- 16 -
After breakfast, Anjani went back with children. After bidding them farewell, Ramesh also went to his office. When Lachhmi finished her work and left, Rani thought that she should inform Alok about all the events because he is a talented and intelligent as well as a patient and quick-witted person. His biggest quality is that he is always clear in his mind, and no kind of worry ever touches him. The advice he gives after assessing all the things in the right perspective is normally most appropriate. So, she called, “Alok, are you free or busy somewhere? I want to talk to you about some personal matters.”
“A retired person is always free, and when a dear friend like you wants to talk, then all the work and business of the world can be put aside. Tell me, what’s the matter? You seem a bit worried?”
“Yes Alok, it’s a matter of concern. It’s like this, when you came to my house for the first time, I had told Ramesh Ji about it, but I hadn’t told him about my visit to Patiala, rather I hadn’t properly told even my maid. I just told her that I would be going to meet my friend. Ramesh Ji asked her and she must have told him whatever she knew. This morning while sitting in the drawing room, Ramesh Ji saw the book ‘Manto Ki Chuninda Kahaniyan’ on the table which I had forgotten to put back in the cupboard yesterday evening, and asked me when did I buy it? I told him that you had given it to me. On further questioning, I told him that I had brought it from Patiala. We had a heated argument over my visit to Patiala. Ramesh Ji doesn’t like our friendship and meetings. He’s afraid that when our acquaintances learn, it would bring a bad name. What should we do in such a situation? Ever since we’ve met again, I can’t even think of any reason that would stop us from meeting. The truth is that even if we don’t talk for several days, it still feels that you’re the only reason of my existence:
Khavabon mein tum, khyalon mein tum
Jindgi mein tum, bas tum hi tum ho
Rom rom mein tum,
Har saans mein tumheen basey ho
Tumhare bina kuchh achchha lagta nahin
Mere jeene ka kaaran bas tum ho!”
(You’re in my dreams, in my thoughts you’re
In my life you and only you there’re
You’re in every pore of my body
In my every breath you’re
Nothing feels good without you
You’re the only reason I live for.)
Alok, “Your trust, affection and engrossment have expanded my soul. It’s both necessary and feels good to share each other’s happiness and sorrows. It’s good that you’re sharing your problem with me because it’s not limited only to you. We need to seriously think about this. For the time being, we’ll have to be careful so that Ramesh Ji doesn’t get any more chance to doubt. I’ll think about the future course of action. Just remember that the path of true love is not easy one. Remember this couplet:
Ye ishq nahin aasan, itna samajh leejeeye
Ek aag ka dariya hai aur doob ke jana hai.
(This love is not easy, understand this much,
It’s a river of fire, and you’ve to immerse in to cross it.)
If there’s anything else, please let me know.”
“There’s nothing else for now. I’m keeping down the phone. Bye.”
No matter how well Alok might have tried to handle the situation, the dejected tone with which Rani ended the conversation made him worried. He was fully aware that Ramesh’s doubt could turn ugly and his dear friend’s life could be caught in a whirlpool. Such thoughts kept on troubling his mind till late night until he fell asleep mentally exhausted.
The next day, around 12 o'clock, Alok called and asked, “Rani, are you alone?”
“Yes, I’m alone. Could you think of a solution?” She asked expectantly.
Her tone had linger on of yesterday’s sadness instead of the earlier warmth.
“Yes, first of all delete my name from your mobile. Secondly, we should avoid meeting for some time. We should talk on mobile at a time when you’re alone at home. Although I’ll try to call you only at appropriate time, yet if someone else is present, just say, “I don’t need it’ and disconnect.”
“As long as the situation is like this, it’s fine. At least some burden has been lifted from the mind.”
*****
