“I visited the local bazaar in the morning,” Sajjan looked at Amar searchingly even as Lajjo and Leela emerged with more buttermilk. “I found it to be strange,” he continued, “there was no lady around – be it a grocery store or a ladies special store.”
Amar looked at Lajjo and then at Sajjan, “I’m sorry, I should have briefed you about this earlier. I didn’t think it as relevant since you didn’t have any family when you decided to come and stay here. Leela is a welcome surprise for us and we really are glad for her.” Amar smiled at Leela and continued, “Actually this is the only drawback of this town. For a week or so we do have to face atrocities committed by Rajasaab’s goons. They’ve been hired by him to do just that and spread fear amongst people. Not that Rajasaab is a bad man but he has to get this done to retain his political clout around. I guess every politician in this country does that. Few of these goons go overboard and trouble ladies – especially who are in their early youth. There have been instances of molestation and few scattered incidences of rape. The law here is owned by Rajasaab and police don’t dare to register a complaint about them.”
“That’s bad”, Sajjan looked at Leela. A faint expression of fear appeared for a moment on her face, but she composed herself and looked at Amar.
“However, they are in this town just about once in a while and don’t stay more than a week – 10 days at the most. God only knows what they do and where they disappear after that. Those are the safe times for ladies to venture out freely. So, ladies and girls stay at home when they are in the town. Incidentally, it seems they started to arrive since yesterday evening. Few of them seem to have arrived by the same train you did.”
Sajjan looked at Leela who now seemed tense and uncomfortable. She was trying desperately to retain her neutral composure.
“Hmm – this means they will be around for a week or two – are you sure about it?’
“Yes – I’m sure. They normally have been doing so. They will return after 4 or 5 months, unless, it’s election times. You don’t have to worry about them. You’re here only for 90 days as per your plan and may not bump into them again. Though I wish, you would settle down here with us.”
Sajjan watched Leela who now looked scared at the thought of spending more time or even get stuck up with Sajjan for life. Obviously, she needed her freedom.
“I would love to, Amar… However, you do know that I have a Mission that I have undertaken. I will have to keep travelling till I accomplish it.”
“Just like here – for 90 days, I guess.” Amar laughed and Sajjan joined him in laughter.
Leela, the child, came running from inside and clung on to Lajjo, “Mommy, I’m sleepy.” she said in a complaining voice and they all laughed at her innocence.
“I guess, it’s time for your afternoon nap. We should be moving now.” Sajjan got up, glancing at Leela who nodded, “Thank you for a wonderful meal and a warm welcome.”
“Leela,” Lajjo called her even as she got up and joined Sajjan on their way to the outhouse, “Remember, I’m your elder sister and you’re welcome to meet me anytime you wish.”
Leela smiled and gave a small warm hug to Lajjo and she walked with Sajjan, out of Amar’s house to the outhouse.
“Well done.” Sajjan patted her shoulder in satisfaction even as they entered the outhouse, “You are quite good at weaving stories. You are better than me.”
“Do you think it was all made up?” she challenged Sajjan startling him.
“To be honest even I got carried away for a moment.”
“This means you don’t trust me.”
“I will be honest – I don’t.”
“But – I trust you. I trust you to be a good person.” she smiled.
“Anyways”, he took a pause, “You take some rest. I got to go to bazaar again to get few more things – especially, a cot and bed for you.”
“Oh! Don’t bother.” she quickly replied and added looking at Sajjan’s raised eyebrow, “I’m not used to niceties like you. I don’t need it. I’ll use the soft cloth mat you carry with you. Again, if you get a separate cot and bed – that’ll raise doubts in Lajjo di’s mind. You forget, we are married and as far as they know, I’m your wife.”
Sajjan realized what she said made sense.
“I’ll suggest” she said softly, “that you take rest. You haven’t slept the whole night. You look tired.”
“What about you?” Sajjan asked realizing that he desperately needed rest.
“I’ll use that soft mat”, she said stifling a yawn, “come on – please do not stress yourself. Do take some rest.”
He walked in to the bedroom and looked at the bed which was almost luring him with its cosiness. He thankfully lay on it as he watched Leela spread out the soft cloth mat on the floor. Soon he was soundly asleep. The tiredness of long journey, the sleepless night and a fantastic lunch had its effect.
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- Prasad Deshpandehttps://storiesandme.com/author/prasad/
- Prasad Deshpandehttps://storiesandme.com/author/prasad/