RK
My sleep is disturbed and I get up.
Ma( Radhaa) entered the room, wants to talk to me.
Ma ‘Looks like you had a nightmare. You have to expect one after your actions yesterday’.
I am surprised at Ma’s tone. I said ‘I did what I am supposed to do and I don’t have any regrets. No further discussions’
Ma ‘No, I want answers. If your actions with Madhu are a game, then the talk at the Temple with me must be a game too?’
I negated what Ma said, and assured her that I respect and love her.
Ma ‘Nobody will ever trust you again. Madhu worked to bring me and you together. Madhu loved you and brought life to you. She is like a fresh breeze, touching and caring. Didn’t you love her for a month .. day .. a moment. Why can’t you love my darling, Madhoo ’
I said ’Never for a moment even. I can confidently look into your eyes to say never loved her & will never. I am clear in my mind’.
Ma ‘You have ruined your life along with Madhu. We have to watch and wait for God’s punishment.’
Ma is upset and not happy with me for breaking off with Madhu. I can’t help it. It is time to sleep and went to sleep. I opened my eyes.. Getting out off sleep.. Wants to have tea and shouted Biwi. Suddenly, I realized that Madhu is not around and must get used to it.
I am irritated at servants and shouted at them for not serving tea at room and serving kadva Chai. Ma snubbed me and said that Madhu has taken away the joy out of his life. I was angry and smashed tea cup on the floor. Angry Ma smashed a tray of glasses and screamed ‘Getting wild won’t change situations’.
I want to talk to Bittu, but he was not responding to calls. I am getting uncomfortable as I have things lined up to do. I saw Bittu entering the room .. He is silent.. He hands over his resignation..
Bittu ‘ I can’t work for an insensitive person. Bhabi has put life in your house and made it a home. Chief, call her back’
I retorted ‘It is none of your business. If you like her, better go to her.’
Bittu ‘What you did is gross injustice. Call her back’.
Visibly annoyed, I told him to shut up. When he persisted, I have thrown him out.
Madhu
I got up.. I am sinking into a pool of sorrow… I have to move on … I want to be in the same state before RK’s arrival. I told Ma to get life going as it is better.
‘Ma, I want to start work as the old chapter is over.’
Ma ‘ Madhu, you can rest for few days.
Trishna ‘Ma, Let her choose her course. Madhu, I will drop you on my way. Bye the way, I brought Prasad from Siddi Vinayak for you. Don’t forget to have it’.
I arrived at Lemon, My parlor. This is a new day for me.
As I entered parlor, some customers notices that I am RK’s wife and others calling me an estranged wife. I know, I have to take these in my stride.
I am surprised to notice that my first customer is Deepali. She started her jibes and I ignored them till she said ‘A donkey in a lion’s costume gets beaten the day it is caught. ‘
I hurt her nail and told ‘I cut a nail to put it in limits’. Deepali left the place in a huff visibly angry.
I looked out. A group of TV crew arrived for interview with me. I realized that I can’t work here anymore. RK’s effect is felt throughout the day. How do I pull my life together?
I walked out faced the camera and said, ‘We are married. We were living as a couple. I am a simple girl. He is super star. Now, We are living separately. Love in the relation has ended but the scene continues. God has forgotten to say cut. The scene continues.’
I am in tears and moved off the cameras. How long will this situation drag? I don’t see any direction. Bappa, How long will my drift continue? Events are unfolding, situations are changing, Sorrow-Happiness-Sorrow cycle is repeating, I am left as a victim. Bappa, I am a helpless spectator. Can loving a person be a crime? Wiping my tears, I headed home.
I noticed Bittuji. I said ‘I quit the job’.
Bittuji ‘I too left the job because I can’t work for RK anymore’.
I said ‘Bittuji, You can’t leave the job. RK needs you more now. You treat this as a request from a sister’.
Bittuji relented and agreed to join RK again.
Ma wants me to throw away my Wedding Sarry and Mangalsutra. I prefer to store them and as a reminder of deceit.
RK
Bittuji came back in the evening with amends and I allowed him after mother’s persuasion.
Deepali laughed and said ‘Madhu can’t talk about revenge in front of a camera’. She started her usual snipes at Madhu. She started falling on me and trying her tricks. I shirked myself and warned her to keep off Madhu.
At Natraj studio, I am rehearsing for a Valentine song. There are hearts around. Girls are flying white dupattas. I am walking past them to the tune of music. It is quite a romantic mood. Pink hearts, white dupattas … I am walking past them.. It is quite a lively environment . A duppata falls on me and there is Madhu in front inside the duppata. I look at her … Madhu … my mind has gone blank… Lively romantic music.. Excitement all around … Madhu in white Kurta and red pyjama.. Looking at her face and am lost and … looking into her eyes … background is fading … only Me and Madhu … Time halts for me… Then We are out of the moment
Madhu steps aside. Director calls for new hair dresser. Madhu responds. I am irritated. I Snub her
‘ You don’t have shame. You want to be shamed again’. I pulled out a valentine balloon and punctured it and said ‘ Happy Valentine Day Ex-Biwi’.
She is upset. She rushes out . Bittuji runs after her. Says ‘ Bhabiji. I didn’t know that it is RK’s set’
Madhu ‘ Don’t call me again, Bhabiji..’
I say, ‘ Don’t call any one randomly Bhabiji’. I walk past them to my vanity.
A reporter is asking me for an interview
I am not able to focus. I agree. I am looking outside at Madhu and Bittuji.
Reporter wants to put a rose on my suit. I am recollecting Madhu. She is putting a rose on my suit.. I refused to let reporter put one.
Reporter ‘What did a big Fan of you, gave? ‘. I recollect Madhu yelling in the car ‘ I am RK’s big fan’. I refused to answer.
Reporter ‘What is your favorite romantic movie’.
Replied recollecting my romantic moments ‘Mr. India’.
Reporter retorted ‘Mr. India is not a romantic movie’. I am lost in my thoughts. I said’ Pack up’.
At home I told Mom I am not moved after seeing Madhu.
In my room, I am boozing. I heard melodious song ‘ Bahom ke darmiya…’ I am lifting Madhu for the tune of the song. I see her face. Happy smiling face.
I can’t bear it anymore. I break the radio.
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