take some of your precious time?" He looked blankly at me and I had to repeat myself. He walked dreamily to me and as if suddenly remembered something said, "No, no. I am very busy. Got to go now. Immediately. Later, in the evening, we will talk, okay?" He pinched both my cheeks (I hate that!) and lay down on the bed and started snoring almost at once. I kept standing foolishly. It was silly of me to talk to him. Ungrateful devil.

For a moment, I had the intense urge to yank him out of the bed. I was sure that he was only pretending to be asleep. Then, I recalled the awkward situation I had faced only a few days back and therefore, I refrained.

Kiana and Sumitra were waiting for me and I joined them. I angrily mentioned about Imran's behaviour. Kiana took one slanted look at me through her spectacles and said aloud to no one in particular as to how youngsters should heed the advice of elders. Sumitra was looking elsewhere trying to suppress a laughter and in the process distorting her face. It was so annoying. Honestly.

To retaliate, I probingly looked at Kiana and commented a bit severely that whether it was advisable for a young lady to go out for three days with a devious man such as Imran simply because his mother was insisting. It could be dangerous. Undaunted, Kiana added that it was indeed dangerous because the driver named Suresh had suddenly been found indisposed and Imran would have to drive himself and poor Meherunissa would be alone with the monster. This was news to me and one look at Sumitra confirmed her contribution to this malpractice. That's precisely what was being discussed in the morning between the two of them. My scorching look made her squirm but Kiana took over and said with mock humility that it was criminal to allow a third person to butt in the affairs of a newlywed couple and I should accept the changes in the plan with grace if not glee.

It was impossible to win against these two (rather three, Imran included) scheming characters.

Despite such all-around treachery, I suddenly felt distraught as to how would life be once Kiana left. I could not even imagine it and I decided to forgive her antics. We had lunch quietly and as we were finishing Imran breezed in and left murmuring something about 'lots of things to do' and 'will try to come back as soon as possible'. And that's that.

We chit chatted and I tried to obtain some information about Netarhat but nothing was forthcoming from Kiana except that 'all will be revealed in due course' kind of approach. By now, I could understand her nature and did not make any smart comments. On the other hand, Sumitra had started adoring Kiana and was so impressed that for a moment I thought that she would physically prevent Kiana from leaving. But, I knew that beneath the milder exterior lay the strong and impenetrable woman ravaged by life.

I was finally pushed by both to pack my bags and that was easily accomplished. But I had no clue what to pack for Imran. Sumitra volunteered but Kiana stopped her from doing so. She declared loftily that it was high time that the menfolk did their own packing. She was such a darling but Sumitra was disappointed. But she was so overawed by Kiana that she dared not contradict her. She looked at me pleadingly but I too wasn't in a position to oppose her. So, the matter had to rest there.

After some time, Kiana caught me by the hand and silently motioned me to come with her. Sumitra was arranging the clothes of Imran on the bed. She had also kept a bag nearby for ready help. She was methodically placing things for him. Kiana signalled me to move away and we returned to the living room.