The Lost Thread

The Love we Shared

Back in Time

Maya and Dhruv began their matrimonial journey from the same hut. However, this time they had a sleeping bag, albeit small, but big enough to accommodate two bodies that needed very little space between them. For two blissful days, they were barely out of the bag. But on the third day, a little desire for exercise and sunlight brought them out. Luckily for them, the two days of intense rain had given way to a weak sunshine that added to the magic of their love.

Dhruv was happy, well, at least as happy as a cynical and world-weary man can be. Every now and then, a nagging doubt crept in his mind if Maya was after his money after all. He did his best to squash the thought as soon as it appeared, but years of dealing with money-hungry people, he has never learnt to think otherwise. But one thing was getting glaringly obvious to him - Maya was important. More important than he wanted her to be. Even now, as he stared into the glorious valley around spread out in unfiltered panorama, all he wanted to do was go back in that moldy cave and seek her out. 

Maya was busy frying eggs. Eggs any-d bread are all they had for breakfast, while lunch was always fruit. Now that the first heady moments of wedding bliss were evaporating, the pressing issues of day-to-day life was creeping in. Maya wondered if this simple homemaking act was a silly game that she used to play with her dolls. After a week is up, they will go back, and facing the world. Will this last?

As they both pondered over such deep thoughts, and sipped their coffees, Maya stole a glance at her brooding husband. 

'What are you thinking?'

Dhruv lazily stretched out his legs and leaned back on the rocks.

'I was wondering if you would like to leave with me if the trekking trip is cancelled, or would you like to complete your fieldwork and join me later in the city'

Maya heaved a sign of relief that she even did not know she was holding. There is a future after all. 

'I would like to finish my fieldwork. It's not much, just three more weeks. I week more as I had taken this week off.'

Dhruv nodded thoughtfully. 

'Your team will be gone by then. Why don't you go back with them?'

'I am fairly confident I will be able to manage a week on my own. I have come to know so many locals and it is pretty safe out here.'

Dhruv still did not like it, but he respected her independence. He also did not want to sound overbearing. But deep down, there was a feeling, that kept nagging him to keep her right beside him, within an arms reach. So, that if anything happens, he will be there. But he let the feeling pass. It's just three weeks, and it will pass.

'Why don't I stay around for another three weeks and we can go back together. I anyways had planned to stay for the trek?'

The barely hidden note of pleading both alarmed and embarrassed Dhruv. When did he become such a putty. But the undisguised pleasure on Maya's face was an instant reward.

'Oh! That would be wonderful Dhruv'

In no time she was in his arms and no words were spoken for a long, long time. But that did not matter, as the sky was soon overcast by clouds and the rain that would not stop for weeks began.

In the Present

Maya wondered when was the last time she had felt unburdened pleasure. Even the utterly blissful moments with Kedar were marred by constant worry. Today, as they sat in the small shop, having dinner, a small luxury made possible with the interview success, she did not feel the complete pleasure that she used to feel with Dhruv. She so wished if she could see him one last time, just to share her happiness for securing a job that would see her through the winter, or maybe a little in the spring. Maya heaved a long sign that revealed the burden that she carries on her thin shoulders. 

Richa scoffed at the sign.

'You can always return to the cities and find 10 jobs like this. This is not the life for you, and Kedar needs better education'

Maya could not argue the point. Her school does not have any computers or even the internet. How will Kedar pick up the skills that are needed to survive this world. He will not always be satisfied with just the nature. 

'But how will I afford a city life. Look at how much it has cost me to build the house here.'

'You will earn more and pay off the debt.' Richa moved in closer to make her point. 

'Look Maya, I will leave, and then you will not find a tenant. Most people looking for single rooms are single men and think of what will that do to your reputation. Also, you stick out like a sore thumb. Sooner or later someone will notice how vulnerable you are, and would try to take advantage. In the city you will be safer. Take up this job and try to make it permanent. After all, the good doctor will not always be here to support you. Sooner or later, he will get transferred.'

Richa could not hide her bitterness when she uttered the last few sentences, but Maya was too pre-occupied to notice. Richa's words kept playing in her mind, even when the night was deep and everyone was in their beds. Is this a new opportunity? Is it time for her to leave all this behind. 

Maya got up and came to the balcony. The mountains beyond held a deep mystery, a timeless wonder that always made her feel near Dhruv. But that is an illusion. Dhruv is gone, for ever. He is not coming back. Her memories are always going to be safe in this place. She can find them again, at her leisure, when life gives her leave from the intricacies of duty. But right now, she has more pressing responsibilities. She cannot cling on to the past and spoil the future for her little one. If she does not think about him, who will? She needs to move forward, and bid goodbye to a last lingering hope. He is NOT coming back. So, there is no point looking back. She needs a new beginning.