The
Hometown
Ssandeep B Teraiya
DEDICATION
I am dedicating this book to my lovely parents and my whole family.
Thank you so much for your support.
Love you all.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Heartfelt Thanks to my wife Poonam, for keeping me motivated.
And
Thank you Dr. Sushma Gupta, for all your support.
सर्वतीर्थमयी माता सर्वदेवमयः पिता ..!!मातरं पितरं तस्मात् सर्वयत्नेन पूजयेत्..!!
To get the same virtues as one would, on visiting all holy places, all he has to do is, revere his mother.
Father is an embodiment of all the deities themselves.
They are the sole cause of us being here in this world today. It is hard to imagine one's life without them, their nurture and care. Parents constantly strive to provide the best that they could possibly give, for their children at all times.
There is no well wisher better than parents!
Chapter 10: Ahmedabad
Karan woke up in the evening and came to the living room.
“Hey, Karan, how do you feel now? Did you have a proper sleep?” Sagar asked while watching TV.
“Yes, I’m feeling better now. What was that medicine? It was why I slept for the whole day. It’s 7 in the evening now,” Karan said.
“Yes, you actually needed that amount of sleep. Now you will be alright. Would you like to have tea or coffee?” Sagar asked.
“Tea will be good,” Karan said as he sat on the sofa.
Sagar asked Manali to make tea, Manali said yes from the kitchen.
“So Karan, tell me, How was the life? We are together after so long a time. I missed a lot these days with you. In the UK, life is very busy; we hardly had time for family and friends there. But I missed you and Neeta there a lot,” Sagar said. “Where is she? Do you have any idea?”
“Fuck her; I don't want to talk about her Sagar,” Karan said with anger in expression.
“Language dude. Manali is in the kitchen. What language are you using? I never heard the F word from your mouth ever and that’s about your best friend Neeta!” Sagar asked.
“Sorry, and leave it Sagar. I do not want to talk about her. Please,” Karan requested.
“Okay, fine, no problem. Don't tell me anything about what happened with you. Keep it in your heart. Keep everything to yourself. I am no one with whom you can share your good or bad times. I thought you would be happy and you would share with me everything as you used to do before. But now I am sure, you are really a changed person. People are right; you are not that Karan, whom I knew,” Sagar said.
“It's not like that Sagar, but it just hurts me when I talk about my last few years. You don't know how I lived my life in those years. A lot of things happened and changed in my life. I am tired now and running from everyone. But I think it's still not over. I still have to suffer with my past talks,” Karan said.
“See Karan. Life is not easy for anyone, and especially for those who do not share their problems with their close ones. They never get a solution. They can only suffer,” Sagar said.
Manali entered with 3 cups of tea, and sat near Sagar. She served tea to Karan and Sagar.
“Karan Bhai, what we think is that you need friends or relatives to talk to. We know that is not easy, but you will really feel better when you share each and everything with your friend Sagar. Trust me. Life will be easy after that.”
Sagar lit a smoke with his tea, “Would you like to smoke Karan?”
“Yes, I need that Sagar,” Karan asked for one cigarette.
Sagar gave his box of cigarettes and a lighter. Karan lit his cigarette, puffed out and sat relaxing on sofa.
“Guys, it’s a long story. You really want to know everything?” Karan asked.
“Yes, Karan, I want to know why you forgot everyone here. Why did you forget your mom, your dad? Why are you still angry with Neeta even after so many years? When did you start smoking? You always hate smoking and now you are smoking like a chain smoker. I found you drunk yesterday too. And look at you, a long beard, and a bald head, what is this Karan? What happened to you? Who made you completely opposite of you were?” Sagar said.
“Sagar, do you drink?” Karan asked.
“Yes, do you want a drink?” Sagar asked.
“Yes, to talk about all this, I will need to have a drink first, and only then will I be able to suffer it,” Karan said.
“Yes, sure. I am from the UK dude. I can carry bottles. I even have black label. Wait, let me go get it.” Sagar stood up.
“Bhabhi, I hope you don't mind,” Karan said to Manali.
“No, no worries. I think you both should enjoy it. After all, you both are meeting after a long break. Let me make some snacks for both of you,” Manali said.
“Sagar, do you remember that first drink of ours? We drank upstairs. I think we should drink again, there only,” Sagar request him to drink upstairs.
“Okay, now you want me to bring all the memories back? So, why not start from that room. Let's go.” Karan stood up.
Manali came with glasses, ice, water and some ready to eat snacks.
Sagar took a table, kept between two chairs, and glasses on a tray, with the ashtray, a cigarette box and a lighter. Karan sat on one of the chairs facing the window. From there he could see his old house.
Sagar sat in front of Karan, and Manali sat near Sagar.
Sagar opened the bottle, “This is the beauty Karan. This is one of the best spirits on the market,” Sagar said.
“Yes, it is one of the limited edition of the Black labels,” Karan said.
“Oh, you know it, wow,” Sagar said.
“I know about every bottle, dear,” Karan said.
“How?” Sagar asked.
“You will get to know it soon, but first focus on making pegs. Make a large one for me, with two ice cubes only, no water or nothing,” Karan said.
Sagar followed, and made two glasses for each, Sagar mixed his glass with water and ice.
Sagar raised the glass and did cheers with Karan and said “To our friendship.”
“Cheers,” Karan said.
Manali smiled when she saw both of them happy.
Karan drank in one go, bottoms up.
“Easy, man. We have enough time,” Sagar said. “You just drank it neatly in one go.”
“Sorry, but that's how I start my drinks. Now I will match your sip,” Karan said.
“Really man, that's not good. Never drink like that ever. Please,” Sagar said.
“Now it does not make any difference.” Karan took one of the cigarettes from the box and lit it up.
Karan went to the window and looked at his old home, standing at the window with a cigarette in hand.
Sagar switched on a blue night lamp, and switched off the white tube light.
Sagar filled Karan’s glass, mixed it with water and ice this time, and gave it to Karan. He also stood near Karan watching his old house.
“Missing them Karan?” Sagar asked.
“I never forget my parents. They are always in my mind. I miss them when I take a breath,” Karan said with wet eyes stuck on his old home.
“Karan, relax, come sit here.” Sagar pulled him and made him sit on a chair.
“By the way, when did you go to the UK?” Karan asked.
“Actually the day you went to Ahmedabad. “After a couple of days, only my mother and I got the visa and after a few days we left for the UK. The flight was connected from Porbandar to Mumbai to London. I tried to contact you, but could not. It all happened so quickly that we hardly had time for anything here.”
“Oh, so that's why I did not see you when I came back just after a month from Ahmedabad,” Karan said.
“You came back to Porbandar, just after a month? Why?” Sagar asked.
"Yes, my life changed in just one month in Ahmedabad," Karan said.
.
One Month in Ahmedabad.
“I reached Ahmedabad early in morning at 6. I went to the waiting area, got fresh, and changed my clothes. I wore that white shirt my parents gave me in the gift. I wanted to look good at the job as it was my first day. I had the breakfast that my mom had packed for me. I roamed the platform for some time and then decided to go outside and hire an auto to go to the office. I walked towards the main exits with a bag in each of my hands. Two policemen stopped me and asked me to give my bags to them.
“Why, what happened, sir?” I asked.
“It's routine to check bags here at the station,” One of them told me.
He threw the clothes, snack packets and my documents on the platform from both bags and then said “There is nothing. You can go.”
I asked “What you were looking for?”
“Liquor. We check every train passenger who comes from other states,” the policeman said.
“But I am coming from Porbandar,” I said.
“You should have told us earlier. Now pack all this up and go.” The policeman shouted at me,
I sat on the platform and packed everything again.
I took an auto from the auto stand for S. G. Highway. It was already 10 when I reached the office. The auto took a longer route and it took us more than 30 minutes. The auto driver asked me for Rs.300.
I said “There is some mistake. This can't be that much.”
He started abusing me, and one more auto driver came and he also started to fight with me. He said bad words about my mother and I said “Look, I can give you Rs.100. I don't have much money; this is my first day in Ahmedabad. Please try to understand.” But he continued abusing my mother. I slapped him, and they both started hitting me. They tore my shirt, and I had to give them Rs.300. Everyone passing by there was just watching us. No one came to help. Both auto drivers laughed when they left. I sat on knees near my bags, and I was looking at my shirt.
“Hey, what happen? Is everything okay? Do you need help?” One guy came near me with helmet in his hand. He parked his bike and asked me.
I found him like any officer: formal clothes, polished black shoes, tie, and good physics.
“The auto drivers just looted me,” I said.
“I know I saw all that from that shop. You must be new to this city. We all had that experience here,” he said.
“Yes, I am new here. This is the first day at my job,” I said.
“Where do you work?” he asked.
“Here in this building, on the 4th floor,” I said.
“Oh, so you are the new one in the call center. I also work there. Come, let’s go up there,” he said.
“Where are you from?” He asked to lift me up.
“Porbandar,” I said.
“Where are you staying? Got rooms or relatives here?” He asked me.
“No, I don't know anyone here. I still need to find a room, or else today, I have to sleep in some guest house,” I said.
“It's not that easy to find a room, but now don't worry. I have space for one in my flat. We are three right now; you will be the fourth. We have rented a 2 BHK flat near Vastrapur Lake. What's your name? And which is your caste?” he asked me
“Karan Joshi. I am a Brahmin,” I said.
“Myself Deepak,” he said, and shook hands with me.
“What will be the rent?” I asked.
“Don't worry. We will share. It’s 4000 rent, so now 1000 for each,” he said.
I said “Okay. And how about food?”
“That I will tell to my tiffin man, for your tiffin too,” Deepak said.
Thank god, something good happens at least. After a bad morning, my good day started with Deepak. My two main worries were solved in just 10 minutes after meeting with Deepak.
“Thank you so much Deepak,” I said.
“Chill brother,” he said.
I found him very helpful guy. We entered into the office.
He introduced me to all the employees. Peon served me water, and I waited for the Boss at reception. Deepak went inside and told him that we would go together to our flat.
I was very happy, after such a bad start to the day; finally all was going well now. I was feeling sleepy on the sofa and as soon, as I closed my eyes, I thought about when we first went to that office. I missed Neeta. I missed her talks. I missed her dance. I missed her caring. This was the first time I missed her so much after she left Porbandar, and I thanked her in my mind for helping me to get this job. Peon shook me with her hand and told me that the boss was calling me into his office.
I stood up, cleaned my face with my red and white linen handkerchief, combed my hair with my fingers and told peon to keep my bags in a safe place. I went inside the boss's cabin.
“May I come in?” I asked.
Some 30 year old guy, wearing a blue shirt and black trousers, with a frameless spectacles said “Yes, come in,” while looking into a file on the table.
I stood near a chair; the room temperature was under 22 even though it was December. I smelled a good perfume aroma coming out of his clothes. “Please have a seat,” he told me.
I took a seat; his personality was making me more nervous.
He closed the black file, looked at me, and asked me “What this is? What happened to your shirt?”
“Nothing. It was just torn while coming by auto.” I said.
“You are Karan Joshi, right?” he asked.
“Yes Sir, Karan Joshi, from Porbandar,” I said.
“Okay, first of all, tell me about your accommodations, your settlement. Have you got it or should I help?” he asked.
“No, sir, it was sorted out this morning. Deepak who works here, told me that they have space for one more person in their flat,” I said.
“Oh, that’s good,” he said.
He explained my work to me and gave me a table and a chair. There was a file with hundreds of contact numbers. As per my work, I needed to call on those numbers and ask them if they required a loan.
I started calling, first I was not able to speak properly, so they gave me a written paper. I used to read that paper on call. I made many calls, but no one said yes to a loan. In fact, in most of the calls I got just one word answer, “NO,” but I kept trying. In some calls, people on the other end abused me too, but I ignored it.
After a couple of hours of calling, I was trying to improve my script for my next phone calls.
“Hey, Karan, how’s your first day here going?” Deepak asked me and came to my table.
“Going good, just learning all these calling and scripts,” I said.
“Good, come; let’s go for a 10 minute break. Let’s smoke at the canteen,” he said.
“I don't smoke,” I said. “I don't like it. You go. I am good here.”
“Ok, don't smoke, but just come with me. You can have tea or coffee. Come, it will help you to work better till evening.”
We went to the canteen. He smoked, and I had tea.
“Deepak, why is everyone saying no for a loan and many are abusing me on the phone? Why don’t they need a loan? Are we calling rich people or what?” I asked.
“The file you are calling from is just useless. Actually, that file is for newcomers. Even I called from that file. It is part of your training. Don't worry if you can't sell a loan from those numbers. Just keep calling for the practice,” he said.
Then I called your home number, but you were not there. I talked with my mom and papa, told them everything about the job and how I got accommodation, and a good friend. I gave the office number to them so that they could call me whenever they needed.
After calling almost every number on the list, the day came to an end. I took both my bags, and sat behind Deepak’s bike. It was 8 in the evening. The roads were full of yellow and red lights. All about, cars and bikes were in a hurry to go home, I guessed. Deepak too drove very fast; I saw huge showrooms, restaurants, huge buildings, and terrific traffic at every signal. It was all new for me. We reached the flat in some 20 to 30 minutes. There was no lift, but tiny stairs and our flat was on the 4th floor. Deepak took one of the bags from my hand and we entered into the flat. The walls of the flat were looking very old, with almost no paint left and the floor was full of dust, like they had not cleaned it for a long time. There was a bed sheet on the floor; that too was very dirty. Half cigarette butts were in every corner of the house along with empty boxes of cigarettes and match boxes, and the flat was stinking like hell. I wanted to close my nose with my hand, but I could not as it would be very mean to Deepak. I decided that I would not stay here; I would find other accommodation as soon as possible, but today there was not any other option. I just wanted to sleep. I was tired as hell after a whole night travelling. That was a long day on the job.
I sat on the bed sheet on the floor and Deepak pointed towards the drinking water jug to see if I want to drink. He pointed to the washroom, if I want to use it.
He went outside to buy food for us, as one tiffin would not enough for both. I cleaned the hall somewhat, opened all the windows, and got fresh and changed clothes to night wear.
“Oh wow, it looks nice,” Deepak said when he entered into flat. “But we don't do this daily. We clean twice a month, when we get off for at least two days.”
We had dinner together. He went outside, and told me to sleep, as he would be back late.
I slept on the same bed sheet. I closed my eyes and I had the first thought of my mother, her medicine, and her painful legs. I thought about my dad. I wondered what they would be doing right now. I thought of Neeta too, and I thought of you Sagar. When I smelled the bed sheet, it stunk like a cigarette butt.
.
Chapter 11: Job
I woke up early, before Deepak and other roommates; I got ready and went outside for tea. I had tea in a small plastic bag and plastic white cups. Deepak and I had breakfast at the flat and we left for work on Deepak’s bike. Again, I saw all cars and bike were running like they don’t have time for anyone.
Deepak was also fond of smoking. I told him I hate smokers, but I had only smoker friends in my life and laughed. I told him about you.
“That’s good. It means you won't feel bored with me now. So tell me how many friends you have there?” he asked.
"Sagar and Neeta," I said.
“Oh…. Neeta... girlfriend. Right?" he asked.
“No… no. Just friends. Anyway, leave it. Come and lets go to the office now. I do not want to be late on my first day.”
“Dude, chill. Don't be so serious for an Rs.5000 job,” he said.
“What 5000?” I asked.
"Your salary. What else?" he said.
“10,000,” I said.
“What? Are you kidding me?” Deepak asked me with a shocked expression on his face.
“No, I am serious,” I said.
“How can this be possible? Every fresher here gets 5000, how can you get 10,000? What's so special in your case?” Deepak asked, still in shock.
“I don’t know,” I said.
“Anyway, whatever it is more money, more fun. Come, let’s get to work and bore people by calling them,” Deepak said and we both laughed.
Everyone was wishing each other good morning and everyone was looking so rich by wearing branded clothes and stylish accessories and watches. I was feeling too low there, but later all started to wish me good morning and everyone congratulated me for my job. I heard almost every one by now knew that I have a 10k salary even as a fresher.
But I was more serious and I wanted to sell the loan, today anyhow, from that list, so that I could prove to myself that I am worthy of 10k. We all started to call people and started to market our loan products. We had lunch at the office as Deepak arranged it with his Tiffinawala. And how the day came to an end, I did not realize.
Everything was going well, and I was happy. Every night I used to think about my parents and sometime about Neeta and you, and went to sleep. I used to get dreams of my parents having a beautiful and healthy life with me. We all were happy, and those dreams forced me in the morning to do good work at the office. One week and then two weeks went and by then, I was one of the good employees in office. I had sold a couple of loans too, and that’s how I began to get fresh client lead phone numbers.
All my colleagues and sometime the boss used to make fun of my Desi Kathiyawadi language, but I used to take it lightly. Few were there who commented on my clothing style, but I made my mind strong not to react to other stuff. I was just waiting for my 1st salary paycheck, which was just 5 days away.
Sagar filled both glasses and Manali brought more snacks to the table.
"Sagar, do not cross the limit in drinking okay? Karan Bhai you too," Manali said to both of them.
“Yeah, sure Bhabhi. Today I do not need drinks to get high. This place, these talks and this company are enough for me to get high… What do you say Sagarya?” Karan asked and both cheered again.
“But Bhabhi and Sagar, let me know if you both feel bored with my detailed story,” Karan said. “I am telling you all this with every detail just because I want you to know what I have gone through.”
“No worries Karan Bhai. We both want to know what happened to you and what the things which changed you completely were. Feel free to share each thing,” Manali said.
“Yes, Karan. It’s just 10pm; we still have a whole bottle and many cigarettes! And see the rain has started as well,” Sagar said.
“Yes!! I always wanted to share each incident with someone I could trust, but it took these many years to get back to my best friend with whom I can share everything. Maybe after sharing everything, I’ll feel better, as it is inside me, killing me, I want to throw it out,” Karan said.
“Yes, throw it out dear; we are here to listen to you,” Sagar said.
Karan continued.
Those first 3 weeks were very good. I was very happy, as I was about to get my salary in my newly opened account and I was waiting to send it here in Porbandar. Then I thought to visit Porbandar to meet my parents and planned to give money into their hand. I wanted to buy a good pair of clothes for both of them. Everything was well planned, where to spend each penny, even my dad was waiting for the money as he already had committed to those who were asking for their money which we borrowed from. He told them that we would give the money to them in the first week of the next month. My dad called me and told me all this’ I told him not to worry, I will send the money. My dad asked me when I would come. He said my mom was asking me to come back. She wanted to see me, but I wanted to give them a surprise, so I did not disclose my plan to visit there.
Three days were left before I would get my salary and happiness was on my face.
“Why are you so happy today?” Deepak asked.
“Brother, I am going to have 10,000 and I’ll visit my parents with that money; I can't wait for that day when I’ll give money to my parents. I can feel how happy they will be,” I said with a smile on my face.
“Actually I talked with one of my papa’s friends from whom we borrowed money. My dad wanted me to send money as soon as possible as that guy was torturing him. I called him up and told him not to force my dad. I said that I would give him his 3000 in a few days. He said that he did not force him, but I said my dad told me that you are torturing him. My dad does not lie to me, I said.”
“He said whatever it is; now you don’t talk to me like this. He said he gave my dad money and I was talking like he borrowed from us. Now, he said he would never ever help us.”
“I said fuck off, we do not need your help anymore. That’s why I am happy Deepak, time is changed.”
“Oh, that’s a great feeling when you get what you were waiting for,” Deepak said.
“True, but this is just the beginning, wait and watch how far I’ll go to make my parents proud. But I do not know why this man forced my dad now. My dad called me 3 to 4 times to send money as soon as possible, but I want to see their happy faces when I give the money into their hands, so I will go in person,” I said.
“Wow yaar. I like your confidence and this is a celebration time brother. You must have suffered a lot because of money, and now you are going to have it. Great… We should have a celebration,” Karan said.
“No, I do not want to waste any penny for my entertainments,” I said.
“Who is asking for your money?? I am here,” Deepak said.
“No, I can’t use your money for my happy moments, we will do a party when I will have some savings,” I said.
“Look, this is the right time to celebrate, the 31st December. It will be tomorrow, do not wait for the perfect time. This is the best time. And when you have money, you can give it to me. I will not ask you ever for money. And see I do a party every end of the month, so nothing new for me. You have to come with me this time, its 31st December night dude. All of Ahmedabad will be enjoying tomorrow,” Deepak said. “We celebrate the New Year at my friend's farmhouse every year.”
“Why at a farmhouse?” I asked. “We can have dinner anywhere.”
“It's not about the dinner, it’s about the liquor party,” He said.
“Oh, then bro, I am sorry, but I will not come. I don't drink and I do not want to come there,” I said.
“That’s not done, Karan. You have to come,” Deepak said.
“No, please yaar. I don’t like such parties,” I denied.
“Ok... No problem. So when you were new, I helped you to stay, for food and we went to the office together, but you can't keep my wish. Great yaar you are too good as a friend,” Deepak said. “Now everything is settled for you, you can ignore me. I can understand. I was good to help only; otherwise I am the bad guy, with whom you can't go to parties.”
“Don’t say that, please. I can't forget your support ever brother,” I said.
“Then come no... Please… no one will force you to drink,” Deepak said.
“Okay. But Deepak we will come home early as the day after tomorrow, I have a bus to Porbandar. And I will not allow you to drink much. Promise me first,” I said.
“Ya, and tomorrow night our salary will be credited to our bank account, so you can go to Porbandar for your surprise visit,” Deepak said.
“Yeah, I have already applied for leave for 2 days,” I said.
.
Deepak and I came to the flat from work. He wore party wear and I was wearing the same shirt which my dad gifted me. A tailor had made that shirt new again. I also had on a sweater, which my mother told me to wear every day in winter. Both of us were ready and we left for the farmhouse party at 8pm on his bike. The place was far away from Ahmedabad. Deepak was driving fast and I enjoyed the air like never before. It was because I was going to Porbandar the next day. Full of happiness, I opened my hands wide on the bike and was feeling the air on my hands and face, the air was passing through my hair. For a few seconds, I closed my eyes to feel more... but one speed breaker broke the enjoyment and brought me back to my senses.
I asked Deepak, “How far is it?” He ignored my question and drove the bike faster.
We reached the farmhouse at 8.45pm. There were some 15 to 17 boys and 7 to 10 girls there. All were looking very stylish; all were wearing black clothes, and were looking like some kind of celebrity. It was too cold there. Paper balls with lights were hanging on trees for decoration, the music system was there, round tables sitting arrangements, and 3 waiters serving them all.
Deepak introduced me to their friends. I met them all. They were smoking; even girls were smoking and drinking. At that time, Neeta came to mind. People offered me smoke and drink, but I refused, as I was already high on my own happiness about visiting Porbandar and my parents.
I sat on a black leather sofa and a waiter served me some starters and a cold drink.
I was enjoying the music, having sips of a cold drink, and thinking about Porbandar. Deepak came over and asked me to try the beer. I said no, but he forced me and started emotionally blackmailing me again. I was, by now relaxed and I was happy, enjoying music and all there. My happiness and atmosphere made me easy and I said yes for one beer. I tasted it the first time and it was like yuck... I mean, how can people even think of drinking beer, but Deepak forced me and held the bottle in my mouth and I had to drink it. I was about to vomit, but I controlled somehow. Then I sat and Deepak went to his other friends. It was 10pm and all of them were enjoying the drinks, smokes and dancing. I was also feeling very relaxed, the heavy music and sound systems made my legs dance too; I was dancing while sitting on the sofa. All were busy enjoying. Me too. It was 12, all were wishing a happy new year to each other, and then the music and dance reached the highest level. I liked all that, I also dance with them, and drank one more beer, but still Porbandar was on my mind. I said to Deepak “I have an early morning bus. Let's go home.” But he denied. I tried a lot in-between the party. Once I thought that I alone go to the home, but I don't know where we were. I had to wait for him, and at 1.30 am he said yes, finally, but he was bit high, so I drove the bike. He saw me ways and turns. I was driving slowly. I was also feeling high, but I had to keep myself awake in a sense. Dark roads from the farmhouse were horrible for me. I was driving first time after two beers. Sometimes the road blurred, but somehow I drove, and raced to the area. We were crossing Iskon mall 4 Rasta, I saw there Police jeeps and lots of Policemen. They were checking cars and stopping every two wheeler.
Deepak told me to make a U-turn now. I was not getting anything. By now, a police jeep knew that we had taken a U-turn. Deepak was shouting “Drive fast! They are coming!... Drive fast!” I was shocked and did not know anything about what was going on. But I drove faster like anything and it was the first time I was driving a bike there. There was no traffic, but still I was very scared. My heart beats were running like hell, and Deepak was shouting and a jeep reached very close to us. All of a sudden, the jeep overtook us and stopped in front of us. I had to break and we both fell on the road. The police had reached us.
I was lying on the road, my back was in pain. I shouted. Deepak was trying to stand up, but he also had injuries to his leg. Two policemen were standing and looking at us on the road.
“So, how was the party?” one of policeman asked.
“Had a drink or not? Without a drink, 31st Dec. party is not enough. Right?” another policeman said.
“No, Sir. We are coming from work. We did not drink,” Deepak said with his drunken accent.
“The smell of your mouth is enough. No need to say anything anymore,” the policeman said.
“Sorry Sir, we will not drink from now onwards, please,” Deepak said.
I was listening to their conversation, standing near Deepak. I was shivering, and I held Deepak's shoulder.
“Come, sit in a Jeep,” the policeman said.
“Sir, please, let us go. We will not drink ever.” Deepak was still trying.
“Drinking in a dry state, drinking and driving, you both will go for a long party in jail,” one of the policemen said.
Another policeman held my hand and pulled me towards the jeep.
I was shouting “Deepak, do something. I need to go to Porbandar!” Tears rolled out of my eyes.
“Sir, please. He is crying, please settle it. We are very sorry, please,” Deepak said while sitting in the jeep.
“Now you have come to the point,” the policeman said and laughed. “Okay, 15000/- only.”
“Sir, we do not have that much.”
“Okay, then let’s go to the police station. Tomorrow, we will have your photos in the newspaper. Then maybe you will understand the value of 15000,” the policeman said.
“Sir, please don't do that. We will lose our jobs. It's about our career. Please understand,” Deepak said.
I sat near the jeep tire. I cried like a baby, holding my head with my hands. I was thinking what will happen if my parents comes to know this? What will happen at my job? How will I go home? My dad needs money, how will I now give it to them?
I was in middle of all these thoughts and Deepak came to me, kept his hand on my shoulder and told me “Don't cry now. The policemen agreed. All is settled,” Deepak said.
"Really? Then let's go from here please as soon as possible,” I said and stood up.
“Yes, but we need to give them money. He is ok with 10,000/-,” Deepak said.
“Please give it to him and let’s go,” I said.
“I do not have my debit card with me. I can't withdraw from the ATM. Give me your card. By now, you have got money in your account. Let’s give them 10,000 otherwise he will take us to the police station and that will cost us more than 10,000/-,” Deepak said.
“But Deepak, I need to give it to my parents. They were waiting for money since last week. They need it,” I said.
“Are you both going to discuss this the whole night? We don't have that much time, give us the money or sit in the jeep,” the policeman said.
“Just two minutes, sir,” Deepak said.
“Look Karan, we don't have any other option right now. Before the policeman changes his mind, let's finish it. We will think about your money later,” Deepak said. “I will give it to you tomorrow.”
The situation left me with no option and I gave my first salary to that policeman. They left us after giving me a number. If any other police stopped us, he said we could call them. It was like an after service. Deepak noted down his number and we drove the bike to the flat. Deepak was abusing that policeman all the way and I was stressed about tomorrow morning. We reached home. Deepak was high and still abusing loudly and in a while he slept. I could not sleep the whole night. Scolding myself inside about why I went to the party.
Morning
I was not feeling like having tea or a bath; I was still in the same clothes and I wanted to go home as soon as possible.
“Deepak, please wake up,” I said. “Let's go to the ATM, I have a bus to catch for Porbandar.” I was trying to wake him up.
Deepak was not responding to me at all, behaving like a dead body. I was getting worried about his behavior. After so many tries, Deepak replied to me to take some money from his bag, and go to Porbandar; I will give 10,000 later, when you come back.
“No, what are you talking about? Are you kidding me? You know very well that my dad is waiting for money and I have promised them to send it today. Please Deepak it is not the right time for jokes. Let's go to the ATM and give me my 10,000.” I was getting angry now; my words and voice were full of anger.
“O... Hello... Your 10,000?" Deepak asked. You also came to the party, you also had fun there, and you also had drinks. Right?"
I tried to control myself. “Deepak, please whatever it is, we can settle it later, but you know that today I need 10,000; you know everything. Why are you saying all this? You only told me that you will give me money in the morning,” I said with as much calm as possible.
“I am still telling you the same. I will give it to you,” Deepak said.
"Deepak, please, no more jokes, let’s go to the ATM. It will be late,” I requested him.
“Karan, please don't eat my head. It's already paining like hell. Will you please go now from here? Let me sleep,” Deepak said.
I could not control my anger when he said such words. I just slapped him twice. And started hitting him on his bed sheet only. Tears were again starting to roll and he also started to hit me back. The other roommates woke up and they held us. Deepak told them to throw me out of the flat, and they did. Now, I was outside the flat and crying. I controlled myself and sat near the flat building, and thought about what to do now?
How can I send money home? How will I go home? I tried to ask for a few rupees from a tea seller where we used to get tea and snacks, but he denied as many students did the same and never gave the money back. I tried to call the office from a PCO, but the boss was out of the country. I was moving here and there with my bag and torn clothes which my dad gifted me. Every few minutes, I was getting tears in my eyes. I sat in a garden at the lake with no clue what to do next? Deepak was my only hope. I decided to say sorry and get some money to visit Porbandar. I went back there, but he again abused me. With a lot of requests and waiting till late at night at the flat door, another roommate gave me Rs.200, and asked me not to tell Deepak that he gave me that money. He said he could only help that much, sorry.
“Thanks brother, I have to go to the bus stop now. Thanks a lot. I ran from there, jumping on the stairs. I reached the ground floor in a few seconds. It was 10pm and I did not know the way to the bus stop or railway station. I couldn’t afford an auto as I needed money to reach Porbandar. I asked people and walking, I reached S.T bus station at Geeta Nagar. It was 12.30. There were no buses for Porbandar then. I took a bus till Rajkot. I reached Rajkot at 4am. There was a bus for Porbandar at 9am. I sat on a bench; it was a freezing night. I was hungry like hell, but I could not eat as I still needed money to reach Porbandar.
I went to the ticket window and asked them for a Porbandar ticket and it was Rs.50. Shorting, I asked for help and told them what happen to me. That guy was good; he helped me with money and bought me tea and Parle biscuits. I ate it like I saw food for the first time, but that helped me to reach Porbandar. From the Porbandar ST station to my home, I reached by walking. While entering into the city, I was not feeling good. I was getting very negative vibration, but I thought it was a buzz of what happened to me in the last 2 days. Now I was thinking, what will I tell my dad? My mom will cry if she comes to know about all this. I washed my face and tried to look good enough so that she wouldn’t get any idea. I know once I slept in my mother’s lap, everything would be ok; I will not go back to Ahmedabad or anywhere else now. I will live with my parents in my hometown and I will work hard here. With all that thought, I was feeling better now. I was walking fast to reach into the home now to hug my mom and sleep in her lap. I will eat her handmade food. All those thoughts helped me reach home faster. I took a turn for my street and I saw all the neighbors outside in our street. It was afternoon, 2pm. I noticed them while passing; all were looking very serious. When I reached your home, Sagar, I could see that someone had died. They were making that “Antim Yatra” ready. I was shocked and people were now looking at me, but no one was talking with me. I thought it was because of this death, but at the same moment I heard a voice of crying loudly from my home. I ran there as I knew this voice. As soon as I reached for the door, two men were coming with my mom’s dead body and my dad was crying sitting on the floor there. The dead body came closer to me and I could only see my mom’s face with cotton buds in her nose and ears. Her eyes were closed. As soon as it crossed me, I fell on the floor. All I could yell was “Mummy” loudly. I ran behind them as they put the dead body on that “Arthi” and I was shaking her body and asking her to wake up. “Mummy, wake up.” My tears were all over the face and my voice was getting louder and louder, but Mummy was not responding. I was trying to get her back, and someone held my shoulder and forced me to turn around. I turned my face as I knew it must be my dad. I wanted to hug him. I stood up and tried to hug him, but he stopped me by keeping his hands on my chest and slapped me one, two, three times. A few people held him, came and stopped him. I was still crying and I sat on my knee near the dead body and my dad was shouting at me.” You killed your own Mother! Why have you come now? Get lost from here. I don't want to see your face ever now. You were supposed to send the money tomorrow! We called into the office yesterday! We came to know from your office that you were in jail as you drank and drove. Is this why did we send you there for all this? Your mom heard this and she could not stop her crying the whole night. This morning, she left for forever. Why did you come here? Go to the city and enjoy your life there. Do whatever you want to do. Just go from here, and never come to this area again. Or to Porbandar.”
I did not understand anything. I was just crying and crying. By then, they pulled that “Arthi” and started to speak “Ram Bolo Bhai Ram “ and my dad held that “Matuki” and he was crying and walking ahead.
I was walking by holding my mom's shoulder and looking at her.
When we reached the Smashan, they put the dead body on those woods and my dad applied some ghee on her face. While applying Ghee his hands were shaking and tears were rolling out. He was saying to my dead mother, “Why did you leave me? I was supposed to die before you, why did you leave me alone in this world? Once you said you would be with me forever, why did you leave me?” He kept talking with a dead body; he kissed her forehead, and cried again keeping his forehead on my mother’s forehead.
Listening to all that made me cry like a small kid. He kissed on the mom’s cheek and said I will miss you Shanti. You cared for us, but we did not give anything to you, now you rest there, and do not worry about us here.
Listening to all this, I went to dad again, but he pushed me away again. He did all the “Viddhi” and gave her “Antim Sanskar”. I was crying there and after a few hours, only my dad and I left there at Smashan, all went to their homes for having a bath. It was evening and I asked my dad “What happened to mummy? What did I do? Why are you saying all these things?”
“I do not want to talk with you. Go to Ahmedabad. Make money there. Drink there and enjoy your life. Don’t think about your parents,” Papa said.
“But I went there for you both only papa, you know that,” I said.
“Yeah, we thought so, but when we needed you, you did not come, nor send money, as you were busy in jail."
“Your mother was very ill after you left Porbandar. It is because of your worry, the doctor here said. ‘Go to Rajkot as soon as possible.’ I thought to tell you, but your mother said no. She said, ‘Let him focus on his career.’ So I asked you for money. I asked here from whom we borrowed money, but they told me that you had abused them on the phone. Sagar and his family were also not here, others helped us as per their capacity and today we were about to go Rajkot, but last night she was saying ‘’I do not want to go Rajkot, Karan is coming. Karan is coming to Porbandar to meet me.’’ The whole night she waited for you and in the morning she left us.
Papa started crying again, so did I. But papa was angry with me. He said “You go from here. I do not want to see your face again. It will remind me of your mother’s killer.” I requested him to listen to me, but he said no use now. He walked away, leaving me there crying.
I tried to stay at home, but dad was not allowing me and the entire relatives were treating me like I am the one who killed my mother. How can I kill my mother? I was so tired from all.
These last few days were very terrible for me. Everything was going wrong and I was the only one who was suffering from these things, without my fault. Now Sagar, you say what did I do? Was it my fault that we were not rich? Was it my fault that my mother was not well? Was it my fault that I was born in this city? Was it my fault that I thought of earning money for my parents? Was it my fault that I liked Neeta? Was it my fault that Deepak met me? Was it my fault that he drank and the police caught us? Was it my fault that he did not give me money? Was it my fault that Ahmedabad is very far from Porbandar? What I always tried is to make my parents happy. I always wanted them to be happy, and I could not even meet my mother the last time, she was waiting for me yaar. I am the one who should die. He started crying and drank a whole neat whiskey from the glass.
“Hey, I am sorry brother. I was not there on those days. I even heard people saying that you did not send money and that you did not come in time. I had started to hate you, but somewhere I knew that there is something wrong. You can't do this, but we could never meet. After all these many years, we met and now I am feeling sorry and guilty that even I did not support you. I am sorry Bhai,” Sagar hugged Karan.
“It’s okay. My life is full of such things. I understand your side,” Karan said.
Manali wiped her tears and said sorry to Karan for whatever happen to him.
“It’s okay, Bhabhi, but you know what, it’s not over yet. I thought this had to be the worst things which could be possible for anyone, but I was wrong. Still, there was pain in store for me,” Karan said.
“Why? What happen then?” Sagar asked.
“I need one more peg and smoke, Sagar. Can you please?” Karan asked.
“Karan, please, no more drinks now. You already had more than enough,” Sagar said.
“I will be not able to tell you what happen next, and you will be not able to hear it. We both need to drink brother. Please,” Karan said.
“Okay.” Sagar filled glasses again for both of them and smoked.
Karan had one sip, and then puffed smoke and continued.
.ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ssandeep B Teraiya is a Bcom LLB by education, a wedding planner by profession and now an author by passion. Born and raised in Porbandar, Gujarat and now settled in Rajkot.
Email: Thessandeep@gmail.com
