The Guy with the Handkerchief

XXI: The Trip

7th October, 2014, Shimla

Although Arindam was least interested in what Manav was up to, he wanted to know who was going to destroy her life with a cruel man like him. At least he was happy that Manav was not getting married during the Durga Puja. The Festivities of Bengal is a six month long celebration, which starts at Durga Puja in October and probably ends at Holi in March. Arindam is a really social person when it comes to festivals. He has always been the favourite amidst the relatives. How could he have compromised upon the self earned position over a stupid wedding.

I was really worried for Arindam. I didn't know how he could have reacted in front of Manav. He was lately getting very irritated whenever someone used to talk about him. Probably the fact that he raped Shreya was really disturbing him. Its like the cops know who the criminals are, but don't have proper evidence to prove their crime.

Shreya's mother had arrived at the station to receive us. It was a warm welcome in a not so warm weather. It was raining there in Shimla and it was freezing.

"Mom, this is Arindam. Arindam this is my mother.",Shreya introduced him to her mother.

"Welcome son, welcome. Shreya has told me so much about you.", Shreya's mother welcomed him with all her love.

"Namaste, Aunty.", Arindam bent down to touch her feet and replied.

"Well there is no point talking for too long standing at the gateway of the station when its raining outside. Lets go home mom. I am hungry.", Shreya broke the awkward silence which had followed.

As they started walking towards the car, Arindam whispered to Shreya, "How much have you told them about me? And by the way, I hope I don't have to come face to face with your grandfather."

"Well, dadu is no longer a threat to anyone. He has become very old to even walk properly. However his commands are still very scary to be honest.", Shreya mocked and walked away.

Arindam sat in the car, still thinking, probably it was a bad decision to be present at a wedding with people he had zero knowledge about. To top that now he had to confront his biggest fear.

Although it was raining, but the scenic beauty visible from the front glass of the car was just inexplicable. It was nice to be away from insane traffic and pollution for some time and be amidst greenery for a few days. One could easily see the depths of the valley with every turn the car was taking to rise higher into the mountains.

As they moved on eventually the rain stopped. Arindam realised that it wasn't because it had stopped raining, but because now they were above the raining clouds.

As they reached the destination Arindam could see the preparations going on.

"Why are they decorating our garden mom?", Shreya asked.

"Because all the pre wedding ceremonies will be happening at our courtyard.", Shreya's mother replied.

"But why?", Shreya seemed annoyed.

"Shreya, come on. They are our old friends. And moreover, your dadu is doing all the rituals as the priest.", replied Shreya's mother.

"WHAT??", Shreya and Arindam shouted in unison.

"Dadu? Wh... why why?", Shreya was speechless.

"Oho Shreya, I don't have any answer to that question. Probably because he adores Manav. After all, he has seen you two grow together. He knows him as much as he knows you.", Shreya's mother seemed annoyed with her constant questioning.

As we stepped down the cars, someone pounced on Shreya like a Cheetah.

"DIDI", shouted she at the top of her voice.

Shreya joined the shouting a couple of seconds later. It was the reunion of two separated sisters. What better could you have expected. They instantly started whispering as if gossiping about something really interesting.

Suddenly they stop gossiping and the young lady turns to me and greets me.

"You must be Arindam bhaiya. Didi told me everything about you.", she started.

"Really, any specific part of the story you liked the most miss...", Arindam jokingly asked but realised he doesn't remember her name.

"Oh sorry I almost forgot to introduce myself. I am Neha. She is my didi. We are cousins.", came a swift reply from the sister.

"Yeah yeah.. Neha... I remember her mentioning you.", Arindam replied.

"She did? And what did she have to say about me?", Neha was curious.

"Well I guess, I asked you a question first.", Arindam was now pulling her leg.

"Oh yeah. Well who doesn't want to be saved by a prince charming.", Neha admiringly replied.

"Did you add this adjective of Prince Charming or did she actually say that?", Arindam cracks into laughter.

Shreya was embarrassed, "Ha ha ha... very funny Arindam. Now come on you two monkeys, get inside the house. We are very tired."

"Hmm.. I wonder what the reason might be.", Neha was on her top to tease her elder sister.

"Neha, wait. I don't think you want to spare yourself from getting hit by me on the day I arrive after so long.", Shreya chased her.

As both the sisters chased each other in the house, Arindam made himself comfortable in the living room, looking through all the artefacts and pictures.

"Arindam", Shreya's mother called out.

"Yes Aunty.", he replied.

"Son, we are running short of rooms. Would you mind sharing room with Shreya's uncle?", She apologetically asked.

"Aunty! You don't need to worry about me. I will adjust anywhere you tell me to.", Arindam reassured.

"Oh that's so sweet of you. Come, let me show you your room.", she guided him.

Shreya's mother took her to the top floor and showed Arindam his room. The staircase led them to a beautiful sitting space and by the side were many other rooms. Shreya's uncle wasn't there to be introduced. However there was an extra bed, which was neatly done and kept. Arindam's luggage had already been carried to this room. He got himself comfortable.

Arindam could hear the laughter of the girls, so he looked around.

"The Girls are just on the other side of the sitting room.", Shreya's mother looked at his curiosity to know where Shreya was and informed him with a smile.

Arindam lied down on the bed. He could finally get some sleep after a hectic journey.