Romance The End of Restless Sleep- By Pinuram

[ddey333]

The following week, on the appointed day I went to Mahajati Sadan directly from my
office. The programme was in the evening. I took a deep breath before entering the
huge auditorium. The auditorium was partially packed. I observed that her mom and
dad were sitting in the front row. I took a seat few rows behind them. I was very
cautious so that her parents do not notice me although I knew that only Aunt knows me.

My heart was beating very fast as if it would leap out anytime in my hand. I took few
deep breaths to ease myself. Murmuring to oneself everything is fine Budhaditya, be
courageous, you are the only person in whom Anoushka finds her peace.

I sat there anxiously to behold my beautiful danseuse to perform. I felt a knock on my
shoulder. I looked back to find that Parineeta was standing there smiling at me. I noticed
a gentleman of mid thirties, standing behind her.

“How are you?” she gave me a soft smile and then introduced me with the person, “This
is Shantanu.” She took a seat beside me and Shantanu sat next to her.

She asked me as what was going on between us, why Titli leaves classes early. I dealt
her inquisition with utter circumspect. I told her that I was not aware of that fact. Her
eyes were filled-up with disbelief, as she was unable to believe my words. She said that,
the girl she knew as Anoushka since her college days was completely different from the
girl she was observing in the last few months. Titli was a total changed person. I was
aware of the fact as what changed my damsel. She told me that in their college days, Titli
was little snobbish and acted very suave. She had many friends but she was very
diplomatic to keep a safe distance from everyone.

The curtain rose after sometime, the ballet started. I was enchanted to see her ballet
moves, her fluid ways of moving her hands and dancing to the tune. Bedecked in a
glowing red silk saree she looked like a queen. Flowers graced her hair, garland around
her neck and flower amulets around her wrist. I sat there riveted on my chair for quiet
sometime, even after the swansong. The hall echoed with huge round of applause after
the programme ended and my lovely damsel bowed in front of the audience along with
other danseuse and musicians. Parineeta nudged me and asked me as how I felt. I gave
a pleasing look at her and expressed my awe. She pointed towards Titli’s parents and
cautioned me that they should not notice me. I nodded my head in accordance.