A shout of laughter echoed down the cell phone. “Thank you! I'd like to meet you,” he said. “Today actually. I plan to take Sandeep out for lunch and shopping. Since Sangita can't leave the house, I thought...” he hesitated.
“Will 12 p.m. be okay with you? Sandeep's school van drops him at that time. That'll be at the end of the road on the left. I go to pick him and Ramya at that time.”
“That'll be perfect, Rekha. I'll meet you there. I'm quite tall...”
“That's no problem. Your fiancée has described you too many times for me not to recognise you.” If anything, Sangita's face grew redder.
“Oh!” startled at first, Gautam felt nice on hearing her words. “All complimentary, I hope,” he said, tongue-in-cheek.
“Hmm… let me see. I've known Sangita for the past five and a half years. I've never heard her speak about a man. But from the day she met you, my ears have been reeling with Gautam this, Gautam that. Not that I'm complaining...”
“Manni,” screeched Sangita before grabbing the phone from her. Rekha shook with laughter as she let go of the phone with a wink.
Gautam guessed that the cell had changed hands at Sangita's shriek.
He cleared his throat loudly. “Well,” he drawled. “I'm absolutely curious. What have you been telling Rekha?” he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
“Why, nothing,” she said, hoping he'd drop the subject.
“Nothing? I'm devastated. Here I was thinking you'd have told her how dashing a personality I have, how the intelligence shines out of my eyes, and blah blah.” His hilarity grew with each sentence he uttered.
“Very funny,” she said, walking away from the kitchen.
Rekha waited at the kerb for the school van to arrive at five minutes to twelve. She saw the silver-grey Honda City pull up and stepped closer to get her first look at the man who had so obviously captured Sangita's heart. She watched the tall, brown-haired man step out of the driver's seat and immediately recognised him.
He locked the car and walked forward, his gait relaxed as he studied the faces of the women who were waiting there to collect the kids.
Rekha moved forward, a welcoming smile on her face, her hand outstretched.
“Hi!” Gautam smiled in return as he took her hand in his warm grip, and shook it firmly.
Rekha eyed the dimple on his right cheek and her smile widened. “One dimple on right cheek, check. You're Gautam,” she said.
Gautam grinned, his teeth white against his tanned face, shining in the afternoon sunlight. “Very glad to meet you at last. And thank you so much, Rekha, for everything.”
Rekha nodded. “You're not going to get away with just a word of thanks. I expect a special treat.”
Amusement flared in Gautam's face as he watched the mischief in the pixie-like face in front of him.
“Most definitely. A party in your honour at the...” his eyes were half closed in thought, “maybe the Southern Aromas at Residency Towers, or” he drawled, “Dakshin at Park Sheraton. You decide,” he said, very seriously.
Rekha was startled. “Hey, I was just teasing. I...” she stuttered, embarrassed.
Gautam smiled gently. “Relax, Rekha, I guessed. But I definitely owe you one.”
Rekha gave him a look of relief before turning to watch out for the school van that was turning around the corner.
That was when she noticed the other women eyeing her curiously. She mentally shrugged her shoulders. Time things were out in the open. And Rekha was definitely not one to be scared of public opinion.
The children came out from the van, their eyes searching for their respective parents. Ramya and Sandeep got off one behind the other and caught sight of Gautam standing beside Rekha.
“Gautam Uncle,” shouted Ramya, as she ran forward.
“Daddee...” squealed Sandeep as he ran faster, flinging himself into Gautam's waiting arms. Gautam was totally oblivious to the curious stares as he enveloped his brand-new son in a warm hug, kissing him on his forehead.
He lifted his head to look down at the small, intense face. A gush of fierce, protective love flowed through him.
Sandeep threw his arms around his daddy's neck and held on tightly as he planted a kiss on his rugged cheek. He was so thrilled that after all these months his parent was waiting at the bus stop to collect him.
“Hi, kiddo, howdy-do?” asked Gautam.
Sandeep nodded his head like an adult, his voice lost temporarily in his excitement. Gautam ruffled his hair before turning towards Ramya to pull her into his hug.
She shyly moved into his arms as Gautam said, “Hi, Ramya.”
“Hello, Uncle. Where's Butterscotch?” she asked.
“He's home, having his afternoon nap, the lazybones,” he laughed down at the little girl in pigtails who resembled her aunt so much.
“Oh!” there was disappointment in her voice.
“Tell you what,” said Gautam, “give me a couple of days and I'll get Butterscotch to meet you. Is that fine?” he asked, as he tugged gently at one pigtail.
Ramya gave him another shy smile as she nodded her head vigorously before turning to her mother.
“Mummy, this is Gautam Uncle,” she introduced.
“Yeah, I know, sweetie, I just met him. Do you know something?” she asked, her voice extra loud, “Gautam Uncle and Sangita Athai are getting married.”
The small group of inquisitive onlookers who hadn't left the area even though the school van had gone, gave each other startled looks, shock writ on their faces.
Gautam gently removed Sandeep's backpack and handed it over to Rekha apologetically. “Sorry I'm dumping this on you.”
“Come on, Gautam, that's okay,” said Rekha as she took the bag in one hand and took Ramya's hand in the other.
“How'd you like to go shopping with me?” asked Gautam to his son, running his fingers through his dark hair affectionately.
Rekha left the scene, confident that her nephew was in safe hands.
Sandeep's eyes lit up, his gaze fixed on the tall man beside him. “For Mummy?” he asked.
Gautam grinned as he lifted the boy into his arms, “Yeah, and for sonny, too.”
“I've eight dresses, Daddy,” said Sandeep, counting on his fingers.
Gautam laughed as he walked to the car. “Well, my son, you'll need some new clothes for the wedding and reception, right?” he asked.
“For Ramya too?” asked Sandeep innocently.
“Sure, for Ramya too,” said his father.
“Yay, wow!” yelled Sandeep.
Gautam opened the door on the driver's side and helped his son into the car.
Sandeep stared at the gear and steering wheel curiously and asked Gautam, “Will you teach me to drive?”
“Sure, sweetheart.”
“When?”
“When you're twelve years old.”
“Oh!” Sandeep was disappointed. Twelve years seemed so far away to the five-year-old.
“Now tell me,” said Gautam, shifting him to the passenger seat and seating himself in the driver's. He buckled the safety belt around the little boy. “What do you want for lunch?”
“Paratha.” Sandeep was clear. Gautam drove to the shopping hub at Pondy Bazaar and parked the car in front of Rangoli, a North-Indian speciality restaurant.
The two of them had a wonderful time eating parathas with cholé while Sandeep guzzled down a rose milkshake. His eyes shone brightly as he took in the air-conditioned atmosphere of the restaurant. Sandeep glowed with a sense of pride at having a father by his side, a novel experience for him.
Gautam helped the little boy wash and wipe his hands before the two of them left the restaurant.
Gautam parked the car at Panagal Park and the two of them walked for a few minutes. Sandeep skipped along beside the tall man jabbering nineteen to a dozen.
Gautam answered all his questions patiently, enjoying the time he was spending with Sangita's child.
They first purchased clothe
s for Sandeep and Ramya. Sandeep's excitement was contrasted by Gautam's calm as he helped the child choose four sets of clothes. The new formal trousers and jacket made Sandeep hoot with glee. He had never owned a pair of full-length pants before.
Buying Ramya's clothes was easier since Gautam could make decisions regarding those quite fast. Once Sandeep ensured that his father was buying something for his cousin, he lost interest in the whole matter.
Their next stop was Nalli's. Here, Sandeep sat down soberly while the salesman removed a glittering array of Kancheepuram saris. There were all the colours of the rain-bow and the shades in between. Sandeep's eyes sparkled as he watched the salesman open them one by one to display the contrasting border and pallu which were heavily embroidered in gold zari.
Father and son approved of four saris. The first was a vibrant orange with a maroon border and pallu. It had the traditional embroidery of swans or the Annapakshi border.
The second one was in peacock blue with a bright pink border and pallu with peacock motifs embroidered in gold zari.
Then there was one with a bright maroon body with a bottle green border and pallu. This was covered with the traditional golden zari checks all over.
The last was Gautam's favourite. His eyes gleamed as he imagined the sari draped over his wife-to-be. His thoughts took a further step forward as he fantasised taking it off her.
The sari was a deep shade of mauve shot with a brilliant pink resulting in a double shade. The sari shimmered and danced in the bright lights from the ceiling as the salesman turned it over and over again once he realised that the customer was almost hooked.
Gautam paid the bill without batting an eyelid. He couldn't wait to see Sangita's reaction.
But then—his face fell—that wasn't possible just yet. He looked at his watch. It was past three. He had better get Sandeep home. The child must be tired.
He looked down at Sandeep. He wasn't skipping along any more but walking sedately. Gautam transferred all the parcels to his left hand before ruffling Sandeep's head. The little boy lifted sleepy eyes to him.
“Just a while longer, Sandeep, and you'll be home.”
Sandeep gave a small nod. They reached the car. Gautam opened the door and placed the parcels on the back seat before lifting the sleepy child and placing him on the passenger seat. He got into the car and started the AC. Then he called on Sangita's mobile. Sandeep was fast asleep by now.
“Hello,” her voice was disturbed.
“Sangita, is something wrong, sweetheart? You sound upset.”
Sangita hesitated. Her mother had been ranting and raving since she had realised that Sandeep hadn't come home with Ramya and Rekha. No one had said anything but she had correctly guessed that the child's disappearance had something to do with Gautam.
“Just the usual,” she made light of the matter. “Tell me, where are you guys?”
Gautam couldn't glean much from her tone of voice. Her mother, he guessed. The charm seemed to have gone out of the afternoon.
“We're at T. Nagar,” he said in a quiet voice. “Sandeep's fast asleep. I'm just bringing him home. Do you think you or Rekha can come and take him from outside your gate?”
Sangita thought on her feet. She had been worrying about the scene that would unfold if Gautam brought Sandeep to their door. She decided fast.
“Gautam, can you do me a favour, please? Will it be possible for you to take Sandeep to your place? I'll ask Raghu to pick him up in the evening. That is,” she hesitated, “if I'm not imposing on you,” she finished, her voice uncertain.
“Don't be silly, sweetheart. He's my son too, or have you forgotten? Now don't you dare think it's an imposition. Of course Sandeep can come home with me. In fact, Thatha and Patti will only be too happy to spoil him rotten. Let Raghu pick him up any time. Or I can bring him over later.”
“No, Gautam, that won't be necessary. Raghu will bring him back. And Gautam...”
“Yes, sweetheart?”
“Thank you so much,” Sangita's voice wobbled with emotion. This was the first time she felt that there was someone to share the responsibility of her son.
“Just shuddup, will you? I've a good mind to come over and seal your lips with mine till you're ready to withdraw your thanks,” he threatened softly, visualising her blushing face in his mind's eye.
“Now that's an interesting thought,” her voice was suddenly mischievous. “So when do you plan to execute your threat? You can't come tonight. Not after whisking Sandeep away for the afternoon,” she gurgled.
“Are you challenging me, ma'am? Do you want to wait and see? I'll come over…”
Sangita panicked. “No, Gautam, please. Not tonight. Please don't come tonight.”
Gautam smiled as he leaned back into the driver's seat. “I won't come if you promise not to thank me every time I do something for you. Do I have your word?” he asked.
“And miss out on the wonderful remedy you have for that? No way,” she flirted shyly.
Gautam's soft laughter warmed her heart and chased goose pimples down her spinal cord. Sangita shivered in response. How she wished that he wasn't so far away.
“I hope you ne'er stop thanking me, ever,” he said. “Now I'll have to switch the phone off, sweetheart. Sandeep's fast asleep. I'd better get him home. See you soon, love.”
“Bye, Gautam and take care,” said Sangita.
19
Sandeep woke up on the couch in Gautam's sitting room. He got up, rubbing his eyes, curious about his strange surroundings.
Gautam had been working on his computer when he heard his son waking up. It was past five.
“Good evening, darling. Did you sleep well?” he asked, opening his arms wide to hug the little boy.
Sandeep went willingly into his father's arms. Gautam lifted him and carried him to the bathroom. He then helped him wash his eyes and towelled him dry.
“Hungry?”
Sandeep nodded, unusually sober. He had started missing his mother, now that she was home every day when he returned from his kindergarten.
They went down to the dining room where Gautam toasted a few slices of bread on which he lavishly spread butter and mixed fruit jam. Sandeep ate them greedily while Ramanna brought him a mug of Bournvita.
“Ramanna, this is my son Sandeep,” he introduced.
Ramanna was aware of the developments in the family and hence showed no surprise as he happily shook the small hand.
“And Sandeep, this is Ramanna Thatha. He cooks yummy food for us.”
Sandeep gave him a shy smile. “Will Ramanna Thatha make food when Mummy and I come to live here?” he asked.
Gautam smiled as he said, “Yes, darling, he will.”
The child gave the old man another smile just as he heard a bark outside.
“Butterscotch!” his eyes shone in delight. He finished his snack and rubbed his hands on the towel Gautam gave him before running out to greet the Labrador.
The kid and dog frolicked in the lawn for the next hour. Sandeep's exuberant laughter cheered up the atmosphere and warmed the hearts of the old couple who stepped out of the car that had brought them back from the temple.
Gautam was sitting on the top step that led down to the lawn, his posture relaxed, sipping a mug of coffee. His lips were tilted in a wide smile as he watched the antics of Sandeep and Butterscotch as they gambolled on the damp grass.
Soon Ganapathi and Vimala joined Gautam.
“That's Sangita's son,” declared Ganapathi without a shade of doubt in his voice.
“And mine too.” There was a possessive note in Gautam's voice as he looked at his grandfather's twinkling eyes. He took Vimala's hand in his as he said, “That's Sandeep, Patti, my son.
”Vimala smiled tenderly at Gautam. She was relieved to see her grandson so happy. The dark days seemed to have gone forever.
“Daddy,” Sandeep came running over. He felt a sudden urge to speak to his mother. But seeing the elderly couple, he hesitated. His exposure to
grandparents hadn't exactly been very joyful.
“Sandeep,” Gautam gestured to his son to come closer. “These are my Thatha and Patti. Your Kollu Thatha and Kollu Patti, okay?”
Sandeep eyed his new relatives warily, equating them with his own grandparents.
Vimala put out her arms to him. “Come here, darling. Let me hug you.” She held him close and lifted his chin to study his face. “You look so much like your mummy, Sandeep. So handsome too,” she smiled.
A small smile lit up Sandeep's face. He liked his Kollu Patti's warm hug. And she obviously knew his mother.
“You know my Mummy?” he put his thoughts into words.
“Of course, my dear. I knew her even before you were born.”
“Oh!” Sandeep's eyes rounded in surprise. He settled comfortably on Vimala's lap much to her delight and turned towards Ganapathi.
Ganapathi put out his hand to shake the boy's. “Hello, Sandeep. How would you like to come live in this house with all of us?” There was a tender smile in Ganapathi's eyes.
“Will you beat me? I'll be a good boy, I promise. I'll not break anything. Please don't beat me,” he said pathetically. Gopal had a tendency to raise his hand at the least excuse. When they had just one TV, Gopal and Radha always insisted on watching soap operas while the kids were keen to see cartoons. Gopal never hesitated to give Sandeep or Ramya a tight slap if they insisted on watching their favourite channel. And that was just one example of his cruel nature.
Ganapathi had a difficult time holding the smile that threatened to disappear from his face. “Of course not, little one. I'll never beat you,” he promised solemnly, holding his temper in check. He lifted a hand to comb the little boy's hair away from his forehead.
“And you, Kollu Patti,” Sandeep looked at Vimala seriously, “you'll not box my ears?”
Vimala controlled her tears valiantly, dragging the child into a fierce hug. “Never, my darling,” she promised.
Sandeep pulled back to look at the two of them. “I like you,” he declared. Then he turned to Gautam, “Daddy, can I talk to Mummy?”
“Sure, son.” Gautam didn't bother to correct his language. All that would come later. He had to first recover from the shock that a five-year-old child got beaten by his grandfather. His eyes were spitting flames as they met Vimala's.
The Madras Affair Page 19