Dance of Life

By Shyam Sundar Bulusu

The stories in this publication mirror contrasting facets of life, love and hatred, loyalty and betrayal, and union and separation.

DANCE OF LIFE

Radha and Shashank meet and fall in love. Life cruises along smoothly towards a happy marriage. Shashank disappears from Radhas life. Her quest ends in a dead end. She learns to live without him. Shashank reappears in her life. His reappearance is far more terrifying than his disappearance. Why?

INTERSECTIONS

Human life is a path. A path perseveres until it intersects another. Thenceforth, they may unite or continue in erstwhile directions. No path is smooth the entire distance. Irrespective of direction and texture, a path keeps going until it reaches its destination. A human being imparts direction and texture to the path he creates. It is a pity that sometimes he is unable to bestow the same parameters on his own life.

SOUL MATES

A man finds true love in his wife. They are blessed with a beautiful daughter. Life goes on smoothly for eight years. Catastrophe strikes. The wife dies. The father refuses to remarry. He dedicates his life to his daughter. How does he raise the motherless girl? Who are soul mates?I

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: May 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781482822052

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Copyright © 2014 by Shyam Sundar Bulusu.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

BOOK #1 DANCE OF LIFE

Synopsis

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

BOOK #2 INTERSECTIONS

Synopsis

Section 1 Sumitra

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

SECTION 2 MADHU

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

SECTION 3 ANURAG

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

SECTION 4 KATYAYANI

Chapter 9

SECTION 5 SUMITRA + ANURAG

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

SECTION 6 MADHU—KATYAYANI

Chapter 16

Section 7

Chapter 17

SECTION 8 HOMECOMING

Chapter 18

SECTION 9 OVERTURE

Chapter 19

SECTION 10 CONFETTI

Chapter 20

SECTION 11 …GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM

Chapter 21

BOOK #3 SOUL MATES

Synopsis

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Epilogue

To

My family

And

Chennai

My inspirations

My raisons d’être

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I wish to thank Partridge Publishing, India for the unstinting help and guidance they rendered, as also for providing an economical platform for launching my first venture.

Writing a book may be easy but fine-tuning it, making it readable to international readers, and avoiding pedagogism and clichés are humongous tasks. In this aspect, I am lucky to have had the help of my erudite nephew, G.K.Srinivas, who is a staunch supporter as well as a bitter critic of my works. I cannot thank him enough for never mincing his words or opinions.

I could not have written even a sentence without the invaluable inspiration I received from my family. The abundant patience every member of my family showed has made it possible for me to bring out these works.

Finally, a special mention of the inspiration and support I received from my daughter, Sameera, throughout my escapades with words, would be in order. She patiently went through every single word of every book, every story, and every poem that I wrote, giving me constructive feedback on every facet, criticising when I erred, appreciating when I deserved.

Shyam Sundar Bulusu

BOOK #1

Dance Of Life

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SYNOPSIS

Fate brings Radha and Shashank together. They meet, become friends and eventually fall in love. Life cruises along smoothly for the two, towards a happy marriage; perhaps too smoothly.

Fate intervenes. Shashank disappears from Radha’s life. Radha’s quest leads her to a cul de sac. She learns to live without him.

Fate has the last laugh. Shashank reappears in Radha’s life.

The reappearance is far more terrifying than the disappearance.

Why?

*     *     *

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PROLOGUE

His eyes, unfocussed and bleary, were fixed at a distant point on an unattainable horizon, searching for something, or someone. His lips were quivering, trying to utter a word, a name that was part of his mind and soul, part of his existence, but no sound came out. He was gasping for breath, chest heaving, arms and legs flailing. His lungs were struggling for air, for life-sustaining oxygen. Inexorably and slowly, ever so slowly, the unequal struggle ended. The flailing died down slowly and ultimately ended altogether. The light completely faded out of his bleary eyes. His lips were slightly parted as if he were calling out for someone. His last mortal breath left his lifeless body. He died.

The attending doctor and nurses proclaimed him dead after a thorough examination and made note of the time of death. The staff nurse was covering his body with a clean white sheet when she saw his clenched fist. She pried it open and found a pink ladies’ handkerchief with the word Radha embroidered at one corner in red thread. A crumpled colour photograph was inside the folds of the kerchief. There were two persons—one was the deceased patient himself and the other was a beautiful girl—in the photograph. The words ‘My love, Radha; be happy, wherever you are’ were written in ink along with a telephone number, on the reverse of the photograph. The staff nurse assumed that it was the name and phone number of the dead patient’s next of kin. She made a note of it to call and convey the news of the patient’s sad demise after completing the hospital formalities.

The staff nurse went to the nurses’ rest room, gulped a glassful of water, and reached for the phone.

*     *     *

The ringtone of the mobile was shrill on the ears on a bright but cool Sunday morning. Her body and soul were refusing to allow Radha to wake up from the deep slumber. ‘It is only eight o’clock, for God’s sake. Have a heart’ she thought drowsily. The inexorable ring continued. She cut the call, rolled over, and tried to get back her blissful sleep, a much-needed rest from the agonising work schedule of the previous week. Within minutes, the heartless mobile gave out its ringtone once again. Groggily, she got up from the bed and picked up the mobile phone.

She received the call and said, Hello! Who is this?

The female voice at the other end tentatively asked, Is it… Ms. Radha speaking?

Radha said Yes, and who is this, please?

My name is Julia. I am a staff nurse in St. John’s Cancer Hospital. Are you Ms. Radha? she repeated the question to make sure that there was no mistake.

Yes. I am Radha. What is the matter and what do you want? Radha was slightly irritated at being woken up from a heavenly Sunday sleep.

Sorry for disturbing you, madam. I shall only take a few minutes of your time. Do you know someone by the name Shashank?

A deathly, deafening, and disturbing silence fell over the scene.

Why are you asking? Radha asked slowly, almost whispering.

"You see, madam. Mr. Shashank was admitted to our hospital a few days ago. He was in an extremely advanced stage of lung cancer. It seems he was not having any relatives and was alone. Some acquaintance of his brought him to the hospital.

When he was brought the doctors didn’t have any hopes. We tried to keep him alive as long as possible but in the wee hours of today he passed away. We found in his belongings a handkerchief and a photograph with your name and telephone number on it. So, we thought you were his next of kin and are informing you.

What Nurse Julia did not reveal to Radha was the phone call she had already made to the person who brought and admitted Shashank.

Only a deafening silence greeted Nurse Julia. Are you there, Ms. Radha? Are you listening? Julia asked.

Yes, I am listening. The reply was feeble and there was a touch of incredulity about it. Where is he… I mean the body, now? Radha asked.

Still in the hospital. If nobody claims it then we will have to inform appropriate authorities and take necessary steps. Are you related to him? Julia inquired.

What? Radha was absent-minded. No, no. He was my friend. She paused for a few moments and asked, Can I come over and see the body?

By all means. It is kept in the cold storage. When will you come? Please call us and inform before coming so that we can keep some formalities ready, said Julia.

OK. Thanks, Radha replied, hung up and dropped on the bed week-kneed. Her throat was parched dry. She picked up the glass from the bedside table with trembling hands, spilling water on the floor, and emptied it in a couple of gulps. Then it really hit her. She collapsed onto the soft and yielding pillow and wept her heart out.

The enormity of what she had heard just dawned upon her. Shashank, her Shashi is no more. He went out of her life about a year ago with just a brief, cryptic note that said, Sorry Radha. Things will not work out between us. I gave it a deep thought and came to this conclusion. I am leaving. Please forget me and set up a better life for yourself. Please do not search for me and waste your life. Good bye.

So, this was the reason why her Shashank left her. She was devastated. Thoughts from her past—their past—began to rush into her mind in an unending stream of surreal images. She was calling out for him in her inner mind, ‘Shashank, Shashank…"

*     *     *

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CHAPTER 1

The Rainbow Season—1

"Shashank, Shashank… Radha was literally shouting and tugging at his shirtsleeve. Where are you lost? Did you even listen to what I just said?"

I am sorry, darling. I was looking at the sea. Look at those ships along the horizon. They look so distant. As they move away, they disappear over the horizon. Do you know? This proves that the earth is spherical? said Shashank.

So, now I get a lecture in Geography! Why have we come here? You are not paying attention to me at all, complained Radha coyly.

"I am listening. You know, you are most beautiful when you talk animatedly and passionately make a point? He was cajoling her. Your eyes are extremely focussed, your face is flushed and especially your cheeks. They turn pink."

I won’t fall for your flattery, you liar. She blushed. She was enjoying every moment of this. "Buy me sundal."

Hey! Do you remember the first time we met and spoke to each other? he asked after they bought and started munching on the tasty and succulent sundal.

As if, she can ever forget it. Yes she replied and added, It was in the University Library. You were behind me in the line. I collected my books and left in a hurry. She went on. You came running after me calling me ‘Miss, Miss, you forgot your book.’ I was surprised. I checked and realised my mistake. I gratefully took the book from you and thanked you. Both of us were in our third semesters, correct?

And then what happened? I don’t seem to remember, he said looking for her reaction, which he knew so very well.

Don’t you? How can you? she growled. We got to talking and ended up in the Cafeteria. We became friends over a cup of coffee. She was lost in the labyrinth of fond memories.

*     *     *

Both Radha and Shashank completed their Engineering Degrees from Anna University over three years ago, she in Computer Science and he in Mechanical. Both completed their Higher Secondary Education in 2004, she from Chennai and he from Coimbatore. Both were brilliant in their studies, which helped them secure easy admission into B.E. courses in the prestigious Anna University in Chennai. While Shashank opted for the Mechanical Engineering stream, Radha chose Computer Science as her subject. Their academic brilliance further flourished in Anna University. Unaware of each other’s existence they were pursuing their respective goals of life with single-minded devotion and dedication, until cupid struck.

Radha was the only child of her parents. Her mother, Janaki, was a devoted homemaker, a doting wife and mother, who never even shouted at her daughter. She was silently efficient with clockwork precision in her household chores. Radha’s father was a Superintending Engineer in CPWD, a job that shifted him all over the country. When Radha was in her third year B.E., her father was transferred to Bangalore. She continued her studies in Chennai, staying in a women’s hostel while her parents moved to Bangalore. She travelled to Bangalore on weekends and vacations. During the final year of her B.E., she was selected during an on-campus job fair conducted by SS INFOTECH, leading IT Company, with branches in all the four Metros of the country. As soon as she completed B.E., she was posted at Chennai. Initial six months saw her on probation and undergo in-house training. On successful completion of the training period, she was posted as Junior Software Engineer. Her academic brilliance coupled with her dedication to work saw her reach the position of Senior Software Engineer/Project Head in a surprisingly short period of two years. Now, she stays in an apartment in Besant Nagar.

She stays alone and has not shared it with anyone as her mother visited her once in a while and stayed with her for a few days. This arrangement suited Radha very well. She could preserve her independence although it meant that she had the onerous task of maintaining the apartment and the kitchen. Her work kept her busy, sometimes even on Saturdays. Her visits to Bangalore became less frequent. Over the weekends, she got up leisurely and made an elaborate breakfast and late lunch, while she caught up on her personal chores, reading, TV and correspondence. Her mother did not have anything to complain during the visits, as her daughter was a very clean, tidy, orderly and methodical person. Radha used to lie in lap of her mother and enjoyed listening to stories from her childhood or from their Bangalore life. Occasionally they would eat out.

Radha was a beautiful girl. She was about 5'7" tall and of a very fair complexion. She seemed to have taken after her mother and grandmother, who were extremely fair. She did not have much use for make-up barring a minimum. Her hair was long, black and wavy. Although their company imposed no dress code on their employees Radha normally dressed up in salwar or churidar with kameez and dupatta, which she found most convenient for working women of India, or a pair of Jeans and tops or tee-shirt or occasionally a sari (her mother insisted that she get accustomed to saris as her future mother-in-law might insist). Weekends, she would be bound by no dress code. Only the curbs of decency would restrict her attire. Although she did not consider herself beautiful, she knew that she was attractive, especially to the opposite sex—turning heads as she walked past were proof, for her. However, she never took advantage of it nor did she allow men to take advantage of her either, whether in college or at work. She was thoroughly professional in her duties whether studies or job. She was dedicated. Notwithstanding this quality, which earned her the sobriquet of ‘fireball’, she liked and fell in love with Shashank after a long friendship. Be that as it may, all her colleagues appreciated her for this quality of hers.

*     *     *

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CHAPTER 2

The Present Day—1

She had lost track of time. Suddenly, she realised that it was almost nine o’clock. Her mind was numb with shock. She ran to the bathroom, brushed in a hurry. Made a cup of instant coffee and gulped it hastily. Then, without bothering to have a bath, she got into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, took her wallet and checked it for money and credit cards. She was satisfied that she had enough cash for any emergency in the hospital. She put on her sandals and came out of the apartment complex almost running. She hailed an autorickshaw that usually waited in the stand and proceeded to St. John’s Cancer Hospital. The autorickshaw driver was Murugan, well known to her from the frequent trips she made in his autorickshaw.

She picked up her mobile and made three calls. The first call was to the hospital to inform that she was on her way to the hospital. The second call was to her friend and colleague Vinod to whom she briefly explained the situation and requested him to be present at the Hospital. The third call was to her parents. She was at a loss of words to convey the shocking news.

Mummy she called when her mother answered the call. It’s I, Radha. How are you and daddy?

We are ok sweetie, Janaki said. She always fondly addressed Radha as sweetie. How are you? What is all that noise? Vehicles? Where are you? How come you are up so early? You don’t sound well. Are you sick? Her myriad questions showed that Janaki was instantly worried.

No, no, no, nothing of that sort. Radha was unable to stop herself from breaking down. Mummy, something has happened; something terrible. The floodgates were open and she started to cry.

Janaki was shocked and worried that her darling daughter, who was always cheerful, was in such a state. "What is it sweetie? What happened? Are you hurt? Has anything happened in the office? Tell me, sweetie. I am worried."

"Mummy, mummy… Shashank is no more." Radha literally blurted out and began sobbing inconsolably. Murugan was shocked to see her in such a state. He was worried for himself. ‘People may think that I did something to her and that’s why she is crying’ he thought. Radha Madam, what is the matter? he asked gingerly but gently.

Radha understood in an instant. Presently, she controlled herself, wiped the tears off her eyes and cheeks. Nothing, Murugan, please take me to the hospital quickly.

"Sweetie, talk to me. How did this happen? We haven’t heard from him for over a year now," her mother inquired.

"I don’t know anything right now Mummy. Someone from St. John’s Hospital called in the morning at about eight o’clock asking for me. They informed that one of their patients, Shashank, was admitted into their hospital a few days ago and that he died early in the morning. You know he doesn’t have anyone whom he could call his own. I am going there. There was a short pause. Mummy, what’ll I do? How will I live?"

What can I say to you sweetie? I am shocked. First, he just disappeared from our lives over a year ago. Now, this news. Be strong sweetie. We shall reach Chennai by tomorrow morning. I’ll ask Daddy if he can take leave, Janaki said. Sweetie, isn’t St. John’s Hospital a Cancer Speciality Hospital? Janaki inquired.

Radha replied in the affirmative and added Shashank seems to have died from extremely advanced lung cancer.

There was more silence between them, neither knowing what to say or how to console the other. Radha knew that her mother was weeping at the other end.

"OK Mummy. I am reaching the hospital. I have called Vinod for help. You don’t trouble yourself and come in a hurry. I’ll be in touch with you. Don’t worry. I’ll be alright. OK. Bye. I love you."

"Are you sure you can manage? Take care of yourself. Don’t forget to call me. OK? Bye. I love you too." Saying those few words her mother hung up.

*     *     *

The autorickshaw entered the porch of the hospital. She got down, paid the fare and hurried towards the main entrance, when she saw Vinod waiting for her in the porch. He knew Shashank and their love very well. He bore a sombre expression on his face. Greetings were conspicuous by their absence, given the occasion and the mood.

Vinod was Radha’s office colleague and a very good friend outside the office, too. He was a bachelor living with his parents and younger sister, Gauri. He knew her and Shashank well and sometimes on holidays, spent evenings with them along with Akriti, his colleague and fiancée; often the four of them went shopping, to the movies or dinner. He was of medium height and slightly stocky in build, with dark and closely cropped hair. He always stood by her whenever she needed help. He was known for his trouble-shooting capabilities, resourcefulness and was endowed with an unflappable disposition. He was shocked to hear the news of Shashank’s demise.

Presently, they entered the lobby of the hospital.

*     *     *

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CHAPTER 3

The Rainbow Season—2

(THE HANDKERCHIEF)

"God, what crowd!" Shashank said even as he was guiding Radha to her seat in Inox cinemas in Citi Centre Plaza mall. They had gone to see a Hollywood movie.

What do you expect on a Sunday matinee show, Shashank? We are lucky that we got tickets online yesterday itself responded Radha.

As the movie had not started, they talked about this and that. They lost track of their surroundings until someone from behind said in an irritated drawl, Hey guys, we’ve come to see the movie. Not to listen to your chatter.

They promptly shut up and watched the movie, giggling silently.

The lights were on during the intermission. Shashank rose and went to the lobby to get some refreshments. There was a long queue and it was dark when he returned to his seat, hands full of eatables, stubbing someone’s toes, which in turn resulted in yelps and curses. She was thoroughly enjoying his predicament.

Your predicament is more enjoyable than the movie, she whispered in his ear.

He softly muttered something that she could not hear. She thought it better not to ask what it was. They silently sipped their soft drinks and watched the movie.

When the movie ended, it was still light outside and the sun had just set.

I’m hungry. Let us have some snacks or we can even have dinner straight away. What do you say? She asked.

They were on his motor bike.

OK madam. Where to, for dinner? Chinese?

No way. You know I don’t like Chinese food. She was a vegetarian and never could bring herself to like the smell of Chinese food.

"OK. ‘Palki’ then" he suggested. ‘Palki’ was a restaurant on Radhakrishnan Road, not very far from Inox cinemas. They were frequent visitors to the restaurant. The food was generally good and tasty, the ambience was calm and quiet and the service was prompt and good.

She agreed. For the rest of their journey they were more or less silent. The traffic was heavy at that time of day. They settled on a cosy corner-table for two. The lights were dim and Pandit Ravi Shankar’s sitar music was playing softly in the background.

What will be your order, sir? the waiter inquired politely.

First bring us fresh lime juice with salt and soda. It must be chilled. We’ll order food a little later. OK? Shashank said.

OK, sir, in a few minutes. The waiter left.

The movie was good. Visual effects were awesome, Shashank said.

Yes, amazing special effects. They have put in lots of efforts, said Radha.

Both of them knew that neither was interested in discussing the movie even for a minute.

Shashank was looking deeply into her eyes in the dim lighting.

What? Why are looking at me like that? she asked softly and self-consciously.

Shashank reached out across the small table and gently held her hand. Have I ever told how much I love you?

She was pleasantly surprised and started blushing. Her cheeks turned pink. What? She did not know what to say. Why do you ask all of a sudden?

"I have been thinking about you, about us, a lot lately. Our opinions, tastes in life match very much. If there are any differences of opinion or taste, they have never come out into the open. I have observed. You took care to see that they never got out of control. I didn’t say that I love you in a theatrical manner. I strongly believe that love isn’t something that you fall into. It grows from within. As we live and grow old together and depend on each other, it becomes stronger and sentimental. What about you? How do you feel?"

She enjoyed his feelings silently for a few moments. "I don’t know. I can’t gather all my thoughts and feelings and tell since you asked so suddenly. It was very pleasant though, your speaking about it, I mean. I feel exactly the same way as you. Love is not an accident. Invariably, the mutual attraction at first sight is physical; it cannot be termed ‘love’. Liking each other, strongly wanting to share life with each other forever, all these feelings have to ‘grow’ from within. You are right there. She paused. See, even on this topic we agree." She smiled. He loved her smile. Her lips parted slightly and white teeth were visible, only slightly. Her eyes twinkled.

You know, you smile with your eyes? They twinkle.

Shhh… Shashank. You are embarrassing me. She feigned anger as an elderly couple at an adjacent table was watching them. She blushed. Her cheeks turned a deep pink. She was in the seventh heaven of bliss. ‘Why can’t this moment freeze? Oh God! Make it freeze for eternity’.

If I could, I would freeze this moment for eternity and keep looking at it for ever, he said, as if he read her thoughts.

The waiter brought their limejuice and took their order for food. They sipped the limejuice in silence.

She looked into his eyes dreamily and asked gently, Shashi, isn’t it time we thought about our marriage? She usually addressed him as Shashi lovingly. She knew that he liked it.

Yes, he agreed, but you know that I need some time; maybe one more year. My career has just stabilised and is taking off only now. The workload is heavy, you know. I am due for promotion as Project Director very soon. That would increase the responsibilities and workload. I am not giving excuses, darling, but once we are married I want to give you full attention that you, no we, deserve.

I know and I understand, Shashi, but all the same, I find this situation depressing sometimes. We only converse over telephone and meet on weekends. I want us to be together every moment for the rest of our lives. I am unable to live without your company and you know that. My parents adore you, but they don’t force us in the matter. They have left it to our judgement. She became emotional. Her eyes welled up.

Shashank was deeply disturbed to see her in that state. He took her handkerchief that she was holding in her hand, dabbed at her eyes and cheeks, and inadvertently kept it in his shirt pocket.

I am very sorry, darling. I feel guilty. Please understand me. I find it difficult to live without you beside me every moment of my life. I feel so lonely that I get depressed sometimes, too. Let this promotion thing be cleared up in the next few months. Then we shall discuss with your parents about our marriage. I promise. Now, please smile, honey. I cannot see you shed tears. It was his turn to become emotional. He averted his moist eyes from her gaze.

She gripped his hand tightly and said, What is this Shashi? I am sorry. Because of me, there are tears in your eyes today; never again, whatever the problem may be. OK? I understand and agree with what you proposed. We shall do exactly as suggested by you. I love you. Now smile, please.

Their food arrived and they ate talking about their offices and friends. Shashank settled the bill tipping the waiter generously. He dropped Radha at her apartment. As it was late, they bade quick good byes to each other and departed.

They forgot about Radha’s handkerchief. It was a pink handkerchief made of soft cotton with Radha’s name embroidered on it in red thread.

*     *     *

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CHAPTER 4

The Present Day—2

"This was the handkerchief we found on him along with the photograph," said Nurse Julia, handing the handkerchief and the photo to Radha. They were all assembled in the duty room of the doctor who attended on Shashank. The doctor himself was away on rounds.

Radha was in a wide-eyed shock when she extended her trembling hand to receive the articles from Julia. ‘Radha, Radha…’ Was she imagining her Shashank’s voice gently calling her? She felt Shashank was calling her softly the moment she took the handkerchief and the photo into her hand. She collapsed into a chair. She was trembling so severely that the articles slipped out of her hand and fell to the ground. She covered her face and broke into to tears. Vinod tried to console her by putting his arm around her shoulder. Nurse Julia thought it wise to maintain silence. She offered a glass of water to Radha, who declined it. After a few minutes of silence, broken only by Radha’s muffled sobs, Nurse Julia offered Come. I’ll take you to him and walked into the corridor.

Vinod and Radha followed the staff nurse. They were led through a couple of winding corridors to a room at the rear of the hospital on the ground floor. On the way, they met a doctor whom Nurse Julia accosted and introduced as the duty doctor who attended on Shashank during the night. She listened to his instructions for a few moments and once again started walking with them. She opened the room, which was barren except for a few gurneys, stretchers and chairs. Vinod and Radha entered the room behind Nurse Julia. It was a brightly lit room and the air-conditioner was running. It was a little chilly although the weather outside was bright and sunny. A chill ran through their spines and they shivered, not knowing what to expect and how to react.

There, in a corner, was placed a gurney. Laid down on it was, what seemed to be, a body, neatly covered by a white bed sheet. At this sight, Radha stopped walking and held Vinod’s hand so tightly that he gave out an Ouch. Radha was no longer aware of her surroundings or anything that was happening around her. Her heart was going ‘thud, thud…’ in her chest. Her knees were rubbery and wobbly. Her head was pounding with hitherto unknown and un-experienced horror. Her tongue and throat were parched like a dry leaf in scorching summer. Vinod gently patted her on the shoulder and stepped forward towards the gurney. Nurse Julia said, I am very sorry for your loss, sir and madam and slowly lifted the sheet. They were not prepared for what they found underneath the sheet. Shocked at the sight, Vinod exclaimed Oh my God! and broke down. Radha moved closer to the body.

Was it Shashank, her Shashi? The body, which was once handsome and athletic, was lean, emaciated and had been wasted by the cancer. The eyes were sunken deep, with dark circles around them. The hair was thin and sparse with the scalp showing at many places. The skin had dark patches, side effect of chemotherapy. They could not see the body below the chest as it was still covered. The room and the world around her were spinning uncontrollably. She was unable to breathe. Her heart was going wild inside her chest and her head was numb. She was unable to focus. Suddenly she felt an extreme lightness and giddiness in her head. Her knees gave way and she fell in a heap to the floor like a rag doll. At the sight of her love, her life, lying lifeless on a table in a hospital, Radha fainted.

*     *     *

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CHAPTER 5

The Rainbow Season—3

(THE PHOTOGRAPH)

Radha woke up to the melodious chimes of the doorbell. The time was nine o’clock. It was a Saturday. ‘Oh God! It must be Shashank,’ she thought and hurried to open the door.

Hi. Good morning, darling, Shashank greeted her, gave her a hug and entered the apartment. He never complained about anything she did. Remember, we have a busy schedule today? Breakfast, shopping, lunch…, he reminded gently.

‘As if I can forget’ thought Radha. "Sorry. I just woke up. I worked late yesterday to finish some very urgent work so that I wouldn’t have to go to office today. Don’t worry. We are not late. I’ll get ready quickly. Let’s have some coffee and biscuits… and…