- 41-
One evening, when the setting Sun was spreading its colourful shades on the western horizon, Alok and Rani were sitting in the lawn sipping tea, Professor Gupta called, “Alok, are you at home?”
“Yes …..why are you asking?”
“I wanted to come for a chitchat.”
“Good! Come my dear; since when have you felt the need to ask before coming?”
“Bhai, you’re a free bird, who knows when and where you may fly away!”
“Leave all these things and listen carefully! Don’t come alone, bring Bhabhi along, too.”
“What will that poor girl do between us two, good for nothing fellows? She’ll get bored. I’ll come alone.”
“Bhabhi will not get bored, I assure you. You’ll get a surprise. Look, if you come alone, I’ll not let you set foot in my house.”
Rani guessed from Alok's way of talking that someone very close was to come. And when Alok after finishing the conversation told her that his bosom friend was coming with his wife and that they would have dinner with them, she asked, “Tell me, what should I prepare?”
“Now that’s your business. Cook whatever you feel is proper. But keep in mind, Guptas are very punctual. They may drop in any moment. Prepare quickly whatever you want to. If anything is required from the market, I’ll bring.”
“There’s no need to go to the market. Rest assured, everything will be ready before they come.”
After an hour or so, Professor Gupta arrived with his wife. Rani was in bathroom. While sitting down in the drawing room, Gupta said, “Alok, there’s very nice aroma in the air, it’s stoking my hunger. Is this the surprise you were talking about? And how’ll it save Mrs. Gupta from getting bored?”
“Have patience, my dear. You’ll get the surprise soon,” saying this, Alok called a little loudly, “Rani dear, come quickly, Gupta Ji is getting impatient.”
On hearing the name of a lady, the ears of both Professor Gupta and Mrs. Gupta perked up. Within minutes, Rani came in the drawing room. She was wearing the Saree purchased by Alok, a pearl necklace around her neck, single-pearl tops in her ears, green-red glass bangles on her wrists and the solitaire ring on her finger, the gift received on her birthday. The graceful attire was adding charm to Rani's personality. Despite minimal makeup, she was looking very charming. Not only Professor Gupta and Mrs. Gupta were pleasantly surprised on seeing her for the first time, but even Alok was carried away with her looks. He was also happy that contrary to the general perception about women, Rani had got ready very quickly, and was looking remarkably beautiful. Rani said Namaste with folded hands to the guest couple. Professor Gupta and Mrs. Gupta stood up and warmly responded with counter-Namaste with folded hands. Mrs. Gupta held Rani's hand and made her sit next to her.
Addressing Professor Gupta, Alok said, “She is Rani, your Bhabhi. How do you like the surprise?”
Professor Gupta laughingly said in an angry tone, “Wonderful! My heart is elated with joy. Alok dear, you’ve turned out to be a Chhupa Rustam (Hidden gem)! You didn’t let’s get the wind of this affair, and now you’re introducing Bhabhi Ji to us!”
And getting up from the sofa, he addressed Rani with folded hands, “Bhabhi Ji, once again accept my greetings. I’m so happy that I’m unable to express my feelings in words.”
Rani also stood up, accepted Gupta Ji’s greetings and sat down thanking him.
Alok said, “My dear Gupta, although I’ve introduced Rani as your Bhabhi, yet it’ll take another month for our relationship to be formalised. That’s why, I’ve not told anyone about it in our circle of friends.”
“Alok, formalities may matter to others but don’t apply to the members of the family like us.”
Then Alok narrated the whole story to the Guptas, right from their childhood friendship to the present and also told about their future plans. After listening to every detail, Mrs. Gupta said, “Bhai Sahib, you didn't think it proper to take us into confidence, we don’t mind. There must have been some compulsions! But had you given us a little hint, we would’ve first invited you at our home. However, after learning about the events of your life, I would say that not only has Rani Bhabhi’s heartfelt desire been fulfilled, but even the vacuum in your life after Rashmi Bhabhi’s death, even though you never revealed that, has now been filled beautifully. At this stage of life, a life partner is needed to share ups and downs, joys and sorrows of life. The devil of loneliness saps the energy and ruins a person both physically and mentally. Thankfully, now with God’s blessings, you’ve got such a life partner in Rani Bhabhi with whom you won’t experience any problem in starting the life afresh. I pray to God to shower His choicest blessings upon you both and to make your life happy and free from all troubles, duly protected against the evil eye. Your life may be like water on which no line can be drawn.”
Alok and Rani profusely thanked Mrs. Gupta. Alok said to Rani, “Enough of talking; now bring quickly something to eat; they must be feeling hungry!”
Rani quickly brought soup and snacks. Mrs. Gupta helped Rani in laying the table. Everyone enjoyed the dinner. Guptas thanked Rani for the sumptuous dinner and invited them to their house on next Sunday.
At the bed time, Alok said, “Rani, you took good care of Gupta and Bhabhi Ji. They were extremely happy. Thank you very much.”
“Alok Ji, what’s there to thank me! I only performed the duty of a housewife. It’s our tradition to receive the guests with pleasure and warmth.”
“True. It’s mentioned in Taittiriya Upnishad (One of 108 Upnishadas)- Atithi Devo Bhavah (Guest is God). But now, the housewives don’t welcome their guests, rather their visit is considered a burden by most of them.”
“You’re right. I’ve seen this happening in many families. Naturally one hesitates to go to such a place. Perhaps it has been said in this context:
Aawat to harshe nahin, nainan nahin saneh.
Tulsi tahan na jayey, kanchan barse meh.”
(Where on the arrival of a guest, there’s no love in the eyes,
Tulsi says don’t go there, even if it’s raining gold there.)
“Among my acquaintances, there are four-five couples like Guptas who’re living alone as their children are settled abroad. They’re as close to me as is Gupta. I’ll introduce you to them. You’ll like them.”
“The couples you’re talking about, are all of them retired persons or anyone of them is in business, too?”
“All of them are retired like me.”
“Are they physically fit?”
“Yes, keeping aside the age related occasional illness, all of them may generally be called fit. But why do you ask?”
“I mean, you’ll be inviting them for the gathering. There’ll be a formal introduction with them then. But I’m thinking that afterwards we, your group of friends, may plan to go on a picnic regularly- about once a week or fortnight, go to a movie together, or have lunch at someone’s house, plan a trip for a few days once a year. It would not only help break the monotony of life but also provide new energy and thus, save us from loneliness.”
“Good idea. I’ll first discuss this with Gupta. I’m sure that everyone would lap up your idea.”
Sharing their feelings and thoughts with each other in this way, Rani and Alok fell asleep.
****
