Second Innings

Chapter 3

"Didi, these are for you". Tapasya had been carefully analysing the monthly accounts of her business while sipping coffee when Shikha, a middle-aged employee in her company greeted her with a huge box of scrumptious kaju katli.

Taking a small piece of the dessert Tapasya asked, "Shikha ji, what is the good news?"

"Arunima is getting married, didi. All thanks to you." Shikha beamed with joy. Years ago, her husband had died in an accident and since then, she had been doing odd jobs to earn a living. However, two years ago, Tapasya had entered in her life like a Messiah. Shikha had not just got a respectable job but also someone to call a family.

"Congratulations", Tapasya beamed with joy. She was glad that Arunima's marriage was fixed. She remembered Shikha telling her about Jayant, the guy she had selected for her daughter. A primary school teacher by profession, Jayant seemed to be a nice guy. All Tapasya wished was Arunima's happiness with Jayant.

"The engagement is held today, didi. You know that we have no one in the family. I want you to come and bless my daughter." Shikha requested and Tapasya smiled, nodding in agreement. Shikha and Arunima had been a supporting pillars in her life. They had helped her in taking her business to new heights and thus, it was her duty to share their joy.

The day passed in a blur. It was a pleasant evening in the Queen of Hills. Tapasya was back in her cozy house. The wardrobe was open and her eyes were searching for something to wear. She had to get ready and attend the engagement of Shikha's daughter.

Her innocent black orbs got stuck at the beautiful, wine-red sari lying in the corner of the almirah. The tears trickled down from her eyes as bitter memories of Delhi clouded her mind.

She had been standing before the mirror, humming a romantic tune hoping to attract attention of her husband. It had been ten days to her marriage and her husband had been always busy at work. She had been craving for his attention while he ha been busy in his own world. She had worn the same wine-red sari with a sexy, backless blouse.

"Good morning, hubby", she had wished her husband who had woken up groggily upon being 'disturbed' with the noise of her jingling bangles as she had been getting ready for her day.

Her insides had clenched as her eyes had shamelessly raked on the drowsy, yet, handsome face of her husband, admiring him. Only she had known how much she wanted to touch him since the day they had met. She had every right to do so, after all, she was his legally wedded wife but he had shown no interest in her, at all.

"For fuck's sake, remove these noisy nuptial bangles and shoo away from my room. I desperately need some sleep." Her husband had shouted at her and her tears had known no bounds. She had been seeking for his love since their engagement but all she had been receiving was, neglect and disrespect.

Tapasya covered her face with her palms and continued to weep. She had a troubled marriage and she had chosen to move out of the relationship where she had zero hopes to get loved. Her love for her husband was unrequited and sadly she loved him till today.

Her phone rang bringing her out of her reverie. "Tapasya di, you are coming, right?" She heard on the call and smiled. It was Arunima on the other side.

"Yes, I will be there in an hour", she mumbled and quickly wiped her face. She smiled and took out the same wine-red sari and decided to get ready. She decided to leave her hair open and accessorized her sari with subtle make-up and large hooped earrings. Quickly, she wore her heels and walked out of her house, quite, mechanically, being late for the function.

Buying a silver coin along with a bouquet on her way, she rushed to the venue. Shikha had booked a small party hall for the function. Decorated with colorful silky drapes and fairy light, the setup was anything but opulent. However, the smiles on the faces of the couple was joyful enough to add elegance and flamboyance in the evening.