THE OCCULT WINDOWS
By Shamim Merchant
Chapter 1
"Girls, I really envy you."
"Why aunty?"
We asked in unison,
Mrs. Narayani Pillai, the owner of our small one bhk terrace flat, took a deep sigh and was looking at the picturesque view outside our drawing room window. She turned towards us and said,
"We live on the ground floor and this mind blowing, attractive scenery is not visible from any of our windows."
She was absolutely right. The greenery, hills, the lake, winding roads and foggy mornings. The views from our windows are breathtaking. We could sit there for hours together, do nothing else, just keep our eyes glued outside, basking in the beauty around our rented terrace flat in Lonavala.
We friends giggled and while taking the empty tea cup from her hand, Pragya said gently,
"Aunty, it's your house, when we are home, you can come here anytime you want and please your eyes."
"Yes dear. But as usual you know two things stop me from climbing stairs again and again. One, my painful knees and second my all time possessive husband."
We laughed and she continued before shaking her head,
"Now also, if I don't go down in five minutes, you'll hear him call out my name."
I went and kept my hands on her shoulders and said,
"That's because uncle loves you so much. You are so lucky aunty."
"Yes Mohini, that's right."
She patted my cheeks and said,
"Don't worry. You both are good girls and God will bless you too with wonderful life partners."
"Narayani, இங்கே வா (Iṅkē vā- come here)!! What's taking you so long?"
Mr. Krishnamurthy Pillai hollered from downstairs and we all burst out laughing.
Pragya and I said together,
"Attai, po!" We chuckled again.
She waved out and clutching the rental cheque in her hand, scurried away replying back to uncle in Tamil as she carefully climbed down one step at a time.
Pragya and I became busy to leave for work and were soon on our bicycles, riding the short distance to the library where both of us are assistants. This is the favourite time and activity of the day which we relish more than anything else. Riding through nature, with the cool breeze enveloping us in its pleasant motion.
Time for some introductions. I'm Mohini Maali and my roommate is my childhood friend, Pragya Patil. We are both 24 years old and are basically from Morachi Chincholi, a small village near Lonavala. Our village's nickname is Mayur Baug or the village of dancing peacocks. It has earned this title, because Morachi Chincholi is a place that reflects the untamed glory of the rustic face of Maharashtra with acres of land dotted with beautiful peacocks in close proximity.
Our families have always been neighbours, friends and business partners. For generations, farming has been our ancestral occupation. Both Pragya and I are the only child of our parents. We had decided from an early age that we didn't want to be in the village once we were adults and qualified enough to earn and live life on our own. Nevertheless, being girls, it was difficult to convince our parents of our decision. When Pragya and I were in eighth standard, we came to the conclusion that if we avoided all the regular mischief done by the other village kids and focused on studies, then it would be easy to pacify our parents. We wished to live an independent life in the hill station of Lonavala.
Eventually when the time came, a lot went in the pot of convincing. Our pleadings, Baba's scoldings, Ayee's tears, promises, hugs and exciting farewells. This tiring turmoil took three months. Howbeit finally our fathers came with us to Lonavala, found the Pillai family and made sure we were settled in a safe and secured job in a library where majority workers are women.
This was two years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Pillai are extremely loving and caring. They don't have children and treat us like their own daughters. They are both retired government officials, living on pension and our rent. They are Tamil, we are Marathi, but nonetheless we equally enjoy the festivities of both the cultures.
Along with being library assistants, Pragya and I also give tuitions to school kids. All in all, we earn enough to run our own household, as well as send some money home. As promised, we visit our native village regularly. But that doesn't satisfy our Babas. They keep popping up, giving us surprises, to make sure everything is fine with their girls.
Chapter 2
The local public library is a rectangular structure made of redstone and is a double storey building. It comprises the ground and first floor. The front has a small garden with flower beds and benches around. Magazine and newspaper racks are stalled in the compound for those who wish to read and relax in the open.
Our library is one of the major attractions in town, for young and old, localites and foreigners in equal measure. We not only have a huge collection of books of different genres, but also have computers and it's a CD library as well. But this information centre is almost hundred years old and is now dilapidating. A lot of repairing is required and the heads are in the process of getting a government grant.
Sometime during the afternoon Mr. Ramakant Purohit, the director of our library, called all the staff members in his office for a short meeting. We are around ten, seven of which are women. We don't have a uniform as such, but compulsorily have to wear a long, blue, sleeveless jacket over our clothes. It helps the members and visitors to differentiate us from the others and seek out for help.
Mr. Purohit began,
"As you are well aware that I have been trying to get a grant for the repair works of our library. After relentless follow ups for the past one year, we can now see a ray of hope. Municipal Commissioner, Kulkarni Saheb is coming for inspection on Tuesday. If he is satisfied, we will receive a hefty grant within the next two months. We have five days in hand. You know what needs to be done?"
He never gave orders. Always asked questions and we answered for him and ourselves.
"Yes Sir." Ten voices came out as a single echo in his small cabin. He trained his eyes on me and said,
"Mohini elaborate and tell everyone of the to-do list."
I cleared my throat before replying and started counting on my fingers.
"Clean every nook and corner, rearrange all the books and CDs, check and update the records and call Bhupathi to come and take all the torn books for binding."
I was wondering if I had everything covered. I needn't have worried. Mr. Purohit had a big smile on his face.
"Good girl. Pragya, I want you and four others to take care of the ground floor. Mohini and the rest will look into upstairs."
We all nodded and he continued,
"Remember you have only four days. The fifth one is my day of inspection before Kulkarni Saheb comes."
And the marathon began. We were all on a cleaning spree. The library is massive and four days were definitely not enough. Pragya and I hardly met through the day, each was busy in her own corner. It was almost 5 in the evening and the library closes at six.
I love suspense novels. Whilst I rearranged the books on their shelves, author wise, I was also going through the book descriptions on the back cover, to see if I could take an interesting thriller home. I was skimming my eyes on the synopsis of the novel, "The Mystery of the Disappearing Staircase", it was surely captivating.
Out of the blue, I caught a glimpse of a shadow of a staircase on the wall outside the room. First I thought I was imagining things. But looking again, I saw, it was there, a silhouette of steps.
How is that even possible? Our library only has the first floor and that too with a gable roof.
Curiosity took the better of me and gingerly I went in that direction to find out. I was filled with astonishment and couldn't believe my eyes. An old, dusty, wooden staircase with a thick, old fashioned railing was right in front of me. Standing as sturdy as a rock, as if it was always there. I began perspiring and glanced around. Except me, the rest of the staff had gone down.
I took a deep sigh and was in two minds. Should I call Pragya and Mr. Purohit and show them this miracle or should I bravely proceed alone? Deciding on the second option, I took the first step. Butterflies had suddenly become a flock of seagulls in my stomach and my heart was doing somersaults in my chest. I'm a very inquisitive girl and forever want to know the whys and hows of everything.
When I reached the top, it was dark. There was a closed door in front of me and it opened wide with the lightest touch. I stepped in and stood in the doorway, frozen like a statue. My eyes were witnessing a colossal circular room with a high ceiling. It was bright enough for me to take in every detail. There were cobwebs everywhere and a few broken birds' nests. The floor was dirty and was covered with dry autumn leaves. The walls had many cracks in them, worn out by repercussions of nature, as if it would tumble down any minute. As though this wasn't adequately shocking, the room had another very strange aspect about it. Brand new and polished, large casement windows embellished the fissured walls. When I counted, they were eight.
My brain stopped working and I simply didn't know what to think of all this. Nevertheless, the yearning to discover was greater. It was a circular room, surrounded with windows, there was nothing like first, second. Looking behind, I realised, I was still the only one up here. Taking a deep, deep sigh, I rubbed my chest and gave myself a mini pep talk.
"Yes Mohini, come on, you can do it. Let's go."
Gathering courage, I ambled ahead and pushed one of the windows open. The view took my breath away. My eyes popped out and I just couldn't understand if this was real or was I dreaming. The scene outside was not of the greenery of Lonavala hill station. My eyes were staring at my house, in Chincholi, and the scene was of my childhood. Our parents were playing cards, sitting in the veranda outside. Moreover, Pragya and I were chasing our pet peacocks. I was stunned beyond belief. My hands went to my mouth and I gasped.
It was like watching a biopic of my life. My insides turned to jelly and I became emotional. Tears tickled down my cheeks and a smile was dancing on my lips. I stood there for a long time, totally mesmerized by all that was happening and to what was visible in front of me.
Now I couldn't contain myself and went on to ajar the adjacent window. The sight was completely different from the first one. It showed that time of my life, when money was short and Ayee was convincing Baba to sell her gold, so they could pay my school fees and buy ration for the house.
"Madhu, I can't do this. As it is you don't have much."
"Siddharth, nothing will happen if I don't have gold or fancy clothes or if we ate simple meals. But I want to give the best education to our daughter."
I burst into a fit of tears and blew kisses to my parents who were discussing my future.
"Mohini!!"
It was Pragya and she was yelling for me. I swiftly closed both the windows and was about to leave. A notion struck me and I started looking around. I had to do something about it. The floor was dirty. Dabbing my fingers in the dust on the ground, I quickly went and numbered the windows. Rubbing the soiled fingers on my jeans, with hands on my hips, I made an announcement to the windows,
"Thank you very much. To be continued tomorrow."
Grinning from ear to ear, I carefully closed the door and sauntered back to my real world.
I was up in the mysterious room for at least an hour. But when I went downstairs to the main lobby of the library, my eyes fell on the huge, ancient clock above the entrance. I was received by another massive blow. It was still 5 o'clock in the evening. Time hadn't budged even a second!!
Chapter 3
Inquisitivity is something which compels you to spill the beans. I could hardly keep it in me and by the time we reached home, I was bubbling with excitement. Even before Pragya could remove her sandals, I held her arms and twirled her around,
"You will never believe what happened with me today!"
She was taken aback and squealed,
"Mohini, what's wrong with you? It was just a normal day like any other. On the contrary we slogged so much today."
She shrugged out of my hold and scurried to the kitchen,
"मी थकली आणि मला खूप भूक पण लागली आहे"
(I'm tired and famished). Let's quickly prepare something and hit the bed early."
I puffed and rolled my eyes. Okay, maybe later. Surely I wasn't going to sleep before telling her. We cooked dal-khichadi and forty minutes later sat down to eat it with pickle and papad.
Now I had to tell her and so I began. Start to finish, I filled her in with every minute detail. She had already stopped eating and was gapping at me incredulously. When she finally thought of saying something, it was nothing of what I had expected.
"Are you sure you were not hallucinating?"
I became angry and swatted her arm,
"Pragya, I'm a matured, educated woman of this modern generation. And by the way I still have all my senses intact."
"You are too tired Mohini, that's all."
She guffawed and that infuriated me more. She stood up and I followed her to the kitchen.
"Wait till we go to the library tomorrow and you can see it for yourself."
I couldn't sleep the whole night. Whether my eyes were open or closed, all I could see were the two episodes from my childhood, which the magical windows had shown me. When all attempts of slumber were futile, I quietly wandered off to the living room and went and sat on our small couch. I've never written a diary in my life. But that night I picked up my pen. Closing my eyes, I relived the entire incident in my head and began putting it down in black and white, in the same sequence, without missing out a single aspect.
By four in the morning, fatigue took over and my eyes became heavy. I had no energy left to go back to the bedroom, so I stretched out on the couch and dozed off.
"तू कशाचीही स्वप्ने पाहू शकत, नाही का??" (You can dream of anything, isn't it?)
Pragya's taunt woke me up and I peered at her with squinted eyes. The sunlight from the open curtains was falling straight on my face and it irritated me twice as much. I rolled my eyes and made a face.
"Good morning Pragya!"
I jolted and sat up, snatching my diary from her hand which she was flipping through.
"You don't believe me, so no need to read my encounter either."
She was eyeing me quizzically,
"Did you really experience all this?"
I stood up and without looking behind, replied to her while walking to the washroom,
"Yes and the fact remains even if you are dubious about it."
* * * * *
"Before we become busy, let's sneak upstairs and see that confidential room of yours."
Showing genuine interest, Pragya said eagerly, whilst we parked our bikes in the cycle stand outside the library. Habitually, Mr. Purohit comes one hour later than the rest of the staff members, so we had ample time at hand. Keeping our purses and tiffins under the counter, I held Pragya's hand and we sprinted upstairs, to peep in the occult circular room of our otherwise rectangular building.
"Where is it honey?"
Pragya was standing bashfully with hands on her hips and the look in her eyes was that of, "I told you!"
I was flabbergasted. There was nothing. Absolutely nothing abnormal. The entire floor was missing. Just our regular library first floor was in my face, taunting me like my friend.
I was dazed and stuttered,
"Believe me Pragya, I didn't imagine it all. I swear it was there. Right here."
I was banging the wall and stomping the floor to prove my point.
"Then where did it disappear overnight?"
She flicked my nose and smirked,
"Or was it for your eyes only, huh?"
She laughed and patted my shoulder. I heard her murmur another comment while climbing down the stairs,
"Your fantasies are fabulous. You sure can give J.K Rowling a run for her money."
I was totally baffled and stood there dumbfounded. What was happening? I possibly couldn't have imagined such a gigantic experience of my life. Confusing thoughts kept my mind in a whirlpool throughout the day. Robotically, I went about all my duties and didn't talk much to anyone.
As if lightning had struck me, at sharp five in the evening my eyes fell on the wall clock and without a second thought, my feet took me upstairs. The mysterious door was exactly there where I had found it the previous day. It opened with the same light feather touch. The dusty circular room, filled with cobwebs and the brand new eight windows. Everything had simply come back magically. Nothing had changed. In fact the numbers I had imprinted on the windows were also bold and clearly visible. Pragya's words echoed in my ears,
"Or was it for your eyes only?"
Have you ever felt special and fearful at the same time? That's how I was feeling, standing in front of the third window, which I was about to open. Taking a heavy sigh, I gently let the window ajar to unfurl yet another unpredictable event from my life.
My tenth standard exams were going on and Baba had met with an accident. Pragya's family stood by us like a pillar. Ayee was juggling between home and hospital, while I was struggling between home, hospital and my studies. I didn't want to give my exams that year, but Baba wouldn't hear of it. He had said,
"I don't want you to waste a precious year and our hard earned money. I know you are upset because of me. काळजी करू नका. प्रत्येकजण माझ्यासाठी इथे आहे (don't worry. Everybody is here for me). Study hard and give your exams."
Baba took six months to recover from his fractured leg and arm.
I leaned against the wall and cried. The scene filled me with the same sense of realisation. Ayee/Baba are 'a made for each other couple'. They have supported one another through all the thick and thin and I secretly dream of finding a life partner like my Baba.
The next window brought more tears and constricted my heart. Ayee had had a miscarriage and although a lot of money had gone in her recovery, it was more about Ayee's emotional well-being. She had become sad and crestfallen for weeks together. Baba didn't blame her at all, like other orthodox husbands. On the contrary he said lovingly,
"Madhu, thank God you are okay. And look at Mohini. Deva has blessed us with such a lovely princess. Maybe this was God's wish. Don't worry and look after yourself."
My parents have wrestled all their lives. Money was either short or cut to cut. But nobody ever complained, instead one would be pacifying the other and trying to show the brighter side of life.
I stood there and it suddenly struck me, that the windows were taking me back in time and showing me those occurrences which have had a lasting impact on me. Episodes which filled me with strong emotions and those which I'll never forget. It was a heavy dose for one day, and I couldn't bear to see anymore. Straightening myself as best as I could, I closed the window, locked the door and went down quietly.
Chapter 4
The entire evening I remained gloomy and Pragya misunderstood.
"काय तू पण? Are you still pondering over that non existing circular floor of yours?"
I only shrugged and breathed a ragged sigh. I let her think she was right and didn't bother to correct her.
"I'm missing Ayee/Baba."
So saying, I picked up my mobile and put a call through. They always put the phone on speaker and we trio talked together. We chatted for nearly thirty minutes, updating each other of all that was happening in our lives. I told them everything, except for my newly found magical secret. From today's incident I had comprehended that it was entirely for me alone and I had no intention of disturbing that fact.
I waited till Pragya was fast asleep and went and sat on the couch to continue writing my weird encounter. As I was completing the last part, two thoughts held my mind hostage. One, our library is hundred years old. Does it have a history or a myth attached to it? And secondly, what was I going to witness tomorrow? I also wondered if the windows would solely show me only depressing moments from my past? Surely we have had our happy and cheerful times too.
Huh!!! But that was yet to be seen, no use sitting and stewing over it now. I had no desire to trigger Pragya's suspicions in the morning, by sleeping in the living room. Silently I went and slipped under the covers next to her and closed my eyes.
* * * * *
"You don't have to keep a record of the books you are giving me. Neither am I interested in them nor can I make any money out of it."
Bhupati was being impatient while I filled the excel sheet with the details of the books we were giving him for binding.
I rolled my eyes and screwed up my face.
"I know that. But you should also know by now that this is the standard procedure and cannot be changed just because you can't wait."
"Mohini is right. Why are you always in such a big hurry man?"
Mr. Purohit came and stood behind Bhupati with hands in his pockets. Bhupathi became nervous and turned around to give his flimsy excuse to our director.
"No Sir, I was just telling her not to take the trouble, I will make the list."
My mouth dropped at his lies and I gasped. Nevertheless, Mr. Purohit knew him better than that.
"Really! You don't have the patience till she completes the listing and you are telling me, you'll make the list huh?"
He became culpable and lowered his eyes, while scratching his head.
Sir scolded him,
"Stand straight! And mind you, I want the binding to be neat and sturdy. Bring the books back within three days. No delay, got it?"
"Yes Sir."
Once Bhupathi was on his way with the damaged books, I called after Mr. Purohit and followed him to his office. He turned and peered at me through his thick glasses.
"What is it Mohini?"
I wanted answers to the questions that were chewing my brains inside out.
"Sir, can I ask you something?"
He nodded and beckoned me to take a seat. I sat down and began carefully,
"Sir, our library is hundred years old. I was wondering if it has any ancient history or a story attached to it. I'm curious to know."
He smiled, opened a drawer at the bottom and pulling out a small, old booklet kept it in front of me.
"This has the history of our library. I think you'll find in there what you are looking for. Return it to me, once you've read it."
"Thank you Sir."
Clutching the booklet, I came back to my work station and shoved it in my purse. I'll go through it at night. I peered around to see no eyes were on me. It was now time to satisfy the next nagging part. I surfed the internet to get some information on hallucinations or illusions. It was beyond belief that only I saw it and Pragya couldn't. I didn't doubt it for a minute, of course the circular room was there and all my senses had experienced it. I only wish to confirm that I wasn't going insane.
I skimmed through google and thank God! I had none of the symptoms mentioned in the article which I was reading. Taking a deep sigh, I sat back, craning my neck up to the ceiling. I was tickled pink and smiling from ear to ear when the realisation sunk in. IT WAS A MAGIC. A MIRACLE OF MY LIFE. EXCLUSIVELY FOR MY EYES ONLY.
Absentmindedly I was twirling in my chair, when a deep baritone jerked me out of my mini celebration.
"It's wonderful to be happy and can be contagious."
I glanced up at the owner of the voice and got lost. Looking at me with amusement were light grey eyes. He was tall and breathtakingly handsome. I was still dazed and didn't know that my eyes were cemented on him more than anybody would find comfortable.
"H e l l o !"
He said slowly and a bit louder. I averted my gaze and stood up.
"I.... I'm....sorry. How can I help you?"
His bashful smirk told me he knew he had had an effect on me. Damn!!
Lazily resting his hands on the counter, he introduced himself,
"Good afternoon. I am Chandrakant Maali. I've recently joined the public school as a history teacher. I would like to become a member of your library. Can you help me do the needful?"
N i c e !!!
"Yes, sure."
Bending down, I brought out the file which had blank forms. Pulling out one, I kept it on the counter and told him how to fill it up and where were the necessary details of the documents required with it. My eyes were in the form whilst I did the talking. When I glanced up, his eyes were fixed on me and he had a faint smile on his face. My cheeks flushed and I knew I had turned red in the face. I cleared my throat and asked,
"Anything else?"
"What's your name?"
He wanted to know. I hadn't missed that his surname was same as mine. I shouldn't have said my full name, but I couldn't stop myself.
"Mohini Maali."
I couldn't even stifle the grin after saying it. His pleasant surprise was quite tangible. With a wide goofy grin plastered on his face, he stretched out his hand and said,
"Wow! Nice meeting you Mohini."
I briefly shook hands with him and asked,
"Are you new around here?"
"Yes. I'm from Mumbai. What about you? Are you a localite?"
"Not exactly. I'm basically from Chincholi, but I've been working here for the last two years."
"Great! I hope to see you more often."
His remark warmed me and I stretched my hand again,
"Welcome to Lonavala."
He smiled wider and took my hand.
"Thank you. See you tomorrow."
I kept looking at the entrance until long after he had gone. He triggered an old feeling in me which had died because of someone else. I puffed and hoped he was single and ready to mingle. Turning to my right, I glimpsed at the staircase and wondered,
"Will my secret room be there if I went and checked before 5 pm?"
But work kept me occupied and I couldn't sneak upstairs before evening. I tried and finished my tasks in record time and was at the door of my newly found paranormal world at sharp 5. It was now time to open the fifth window.
Chapter 5
"You are the best daughter in the world and we are very proud of you Mohini."
Ayee was embracing me and then Baba took me in his arms. I had obtained 85% in my twelfth board exams and we were all elated. Baba looked at Ayee and said,
"Madhu where is my princess's gift? Bring it out."
Ayee had kept it in the small temple we have at home. She brought the box, but didn't give it to me. She opened it herself, slipped the two gold bangles in my right hand and kissed my palm before glancing at me. I was wonder struck and threw my arms around her.
"Ayee! अरे देवा! हे खूप छान आहे. (Oh God! This is amazing.) Thank you so much!
Upon glimpsing at Baba for the second time, I realised, his gold chain was missing. A lone tear escaped down my cheek.
"Baba, you didn't have to....."
He didn't let me finish.
"Darling they are looking more beautiful in your hands, and they are there where they're meant to be."
The scene through the fifth window made me sentimental once again and I stared down at the two gold bangles in my hand. I've never removed them since that day and now flicking them idly, I'm compelled to think of all the sacrifices my parents have made for my happiness. There are ample number of things they didn't have to do, half of it I'd never thought of. But they are my Ayee/Baba and always think of me more than I care for myself.
Rubbing my face with my palms, I wiped the tears and opened the next window.
I had no wish to go down the memory lane and recollect that part of my life. I wanted that chapter to be dead and forgotten forever. Howbeit, here was the sixth miraculous window showing me exactly what I tried hard not to think about.
Chirag had held my hand and shoved me in a lonely corner behind our college. I was nervous with my heart in my mouth. He was frantically turning his head left to right, making sure there was no one around and we had our privacy. I gasped,
"Chirag, what are you......."
"Shh... Wait."
He pulled out a bright red rose from inside his shirt and held it in front of me. He whispered,
"I was waiting to give you this."
I blushed and smiled, while taking the flower from his hand. Instinctively, I brought it up to my nose and was bewitched by its strong fragrance.
Chirag and I had gotten acquainted while taking college admissions. Gradually we became friends and had come thus far.
He tucked a loose strained of my hair behind my ear and came closer. He was softly caressing my cheeks while saying,
"Mohi, I like you a lot."
I couldn't look him in the eye and shied away.
"Me too."
He chuckled and bantered,
"Your 'me too' sounds like some computer program, like B2. I want to hear the full sentence."
I giggled and glanced at him. Resting my hands on his chest, I fulfilled his wish,
"I like you too Chirag."
He sandwiched my hands in his and kissed them,
"I want us to spend more time together."
Leaning on the window, I closed my glassy eyes. The reminiscence forcefully took me back in time, to the moments I once cherished. After that day, for nearly six months we were inseparable. Chincholi is beautiful and we young couple would retreat in its wilderness and spend some quality time together. Whenever we were alone, Chirag would praise me to the sky and advance one step further in becoming physically close to me. I knew my limits and also I'm a girl of old school of thoughts. I didn't give in easily. When I refused, he would feign feeling offended and not talk to me till I kissed him.
Once, he crossed his limits and wanted me to expose for him. I put my foot down in denial and declared before leaving,
"Chirag, I like you but all this is wrong and if you respect me then please, nothing till we get married."
We didn't talk for a week and this time I didn't take the initiative to pacify him. I had begun to wonder if he really had feelings for me. Time dragged and I kept waiting, hoping that he'd come to me and apologize. One month later, I saw him with another girl, in the same spot, behind our college. He had cornered her and was offering her a red rose. I was far and couldn't hear them. But I was certain of what he must be telling her. The same, fake, heartless romantic words he had used to entice me.
I was shattered and poured my heart out in front of Pragya. She hugged me and let me cry till I was hyperventilating. She cursed him to her heart's content and said,
"Today I've allowed you to cry as much as you wished to. But bury his skeleton here and now. He is not worth mewling over more than this. In fact he's not worthy of brooding over at all, bloody rascal!"
This was six years ago and Ayee/Baba are completely ignorant of this heartbroken episode of my life. I want it to remain that way.
Chapter 6
"Mohini!!!"
Pragya squeaked in my ear, pulling me out of my reverie.
"What?"
"You've burnt the bhakri!"
"Ahh.... I'm so sorry!"
I quickly picked up the supposed to be white turned brown bhakri from the frying pan and burnt my fingers in the process.
"Ouch!'
Putting the throbbing finger in my mouth, I tried to soothe it, whilst Pragya went and opened the window, to let the smoke out of our tiny kitchen. She eyed me suspiciously and her interrogation began,
"What's wrong with you?"
I shook my head, still nurturing my burnt finger.
"Don't lie to me. You were daydreaming and a big smile was tattooed on your face. So I know you are not thinking about that imaginary, mysterious floor. It's something else. Spill it out before I strangle your neck."
I was all smiles again. In spite of the sad scenes I had witnessed in my occult circular room, today Chandrakant was at the forefront of my mind. I couldn't forget his handsome face, his smile, his remarks and his touch...hoof! I can still feel his warmth in my palm. I must have been quiet once more, because Pragya was losing her patience.
"Mohini, let me know if I have to take you to the mental hospital."
I burst out laughing and kept my hands on her shoulders.
"Chill yaar. I'll tell you everything, but first let me make some fresh bhakris. I'll tell you over dinner."
She shrugged.
"Okay. I'm going for my bath, but please don't burn them again. Keep your head in this real world."
She loves my Malvani chicken curry and always lands up overeating. I made fresh bhakris and first went down to give one portion to Mr. and Mrs. Pillai. Coming back, I kept everything ready by the time Pragya finished bathing.
"Hmm, smells delicious. Let's attack."
I chuckled and we sat down to eat. She moaned with the first bite and blew me a kiss.
"Your husband is going to be one lucky guy."
At that remark of hers, my mind wavered off to Chandrakant again and I was battling with an amalgam of emotions inside me. Before I could dwell on it any further, she announced,
"Come on, now shoot. What's the reason behind all your funny moods?"
When I'd filled her in with all the details, her smile was as big as mine and she blurted excitedly,
"Mohini I'm really very happy for you for two reasons, ask what."
I chortled,
"What?"
"One, that old dirty lamp has finally faded away from your life."
I was baffled.
"Which dirty lamp?"
"Chirag! God knows why his parents named him that."
"Giggling, I asked her,
"What's the other reason?"
"You've found someone and are moving ahead."
I rolled my eyes and looked at her unbelievably.
"Pragya, I haven't found anyone and I'm not moving anywhere. I just met him today."
"Yeah, I know that, but from what you said, looks like he's interested in you."
I didn't want to build up my hopes.
"What if he's married?"
"Keep your fingers crossed and scrutinize his form thoroughly when he submits tomorrow."
"But Pragya...."
She got irritated,
"Oh ho Mohini! You don't have to propose to him immediately. Flow with the flow, with an open mind, and you dare compare him to that dirty lamp. Got it?"
I breathed a sigh and smiled.
"Hmm. No worries. I've blown away the old cobwebs and I'm gonna start with a clean slate."
She raised her palm like a goddess and said dramatically,
"तथास्तु बालिके!!"
* * * * *
Pragya was fast asleep and out of my hair. I had become an owl lately, but that was the only time I got to be with my thoughts and my diary. Tonight of course I wished to find out the history of our library. The booklet had only ten pages. First few sheets had the typical boring information, like when it was built, who was the pioneer, how much money went into it, how many years it took to build it, bla, bla, bla.
What I was looking for and what held my interest was in the last three pages. The blueprint design given in the booklet showed that our library was not originally made with a gable roof. It actually did have a second floor and it was circular. It was made with the intention of holding seminars and parties for the British officers and their families.
A heading on the next page glued me to the booklet. It said,
"Real or a fiction or just a myth?"
I started reading and was completely stupefied. While the construction of the library was going on, a mason's daughter and a British officer's son had become friendly and had eventually fallen in love with each other. They would sneak away to the second floor to spend time together. They were both only sixteen years old. The circular room had become their romantic hideaway. As with any other, this love story also had villains in it. Soon they were caught and drastic measures were taken. The mason not only lost his job, but was beaten like an animal. The British officer sent his son to England and the entire plan of the library was changed. That's how the gable roof came into existence.
The last sentence at the end of the story piqued me like never before.
"The Maali family, the poor mason and his daughter Mohini left the town and were never seen again!!"
Oh God!! Was this my reincarnation? I shook my head vigorously and closed the booklet.
"No Mohini no! Impossible!"
Shutting my eyes tight, I convinced myself that the names indicated in the story were nothing more than a mere coincidence. I also reasoned out that if this was my rebirth, I would have seen something related to the tale. I was utterly grateful that the secret windows were showing me MY past and nothing from the narrative mentioned in the book. Or else I wouldn't have been able to handle it and would have definitely gone crazy. Maybe, I would have needed psychiatric help as well. It quivered me all over and I thanked the Lord once more. Profusely.
* * * * *
"I'm not married."
"Huh?"
When I glanced at him, Chandrakant was smiling meaningfully and eyeing me intently.
"You were going through my form so carefully, so I thought maybe that's what you wanted to check."
Damn you Mohini! Why did you have to do it in front of him and make yourself so obvious! Couldn't you do it later?
I blasted myself inwardly, but to him, I lifted up my chin and said stubbornly,
"Very funny! There are many other details in the form I need to be sure about, before I give you the membership card."
My excuse didn't faze him at all and the bashful smirk was still dancing on his face with confidence. We both knew I was caught.
Averting my gaze, I busied myself in making him the member of our library. When all formalities were done, I asked him to sign the register and handed him his membership card. While taking it he asked,
"Can you please tell me, where is the mystery novels' section?"
"It's on the first floor."
I couldn't stifle a grin and this time he was confused.
"What?"
Before I could clarify why I was smiling, it struck him.
"Ah... don't tell me you like them too!"
I giggled and nodded in agreement. Smiling and wagging a finger between us, he said,
"Wow! हमारी पसंद काफी मिलती जुलती है। Mohini, why don't you guide me? I'm sure you've read many of them and would know which are the best."
How could I miss this golden opportunity!
We ambled to the first floor and he tried to have small talks with me. I had learnt one thing about him, he loved talking and I doubted if it was only because of his profession.
"Mohini, do you live here alone?"
He was a stranger, but my heart was already warming up to him. I didn't miss that he used my name more than usual and I happen to like it rolling out in his deep baritone.
"No. My friend Pragya and I stay together."
"And your parents?"
"They are in Chincholi."
I was itching to know one aspect about him and went ahead with it.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"You are from Mumbai and I'm certain the salary scale there is higher than what it is here. Then how come you left the financial capital of our country and chose to work in a small hill station like Lonavala?"
He kept looking at me for a few seconds making me wonder if I had crossed my limits. After a faint smile he said,
"If anyone else had asked, I wouldn't have replied, but I want you to know."
He puffed and affixed further,
"Well, money is not a problem at all. We have a family business and export spices. In fact here too I'm put up in our own bungalow. Teaching is my passion and l like my solitude. While growing up, whenever we came here on holidays, I always dreamt of living in Lonavala. I love this place."
My my! That was quite a big piece of personal information for him to reveal to a completely unknown person. Howbeit I didn't voice it out. I simply nodded and we were now standing in front of the thriller paperbacks' section. I pointed it out to him, but he shook his head,
"Pick a few for me, which you have read and found interesting."
"Amm.....okay."
Rummaging through the different titles, I could feel his gaze on me. He began.
"Mohini, I see that your English is very good. Why are you working in a library? I'm sure you can get a better job."
He had opened up so freely with me, I might as well give him a little bit about myself.
"Actually my Baba wanted me to work where most of the staff is women. And frankly speaking, I was planning to switch, but now I don't wish to leave this place."
My eyes wandered behind him where my mysterious staircase was hidden.
"Is it because now that I'm a member here?"
My eyes popped out and I stared at him incredulously. I smirked before taunting,
"You're quite self obsessed aren't you?"
His features mellowed down and his smile was as charming as he himself was.
"No no. I'm a very humble guy. It was just a joke. Take it easy. What's the real reason?"
I arched my eyebrows and said,
"Well mister, Rome was not built in a day! Maybe some other day, if I feel like, I'll let you know."
Handing him the three books I had chosen from the cupboard, I moved downstairs, huffing and fanning myself. Being this close to him and all our talks had melted my insides.
Chapter 7
"Your neer dosas are mind blowing aunty."
I grabbed another bite and moaned around the delicious flavour. The Pillai couple had invited us for breakfast and all four of us were now squatted on the mats in their kitchen, having a typical South Indian morning meal; neer dosa with coconut chutney, which Narayani aunty served traditionally on banana leaves.
Pragya had more praises to add to our owner's happiness.
"Aunty, we've tried making them. In fact we bought a nonstick pan, especially to make dosa, but they never turn out like yours."
Narayani aunty was all smiles and Krishnamurthy uncle's chest swelled with pride when he said bashfully,
"In our entire family, nobody makes neer dosa like my Narayani. I can survive my whole life only on them, even if she doesn't cook anything else."
We all burst out laughing and aunty shied away.
"Aayyo. இப்போது சாப்பிடு. (Aayyo. Ippōtu cāppiṭu. Eat now)."
She served us more and said,
"Girls eat to your heart's content. Tell me how is the cleaning going on at the library?"
After sipping the coffee, I filled her in.
"It's all done aunty. Today Mr. Purohit is coming on rounds for inspection."
Krishnamurthy uncle nodded and asked,
"And when is Kulkarni Saheb coming?"
"Tomorrow. I hope all goes well and he approves."
Uncle shook his head and arched his eyebrows,
"He's a very difficult man to please. Moreover, it's not easy to squeeze money out of the government for grants. Half of it is always eaten by the middleman."
Pragya sighed and said,
"But our library badly needs repairing and without official help it wouldn't be possible."
Narayani aunty intervened,
"Be positive everything will be fine. Anyway, all this is not your headache. Girls, you tell me, what's new going on in your lives?"
I was drinking water when Pragya squealed enthusiastically,
"Aunty, my life is the same, routine and predictable. But Mohini has been having some exciting encounters lately."
"Really? Tell us what's happening."
I choked on the water and began coughing. I shot a diamond hard glare at Pragya, but she was unfazed. Feigning ignorance, she continued her monologue.
"First she was imagining that our library has an extra floor with windows that showed her strange things."
"What!?!"
Both aunty and uncle gasped together.
I squeezed her hand and said hurriedly,
"Nothing uncle, she's making up fake stories."
But as if Pragya had taken an oath to embarrass me. She was relentless.
"Now someone very handsome and dashing has just walked into her life and she can't stop dreaming about him."
She was giggling and I wanted to strangle her to death. What was she up to?
"Oh ho! That's wonderful Mohini."
My face turned fifty shades of red and I wanted to pummel her. I couldn't take it anymore and elbowed Pragya from the side.
"Ouch!"
She was rubbing her arm and l went on to clarify to the Pillais'
"She's only exaggerating. He's just a new member in the library, that's all."
But aunty was grinning.
"What's his name?"
"Chandrakant."
I put in every effort not to smile while revealing his name.
Pragya blurted dramatically,
"Aunty his name is Chandrakant Maali."
She was pointing a finger at me,
"You know.... Maali!?!"
It struck the old couple and all three of them were having fun at my cost.
I stood up angrily and blasted Pragya,
"This is your last meal and today is your last day on this earth."
With that I stomped out of the house till their laughter faded behind me.
* * * * *
"Thank God for giving me such a dedicated team. I'm very happy with all the work. Everything looks up to the mark, to the best of our abilities and the resources available."
Mr. Purohit was acknowledging our drudgery, nonetheless he had his own apprehensions.
"Now only pray that tomorrow Kulkarni Saheb is impressed and recommends that we deserve the grant."
We all nodded like obedient puppies. But his next announcement was a pleasant surprise and cherry on the cake for all the labour we had put in through the week.
"If we avail the grant, then I shall raise everyone's salary by 10%."
His tiny office resonated with claps and cheerful hollers.
Mr. Purohit raised his palm to silence us, he had more instructions to give.
"Please dress up decently tomorrow and everyone must have their jackets on."
He looked at Mansi, a co-worker and affixed further,
"Mansi, arrange for three small flower bouquets. Mohini will give you the money from the petty cash account, alright?"
"Yes sir."
"Pragya, organise for tea, vada pav and biscuits. For about six people. Mohini, keep a record of all the expenses and file the bills. I want the cleaning staff to come in one hour early tomorrow."
His eyes hopped from person to person as his orders filled the room and our heads.
In those two days neither did Chandrakant visit the library, nor did I get time to explore my secret room. One was living, the other non-living. But both had the capability of tripling my heart beat, of course for different reasons. Needless to say, I was missing them.
Next day, The Municipal Commissioner's visit was smoother than what we had anticipated. Our director was at his heels, showing him all the repairing that was required. He also went on to explain how the library was bringing monetary benefits to the town and it was one of the major attractions for the foreigners. Mr. Purohit even put forth his innovative ideas for further expansions.
Kulkarni Saheb was in the library for nearly two hours. When he left, along with the bouquet, he was carrying a hefty file and shook hands with Mr. Purohit, before his driver rode him off in his expensive Honda City. The other officers followed him in another car.
Our director had a very grave expression on his face when we huddled in his cabin for an urgently called meeting. Interlocking his fingers on the desk, he looked at us and announced slowly,
"The grant for our library will be sanctioned by the end of next month."
Identical smiles were on everyone's face and we all applauded loudly. It also meant an increment for each and every staff member.
Chapter 8
"Good morning Ms. Mesmerizing!"
Even before looking up, my heart did a somersault in my chest and I well knew the owner of that delightful voice. Wearing on a little attitude, I raised an eyebrow,
"What did you say?"
He grinned complacently,
"Ms. Mesmerizing, your name, Mohini. That's what it means, isn't it? The Enchantress!"
I had to put in every effort not to mellow down or smile and keep displaying fake annoyance. Tilting my head to the side, I stretched my lips to a line and said,
"Oh! Good morning Mr. Moon."
He shook his head, wagging a finger at me,
"No, no, no. My name doesn't mean just the moon. You see, Chandrakant means the beloved, shining moon."
Now I couldn't stifle the smile and shied away.
"That blush colours your face so prettily, making you look more beautiful Mohini."
I had lost all control and my joy was not only dancing in my heart, but was twinkling in my eyes as well. I swirled my chair, facing away from him and shut my eyes tight. I couldn't allow him to have such a strong effect on me. Silence hung between us for a long time, making me wonder if he had left. I stood up and turned to find him standing there, with his hand resting on the counter. His fist was on his face and he was looking at me with amusement.
I cleared my throat and kept my vision lowered,
"How can I help you?"
He puffed before keeping the books on the counter.
"I must say Mohini, your choice is fabulous. These thrillers were absolutely thrilling. I've come for some more."
Now I didn't bother to hide my happiness and smiled widely, although his speed surprised me.
"That was quick. Three books in three days!"
"Well, they held me hostage and I couldn't keep it down till I finished them."
Nodding my head I said,
"Amazing! You know where the mystery section is, take what you....."
"No way. Come along and choose for me again."
I liked the idea, nonetheless now I was nervous around him. He was turning me into a fluffy marshmallow and I didn't trust my reactions in front of him. Taking a deep sigh, I bit my lip and coming from behind the counter, walked ahead of him. I could feel his eyes on me and he was making me extremely conscious.
When we reached the first floor, I straight away went and opened the cupboard where our favourite novels were stacked. Whilst my eyes shuffled between titles, his eyes were pinned on me. He was really tall and could easily rest his hands on top of the door of the cupboard. He asked me softly,
"Mohini, will you have coffee with me?"
My heart was racing in my chest and a book fell from my hand. We both crouched to pick it up. He gave it me and the two of us were still holding it when he said,
"Please Mohini."
I must say, I really liked my name rolling from his tongue. Moreover, even I didn't address myself as often as he said my name. A very coy smile filled my face and I nodded in agreement.
He squealed,
"Great! How about this Sunday evening?"
"Okay."
We exchanged numbers before he left with three more new crime thrillers.
* * * * *
"I'll murder you if you leave out a single aspect. To the point that I also want to know how you both were looking at each other. Understood?"
These were Pragya's orders when I only mentioned,
"Chandrakant had come to the library today."
Nevertheless, she wasn't getting anything out of me so easily. I hadn't forgotten the other day's bullying and now was my chance to get back at her with vengeance.
"Madam, if you are dying to know about our meeting, then first do two things for me."
She pinched her eyebrows and inquired with hands on her hips.
"What?"
"Number one, apologize for teasing me in front of Mr. and Mrs. Pillai."
She always got irritated very soon, but I loved her like a sister I never had. She joined her hands in front of me and took a bow,
"अय्यो देवा! Okay, sorry बबा। Happy!"
"Good. Number two. You dare poke fun at me ever again, got it?"
She pulled me and we went and flopped on the bed.
"Yeah, yeah promise I won't. Now start telling me before curiosity kills the cat."
I laughed, howbeit eventually I poured my heart out and the smile was tattooed on my face long after I finished giving her all the details. We were now lying on the bed and I turned to her. I was very happy, but past experiences clouded my joy and I voiced out my fears to her.
"Pragya, I haven't made a mistake, have I? You think I'm rushing with him?"
She patted my hand and flipped to lie down on her stomach.
"Mohini, it's just one evening over a cup of coffee. Don't think too much."
"I know, but..."
"Look at it like this. There are no vows or compulsions. Meet him with an open mind. If all is well, go ahead. Otherwise, ta-ta bye-bye. समजले (understood)?"
Glancing up to the ceiling, I took a deep sigh and smiled.
"Hmm. You know, in every sentence that he speaks, he begins or ends with my name."
We both chuckled. She never missed a chance of pulling my leg.
"Oh ho! So, Ms. Mesmerizing is mesmerized by the beloved shining moon."
I slapped her arm, but we both burst out laughing.
Chapter 9
"तु काय बोलत आहेस?" (Tu kāya bōlata āhēsa? What are you saying?)
Baba's face had contorted with shock and fear was written all over his face. His body was shivering, as the receiver slipped down from his hand. Ayee and I hurried towards him, when Baba fell back on the chair.
"What happened Siddharth? Who was on the phone?"
Ayee was shaking his shoulder, compelling him to reply. Baba kept looking at her and then tears welled up in his eyes when he disclosed the bad news. His voice was barely above a whisper.
"Our field has caught fire."
This blazing accident occurred five years ago. But even today as I witnessed it through the seventh occult window, I could feel the heat of when we were helplessly screaming and crying, seeing our profits burn to ashes. The many villagers and our neighbours had helped Baba to extinguish the massive fire.
That year we lost all our crops and it had taken almost two years to revive the soil and make it capable for ploughing once more. All three of us took up odd jobs to run the house and make both ends meet. It was the toughest on Ayee/Baba, as side by side they were also working on clearing the aftermath of the fire in our fields.
I was strictly kept out of it. Recollecting Ayee's stern words, I'm filled with love for her.
"You are working part-time, that is more than enough. Concentrate on your studies."
Breathing a ragged sigh, I rubbed my chest to ease the pain and the heavy emotional outburst in my heart. I was now standing in front of the final magical window of my mysterious circular room. Before opening it my eyes took a round from the first to the last window. I was overwhelmed with the realisation that these windows had replayed my entire life for me, in a nutshell. It was like reading the synopsis of my biography.
I huffed and puffed and pondered a lot. I was trying to guess which aspect of my life was remaining that has kept a lasting impression in my head. Only one other major episode of our lives was pending and I was very sure of seeing just that behind the eighth window. When I pushed it open, a satisfied smile covered my face. I was right.
Each and every corner of our house was dusty, congested with rubble and our belongings. But all for good. Renovation was going on and we were getting an extra room constructed on our terrace.
Nonetheless, life was never a bed of roses. As if Saturn was always hovering over our family. Through the magical window, I saw that night when a masked man had entered our house, trying to rob us. I'm a very light sleeper and the slightest sound is enough to evaporate my slumber. When he dashed with a table, the creek of the furniture and his flinch did the trick. I saw his silhouette in the darkness. Gripping his leg with both hands, I bit him hard and screamed immediately, shouting for Ayee/Baba.
He tried to escape and kept hitting me till my parents came. Though I'm thin and look delicate, yet my hold can be unyielding and painful. The thief was on a robbery spree. When we caught him, he had a lot of other stuff in his bag, which he had been stealing through the night.
Stepping backwards and taking a deep sigh, I roamed my eyes all around me. From nowhere this room appeared and made me travel to my yesteryears. Every episode that I saw through these occult windows, was not just my past. Gushing along, came back memories and emotions attached with those aspects. It also makes me value and cherish what I have.
Nothing was ever served on a platter. My Ayee/Baba had slogged for everything. But that's not the only thing commendable. Important is that in spite of all the dreary circumstances, they always had a smile on their faces and forever stood by one another, like strong colossal pillars.
With one last look, I sighed and smiled and was about to close the door, when a new thought struck me. I slapped my forehead and took out my mobile. Why didn't I think of this before? Adjusting the mobile in front of me, I clicked a wide angle picture of the room. Going back to see how it had come out, my eyes popped out and I was totally stunned. The screen was pitch black! I clicked many more photos, but each time the result was the same. Nothing, except a black screen.
The magical circular room was actually for my eyes only!
Chapter 10
"Indian or Western?"
"Aa.....I think Indian. Play safe. You don't know if he is old school of thoughts."
"Hmm. Alright. Pink or blue?"
"Don't be so typical Mohini. Go for a different colour. How about purple?"
Half the Sunday went in front of my limited wardrobe, most of whose contents were now on the bed. I was so nervous that I'd lost all abilities to take a simple decision of what to wear, for my evening with Chandrakant. We cooked early and Pragya forced me to sit for her special facial massage.
While her slippery hands moved rhythmically on my cheeks, I asked her,
"Should I tell Ayee/Baba about this?"
Her fingers stopped doing their vigorous activity and she bent down to peer at me from behind.
"Are you mad? They'll ask you a hundred questions, definitely stop you from going and will also start speculating our future stay over here."
She babbled out and scolded me in one single breath.
"Okay, okay, relax. It was just a thought."
"And a very bad one. Until and unless you are ready to pack your bags and permanently shift to Chincholi."
"No way."
"Then keep your big mouth zipped."
In the last couple of days, Chandrakant and I had exchanged a few messages, mainly him. But most of the time, there were questions in his notes which I was forced to reply. He wanted to know all my favourites and without me asking, he would mention his choices as well. Like,
C: Mohini, what is your favourite colour?
M: White.
C: Wow. I like sky blue.
C: Mohini, Which cuisine do you prefer?
M: Chinese
C: Okay. With Chinese, I like Italian also.
Every time his message popped up, it brought a big smile on my face. Once or twice Pragya was naughty and replied for me.
"Pragya don't!"
"Mohini, कोण टायपिंग करतो हे त्याला कसे कळेल?" (How will he know who is typing?)
And all this brought us to Sunday evening. I had texted my address and he was to pick me up at six. I had finally settled for the purple shalwar kameez which Baba had bought for me last Diwali. It was simple, plain with a little bit of embroidery on the neckline and sleeves. I didn't experiment with my hair, kept it as usual, braided. Pragya was insisting I use make-up. But I refused. Chandrakant had seen me at my work place as I was. I didn't want him to think I was overdoing anything for our meeting. I only applied what I use daily; talcum powder, kajal and bindi.
Not my parents, but the Pillais' knew he was coming. I had to beg them to stay indoors and not come out to greet him. It was only an evening over coffee, no big deal. Howbeit I was certain that Narayani aunty would be peeping from behind the curtain.
* * * * *
History teacher was as punctual as a clock. At sharp six we saw his open jeep screech and park near our house. He hopped out and took the stairs. He was wearing my favourite colour, crisp white shirt and looking more handsome than any film star.
We were peeking out from behind the curtained window and Pragya sucked in a breath.
"You cheated on me!"
I was baffled.
"What?"
"You didn't describe him properly. He's much more dashing than what you said."
Why was I feeling proud and delighted about it? He still wasn't mine!
She opened the door before he rang the bell. She was more excited than me. And I, well I was only a big bundle of jittery nerves.
"I presume we already know each other from even before today's formal introductions. Nice meeting you Pragya."
She was shaking hands with Chandrakant and I could see in Pragya's eyes that she was impressed by his sassy comment. She was no less. She had her own competitive remark ready.
"From the common source of course. Nice meeting you too Mr. Beloved, shining moon."
Oh God! Did she really say that? My cheeks heated and I flushed to the deepest shade of red. I wanted the earth to swallow me. But Chandrakant didn't seem to mind. He just glimpsed at me and guffawed loudly.
"I like your friend Mohini."
He came inside only for a brief moment to take in our entire place in one glance. Pragya offered him juice but he declined it politely.
"Thank you. Maybe next time."
He looked at me and asked,
"Ready to go?"
Nodding my head, I took my purse and slipped on my sandals.
"Have a great evening guys."
Pragya wished us before leaving.
When we were settled in his jeep, Chandrakant turned to me and said,
"Your name is apt Mohini. You are mesmerizing."
Never before this had I heard so many words of praise for me and I didn't know how to take them. I smiled but also said,
"See, I'm not coming with you if you keep giving me butterflies in my stomach."
He arched his brows and grinned.
"I didn't know I was capable of doing that. Relax. I have no such intentions. I want both of us to enjoy the evening. Okay?"
He turned and picked up a single red rose from the back seat, holding it in front of me.
"It's not as beautiful as you, but I wanted to bring it for you."
I shook my head and chuckled. While I took it he exclaimed,
"There I go again! Sorry I can't seem to stop myself around you. I promise to be on my best behaviour from here onwards."
After that, those few hours with him were the most memorable ones of my life. He was chatting all the way till we reached the restaurant. He even made it a point to involve me in the conversations and that I wasn't left merely as a standby listener.
He took me to Cafe 24. In the two years that we had been in Lonavala, Pragya and I had never imagined of stepping a foot in that elegant, expensive cafeteria. The ambience of the restaurant was perfect for a quiet romantic evening with some great music and a pool view.
He was a thorough gentleman, right from opening doors for me to pulling my chair. I am a simple village girl. Many things I've only seen in movies and half of it I've either dreamt or never thought about. Being with him was a completely novel experience.
When he passed the menu card to me, I questioned him,
"I thought it was just a cup of coffee."
He grinned mischievously before saying.
"We'll do that also. If you wish, some other time I'll take you to that dhaba outside your library and there you can treat me with his sizzling coffee. Today we'll do it my way and I want us to spend some quality time together."
My joy was increasing one notch with everything that he was saying and doing. Like the mercury in a thermometer. Being with him was nothing less than a fairy tale.
I was truly scared to peep in the menu. Certainly I didn't understand the fancy names and I turned a blind eye to the prices. Slipping it back to him, I said,
"Please order for me. I wouldn't know what to pick. I'll go with something light. I trust your choice."
He leaned in and whispered,
"I trust my choice too."
He wasn't talking about the food alone, was he?
He ordered Chinese appetizers and cold coffee with ice-cream.
Time flew. We ate, we talked. And we talked a lot. By the end of the evening I knew everything about him. His family, business, job, passions, likes, dislikes, to the names of his friends also. Apart from what he had told me previously, that evening I learnt that he loved music and wanted to travel the world. He was an artist and sketched portraits in his free time.
He had kept his promise and made me quite comfortable. It was a pleasure talking to him and I told him all about me as well, except for Chirag and my magical room. He wanted to know my hobbies and I happily told him.
"I love cooking and reading. Furthermore, recently I have started writing a diary."
He was up to mischief again.
"After meeting me?"
I giggled and threw a napkin at him.
"Stop it Chandu!"
I was as much surprised as him, for suddenly calling him that. I shied away but could feel his eyes on me for a long time. He finally broke the silence and said softly,
"I loved it Mohini."
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and schooled my expressions before looking at him.
"Your name is too big to be using it every time."
His happy smile was plastered on his face and my flimsy excuse did nothing to erase it.
"Whatever. I loved it and henceforth you're calling me only that."
Thank God he changed the subject, it was becoming a little awkward.
"Mohini what is the real reason behind writing the diary?"
I took a few seconds before replying.
"It's a little personal. Maybe some other day, when I'm up for it, I'll tell you."
"Great! So there is a promise of another day for us to be together."
I couldn't stifle my laugh.
"You don't miss a single opportunity, do you?"
"I'd be a fool if I missed it."
He cleared his throat and by the way he was resting his hands on the table, I knew he was now serious and wanted to say something important. He began,
"Mohini, I really like you a lot. I want us to spend more time with each other and get to know one another better. What do you think?"
I was holding my breath. Chirag had said the same things before. It was as if history was repeating itself. I lowered my eyes and became quiet. He didn't rush me and was patiently waiting for my reply. I thought the best was to be frank with him. I began slowly,
"It was six years ago, but I have been ditched in love once. It took me a lot of time to come out of that grievance."
We were both quiet again. I hadn't glanced at him while talking and still my eyes were on the carpeted floor. I was clueless how he'd taken that piece of information.
"Mohini, look at me."
I did. Sympathy and understanding. That's what I saw in his eyes.
"That guy must be out of his mind to abandon a lovely girl like you. I'm sorry for what happened with you but I won't ask for the dreary details. It's in the past. I am interested in your present and our future. There's no hurry. We'll take it at tortoise speed, very slow. Mohini, let's just begin with being friends and see where it goes. What say?"
I literally breathed a sigh of relief and I'm sure he saw it too, because our smiles mirrored each other's.
Chapter 11
Chandrakant dropped me home around 9.30 and before he left, I told him,
"Thank you for this wonderful evening. I really enjoyed it."
"I should be thanking you Mohini. It was absolutely my pleasure and it was far better than what I'd imagined. So thank you."
With that he left, promising to be at the library the next day. He waited till I climbed the stairs and was safely inside.
Pragya was all over me when I entered the house. My smile was infectious and we both did a merry dance even before I gave her the details. The rose which Chandrakant had given me was now between her teeth and she caught hold of me to do a stupid tango in our tiny living room.
She was extremely impatient. But I was adamant to first change and relax in my night suit. When I came out of the washroom, she was sitting on the bed with her hands resting on the pillow in her lap. She patted the bed next to her and became a drama queen,
"Maate, while you were refreshing, I broke the coconut and now the mahurat has come for you to begin telling me."
I laughed and settled down next to her.
She was dying to know and I was dying to tell her.
I began....I finished.
"You know Pragya, what was the best part?"
"What?"
"Not once did he try to touch me. He's a complete gentleman."
"Ahuh!"
Flipping on my stomach on the bed, I began counting on my fingers.
"And as an added bonus, he's smart, intelligent, funny and......."
She arched an eyebrow.
"And?"
"And........."
It was time for her irritation to surf up.
"Mohini!!"
I sat up, hugged her tight and squealed in her ears.
"And I'm head over heels in love with him!"
"Wow, congratulations madam!"
I went and stretched out to my side of the bed and took a deep sigh.
"It goes without saying that I'm not going to tell him now. As he said, we'll take it slow and see where it goes."
"Hmm. I agree with you."
I glanced at her and said gravely.
"Pragya, however tempting he might be, but this time I'm not taking any chances. I want my brain to decide more than my heart. God forbid, if something goes wrong, I'll be totally shattered."
She tried to pacify and reasoned out.
"Mohini be positive. Whatever happened with Chirag, I think both of you were immature. No doubt he was a jerk, but it wasn't your fault. That age is such that teenagers tend to slip off."
I looked at her hopefully and she had more sermon up her sleeves.
"Now you are a matured, young woman, ready with the experience and thought process for a long lasting relationship. Isn't it?"
I smiled in relief and sandwiched our hands together.
"Thanks Pragya."
Pulling up the covers, I declared,
"Now if you'll please excuse me, I have a lot of work to do."
She narrowed her eyes in confusion.
"What work?"
"I want to relive the entire evening and dream about him. So don't disturb, okay?"
She guffawed and slapped my arm.
"Yeah, yeah. Why not? I'm jealous! You are damn lucky Mohini."
I glanced at her and said,
"When I become a little free with him, I'll ask him if there's any other physics or bio teacher in his school. Single of course. You know as rich and handsome as him? Together we'll do some match-making for you."
She joined hands and pleaded with puppy eyes.
"How generous! Please do the needful."
"Good night."
She switched off the lights, but I knew sleep was not in the agenda for me. I was only waiting for her to start snoring, so I could sneak out to the hall and begin putting down everything, word to word in my diary. I had to be patient for an hour, before finally I was certain she was in deep slumber.
The smile stayed cemented on my face and my mouth was literally hurting by the time I came to the end of writing my memoir. I still wasn't satisfied. After putting the pen down, I re read the whole thing.
I sighed dreamily and flipped through the previous entries. Out of the blue, a notion struck me and I was pepped up with enthusiasm. Now that I had opened all the windows of my occult room and seen all that it wanted to show me, what next?
Tomorrow when I go, will the room be there or would it have disappeared? If it is still there, will I be able to open the windows again? If yes, what will it show me? What was awaiting me behind those secret windows? It was exclusively my very own second world. But for the time being, the huge mystery remained unsolved.
Now, my sleep had predictably vanished, for reasons more than one.
Epilogue
"Mohini, I lost something very valuable yesterday."
Chandrakant said in all earnestness. It was just a put on show. From the twinkle in his eyes, I knew he was up to funny business again. If he can, so can I. Feigning ignorance, I asked innocently,
"What?"
"My common sense. I've lost it, because I can't think of anything else, except....."
He purposely took a pause so I would ask what. I kept quiet trying to suppress a smile. He narrowed his eyes and was bewildered by my lack of interest.
"Mohini, don't you want to know what I've been thinking about?"
Wearing my best serious expression, I said,
"I already know."
"Really! So tell me, what have I been thinking about?"
"The mystery paperbacks you took the other day."
I curbed a grin and became busy. He slapped his forehead and squealed,
"Noooo! I've been thinking of you."
I quickly looked around and lowered my voice.
"Chandu, you can't stand here and flirt with me. If my director catches us, you'll lose your membership and I'll be sacked."
"Okay, okay, chill. I wanna ask you something."
"What?"
"Let's go boating."
My eyes became big.
"Now?"
He breathed a sigh dreamily.
"Huh, I wish. Not now dear. Thursday evening."
I liked the idea, but I was in the mood of pulling his leg.
"We'll see."
"C'mon Mohini, just say yes."
"Chandu, I'm busy now, go."
"First say yes."
"You can't force me."
"Okay. Then I'm not going until you agree."
Pointing a finger at me, he finished his thought.
"And YOU can't force ME."
His posture relaxed and he began drumming his fingers on my counter.
"This is blackmail."
"Whatever, say yes."
I wanted him gone before Mr. Purohit saw all this drama or somebody else complained to him. Rolling my eyes, I puffed.
"Fine, I'll come."
He was all smiles and threw a fist in the air.
"Oh Yes! See it was that simple."
Now I couldn't stop the smile from curling around my lips. His presence, his talks and he himself. They were not only making me happy, but as if I was the most important person in his life. I was in seven heaven and had no wish to come down.
He leaned in and whispered,
"See you on Thursday. I'll pick you up from the library itself, alright?"
I nodded happily and he waved before leaving. I kept looking at him from behind and he suddenly turned when he was at the main door. I was still smiling and waved out. His grin stretched from ear to ear and he winked before he finally disappeared.
After Chandu left, I had to force myself to do work. I reprimanded my head and my heart to concentrate and complete all the tasks on time. I wanted to escape upstairs and get answers to all my questions from last night.
At sharp five in the evening I tiptoed and quietly went up. I shouldn't be surprised. Nonetheless, I was. My mysterious room was still there. Stepping inside, I closed the door behind me. I don't know why I thought it would have vanished. But it was there. The eight brand new occult windows were exactly in their designated places. Closed and numbered by me.
Taking a deep breath, I gingerly went and stood in front of the first one. What if it showed me the same scenes again? It was possible right? I shook my head and didn't want to second guess anything. If it was the same, then maybe from tomorrow I needn't come here.
Rubbing my sweaty palms together, I tried to shake off my nervousness. Slowly, with uttermost care, I pushed the first window open. I couldn't believe my eyes and gasped, sucking in a heavy sigh.
It was a vast, deluxe room, fully decorated with streamers and balloons. A sumptuous chandelier was hanging from the centre of the ceiling and bright lights illuminated the entire place. The hall was packed and everyone was dressed in expensive clothes. Music and merriment was in the air. All seemed to be having a good time.
Right in the middle of the room was a round table, covered in white cloth and embellished with red ribbons. A three tier cake was standing tall on it. Vanilla, with icing of pink roses. Ayee/Baba were standing to my left with Pragya and her family. I was draped in a red Banarasi saree. which had a golden border. Never in my life have I decked up with so much of jewellery and make-up as the scene was showing me. Chandrakant was looking stunning in a black tuxedo. He was holding my hand and we were ready to cut the cake.
It definitely wasn't my past. Smiles and tears worked in tandem and my hands went to my chest in disbelief. Something was sparkling around my neck. I leaned in closer to have a better look. It was a Mangalsutra.
*************THE END**************
