Continuation.. Part ended- Completely shocked and speechless, Rashu suddenly went cold. Didn’t know what to say or do?

2^ND YEAR COLLEGE, 1997

“Naina what are you saying? Tell me you are joking.”

“Rashu no, I am not joking and this is the truth”

“Naina we’ll have to figure a way to fix this before it completely destroys Appu.”

“I know Rashu. Lekin what can we do. I am confused.”

“I always had a doubt on Hema aunty, but she would be so nasty I never imagined!”

Just as they were talking,

“Naina kaha mar gaee.”

“Ayee madam”

“Rashu will talk later. Just make sure you don’t disclose this to anyone.”

“Naina don’t worry, tum jaao abhi”

Naina quickly left her room and headed straight to Hema’s room

“Yes madam, apne bulaya?”

“Tu kaha marga yee thee, now do one thing, go to the kitchen and get me a hot cup of coffee.”

“Yes madam.” Saying this she just stood for a sec lost in her thoughts when Hema got up and shook her.

“Are you fine? What are you thinking of so much?”

“Sorry. I will get your coffee right away”

“I wonder why she seems to be shocked and lost. Need to check on her actions.”

Hema was thinking to herself as this was the very first time she noticed that Naina was lost in her thoughts. It has been quite some time that she spoke to her mother since the last few days due to fever had not contacted her.

Continuation.. Part ended- Every day she would take both Rahsu and Appu to the Gurudwara, and pray for their success.

The day of being a free bird had arrived. For the very first time, she sensed freedom away from all the harsh behavior. Both were enjoying their vacation to the fullest. Well during the trip Appu became friends with this young dashing lad Sourabh. After the entire trip ended they kept in touch through mails and chat as he was residing in New York. Well seeing Appu smile Rashu was very happy.

After a month,

The exam results were out and for the very first time Appu passed with flying scores. She wanted to join the same college as Rashu so her father took admission at Rizvi’s college. Life took a new path for Appu. Both of the dames were going and coming together from college. As usual, Hema was not happy with this and wanted to take an immediate action to completely destroy her own daughter’s life.  

As first year in college passed off, Rashu noticed that Appu was mentally disturbed. She started keeping herself away from everyone. There were stages when she would just shout on everyone, cry and hurt herself. This behavior of Appu’s was disturbing Raheesha a lot. She had not disclosed it to her parents but, she did reveal it to Naina as she could no longer hold it back. Sweat was pouring down from Naina’s forehead as she was the only one who knew the cause for these behavioral changes in Appu. She was scared and confused as didn’t know if she should tell Rashu. As days passed, Naina went up to Rashu and told her the cause.

Completely shocked and speechless, Rashu suddenly went cold. Didn’t know what to say or do? 

Continuati​on.. Part ended- After waking her up, Naina left the room proceeded to the kitchen for preparing tea.

Back in Appu’s room she sensed that Naina was not fine but was unable to figure out the cause for this troubled behavior of her’s. As she sat on the bed, opened the albums and was looking at them. Recalling the old days, Appu completely lost herself. “I miss all those days. Never again will those days come back.” Thinking about those days, she was lost in those thoughts

When

“Didi! Let’s go for a movie”

“Chetan you scared the shit out of me. Are you gone mad?”

“Appu let’s go. I am bored.”

“Chetan go and let me study. My exams are next week. Do one thing, call Manish and both of you go for a movie.”

“Ok.”

“Thank you now go” After saying this Chetan left Appu’s room and went to the hall to call Manish out for a movie. As he was leaving the hall to go to his room his mother walked down from her room all decked up.

“Mom, are you going for a wedding. Why are you all dressed up?”

“Beta, I missed my kitty party session. So in order to catch up I have dressed up to flaunt away my ornaments, new sari, purse and scandals. How am I looking?”

Giggling he commented “mom you are looking dashing.”

“Thanks darling. By the way where are you running in such a hurry?”

“Amma I am going for a movie with Manish.”

“Ok Ok, do you have cash with you?”

“Mom just have Rs. 100/”

“Arey take 2000”

“Thanks mom.”

 I am getting late, Naina saab ko chai dena. I am going bye.”

Hema walked out of the house attended her kitty party reached back had dinner and slept off. A week passed off with the usual situations happening as Appu’s exams were up. As the dates were nearing for the end of the exams, her dad had planned a surprise holiday for Appu and her best friend Raheesha. It was a trip to Europe.

Just imagine the happiness and joy they both had. Shopping, packing the Nair’s and the Gill’s house was at rampage. Shalini was very happy for Aparna. During the period after the exams were over, Shalini gave a lot of positive boosting to Appu saying that she will pass these exams with flying

colors. Every day she would take both Rahsu and Appu to the Gurudwara, and pray for  their success.

Continuati​on.. Part ended- She went back into her old days

“I remember Raheesha spent three nights helping me to rehearse for the competition. You know Zian, I called her on stage after winning the trophy and her face went all pink, miss those old days.”

As Appu was lost in her flashback thoughts,

suddenly,

“Didi tum theek ho! Sorry I just barged inside.”

“Naina what happened? Why are you panting so much? Everything fine”

“I saw a bad dream.”

“Sit down. Here have some water. Are you feeling better?”

“Didi! I am scared.”

“Arey baba it’s just a dream. Chal hum log meri albums dekhtein hai.”

“Nahin didi, madam ko uthana hain”

“Naina; kya hua; tu ghab rayee huee si kyoun hai. Tere matae sae passena kyoun nikal raha hai”

“Didi kuch nahi; mein jaatee hoon abhi”

As Naina had left, sense of guilt surrounded since she could not tell Aparna the overheard conversation between madam and Ms. Shobha (madam’s mother). She kept calm and walked towards Appu’s parent’s room. She entered inn, walked up to the bed and woke up Hema. After waking her up, Naina left the room proceeded to the kitchen for preparing tea.

Continuati​on.. Part ended- “Yeah right, Zian does it look like she’s fine?”

Zian came to Appu and started pulling her kameez. He bought her to a mirror. Looking at herself, she started crying. Zian then with his paw called her. Looking at him she fell on her knees and hugged him tight. 

“Babes do something before it gets too late. Leave all this now” She bent down, embraced both Zian and Appu. Rashu then wiped those precious tears.

“Let’s do something. I know Appu where’s our kiddy snaps, I am longing to see them.”

“It’s there in the cupboard on the 3^rd shelf.”

“Wait I will get it, you sit.” Rashu removed the albums

“My God, never realized that we have grown up. Heeehheee. You have all the pictures.”

“Yes sweetie I know. Get them on the bed.”

As they both were glancing at each and every picture, they went back into their old days and were laughing their hearts out.

The clock strike 3:30pm.

“Sweetie I have to rush home early since Rishabh is meeting me. Will meet you next week in school; take care”

“But Rashu, I thought we are going out.”

“Sorry”

“How’s he? I am jealous now of Rishabh”

“Heeheheee. Tomorrow we will go. I am getting late now.” Kissed Appu goodbye and as she was exiting, “Bow bow” Zian barked.

“Sorry baby. Muuaahhhhhh bye”

Raheesha left and Appu felt very bad. As she sat on the bed Zian also jumped on to give her company. All the albums were spread out. Looking at old childhood snaps, a tear drop fell from Appu’s eyes. She went back into her old days.  

Continuati​on.. Part ended- “Maa hold on” saying this she kept the receiver down on the table and headed towards the door, and checked who had come to the door

She then closed the door again, went in and “Maa tell me, I thought as if someone had come so just went and checked.”

“Ok, hope no one heard the conversation”

“Ma who will hear, everyone is upstairs.”  They were busy in their talks.

Naina was hiding in the guest toilet and then headed to her room which was attached with the kitchen. She was sweating with fear.  

“Devi maa, bless and keep this family safe. Let no evil enter into this family. Mata, you are the only hope I have got. Before it gets late, save this family” she cried and bowed her head down to devi ma.

Meanwhile, back in the hall conversations were still on. 

“Maa make sure it’s done. Let me see for how many days Appu will laugh.”

“Beta, don’t worry; will make sure that this time it will be the final shot.”

“Ok maa; I have to hang up now, take care. Bye”

“You also take care.”

Her face glowed with a cunning smile. “Appu I will make sure that you don’t smile again.” She then kept the receiver down and walked towards her room.

To hear Appu laugh, happens only with Raheesha and Zian are around. They mean the world to her. 

“Appu have you thought about your future. Your mother will ruin you.”

“Rashu now calm down, she is my mother and get’s worried about me just like others. So leave it.”

“Leave it, leave it. ARE YOU GONE NUTS THAT YOU ARE SAYING TO LEAVE IT. Look at you.”

“I am fine. What’s wrong with me?”

“Yeah right, Zian does it look like she’s fine?”

Continuati​on.. Part ended- Hema zip your filthy mouth

“It’s ok uncle; some people’s mouth are rotten and it smells for some days like a dead rat.”

“Rashu enough; I am sorry amma. Let’s go now.” Hema just pulled Raheesha with her right arm and “Don’t talk too much, keep your voice down.”

“Hema leave her. Appu take Raheesha and go to your room.”

“Vinod you didn’t stand for my defense. How dare that girl talks like that?”  

“Listen Hema, if you continue this kind of behavior, I am warning you this family will be break into pieces and you will be responsible. Now come; take rest, it’s already 2:45.”

It’s said that an idle mind is a devil’s workshop.

As they reached the bedroom, “You sleep. I will talk to my mother.”

“Darling, come and take rest. Talk to your mother later.”

“Do you have any problem? You sleep.” With a frowned face, she just walked off and closed the door. As she was walking down stairs, a lot of laughter sound from Appu’s room could be heard. Fire burning from within, nerves heating up, and brains getting roasted  “I just hate to see Appu smile or laugh.” She headed straight inside the hall, closed the door, picked up the receiver and dialed Ms. Shobha’s (her mother) number.

“Hello ma, Hema”

“Beti how are you, it’s been quite a long time since you’ve called. Hope everything is fine.”

“What maa? I don’t know why you ever got me married in this family. Anyways have to discuss something.” Just as she was conversing, by mistake Naina over heard what she was talking. Goosebumps, chillness and was shocked; couldn’t believe what her ears heard. “God, this is not right what’s happening. Now I know why all this mess around.”

By mistake she just opened the door slightly and Hema heard it.

“Maa hold on” saying this she kept the receiver down on the table and headed towards the door, and checked who had come to the door.

Continuati​on.. Part ended- Appu he’s looking cute and has put on weight

“Come on Raheesha, who will feed a dog with good home cooked food and plus he also eats pedigree.” As usual she commented.

“Amma; Rashu he had fever in between and had become very lean. Touch wood he is back in shape.”

“Alright whatever; Naina put sambhar and rice in his bowl and keep him away. Now I guess it’s better we all eat our lunch.” Just then Naina served food for Zian, kept a bowl of water in the backyard; and came back to the kitchen.

Meanwhile,

Everyone finished lunch, as, Naina was clearing the table; Hema voiced for her from the washroom; and she straight headed towards the washroom.

“Madam you called?”

“Naina; make sure you clean the table and don’t forget to wake me up by 5:00. I don’t want to miss the kitty party.”

“Ok madam will do that.”

“Khade khade moo kya dekh rahee hai, jaa abhi. Have your lunch; otherwise you will say that you don’t get to eat food. Go away.” As usual her dirty mouth had to spit out filth. Naina just didn’t take it to heart this time and headed to the kitchen. To give her company in cleaning the kitchen, Zian stood ready with a mop and a broom. She broke into laughter so loud that Appu, Raheesha, Vinod, Hema, Chetan all came running down to see what has happened. Upon asking Naina, “Don’t ask me anything, just look at Zian.”

Everyone broke into laughter. Seeing this affection of his, Appu went and hugged him. As everybody left from the kitchen; Hema just stopped and “Raheesha, how’s your boyfriend Rishabh doing? There have been rumors that you were pregnant! My God; you should be a bit more careful. Being in your company my girl will get spoilt. Just don’t know how your parents are allowing you to move around with a boy; if it was Appu I would have killed her.” Suddenly Appu, Raheesha and Vinod stopped their steps.

“Hema zip your filthy mouth.”

Continuati​on.. Part ended- O! Rashu how are you beta? What a surprise

This is just to show that Hema was happy to see Rashu but from within “God another pain has come. Uff, now she will eat lunch, chit - chat with Appu and then leave.” An artificial smile glowed over her face.

“Beta long time; must have got busy with studies. How are your parents? I also haven’t met your mother for sometime time. Sheesshh I have missed a lot of hot gossips; has anything spicy cooked up. What happened about Ms. Sheela’s son’s affair with that sexy model Amrita?”

“Aunty I don’t bother about people’s matter as it’s better to just mind our own business. By the way; Mr. Subhash Roy was enquiring about you. I wonder why so? In fact now you have become a chilly topic for everyone. What say uncle?” Everyone broke into laughter except hitler Hema.  

“Anyways whatever; are you going to have lunch with us?”

“Yes aunty. I heard you made sambhar!”

“Ok ok, every one sit for lunch, Naina kahan margayee. Vinod, how many should I tell you remove this useless Naina.”

“Ok, will sack her right away. But then who will do the house work! Appu can’t since her exams are on, Chetan goes to school and I go to the office. Then whose left is you.”

“Right, uncle what you said is right. Aunty I think you need to do some exercise and trust me housework is the best work out. What say Appu?” Everyone was laughing except Appu. Mouth zipped, all scared, and her mother starring with anger. She was just quiet.

“That was indeed a good round of humor Raheesha. Now shall we eat; Naina khana paros do.” There was complete silence on the table. Just then; Zian (Appu’s pet dog, whom she picked up from the street and became a close companion of his mistress) came running in the kitchen and barked with joy seeing Raheesha. More than just seeing her, the sambhar aroma pulled him towards the kitchen as he loves sambhar with rice.

“My baby; where were you? Aww you missed me. Look at you my furry boy. Appu he’s looking cute and has put on weight.”

Continuati​on.. Part ended- Naina felt very bad with her words

“Chetan come down soon and tell your dad to come. He is one lazy dodo.” As Vinod was getting up from the bed he heard Hema’s words. “I don’t know why she has to behave like an arrogant bitch. I just hope that one fine day this family won’t break into small pieces.  She doesn’t allow Appu to go anywhere, dress the way she wants. Hope that one day she doesn’t run away from home and catch up wrong paths in life. Why these thoughts haunt me? I better stop thinking all this” just then; “Chetan, beta watch the stairs not your book. You might fall.”

“Appa don’t worry; now let’s go down otherwise simply amma will say something.”

As both of them were walking down the stairs, the door bell rang. Chetan went up to open the door. It was none other his sister’s best friend Raheesha. Well Chetan’s heart melts each time he sees Raheesha. She had this fair complexion, with pink cheeks and rosy lips. Being a Kashmiri her family was settled in Mumbai for a long time now.

“Hi! Raheesha. How are you doing?”

“Hi! Lover boy; I am good. Where’s my princess?”

“She is in the kitchen.”

“Who’s it beta?”

“Appa Raheesha”

“Namaste uncle, how are you doing?”

“I am good beta. What about you?”

“All fine. Aparna is in the kitchen? I just can’t wait to surprise her.”

“Beta you are her oldest friend. She feels comforted when you visit. Why don’t you have lunch and go? Aunty has prepared sambhar and brinjal bhaji.”

“Sambhar; then I will definitely have lunch and go.”

“Ok beta.” Smiling at Raheesha, all three headed to the kitchen.

Rashu slowly approached behind Appu and

BOO

“Rashu OMG!!  This is a surprise!” From her heart she said “Thank you God!!” Both being childhood friends schooled together; Raheesha knew everything as all the ladies in the neighborhood would gossip about Nair’s in kitty party session where Raheesha’s mother Mrs. Shalini Gill would also go. Aparna’s happiness knew no bounds seeing Rashu after a month. Just then; “O! Rashu how are you beta? What a surprise!”

Continuation.. Part ended- I was in the kitchen.

“Okay, keep my bag in the room please.” Chetan came from school and straight went to the kitchen. Seeing Aparna making rotis, he could not resist his hands from the hot hot rotis. 

“Garma garam rotis; with ghee melting, I am loving it. Appu you are the best.”

“No keep it down. Go wash your hands and come.” Chetan always liked teasing Aparna. He would do the opposite of anything told to him; would not listen to anyone. Knowing the fact that their mother was strict still wouldn’t bother.

“Naina has Chetan come” Hema was screaming her throat out.

Meanwhile;

“Mom I am here, why do you have to scream so much? Your blood pressure will increase.”

“What should I do then? Nobody listens to me. What is this! You haven’t changed yet! I don’t know if that useless girl has prepared rotis and kept the table ready. I will go and check. You go and change.” As Hema left the hall, he walked out and headed to his room.

Back in the kitchen, to her astonishment Aparna had finished preparing rotis. In spite of being happy, her mother would always yell at her for no reason at all. She never appreciated her work at all.

As she laid the table, her mother told Naina “Thanda paani jar mein dalgar table par rakhna. Vinod darling, Chetan beta food is ready. Aparna have you kept curds out?”

“Yes maa I have kept everything on the table.”

“Naina just go and switch the television off. Come fast to serve; don’t just sit there only watching television.” Naina felt very bad with her words.

Continuation.. Part ended- Maa! it’s hurting. What have I done?

“Just shut up, you are just a pain for me.” She slapped her again

On hearing to Appu’s cry Vinod hurriedly came to the kitchen, yelled “Are you gone mad! Why are you slapping her?”

“Bade aaye apni beti ko bachane. When you belt her do I say anything? Then why this natak (drama)! Go now.” Vinod stepped out of the kitchen quietly and felt very bad for his daughter. As he walked towards his room he was thinking “Appu is my Goddess Laxmi and with her birth I have prospered in life. She is weak in studies and with anger raise my hand just because Hema purposely creates issues wherein she forces me to slap Aparna. I am ashamed of being a man. It’s better to be called a chakka (gay), they are also much better off. Ganapati bappa please get a boy who will take her away from this chudail’s hand.” Upon reaching his room, he changed his clothes, turned on the mp3 player, and listening to slow instrumental music rested for some time.

Back in the kitchen, Aparana was cutting brinjals while her mother was preparing sambhar and kept rice in the cooker. Hema broke a conversation “Aparna, how are your studies going on? Beta, make sure you pass this time.”      

“Studies are going fine. I will pass this time.”

“See your friend Anuja, what a brilliant girl she is. Anyways, have you cut the brinjals?”

“Yes maa, brinjals are cut, would you require onions as well?”

“Hmm. yeah, one onion; and today you prepare the vegetable.”

“Ok maa.”

“Good girl. Once your done prepare 15 rotis as well. Now I will go and just watch my serial. Where is Naina?”

“Maa she was tiding my room. I will prepare and keep everything set on the table.”  

“By 1:30 make sure the table is set. Uff, it’s so hot here. I am going and sitting in the hall. Naina kidar hai; neeche aakar rasoi saaf kar” She then proceeded towards the hall and relaxed on the sofa.

“Ding dong, ding dong” Naina walked up to the door.

“Naina didi itna time kyoun lagaya darwaza kholne mein”

“I was in the kitchen.”

Contiuation.. Part ended- Hema froze still seeing Zian. At that moment her eyes went on his collar where a piece of paper was attached. She began reading the letter which Appu had written.

6 years back, 1996

Situation at Nair’s Residence

“Aparna what are you doing in your room? Come down right away.” Hema voiced her daughter in a very rude manner since she considered Appu to be a useless person. “You are now 18 years old and should learn to cook and clean the house. Once you get married; don’t be under the impression that a millionaire will marry and keep you comfortable with maids all over the house. Look at Mrs. Sharma’s daughter and learn something from her.” Hema was grumbling.

Poor Aparna; was shedding tears sitting up in the room. On many occasions she tried committing suicide, but her conscious never allowed. “God, what did I ever do wrong that my mother is always so rude; am I really that bad? Chetan and dad never stand to defend me on top you are just watching all the fun.” Thinking to herself, she took the cutter from the table to cut her wrist.

But before she could do so, her servant Naina walked inn. Shocked she was and “Didi mat karo aise.” walked towards Aparna threw the cutter away and embraced her.

Naina has been working with the Nair’s for the last 2 years; the first servant to have lasted so long. She had also left in between but to her misfortune because she suffers from brain tumor, no one wanted to keep her. So, with no choice she joined back with the Nair’s.

“Didi mat roh. Mujhe maloom hai; how you feel. Just have patience.”

“O! Naina; mein kya karoon? Meri maa aisa kyoun karti hai?”As they were talking; her mother voiced out again. Naina wiped Aparna’s tears and told her “Didi aap neeche jaao; mein kamrae ki saaf saafaee karke aate hoon”

 As Aparna stepped down towards the kitchen, out of anger Hema busted “What were you doing? How many times should I call you down?” Raised her hand and pinched Aparna’s right arm with those sharp nails. Aparna then cried “Maa! it’s hurting. What have I done?”