- 42 -
Rani talked to Anjani and Sanjana on phone. She invited them for the function to be held on 25th March and informed that apart from a limited get together, a library would be inaugurated and a pledge to donate eyes would also be undertaken. They did not refuse directly, but said that they would confirm only after discussing with their mummy-papa (in-laws). Next day Rani got the expected reply that they were not coming. Vinay also shrugged it off saying that he would come some other time.
Alok invited Saurabh and Purnima. Saurabh replied that he would be able to say anything only after checking his leave-position from the hospital. But Purnima, after talking to her husband who was sitting with her at that time, consented to come. When Alok told Rani that Purnima and Jayant Babu (Salutation of respect) were coming, she was happy and said, “Alok Ji, I’m indeed very happy to hear that daughter Purnima and Jayant babu are coming. I’m very eager to see our little Dohta. At least, our daughter and son-in-law will be there to grace the occasion. The guests will also feel nice to see them. If you’ve Purnima’s wedding album or photos lying around, show me the same .”
Alok brought out the album from the cupboard. They looked at the photos together for some time. On seeing Rashmi performing various rituals of the wedding, Alok got lost in memories. His feelings and expressions did not remain hidden from Rani.
She asked with concern, “Remembering Rashmi ….?”
Closing the album, Alok accepted without hesitation, “Yes Rani. Whenever I see the photos of the moments spent together, the memories of those times come alive before my eyes and cause a pang in my heart.”
Rani tried to restore normalcy saying, “Purnima Bitiya (Daughter) looks exactly like Rashmi. Rashmi must have looked like Purnima at the time of your marriage?”
For once Alok felt like bringing out his wedding album but suppressing his feelings, he said, “There’s a huge difference in the levels of make-up and adornment of those times and now. There was no elaborate and expensive dressing and bridal make up and hype at that time.”
……
Holi festival was over. There was no longer that cold in the morning air. It would be more appropriate to say that cool breeze felt pleasing and soothing. The Sun was just rising and its rays were spreading its aura in the sky from bottom upwards. Alok and Rani were sipping tea in the lawn sitting on a Swing when Purnima called from Australia. She told that they would be landing at the Delhi Airport at eleven o’clock on the night of twenty first March. Alok told her that he would reach there to receive them.
When Alok was preparing to go to the Delhi Airport, Rani said that she would also accompany him. The flight was on time. But after completing the immigration formalities etc., Purnima and Jayant came out around one o’clock. Little Sonu was asleep on Purnima's shoulder. Jayant touched first Alok’s feet and then Rani’s. When he bent towards Rani’s feet, tears from her eyes fell on his head as if she was anointing him in the form of blessings! Thereafter, Rani took Sonu in her lap from Purnima and hugged and kissed her forehead.
After sitting in the car, when Purnima and Jayant addressed Rani as Chhoti Mamma (Junior mother) while talking about their journey and well-being of each other’s, she was very much pleased and felt deeply overwhelmed. When they reached Patiala in the morning, Purnima was pleasantly surprised to see the transformation of the house. On her last visit, since her mother had expired only a few days ago and her father had not yet recovered from the shock, the house did not look like a home but looked more like a night-shelter. But this time, the touch of a woman’s hands was clearly visible everywhere, in every little thing. Rani's presence gave the feeling of completeness to the house. Purnima clearly felt how much difference the presence or absence of a woman in the house can make. Rani had further taken special care of the cleaning and face-lifting of the house to welcome the daughter and son-in-law.
Although Alok had kept the house well cared of, yet Rani had left no stone unturned in decorating and uplifting the house. She herself arranged the bedroom for Purnima and Jayant. She had brought a variety of toys for little Sonu and put colourful balloons in the bedroom. Due to the fatigue of the long journey, Purnima and Jayant fell asleep after taking tea but, despite Alok’s insistence, Rani did not sleep. Alok went for his morning walk and Rani got herself busy in the kitchen.
When Purnima and Jayant woke up, it was already time for lunch. Still Rani asked them for the breakfast. Jayant said, “Mamma, allow us some time to freshen up, then we’ll have lunch together.”
After having lunch, Purnima and Jayant praised profusely the food prepared by Rani. Purnima said, “Papa, on seeing you happy and meeting Chhoti Mamma, it doesn’t feel that Mummy is not with us. It feels as if she is moving amongst us in the avatar of Chhoti Mamma.”
Hearing Purnima’s utterances, Rani's eyes welled up with tears of joy. As long as Purnima and Jayant stayed, Rani remained mostly busy with Sonu. Rani was overwhelmed by the love and respect shown by Purnima and Jayant.
……
On 23rd March, Alok, Rani and Professor Gupta (as witness) went with their lawyer to the ADM office. When their file was put up before the ADM, he put a few formal questions, and asked Alok and Rani to sign the papers and Professor Gupta to put his signature as witness. Thus, the process of marriage registration was completed. Handing over the marriage certificate to Alok, ADM said, “Professor Alok, loneliness at this stage of life is most painful. Getting a life partner at such a time can, not only beat the loneliness but also turn the evening of life into a golden evening. Many congratulations to both of you.”
Professor Gupta also congratulated Alok and Rani on getting the legal stamp on their relationship.
Coming out of the ADM office, the lawyer also congratulated Alok and Rani, and went to his chamber. When Professor Gupta sought leave to go, Rani requested him to come to home but Professor Gupta politely declined saying that they would be meeting day after tomorrow.
When they were alone, Alok addressed Rani and recited this couplet:
“Mujhe sahal ho gayeen manzilen, vo hawa ke rukh bhi badal gaye,
Tera hath hath mein aa gaya ki Chirag rah mein jal gaye.”
(Destinations have become reachable, winds have changed directions
Your hand came into my hand and the passage is illuminated by the lamps.)
“Alok Ji, a thought is crossing my mind…..”
“Spell out, why any hesitation….?”
“I’m thinking that on this occasion of our relationship getting the legal recognition, why not plant a ‘Samriti Vriksha’ (Commemorative Tree) in the lawn of our house!”
“What an idea, Rani! We’ll go via the nursery right now to get a sapling.”
“Which tree do you think, we should plant?”
“In my opinion, it would be better to plant a sapling of ‘Parijat’ (Harsingar - commonly known as Night Jasmine), because it has religious as well as medicinal significance. Its white flowers are used in Lakshmi-Puja. Moreover, consuming its flowers or their juice prevents heart disease. It’s said that all fatigue goes away just by touching it.”
Grasping the significance of Parijat tree as told by Alok, Rani jokingly said, “Then it would be great. At this age, fatigue is natural; just touching the Parijat would take care of that.'
Alok laughed and said, “Your sense of humour is great.”
……
The timing of the programme on 25th March was 10 am. The weather was pleasant. It was not so hot that the fans wouldn’t have been sufficient. The programme was organised in the lawn of the house. There were 25 to 30 guests. Professor Gupta commenced the programme with a brief introduction of Rani’s entry into Professor Alok’s life and congratulated them by highlighting the importance of the decisions taken by them for the social welfare.
After this, the President of the Resident Welfare Association, Mr. Harnam Singh and Secretary, Mr. Krishan Chander highlighted the personal qualities of Professor Alok and appreciated the steps undertaken by him. They congratulated and wished the couple a happy life ahead. At the end of the programme, Jayant greeted and thanked all the guests for gracing the occasion and making this day memorable and requested them to have refreshments before leaving.
At the dinner time, all the members of the family were sitting at the dining table and talking about how the function went. Sonu was also awake. Purnima said, “Papa, we’ll always remember this day. I want to take a selfie.”
Rani, “Purnima, take a selfie while we are eating. Later Jaswanti will click our group photo.’’
Before sleeping, Alok and Rani discussed the day’s activities. Rani said, “Alok Ji, the function was wonderful. I felt very happy when Jayant Babu took the mike from Gupta Bhai Sahib and thanked the guests. We’ll download the group photo taken by Jaswanti. After getting it enlarged and framed, I’ll put it up in our bedroom.”
As if she remembered something, she added, “Tomorrow is Ram Navami; banks will be closed. We’ll go to the bank day after tomorrow, after breakfast.”
“Why do you want to go ? …. Anyway, we’ll go after Purnima and Jayant have left.”
“No, we’ll go day after tomorrow only. I’ve to take out a chain for Sonu and a set for Purnima from the locker. We’ll also submit our marriage certificate in the bank for updating the KYC.”
“What’s the need of a chain for Sonu and set for Purnima?”
“I’ve met Purnima and Sonu for the first time. Will I let them go empty-handed?”
“Arre! I hadn’t thought about it. Only women can think of such things. Do as you like. Just remind me in time.”
……
Four days after the programme, Jayant and Purnima went to Lucknow to meet Jayant’s parents. Before leaving for Lucknow, Jayant said to Alok, “Papa, apply for Mamma’s Visa soon. Come to us then. Bhaiya and Bhabhi couldn't come on this occasion; Mamma will meet them, too.”
Purnima said to Rani, “Mamma, Sonu has got so mixed up with you in this one week, he’ll miss you a lot after going back. Therefore, make a programme as early as possible.”
Alok and Rani said in unison, “We’ll try to come soon.”
*****
