After that day, Gauri started to bond and converse more with me. During breaks, we even went to the small chai stall outside our office building and chatted there. I never guessed how talkative she is. She'd talk nonstop and I'd just listen. I like to listen more than to talk.
She told me about her Reenu mausi, how she's so conservative with everyone but let her daughter marry a phirangi (foreigner), and how her Haldwani wale chacha's sweet shop became famous within 1 year.
How she loves to be religious and her strong belief in her Bholenaath. How her mom was sick once and she kept a fast and prayed to him and the next day her mom felt 10 times better and recovered faster than expected. She told me many stories which fueled her belief in God more and more.
Within 1 week I got to know so much about her and her family, a whole year and I might even get to know about her ancestors! But at least we've grown closer. The mission going successfully. She's fine to be around.
* * *
"Why don't you believe in God, Shekhar?" She asked randomly while sitting at her desk working.
I looked at her and sighed, "I just don't find any logic, I cannot believe in something or someone whom I haven't seen with my own two eyes."
She hummed in response, I spoke further
"Plus, what's the point? God is just ... something that humans created to fill the empty voids in their lives"
"I see..." she replied
"So, no chance of you to ever pray, hmm?"
"Never. It infuriates me, you know? the whole concept. This is a world of science and has science ever proven such things? no."
She smiled,
"And what if someone you love needs those prayers?"
"what do you mean?"
"What if someone you love fell ill? you won't pray for them?"
"What are doctors for then?"
She laughed. Why is she laughing?
"When it comes to people we love, everyone becomes a believer."
I nodded my head, "Agreed. Whatever hope people can grasp. But I won't."
she raised an eyebrow, "You sound so sure"
"Cause I am." with that she smiled one last time at me and returned to her work.
That was quite a conversation.
* * *
Gauri's POV
8:35 PM
I was helping Ma with dinner.
"How was your day, beta?"
"Fine ma"
she smiled and asked,
"Any new friend?"
I looked at her and hummed in response
"Yeah, his name is Shekhar. We recently became friends"
suddenly I heard Papa speak from behind as he entered the kitchen
"Shekhar? who?"
I rolled my eyes
"The guy you sent to pick me up, papa! how can you be so forgetful."
he laughed, "Oh yeah I remember, he is your mentor na?"
"yes." I replied as I took out the plates.
we arranged everything on the table and sat down to enjoy our dinner. We had Rice, Bhindi fry, yellow dal, and aloo mattar ki sabzi. (potatoes and peas curry)
"So, is he a good guy?" Ma asked and I nodded in response as my mouth was stuffed with rice.
"Should we be worried...?' papa said with a mischievous smile and I rolled my eyes
"He's just an office friend!" I replied half annoyingly half shyly
my mom just smiled at me and Papa.
"He's a hardworking employ, won't lie" he said as he mixed his rice and dal with his hands
"I think it's time to give him some award"
"What award?"
"Increase in salary. He deserves it." I smiled happily hearing this.
* * *
I lay on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I can't wait to give this great news to him!
A smile slowly crept on my face as I thought of him. He is kinda cute tho...
"Shit..." I whispered and smiled as I felt my heart feel slightly excited.
* * *
Next day
I excitedly came out of the elevator and searched for Shekhar. I wanted to tell this news to him myself in private.
But I did not find him at his desk. My eyebrows narrowed in confusion and I asked one of our desk mates about him. He told me that Shekhar went to the terrace with Shaurya. I thanked him and quickly walked towards the terrace.
The door was open to the terrace and I saw both of them face the view and talk. They were unaware of my presence so I decided to slowly walk towards them. My smile not leaving my face at all.
"How's things with Gauri?" Shaurya asked and I stopped walking,
"We're fine, mission going good" What mission?
"So anything new?"
"No man, that fatso boss still doesn't give me any attention. I don't think this is working."
"Don't worry bhai, she will most probably mention you one day in their conversation, after all she's his daughter, he will start giving you attention."
"You think? I really need a raise man. But this woman talks so much."
"You gotta do what you gotta do"
I could feel something heavy in my chest. He was my friend so he could get a raise?
"Let's get going now-" Shaurya froze when he turned around and saw me.
Shekhar looked at him confused and turned around too and froze
I didn't say anything and walked back inside the office.
"GAURI!"
I heard him shout my name. But I hate him now.
YOU ARE READING
Oh My Bholenaath !
EspiritualMeet Shekhar, an athiest man from a middle class orthodox poojari family and his journey to finding purpose of his own life. When one day he meets his boss's daughter and little did he know, his whole life is about to change. Gauri is a Shiva devot...
