CHAPTER - 29

Arnav and Kushi have settled into their new life. Their careers are at peak. But they managed to balance it so that they have time for their kids. Ayaan used to meet Pallavi and Avni when he spends time with his father but Pranav made sure his son got his exclusive time. Ayaan is formal with Pallavi and their equation never really developed beyond it. He still could not accept her as family. But Avni is included in his downtime with his father. The children bonded well over the years. Amidst all the chaos their parents has created, they care for each other like blood siblings.

Janaki’s business flourished beyond measures and it kept her on toes. But despite a successful business and Ayaan’s presence, at times she did feel emptiness caving in on her. She is a kind of person who thrived on love and in the absence of it, she suffered. She needed someone to share her life with. So finally after lot of contemplation, she got serious about dating.

 Like all those who search for the right man in a string of dates, she experienced disasters and disappointments in ample amount. She did get physical gratification and some fun time as well. But this time she wanted more. Two years into her efforts, she is nowhere close to finding the perfect company for herself.  She concluded that she will have to make do without a man in her life; no point in wasting time on something that is never destined!

She started feeling bouts of anxiety and depression over time. Her life pattern bored her. Ayaan did get affected by the changes in his mother. It did worry Pranav too. Owing to their concerns she sought medical help. After a year or so she slowly came out of that phase, thanks to her father’s dream project of a shelter home for the orphaned and needy.

Her father dreamt of building a shelter home that incorporated orphaned kids, old age people, and animals all together under one roof. He did start working on it but then his untimely death and Janaki being busy in her own life put an abrupt end to the project. It had been at the back of her mind and in one of her counselling sessions she revealed it in a random conversation with her doctor. On his encouragement she worked on it; which became a huge turning point in her life.

 It engaged her fully and when it finally evolved and is filled with orphaned kids, old people and stray animals it became a ‘home’ more than a shelter. People, who are not related to each other, set up their own families inside it. Kids got parental guidance and care. Elders who were abandoned by their family found happiness and a new life with these kids. And stray animals found a place of care as well.

The love and care between the members of the shelter inspired Janaki. They considered her as a member of their family and Janaki finally found the feeling of belonging she chased in life! It gave her a deep sense of satisfaction. Ayaan is also their favourite. Finally Janaki have a family, which she always craved for.

                                     **************************

Pranav and Pallavi are relaxing for the weekend at their farmhouse, in the outskirts of Mumbai. Avni and Ayaan are with Laxmi and Janaki respectively. Pranav is leaning on the headrest of the bed with Pallavi lying on his lap. He is running his fingers through her hair.

“Pallavi?”

“Hmm”

“Is it time to think about our kids?”

She stilled and opened her eyes facing him.

“You want kids?”

“Don’t we?”

“We have Ayaan and Avni”

“Yes, but you don’t want kids of our own?”

“No”

“Why?”

“King, we have built this life on the ashes of your relationship with Janaki. She is just getting stable from her depression and is still alone. Even now I hate myself for doing this to her. We don’t have to add to the list a child that is yours and mine”.

Pranav is silently listening to her perspective.

“Also, what about Ayaan and Avni? It’s a surprise that Ayaan could accept Avni in his life. It is more than I expected. We don’t need to burden the child with more siblings whom probably he doesn’t want. Also Avni! She is small now, but when she grows up there might be insecurities in her mind too. So I think its better that we don’t plan for anymore kids. We got what we wanted; we are together now and we have our children. That’s enough King”.

Pranav stared at her for a while before swooping down to kiss her forehead.

                                             **********************

Janaki is in a supermarket doing her monthly purchase. Her servants did the major part of it but for her personal things, she prefers going herself. She went to the rack where sanitary pads are kept. She saw a man there who is confused and pulling out many brands of it. She felt his behaviour weird. When he saw a lady there, at first he felt embarrassed and moved away slightly. But then, he came near her and whispered softly.

“Excuse me ma’am. Can you tell me which the best one is?

Deducing him to be a pervert Janaki snapped.

“What?”

“Huh…please...please don’t misunderstand. It’s just that.....my daughter just had her first period.....and hmm.... I don’t know which of these to buy....she is at home...restless...I need help....please.... if you don’t mind...”

“Where is her mother?”

He became silent.

“She is no more”.

Janaki realized the situation.  She took out a sanitary pad brand and gave it to him.

“Thank you so much...I really meant it”.

“Wait a minute, Mr...”

“Ajith. ...Ajith Sharma”

“Can you let me talk to your daughter over your phone?”

He hesitates.

“I think she needs some help. I guess there is no other elder female at home?”

“Yeah, ok one second”.

He had forgotten his phone at home, so he gave his residence number. Once the call connected he spoke to his daughter and then connected her with Janaki. He murmured a thank you and left.

Arti Sharma is just 11 year old and is dead scared about what is happening to her. Janaki calmed her down and instructed her about what she has to do. She also offered the kid her number and encouraged her to call if she has any more doubts or needs. Arti thanked her and Janaki felt good after talking to her.

The next day she got a call from Arti. She thanked Janaki profusely and even asked her some doubts hesitantly. Janaki patiently cleared all her doubts. Arti asked her out for an ice-cream treat; though Janaki politely refused Arti’s persistence finally made Janaki agree.  

So that Saturday they met up at the ice cream parlour. Ajith and Ayaan accompanied them. Arti and Janaki hit it off really well. Janaki gave some necessary advises and also engaged in casual banter. Meanwhile Ayaan bonded with Ajith who shares his same interests in sports. When the children finally went to get their ice creams, Ajith once again thanked her.

“ I know that you helping me  in the supermarket might be a small thing but even without asking you called up my daughter and helped her in that situation. I really cannot thank you enough”.

“It’s ok Mr. Sharma. It is not a big thing. But if you don’t mind I would like to say this. Arti is growing up and she might need some female around her to help her out”.

He smiled.

“You sound like my mother!”

Janaki smiled back at him.

“My mother always used to say the same thing. After Anju died, she was always behind me to get me married again citing the same reason. But somehow I could not”.

Janaki sighed.

“Till last year I didn’t have to worry because she was there for Arti”.

“Don’t worry. Arti have my number. I have told her she can contact me anytime for anything”.

He nodded. They remained silent for few minutes until Janaki felt like asking him something personal.

“How is it to live without Anju?”

Ajith is silent for a moment collecting his words.

“It was difficult, of course. We lost her quite unexpectedly. We both taught at the University. One day I was down with fever and she went to work alone. She drives well but a car that came breaking rules hit her scooter and....”

Janaki gave him time to collect his emotions.

“I couldn’t believe she has gone for many days. It seemed so surreal to me. But her absence in my life made it evident”. 

“How old was Arti?”

“Four”

Janaki winced.

The child is motherless from such a young age. She probably did not even remember her mother.

“Why didn’t you remarry?”

“Because I still love her”.

They shared a meaningful glance and none spoke after that. Kids joined them soon and the table filled with their talks and laughter.

Janaki felt it easy to connect with Ajith. He too found comfort in his conversations with Janaki. Slowly a friendship bloomed between them. They belonged to the same age group and similar life situations which helped them bond with time. Arti and Ayaan also jelled well helping their friendship to sustain.

                                ****************

A hilltop that offers an overview of Bangalore city at night

A car is parked a little far away from the edge of the hill. And on the car bonnet sits Jasmine and Viren having their dinner, some special dish of Bangalore city. They like exploring different cuisines whenever they can. Jasmine is shooting for a film in Bangalore and Viren is visiting her during his break from shoot in Mumbai.  They are chatting nineteen to dozen and licking their fingers finishing the dinner. That’s when Viren popped the question.

“Will you marry me Jasmine?”

Jasmine stills for a moment before laughing hard.

“Marry you? Are you crazy?!”

“I’m, about you”.

“How cute! Now stop this drama and let’s leave. It’s getting late”.

“Aww! So eager to sleep with me huh?!”

“As if you will have anything new to offer”.

“Oh believe me baby. You have a lot yet to see”.

He winked.

“Is that so?! Then why are we waiting?”

“Because you still haven’t given me a reply. When are you going to marry me?”

“Ok. I did not want this conversation tonight but if you are not letting it go, take it from me that we are not going to be married, never ever. I prefer a live-in, if you are up for it, then I’m in. Otherwise let’s end it here”.

They gazed at each other in silence. Finally Viren broke the spell dramatically.

“Thank God! I thought you might get convinced. What a nightmare it would have been; married to The Jasmine Elvis”.

He shuddered for effect.  Jasmine thinned her lips in annoyance. She started hitting and pulling his hair and he screamed for help. It continued for a while and when he felt she is not going to stop, he yanked her to him and kissed her. Their tongues carried forward the push and pull game. After a while Viren pulled back and they tried to catch breath. He tucked her loose hair tendrils behind her ear lovingly.

“For now, this is enough for me. But one day if you feel you need more, tell me. And if I need more, will you marry...”

Jasmine did not let him complete the sentence; she pulled him towards her and kissed him full on mouth again. They’ve found a base finally.