Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 5)

Mum stopped and I knew who is at the door. I looked at mum and she looked away from me.

I walked forward towards the door and I could feel my palm sweating. I felt numb.

I took a deep breath and opened the door and it was the same gentleman who came yesterday. I could not even smile well.

I greeted him, “Good morning! Please come in.”

He wished me back in a crisp voice, “Good morning! Dear.”

I thought mum would freeze into silence once again. But to my surprise she invited him for breakfast.

“Good morning! Welcome,” She greeted him with a smile. How are you doing Akhil?

“I am doing very well, Thank you,” He replied. What about you Shruti?

“I am good too,” Mom said.

“Did you have your breakfast yet?” She asked politely.

“Not yet.”

“Then why don’t you join us for the breakfast”

“Yes, Why not?” He smiled.

Akhil? I had never heard of him before. I wondered who he was! It looked like both of them knew each other very well.

Then we sat around the table. I looked at the clock and it was still twenty minutes to ten. He was early. He looked exited.

Mum started serving the hot Idlis (Indian dumplings) and the spicy curry. It was the perfect way to start a rainy day.

I was eager to break the ice but by then Akhil interrupted.

“Shruti, you cook really well.”

“Thank you,” Mum said with a gentle smile.

“I met Nisha recently.”

Mum stopped eating, she looked at him and said, “Ok, so Nisha is the reason why you are here. Huh?”

He hurried, “Please do not misunderstand her.” She has done a real favour to me. If she hadn’t told me about you then I would be in a very bad shape. Trust me! He pleaded.

First time in these two days I felt a bit sidelined and found myself to be more of a spectator. I knew that today I did not have to speak much. I continued with my breakfast, listening to their conversation with perfect silence. All I hoped was to know more about mum’s past and to see mum happy again as always.

He continued, “Do you both stay here alone?”

Mum looked into his eyes and said in a low voice, “I am sure Nisha must have told you about it.” And then she looked down and continued with her food.

“Yes, but I don’t know where to start from.”

Just then mum intervened, “Akhil!” she said in a sharp voice.

Both of them looked at each other as if they were trying to open up the old treasure of memories locked in their minds.

I looked at them startled for a second. My spoon slipped from my fingers and fell on the melanin plate making a squeaky sound loud enough to break their thoughts. Mum took her eyes off him and looked at me, but she couldn’t manage to hold it for long. We continued with our breakfast. There was complete silence. Not even a leaf moved, just the sound of crockery.

I was physically there but my mind was wandering all over the universe to find a clue about what was happening. I was pacified about one thing that mum was much more confident today than she was yesterday. I knew his name by now but I failed to understand who he is. And when he started to speak mum stopped him. Those 25 minutes I could not feel the blood in my body.

The silence started eroding my patience.

Akhil seemed to be planning for a very long discussion. This was the longest breakfast I could ever imagine.

I looked at him hesitantly. He looked at me and gave a warm smile. My hands started to sweat. I did not know what to do. I could not eat anymore. I somehow managed to gulp the rest of the food on my plate.

Finally the breakfast was over. And the time I was waiting for was nearing. I cleared the table along with mum as soon as possible. I rushed with each and every vessel.

All this while, Akhil was sitting on the couch waiting to break a conversation. It looked for sure that this time he would not go back without speaking with mum. We set right the kitchen and mum headed towards the couch. I followed her. There were butterflies in my stomach.

Finally, like a centre stage everyone settled down on the couch. I felt a thrill like the cricket world cup finals. It was very cloudy and was getting darker. Mum switched on the halogen light in the hallway. Everything was literally in light now.

Not able to wait even for a moment he broke into the silence, “I want to speak with you, please shruti,” He requested.

Both their faces reflected the warm yellow light and I was waiting to put some light to my ignorance.

Mum spoke up to Akhil’s relief, “Yes, tell me.”

“So what are you doing these days?” Mum asked.

He started to speak with a sweet twinkle in his eyes. His innocence magnetised my attention and his clarity of speech awed me.

“I am a senior Executive in Infosys, Mumbai.” He said confidently. I got promoted recently.

Mum gave a glance at his face. “That’s nice.”

“Thank you.”

“What about your parents?” Mum enquired.

He quickly looked away. The yellow light lit one side of his face creating a rim.

I wondered.

“I do not speak much with them these days.”

“What do you mean by these days?”

“I mean since last 22 years.”

Mum asked surprisingly and with concern, “But why?”

Still lost in thoughts she started narrating the story of a lifetime. I was looking forward to each and every word he uttered.

“As you know after our college days I did my MBA from Pillani College in Ahmadabad. I worked hard and secured good marks. I enjoyed my college life a lot. I had a whole lot of friends. I did not know how my two years passed by and later I got a huge break to start my career.

My career was fantastic. I got into a multinational company. And after 6 months of training they sent me overseas for 1 year. I had a fabulous exposure in my career just at the initial stage. Then I came back to Ahmadabad and I got a promotion along with a posting in Mumbai. Everything went just as I wanted it to be. I knew I was on the right track. Some of my friends got married but I was too busy with my career.

I made many friends. But only some were close to me. One of them was a woman who often caught my attention. She was very calm, talented, and quick witted and lovely woman. We often went out to have a cup of coffee. We bonded really well as friends.

Very soon my parents thought it was time for me to get married. I never really thought of marriage then but since mum insisted I gave in.

I married the first girl whom I first went to see. To my surprise she was none other than my office colleague and a good friend. I was a bit hesitant about how she would react to the idea. But she was happy to get married to me. And so were everyone else in the family. My good friend had become my life partner.

It was absolutely beautiful being with her.

As he narrated this his eyes reflected the love and sincerity in his marriage. I felt a lot of respect for his wife. By the way he described her I could feel her presence even in her absence. I was more curious to know.

She was the most beautiful person in my life. Life was gliding like sow. It felt pure and beautiful. I loved her light brown eyes.” He stopped and looked straight into my eyes.

I felt a shiver run down my spine. I had exactly the same eyes.

“She loved those red bangles.” He said and smiled at me. Suddenly I felt a deep connection. I thought he was describing more of me. I always insisted mum to wear red bangles. I have always loved that vibrant color.

I could no more sit comfortably. There was a deep look in Akhil’s eyes. All of a sudden I seem to have taken the centre stage. I was wondering what was happening.

He looked down and said “Netra was such a beautiful woman. I loved her the most. She was the one who understood me like no one else could.” His eyes were moist as he looked up.

I was taken aback. Netra! Still echoed in my ears. I was in a wonderland. I tried hard to understand what was happening. Netra was his office colleague to whom he got married, but it coincided with my name. I just wanted to know more.

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 4)

Mum and I went to Mumbai and shifted the things to Pune. Actually, Mum did all the work while I stood like a birthday girl watching over the preparations being made for the party. I had no idea shifting would be such a tough job. I looked naive. From instructing the load lifters, the truck driver and negotiating the deal with the transport agent, mum was in total control of the things that were happening. She looked like a leader in tough situations. What a woman! I thought for myself.

We successfully shifted our things to Pune. It did not take a long while though. Within a week mum managed to convert the house into our beautiful home. The place was the same but it felt like home in Pune for the first time. I realised that a house is not what is important it is the people who matter the most.

I loved the backyard. And the sunset was marvellous. It was away from the clutter of busy mechanical life. This place was almost at the outskirts of Pune near my hostel. We could not have asked for a calmer and safer place for us to live in. It was like the much awaited break to our busy materialistic lifestyle that we were trapped into. And staying with mum in such a beautiful place was nothing less than heaven.

Watching mum do her work itself was like a motivation pill for me. I was undoubtedly happy. Having her handmade delicious Idlis and pastas, relaxing with mum over the evening tea and spending the nights with the crickets, the year just cruised past.

It was the most important thing in my life at that moment. It was my year 12 board exams. Whenever a doubt rose in my mind about my capabilities, mum just said one thing, “Be confident, no matter what stands before you.” It was my hard work and my confidence that I came up with flying colours in my exams. And I definitely trust those words even today.

Time glided away. After seeing mum work on animation ever since I recall my initial memories, I wanted to have a piece of it. I wanted to experience firsthand what it is like to create a whole character out of nothing. I had this deep interest building up within me and it was time to unleash it.

I joined an Arts college. I studied the traditional techniques for arts and gradually had mature understanding of the intricate, delicate and the pure beauty of the subject. I got increasingly passionate about it.

I made lots of friends in college and often brought them home. And one of my best friends was Suhaas.

He would say, “Even though art seems to be a matter of heart, the best master pieces are made at the subconscious state of mind. It is the language of the soul.” And I wondered, how else could art be defined in a better way.

He helped me develop a deep bonding with nature and animals which was unnoticed but a very crucial aspect of every form of art. Most of the time we worked on projects together. We had a great time at home with mum. She had an instant rapport with Suhaas and she definitely loved the vibes of the youth.

Our work frequently flashed on the college notice board and so did our close friendship create rumours in the college premises. But none of it managed to deter our focus in our aim. We strived for the best and best we did received. I was awarded the best outgoing student of the year and Suhaas grabbed the best project of the year award.

I completed my diploma in animation along with my fine arts degree. I shared all my work with mum and considered her valuable suggestions. I clearly remember the nights when I spent long hours working on my project and mum would just come in and sit in the room speaking nothing, just looking at me and smiling as though she is proud of her grown up daughter.

Three years passed and I was in the final year. Those were some of the finest days I ever had in my life and a huge credit goes to mum.

Everything seemed like present until the morning sunlight hit my face. I felt as if I was still in Pune!

As always I had kept the blinds open. I love the early morning glowing sunrays. The golden rays create an illusion of a fresh start even though life is just a continuation; there is neither a beginning nor an end to it. Just like today.

As I opened the window, the fresh morning breeze refreshed me and I disillusioned myself into the present. It had been raining all night. The window plane was damp and there were numerous puddles randomly spread over the backyard. The smell from the soil was unbeatable even better than those expensive perfumes.

I took a deep breath and decided to take a plunge into the day I have been looking forward to the most since the past few months.

After the thousands of memories creating a riot in my head all over the night, I looked forward to get an insight further into mum’s life before I became a part of her life.

I walked out of my room. Mum was taking bath. It was already 6:45am. Sundays are no exceptions to her; she woke up early as usual. I went back to my room and got freshened up. I did yoga for a while, had my bath. I did all the routine stuff but nothing seemed to be normal. Some kind of nasty silence still persisted.

It was breakfast time. And all the thoughts were wandering in my mind like the goats grazing in the grasslands. Mum placed the breakfast on the table one by one. She did not make any eye contact with me since morning.

I was watching her set the dining table, pretending to clean the living room. I was actually waiting for mum to start the breakfast so that I could break the long silence.

She served the breakfast for me on the plate and went and stood near the window staring outside. My heart sank. She looked disturbed. I hoped to see her fresh and happy this morning but...

I waited at the breakfast table but she did not move an inch. The light passed through her hair. It felt like the almighty was giving her the power to overcome the situation.

She should speak, I thought for myself. I got up from the table and stood besides mum.

It was a nice feeling to be besides mum after such a long night. I bend forward to make an eye contact. Mom quickly turned and looked straight into my eyes. I felt a huge sigh of relief. She gave me a smile for the first time since yesterday evening.

I smiled back to let mum know that I was happy to see her smiling.

“Mum, shall we have our breakfast?” I asked.

“Sure dear.” Mum replied gently.

We went towards the table and were about to start with the breakfast by then the doorbell rang.

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 3)

I switched off the light and lying on the bed I looked at ceiling. The dim light from the lampshade reflected my gloomy state of mind. It was difficult for me to sleep with the day ending so unexpectedly. I turned to my left and cuddled the soft pillow lying beside me. Fiddling with the fur on the pillow cover, I recalled what aunt had told me about mum’s teenage days.

“Your mum lost her parents in a brutal accident when she was around sixteen.” She said to me one day.

I knew that since then she lived with her loving aunt. Aunt had two sons, so she took care of mum just like she would have taken care of her own daughter. She sweetly called mum “Shri” Which also means beautiful. No wonder everyone was fond of mum’s name “Shri Shruti.”

Just as her name suggests she has a beautifully trained voice which reflects her inner beauty and dedication towards her work. When she sings I can easily lose track of what I am up to. It is indeed mesmerizing.

Just as her parents passed away, she entered her college days. Not able to recover from her parent’s sudden demise, she was timid and shy. Her kind heart and intelligence rewarded her a few close friends though. The days spent at the university gave her the much needed confidence. Her self-esteem grew as she discovered her inner abilities.

”The university is what brought your mum back to this universe, “Aunt would say often.

The years spend in the college not only taught her how to manage a business but also how to manage a successful life in this challenging world. She had a group of career oriented friends just like she was. By the time she completed her college she was transformed from a reserved girl to an outspoken and smart yet humble lady.

After graduation she decided to take up her passion as her career. She took up animation.

I always wondered how mum manages be good at so many things, that too in one lifetime. I was not the only one awe inspired by mum’s talent. Aunt was always impressed of mum’s qualities, her sincerity, helpful attitude and hard work.

Every time I see one of the letterheads of mum’s company the first thing that comes to my mind is what aunt told me “Your mum was always determined to build a successful animation company.”

No doubt with so much determination and managerial abilities, she did accomplish her dream, all by herself. Mum had a unique capability in arts and was a total technology freak. The perfect blend of these two was 3D animation.

“Cartoons have the ability to bring out the hidden child in an adult,” Mum would say. And rightly so, she has the childlike innocence on her face. She loves what she does and her awards and accolades are the proof that her skill to render an emotion into an art form was very special.

Years passed by and aunt got increasingly worried about mum’s marriage.

Mum would just laugh it off and say, “Aunt, I have my whole life left to get married.”

In this midst aunt’s sons got married and the family got bigger. Aunt’s concern for mum grew by large. But little did she have a clue about what mum was up to.

Mum had a different perspective towards life. The very thought of it shocked aunt to the core. From the very beautiful city of gardens (Bangalore), she moved to Mumbai, where she had very high business prospects for animation. But she did not move to Mumbai alone. She brought a small but beautiful and extremely precious, doll-like baby girl along with her.

The baby was her perfect companion at this stage of her life. She looked after her like her own daughter. The beautiful round eye were unbelievably attention grabbing. She aptly named the new wonder in her life “Netra” meaning the one with beautiful eyes.

Mum’s childhood friend, Suleka told me “You were her little treasure. Your mum dedicated her life to look after you.”

Mum had adopted me in Mumbai.

For mum life appeared to be complete and beautiful as never before. She never thought there could be anything more interesting than animation and music but she was proven wrong.

Her world expanded. She got a new meaning to her life.

Every touch, every feel of the little child gave her bliss. She was in a deep trace. Sometimes she forgot that there were people besides her.

Drowned into this mesmerizing happiness, the untouched beauty and seemingly everlasting heavenly bliss, she nurtured each and every moment the little round soft fingers grow onto long attractive steady fingers. She enjoyed the small fairy like glowing face grow into a beautiful, vivacious, bright face that gave smiles generously to everyone.

Growing up was fun with such a wonderful mother. It is God’s gift to me that I have such a great mother. It was only after many years that I realised, I grew up without a father. She never let me feel the need of a father figure.

She is an independent, confident and courageous woman. And she strives her very best to imbibe those qualities in me.

Aptly her favourite quote is, “Even God helps only those, who help themselves.”

She stresses on the fact that that I should be able to handle everything in life by myself without expecting someone else to fulfil my wishes. And exactly that is how mum has been all her life.

With such a long evening, all the memories gushing into my tiny little head, the soft pillow was just perfect for the night to relax on.

I did not know when I fell asleep. Suddenly I could hear slight sound of the utensils.

I forced my eyes open. My eyes moved towards the only source of light, coming from the living room. It looked like a silver lining in the dark. Light passed through the slit blow the door. I squeezed my eyes and looked at the clock. I could vaguely see 2 O’clock. I guessed mum was hungry and was having her dinner. I almost stepped down from the cot and I realised mum needs to spend some time alone.

I decided not to disturb her. I sat reclining on the cot. I folded my arms resting on the pillow. I dissolved into my memories once again.

Seeing mum alone I recalled what Sulekha had told me once, “When your mum sent you to school for the first day, she did not accompany you. Instead she sent you with me because she feared of the separation, more than you were.

With years passing by like the smooth pearls curling out of a broken string, mum realised that she was undeniably unconditionally in love with me. It hit her hard when she realised that some day we had to take our own path in life and above all she believed in being independent. So she felt that we needed to stay away from each other for few years.

She sent me to a hostel in Pune when I was 13 years. I did well in my B-school. I loved the people and I had whole lot of new friends. Winters were much cooler than it was in Mumbai.

In spite of all the good things, I felt like my life was no more in my hands. Even though I spoke with mum very often, my initial days were terrifying without her.

Even over the phone I could feel the heaviness in her heart, but she would somehow control her tears. Her voice seemed like heaven in life for me. Even the few days were like a long wait to hear her soothing voice. Days seemed to appear like ages. Many a times I felt the need for a hug from mum. Everything was standstill.

Every night I would keep mum’s photo besides me and play the recordings that I had secretly recorded without mum’s knowledge. This was very much like my food and water.

But as years cruised by, I realised how important these years were. Staying away from mum not only made me realise her worth but also I became absolutely confident and I had started to believe in my abilities.

In my heart respect for mum grew to a great extent. Mum was my idol in each and every way I could think of.

Time unleashed its infamous quality-fast and furious.

Soon it was my last year in the hostel.

The day was special. It was my 17th birthday on the 17th of April. After completing my exams, I had planned to go back to Mumbai and spend my vacation with mum.

Someone rang the doorbell.

I opened the door and it was a surprise visit by mum. I was completely flattered. Taking no time I embraced her.

I felt a joy like the baby water turtles swimming into the vast ocean for the first time in their life.

I took a deep breath and looked at her. She looked matured. I could see a few grey stands of hair hiding and creating patterns with the black ones. She stared at me as if she had found a long lost friend, as if a series of visuals playing in her mind. Those few moments were enough to bring tears of joy in our eyes.

I lifted my hand to wipe her tears, but she held my hand halfway. She leaned forward and kissed on my forehead and wished me “Happy Birthday.”

This was the day she had brought me to Mumbai in search of a life that she thought was her world. I introduced her to my roommates. As she spoke to them, I could not take my eyes off her.

As I watched her silently, even though she looked a bit matured, she was as beautiful and serene as ever. I could feel the depth in the atmosphere. Her aura was so strong and I knew I will cherish that moment forever.

Every time she turned and looked at me, I felt like she was calling me from within. The beauty and grace in which she carried herself was marvellous. But at the same time her bold and independent attitude inspired me to a great extent.

She looked calm, soft and a bit lonely. It was then that I made up my mind that I will never ever leave mum alone. Time flew past and it was evening already.

We went to the hotel where she stayed. She looked stunning in her red sari. Her red bindi lit up her wide glowing forehead. Mum let down her silky hair. As she took her handbag the bangles created beautiful music like the rustling of the leaves in the evening wind.

As I looked at her hypnotised, mum shook my shoulder and said, “Netra! Get up. It is time for us to leave.”

I could not resist but ask “Mum, did not any one propose their love to you during your college days?”

Mum was taken by surprise by this question. She just smiled and lightly patted on my cheek and then we left. We spent some time in the mall shopping around. Then we went for dinner. Mum had ordered for a birthday cake. This appeared like a once in a lifetime event. I loved each and every second of it. I had no words to describe how happy I was.

After the wonderful and memorable dinner, we returned to the hotel room. It was a long evening. We sat on the couch relaxing.

“When are we leaving for Mumbai?” I asked. I want to stay with you for a few days and I will have to return back for my special classes.

She opened the side drawer and removed a small purse. While she put her hand in, I was wondering what mum was above to reveal from that tiny little thing. She got hold of a bunch of keys.

“I narrowed my eyebrows and asked, “What are these keys for?”

“These are the keys of our new house.” She said smiling.

“And where is our new house?” I asked completely excited.

“In Pune.” It is just 15 minutes away from your college.

Mum came near me, held my hand with the warmth that I had been missing in the hostel for so many years.

“I have been missing you for the past few years.” She said. You are above to enter the 12th grade. It is a crucial time for your studies. So I have resigned my job. I have a few projects to take care of; I can stay with you in Pune and fulfil those commitments. I don’t want to leave you alone any more.

My joy knew no bounds. I could feel my heart pounding with joy. I was waiting for the moment to come.

Time Travels but Love Stays (Part 2)

He walked in politely.

“Please have a seat,” Said Mum. He sat on the couch in the centre of the living room.

I walked ahead and sat near the window thinking that they will continue with their conversation, but once again the wild silence crept in. As the cold evening breeze blew from the ocean, the only sound came from tapping of papers that I had kept on the table.

I felt a nerve wracking depth in the atmosphere. The deafening silence was intolerable. My heart started to hammer. I was clearly worried.

I tried my best to concentrate on the story but the other side of the room pulled my attention. I took a quick glance at the gentleman. I could see only his back, but he was looking at mum. Mum’s eyes were penetrated into the floor as if she was reading a captivating story written underneath. She sat uncomfortably in her own house.

I had never seen mum so mesmerized. The only time I had seen her so engrossed in thoughts was when she had a misunderstanding with one of her close friend.

I got up from my chair and walked towards them. I decided to break the silence which eventually broke the secret of a lifetime.

I gave the gentleman a short smile and sat near mum quietly.

“Hey! Are you ok, mum?” I Whispered.

She did not utter a word.

She just took my hand, holding it tightly within her two hands she took a deep breath as if she was afraid of losing me. Her hands were warm and her face looked pale. Silence still persisted and I felt like a huge vacuum around me.

I looked at the gentleman and he was still looking at mum and then he looked down. He nodded his head in disbelief and then he looked at me and slowly gave a beautiful smile. His face looked serene and the smile lit up his face.

“What is your ...,” He asked in a low voice.

I could not hear the latter part of his question. I could feel the nostalgia in his voice.

“I am sorry, I could not hear you completely,” I said.

He cleared his throat and this time he spoke softly but clearly. “What is your name?” He asked.

“Netra,” I replied.

Just as I told my name, tears filled in his eyes. He looked down and one drop fell on his hand that he tightly held with each other.

Oblivious of the fact that who the man was, why mum was so quiet and why I felt so naive, I was completely enthralled in the situation. One thing I was sure of was that mum knew the man very well.

With all questions piling up, there was roller coaster of thoughts in my mind. My head was cluttered with too many ideas. The only way to break the silence was to make mum speak something.

As the clouds gathered, the beautiful evening sky vanished into the advancing grey skyline. There were constant thunder and lightning. It was getting darker and any further delay would be troublesome for the gentleman to reach his house.
Still holding on to mum’s hand I looked at the gentleman. He looked at me too. He was as fresh as he was when he came home.

“Sir, May I know where do you stay?” I asked him.

“In a Hotel in Bandra,” He said.

It would take him nothing less than an hour to reach Bandra from Juhu, I thought.

“Would you like to have dinner?” I asked.

“No, thank you dear. It’s time for me to leave,” He said.

He got up and started moving towards the door. I followed him and opened the door.

“If you don’t mind, may I know who you are?” I asked.

“It’s too late for me to explain now; I will come back tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock.” He said. Is it ok?

I was so curious to know what was happening. I said “Yes, sure,” without even hesitating.

The wait for lift seemed long. As the lift door closed I took a sneak peek at him for the last time, he did looked absolutely unruffled.

I closed the door and looked behind. Mum was not there. She was in the kitchen heating the pasta. She was unusually calm and quiet.

I went to fresh up, splashed some cold water on my face. I felt a bit relaxed. I thought that mum would tell me about the gentleman over the dinner.

But nothing looked as I had thought. She already went to her room and put the lights off. I knew she was disturbed. She did not have her dinner. Mom and I usually catch up at the dinner table discussing about the day. It had been a long time since I had my dinner alone. I had some pasta and slowly cleared the table. I switched off the lights and went to my room. We were just two of us at home. But due to my late night project work I preferred to have a separate room so that I did not disturb mum from her sleep.

It was definitely the longest night. Not that I have never spent long nights. But this was emotionally daunting since mum did not speak about the evening. I looked at the clock. It was just ticking towards 10 o’clock. I wished that I could turn the needle of the clock to 10:00 am.