chapter 23

Chapter 23Planning for a futureWhen she reached home, her mother was up and beamed seeing her daughter back. “I started feeling better. But by then you must have been half way.”Trying not to show her irritation, Anu went to her room. When she spoke to Chintan, she tried to make light of it, dreading Chintan’s reaction, and hiding her own anxieties about their future. Though she was relieved that he didn’t say “I told you so,” she realised that dreaming of a life with him away from home was futile.Somehow, the joy she should have felt at reliving the few moments Chintan and she had shared died as it immediately reminded her of how she had had to come away. And if her mother’s health condition was not a deterrent enough to Chintan and her relationship going to the next level, how could she forget Mr. Arya! What would happen when he found out? She had couriered her resignation letter to Mr. Arya, with a copy to the board, so that Mr. Arya did not hold back her dues. She heard from her colleagues later that Mr. Arya had been immensely upset and was taking out his revenge on her team and bad mouthing her. She felt sorry for them, but hoped things would get back to normal.It was with these gloomy thoughts that she stepped out of her new work place one evening a few days later and was walking down the road towards the bus stop, when she suddenly became aware of a car following her. Anu turned around angrily and stood with her mouth open as the Beat stopped and Chintan got out laughing. When he came to her side, she flung her arms around him, unmindful of other passers-by.“What’s eating you!” he asked as he held her. “You look pretty upset with the world,” he said, opening the passenger side door for her.She got in, and as he settled down in the driver’s seat, said, “You! I have been upset with you,” and she grinned.He took her hand. “Have missed you too, baby. But work kept me back.” He kissed her hand.“Why didn’t you tell me you were here today?” she asked.He smiled. “Was that a nice surprise?”She laughed happily. “Good thing I didn’t find any stones nearby. Your windshield may have cracked.”“We are tough, aren’t we?” Impulsively, he leaned forward and hugged her. She clung to him and her eyes misted. “Chintan, I am very scared,” she whispered. He looked down at her, not letting her go. “Your father, he will never agree.”He kissed her cheek. “I am not exactly a baby, in case you haven’t noticed…? He doesn’t need to agree,” he replied, his voice hard.She looked at him. Could he really have his way? She moved back. “And my mother…I realised…”He put his hand on her interlocked palms, resting on her lap. “Anu…let’s get married at the earliest.”Tears rolled down as she looked up. “How, Chintan? My mother couldn’t bear my being away for a day even.”“We can take her with us,” he said, trying to sound reassuring as he started the car.She shook her head, knowing her mother wouldn’t agree.“Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. I am sure everything will turn out fine. I am sure she is not going to let you die an old maid,” he smiled and winked.But Anu was not reassured. It occurred to her that though she was 26, her mother had never talked of her marriage. By now, most of her cousins and friends had married; some even had children. But her mother had not initiated any talks of her marriage.He met her everyday that week, till he left on the weekend. Cafes, Dilli Haat, India Gate…no place was far enough for them. Despite her misgivings, just being with him seemed to calm her and she held on to him as they trawled through the places, trying to find a quiet corner. The fleeting kisses, the brushing of hands, the silences that communicated far more than words…she lived for those moments.When he left that weekend, she was depressed. “Come back soon,” she pleaded tearfully.He seemed equally upset. With barely concealed impatience, he said, “Come away with me. When the harvesting starts, I won’t be able to get away for some time. I am sure you can chuck this job just as easily as the previous one?” His eyes twinkled at the memory.She laughed at how naïve he sounded. “It’s not so easy, Chintu baby,” she teased, affectionately touching his cheek. “You need to take me as a bride, not like your mistress!”He gritted his teeth in mock anger and growled, “Mamma Anushka, count your days.”