by Anuj Tiwari
‘Ved, I am perfectly fine,’ she says. Coming close to the microphone, she murmurs, ‘We both want to meet, so someone has to take an initiative. This time I am taking it and I happen to be travelling in a crowded bus.’
Angira is not comfortable in the local trains and buses of Mumbai. She only enjoys them when she travels to meet Ved. To alleviate her pain, Ved cracks jokes while she travels.
‘Where have you reached?’ he asks.
‘Ved, this is the sixth time you are asking this question in the last thirty-five minutes. Give me fifteen to twenty minutes, I’ll be there,’ Angira says, shrugging her shoulder. ‘Okay bye,’ she disconnects the call.
‘Bye. Take care.’
Now Ved gets time to cook. He keeps the bottle in the freezer thinking that Angira will be thirsty after the commute to his place. He rushes and finishes cooking everything by the time Angira rings the doorbell. If Ved was not a footballer, he would have surely been a chef.
He decides to cook something special for her. In a bowl, he mixes maida and baking powder. He removes the chocolate from the pan once it has melted and pours it into that mixture. He has placed his watch on the slab near the oven and he keeps checking it while beating the mixture. Buttering the baking pan, he then fills it with the mixture. After putting it in the oven, he sets the time and temperature. He wants to impress Angira one more time with a skill that every Indian girl looks for in a guy these days.
‘Pudhe chala! pudhe chala!’ the bus conductor shouts. These are the first words Angira had heard when she stepped foot in Mumbai. She was new to the city then, so it took a few days and some scolding from the bus conductors to know the meaning of pudhe chala, which means ‘move ahead’.
She understands the city a lot better now. The city makes her happy. These thoughts flood her mind as she finds herself standing outside Ved’s home. She rings the doorbell.
‘Hello,’ she says as Ved opens the door.
‘Come,’ Ved greets her with a hug.
‘So, what’s up?’
‘Nothing. I was just waiting for you,’ Ved says with a smile.
He makes her sit on the sofa and gives her a glass of nimbu pani.
‘Do you like nimbu pani?’ she asks.
‘No, but it provides instant energy,’ he says.
Angira starts laughing, ‘Okay. Thanks.’
‘Why are you laughing? It’s true,’ he seems exasperated.
‘No, nothing. You are a mad fellow.’
‘Okay, you must be tired. You can use the face wash there,’ he shows her the way to the washroom.
Angira doesn’t take much time and when she reaches the hall, Ved pulls the curtains aside. There’s a mat on the floor of the balcony, with a bottle of wine and two glasses. It’s 7.30 p.m. It’s a little dark outside but they can see each other.
‘Isn’t this a little too romantic, Ved?’
Angira sits in the balcony, resting her chin on her knees and wrapping her hands around her legs. She looks a little serious.
‘Don’t you like romance?’ Ved says, lighting few candles in the hall and two in the balcony.
With a candlelit balcony, soft sensual music playing in the hall and a bottle of red wine, this evening looks so romantic.
‘No, I can’t believe that you are this romantic.’
Ved comes and sits right next to her.
‘Don’t make that face,’ he looks at her and grins.
He pours wine in the glasses and gives one to her.
‘Okay. Thanks,’ she smiles and takes the glass.
‘You know what? Whenever I feel lonely or sad, I come here and sit in the balcony. It brings me peace. I wanted to share that with you, that’s why I set this up in the balcony. I am going to cherish this moment forever,’ he says.
‘You breathe romance, Ved. I am not at all romantic,’ she clinks the glass and they both drink the wine.
‘Just give me a minute,’ Ved says, going to the hall.
Turning back to Angira, he says, ‘Now, Ved Gulati is presenting the most sensational part of the evening to you.’
He brings out a plate full of chocolate brownies he made before she arrived.
‘Oh my god…you made this?’ Angira puts aside her glass and takes the plate delightfully.
Ved nods, ‘For you.’
‘Oh my god,’ Angira moves to make some space for the plate.
‘Sit, sit, I can manage.’
‘You really made this for me?’ Angira is still surprised. Ved nods and then smiles, ‘Yup.’
They sit and have an intimate conversation. Sometimes you don’t need physical touch to be intimate; your words can make moments far more intimate than your acts. They both enjoy a memorable time with a glass of wine and the chocolate brownies on this romantic evening. They don’t realize when the time passes.
Angira is looking at those candles that Ved lit an hour ago. The candles have become small but are still able to spread some light in the balcony. She is looking at them when a sudden gust of cold breeze blows them out. It is suddenly dark.
Ved holds Angira in his arms and they kiss passionately. This becomes an unforgettable night for them—one that Ved will never find the words to describe.
The Anglo-Indian
Having spent considerable time together, Ved wants to tell Angira the truth about his family. He feels she will understand his situation. But there is a part of him that wonders if she will be able to face the truth, despite her love for him. He wants to tell her everything before long, so he can take their relationship forward.
Holding a glass of water in one hand, he slides the window of his room completely to the left and lets the cool breeze in. The streets outside are empty. The fragrance of honeysuckle makes its way in. Birds have stopped twittering.
I don’t want to hide anything. He decides to tell her everything.
He finds Angira’s eyelash on his cheek and decides to make a wish for both of them.
‘Do you really believe in this? I did this almost every time I found an eyelash, but nothing happened. Maybe my wishes ask too much of the man above,’ Angira grins at him.
Ved suddenly opens his eyes. Embarrassed, he shoves his hands into the pockets of his shorts pretending he was doing nothing, but it is too late. Angira has understood that there is something on his mind. They have been with each other for months and they understand each other without words.
‘But if it worked, I would be the happiest person in the world,’ she says, trying to make him smile.
He keeps looking outside and doesn’t say a word.
‘What happened to you, Ved? You don’t look all right. I mean you aren’t saying anything. If you want to talk about something, you should,’ Angira holds his hand in hers and looks at him. ‘Please don’t put any tag of relationship, expectations and formalities. I believe we like each other’s company. Let’s live the rest of our lives the way we have lived till now.’
Ved wants to say something, but he is not able to find the courage to speak up. But he believes there is no point hiding the truth.
‘You know, I love this place. I could live here forever. I could stand here all day, holding you in my arms and just looking outside,’ Angira says, looking into his eyes, and kisses him on his cheeks before hugging him.
‘Ved, I love you. I want to listen to you when you feel like sharing something,’ she says and steps towards the room again.
‘Angira, wait,’ Ved turns and stops her.
She turns back and stands next to him. ‘Yeah,’ she says.
‘Angira, you are the most important person in my life now. We have come to that point where we share everything with each other. So I have decided to tell you something that I have never told anybody, not even my close friends, except Arjun. I love you and I want to marry you, but would like to know if you want to marry me. I am an Anglo-Indian.’
‘What does that mean?’ she asks.
‘I am not from your community. Our roots go back to the Anglo-
Indian community. My grandmother was one of them. My grandfather, who was British, left her here when the East India Company left. She was brutally beaten, humiliated and insulted by the people in our society. She was treated like a prostitute. People used to say that my father was born in a brothel. Being a kid I couldn’t shut them up. That’s why when you asked that day about my family I avoided telling you all this.’
‘Where is your family, Ved?’ she is shocked to hear about his family and the life of Anglo-Indians.
‘They are in Kolkata.’
Ved doesn’t speak any more. It is obvious that he is feeling sentimental.
‘Ved, you know what? When I saw you for the first time, I didn’t ask you about your religion. I didn’t ask you about your community or your background, where you live, what you do. I just believed in the words you wrote to me and your face, which said enough about you.’
‘Will your family agree with us being together?’
‘I love you, Ved.’
‘That doesn’t answer my question. Will your family agree to this marriage?’ Creases appear on his forehead.
‘Ved, we’ll talk to our families,’ Angira replies, not convinced herself because she knows how difficult it will be to make her family agree to this marriage.
‘Will they agree? I have a mom and a sister. They’re still exploited in the society. My elder sister is turning thirty-three and nobody is ready to marry her because we are fucking Anglo-Indians. Is it my fault that a British guy came and fucked my grandmother, and left us all like this? We are suffering for no fucking reason,’ Ved looks frustrated and pissed off.
He was expecting a straight answer from Angira that she will marry him.
‘Why don’t you call your family to Mumbai?’ Angira holds his hand and they sit on the sofa.
‘I want to, but they think they will become a hurdle in my career. Now that I have a scholarship to study here, I will call them soon. You asked me that day why I am doing an MBA. The reason is that I don’t want my family to suffer anymore,’ Ved hopes that he’ll make everything perfect one day.
Angira kisses him and holds him more tightly, ‘I love you. Everything will be okay and this doesn’t change anything between us.’ She punches him on his bum and adds, ‘I am always with you.’
‘I hope you are,’ Ved says and they hug each other for some time.
Now the biggest obstacle is not just to tell Anushka but to make her mom and dad accept Ved’s presence in her life. Angira understands the first step is to inform Anushka about Ved.
‘Listen! We are planning to go for garba night next week. Anushka is also coming from Delhi, so I want you to be there. Be ready,’ Angira drags him to the sofa and they sit at ease.
‘Okay. I hope she likes me,’ Ved says, looking into her eyes.
‘She is very selective but don’t worry, I’ll tell you ways to impress her,’ she winks and adds, ‘It’s not that easy to marry this girl.’
‘I know,’ Ved says and adds, ‘but she knows me from my college days and this is going to be a shock for her. I think I should tell Arjun before talking to Anushka, because they are best friends and they share a close relationship. And Arjun can help us in case Anushka thinks I am not right for you.’ Ved laughs and plans everything like a secret agent.
‘So how’s your best friend, Arjun?’ Angira asks Ved.
‘He is fine. You know, there was a time when we used to do everything together, but after college he has become quite serious. I just moved in with him a few months ago, so it will take some time for us to get back to our old ways.’
‘Chill. Now you are with me, so everything will go smoothly. Moreover, if something needs to be discussed, one of you has to take the initiative,’ Angira pulls his chin and kisses him on his cheeks.
‘Once he gets time off work, I am going to ask him if he has any problem with me. I moved in with him because Anushka told me to. If he has any issues then he should just tell me.’
‘Chill, he is a nice guy. I know him. He must be busy with things. You know how he behaves when he is stuck with work. Is your phone vibrating?’ Angira can feel a vibration.
‘No,’ Ved looks conscious and takes his cellphone out from his pocket.
Angira takes the cellphone from his hand to see who’s calling. Ved takes the phone back from her hand.
‘Give it to me for a minute,’ Ved unlocks the phone and goes through the recent calls and WhatsApp. He quickly deletes a WhatsApp chat.
‘What is so important that you’re not giving me your phone? Are you deleting your WhatsApp chat?’ Angira feels weird about the way Ved is being protective of his cellphone.
‘It’s nothing, okay take the phone. I was just deleting the junk,’ Ved gives her his cellphone and take her into the room.
Those Pretty Gujju Girls, Followed by the Punjabans
‘Someone is so busy these days, they are not even answering my calls,’ Anushka tells Arjun over a call. Ved is around watching videos on YouTube on his cellphone.
‘Nothing like that, just stuck with work for the last couple of days. You know very well how difficult it is for me to manage writing and the job. After all this there’s hardly any time for me to sleep,’ Arjun says on reaching home.
‘How much do you want to earn, lad?’ Anushka asks, poking fun at him.
Ved can easily guess that Anushka is on the call. Ved thinks of telling Arjun about Angira. He messages Angira instead.
Hey! Should I tell Arjun about us?
What do you think? Should we?
I don’t know.
Or let’s drop the bomb on garba night, what say?
I’d rather tell Anushka and not Arjun.
He is very busy. He doesn’t even talk to me properly.
I’ll call you later. I’ve got to go now.
Sure.
‘Nothing like that. Don’t worry, I’ll come to Delhi soon,’ Arjun feels relaxed when he talks to Anushka.
Anushka is the only friend who he talks to almost every day. However, lately he’s been swamped at work. Arjun gets up from the hall and goes to the other room.
‘Arjun, your wallet,’ Ved calls him back.
Arjun turns back smiling as he takes the wallet. He gives Ved an envelope.
‘I found this in the postbox downstairs,’ Arjun hands over the envelope.
Ved takes it. Arjun goes to his room, talking to Anushka over the call. Ved remembers the days when Arjun would pretend to be his father, uncle or his elder brother when the registrar wanted to talk to his family members. Ved suddenly smiles. He opens the envelope and reads the letter. He takes time to react. Finally, Ved has received the letter inviting him for the selection process in Kolkata next week for the Kolkata football team. He has finally gotten the chance that he fought for day and night.
‘You need a soulmate now,’ Anushka says. It’s in her nature to make Arjun laugh.
You always need a friend who can make you laugh even when you are crying. One does not need a friend who always gives you gyan to do this and that. Arjun quite enjoys these moments with her.
‘Actually, even I think the same. What about you? If you concentrate on dieting for a few days you might get one too!’ Arjun teases her.
‘Come and talk to Mom. If she says yes, then I’ll think about it. By the way, in college you used to run after the chubby girls. “They give more pleasure,” these were your words, right?’ Anushka teases him.
‘I was immature back then,’ Arjun replies.
‘No, no, I remember each and everything. Should I open the whole Gazette of Arjun,’ Anushka adds. ‘Now listen, are you free next week?’
‘I am going to Pune on an official trip,’ Arjun replies. ‘Why, what happened? Are you coming to Mumbai or what?’
‘Yes, I am coming next week.’
‘Seriously?’ Arjun is surprised by her sudden plan.
‘Can’t you take a sick leave next week?’ Anushka starts giving him excuses he can use.
‘No, no,
this time I won’t go with your plan. Last time you sisters took to me to that party and at the airport how I got through the security check only I know. I was completely drunk!’
‘So we won’t drink this time,’ Anushka wants him to come.
‘Sweetie, on a serious note. I have already told them. Also, I have never danced the garba. I don’t even know how to hold those sticks,’ Arjun says.
‘We don’t use sticks in garba, we use them in dandiya.’
‘Yeah, same.’
Anushka laughs.
‘You should know that I’ll hate you for ditching me.’
‘I am sorry. We’ll meet once I come to Delhi. Promise! By the way, Ved can come if you need any help. I think he is going with someone,’ Arjun says, coming out of the room.
‘Of course he is coming with me. You are the one who won’t be there,’ Anushka is happy to come to Mumbai but if Arjun could join them, the event would be more memorable.
‘He is here by the way, you can talk to him,’ Arjun gives the phone to Ved saying, ‘Anushka is on the call.’
‘Hey Abby, what’s up?’
Ved calls her Abby since college as her full name is Anushka Batra.
He shows the letter to Arjun while talking to her. Arjun reads it completely.
‘You did it, dude!’ Arjun exclaims.
‘What happened?’ Anushka asks Ved.
‘Nothing, that was Arjun. By the way I have good news,’ he says in an excited and joyous tone.
‘So when are you going,’ Arjun murmurs.
Ved points out the date on the letter and continues talking. Arjun gives a thumbs up.
‘What’s that?’ Anushka asks.
‘I have been called for the Kolkata football team. Though it’s the selection process, I hope I’ll hit the right notes,’ Ved replies.
‘That’s awesome, champ! Now I need a big party, with you sponsoring some shots for me,’ Anushka always has a plan.
‘It is just a screening,’ Ved tries to make her understand the process.
‘I know, I know, but they didn’t send me the letter, they sent it you, which means you deserve it. If you deserve that, then I deserve a party.’