As the bus came to a halt, I stepped down along with some other passengers. The bus stop was full of people and I was unable to find Rahul amongst hundreds of heads that jostled about - some ascending the bus, some descending it, some waiting for their guests and beloved ones and some going about their usual business of selling chais and other daily commodities.
The place was very dusty and chaotic with one hand I covered my nose and mouth and with the other, held my baggage firmly. Amongst the common sing- a- song of 'Chai Garam Chai' and 'Biscuit Lelo Biscuit'. Suddenly I heard a shout of my name. I turned back and started following the source but it was impossible to cut through the huge wave of people going in the opposite direction and reach Rahul.
Finally, I released the pallu that covered my mouth and waving my hand frantically, started shouting- "Main yahaan hoon Rahul (I am here Rahul)!"
A few minutes of hullabaloo later, I quietened down, defeated. Suddenly someone grabbed my hand that held the suitcase. I turned around to see a handsome man ruffling his jet black hair, a bit perplexed and embarrassed.
"Umm, are you Meera Bhandarkar by any chance ?"
"Yes", I replied with a nod.
His eyes twinkled at my nod and his face brightened as he gave me a quick hug and said," Hi, I am Rahul."
I smiled and bent to touch his feet, as is the custom, but he backed away and lifting me with his both arms said," You don't need to do that. We are husband and wife and are equal. No one needs to touch the feet of the other."
I smiled at those words of his and gave him a hug, thanking Goddess Parvati for giving me such a husband.
After a few seconds, we let go of each other and he bent down to pick up my luggage. I couldn't help but notice the muscles in his arms that flexed under his cotton bush-shirt as he lifted my heavy suitcase. My eyes must have lingered there a little too long for when I looked up, I saw him smirking at me. My cheeks immediately flushed red with embarrassment.
"You can have all the view that you want but maybe after we get back home," he said with a snicker while I looked away with a meek smile on my face, a little surprised by the dirty talk.
He then lightly held my hand and walked me out of the bus station, onto the main road. He then waved at a passing tonga and it halted right in front of us.
He quickly put the baggage inside and climbed up. He then thrust his hand towards me. I had never been on a tonga before so I was a bit hesitant. Sensing my fear, he gave me a reassuring smile and told me to trust him. I smiled back and took his hand to steady myself as I climbed up and sat beside him.
After we were both seated comfortably, the driver whipped at the horse and it started trotting away. As the tonga moved forward, I looked on and about in excitement. Every person that passed by seemed to be very small as I sat on the highest throne the land had to provide. Even the soft ups and downs that I felt on my seat due to the trotting felt like a divine ecstasy. Never had the cycles and scooters that passed by us been as pleasurable a ride for me. I smiled at the lush green trees and garden and laughed at the sight of street dogs and cats running hither and thither at the sight of the oncoming vehicle.572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBwJbRyXoQ
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Soon the weariness of the journey took over my excitement. Slowly, the light galloping of the horse and the soft squeaking of the tonga lulled me into a deep sleep.
I woke up to the neighing of the horse and the shaking of the carriage and opened my eyes in astonishment. Upon realizing that I had snuggled with Rahul and was resting my head on his shoulder, I quickly sat straight and looked away, conscious of my burning cheeks. He smiled at me and in the gentlest voice told me that we had arrived.
I got down with Rahul's help and thanking him with a grateful smile, turned to look at the house.
A wow escaped my mouth as I began to smile at the beauty of the quarter. It was just as I had mused- Small, yet, Beautiful and Elegant. It was like one of those English Houses, only a bit small.
As I was marveling at its beauty, Rahul came beside me and interlocked his fingers with mine. He turned towards me and looked into my eyes. As I stared into his hazel eyes, I heard him say- "Shall we?"
I nodded. We looked into each other as we walked inside. Together.
Once again I thanked my stars for such a wonderful husband. I felt like all my worries had now melted away and the new life that stood ready to embrace me had no pain and loss to offer.
How wrong was I!"
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