Part 79
Pune
Jan 8th 2012
Sunday
6:22 PM
She stood inside the STD ISD booth in the dusty market
across the street from the hospital, clutching her binder tight to her chest,
her phone which she had placed in the Coach purse was gone too… she had saved
Pradeep’s number in there, she didn’t have it memorized.
She contemplated calling Aada or Ritu, the latter couldn’t
help, unless she was close to a bank, and money could be wired, but she didn’t
have any ID on her L
Aada would panic and start doubting his decision of taking
his younger brother’s kids to Shanivar Peth Market and Omkareshwar temple in
downtown Pune, over 20 kms from Hinjewadi
Khanak let them have the car…
She gave her Dad Rs.5000 to let Mehul and Mitali buy stuff
for themselves, Aada had wanted Mehul to go with Khanak to the Trust office,
afterall it was his Dad who was sick
But Kaki wanted her son to “enjoy atleast one day”
Khanak didn’t object….
Now… she was alone and stranded near the hospital
Should I call Dadi?
Shepunched the steel keys after inserting a one rupee coin…
Dadi’s cell phone was switched off…
“Ughhhhh Dadi” she complained
She had a couple Rs 20 notes from her single days tucked
into one of the binder’s side pockets… she checked various auto rickshaws, they
were charging Rs. 260 for Hinjewadi… since it was approaching nite time…
She hesitantly dialed her husband’s number… it rang 4 times,
he didn’t pick up… it was his personal phone…
She called his work number… he picked up on second ring..
“Gujral” he barked
“Hi!” she said biting her lower lip to control the tremble
For some reason the deep voice sounded very reassuring… a lump
formed in her throat….. losing her purse was nothing new, she had lost a few,
once during college, once in Ahd… once veggie shopping in Chembur… someone was
always with her… Ritu on first and last, Bai the second time….
She was immensely careful with her stuff… but being
preoccupied and lost in thought caused her this grief…
He checked the caller number….
“WHERE are you?”
“Umm.. Trust ke paas”
“At 7?”
“I … matlab” breaking down
“Khanakkkk!!!”
“I came here for a two 0 Clock meeting… I”
ARE YOU OK?”
“Nahi…” softly
“WHAT HAPPENED? Where is Pradeep?”
He sounded furious, frustrated, caring, and incredulous
“Who… Kaka ke bachon ko lekar Pune”
“What? Why?”
“I got late at my meeting”
“ARE YOU SAFE?”
“I am calling from a phone booth”
“Why?”
“Someone stole my purse” she cried… softly… sobbing
“He ran his fingers through his hair yanking at the scalp
“It’s a PURSE, call Pradeep he will bring you home right now”
“Mujhe number nahi maloom uska” angry
“WHOSE fault is that?”
“Main phone rakh rahi hoon”
“You lost your phone?”
He cursed openly
“Why is Kaka or Aada or Mehul not with you?”
“Aap mujhe Pradeep ka number deejiye”
“Who did you meet at the Trust”
“Aadesh Kopatwalkar”
“STAY RIGHT THERE, Call me in exactly three”
She did in two mins and 57 seconds
“Go back to the Trust office”
“Who to band hai!”
“I know that Mrs Gujral (irritated)… A Mr Sathe will meet you” Call me
from his phone”“Pardeep is on his way”
“Aada aur Kaka ghar kaise?”
“they have a cab now”
“Tha(nks?)”smiling sadly
“We need to talk when you get back… this cannot go on any
further.”
“The marriage? you mean?" She asked giggling through her tears”
“DON’T PUSH IT KHANAK!”
thanks for the update..loved that khanak called shaan..
ReplyDeletefinally!!
ReplyDeleteLoved it aditee:))
by the way i said finally, because Khanak called Shaan! :P
He is just the ultimate, in 3 mins he found the person in the trust and pradeep :D
Shaan is just too awesome :)))
Didn't like the pink line! but loved the Blue one! :)
Is she thinking like before, you know..may be she now also thinks that her marriage would end at any time??
or was she just humoring at a wrong time??
Waiting very eager for the next update..
Update soon..:)))))))
i know i ask you questions every time, can't help you live us hanging and i will be left with 100's of questions revolving in my head:D:P
It's not fare to stop here!
DeletePlease update soon..
SIGH!
ReplyDeleteYou want to savour each and every word of the updates with the fear it will end soon
This guy is sharp as a tack, I love him more and more when he is WORRIED about her! Such a protective guy in 3 MINS he got her out of the mess ...Like khanak I liked the comfort through his voice and reaction, no matter he is always serious and extremely concerned when it comes to her
Sheeeeesh! Khanak truly will need to keep the wit aside for a while warna she is surely will get the last of him...I bet his drubbing will be about her being the ‘saviour’! He is not going to be tolerant this time as he seems in serious talk!
Thanks YOU Aditee for the back to back updates...Happy weekend :)
Loved it!!! Khanak called Shaan last..hmmm..At least she did, so glad for that!!! Thank God at least she had some money to make a call!!! She is so careless sometimes!!! Lost her phone too given by him..:(
ReplyDeleteShaan needs to ve a word with her as he mentioned!!!Loved the pink and blue line!!! I love so much when Shaan shows his care and authority on her!!!
Looking forward and thank you so much for writing an amazing update..:)
oh thank god finally khanak called shan
ReplyDeletefinally for once she took help from her husband shan
and shan hayeeee how he solved everything in just few minutes for one and only his beloved wife hehehe
oh god now shan is very angry and he is right they should have a talk with each other
and khanak ur wit response doesnt sound funny this time
waiting 4 next can u plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz give one more update now or early tomorrow plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
finally she called Shaan for help...yippee... waiting to c the acct's face now....
ReplyDeletebut, Khanak shuld stop sponsoring now... I hate her being used..
loved the 3 updates...
Khanak calling and Shaan solving her problem in minutes............God i found that very sweet........and he has every right to be angry........thanks a lot for writing another amazing part Aditee!!
ReplyDeletePlease update soon Aditee!!!
ReplyDeleteAditee,
ReplyDeleteGot to read all the updates today. They were as beautiful as always.
Loved all. now what is that shaan wants to talk to khanak. she is worried abt her marriage. don't know wht will be shaan's action. but felt good since u posted 5 last week. pls update soon
Glad Dadi's phone was switched off..
ReplyDeleteGood that finally they r going to talk..
yipee, just as we hoped, Shantanu took care of her and made sure she was ok!
ReplyDelete