Murmur of the Lonely Brook (10 page)

The second question was how soon he could marry. This was vital to her existence. She could not spend a life centered around only a minute of pleasure every day and the rest in pain. She could not wait all day and all night for that one minute. The sun only shone in the evening when she saw him at the gate. The flowers only bloomed and the birds only sang for that minute. She wanted to have him and the sun and the flowers, all at the same time. She wanted him to be close to her at all times.

If he said yes to her first question and if he was ready for an early marriage she would know he really loved her. She would not object if he wanted to kiss her. She did not know how to kiss but she thought she could manage. As she had seen on TV, it was just pressing lips together. And now that Nisha had assured her that it wouldn’t give her a baby, she was more confident. She decided to ask him for a meeting but wasn’t sure where the meeting should take place. It was a small village and everybody would know. She could ask him to meet her behind the school but that was not a safe place. Or she could ask him to walk down toward Mastarang and meet her near the pine forest. But again, there were many people going that way. This had to be a secret. She thought for a while and then she found a way. She felt amazed by her own intelligence. She could ask him to meet her at Lila’s place. There was no one there during the day. She lived with her mother while her father was employed with the army. But she would have to ask Lila to stay away as a kiss would be difficult in her presence. She was pleased with the plan and felt like patting herself on the back.

Nisha was wide-awake too. Both Diwakar and his father mentioned that Pravin was coming to visit. She was thrilled. She had some doubts if he was coming for the family or for her. Maybe he felt homesick; maybe he wanted a break from his work. But then she assumed he was coming to see her. The family was secondary and with her father-in-law not on good terms with him, the only attraction that could have pulled him back was her. She felt good with her assumption.

Nisha decided to cook something special for him when he came. His happiness meant a lot to her. She decided she would stay awake the whole night and make him tell his story. Make him tell about his work, how he spent his days, what he ate, and how often he thought about her. The most important thing she wanted to know was if he planned to take her along with him. But she would not ask. She knew that it was important to stay with the family; to share the load of work. That was part of the deal called marriage. But she would make him promise to come more often. She decided to tell him that life was miserable without him, that she spent days and nights thinking about him, that she felt his absence and missed him terribly.

Diwakar watched a movie until late into the night. It was a Chinese action movie dubbed in Hindi. But his mind strayed elsewhere. He listened to songs for a while and finally slept. In his dreams, he crossed the distant peaks on his horse. Nisha was with him. He reached a valley and the enemy surrounded him. They came from all sides with guns pointing at them. He had no way out. He pleaded with them to leave Nisha. But they were determined. And then he saw his aaté on the hilltop. He had a rifle and one by one, he shot down everyone. He was relieved. His brother waved at them and asked them to carry on. He waved back at him and rode away across the valley. Even after they rode to the end of the valley, he could see aaté standing on the hilltop with his rifle.

Chapter 10

Pravin was in the store reconciling the count of cement bags with a laborer when Anil rushed in.

“Come fast, you can do your work later. The architect is here and he is planning to start the electrical work next week. I have given him your name and he wants to meet you.”

Pravin locked the store and rushed off with Anil. The architect was seated with a bunch of papers on a table at the site. He looked at Anil and Pravin and asked them to wait. He finished his paperwork and asked Pravin to take a seat. He pushed a big drawing toward him.

“Do you understand this?”

Pravin looked at the electrical drawing. It was easy, a standard wiring diagram for one floor. He nodded. “Sir, I have completed my diploma from Peo in electrical engineering. This should not be difficult for me.”

“Where are you from?”

“Kinnaur, sir.”

“So you Kinnauris have gone beyond farming and cattle?” the architect said, smiling.

Pravin saw the comment was friendly and he also smiled.

“Okay, we start next week. Meanwhile, estimate the number of man-days required for this. All materials will reach the site by the day after tomorrow.”

The architect dismissed them and Anil and Pravin moved off. Anil smiled at Pravin.

“Congratulations. If you do well, he will keep you for all his projects.”

“Thanks, Bhaiya. You have been a great help.”

“It is all his wish,” said Anil, pointing upward.

“I need another favor from you. Can you get me a place to stay, bhaiya?” Pravin asked.

Anil was a bit surprised, as he knew Pravin was staying with Kishen.

“Is there a problem?”

“Not at all. Kishen bhaiya is extremely good to me and Bhabi cooks very well. But it will be a burden to stay with them for a long time.”

“Okay, I understand. I will see what I can do.”

“Can I ask you something more? Is it okay if I ask for a leave next month? I need to go home for a few days.”

“That should not be a problem,” Anil assured him.

At home, Kishen’s wife made thekuas (cookies) out of gram flour, oil, and sugar. Pravin and Kishen sat with the crisp snacks and enjoyed their tea.

“I am getting into permanent work at the site.”

“That’s great news! Ramji is great. We must offer puja and celebrate!” Kishen exclaimed.

Pravin smiled. He decided not to tell him about his decision to move. It could wait for now. He didn’t want to make this person sad who had stood by him during difficult times.

“Did you inform your folks?”

“I just got the confirmation today. I will certainly inform them.”

“You must, as parents are like gods; they endure so much pain to bring up their children.”

Pravin nodded; he always held his family above all things.

At night, Pravin thought about his aau. He had never understood him and was not sure if Shevak would be happy. But he was sure that others would be happy. He was now content to be a complete man. He had a good job to support the family and a wife to lend a helping hand. He couldn’t ask for more. He knew that his other plans of having a Jeep and a shop would also happen over a period of time. Overall, he felt happy to make a visit and announce his achievements. It was not that he felt homesick. Yes, he missed the family, pancakes, the valley, the river, the peaks, and his friends. But no one in particular, not even Nisha. Marriage was part of becoming complete and he knew he had to comply with the custom. She was good company and supported his plans. She took care of him and did her part for the family. As long as the family was happy with her, he was happy.

The only problem he foresaw was his brother Diwakar’s marriage. It would call for a division of land and the orchard as well as adding rooms. Land got divided among the sons and after so many generations and division, what was left on Shevak’s part was not sufficient for the family. This was an issue that bothered Pravin sometimes and being the eldest son, he knew it was up to him to find a way out. The only thing he could do was complement the family income with his effort. He felt more confident now and knew that the Devta was with him.

In the morning, Kishen woke him early. Both took a shower and left for the temple with empty stomachs. They offered puja and had tea at the stall. Raju was delighted to hear the news. He touched Kishen’s feet and asked for his blessings.

“I have heard so much about you.”

“I know about you too. If Ramji (Lord Rama) is kind, you will surely be happy in life.” Kishen gave him prasad and they both left.

At work, Pravin was full of enthusiasm. He felt a surge of energy and devoted his full attention to his new responsibilities. He went through the drawing once more and made calculations. He consulted Anil several times and arrived at his estimates. He also made a rough plan on how to proceed with the work. He felt happy with his planning.

Pravin could not sleep Saturday night. Anil had yet to find a room for him. Kishen was snoring loudly inside. And he knew his wife would come. It was like the leopard visiting their village who once stole a calf and came every night after that. He waited in apprehension. Finally, she came but this time she did not force herself on him. She simply sat on the edge of the bed next to him. Pravin looked at her. She was fully dressed. In the faint light, he could only see her face. Pravin sat up and looked her straight in the face.

“You know this is not right,” he said.

She looked at him for some time. In the darkness he couldn’t make out if she was angry or sad.

“What is right?” she said in a low but sharp tone. “I lost my father when I was six months old. Is that right? My uncle brought me up. And when I grew up, he molested me all along. Is that right?” She was breathing deeply. “And then he sold me to this old hog. Is that right?”

Pravin saw she was sobbing. He felt bad. He sat up and took her hand. “Maybe this is your destiny. But Kishen Bhaiya is a nice man.”

“A nice man is not enough to quench the fire within me.” She moved closer to him and held him in a tight embrace. “Am I asking too much from you?” She looked at Pravin with pleading eyes.

Before he could reply, she pushed him down on the bed and was on top of him. Pravin tried not to respond but with her hair covering his face and her breasts pressing against him, he soon felt aroused. His young blood responded and once again, he surrendered to her aggressive moves.

They made love once that night and then she lay beside him, holding on to him like a lover. Pravin did not have the feeling of guilt he had earlier. In the morning, he met Raju and they both went out to the garden and then out for dinner.

The electrical work started on schedule and Pravin got fully involved. For the first few days, he laid out the plan, hired people, and finished the masonry work. He personally installed the master controls and the mains and delegated smaller work with careful detail. But on the third day, when the architect switched on a test circuit, the fuse blew with a bang!

“What is this?” He shouted.

Pravin was surprised. He had tested the mains quite a few times himself. The helper who did some of the wiring must have mixed up the cables.

“I am sorry, sir.”

“Sorry? There is no question of being sorry!” he exclaimed. “You cannot do a simple job properly!”

Pravin kept quiet. The helper who made the mistake was his responsibility. He could see that the architect was upset.

“Sir, there will be no more errors.”

“Yes, you’re right. There will be no more errors, because I will never hire someone like you again, ever. It was my fault entrusting a job like this to an illiterate farmer. I don’t know how you ever got that certificate!”

Pravin was quite upset with his comment but kept his anger in check. He picked up his bag and walked away. He could hear the architect still yelling at him.

The news also reached Anil. Pravin met with him and explained what happened. “Everyone makes mistakes, bhaiya, but does that call for such abusiveness?”

“Try to forget and don’t take it personally.”

Pravin kept quiet. He was still fuming inside.

“Do you want me to speak to him?”

“Thanks, Anil bhaiya. But I would rather take a break and visit my folks.”

He was in no mood to work for the architect.

“Okay, but do meet with me when you get back.”

Pravin nodded and left for the site office to collect his dues.

At home, Kishen felt genuinely upset when he listened to Pravin’s story. He patted him and said, “Keep faith on Ramji and everything will be all right.”

“I will leave for my village in a day or two.”

“Maybe you should meet with the man and ask him for one more chance.”

“There is no point to that, bare bhaiya. I can take almost anything but not such insults.”

“I agree,” Kishen nodded. He was feeling bad as Pravin was just settling down. But he knew such things happened.

In the morning, Pravin washed all his clothes and packed his bag. He decided to buy a few things for home. He had money. The whole day he spent in the market. He purchased shawls for Nisha and Parvati, a jacket for Diwakar, and a scarf for Ria. He also picked up a packet of almonds and some chocolates. After that, he met Raju, gave him some money, and bid him good-bye.

The next day he was ready before Kishen got up. Kishen’s wife made him tea. She packed him some thekuas and watched him pack his bag. “Let God be with you,” she said softly and went inside to call Kishen. Pravin touched Kishen’s feet. Kishen pulled him up and hugged him tightly.

“Thanks for everything, Bare Bhaiya. You have done more for me than anyone.”

“Take care and come back soon,” he said in a choked voice.

Pravin picked up his bag and left. He would be late for the bus to Rampur.

There was no direct bus from Solan to the village and he had to either change buses or take a shuttle from Rampur. Pravin took a corner seat and looked out the window. It was still early and the market was just waking up. A fruit vendor stacked dark green melons, guavas, and mangoes on a large plastic sheet. He cut a few melons in half and kept them on top, displaying the bright red insides. A rattling sound came from a metal shutter as a shopkeeper wound it up with a solid push. He then lit a few incense sticks and moved them in circles before placing them near the deity on the wall and folded his hands in prayer. A bare-chested priest with red and white marks on his forehead was doing his round of shops, sprinkling holy water on the goods and wares from a copper vessel, and collecting whatever he got in return. A bull roamed majestically and munched on fruits and vegetables offered to him by the vendors. A bull is always considered holy, as he is the companion of Lord Shiva. A couple of beggars slept peacefully on the pavement, curled up inside old torn blankets. It was too early for them to wake up. A few cycle vans with supplies of bread kept honking while pumping hard on the rubber horns and scaring the few pedestrians who came early to take advantage of buying fresh. A tea vendor roamed around with a large kettle of steaming tea in one hand and a stack of finely balanced glasses on the other. Stray dogs barked and chased the bull but from a safe distance.

The bus started and soon was out of the city. Pravin felt the fresh rush of cool air on his face and saw the green fields, trees, and the mountains in the distance. He felt much better. He thought about his current state. If fate had played tricks on him, then fate had also brought him this far. He had not committed any crime or done anything bad to anyone. It must be a test by Devta. He remembered his Teté saying once that the strongest tree withstood many storms. He decided he would not mention anything at home and behave as if nothing had happened.

He thought about the past month and all the people he had met. He thought of Kishen, Anil, Raju, and then he remembered Gangaram. He checked his purse and found his card still there. He decided to meet him at Rampur, provided he found the time.

Rampur thrived on its market and supplied the whole of Kinnaur. All the traders and shop owners bought their goods from this market and there was a constant crowd of merchants, Jeeps, and buses. It was also the capital of the former Raja Saheb, Bir Bahadur. His son, the former chief minister, stayed there. In the late afternoon, Pravin got off the bus at Rampur. He had been there before during the annual fair when the locals brought in their handicrafts and wares for sale. He checked at the bus stand, but all the buses had left that morning. He decided to have tea and look around the market. As usual, the market was crowded with people buying vegetables, utensils, nuts, garments, and groceries. As he pushed through the crowds and went farther into the marketplace, he saw a sign that announced:
Gangaram Electricals
.

He went inside. Gangaram was seated at the counter and was pleasantly surprised to see Pravin. He came out and greeted him.

“Welcome to Rampur. When did you arrive?”

“A few minutes ago, sir.”

“Please don’t call me sir. I am an ordinary man. You can call me Ganga Bhaiya. But tell me first, did you have lunch?”

“No, but it’s okay, I will be on my way soon.”

Gangaram called to a man in the opposite shop and ordered tea and samosa for Pravin.

“Where are you off to? Why not stay for a day and then leave?”

“I am off to my village. I lost my job at Solan, but I will go back soon.”

Gangaram listened to what happened in Solan and thought for a while. “Whatever happens happens for the best. I have better plans for you.”

Pravin wondered what he had in mind.

“You see this shop, my friend? Apart from this, I have acres of land that can give me more money, but only if I have the time. I have no one except my mother at home. I want you to manage this shop.”

He paused and looked at Pravin, who did not show any reaction. He kept silent.

“I will give you a decent salary. More than that, you can accept all the electrical work that comes here and keep all the profits. On an average we get three to four inquiries a day, from fixing a switch to complete wiring.” Gangaram paused again and looked at Pravin, expecting an answer. He was not yet sure if Pravin was interested.