Part III WHO KNOWS

A Story by Ananya

A woman's journey through her memories

Footsteps on staircase

“What did granny and kids do all day?”

“You know…we played detectives” children chirp

I get worried…..have they found something?

Son is troubled. Looks like the work is not going on as planned…means he is not able to sell the bungalow yet…

I was hoping that all will be done at one go. But the buyers are smart and they understand our need to sell the place. Keep saying,” Lower the price. One has to spend a lot on renovations of old bungalows. Whole structure is outdated. No one lives in these ancient places now…all these arches and porches are just show offs.”

“ Uncle, gramma told us that in the yard there used to be a big lamp. And when it was not lit, ghosts used to come there”

“ How do you know? You were not even born then” my son ruffled Chillu’s hair affectionately. Children started teasing him by calling him a ghost. Chillu ran after them.

“ Silent, please…..so much noise, and you say you behaved all day?”

“ We did, uncle. Ask gramma.”

I did…not just through the day…all my life.

You know, once I was standing on terrace and I saw you walking in the street. In my street!!! What were you doing there? I hoped you wont look towards my house....you did. My heart beat like drums. I hoped you wont stop at our gates....You did. I hoped you wont knock....You did. My heart stopped beating.

Only amma and I were at home. All others have gone out of town to attend a marriage. Amma called out," Go and see who is at the door."

I ran down the stairs, with wings on my feet.

Opened the door....you were there, standing in front of me. I did not look up, I wanted to, but I did not. I looked at your toes peeping out of slippers you were wearing.

" I have come to give this invitation card to my brother's wedding. My father asked to deliver it here"

I silently took the card and closed the door immediately....

I don't know if you stood there saddened or angry at what I did. I don't know if you walked away as it didn't really matter, you were only doing your father's bidding.

Mother saw me panting and clutching the card

"Who was it?"

"A boy. Gave this invitation card"

"Who was he? Didn't you ask his name? Why didn't you ask him in? Thats very rude of you."

I could say nothing. Amma read the card, Mathur's son was getting married. Amma never went to any celebrations after my fathers passing away. No one was home.

So amma said," You will have to go and give them shagun and gifts."

Amma made me wear small danglers in my ears. I wore silk garara kurta, deep pink, like the blush on my cheeks as I thought about meeting you there.

She gave me a beautiful pearl string to wear and I put on a little bindi on my forehead.

I looked into the mirror before leaving and blushed on my own....

Then asked the mirror, shyly," Whats wrong in it? I am still a good girl."

Mirror smiled," Absolutely. All girls love to look good. All girls laugh and dance and sing and live. You too should dance and sing. Do it today, everyone does, Be a good girl and dance and sing in the wedding."

Mirror had told the truth. There were girls, beautifully dressed, singing and dancing and laughing.

And some of them dragged me along..." Come, Maduri...girls, look, she dances like a rubber doll. You have to dance today, come on"

And I danced....to the beats of the drum...

I swayed, turned around, twirled, ...

People stopped by to look and clap....

old grannies rained money over me... to be given away in charity

And you? You think I did not see? Carrying sweet trays up and down stairs, you were smiling. You were not looking at me but I know you were smiling thinking of me.

Did you understand that I was saying sorry for leaving you alone at door that day? I was dancing to say sorry....did you understand?

( Because a good girl is allowed at least this)

To be CONT.......

© 2016 Ananya

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Anindita Janhabee

hey... it's even more amazing...
I think you are up to write a novel out of this...
When the word "you" appears, the writing suddenly feels great... I didn't observe what is behind that. But it's really nice to memorise the past in this way... It's wonderful to write as if you were the real character or its a reality...
good job, all the best for the next part!!
Ani : )