UNBOUNDED

Chapter 1

The sky was a deep, foreboding grey, with clouds that seemed to sag under the weight of their own moisture. Raindrops pattered against the windowpane, a soothing melody that filled the air. The world outside was veiled in mist, as if the rain had washed away the vibrant colours of reality, leaving only a soft, monochromatic haze.

The scent of wet earth and ozone hung heavy, invigorating the senses. Droplets clung to the leaves of the plants, like tiny diamonds sparkling in the dim light.

Mrs Sarayya whisked the batter of pancake and made hot pancakes for her family. The aroma of coffee, along with the chocolate essence of hot pancakes, wandered through the corridors to the veranda , where Mr Jagdeer Sharma was entirely masked in the effects of the newspaper.

"Listen, Maine breakfast laga di hai, ajayiye."

Jagdeer folded the newspaper and straightened his kurta , making his way into the dining.  The house of Sharma's was beautifully decorated and furnished.  In the porsch, two cars were parked. One belonging to Mr Sharma and the other,  his eldest daughter's. 

The hall connects to a small garden where
Mrs Sarayya has planted every small shrub and plant. The hall's one side is their deity (puja) room and the other side , a small cosy lounge. From the hall , the dining connects the kitchen and work area. The other side of the dining is a passage that leads to the master bedroom and office room.

The stairs in the left to the passage take to three rooms , the first room - a guest room,  second room belongs to the eldest daughter of the Sharma's,  Maya Sharma. The last room, which connects the balcony , is of the youngest Sharma , Masha.

Mrs Sarayya served the breakfast and took her seat as well.

“ Maya kab wapis aayegi?"  Mr Jagdeer inquired. 

“ Today,  by evening. Would you go and pick her from the airport.?"

“ Dekhta hoon."

Masha remained silent , wanting to escape to her room. She has a book to finish and projects to complete.

“ Pata nahi , yeh office wale bacho ko kaha kaha bhej dete hai, last week  Lucknow mei thi aur ab Goa."

Mrs Sarayya showed her annoyance for not having Maya at home.

“ Bache ? She is old enough to go on a business trip, Maa."

Masha said ,tearing a piece of pancake and dipping it in the chocolate syrup , pulling a long face.

“ Hain ji,  Maharani ji , phir aap kyu nhi jati apni office se trips pe , you're also old enough na beta ji ."

Puzzled Masha turned to her father for a befitting reply, but her father chuckled, shaking his head.

“ Maa , some people like travelling and some don't. I belong to the second category."

Narrowing her eyes , Mrs Sarayya chided Masha , “ Haan , haan,  second category.  Stop talking and finish your food. Ek hi pancake , half an hour se khaa rhi hai."

“ Why do you make these tasteless foods, maine paratta banana tha. Yeh khayi nahi jati."

Masha hated her having food that she preferred as “ White people ka khana."

“ Kal bana dungi , aaj yeh kha le , mera pyaara bacha haina."

Still keeping the long face , Masha finished her food and retired to her room. While Mrs Sarayya and Mr Jagdeer too left for their work.

Masha is an author relationship manager in a book publishing firm, which allowed her to work from home.

While Maya would go on business trips and solo trips , Masha preferred the cocoon of her room.

Masha and Maya , both stayed with her paternal grandparents since Mr Jagdeer Sharma was constantly travelling for his work  and Mrs Sarayya , being a professor,  was unable to stay back with kids.

Jagdeer Sharma had to leave the kids with his parents in his hometown in Pune , and the kids grew up liking the environment. 

Mrs Laxmi Sharma, mother of Jagdeer Sharma,  passed away due to old age illness and since then , Maya and Masha shifted to Mumbai , to stay with their parents.

Though , both the sisters were different in every aspect , they were each other's best friends.  They stayed together in every situations hardly making any friends.

Maya , though loved Mumbai and it's environment, secretly avoided bringing the topic because Masha never incorporated her into the city.

Maya was lively and stubborn, wouldn't ever back down from facing anything. On the other hand, Masha would run away, frightened but she never accepts disrespect and insult.

Masha ringed her sister for the fourth time, Maya answered as soon, “ Mashu, kya hua, sab thik hai?"

Maya was scared , her sister wouldn't ring her continuously if it's not something serious. 

“ Haan , Maya , but kuch aur baat hai."

“ What? Just say , Masha. Stop giving me preludes."

Frowning Maya inquired and Masha , being the best sister,  informed her about the alliance that her Mother had brought up.

“ But Maya , be careful, don't act as you knew already.  Give shocking expressions and refuse."

“ Masha , stop giving me tumhari ulti- sulti kitabo ki gyaan. Life isn't a novel."

“ Mei toh keh rhi thi ki aap ladne mat nikal jana. It's okay ,  Masha.  Duniya wale hai hi aise."

“ Stop it Mashu, I'll try. Mera meeting hai , ab phone rakho."

To be continued……

Ashwani