When It Drizzles

When it Drizzles Part 15

When it Drizzles
15

“But why my Asokettan is suffering? Why my innocent children suffering? Why am I suffering? 

Archana cried and asked loudly.  Nobody had an answer.

“My poor Ashokettan and I know that he has done nothing wrong. But no one else believes it. All the evidence is against Asokettan. We have no relatives for a long time. But we had so many friends. No one even looks back. If we call, tthey will cut the call. Ashokettan and I have helped so many people, but there is no one to help us. Is this the punishment given by God for abandoning our families? But was this necessary? Even the judiciary, which says that even if a thousand criminals escape not a single innocent person should be punished is being deceived. I still have faith in the law. I still believe that some miracle will happen. Only my children, Kesav and you are with me. I am alive only for you people now. The only thing that remains is the memories of all these years of life with Asokettan.”

Archana wept and told like this to Kesav’s mother Subhadra.

Now Archana was surviving by rewinding the past days of their sweet togetherness.

In Dental college Asok was two years senior to Archana.

It was Onam celebration in college that day. Archana was performing Thiruvathira. She was standing in the dressing room wearing Thiruvathira dress and ornaments and with jasmine flowers in her hair.  Then her friend came and called her.

"Archana, our performance is next. Come quickly."

When Archana ran down, she bumped into a firm chest.

"Oh my God, you broke my chest, girl."

"Sorry."

That was the first word Archana said to Asok.

Archana had met Asok before. She knew that he was two years her senior. But she had never spoken.

"Are you saying simple sorry after breaking my chest?"

Asok asked as if he was teasing her.

"Sorry..sorry."

She repeated.

"Hey look, my new shirt which is also light colored has the saffron mark of your forehead. Even if I wash it, it’s mark won't come off."

Hearing what he said, her face changed.

"If you give me the shirt, I will wash it and give it to you."

She said in a low voice.

"Oh, so should I walk around without a shirt today?"

By then, her friend called again.

"Archana, the Thiruvathira will start now."

Hearing that, Archana pushed him away and ran away.

"Hello, hello...you just stop...find a solution for my shirt and go."

Even though he called her from behind, she didn't stop.

But a mischievous smile spread on his lips.

"Archana, the name is good, the girl is good too. I wonder whether she bumped into my chest or to my heart?"

He rubbed his chest with his hand and walked away.

Whole time Asok stared at Archana who was playing Thiruvathira on stage.

She felt very nervous when she saw him looking at her.

She did not see him in the following days.

It was the day the Onam vacation began. College hostel already closed for vacation.