Chapter 14
Atul
Atul felt Anvita was on the brink of a nervous breakdown. He walked over to her.
“What happened? Why do you look so puzzled?”
Anvita moved forward and hugged him tightly. Her arms quickly went around him.
“I missed you a lot.”
She was a whisper.
“I missed you too.”
Atul touched on her shoulders.
“I am home, relax.”
He cupped her face with both hands and kissed her. She was not embarrassed. She looked on and smiled at him lovingly before turning to Rajat.
“Why don’t you sit down, Rajat? Your friend is home.”
Atul didn’t hide his surprise.
“I am surprised to see you home today, Rajat.”
“So am I.”
Rajat said.
“It’s a rare off-day, in fact. I’d leave by the evening, by the way. I had got some fresh feeds for the fish; I wanted to know how it worked.”
He glanced briefly at the aquarium.
“It’s working well. Don’t worry, Rajat.”
Anvita said.
“So, should I leave, or wait for the tea?”
“I am making black tea for you.”
She said.
“No, thanks,” Rajat said; “I don’t want my teeth yellow. Women hate yellow teeth.”
“What happened?”
Atul interrupted. He felt they were too friendly and pretending to be strangers, yet.
“Nothing happened. There is no milk in my kitchen.”
Anvita said, looking away.
Atul turned to Rajat and he smiled.
“It’s okay. I should leave now.” He said softly.
When he was gone, Atul pulled Anvita closer again.
“What happened? Why do you look so upset? Did he say anything wrong?”
“What?” Anvita looked up into his eyes. “No! Why do you think so?”
“You look so upset.”
“I missed you a lot. Can't you just avoid these trips?”
“I wish I could say yes…”
Anvita hugged him tightly again.
Even though there was nothing to make him suspicious, Atul felt there was something that he was unable to find out. Perhaps I will never know.
Atul prayed it wasn’t too bad.
--- --- --- --- ---
A few weeks into her teaching job, Anvita’s Institute came up with an excursion plan for the students and the staff. It was on Sunday and Anvita was set to go.
However, Atul’s parents visited on Saturday and Anvita eventually gave up the trip.
Atul’s dad Rajyavardhan was not happy with his decision to allow Anvita to work. Atul was expecting this. He knew his conservative parents would prefer a daughter-in-law who stayed behind the doors.
“It’s not a hectic job from the morning to evening, dad. It’s just a couple of hours. She’s educated and why she should waste time doing nothing and ruin life?”
Atul tried to explain. “I have planned to get her a better job later that does justice to her qualification.”
His dad was irritated and he got further furious when Atul eventually let his parents know of his plan to delay parenthood.
“The reason I let you marry so quickly with this girl was the wish to see a grandchild at the earliest. Don't you know it?”
Rajyavardhan yelled at him.
“Your brother brought an infertile woman to our family. Now, are you trying to fool me?”
Atul just hated his dad whenever he spoke of his first daughter-in-law like that. The reason for her inconceivability was still unknown and they had no idea about who was at fault. But in his eyes, it was her, beyond doubt.
“I am not ready for a child, dad. Please try to...”
“Shut up!”
He raised his hand.
“First you should make a couple of children. Then you may send her out of your house anywhere you want. Do you understand? In our family, we don't send good wives to work. Do you understand?”
As if speaking to him was a futile exercise, he turned to Anvita.
“At least do you understand? Leave your job right now. Forget it, my daughter. Do a wife’s duty first. Everything else comes after that.”
Anvita threw a glance at Atul before speaking.
“Dad, please. It’s our life. In your life, you may live with your plans and rules. But in ours, please allow us. We are not mature enough to...”
“Child, come here.”
Rajyavardhan interrupted and gestured her to sit with him. She sat on the couch and he nipped her ears right away.
“Ouch! Dad!”
Anvita let out a cry out of pain. Atul had to intervene to make his dad stop.
“Don't ever talk to me like that, do you understand?”
Dad turned to Atul with a scornful look.
“Both of you have no respect for elders. Is this what I’ve taught you?”
He went on to eat into his son’s ego. Anvita sat there and began to cry. Atul felt sorry for her, but dad had no mercy.
“Stop shedding crocodile tears in front of your husband.”
He said irritatedly.
It was hard to bear him. Atul always hated his dad when he tried to enforce his rules upon his life. Most of the time, he evaded facing him but this time it was his place and he had nowhere to run.
Mom spent most of her time trying to brainwash Anvita to have children instead of a career.
Atul’s parents left soon after lunch on Sunday. Anvita remained in bed and cried for the rest of the day. Atul had no words to console her.
Her mood wasn’t any better next morning too; however, she looked cheerful when he returned from work.
“You know, they postponed the excursion to coming Sunday.”
Anvita said enthusiastically. Atul was relieved for at least this news brought her back.
Anvita was even happier when she came back after the one-day excursion. She had a great time with her students and other staff of the institute.
“I hope your students behaved well during the excursion.”
Atul taunted her later.
“One of them proposed me.”
Anvita winked at him. He wasn’t surprised at all. They both laughed it off.
It was a pleasant week for Atul at the office too, and he thought Shreyas should have moved on from his issue with Anvita. However, he returned to Atul on Thursday.
“We are doing the dinner party.”
His voice was wary.
“What’s your worry?”
Atul asked.
“I don’t really want to do this, Atul. It has nothing for me.”
“You are the boss, boss.”
“I am not the boss. People under me laugh at me; those above me scare me. I have no say in what’s going on around me.”
Atul leaned back in his chair and studied him. Shreyas cleared his throat but said nothing.
“You are coming back to that old issue, aren’t you?”
Atul asked finally and Shreyas shook his head.
“It scares the shit out of me, honestly.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You do, Atul. And you can help me.”
It wasn’t the first time he was bringing up the subject.
“I told you, Shreyas, there’s nothing I can do.”
“You can.”
“How exactly is that?”
“Look, I can't avoid the party. It’s not in my hands. There are big guns coming for the night. The last thing I want to happen is to look out of place like a boss. Anjali has already decided she won’t be coming. Everyone knows why. There’s only one way to undo all the damage.”
Atul knew what he was going to say.
“How?”
He wanted to hear it from him.
“Tell her not to say no again.”
“For what? You mean dance? Are you going to… okay, but she won’t listen.”
“Why not? Persuade her.”
“It’s impossible.”
Atul shook his head sideways. He knew it wasn’t impossible, though.
“I am not seeking apology, Atul. All I want is justice. I am a simple guy, you know me. I don’t deserve this insult. I want you to insist your wife to show some kindness to me.”
Atul sympathised with him.
“Do you still want to dance with her?”
“Atul, allow me to speak it clearly. I enter the dance floor only when my friends force me. I have no craze to dance with your wife. But you know she has embarrassed not only me but also my wife... I want her and her friends to see the better side of everything.”
“To impress your wife, I have to force my wife. Okay, even if it happens, what’s in it for me?”
Shreyas thought for a moment over it.
“You get to be friends with me. You already are, but, I mean the liberty. You get certain liberties.”
“Such as?”
“You get to choose your partner to assist you in your work.”
“And?”
“And you get fewer tasks if you want…”
“No. I like those tasks.”
Atul said quickly.
“You like?”
“Yup. They give me chance to excel, Shreyas.”
He said with a smile.
Apparently, Atul had nothing to lose. He was convinced that Shreyas was a victim of Anvita’s lack of spirit on that particular night which was the aftermath of Atul’s unwelcome reaction at Vrinda’s party. Moreover, Atul certainly enjoyed the power Shreyas lent him and he wanted to grab it.
However, it wasn’t as easy as he thought to convince Anvita. She simply said no when he bought up the matter.
“Please, Anvita. He’s not a person you think. He barely speaks to ladies. I think it was the first time he approached someone, that too because he thought I am one of the closest to him in the office. He’s an introvert in his personal life. He’s still ashamed to face his wife’s friends. Anjali’s not at all happy to come for a party next time.”
“I have stopped dancing with anyone but you.”
“Please. I beg you, Anvi, show some mercy on the poor guy.”
“Okay then do it properly.”
She smirked.
“What?”
“I said, beg properly. Kneel in front of your wife and beg to her to have mercy to dance with your boss.”
“Come on.”
“I am not joking. I want to be sure that you are making me do this thing. I’ll do whatever you ask.”
That sounded like a final word. Atul knelt in front of her.
“Okay, I’ve knelt. Have mercy now.”
“Ask me to allow your boss to dance with me.”
“But he’s not my boss.”
“Well, pretend.”
“Okay. Here it goes. Please allow my boss to dance with you.”
Atul was simpering and Anvita suppressed hers.
“Mmm... now ask me to let your boss touch me wherever he wants...”
“What?”
“...and ask me to let him kiss me.”
“No.”
“Okay, then. No!”
Anvita grinned.
“No, I mean... come on...”
“This is not begging but bargaining.”
Atul grabbed around her feet and felled her on the couch. Then he jumped on top of her.
“I know another form of begging.”
He pressed his mouth to hers. She struggled to shake him off her.
“Stupid! Leave me!”
She said when he broke the kiss.
“Please... allow my boss to kiss you and touch you wherever he wants to...and allow him to do whatever he wants to... please don't embarrass the poor guy this time. I beg you my darling...”
Atul knew Shreyas wouldn’t attempt any of those.
Anvita burst into laughter and pushed him aside to jump over him. They both fell down and rolled on the floor.
“You know why I made you kneel today?”
She asked him later when they were in bed.
“Why?”
“Because your dad insulted me and I was having my revenge by punishing his son.”
The naughty smile on her lips made him wonder if she really meant it.
It was possible. And it was justifiable.
Even though Anvita agreed to behave well in the upcoming party, Atul’s mind wasn’t free of doubts, thanks to her sarcastic responses. He just prayed it all went well.
Two weeks later, it happened. Anvita chose to wear a dress that he couldn’t take his eyes off.
“When did I buy you this one?”
He asked amusingly.
“You didn't,” she winked. “It’s a gift from someone very special...”
He knew it was him.
When Shreyas saw her later, all his worries vanished.
“Wow, you look wonderful.”
He stuck out his hand confidently and Anvita responded with a bright smile.
“Thank you, Shreyas. How are you?”
They spoke and suddenly they looked like they were friends. He wanted to ask her about it but he couldn’t get enough space.
The crowd grew bigger and closer as the time passed; the ambience grew lively as the booze flowed freely. Anvita stuck to her wine loyalty before he took her to the dance floor. But a strange feeling had usurped his mind; then he knew he was dreading an inevitable moment.
It happened when they took a break from the floor. When Shreyas sought her hand, she instantly gave in. Then they were dancing. He stayed there watching them merge with the crowd until he heard a voice.
“He won’t steal her, dear; I give you my word.”
He turned to see Anjali. She smiled at him graciously.
She held no grudge, Atul noticed. Everything was reset. Her husband was now dancing with his wife in front of her friends; of all their friends. He thought she would be expecting him to lead her to the dance floor. But he wanted to make a statement to her that he wasn’t ready for any sort of exchange. He cleverly led her to the lobby and engaged her in a conversation.
“I was honestly thinking you’d take me to the dance floor...”
Anjali confessed at the end of their drink.
“I thought we were dancing.”
Atul quipped. She smiled again.
When they parted, Atul returned to Anvita. Before he could reach her, Shilpa appeared from nowhere.
“Finally I have you alone.”
She said in a slurred voice and pulled him towards the dance floor. He couldn’t see her husband Giri anywhere near. He asked about him.
“Leave him alone, let’s dance.”
She said excitedly.
While dancing with her, he couldn’t find Anvita anywhere on the floor. She was apparently done dancing with his boss.
Shilpa was quite sassy in her moves. She had her arms on his chest all the time. He felt uncomfortable whenever she bumped her bosom to him. It made him conscious of being watched by Anvita. He certainly didn't like the idea of Anvita seeing him dancing with a friend, especially someone like Shilpa.
“I heard what you said to Shriya. I’m impressed.”
Shilpa said before he parted with after a couple of songs.
Atul wasn’t in the right spirit to dig into her compliment as his priority was finding Anvita. Initially, he didn’t worry because he was sure she would be safe with Shreyas. He can't be a threat; he would never try to act smart with her. But then, when finished looking for her at the entire floor, and when found out that Shreyas was also missing, Atul was forced to amend his stand. He saw Anjali actively interacting with a group of men, and she seemed to have no concern about her missing husband. Yet the last thing Atul wanted to do was to walk up to her and inquire about the combined whereabouts of his wife and her husband.
Someone later told him he saw Shreyas going upstairs. Atul wasted no time and walked the stairs to the upper lobby. He ran a quick scan among the small groups of men and women who were equally exhausted. His heartbeats were on a steady rise, and his throat went dry in a few seconds.
Where the hell are they gone to?
Where the fuck are you hiding, Anvita?
He wanted to scream her name across the semi-lit hall. He spotted a balcony at the farthest end of the lobby. They must be there, looking at the beautiful city view from atop, he concluded. There were no other possible exits from the lobby. He swam across the hall and pushed open the glass door to the balcony.
There was none.
He pulled out his mobile and dialled up Shreyas’ number. It rang and rang and rang, forever.
Bastard. He gritted his teeth in silent fury. Anvita had left her mobile at home, and it left him helpless. He felled himself into an empty couch at the corner. It was the darkest place in the entire lobby yet he wished nobody saw him. A thousand of relevant questions arose in his mind. How? Why? Where?
My dear Anvita, where are you? Please come back. He prayed.
He wished it was all about a prank being played at him. Yes, it’s a horrible one, but I will be the happiest to know that I was fooled. Yes, all the guys sitting around me seemingly in some distant world would laugh at me, and make fun of me; but please, please make it a prank. Just.
Or a dream. Please wake me up.
Atul wept silently.
Shouldn’t I be screaming aloud, calling out her name?
There was still a battle going on, deep inside him; the fear of losing his love versus that of losing honour.
What if they were doing just some sort of chitchat at some corner which I have just missed?
At that exact moment, his eyes fell at the staircase. He had missed the terrace.
Hope is like magic. It can make a dead person alive.
He hurried through the stairs and hobbled into the terrace which turned out to be a jungle in disguise of a badly-lit garden. He tore into the darkness with his eyes wide open, and then he found some human presence only at the farthest end of the flora. A man and woman; she was Anvita; he could make it out from that distance, and it breathed life into his blood and brain. Then he noticed how their posture. They were standing close, as in an embrace, albeit facing the pabangt. Let them be; he decided as he moved towards them.
Then there was a strange feeling. With the shortening distance, he suddenly felt his confidence too, coming down. Subconsciously he felt he was walking purposelessly as if he was going to poke into the private world of two unknown lovers. He foresaw them turning their head to look at him and then acting cold. He dreaded them discarding him like a mere stranger. He tried to zoom in to the dark outline of the woman to make sure it was Anvita – indeed she was – and that didn't help him at all. His steps became weaker and weaker, and unsure until he halted halfway.
He couldn’t move any further.
Then the man said something that made Anvita giggle while turning her face to him. He turned his head too, and Atul watched their faces coming closer to just a breath away.
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