Destiny

16. The Mess

The Third Arc Starts Now. . .
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Sarita had been pacing in and out of the house all morning. Sunaina's cryptic message had upset her greatly. In her heart of hearts, she knew that Anupama was not a troublemaker. But then why had her in-laws sent that telegram?

She couldn't help but feel that something was seriously wrong. It was noon when she saw her husband and Anupama coming towards the house in the scorching heat. Heaving a deep sigh, Satish quietly went and sat on the verandah outside the house. He looked drained and listless.

Anupama walked inside without a word. Sarita had no idea what was going on; she wanted to know why Anu had been sent home so unceremoniously. She waited for Satish to say something but he just leant back wearily against the wall.
'Why do you look so dejected? Has she quarrelled with her in-laws?'
There was no response.
'What is the matter with you?'

'I'm hungry,' Satish said at last. 'Go and get some food ready for us. I haven't had even a drop of water since the morning.'
'What kind of people are they? You went to visit them for the first time since the wedding and they didn't even offer you a glass of water? Look at Nanda's future in-laws! They are so kind and considerate. I told you right from the start to look for alliances within our social level.'

'Don't start now! I will speak to you later,' Satish's heart was heavy. He was worried about Anupama and he wanted to share his sorrows with a sympathetic companion who would say a few encouraging words.

He was in no mood to deal with Sarita's nagging. Sarita looked at Anupama carefully-her face was pale and her eyes swollen. So, she concluded, something had gone wrong between the girl and her in-laws.

After lunch, Satish recounted the entire story to her. Sarita had never felt any affection for Anupama. The girl was a living reminder of her husband's first wife, the woman who had shared Satish's love before Sarita entered his life. But in her heart she knew that Anupama would never cheat anyone. She was not bereft of compassion and all motherless children roused her sympathy, except Anupama.

Unfortunately, Anu was beautiful and intelligent while her own daughters were not. And just when Sarita had thought she was well rid of her, she had returned home in disgrace. Her daughter Diya's marriage talks could be affected by the scandal. How long was Anu going to stay with them? Would she remain there forever? The thought of seeing her face every day upset Sarita even further.

'Why did you bring her here? You should have left her with her in-laws. They are rich and can afford her treatment. How long will she stay with us? You could have settled everything before coming here.'

'Why are you talking like that? How could I leave her there when they virtually threw her out of the house? It was my duty to bring her home. By the grace of God, if she is cured quickly, she can go back. We will inform Anand. He is a doctor after all, he will arrange for her treatment.'

'This is a village. Everybody will ask us why Anupama has come back home, and the truth will soon come out. Once people find out that she has leukoderma, both my daughters' future will be at stake. And who knows when Anand will return?'

Satish did not know what to say. There was some truth in what Sarita was saying, but as a father, how could he have left his daughter behind when her in-laws were being so cruel to her?
He said in a defeated voice, 'I will tell Anupama to write to Anand and ask him what should be done. Let her stay here in the meantime.'

Anupama could not help overhearing their conversation. She realized that Anand alone held the key to her future. She was also painfully aware that she had no money.