It is early in the morning on her terrace; she usually comes here for doing some yoga. A time when the sunrise starts, half-hidden by clouds in the sky. She does Yoga because she feels that it enlightens our body, mind, and soul. Her terrace was outstanding, it’s surrounding by dense trees, so no one could see. Her mother’s mother had planted these trees viz; Cashew-nuts, almonds, and coconut some eighty years ago. There is Avantika’s mother called her up.
“Avanti!”
Coming, Maa.
Her father is not live with them. He had given divorce to her mother because of liking someone else. He had died for them from the very day, he left them. Her mother left his house and also the surname. Avantika was the only child of her mother and also her mother was the only child of her granny. Her granny was the one who shouldered the burden of keeping her family safe. Her husband had gone to another world when Avantika’s mother was quite young. There were dark and endless deep in her eyes. But just like she handled herself and her daughter, Monobina. After the marriage of her daughter, she settled down in Goa. She bought a property from her savings and made this very beautiful house, where she planted many trees.
But when she got to know that her daughter had been given divorce by her husband, she called her up to Goa and that time her daughter was pregnant. The name Avantika had been given by her. She is no more in this world but will remain in their memories.
Had your Yoga session? Her mother asked.
Yes, Maa, she nodded. She continued to keep humming.
What happened, looking quite happy today, Avanti?
I have got a job, Maa, as a dance teacher in a college.
Awesome.
She was a trend Kathak dancer. Girls used to come up to her to learn Kathak. She had applied to many colleges but they refused because she never mentioned her father’s name in Father’s name column. But it was a fascination to her also a little bit strange.
Didn’t you see any strange thing? she asks her Mom.
What?
Means, I got rejected so many times. I did struggle. But this time there's no objection by this college.
I think the Principal is quite resolved, sensible, amiable, high thinking, and flourish with emotions. I think maybe something would have been wrong with her. That’s why she understood your perceptions.
Dusk started fallen, Avantika and her Maa sat by the beach, which was a little away from their house. Their eyes were on streams. As Avantika stood up and started walking barefoot on the sand.
So, when will your classes have started? asks Monobina.
One week after, as some streams have touched her feet and a gust of smile comes to her face.
A coconut vendor was selling coconut water. Monobina went to him.
How much? she asks.
Thirty rupees, Madam, he answered.
I want two.
He peels two coconuts, with tucks straws and gives them to her.
Hey, Avanti, see your favorite coconut water.
Thanks, Maa. Her eyes pleased with twinkling.
The next day, her mother applying the turmeric-besan paste to her face. She considered that natural remedies are good for the skin. She had a treasure of knowledge about Ayurveda. She had learned from her Mother.
After that rub the coconut oil into her scalp. Avantika used to feel relief by the warmth of her mother’s hand.
Today is my first day and I don’t want to be late. Please make some breakfast.
You know, I have made Idli-Sambhar today to celebrate your first day.
Great! as she hugged her tightly.
After having breakfast, now I’m going, Maa. Am I looking nice, naa?
She was wearing Anarkali Kurti with leggings and a mix-match dupatta.
You’re looking like a princess, as she kisses her forehead. And applied a Kajal behind her ear to saving from evil sight.
May I come in Ma'am? asks Avantika before entering.
Yes, come in, she commands.
Are you Avantika? Kathak Teacher?
She nodded in "Yes".
Welcome to our college. I want that our students should have to learn dance. And it can’t be better than classical dance. Indian classical dance has kept always proximity in my life. I was also a classical dancer, BHARATNATYAM.
Really, Mam? she was surprised.
But because of being a Principal, I left it.
I saw many profiles but I liked yours the most. You also teach Kathak at home, Right?
Yes, Ma’am. Actually ma’am, for years I have a dream in a corner of my heart that one day I will teach in a college that dream has come true today.
So I’m giving this job to you. Because you have vast knowledge about Kathak. If I am not wrong, you had learned it from a renowned teacher, right?
You heard right, ma’am.
And I got to know about you from a student of yours.
What’s her name? hmmm………Megha.
She is my relative. She told me that your steps are easy and also you teach them with description. What is Kathak? Where it had described from? Meaning of posture? How to tied Ghoonghoors? You teach very well.
Avantika’s eyes flashed with astonishment.
And she pulled out a register from a cabinet and handed over it to Avantika. Now you can take your classes, she says with a smile.
As she turned to go, Principal gave a voice to her, never feel alone to yourself. I’m with you wherever you needed, she glanced at her.
Thanks, Ma’am, a broad smile comes on her lips.
Good morning students!! as she entered the class.
Good morning ma’am!
I am your Kathak teacher. Myself Avantika Roy. After taking the intro of every student she starts with theory.
What is Kathak?
Kathak, is one of eight Indian classical dance forms, revolves around the concept of storytelling. Kathak word derives from “Katha”, which means a story. An art form with inexplicable charm, mesmerizing footwork, and graceful movements. It comes from the northern parts of India.
Kathak is an amalgamation of three arts- music, dance, and drama.
Then she tells them about the history that how its concept changed from spirituality to entertainment and about the three Gharanas.
So........how was your day? as her mother making fruit salad for her.
Awesome, and she told her everything, about the well-manner and kind-hearted Principal. It was a great day. All the students were nice.
Anya is my favorite. She is a second-year student of B.A. She is an innocent, noble, and decent girl. She keeps quiet when I’m teaching and her eyes, there was something special in them. She is also Bengali. Anya Chakraborthy.
In the evening, it was her mother’s daily routine to recite The Bhagavad Geeta. It gives her mental-stability, peace, and strength to fight every hazard in their lives. And it was Avantika’s Yoga classes. She considered divine by it and gives her peace and strength.
Agasthya Sir, Agasthya Sir.
And a tall, fair-skinned, attractive, handsome hunk turned up. The sharp nose, combined with a slight beard somehow enhanced the beauty of a man. He was an assistant lecturer in Psychology. He was a well-behaved person. His charismatic and flamboyant personality did attract to anyone. Girls used to like him so much but he used to avoid it. Wherever he would come to any class every girl’s eyes flashed with great happiness.
What? asks Agasthya.
Principal Ma’am calls you.
Ma’am, you call me?
Yes! Please come in. Congratulations Sir, you have been promoted from Assistant lecturer to Associate Lecturer.
Thank you, Ma’am, as he smiled delightedly.
Meditation is the process of expanding one’s awareness. Through meditation, we discover deep within ourselves the soul qualities of peace, calmness, and love. So today we start with meditation because by doing this we can concentrate more on our steps. So all of you sit down, eyes closed, inhale and exhale and give rest to mind without thinking of others.
After ten minutes Avantika asks students;
So how are feeling?
Better, Ma’am
Are you ready?
Yes, Ma’am, all said.
The correct way of holding your body is very important.
So how do we do this?
Let’s start. First I show you then follow me. Then she shows them.
Now it’s your turn.
Some did well but some not then she tells them that you should do concentrate if you would not concentrating you wouldn’t feel good and could hurt yourself. The proper controlled execution of your movement enhances the way you dance. See Anya is doing well. She calls Anya to come to the stage and says her to show the correct way.
Well done, Anya.
A boy was peeping inside the class from the window only when Avantika’s eye falls on him. You guys do practice, I’ll come now.
What’s the matter? Are you keen to learn dance?
Suddenly seeing Ma'am in front of him, he became a little nervous.
N……no, mam, actually I was…..hmmmm…….I was just seeing the dance.
She laughed.
It’s alright but it’s a bad manner to peeping in a class. And I teach only to girls, not boys.
By the way, what’s your name? she asks.
A....A....A……………..Abeer.
So Abeer, go to your classes, she said in a soft voice.
Actually, he had come for Anya, because he liked her. Anya had seen him. So after the class, she made up a mind to meet him.
What’s your problem, Abeer? Why are roaming around me wherever I go? I have told you many times that I’m not interested in you, bewildered Anya.
I love you, Anya. It wasn’t my fault, he made a childish mouth. As she gotta go, he caught her hand.
Leave my hand but he didn’t. I said leave my hand, she said vigorously. Don’t ever dare this again. Stupid! Idiot! Fool!
Avantika was seeing all this. Her delicate eyebrows into a surprise. She understood everything that why was Abeer peeping in the class. He was there for Anya. He loves her.
Do you like her? as she comes to him.
He turned and got shocked to see Avantika Ma’am in front of him.
N,N,N…no ma’am.
No, then why are you hovering around her?
I have seen all.
See, if she doesn’t like you then you should respect her attitude. Hers no means only no. Is it clear?
Yes Ma’am, he made a mouth.
What’s up champ! As Agasthya comes to him.
His mood was off.
What happened Abeer?
Agasthya was his Chacha. Abeer was his cousin’s son.
Nothing, Chachu. His parents sent their son to Agasthya because of his education.
If they'd get to know that you are not focusing on your studies what will happen to them. I know you are roaming around a girl but she has no interest in you. So, why are you doing this? You are a brilliant boy such acts do not suit you.
And don’t call me Chachu when I am on campus.
Sorry, Cha……I mean Sir, as he bows his head.
Maa, a boy named Abeer loves Anya so much.
Who is Abeer? asks Monobina.
He is Anya’s classmate. When I was teaching he was peeping from the window. He was seeing only to Anya. I think he’s a nice boy. Humble and innocent and also charismatic. But Anya has no interest in him. Today she scolded him bitterly. Anya should be thinking about him. I mean he loves her so much and Anya is so lucky that she got a boy like him, but she has no concern about him.
It may be if something bad happened in her life that is linked to Abeer, said her mother. Anyway forget this, where is my cup of coffee? Avantika asked. Here you go. Your Coffee disappears my entire headache, as she takes a sip. And she kept humming a romantic song.
After some time, Avanti..........I’m going to the market to buy some vegetables. Do you want something?
Hmmm……………Paneer, Soya-sauce, Peanut-butter, and Black chickpeas. The rest are at the home, she was seeing on the mobile.
What are you seeing?
Actually, I saw some recipes on youtube so I want this.
Alright! and don’t forget to give water to plants.
Suddenly somebody knocked on the door. You came soon. When she opened the door saw Anya was standing. Oh, Anya! You! come inside.
Good evening, Ma’am.
Good evening. Sit, I just come.
She was seeing the house with an enchantment. A painting caught the attention of her. She got spellbound at the sight of it.
She is my Grandma, as Avantika comes with a tray.
Oh! she is so beautiful.
When she had been to Jaipur there an artist had made this painting for her. It was Dadaji’s wish that he wanted to see her in Rajasthani attire, as she gives water to her.
Ma’am, can you teach me Kathak at your home also? she asks.
Actually, in college, some things distract me, so I can't concentrate.
She understood. No problem, you can come from tomorrow. Thank you Ma’am, thank you so much. I teach Kathak on five days, timings 5-6. Today is off.
What would you like to prefer? Juice or Nariyal Paani.
Nariyal Paani, Ma’am.
Then she got up and back with one.
Ma’am yours?
Actually, I just had coffee. Gosh! I forgot I have to give water to plants. Wait, I just come in two minutes. As she going towards the stairs, Anya gave a voice. Ma’am, I’m also coming.
And they were at the terrace. Anya was helping her. She was inhaling the fragrance of fresh flowers. The terrace had surrounded by the coconut trees and cashew nut trees. Flowerbeds and grass spreading out symmetry at the center.
You know I do Yoga here.
Really? she filled with surprise.
Not only your home but also your terrace is quite mind-blowing. My grandma had adorned this house and planted these trees. Actually, this house is hers.
Your father?
He’s not in this world. For us, he has died.
I didn’t understand.
Then she told her the whole story.
Oh! I’m so sorry Ma’am.
Anyway forget it, can I ask you something?
What?
What’s happening between Abeer and you? Is everything alright?
I saw him seeing you. He was seeing your dance. And I also saw you did scold him.
Anya’s face became pale. The happiness that was on her face sometime before, had disappeared now. She was silenced for a bit.
Because he loves me and I also used to love him but not now. Because, because he cheated on me.
It's a matter of those days when I had taken admission to this college. I was searching for my class on the list and there was a lot of crowd of the students. As I was about to falling then somebody grabbed my hand and dragged me from there. It was Abeer.
Sorry, you were about to fall, so I…….I was just helping you. Don’t take it in the wrong manner. He was in my class. After that, we became good friends. We used to share everything from his family to my family, from his dreams to my dreams. Everything! I had fallen in love with him.
I introduced Abeer to my parents because I had never hidden anything from them. They are open-minded. They had complete faith in me that their daughter would never do anything wrong.
But one day I caught him red-handed. It was a late-night party and we were invited to this party. He and I were dancing on the dance-floor, there was so much crowd. Suddenly he disappeared. I searched for him here and there. I did call him but he didn’t pick up. Then somebody told me that he’s in a room. When I went up, I saw he was lying unconscious on the bed half-naked with a girl who was also half-naked.
I was startled. I couldn't believe that I loved that person who was insidious. I was running as fast as my feet could carry me. There was no one to listen to my plea. I felt stupid, dumb and totally inadequate.
‘Noooooooo!’ I screamed, as snapping out of the dream. My parents ran to me. ‘Anya? What happened, daughter? Are you alright?’
I looked around, completely bewildered. I started crying. My father gave me a tumbler of water. Then my mother wrapped her hand itself around me and pull my tired head down to her bosom. It’s all right, my child. We are here.
I felt relief in her arms.
What happened, daughter? Did Abeer say something to you?
You were so tired, yesterday, so we didn’t disturb you.
I burst into tears and told the whole thing.
It’s not your fault. My mother continued to gently run her hand over my face and wiped my tears.
No, it is my fault. I broke your faith. I deserve this. I should die.
My parents shocked into silence. Don’t say this again, Anya. You are an apple of our eye.
You are a strong girl. A cheater like Abeer can never anything dissipate yours. Daughter, be strong, be practical.
You know Ma’am, they supported me. They said it’s not your fault. You did love and do love is not the wrong thing.
When I was in depression, they were standing with me like a rock.
It took me three months to get out of depression. My parents had taken me to Shimla for resting. Now, I have moved on. I've no feelings for him. I hate him.
I should talk to Abeer, thought Avantika.
I don't know, Ma'am, who was she. When I came out of consciousness there was nothing, Abeer Replied. I never ever drink alcohol in my life.
Remember, something strange must have happened, as Avantika tries to remind him.
Yes, yes, I gotta remember. The lights had dimmed. Someone had pushed me so hard, as he emphasized his memory.
After that whatever happened, I don't remember anything. I only know that I have loved Anya so much. I wanna with her, there was a deep emptiness in his eyes.
Maa, I spoke to both of them and I have come to the conclusion that someone has played a big game in separating these two, and I'll find that culprit. I have seen honesty in his eyes, and also Anya loves him even now.
Avantika Ma'am is so nice, said Abeer.
Who Avantika Ma’am? Interrupted Agasthya.
Ah.......Chachu, She's Anya’s Kathak teacher.
I think she'll help me to resolve problems between me and Anya.
She talked to Abeer about that club.
Ma'am, can I say something? Abeer told.
Yes.
Please don't go there alone, I mean you can take the help of my Chachu.
Chachu?
Agasthya Sir, he's my Chachu.
In staff-room...........
Excuse me, as he turned, he saw Avantika in front of him.
He lost in her charm.
She crossed her hands towards her chest.
Mr. Agasthya.........
Mr. Agasthya........this time she called him a little bit louder.
Oh! I’m so sorry. You?
Hi! I’m Avantika, Kathak Teacher, as she raises her hand towards him.
How may I help you, Ma'am? He told politely.
And she told him the whole thing.
Abeer and Anya both love each other and we should help them.
I will do surely, he smiles.
When Agasthya was passing through her class, his steps stopped itself. He took a deep breath. His heartbeat became faster. He made an attempt to glance away, but his eyes were no longer in his control. Avantika noticed him staring at her. She frowns.
Do you want something, Sir?
No, no, nothing, replied a flustered Agasthya.
Her face sported a slight smile.
Both of them went to that club, insisted on the Manager watching the CCTV footage. But he refused.
It’s anyone’s……………One second, as Agasthya interrupted Avantika.
It’s a blank check and you can fill the amount whatever you want. Now show us the footage.
The manager gave a voice to his assistant. He took them to a room where was the footage. When they saw the footage they understood everything. And the manager told to them that was shocking.
Actually, the girl in the footage was a call girl invited by Abeer's classmate Shishir. Shishir also loves Anya. That's why he did all the conspiracy.
When they showed both Anya and Abeer to this footage. They were startled.
I’m sorry, Abeer. How much I considered you wrong. But you did always love me and cared for me every-time. I do not deserve you.
No Anya, don’t say this and they both hugged each other.
I’m so happy, Maa, as she wrapped her hands around her Maa.
She was feeling extremely happy. She started dancing with her Maa. The door was open. Agasthya was standing at the door with a bouquet in his hands. He let out a deep sigh of ecstasy as he saw Avantika dancing playfully with her mother.
Seeing him, she got shy.
You? Please, come in. Maa, he is Agasthya Sir, as she introduces him.
Namestey Aunty, as he bent down to touch her feet. He then gave a bouquet to Avantika.
Both of you do talk, I just come. Saying this she went inside.
How are you, Ma’am? he asks.
I’m alright and you.
I also and extremely happy for both of them.
He wanted to meet her. Avantika watched silently with her gaze on the floor.
I just couldn’t get your dance out of my mind, he said enthusiastically.
Avantika blushed.
Then her mother comes with a tray of snacks.
Nice to meet you, Agasthya says and both smiled.
Is life bringing something special for me? Is something new chapter is about to start in my life? These questions were in her mind and she was kept smiling.
