Verity-Esse

Despondent & Triumphant

[TW: Strong language, mentions of assault.]

Period cramps. Fights regarding marriage with parents. Colliding with an ex-boyfriend.

A twenty-five-year-old, closeted-pansexual, Eeshana Dhar knew her mood couldn't be any worse today. But if only she knew how wrong she was...

"Hey, Eshana?" His voice was still the same, annoying - only after the breakup. Can't even make an effort to pronounce her name correctly. Honestly, at this point, Eeshana knew nothing worse can happen.

"Hi, Mr Pathak," she made an effort for a sarcastic smile.

"Just Aarav, yaar," he tried to go for a hug but Eeshana moved away. Still the same. No value for consent. It's okay, babe. You've kicked his podex already, literally.

He tried to make himself comfortable, in a supermarket. But a kid, of maybe around eight, had other plans. There he dived, near the chocolate counter, taking the podex Aarav Pathak stumbled towards the counter. The kid got no injuries, surprisingly, and off he went without any apologies.

Eeshana's lips twitched into a curve. A smile. A genuine one. She giggled a little and saw Aarav standing aside from any counters.

"So, how's everything going?" He asked, trying to be a little confident.

"Fine." She replied, picking up some digestive biscuits from a nearby counter. "Job - still the same, junior drug safety officer. Love - had a breakup last month, was a bifurcum, like you. And as you ask every time, Sex - just had last week. Your help isn't needed." She forced a smile and her shopping cart ahead.

This time, Aarav was speechless. But he went ahead. "Let me tell you mine, Job - same. Love - I'm married for two months. I'm sorry, babe, but my wife is just so amazing and caring that I had to leave you. Sex - muah, last night was fun."

Eeshana stopped the urge to puke. This douchebag. Married. The two words would make her cry for his wife.

"Where's your wife?"

"In the car."

"Why? She doesn't want fresh air, staying with you?"

"I- I asked her to."

"How caring!"

They reached the bill counter.

"You can meet her... you know...?"

She paused for a moment. "I would like to."

They paid their bills and exited the complex.

"There's my car and my wife." He pointed his chin in the left direction. Eeshana cursed under her breath, how could she forget her glasses!? She could only make out the silhouette of a woman, dressed in a saree. Was she wearing a veil!? She remembered the weather forecast somewhat around 32° Celsius. Last hope - at least this insensitive male had kept the air conditioner on for her.

That last hope she mentioned? Yeah, the Greek Goddess Elpis left.

"Are you fucking out of your mind!? You didn't even turn on the ac for her! Plus you asked her to wear a saree and wear a veil on top of it? Mr Aarav Pathak, just wait here and I'll buy a nice saree for you to wear and see how she's feeling in that!"

"Excuse me, hello, Miss Eshana Dha-aaa-r." It was Dhar, not dhAAAr. She stopped her words. "It's none of your business. You just came to meet her, and will leave."

"Fine. I won't say anything. Now please open the door for her so that she can get out."

"Can I remove my veil?" Her voice was small as if she was trying her best to not speak in her, perhaps usual, high pitch.

He scanned the surroundings, to see what?

"Yeah. But quickly put it on after this stupid girl leaves."

She removed her veil off her head, Eeshana couldn't help complimenting her innocence in her mind. One amazing thing about being a pansexual, you can compliment and appreciate everyone.

"I'm Eeshana." She immediately put her hand forward.

"Hi, Amvi here." The smile was genuine, though. Her eyes twinkled with joy.

And that's when she noticed. Her eyes. That's when a part of her felt good for herself, and then the other part felt extremely guilty for even feeling good. There was a bruise under her eye. Could have been mistaken for dark circles, but Eeshana knew those marks. The same marks her now-divorced best friend had.

Aarav has been beating, dear Lord, even raping Amvi.

"Muah, last night was fun." Of course, for him. For her, worse than hell.

Once they set off to leave. She tucked her card into Amvi's hand secretly and let them drive away.

Another fight. Another year ahead, or maybe more to free a woman from the shackles of a male chauvinist.