02-01-2019, 01:07 PM
Ramesh!
He thrust in the duplicate key, opened the door lock and slammed it back after entering inside. Kicking aside his shoes, he stepped into the drawing room where he unslung his bag and stopped dead in his tracks as if he had seen a ghost. It was Kajol, sitting motionless like a statue in the corner and she was observing him without expression.
His mouth fell open. How come you are here now? Didnt you go to the university?
She appeared not to have heard his question. Ramesh approached nearer and repeated his question.
She took time to change her attention to him.
Returned early. Guide wasnt available, she said slowly. And then she remembered him having said something about some project running late or something else like that.
You, her eyebrows lifted a bit, in home before office closing time. Everything okay?
He wanted to vent his anger on something nearby. Taking off his office bag he threw it with force near where she was seated.
She winced and turned sidewise as if to avoid the bag. Her eyes grew wide with alarm and her palm flew to her mouth.
What?&, she croaked.
The blood was pounding in his ears.
Today, he paused drawing in full breath, today, I became the laughing stock of the entire office. His spoke in spurts, That motherfocker, , that harami kahinka, , mujhe sabke saamne mazak banake rakh diya. His heart was pounding and he wiped the layer of sweat that had appeared on his forehead. Saala. Fuck you Rao. Fuck you, fuck you London training first recommended my name and then vetoed it, that slinky double faced bastard.
Kajol shot up from her seat and came up besides him.
Baby, there will be opportunities further. Dont you worry. Everything will turn out alright
He shoved her off violently, and she was unprepared for the assault and found herself landing back on the sofa. She had hardly ever seen him getting so worked up. Scared, she backed up against sofa trying to get away far from him. He whirled around facing her.
All this because of you, he shouted. There was the look of madness in his eyes.
She kept quiet.
He continued the tirade. If you hadnt made a bloody fool of yourself on Sunday, kissing him and his wife,, bloody could you be any less of a spectacle, , , what did you think you were doing ein, did you think of yourself as a bar girl or what ein ?
Now she could make out what he was saying. The unfairness of the allegations stung her. Her eyes blazed with anger. She shouted back, Dont lay all the blame on me. It was you who had pushed me to go. Why didnt you come with us? Was the cricket match all that important? What were they to me - your office people na? Did I say that I was interested in going No, it was you who pushed me. You wanted to show me off as your trophy wife before your boss thats what you wanted. Admit, admit.
She had poured more ghee into the fire.
Bloody foolish woman, he ranted at full, each word like a knife-stab, Do you realize how you had behaved that day, , hah - like a bitch in heat. Were you trying to show off how modern you could be by kissing my bosss wife on her lips thats what lesbians do. Fuck you, you dont have the dumbest idea of what you have done to my career. He sat down. Damn you, damn
She was numbed by his ferocity. There was no escaped as he raved on. A sob rose from her. Her eyes had welled up and started flowing freely, running down her cheeks, onto her chin and dropping she stared ahead fixedly, suddenly wondering if she knew this man at all, the one who was now unreachable somewhere a sense of guilt raised its head inside for she had failed as a wife she couldnt take that anymore
I am sorry, she walked over to where he sat and boxed her ears, I havent been the wife that you deserved, she didnt care if snot was running down her nose now, I am sorry that you lost your career opportunity due to my behavior, Forgive me, she said wiping her running nose, I will be a good wife now and only a good wife from now on. I will stop my PhD program and all my time will be yours now.
Then she fled to the bedroom, flung herself facedown on the pillow muffling her crying thereon.
Ramesh sat in the drawing room, the rage still coursing through him. It was definitely her fault and he had said that to her face. The clock on the wall ticked on and he had lost sense of time. It was with a start that he realized that the shadows were lengthening outside. Checking his watch, he realized that he had been sitting for over an hour
Kajol had not come back. He got up to check on her. She had cried herself to sleep, it seemed. The sight of her, wrenched his heart. He had said too much and said too many things in the heat of the moment And there was merit in what she had said too, for he had pushed her to go with Mrs. Rao and backed himself out, and of course the fact that she was not very experienced at handling wine
He eased himself onto the bed and gently touched her arm. Face turned away from him, she let out another small sob. Oh she was awake, he said to himself and gently laid himself behind her and held her tenderly:
Kajo, honey, forgive me, I dont know what came over me when I said those terrible things. I was very upset at the office today, he added lamely.
She turned over to face him. Her arms went round his neck as she buried her face in his chest and now started crying in more earnest. He knew she was deeply hurt by his words and so let her have her cry. A while later, he started to brush her hair with his hand and patted her shoulders. Sorry honey, sorry. He kissed her face.
It took time but eventually she managed to calm down. She could feel his pain. After all, he had been looking forward to his selection for a long time. She should have allowed to say all and remained silent and not have shouted back it was not such a good idea
She gave him a tight hug and got out of the bed. I will get you your tea, she said and headed for the kitchen after washing her face on which the tears had dried up.
The mood was still somber when she returned with the tea tray. On purpose, she sat close to him, their bodies touching sidewise, and handed him his cup. Ramesh too was not feeling well till now and they sipped their tea in silence.
Later she spoke. I was serious when I had said that I would drop the PhD program. Let us have a normal life like other young couples with kids and all that. Our respective ambitions leave us nothing for each other.
He returned the cup to the tray and turning towards her cupped her face in both his hands. Then he sank a deep kiss to her lips. “Kajo, I will never forgive myself if you do that now. We both know that your PhD is just six months from now, give or take a couple of months. Do you think I can ever face myself? Please, never again say that.
He had then continued,You see people like Mr. Rao can always give a big boost to a junior level employee and you understand what the competition is like. All that I was saying is that we should always be polite to them and not do anything which would likely ruffle their ego.
She nodded gravely. He kissed the top of her head. Then she pushed herself back on the sofa and laid her head in his lap. There was nothing that needed to be said and neither spoke a word.
The ringtone on her mobile intruded into the idyllic moment. She got up and fetched it, looking at the screen for the caller. Ramesh saw her furrowed brows and a moment later, she looked at him, thrusting the mobile in his direction. Strange, its Lekhaji, she said.
Take the call, he said and looked outside at the evenings darkness as he wondered why Mrs. Rao was calling her now. He watched as Kajol screwed her face and just said acchaji into the phone. Then the call was terminated.
Is your mobile switched off?, she asked him and suddenly he remembered having done so at the office before heading back home. He nodded.
It seems like, Mr. Rao is trying to reach you for the last hour. Thats why she had called.
He bolted up from his seat and switched his set on. As soon as the screen got back to life, he placed a call to Mr. Rao.
Sir, Ramesh here.
Arre, Mr. Raos voice came over from the other end, I am just turning into your apartment. I will be coming up. Got something important to tell you.
He relayed the conversation to Kajol and both of them wondered what it meant as they went about readying up the drawing room. Could it possibly mean, that he has changed his mind about the London trip?, he wondered aloud. Kajol shrugged as she smoothed a pillow.
x x x
Mr. Rao stepped in, his arms full. His face broke into a broad smile when he saw Kajol. How are you, he said to her even as he was delivering the bottle that he had brought with him to Ramesh. He was holding a wrapped parcel in his other hand. They walked into drawing room and settled down.
Have been trying to get hold of you for the last couple of hours, he said to Ramesh and his tone was accusatory. Rameshs heart started beating faster. He looked at his boss for what he was about to say next.<
But that one is for latter as also the wine, dont open it now, he addressed Ramesh in a mock bossy tone. He looked down at the rectangular package in his hand and turning towards Kajol, held it out for her. Please, just a token of our gratitude for the lovely time we were privileged to have with you on Sunday. He sensed the slight hesitation in her as she glanced briefly at her husband. But Mr. Rao knew how to play his cards perfectly. It is Lekhas idea actually, been pestering me since yesterday, then he mad a grave face, she would kill me if you dont accept it.
Kajol was unsettled and shot a furtive glance at Ramesh who nodded imperceptively.
Oh, you really didnt have to do that, she gushed, it is really so sweet of Lekhaji please tell her that
Oh, you should tell her that yourself after opening it but let me share what I came here for in the first place. He turned towards Ramesh. That draft presentation you sent to Singapore , his mouth widened to a wide grin, Boy have we hit pay dirt! The client have been so impressed - and they specifically mentioned that they had never seen such quality presentation prepared in such a short time span you know what they want? They want you over there at their office, next Monday with the full proposal.
Ramesh head spun. What had he just heard? Was he about to go to Singapore in five days time? He just gawked at Mr. Rao.
And that is the reason I had to cancel the London training program, he smiled again. Bah, who cares for a three week training! Mark my words, we swing this job contract and I will see to it that you enjoy yourself there for three months.
Ramesh choked. His eyes brimmed over in gratitude. Thank you sir, he said in a small voice, I dont know what to say, sir
Mr. Rao brushed away his feeble attempts. Just get three glasses and open the bottle. Lets celebrate to your success.
Ramesh got up promptly. He headed for the crockery cabinet.
Mr. Rao now turned towards Kajol. He pointed at the parcel that was in her hands now.
Why dont you open and see what it is.
Kajol smiled and the strings of the parcel came undone in her hand. She lifted the lid out of the cardboard box. Inside, there was a mauve green saree. As she lifted it slightly for a cursory examination, she realized that it was completely transparent. A flush came over her and her heart started pounding hard. The hazy memory of Mr. Rao fingering her at the restaurant while she was fully drunk came to her. She couldnt look Mr. Rao in the face. She looked downwards
Oh, we can surely change it if you dont like it, Mr. Rao said smoothly.
Ramesh who had come in with the glasses and the fried cashews looked towards Kajol. Hey, you are forgetting to thank Mrs. Rao, he reminded gently, not having looked at the gift, for his mind was already back in the clouds
Yes, yes, sure; let me call her for you, with that he dialed up Lekha and handed the phone over to Kajol.
Still red in the face, Kajol managed to utter a couple of appropriate words.
Ramesh, in the meanwhile, had set up the glasses and Mr. Rao poured a generous portion in each of the three glasses. Then he made Kajol raise a toast to Rameshs first overseas success and insisted that all three upend their glasses in true camaraderie. In five minutes, Kajol had received her first kick and she wanted no more.
Nonsense, Mr. Rao chided, Today is one of the happiest days for your husband and you must stand by him all through. So saying he filled all their glasses again and all Ramesh could do was to nod and give out a weak smile.
At the end of the second round, Kajol was truly drunk. She wanted to rise up but lacked the energy to do so. She was also fast losing control over mind. She thrashed lazily on the sofa.
Mr. Rao read these symptoms perfectly. He complained to Ramesh, She thanked Lekha for the gift. But look, she has no feelings for the person who effected the delivery.
Ramesh slurred Come Kajo, sir ko bhi thanks bolo. He already had three glasses and was on the fourth. He couldnt see properly but it looked as if Mr. Rao had pointed at his cheek and Kajol had kissed him there.
Funny things that alcohol makes you see, Ramesh said to himself as he upended his glass.
He thrust in the duplicate key, opened the door lock and slammed it back after entering inside. Kicking aside his shoes, he stepped into the drawing room where he unslung his bag and stopped dead in his tracks as if he had seen a ghost. It was Kajol, sitting motionless like a statue in the corner and she was observing him without expression.
His mouth fell open. How come you are here now? Didnt you go to the university?
She appeared not to have heard his question. Ramesh approached nearer and repeated his question.
She took time to change her attention to him.
Returned early. Guide wasnt available, she said slowly. And then she remembered him having said something about some project running late or something else like that.
You, her eyebrows lifted a bit, in home before office closing time. Everything okay?
He wanted to vent his anger on something nearby. Taking off his office bag he threw it with force near where she was seated.
She winced and turned sidewise as if to avoid the bag. Her eyes grew wide with alarm and her palm flew to her mouth.
What?&, she croaked.
The blood was pounding in his ears.
Today, he paused drawing in full breath, today, I became the laughing stock of the entire office. His spoke in spurts, That motherfocker, , that harami kahinka, , mujhe sabke saamne mazak banake rakh diya. His heart was pounding and he wiped the layer of sweat that had appeared on his forehead. Saala. Fuck you Rao. Fuck you, fuck you London training first recommended my name and then vetoed it, that slinky double faced bastard.
Kajol shot up from her seat and came up besides him.
Baby, there will be opportunities further. Dont you worry. Everything will turn out alright
He shoved her off violently, and she was unprepared for the assault and found herself landing back on the sofa. She had hardly ever seen him getting so worked up. Scared, she backed up against sofa trying to get away far from him. He whirled around facing her.
All this because of you, he shouted. There was the look of madness in his eyes.
She kept quiet.
He continued the tirade. If you hadnt made a bloody fool of yourself on Sunday, kissing him and his wife,, bloody could you be any less of a spectacle, , , what did you think you were doing ein, did you think of yourself as a bar girl or what ein ?
Now she could make out what he was saying. The unfairness of the allegations stung her. Her eyes blazed with anger. She shouted back, Dont lay all the blame on me. It was you who had pushed me to go. Why didnt you come with us? Was the cricket match all that important? What were they to me - your office people na? Did I say that I was interested in going No, it was you who pushed me. You wanted to show me off as your trophy wife before your boss thats what you wanted. Admit, admit.
She had poured more ghee into the fire.
Bloody foolish woman, he ranted at full, each word like a knife-stab, Do you realize how you had behaved that day, , hah - like a bitch in heat. Were you trying to show off how modern you could be by kissing my bosss wife on her lips thats what lesbians do. Fuck you, you dont have the dumbest idea of what you have done to my career. He sat down. Damn you, damn
She was numbed by his ferocity. There was no escaped as he raved on. A sob rose from her. Her eyes had welled up and started flowing freely, running down her cheeks, onto her chin and dropping she stared ahead fixedly, suddenly wondering if she knew this man at all, the one who was now unreachable somewhere a sense of guilt raised its head inside for she had failed as a wife she couldnt take that anymore
I am sorry, she walked over to where he sat and boxed her ears, I havent been the wife that you deserved, she didnt care if snot was running down her nose now, I am sorry that you lost your career opportunity due to my behavior, Forgive me, she said wiping her running nose, I will be a good wife now and only a good wife from now on. I will stop my PhD program and all my time will be yours now.
Then she fled to the bedroom, flung herself facedown on the pillow muffling her crying thereon.
Ramesh sat in the drawing room, the rage still coursing through him. It was definitely her fault and he had said that to her face. The clock on the wall ticked on and he had lost sense of time. It was with a start that he realized that the shadows were lengthening outside. Checking his watch, he realized that he had been sitting for over an hour
Kajol had not come back. He got up to check on her. She had cried herself to sleep, it seemed. The sight of her, wrenched his heart. He had said too much and said too many things in the heat of the moment And there was merit in what she had said too, for he had pushed her to go with Mrs. Rao and backed himself out, and of course the fact that she was not very experienced at handling wine
He eased himself onto the bed and gently touched her arm. Face turned away from him, she let out another small sob. Oh she was awake, he said to himself and gently laid himself behind her and held her tenderly:
Kajo, honey, forgive me, I dont know what came over me when I said those terrible things. I was very upset at the office today, he added lamely.
She turned over to face him. Her arms went round his neck as she buried her face in his chest and now started crying in more earnest. He knew she was deeply hurt by his words and so let her have her cry. A while later, he started to brush her hair with his hand and patted her shoulders. Sorry honey, sorry. He kissed her face.
It took time but eventually she managed to calm down. She could feel his pain. After all, he had been looking forward to his selection for a long time. She should have allowed to say all and remained silent and not have shouted back it was not such a good idea
She gave him a tight hug and got out of the bed. I will get you your tea, she said and headed for the kitchen after washing her face on which the tears had dried up.
The mood was still somber when she returned with the tea tray. On purpose, she sat close to him, their bodies touching sidewise, and handed him his cup. Ramesh too was not feeling well till now and they sipped their tea in silence.
Later she spoke. I was serious when I had said that I would drop the PhD program. Let us have a normal life like other young couples with kids and all that. Our respective ambitions leave us nothing for each other.
He returned the cup to the tray and turning towards her cupped her face in both his hands. Then he sank a deep kiss to her lips. “Kajo, I will never forgive myself if you do that now. We both know that your PhD is just six months from now, give or take a couple of months. Do you think I can ever face myself? Please, never again say that.
He had then continued,You see people like Mr. Rao can always give a big boost to a junior level employee and you understand what the competition is like. All that I was saying is that we should always be polite to them and not do anything which would likely ruffle their ego.
She nodded gravely. He kissed the top of her head. Then she pushed herself back on the sofa and laid her head in his lap. There was nothing that needed to be said and neither spoke a word.
The ringtone on her mobile intruded into the idyllic moment. She got up and fetched it, looking at the screen for the caller. Ramesh saw her furrowed brows and a moment later, she looked at him, thrusting the mobile in his direction. Strange, its Lekhaji, she said.
Take the call, he said and looked outside at the evenings darkness as he wondered why Mrs. Rao was calling her now. He watched as Kajol screwed her face and just said acchaji into the phone. Then the call was terminated.
Is your mobile switched off?, she asked him and suddenly he remembered having done so at the office before heading back home. He nodded.
It seems like, Mr. Rao is trying to reach you for the last hour. Thats why she had called.
He bolted up from his seat and switched his set on. As soon as the screen got back to life, he placed a call to Mr. Rao.
Sir, Ramesh here.
Arre, Mr. Raos voice came over from the other end, I am just turning into your apartment. I will be coming up. Got something important to tell you.
He relayed the conversation to Kajol and both of them wondered what it meant as they went about readying up the drawing room. Could it possibly mean, that he has changed his mind about the London trip?, he wondered aloud. Kajol shrugged as she smoothed a pillow.
x x x
Mr. Rao stepped in, his arms full. His face broke into a broad smile when he saw Kajol. How are you, he said to her even as he was delivering the bottle that he had brought with him to Ramesh. He was holding a wrapped parcel in his other hand. They walked into drawing room and settled down.
Have been trying to get hold of you for the last couple of hours, he said to Ramesh and his tone was accusatory. Rameshs heart started beating faster. He looked at his boss for what he was about to say next.<
But that one is for latter as also the wine, dont open it now, he addressed Ramesh in a mock bossy tone. He looked down at the rectangular package in his hand and turning towards Kajol, held it out for her. Please, just a token of our gratitude for the lovely time we were privileged to have with you on Sunday. He sensed the slight hesitation in her as she glanced briefly at her husband. But Mr. Rao knew how to play his cards perfectly. It is Lekhas idea actually, been pestering me since yesterday, then he mad a grave face, she would kill me if you dont accept it.
Kajol was unsettled and shot a furtive glance at Ramesh who nodded imperceptively.
Oh, you really didnt have to do that, she gushed, it is really so sweet of Lekhaji please tell her that
Oh, you should tell her that yourself after opening it but let me share what I came here for in the first place. He turned towards Ramesh. That draft presentation you sent to Singapore , his mouth widened to a wide grin, Boy have we hit pay dirt! The client have been so impressed - and they specifically mentioned that they had never seen such quality presentation prepared in such a short time span you know what they want? They want you over there at their office, next Monday with the full proposal.
Ramesh head spun. What had he just heard? Was he about to go to Singapore in five days time? He just gawked at Mr. Rao.
And that is the reason I had to cancel the London training program, he smiled again. Bah, who cares for a three week training! Mark my words, we swing this job contract and I will see to it that you enjoy yourself there for three months.
Ramesh choked. His eyes brimmed over in gratitude. Thank you sir, he said in a small voice, I dont know what to say, sir
Mr. Rao brushed away his feeble attempts. Just get three glasses and open the bottle. Lets celebrate to your success.
Ramesh got up promptly. He headed for the crockery cabinet.
Mr. Rao now turned towards Kajol. He pointed at the parcel that was in her hands now.
Why dont you open and see what it is.
Kajol smiled and the strings of the parcel came undone in her hand. She lifted the lid out of the cardboard box. Inside, there was a mauve green saree. As she lifted it slightly for a cursory examination, she realized that it was completely transparent. A flush came over her and her heart started pounding hard. The hazy memory of Mr. Rao fingering her at the restaurant while she was fully drunk came to her. She couldnt look Mr. Rao in the face. She looked downwards
Oh, we can surely change it if you dont like it, Mr. Rao said smoothly.
Ramesh who had come in with the glasses and the fried cashews looked towards Kajol. Hey, you are forgetting to thank Mrs. Rao, he reminded gently, not having looked at the gift, for his mind was already back in the clouds
Yes, yes, sure; let me call her for you, with that he dialed up Lekha and handed the phone over to Kajol.
Still red in the face, Kajol managed to utter a couple of appropriate words.
Ramesh, in the meanwhile, had set up the glasses and Mr. Rao poured a generous portion in each of the three glasses. Then he made Kajol raise a toast to Rameshs first overseas success and insisted that all three upend their glasses in true camaraderie. In five minutes, Kajol had received her first kick and she wanted no more.
Nonsense, Mr. Rao chided, Today is one of the happiest days for your husband and you must stand by him all through. So saying he filled all their glasses again and all Ramesh could do was to nod and give out a weak smile.
At the end of the second round, Kajol was truly drunk. She wanted to rise up but lacked the energy to do so. She was also fast losing control over mind. She thrashed lazily on the sofa.
Mr. Rao read these symptoms perfectly. He complained to Ramesh, She thanked Lekha for the gift. But look, she has no feelings for the person who effected the delivery.
Ramesh slurred Come Kajo, sir ko bhi thanks bolo. He already had three glasses and was on the fourth. He couldnt see properly but it looked as if Mr. Rao had pointed at his cheek and Kajol had kissed him there.
Funny things that alcohol makes you see, Ramesh said to himself as he upended his glass.
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