It was a misty December morning. Koushik leaned out of the train and found that the train was nearing a station. The station was full of trees, sunrays had touched the tip of the trees and yet to break the mist below except one or two golden streaks here and there. The cacophony of the birds on the tress was audible even at the distance over the train noise. Slight hints of the station – the name display boards, the tin shed, then benches were visible through the mist. Koushik decided quickly; he had to get down here. The train entered the station and started aligning with the platform. Koushik could barely read the name – ‘Rooptalao’ – ‘the beautiful lake’. The last doubt whether to get down here vanished from his mind and he ran inside to collect his luggage and his little son.
He tugged at his 4 year old son Rik who was utilizing the empty benches of the early morning train to the fullest.
“Hey, get up. We have to get down here.”
“Papa, you go … let me sleep… “ – Rik replied sleepily.
“Lazy boy! What would you do once you get up and don’t find me? Come on, hurry up.”
He didn’t wait further. The train had already stopped and would restart at any moment. He bundled the two backpacks and his sleeping son his lap and ran towards the door. He just landed on the platform with all his wards and the train started. Koushik smiled to himself – the day started like any other Saturday!
Koushik had this strange hobby. Every Saturday he would pack his camera bag, backpack containing the day’s provision and would start with his son much before the sunrise. He would go to the nearest railway junction and buy ticket till the last station on the suburban line. And then he would get down wherever he liked! Entire day he would spend at the non-descript town or village, mingling with local folks, taking picture of whatever he liked, having food at the local roadside joints and go back home after sun down. None of the Saturdays disappointed him till now. Every small village or town and its people offered something unique and refreshed his work laden mind. In all this activities his 4 year old son Rik was his steady partner. He would object when he was unceremoniously pulled out of bed almost at midnight but he would actively participate in everything then onwards. If somebody asked him he would undoubtedly say that he liked the active Saturdays much more than the lazy Sundays at home.
As per Koushik’s modus operandi he searched for the tea stall of the station. Always he found one in every station serving piping hot tea at the early morning. He located it this time too, quite a far away from where he landed from the train. There were few locals on the platform doing their chores, as usual. He arranged his luggage, held Rik’s hand and started walking slowly towards the tea stall. He was not in any hurry, his Saturday escapade had just started and he wanted to savor every moment of it.
After a few steps he noticed a lady sitting on a bench exactly at a spot where a streak of sunray had broken the canopy of leaves and mist and graced the bench. She was evidently urban – her complexion, modern gym attire, poise – nothing were matching the tiny rural station. Strangely enough the village folks around were totally nonchalant about her and she to theirs. For a moment Koushik thought he might have descended at a popular tourist spot, the last thing he wanted on his Saturday escapades and thought of taking the next train onward. But he decided to inquire first at the tea stall and then decide. So he continued proceeding towards the tea stall. He had to cross the sitting lady on his way. When he came to a recognizable distance from the lady he felt like a lightning had just struck him. The lady was smashingly beautiful but that was not the reason he was dumbstruck. It was because he knew the lady and he would have been less surprised to find a T-Rex in Rooptalao than her!
The lady was Nilima. She was in Koushik’s college batch and was the heartthrob of the entire male community of the college. Her pearl ivory complexion, perfect oval face, emerald eyes, small pert nose, slightly full ruby red lips and the hourglass figure drew men like insects towards the light. Moreover physical beauty was not her only quality. She was extremely smart and intelligent; superb in debate, champion in quiz and undisputed winner of Miss Beautiful in any college fest. Above all, she was very good in academics and always was among first five of the batch. Koushik had not seen a more beautiful girl in his life. And he was sure that even if he meet a prettier girl sometime somewhere, he would never find a girl with better mix of qualities. Koushik too was good in academics and always stood very close to Nilima in class ranks. Koushik was a star in debate and fought many memorable battles with Nilima in college debates. The two of them formed a formidable quiz team and won many intra and inter college competitions. Because of their similar academic rankings, debate meet up and quiz activities Koushik built a rapport with Nilima though he was shy with girls in general. Koushik was not fool enough to think anything beyond normal friendship with Nilima. He knew he was just an average guy and stood no chance among the hero like admirers of Nilima. But he always maintained the friendship and respectful distance from her. Last he heard about her was that she was getting married to a rich US based NRI and heading towards USA. And now he found her on the platform of a nondescript village station!
Koushik started walking towards her. She also saw this strange man with a small kid and two big backpacks and was checking him out through the corner of her eyes. When Koushik reached her she looked up haughtily but before she could say anything Koushik said ‘Hi Nilima’. Irritation, perplex, surprise, recognition and finally relief played on her eyes in quick succession. Koushik noticed she was still the same pretty girl. Age had slightly matured her but it only enhanced her beauty. In college she was like a flowing mountain stream but now she matured like a river of plain. Much calmer but dependable. Finally she found her words and said “Hey Koushik, after long! How come you are here?”
“Yes, after 9 long years. I wanted to ask you the same question.”
“Ohh..mine is a long story, tell yours first. Who is it? Your son? How cute! Hello cutie pie, what’s your name?”
“I am not cutee pi, my name is Rik”- Rik replied and both the adults burst into laughter.
“Well, it is my hobby to explore less know places on Saturday and Rik is my steady partner in those adventures” – Koushik explained in brief – “How about you?”
Nilima thought for a few seconds and then said “Do you have a plan for today?”
“No, never on Saturdays. I take things as they come on this day.”
“Well, then how about a tea in my house? You would have enough time to listen to my story.”
“Your house? You live here?”
“Yes Sir, I told you mine is a long story.”
“Do you know the places around. I need guidance to spend the whole day here.”
“I know every nook and corner and every guy in this locality. You won’t find a better guide than me.”
“You know everything about this place? How long you are living here?”
“Four years. Let’s have the rest of the story over a tea at my drawing room please.”
“Four years! Oh my God! But ok, let’s go, I can’t wait to hear the interesting story.”
“Papa you need to ask mommy if you go to aunty’s house.” – Rik said.
Nilima burst into laughter and Koushik blushed. He said, “No Rik, mommy would not mind. Nilima, let’s go.”
They came out through the exit. Koushik noticed the ticket examiner nodded respectfully to Nilima and did not bother to check their ticket. After coming out Koushik found a small white hatchback car right beside the exit gate. Nilima sat at the wheel, Koushik put all the luggage at back and sat at the passenger’s seat with Rik on lap. While Nilima revved up the engine he asked :
“Who are you?”
“What?” – There was a mix of surprise and smile on her face?
“Who are you? A queen of this place? You go to station to enjoy the misty morning presumably without a ticket. Instead of fining you the ticket collector behaves like an obedient servant and leaves your companions also. You park your car on a blatant no parking zone and nobody dares to touch.”
Nilima laughed heartily. “No no, I am a simple bank manager here who had touched many lives in a positive way.”
“A bank manager? How on earth! We studied engineering together.”
“You are being impatient. Ok. Let me tell you in brief. You know till I married and went to USA, right? Well, things did not work out as expected after that. I came back to India within 3 years. Divorced. I was kind of unwelcome to my relatives also because I married against their will. They took me as a burden which they wouldn’t have to bear had I listened to them earlier. I could not blame them completely. So, I decided to take things on my own hand. I passed bank PO exam rather easily and got this job. I have chosen this exile to be away from my acquaintances. Nobody wants to come to such remote places and I worked honestly. Very quickly I climbed up the ladder and became manager. The branch here was a corrupted hell hole. I worked diligently to put the system right. As a result lots of villager got benefitted and I became their darling. I am doing the same for last 4 years. And yes, I am going through the happiest phase of my life.”
“Why the marriage did not work out? I am sure you got lots of proposal. Did you not chose the best one?”
“Alas, nobody understand the problem of a pretty girl. She always has the problem of plenty. And choosing the right one among so many is always a gamble. The details of why the marriage did not work out, let us not discuss in front of this cutie pie.”
“I told you my name is Rik. Not cutee pi.” – Rik said.
“Ok, cutie pie” – Nilima burst into laughter again as she was maneuvering the car through the gate of a small but beautiful house.
The house was small but well-structured and extremely beautiful. The paint was fresh and cute, flower plants were lined along the roof, creeper plants with colorful leaves graced the grilles and the small compound was devoid of a single speck of dust. Koushik asked in awe “Do you maintain this house?”
“Yes, who else? I have a hell lot of time here. But yes, villagers readily help when I ask. Without their help I would not be able to upkeep it.”
Koushik’s jaw dropped. Did this lady have a single weakness? Looked like she was equally adept at household work like her social and academic skills. Suddenly one thought crossed his mind. In college days any guy would have given his arm and leg to have a tea with Nilima. Now he was at Nilima’s house at her invitation! But it did not mean anything to Koushik now. Life presents strange moments sometimes.
They stepped in. The interior was fitting to the exterior. A beautiful sofa and tea table graced the drawing room. Latest magazines were neatly arranged on the table. A small dining table with immaculately arranged stuff was on the other end of the drawing room. There were multiple cupboards with glass front holding hordes of book. Heavy dark colored curtains provided privacy to the two bedrooms. Koushik was not surprised. He expected it. Nilima said “Just wait for 5 minute here. I shall freshen up and come.”
“Ok”. Koushik made himself comfortable on the sofa with his bags and picked up a magazine. Rik got busy with his toy camera.
Koushik was totally engrossed in the magazine. Suddenly he came to present world by Nilima’s call. He found half an hour has passed since Nilima left them. Now she was standing in front of the sofa with a tray in her hand. Sha had bathed, a sweet smell was emanating from her body, her hairs were untied and water was dripping from them. Her face was looking like a fresh flower bathed in dew. She wore a white sleeveless white kurti and a well fitted blue denim. Koushik thought she never looked prettier before. The tray contained two cup of coffees, a cup of milk for Rik and a stack of French toast. She said : “Sorry for being late. I bathed, informed my office that I won’t come today, prepared this breakfast and made an excellent plan for you.”
“You are taking unnecessary trouble Nilima. All these were not needed. And leave from work! For me?”
“Doesn’t matter. I have not taken leave for ages. And I am not doing anything for you. After long I have found somebody with whom I can talk. I am not leaving you easily today. And this breakfast? I love cooking. Let’s talk about the plan.”
“Let’s hear it” – Koushik picked up a coffee and a French toast and handed over the cup of milk to Rik.
Nilima picked up her cup after her guests and said: “You want to mingle with local people right? After this breakfast let’s go to the local market. I shall market for your lunch, you do whatever you like. After that I would come back home to cook. You may come back with me or stay in the market. I shall call you once lunch is ready.”
“So you are inviting me to lunch also. Seriously Nilima, I am embarrassed. But yes, I have to agree., the market plan looks delicious.”
“Nothing to be embarrassed. I am doing a favor to myself and not to you. After long I found somebody to taste my food and listen to my ramblings.”
“Ok, let’s go to market then without further delay.”
“Just give me two minutes. I need to get ready.”
“Yes, girls are never ready before going out … “ Koushik sighed and reclined on the sofa again. Nilima smiled before she went inside.
Not exactly in two minutes but she came out quick enough. Koushik found she applied a little lip gloss on her lips and Kajal on her eyes. He could not immediately decide whether she looked more beautiful in her natural flair or with the little make up on. He probably stared a moment too long. Her lips stretched in a knowing smile and Koushik was aware of his mistake instantly. She put on a glamorous sun glass and said : “Let’s go.”
“Yes” – Koushik said. Despite the little embarrassment moments back Koushik could not help but think again when she looks more gorgeous – when the beautiful eyes were fully on display or when they are covered with dark shades. But he forced himself not to look at her again. He did not want a slightest instance of being disloyal to Pratima, his wife and Rik, his son.
They went to the market in her small white car. Koushik had the best outing of his life. As expected she got royal treatment everywhere in the market. Koushik chatted with locals and took pictures to his heart’s content. In other places people asked him lots of questions. But here everybody was respectful to him since he was accompanying Nilima. Rik stuck with Nilima. They built a great rapport. Usually Rik pestered his dad with lots of silly questions common to his age. Koushik tried to be patient but sometimes got irritated. Though Nilima and Rik were out of earshot he could see Nilima patiently explaining something to Rik every now and then. He understood why they established the rapport so quickly. After sometime Nilima and Rik came back to him with a village folk carrying a big bag full of vegetable. She said :
“I am done, do you want to spend more time here?”
“Yes, if you have no problem.”
“Ok, let’s do it this way. I shall go home with Rik and start preparing the lunch. You come back after sometime.”
“Hey, how do I know when the lunch is ready and how would I go?”
“Simple. Let’s exchange the mobile number. I would call you when cooking is over. And just ask any person here to arrange a drop at manager madam’s house. They would help.”
They exchanged the mobile numbers and Nilima and Rik left. Koushik was all alone. He got busy with his camera again. He never had such a wonderful outing. After long he got a call from Nilima.
“Hey, come back. Lunch is ready.”
“OK” – he said and asked one of the local guys to drop him back. Very easily he reached the beautiful little house. He found Nilima walking with Rik on her lap. His head was on her shoulder and eyes closed. Nilima gestured to keep silence. In next two minutes Rik was deep in sleep. She put her carefully on bed in the guest room and and told Koushik “ “Your son was dead tired. I had bathed him, he had his lunch and then felt sleepy. He is pretty independent. Can do his chores very easily. “
“Yes, he is independent. Has he eaten properly?” – the anxious father asked.
“Yes Sir, do not worry. Now you also get bathed and have your lunch. I need to freshen up too. You can use the room and the attached bathroom.” – she pointed to the room where Rik was sleeping and pulled the curtain to allow them privacy and said “But I don’t have a spare male dress.”
“I have, do not worry. I always keep one with me on Saturday. I shall come out quick. Please keep an eye on Rik.”
“Sure” – Nilima said and Koushik went inside the bathroom.
The bathroom was immaculately arranged. The toiletries were of top and expensive brands. Koushik had a vivid bath and started feeling hungry. Nilima heard the door sound when he came out and asked from the other side of the curtain “Done? Just give me 5 minutes to freshen up and then we are ready for lunch.”
She was ready quick enough and called Koushik to a lunch table. She was wearing a white top and green long skirt and her face was looking fresh. Koushik felt she was looking like a fresh chrysanthemum. But he warned himself not to allow any attractions towards Nilima to pervade his mind. The lunch was simple and delicious. They chatted their heart out over the lunch on all topics on earth. Out of many things she told how government money was being misused in the bank and poor villagers never used to get the benefit of government schemes and how she set the system right. Koushik told her though her work was commendable but had it been done by a bald old man with a handlebar moustache he would not be a darling to the villagers unlike Nilima. Being a lady and an extremely beautiful one at that, definitely helped her being so popular. She laughed heartily at the remark. Koushik noticed Nilima avoided any discussion on her married life. Neither had she asked anything about his married life. But by then Koushik stopped caring. He had just met an old friend by chance and would be busy in normal life from next day onwards. There was no need to know each other’s personal life in detail.
After lunch Nilima told : “Take rest along with Rik. Late afternoon we can go to Rooptalao, the lake which lends its name to the place. I think you would like the sunset golden light for your photography.” Koushik appreciated the idea. But he never sleeps in the afternoon. He sat beside sleeping Rik and started checking the photos in his camera which he had taken in the morning at the market. Suddenly the room darkened. He started and looked up; unknowing to him a few beads of sweat formed on his forehead in spite of the December cold.
Nilima came to the room unnoticed and pulled the heavy curtain of the window. Her desire was very much clear in her eyes. Her lust and longings were evident though she didn’t speak a word. Koushik was terrified. He knew he was losing the self control in every passing second. Nilima strode straight towards the bed, sat in front of Koushik and put her arms around her neck. Koushik felt the frail white arms were the strongest rope he could ever be tied with. He said “Nilima, this is very wrong”. As an answer she closed her eyes and thrust her chin forward by the fraction of an inch. The invitation on the beautiful lips were pretty clear. Koushik again tried “Nilima this is an ugly sin”. She moved her face forward and brushed her lips with his. This has blown away the last few drops of self control and conscience left within Koushik and he was about to jump into the well of lust and sin. At that very moment Rik kicked in his sleep as he always did. The kick landed squarely on Koushik’s rib cage. He grimaced at pain but the timely kick had brought him back to his own self. He pushed Nilima’s face away from his and got up from the bed clumsily. The spell was broken and both of them knew it. She ran away from the room. Koushik sat back on the bed, helpless about the unfolding of events. She came back shortly afterwards and asked curtly:
“Do you still want to go to Rooptalao”
“Have to change the plan. I think it is is better for all if I leave now.”
She left the room again. Koushik roused Rik. He was sleepy but he never disobeyed his father and got up quickly. Nilima came back with car key dangling from his finger. Koushik asked “Where are you going?”
“To drop you at station.”
“Not required, we can manage.”
Her eyes flared angrily “I am sure you can. I know you don’t need me. But I need the company. Please.”The angry look had vanished and a pleading look came to her eyes. Koushik’s heart melted for this lonely lady. He could not be rude to her. But even nature probably wanted them to spend some more time with each other. Rik said “Papa, I need to go to toilet. Bigger one.”
“Ok, can you manage on your own?”
“Sure Papa, but do not leave without me.”
“No, my son, how can I leave you alone?” – Koushik said with a weak smile.
As soon as Rik was out of earshot Nilima declared without introduction, “Did you know you were second in the queue?”
“What? Which queue?”
“I used to get many proposals. Sometimes multiple ones on a single day. But I could see through the proposals that they only wanted to sleep with me. There were two guys who I could felt cared about me and not my body. One is you, who never proposed to me and the other was the one who was passionate and whom I married. But I did a terrible mistake. He had hid his intentions beautifully before marriage. Probably he knew no girl would marry him if he reveal his true colors. He was a pervert and sadist. He made me learn all sort of weird tricks for his pleasure.” She met his eyes with a wry smile and continued, “He never cared about me. I was a sex toy for him. Initially I thought it was the excitement of newly married husband but the ordeal continued and it became a torture for me. I let him know my displeasure, nothing changed. I cautioned him for divorce one day, he reserved his worst torture for me for the same night. Next day, I filed for divorce. Surprisingly he readily agreed. Probably I was done for him and already became an old and boring sex toy. Would you believe, had we kissed today that would have been my past passionate kiss despite being married for 3 years. And then, you know my story after divorce.” – She ended her story abruptly and looked squarely at Koushik. He saw the big beautiful eyes were full of tears and showing a glimpse of the unhappy soul within. He himself was surprised by the revelation that he was so close to Nilima’s heart in college days. Had he been little bold their life would have been different altogether. But it hardly mattered him now. He had a happy married life with Pratima and Rik was the best thing that could have happened to him. He only felt pity about Nilima. Fate had played an ugly trick with her.
Rik came out of the bathroom, ready to go and Koushik stood up with his luggage on tow. They were ready to start.
After a few minutes they were sitting on a station bench side by side. Rik was chasing some crows who were staying just out of his reach. The short winter day was almost over and sun was setting. Mist had started to form on tree tops and birds were coming back to nests. The scene was a replica of the morning but 180 degree turned; just like the lives of the two persons involved. Three trains came and went and none of them moved a muscle. When the fourth train was leaving the station Koushik could not take it anymore. He stood up, faced Nilima squarely and said “I have something to tell you.”
Nilima met his eyes and said “Do you think I am the slut of the town who begs to sleep with every newcomer at the station.”
“What! How could you even imagine I would think like that? You were sad and lonely, mistake happened.”
“Oh. So you find lonely women in every town and oblige them!”
“Nilima, now you are insulting my dignity!”
“And so you are! Do you think I am a fool?” – Koushik was spellbound. How much Nilima know? He remembered, yes, Rik was alone waith Nilima for quite long. What had he told her? Nilima continued like a train “Why can’t you admit you are more sad and lonely than me. Your wife died three years ago. Rik does not even remember his mother, you run away from your loneliness every weekend to weird towns and you are telling me lonely?”
“I am not alone Nilima. Pratima’s memory and Rik are with me.”
“Can Rik’s tender mind think in the similar way? I appreciate the fact the way you have taught him that his mother stays in the sky, the way Rik needs to take her imaginary permission when in doubt, but a child of his age needs mother’s love.”
“But what is your point?”
“Nothing. It was you who wanted to say something!”
Koushik found himself trapped. He blabbered “I wanted to reveal this secret to you and wanted to say I would really wanted to marry you but I cannot betray with Pratima and her memory.”
“I think she would be happy if you find Rik a mother.”
“Nobody can take Pratima’s place in Rik’s life.”
“Is it? Let’s see. Rik, come here.” Rik obeyed and stood awkwardly in front of them.
“Where is your mother?” – Nilima asked. Rik pointed towards Nilima. Nilima looked at Koushik and asked Rik again “And what happened to your mother who had become star?”
“She came down to earth and it is you.”
“He is a child Nilima and clearly you taught him.” – Koushik could not remain silent.
“But you are not Koushik. If for once you can shed your inhibition we three lonely souls can be a family.”
“It is not a simple decision Nilima.”
“Then think about it. You are not ready even to think about it.”
Koushik took a long stroll on the platform. Meanwhile the 5th train came and left. From the farthest end of the platform Koushik could see a pathetic looking beggar came near Nilima and Rik. Rik got scared, ran towards Nilima and held her tight. Nilima also reciprocated and comforted him till the beggar was out of sight. Koushik took the decision. He came back to them. Nilima was still holding Rik tightly. He asked her
“Will you be a good mother to Rik?”
“He didn’t remember his mother. I would show him what mothers are.”
“Will you be a good wife like Pratima?”
“I don’t know how she was. But without doubt I would respect her memories and we would be a family. Rik would be my eldest son who would have come to me four years back and just got delayed as destiny wanted.” – she pecked on Rik’s chubby cheeks.
“Then will you marry me Nilima? After Pratima’s death I almost broke down. Because of Rik I faced the world bravely. But I know how I was broken from inside. Will you please fill that void in my life?”
As an answer she got up, embraced and kissed Koushik passionately. Finally their souls met! The locals of the platform were surprised to see the behavior of their ‘manager madam’ but all the couple could hear was the joyous clap of Rik. Koushik asked : “What about your job?”
“I have served this exile long enough. I can choose my posting anywhere in the country now. I am calling the local priest to complete our marriage tonight. Call your office and take leave for the week. Our delayed honeymoon would take place here in Rooptalao. Don’t disturb me with stupid questions now!” – She completed in a single breath and pulled Koushik’s face towards her again.