The
Hometown
Ssandeep B Teraiya
DEDICATION
I am dedicating this book to my lovely parents and my whole family.
Thank you so much for your support.
Love you all.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Heartfelt Thanks to my wife Poonam, for keeping me motivated.
And
Thank you Dr. Sushma Gupta, for all your support.
सर्वतीर्थमयी माता सर्वदेवमयः पिता ..!!मातरं पितरं तस्मात् सर्वयत्नेन पूजयेत्..!!
To get the same virtues as one would, on visiting all holy places, all he has to do is, revere his mother.
Father is an embodiment of all the deities themselves.
They are the sole cause of us being here in this world today. It is hard to imagine one's life without them, their nurture and care. Parents constantly strive to provide the best that they could possibly give, for their children at all times.
There is no well wisher better than parents!
Chapter 5: Emotions & Career
Karan, Neeta and I were busy in Cart decorating for Ganpati Visarjan. We had dressed it with yellowish and orange flowers, and everything was ready. Manoj Uncle called us for Arti before Visarjan. He wanted us to perform this puja all of the three together this time. We three held Puja Thali together. Karan was in the center. Neeta covered her head with her Red Dupatta. I remember Neeta’s daddy was there snapping pictures of us from his old camera. That was the first and final time we were captured in one frame.
We danced on Dhol and this time Neeta was also there to match steps with Karan. It was like there were only two dancers. They were doing Bhangra, sometime Dandiya and sometimes dancing like Amitabh Bachhan. And sometimes they were acting like Govinda. They were truly mad in dance with Dhol. All of us were watching them and clapping for both of them. But it was the height when Karan took Dhol from Dholi, and Neeta came in front of Karan standing with Dhol, Karan started playing Dhol and Neeta was dancing with him. That was a really a beautiful scene for me. I was so happy that day and thinking that I wished they were a match, like they were meant for each other. I decided to tell them about their pair when it was the perfect time.
We reached Chowpaty. Karan and I went to drop Ganpati into the deep sea. We both went far in the water. Neeta was screaming not to go too far, come back, please come back, but we did not listen and went far in the water. We did Visarjan and came back out of the water. Karan played pranks and acted like he had been immersed in water. Neeta ran into the water in no time to save him, but when she saw we were laughing at her, she went back to shore, and took an auto to home. She was very angry that day. She did not speak to us for a whole day.
She was standing on the balcony in the evening; she was still pretending that she was angry with us. Karan was sitting with his mother outside his home. Karan smiled from there, but Neeta made faces and ignored him. Karan slept in his Mother’s lap, Shanti Aunty was moving her fingers in Karan’s hair, and Karan went into a deep sleep there only that brought a small smile on Neeta’s face. Neeta called me, I said bye to Shanti Aunty and went to the balcony.
“Look how cute he is looking into his mother’s lap,” Neeta said.
“No, he is not cute,” I said. “But I think you like him, that’s why he looks cute to you only.”
“What?” Neeta laughed.
“Nothing,” I said and left from there.
I had noticed all this for a few days. They both used to talk for hours in the morning. In a way I was happy and sometimes I used to think about what will happen to both of them in the future as one is very well educated and from the big city, and one is just a newspaper seller from a small town with not much earning and savings.
Everything was going well; our daily visit to OHM was the best part of our life. I noticed that they were in love with each other, but both of them were hiding their feelings. I did not know why.
Once I asked Karan while playing carom at the Temple. Neeta and her father had gone to Baroda for some urgent work. I thought it was the best time to talk about their relationship.
Before I asked him, he asked me.
Sagar, why have Neeta and her father gone to Baroda again and again? This is their third visit after shifting here.”
“How can I know that? In fact, I wanted to ask you the same; I thought you must know, as you are her very best friend,” I said.
“You are also her best friend, and she stays in your house. I thought your mother would be aware of the Baroda visits,” Karan said.
“Hmm... I do not know, but why are you so stressed about their Baroda visit. They are from that city. They have a home there, and relatives will be there. But you seem very much interested in Neeta’s personal life. Sometimes I feel like you love her,” I said finally.
“What rubbish are you talking? In love with Neeta? No way, we are all just friends. That’s it,” Karan tried to hide is face while lying to me.“Okay, I will tell to Neeta that Karan likes you,” I said.“No, don’t do that. She is older than me. You know that. I do like her, but I am not sure about love and all, and I can't even think of it as I still have my own responsibilities. I do not want to divert my mind with love and other feelings. So it will be good if you keep quiet,” Karan said.“But I think she also likes you,” I said.
“Not possible at all,” Karan said.“But I really think she likes you. I have noticed both of you a lot,” I said.
“Will you focus on this carom game? Don’t try to be a matchmaker,” Karan said.
“Ok, get me that powder, and I’m warning you again. I will not allow you to cheat today, or else I’ll never play carom with you again,” I said and we started to play carom.
A couple of days later I noticed Neeta had come back from Baroda. I went straight to her room and called to her.
She came outside and told me not to shout as her father was sleeping. I asked what had happened. Was he ok?
“Yes, he is fine. Just worried about my future. Leave it anyway. So tell me how are you? How is Karan? Where is he?” she asked.
“We are good here. We were missing you at OHM, but you look very worried. I hope everything is ok there in Baroda,” I said.
“No, it's just because I am tired of the whole night journey on the bus,” Neeta said.“By the way, where is that newspaper boy? I have been waiting since morning. He did not come today. I told him that I will be in town today,” She said.
“Are you waiting for the newspaper or Karan?” I asked.
“Of course for the newspaper,” she said.
“Ok, I see. Anyway, I have to go; he will come when he has to. Bye for now.” I went from there.
I was watching TV, and she came downstairs to ask me if I was going to Karan’s home. She was going there to ask where he was.
I said “Ok,” and we went to Karan’s home.
“Jai Shree Krishna Aunty,” Neeta said.
“Jai Shree Krishna beta. Come in,” Aunty said and while lying on the bed.
How are you Aunty?” Neeta asked.
“I am okay beta, just feeling tired these days. Come in, why are you standing there? I’ll make tea for you, come in,” Aunty said while trying to stand up from the bed.
Shanti Aunty always used to welcome guests with so much respect. She always used to offer tea to any guest or visitors who came to her home.
“No, no Aunty. You please take a rest, and let me know if you need anything,” Neeta said.
“No, your uncle went to the market for vegetables and my medicines. He will be here soon,” Aunty said.
“Ok, where is Karan?” Neeta asked.
“He went for exercise in the morning as usual, but today he is late. I am worried,” Aunty said.
“Don't worry Aunty, he will come. Let me know if you have any work, Sagar, and I will do it,” Neeta said.
“Yes Aunty,” I said.
“Thank you Beta,” Aunty said. “Please tell Karan that his mother is waiting for him, if you meet him.”
“Sure, Aunty,” I said.“Where the hell is that idiot?” Neeta asked when we came out of Karan's home.
“How would I know?” I asked. “He will come; there is nothing to worry if someone is late for 30 minutes. Come on,” I said.
“Yes, true, but I don't know why I am getting stressed,” Neeta said. “Let us go to Chowpaty.”
“I think first we should go to OHM. If you can't find him anywhere, always try OHM first.”
***
“See, I told you, there he is,” I said.
We saw Karan on the boat seated facing the seashore. Neeta slapped Karan on his head.
“Wow Karan, your mother is not well, and she is worried for you. And Mr. Karan Joshi is enjoying the beautiful view here,” Neeta said in anger.
“I was about to leave,” Karan said with a low voice.
“Hey Karan, what happened? Why are you so sad?” Neeta's anger vanished.
I went away with my cigarette, but I noticed that Neeta forgot her worries when she found Karan worried himself. She held Karan's face with both her palms and asked again if everything was okay.
“Yes, all is good, dear. Let's go home, my mother must be waiting for me,” Karan said.
“Your dad is there, don't worry, relax. We also want to enjoy this morning view of the sea,” Neeta tried to change his mood to know what happened.
I sat near Karan, and asked “What’s the scene brother? Did anyone steal your heart or what? Tell me; are you in love with someone? Tell us, we are your friends,” I asked to irritate him.
“Yes, Sagar, I will tell you that, but before that I need to say something to someone,” Karan said.
“Really? What is that something? And who is that someone?” I asked with happiness on my face.
“Do you really want to know Sagar? Are you sure?” Karan asked me.
“Yes... Yes... Please tell us fast,” I said.
“Ok, I want to tell your mother about your smoking habits,” Karan said.
“Ok, I am going home Neeta,” I said and started walking.
Karan came from behind and said “Sorry. I was just pulling your leg as you were pulling my leg. Come sit.”
“Now, if your movie is over, can I know, Karan why are you here in the morning? And don't try to hide your tension with all these fake comedy plays with Sagar. Sit here and tell me,” Neeta said like a teacher.
“There is nothing to worry about Neeta. It was a bad dream in the morning, nothing else. I had some bad dreams last night, and so my mood was off. To change my mood, I came here, and you can see I am good now,” Karan said.
“Okay, then tell me about your dream at least,” Neeta said. “What it was about?”
“Money. Business. Mom's Health. Papa's retirement. What else?” Karan said.
“Oh gods, Karan you are behaving like you only have problems. Karan, we all have problems just different types of problems. Be practical Karan. Fight with it or accept the situation,” Neeta said.
“So you also have problems in your life? Tell us today. You never told us anything about you,” Karan said.
“Yes, I do have problems in my life, but I do not let it affect my happiness or my mood,” Neeta said.
“How is that possible?” Karan asked.
“See, I know one thing, if it's not in your hands. Just ignore it, and whatever is in your hands, enjoy it.”
“If you practice to ignore things which are not in your control, you will be able to focus on things which are in your control. Why should we waste our time, talents, energy on those things? If you come here every day and think about your problems, do you think it will solve your problems? I think you should take some actions to change your situation. If you are really worried about your parents you should have left this town earlier for better job in another city. I am sorry Karan, I am telling you all of this, but I am also worried about you now. I think you should take action to change your situation,” Neeta said. “Or just accept the situation and live with it happily. There is nothing wrong with it either. But being in the middle of something will always give you regrets in the end,” She said.
“And I do not give space to such sad or negative thoughts in my mind. It's very simple; don't think about thoughts which are painful. Just learn to ignore it buddy.”
Neeta stood up, walked towards the sea, and opened her hair to tie it properly again. She held the rubber band with her teeth and folded her hair with both her hands. Her eyes were watching the sea. Her white dress was dancing with air and her skin was shining with sunlight. Karan was watching all this with his open mouth. Karan was falling for her day by day.
“Neeta you are right. I think I should go to another city for a job,” Karan said.
“Oh, nice Karan. That's good. I know you are worried for your parents, but for them only you have to do it. Let's get going home now and start searching for your job.”
***
