- 33 -
On the day of ‘Antim Ardas’, when Alok reached the venue, he said Namaste to Vinay and sat beside him. It was not difficult to recognise Vinay in the gathering but Vinay couldn’t recognise him immediately. When Alok said, “Vinay Bhai, Rani told me about Aunty Ji’s death. I’m very sad. I had several times thought of seeing her but couldn't make it. She used to shower her affection upon me as much as upon you guys in our childhood.”
When Alok had greeted him, Vinay was confused about his identity but when he mentioned Rani’s name, he immediately remembered who he was. Keeping aside the information about the depth of their relationship received from Ramesh, he said, “Alok Bhai, Maa’s memory was very sharp. Whenever we began to talk about our childhood days, she used to remember you a lot. She was quite better after Rani’s arrival here. Till a day before her death, there was no sign that it would be the last night of her earthly sojourn!”
“That’s what’s called the transience of life. Nobody knows whether next breathe will come or not. Aunty Ji was lucky that she has left behind a happy family. We remember a departed soul for its virtues.”
Alok and Vinay were talking when Ramesh also came there. On seeing Alok, he made a slightly sarcastic remark, “Oh, you’ve also come! Rani must have informed you!”
Alok understood the tone but replied in a controlled and serious tone, “Yes, I learnt from her. I had received a lot of affection and love in my childhood from Aunty Ji, so, I’ve come to pay my respects to her memory.”
Alok could meet Rani only at the lunch after the ‘Antim Ardas’ ceremony was over. It was not possible to meet her earlier due to the separate sitting arrangements made for men and women. Alok paid condolence to her and said, “Aunty Ji was fortunate that she completed her life’s journey till a ripe age without any major physical problem. May God give her place in His heavenly abode! It’s nice that you were with her in her last moments. I can understand your grief. Relation of a mother and daughter is so delicately interwoven and full of intimacy that no other relation in this world can match it.”
Rani said softly, “I’m glad that you’ve come.”
Alok said, “How could I not come? Aunty Ji was your Maa, but I also got motherly love from her. I’ll always regret that even after coming here, I couldn’t get the opportunity to seek her blessings.”
Without being attentive to his last utterances, Rani said, “Ramesh Ji will leave in a short while. You book a room in the hotel. I’ll pick you up from the hotel tomorrow morning.”
After having lunch, he sought Vinay’s permission to leave and came to the hotel. Tired of travelling by bus and stomach full of food, he fell asleep immediately because food is the most intoxicating crystal.
The relatives, who had come from outstations, had left. Members of the family were busy since morning in some or the other work, so, they were also resting after they got free. There was no one in Rani’s mother’s room. Rani rang up Alok from there. On hearing the ringtone, Alok looked at the clock. It was about six. Rani was asking from the other side, “Alok, were you sleeping?”
“Yes, I enjoyed a sound sleep. What’s the tomorrow’s schedule?”
“Ramesh Ji left around three o’clock. Vinay is saying that I should stay here for few more days but I’ve told him that I would be going tomorrow and come again after some time. So, I intend to leave between ten and eleven in the morning. Please be ready.”
Next day when Rani entered the hotel-room, she hugged Alok and started sobbing. Alok remained silent but caressed her back. The silence of such moments of solitude not only provide solace but also conveys a lot more because the words are needed only when you have to say something to a stranger. Where the chain of the feelings of two persons is already intertwined, the touch is the most effective medium of communication. Rani felt greatly relieved. After some time, Alok made her sit and said, “Rani, be brave. Whosoever has come in this world, has to go. This is the law of Nature. Departed soul leaves behind his / her memories which give us strength. Their blessings remain with us forever.”
After talking like this for some time, Alok asked, “Will you like to have tea before we leave?”
Rani counter-questioned, “Have you taken breakfast or not?”
“I’ve taken breakfast but not tea yet.”
“Okay. Let’s have tea and then leave.”
After tea, they checked out of the hotel.
Driving non-stop, they reached Patiala around 2:30 pm. On reaching home, Alok started going towards the Tandoor. Half way through, Rani called him and said, “Bhabhi had packed three paranthas and chutney, so, only two chapatis and Dal will suffice. Don’t bring anything else.”
Without saying anything, Alok went to the Tandoor and came back in a few minutes with three chapatis, Kadhi (Dish made mainly of gram flour), and potato-tomato Subzi. They ate together. When Rani got up to leave after the lunch, Alok said, “Take some rest. It’s very hot outside right now. Even if you leave at five o’clock, you’ll reach before it gets dark.”
Rani did not say anything and lay down on the bed. Alok also lay down beside her. During chit-chat, Rani said, “Alok, Ramesh Ji has taken a flat on rent for me. I’ll get to know when to shift there on reaching home.” Then she showed him the photo of the flat on her WhatsApp. While looking at the photo, Alok noticed the signs of anxiety appear on her face. He asked, “You seem worried because you’re thinking how would you live alone! Look, it would be better if we don’t take liberty to meet till the application for divorce is filed and the decision of the court is announced. Ramesh Ji may change his mind before the court’s decision and withdraw his consent. I’m not saying so because of any prejudice or I doubt Ramesh Ji’s intentions. Human nature is fickle. Though he has taken full care of your needs and comfort, yet, if he got any clue that by living separately, you were leading an independent and relaxed life without hindrances, he might feel bad and create problems.”
“Should I presume it as a complete ban on our meetings till the decision of the court?”
“No, not so. We’ll keep meeting occasionally but I’ll avoid staying at night. Meeting of two adults of the opposite sex during day is one thing but staying together at night carries an entirely different connotation. Of course, you may come to Patiala once or twice a month or we may go somewhere else for a day or two.”
Rani looked at her watch. It was going to be five. She said, “I should leave now.”
“I’m making tea, and then you may go.”
“Alok, you make take tea for yourself every day, let me make it today.”
Alok did not object.
*****
