Some random conversations in Indian households/offices.. Part 2

Conversation 4: Two male colleagues

Male 1: C'mon yaar we all know how she has reached where she is. Must have slept with everyone right from the Chairman to the General Manager. Otherwise how did she reach this position so early in her career? And then it's not like she's some exceptional talent. After all she is just a woman. She was my junior but rose to that level before me.
Male 2: That's a very derogatory thing to say.
M 1: What's derogatory in this? It's the truth. All women do this to climb the ladder.
M 2: No I don't agree. My wife is at a senior position in a leading FMCG company. She has reached there because she worked hard to be there. She is an intelligent, talented woman.
M 1: Maybe you don't know the reality. Maybe she uses some hidden talent.
M 2: You have a filthy mind. You belong to that kind of men who can't tolerate any woman climb high on success ladder. I don't think I would like to talk to you any longer. Stay away from me.

Conversation 5: Mother and Son

Mother: Thank god finally I got to hear this good news. I am sure this wife of yours had some problem. She took so long to conceive.
Son: Ma that's not the case. We both wanted to wait for some time before taking this step since we were not ready then. Now we thought it was the right time.
M: All this is rubbish. I'm sure this must be that girl's idea.
S: Ma please. She is not that girl. She is my wife. And this was our mutual decision.
M: Ok ok. Now listen carefully. Get a gender test done. And if it is a girl, get it aborted immediately.
S: What are you talking about Ma? It is our baby. Whether a girl or a boy, what difference would it make?
M: Shut up. Of course it makes a lot of difference. Girl is a burden.
S: No I don't think so. I want a healthy baby, whether a girl or a boy. I'll love my daughter as much as my son. I'll give good upbringing to my child. And yes in case it is a daughter, don't you dare mistreat her else I'll be forced to look for a separate house.

Some random conversations in Indian households.. Part 1

Conversation 1: Wife and Husband

Wife: I think I should say yes for this new job. Both position and salary are very good and this is my dream profile. It's little farther but that would mean just another hour of traveling. I am sure I can manage.
Husband: That will mean you returning back home after 8. How will you manage dinner and other household work?
Wife: You can handle that responsibility and we can hire a maid to help. I cook in the morning. You can do in the evening.
Husband: What are you saying?
Wife: You managed more than this before marriage. I am sure you can do this much even now.
Husband: I am married now. I didn't marry to still do all this work myself.
Wife: What do you mean? You married to have a wife or a maid?

Conversation 2: Two male friends

Friend 1: What does she think of herself? I reminded her of her true place.
Friend 2: What are you talking about?
F1: My wife. She is an idiot. She refused me. I showed her what I can do.
F2: What did you do to bhabhi?
F1: Nothing much. She refused me once and I forced her to have sex with me thrice. After all I am the man.
F2: You raped her? Thrice?
F1: Sex after marriage is not rape. That's my right.
F2: Not without her consent. You've committed marital rape and she can file a legal case against you.
F1: She won't dare to. I'll leave her. And what does she know of law?
F2: She is a working graduate. And this is her legal right.

Conversation 3: Mother and son

Mother: Tell your wife to stay within her limits. This is my house.
Son: What has she done mom?
Mother: She refused to get out of her room to make tea for me.
Son: Ma she is unwell. She had high fever in the morning. I had told her to stay in bed and rest.
Mother: Yes. That's why I had given birth to you. Your wife is important for you but your mother means nothing now.
Son: Ma what are you saying? You are very important. She does whatever you ask her to do but today she is really sick. Have some mercy on the poor girl.
Mother: Nobody has mercy on me. I haven't had my evening tea till now. My head is hurting. But why should you care?
Son: Ma she has not eaten since morning. You didn't bother to go and check on her. On the contrary you are cursing her. At least you should have asked her to have something to eat. And because of that she hasn't taken her medicine. But then of course your evening tea is more important that you couldn't have because she didn't make it.

Adoption

"He loves me and I love him. This is all that matters. Everything else is inconsequential in my scheme of things." Anjali was clear. She was calm and did not show any sign of raging anger that she was feeling the previous day. Over the long night that she spent with herself, she had cleared her mind and taken some firm decisions. She was educated, independent and capable of taking care of herself and Arjun. She also knew that Ma would understand and support. She had done in the past when Anjali had first thought of adopting. And even then when despite her dad's protests, she had brought Arjun home. It's been 3 months now and Arjun has become oxygen for everyone.

"I know beta but you should also understand that people do talk. The best thing to do is to ignore them. Why get angry? You can't fight with everyone." Ma tried to reason.

"But Ma I can't let people insult my son and our relationship. I've legally adopted him. Who are these people to question? It is my life and I've taken a decision. I'll live with it. They should mind their own business." Anjali presented her point.

"I know beta. You don't have to tell me all this. Your dad and I are with you. And you know that. Forget all this and just move on with your life. Go see if Arjun has got up. I'll make something for him to eat." Ma wanted to divert Anjali's mind.

"I just checked. He's still sleeping. Ma, come and sit here with me. I've to talk about something important." Anjali said that got Ma curious.

"Ma I don't know how to put it since I know you & Pa won't like it." It was difficult to say it but she had to somehow. "I was thinking that I should move out of this home with Arjun to live at a rented place somewhere near my office."

Ma was horrified "But why? Has anyone said anything to you? Manya? Harsh? Papa?"

"No no.. Why would they say anything? They all love Arjun a lot." Anjali now had a big lump in her throat. "Just that I've realized this is making life difficult for everyone at home. Everyday someone or the other comes and talks negative. I know how it affects tranquility and equilibrium of the house. It's taking away our peace of mind. And then soon it'll start affecting little Arjun too. Ma it was my decision and I'm proud of it but I can't let you all suffer because of it. You both deserve a peaceful life and so do bhaiya & bhabhi. Pls understand and support me. I know Pa won't let us go easily." Finally she had said it all.

Ma was silent for what seemed like a very long time. She was a wise and strong woman. And she had stood by her children through thick and thin. This was a beautiful yet difficult time for her daughter. She had seen her so happy after a long time. And now people around them were taking away her happiness again. Anjali was briefly married to Ankit two years back but soon they had found out they were not compatible. They parted ways amicably but it was tough on Anjali. She was a bright, hard working girl and soon she engrossed herself completely in her work. But off late she had started feeling lonely. Getting married again was not her cup of tea and she decided to adopt a baby to complete her life. At first, everyone at home was against it but she didn't budge and soon Arjun became a family member. Adoption process was long but worth it.

"Ma please say something." Anjali brought her out of her reverie. "You have to help me like always. It won't be easy for me also but only you can make it happen. You're my pillar of support."

"Beta I'm always with you but what you are saying is not the solution. Running away won't help. Fighting it out will. What if you face the same thing at the new place? You'll run away from there also?" Ma questioned. Anjali realized Ma was right. "But then what do we do? Keep listening to people trying to make us feel guilty?"

"No. I won't let that happen to my family. I know what needs to be done. It should have been done long ago but then it's better late than never" Ma finally had a solution and a smile of relief on her lips.

__________________

"Namaskar! We would like to welcome you all to this get together. You must be wondering why this sudden celebration. Well, we've a beautiful reason. It is my pure joy to formally announce the arrival of my grandson Arjun to the family. Thank you for taking time out to become part of our happiness. Arjun is 3 months old now and we thought it was about time that we introduce him to our relatives, neighbors and friends." Ma took a pause here and kissed Arjun, whom she held in her arms, lightly on his forehead and then continued. "Arjun is our little bundle of joy. We all love him a lot and our lives revolve around him. But we've realized that since the day he has come home, some people around us are having a problem adjusting with the fact that Arjun is my daughter Anjali's adopted son. They feel we've spoilt Anjali's life by letting her adopt a child from an orphanage. The reasons being one nobody knows anything about his background, his parents, his religion etc. and two now no good boy will ever marry our daughter." Ma smiled and continued. "We're blessed that we're surrounded with such concerned well wishers, relatives, neighbors and friends. They appear in our life as soon as they sense a problem. But I want to clarify that this time they've misunderstood a solution as a problem. Arjun is key to my daughter's happiness. This is what she wants and we support her unconditionally. She's a rational grown up girl and knows what she is doing. We'll see what tomorrow holds for her but one thing is certain that Arjun will be part of that tomorrow. I would request you all to accept Arjun as our family member and extend him same love and respect that you have been extending to us over the years. Thank you so much once again for coming over. Please feel free to come and meet Arjun on stage. Enjoy the party." Ma folded her hands again to greet. She had said it all.

Second chance

"Why didn't you tell me?" he asks calmly.
"I didn't have the courage" all she can manage.
"You had the courage to bear it all yourself?" he asks again.
"I had no choice" is her simple answer.
She is in pain but she has to go through this conversation. She knew she would have to soon. And that soon is today. She is lying on a bed of a multi-speciality hospital in the heart of the city waiting to be operated on for cancer in her right breast. She had hoped he would get to know after her surgery but life always has plans for us. She has made peace with life's plan for her. So it is okay. It won't make much of difference now.
"When did you get to know?" he wants to know.
"On my birthday" she says. He flinches.
"That was just a month ago. What stage?" his voice quivers. He doesn't want to hear what he fears.
"Third. Not much hope. I don't want this surgery but nobody is listening. Waste of time and money." She repeats what she has been telling her family.
"Shut up" he is firm. He closes his eyes for precisely a second. "I need to see your doctor. I'll be back in a bit." He hurries out.
She closes her eyes and when she opens them there's darkness all around. Did she fall asleep or has she passed away in her sleep? What a stupid thought. She can still feel that seething pain that wants to consume her completely. But she has resolved not to let it. She is thirsty. She turns to see who's with her tonight. Must be mom. Tomorrow is the surgery and she won't leave her side now. Mom has half died herself. It is difficult for a mother to see her child die. She understands. She has seen her own child die. A tear drops from her eye. No she can't afford to get weak now. For her family's sake. She wipes off that lonely tear and tries to get up to take water. She musn't disturb mom. She has been sleeping very little for past so many days.
As she moves, cracking of the bed wakes him up. He's at her side immediately.
"You okay? Why are you getting up? You need something?" he is worried.
"What are you doing here? I thought it was mom." she is taken aback.
"I wanted to be with you tonight. I requested mom and she agreed." he looks in to her deep, brown eyes and he can see pain that's not just physical. He wants to hug her. Soothe her. Tell her everything will be fine. But he can't. He didn't do that when she needed it the most. He left her to fight with life alone. And today when she is fighting for life, he knows he might be lying. This thought hits him hard. He suddenly feels scared. Scared for himself. Scared of his own life.
"Why you also agree I won't be around for long? Maybe won't come out of this surgery alive. You wanted me to spend my last night with you?" she mocks.
"No. I know you'll live a very long, healthy life and I want to be part of every moment of it from now on." He promises to her and himself.
She smiles "We both know that can't happen now. You've lost that chance." Her voice is sad.
He gets down on his knees, folds his hands and says "Life will have to give me a second chance. Else I'll snatch it. I just need you to promise me you won't give up. I know I've committed a blunder in my life. I know we both had lost our child but I was a coward. I ran away and drowned myself in self pity and rum. But I'll never leave you alone again. And despite what I did to you, you'll have to promise me you won't leave me. Promise?"
She wants to believe him. But she knows she has no time. She turns her face away. For the first time since she has got to know about her illness, she feels sad for herself. She had given up on life when her son had died and her husband had left her. She was just dragging through each day. Even her illness had not shocked her. But now as he sits here pleading her to not give up, she feels helpless. Tears start flowing down. She wants to live. With him. A sob escapes her mouth and he's on his feet. He comes closer and hugs her.
"Shhhh.. You trust me?" he says.
"Yes" she says as he stands there holding her.
"Then stop crying and stay strong. Nothing wrong will happen. I promise." he assures her.
This time she believes him. She knows she'll fight it and they both will have their second chance.

Chaiwale Chacha

It had become a routine. I would leave 10 mins early to stop at chaiwale chacha's shack to have a hot, piping cup of adrak chai with ek rupye ki matthi. It was good, refreshing but more than that I liked to see that teeth-less smile on the beautifully wrinkled and freckled face. Chacha wouldn't say anything. In the beginning, he would signal me to ask the number of cups but soon he got used to me being alone. I would buy matthi to add another rupee to the bill.

Chacha was very old. He looked like he was born centuries ago. He would wear same cream colored short-length kurta and brown pyjama with tattered black shoes everyday. He would make tea himself. He had no helper even to serve it or wash utensils. He was slow but I never got late because of him.

On one Monday, I left home at the usual-by-then time to catch my cup of chai on way to office. I reached the chacha-wala turn and like everyday my eyes started looking for his shack. As I took the turn I realized he was not there. Chacha had become a habit. I felt confused and slightly worried too. I thought about stopping and asking someone but then there were no shops around. I kept moving and reached office. It was a terribly busy day and hoping to see him the next day, I forgot about it by the time I reached home late in the evening.

Tuesday morning began as usual but as I took chacha-wala turn, my heart stopped. He was not there again. Humans are designed to start thinking negative when things don't go their way and that's what happened with me too. All sorts of unpleasant thoughts started crossing my mind. I kept moving, kept thinking and reached office. As the day passed, I realized I was crabbier than the usual with so much work but my mind occupied with thoughts of chacha. The day passed away at its pace. I reached home late and went to sleep quickly.

I got up feeling restless and tired on Wednesday morning. I had dreamed of chacha the whole night. I was dreading my journey to office today - what if he was not there still? I was in a strange situation. I was damn worried, in fact scared for him and I also knew I can't share my problem with anyone at home. What would they think? I was dreaming about a chaiwala old man? Nobody would understand my concern for him. I left for office and as expected chacha was not there. Now I was almost convinced something wrong had happened with him. He was very old. Or maybe some accident. I decided to stop and check. I stopped my car near 2-3 people standing on the pavement whom I thought I had seen earlier also, rolled down the left window and asked about that old chaiwala baba. Somehow I knew they won't know anything and they didn't but it still disappointed me. I was very sad. I reached office but couldn't concentrate on anything the whole day. Citing health reasons I left for home early. I didn't talk to anyone at home and went to sleep.

Thursday morning was a dreadful morning not just for me but also my family. I got up early morning with high fever and severe headache. Night before had been full of nightmares. I puked a number of times and was taken to the family doctor. He didn't know what was going inside and he gave the usual medicines. I wanted to go to office but mom was relentless. I gave in but kept thinking about chacha only. I felt as if I had lost someone close to my heart. I didn't eat anything the whole day. But thankfully everyone blamed it on to the fever. The day passed somehow.

I was not allowed to  go to the office the next day as well and then was the weekend. Staying home for four consecutive days was not my thing but this time I forced it upon myself. By Sunday evening I had gone through various stages of worrying and finally accepting that chacha was history now and I would never see him again. I have had pangs of extreme sadness and had cried many a times. Some family friends dropped by in the evening and I decided to join them for dinner at a favorite restaurant. I knew it wouldn't be easy to forget chacha but life had to move on. Dining out came as a welcome change and I had a relatively peaceful night.

Monday morning came and with a heavy heart I left for office. Mom gave worried looks but she knew this was maximum she could keep me away from work. I had half a mind to change my route but I knew that was not the solution. I had to face it.

Roads were unusually crowded. Maybe I felt like that because I was driving after a gap of four days or maybe it was because of the approaching festive season. Whatever was the reason, it was good for me. I completely concentrated on my driving. But as I approached chacha-wala turn, panic struck me and I suddenly felt nauseated. I wanted to close my eyes and believe that chacha never existed but alas I was driving. I kept moving with the traffic and took the turn. As my car turned, my eyes automatically moved in the direction where chacha's shack used to be. And my heartbeat stopped. Standing there in all his glory were chaiwale chacha. I couldn't believe it. I started moving my car towards the left and stopped a little ahead. I went with my impulse and ran towards chacha. I almost hugged him. He gave his signature teeth-less smile and got busy in making my tea. I didn't know what to say to him and could only manage - "Aap kahan the itne din se Chacha?" And for the first time I heard his voice - "Beta Hamare pote ki shaadi thi gaon mein". I wanted to kiss him on the forehead for making one full week of my life a hell.

Bond

That morning had begun as everyday at Raichand household. By the time Mohit had come down to have breakfast, Radhika was leaving for school and Mala was trying to make that perfect cup of coffee for him in between kissing and hugging Radhika goodbye for the day. Radhika had almost reached the main gate when she had seen Mohit coming down. She had run back to hug and kiss daddy before finally leaving. Mohit smiled at Mala when she brought his coffee. Just behind her was Rohini, their house-maid, bringing a tray carrying freshly-made paranthas. Mohit had already begun eating a toast by then. He quickly finished it and picked a hot aloo ka parantha. Mala chuckled. She sipped on her nimbu pani quietly. Mohit's complete concentration was on his parantha. Once he was through, he picked up his mug and spoke for the first time that morning "You make the best paranthas in the world". Mala laughed but said nothing. She knew her husband was a foodie and when hungry even average food worked for him the same way. And she also knew that it was not she but her sister-in-law Ritika who made Mohit's favorite paranthas. This thought made her sad.

Within the first 6 months of her marriage with Mohit, she and Ritika had become best friends or rather soul sisters. And as time had passed, Ritika had started sharing all her secrets with Mala. It was during one of their shopping sessions, Ritika had very casually mentioned about Ajay. Mala still remembered very clearly how things had unfolded post that. She had been happy and knowing the bond Mohit and Ritika shared, she had initially wondered why Ritika was reluctant to talk about Ajay with Mohit. But then when finally she had got to know, she knew this match was impossible.

"Tomorrow is Radhika's parent-teacher meeting? By when do you think we'll get free? I've a meeting at 12." Mohit's voice brought Mala back to present. By then, Mohit had finished his breakfast and was getting up to get ready for office. "We should be free by 11 latest. Post that you can leave for the meeting directly. I'll stay back for a session with pre-nursery kids at the school. It's a Saturday and I'm relatively free too. Head mistress had called yesterday for the same. By the time it'll get over, Radhika will also be through with her classes and we can come back together. I'll call the driver to pick us up." Mala said. Mohit smiled. He was proud of his wife. She managed her personal and professional lives beautifully. Mala was a leading child psychologist of the city. She loved her family and her work. She enjoyed taking such sessions at Radhika's school.

Mohit came down half an hour later all set to leave. Mala was talking on her mobile phone. Mala was listening intently and Mohit immediately knew it was his very-dominating mom-in-law on the other side. Mohit decided not to disturb and sat down to wait for her to finish since as a rule neither of them left home without hugging the other. Mala looked up to see Mohit waiting but she didn't want to cut-short her mother since the discussion was important. After a few moments Mohit's phone rang and he got up to take the call. It was very difficult for him to sit and talk on a mobile phone unless he was in bed feeling lazy. He moved out in the porch to not disturb Mala.

"Hello. Mohit Raichand." He took the call.

Mala had seen Mohit walk out with his phone. After ending the call, she walked towards the porch. She wanted to tell him what mom was discussing over the phone. It was exciting, important and urgent. She knew Mohit was waiting to hug her goodbye for the day. As she stepped out, she saw Mohit sitting on the only couch in the veranda. She wondered if he was still on phone since she was facing his back and wasn't able to see what he was up to. She hurried towards him and made her way to the space next to him on the couch. He wasn't talking. He was silently sitting and looking at some faraway thing in the garden. But she could make out that he wasn't seeing anything in particular. He was just lost somewhere. His face wasn't giving away anything of what was going inside him. Her husband was not very expressive, she knew. Hope all is well, was her first thought. She gently put her left hand on his right shoulder and asked kindly "What happened Mohit? Who called up?" Mohit turned towards her and she could see that he was in pain. But it was not just pain. There was something more. He said nothing. He just hugged her and got up to leave for work. She saw him walking slowly to his car, climb in and drive away. She was worried now.

Mala, for the second time in her life, was getting very impatient. The first one was when she and Mohit were waiting for her pregnancy report 4 years back. Today, she knew something had happened but somehow she also knew it wasn't bad. She cancelled all her appointments for the day and decided to go and talk to Mohit at his office. He wouldn't talk on phone.

Mohit was getting restless now. He had tried not to think about it but that is exactly what he had ended up doing the whole morning. But surprisingly he didn't feel the same anger today. He only felt longing and ache. His mind was wondering why his feelings had changed suddenly but his heart knew the reason.

A knock on the door startled Mohit. He had instructed his secretary to cancel all meetings and not let anyone disturb him. He was confused and wanted some time alone. He hadn't shared anything with Mala also. He was now feeling guilty for that since he knew she would be worrying. But then he didn't know how to react to this himself. All emotions that he had buried inside the deepest corner of his heart 3 years back were struggling to come out. And the only one that he had let stay with him, anger, was eluding him today. He didn't want to be rude to whosoever it was. "Come in" he was cold. "Hi. Hope I'm not disturbing you." Mala tried to sound cheerful. Familiar, kind voice made Mohit look up. "Hi. You never disturb me. Why are you standing there? Come in & sit." He knew why she was there. Somehow he had expected it. Mala made herself comfortable and smiled at Mohit. He offered her a glass of water lying on his table that she declined. "Do I need to ask?" She came to the point directly. No formalities required between them. Mohit knew he had no option.

"I got a call from Ajay this morning. He and Ritika have been blessed with a baby girl. I was the first person he called." Mohit took his time to say this. "What? And you are telling this to me now? This is awesome. Let's go and see them." Mala was thrilled. Mohit didn't react. "No we can't. We've no relation with them." He tried to sound angry but failed. His voice was sad, very sad. Mala's heart went out to him. She got up and moved around the table to come near him. He turned to look at her and a tear rolled out of his eye. That was it. He couldn't hold it back anymore. He hugged her belly and started crying like a child. Mala put her arms around his head protectively and let all the angst, fear, ego of years come out. She didn't stop him. She didn't utter a word. She stood there like that for a long time. But she was relieved. She knew that after this she'll get her Mohit back. Mohit who had stopped being that carefree, easy going, mischievous guy whom she had married. He used to be the life of all the parties they attended but after that fateful day 3 years back, he had stopped going to the parties. He had become more of a recluse. He had turned his back away from his sister and had decided that she didn't exist for him any more. It was a sad day. Mala still remembered how after so much of coaxing had Ritika agreed to finally talk to Mohit about Ajay. Mohit, being the over-protective brother he was, had asked many questions about the guy including his family background. And he had out rightly said no because Ajay belonged to a scheduled caste. Ritika and Mala both knew this would happen but Mala was optimistic that Mohit would eventually agree since he loved his baby sister a lot. But Mohit had said a strict no. In fact he had ordered Ritika not to meet Ajay again. He had asked Mala to look for a suitable boy for Ritika urgently so they could marry her off. Ritika had been heartbroken. She had said nothing then but two days later she had taken a step that even Mala couldn't have imagined in the wildest of her dreams. She had gone ahead all by herself and married Ajay in a temple. Ritika had always been a brave and open minded girl. It was a big thing for her to do too since her brother was all she had after their parents had passed away. But she loved Ajay equally.

Mohit pulled away from Mala. "Let's go" Mala said. "Are you sure? She must be very angry with me. I left her all alone at the time when she needed me. I even didn't let you stay in touch with her. I am so angry with myself." Mohit said in a small voice. "She must have already forgiven you. She loves you a lot. She must be waiting for you. We have to go now." Mala was clear. Mohit got up immediately. "Should we pick Radhika on way? She'll be so happy to meet her little sister" Mohit asked. Mala smiled "Great idea". She was finally feeling at peace. And she knew Mohit too was.

Dear Life.. I love you!

Dear Life

I find you very strange. You give me hundred reasons to cry but thousands to laugh as well. You give me failures but successes too. I stumble, I fall but then I get up and walk again. I find you difficult at times but beautiful too. I sometimes want to take a break from you but never want to let go of you. After all you are mine. You make me experience so much. You make me meet so many others. You bring surprises and shocks. And you keep moving on. But not without me. You always take me along. You sometimes become a difficult problem but you help find answers too. Sometimes you move fast and sometimes you move really slow. But either ways you have something new to offer. Every moment that I spend with you is different. I learn from you. You've given me some beautiful and some not so beautiful memories. And honestly there are some days I want to delete from you. But then I know that is not possible. Despite all this strangeness, I love you.

I'll look forward to hear from you.

Love

Me