Ultimate Reunion

Disaster Begins

"So, Mukundo. Sumi tells me that you have a hard-working student to your liking now," Mohima teased her son. They were having lunch. Sumedha was in school.

"Huh?"

"Piyali. Gayatri Devi's student. I heard she comes for your 5 'o clock practice."

"Yes. She does. And she is good. It's a pity that she never got to learn from Pandit ji."

"Baba wouldn't teach anyone without money," Aporna said flippantly.

"What is your problem, Aporna?" Mukundo couldn't stand Aporna, or anyone, being disrespectful towards his Guru.

"I am just telling the truth. I knew him well. He was my father, after all."

"And if he did earn money, it was for your sake only."

"When am I denying that? He was more practical than you would ever be."

"Okay. Stop fighting you two," Mohima intervened, "You fight worse than kids. I am sure both of you respect Pandit ji. We all do. There is no need to quibble over it."

--

Mukundo had long grown indifferent towards Aporna. But these days he almost hated her. Everything about her reminded him of how different Piyali was. It was wreaking havoc on him. Every time Aporna said or did something that he detested, he felt more pathologically attracted towards Piyali.

--

"It was raining yesterday when you left," Mukundo erupted as she walked in.

"So?" she was baffled. Why was he angry?

"You could have fallen ill," he said and then added as an afterthought, "It... It can't do any good to you voice."

"I had an umbrella, Mukundo Babu. I am careful. It is the season. It rains all the time."

"I was asking you to wait. I would have dropped you..."

"You were asking me?" she frowned. When did he ask her? Not with words obviously. She remembered that he had motioned her with his hands. Must be asking her to wait. She hadn't understood. "I... I am sorry. I didn't realize. Besides, I couldn't have waited. I had to be there by 8.30."

"Where?"

"At my student's home," she said and seeing him raise his eyebrows, clarified, "I give tuitions." She wasn't running her own music classes already.

Mukundo looked less furious, but was still annoyed. Her initial reaction to his outburst was of confusion, but it soon turned to elation. Her father had given her the love for music, but as a provider and a protector, he had been inadequate. Even when he was alive, he was never a strong support to her or to the rest of the family. Her mother barely managed to keep things together, struggling with all the responsibilities alone. Her brother was younger to her. Her neighbours were kind, but never had she had someone care for her like this, someone trying to protect her, make things easy for her. She would have liked to say something to him, but suitable words refused to form a coherent message in her head.

"Shall I get the Tanpura?" she asked meekly.

He nodded.

--

It had been raining again, when she had left. And she discreetly waved her umbrella for him – a silent promise that she was taking care of herself. But Mukundo was annoyed with himself. He was letting on more than he should; more than she might care for.

"Baba," Sumedha's voice brought him out of his reverie, "You had left your phone in the practice room. It's still off."

"Oh! Thank you, Shona. Come here," he said wanting to forget all other inadequacies and complications of life in his daughter's company.

"I am getting late for school, Baba. Thakuma is waiting for me with breakfast."

"Hmm... Okay. Run along, then. You must not get late."

"Bye Baba."

"Bye."

He switched on the phone listlessly. There was a new message. Must be some alert from bank, or investment advisors, or some useless telemarketer. He went to the message-box to delete it, but was greeted by an unexpected sight. The message was from her! He held his breath as he opened it. What could she have to say? Even though they had each other's mobile numbers, they hadn't called or texted ever. There hadn't been a need.

"Thank you!" That was all the message said. But it was enough to diffuse his annoyance. It was sent soon after she had left, probably while she was in the bus to her student's place.

"What for?" he typed and pressed 'send'.

He looked at the clock. Will she respond now? What would she be doing at the moment? If she started her tuition at 8.30, she would still be there. She may not...

The phone beeped.

"For caring. And for everything. I will take care of my voice, I promise."

"And of yourself too. Both are precious." He replied. If he had stopped to think about what he was doing, he would have restrained himself. But he was too elated to listen to that little corner of his mind where some caution resided.

She sent a smiling-face emoticon in return.

He was restless and could not stay at home. After lunch, he went out and drove around the city pointlessly. He went to Garia haat and then to the place where he had dropped her. He didn't know where exactly her house was. Then, on an impulse, he drove to her college. Some class had gotten over. Students were streaming out through the gate. He hoped to see her among them, but was disappointed. He drove back home, his mood slightly dampened, but by no means unhappy.