Once Upon a University Campus

The New Deal

Annika found Shivaay waiting for her at the lobby when she walked in with Om having taken a rickshaw ride. Saahil had reached earlier riding pillion on Rudy's bike. Om hastened away noticing how eager Shivaay was to meet his Ma Belle. Annika too was equally excited and this chance rendezvous was what had brought her here in any case. Strangely though, her feet hesitated, the moment she saw Shivaay. But nothing could stop Shivaay, not even her hesitant steps. He came like a cool, comforting breeze, enveloped his arms around her and placed a peck on her forehead. Annika blushed even as she looked around her lest anyone saw them.

"Finally, I get to see you. " Shivaay whispered and the two started languidly pacing towards the living area, hand in hand.

It was only when Annika heard Jhanvi that she wriggled her hand free and hastened her steps.

Annika found Jhanvi a different person altogether. Jhanvi's long luxurious hair had been reduced to a short bob with visible greys. She wore a simple black cotton blouse and  a pair of off white linen pants. She looked well rested with the glistening studs in her ears. She wore no Bindi or mangalsutra, adornments that probably did not make sense to her after her marriage crumbled. Janhvi hugged Annika and held her for a few minutes as usual.

"Annika my dear. I thought of you as much as I thought of ShivOmRu."

"I am happy to see you aunty. Looks like London suits you, you look absolutely refreshed, no jet lag."  Annika started with some pleasantries.

"It is not london my dear, it is my mother's healing touch." Jhanvi replied unmindful of the two motherless souls around. Those two looked at each other regretfully before other things overcame their melancholy.

Jhanvi gave some imported chocolates to Saahil. Annika got a bottle of perfume, real imported stuff, not the cheap riff raff from Sarojini market. Jahnavi looked happy, invigorated as she spoke about her plans to open a designer boutique for handwoven traditional saris. It was indeed a long way for the woman who had to get drunk to be able to speak to her son. There was a glow of confidence, that of having conquered all her demons. With the worst over, only better things awaited her and she seemed to embrace it.

They all bantered over cups of fresh lemonade and chilled fruits while Shivaay sulked at a corner. The banter was interrupted by a realtor's call. Annika was told of a property that fit her needs but that she had to immediately meet the owner since there were more than one prospective tenant who was interested in the property. Annika got ready to take leave, Shivaay's patience was being tested and he bore it with clenched jaws and fist.

"But why are you looking for a rental now?" Jhanvi unaware of Annika and Saahil's summer vacation arrangement. Annika explained to Jhanvi briefly in a hurry to head out and meet the realtor. Disappointment was written all over Saahil, for leaving now meant no good food and no video games.

"But Annika, what is the need for a rental. It is just a matter of few weeks, you and Saahil can stay with us here. I will have one of the guest rooms ready for you." Jhanvi said.

Annika was not expecting this kind of an offer, much less from Jhanvi. Annika refused without a thought but looked towards Shivaay for a second.

"Don't worry, my child, none of us will have a problem. If you are not comfortable staying here, You can choose to stay in one of the guest cottages, that is typically used for official guests, adjacent to this house. It has a separate entrance though the back gate opens into our lawn. I will love to have all of you children right by my side."

Annika looked up at Shivaay once more and felt the scorch of his temper and an ever so slight nod. Did he want her to accept the offer?

Jhanvi must have noticed it for she reassured Annika that there were no problems. "We will be more than happy to have you here. No one will have no problem. Right Shivaay." Jhanvi looked towards Shivaay.