“Before Kartavya leaves for the office, I have to prepare for his favorite aalo parval,” hushed Rukmani to Pratigya.
“Didi raura rahe deyi…humra ke kahi hum sab dekh leb…aap babua auri babuni ke dekhi,” requested Pratigya looking at the pile of work infront of Rukmani. Pratigya had laid the finely chopped green chillies, ginger garlic paste and spinach, sliced onions in geometric circles, brightly fresh tomatoes chopped in squares, parval cut in cresend moons and potatoes peeled off ready to join the family of veggies on the slab of the kitchen. She always loved working with Rukmani, her problems of the home found an ear that could listen and words that would soothe and heal her.
Unlike others in the family, Rukmani ways of caressing were different. She would do the things that others would not approve. Her showering of love and charm always won in the end, beginning however, only to solicit–criticism. Her clarity and confidence always paved the way for her, making her everyone’s favorite at home and amidst the relatives.
Visiting to the densely-crowded Godauliya market to buy silk, upholsteries for home, doing shopping for kids or complete family occasion, she had been someone who would be called –all-in-one.
For Kartavya however, the world varied. There were continuous downpour of messages from all sides. One after the other. All voices calling from different directions: seeking his help and approval. A complaint here and a comment there. He had been used to it. Every sound demanded attention. His work was rigorous, demanding and required rapt attention with precision in decision making.
He was excelling. Promotion and salary raise– his aspirations fulfilled. The demand curve was going higher, his hunger for recognition sharper and louder. Family values and time was on the decline curve.
He would sit with Rukmani for the tea and within few seconds, the call from the office would buzz, cancelling their rendezvous. When Vedant and Shruti would ask for his help in doing the work, he would have to rush for the agendas and new policies implementation with his peers. Amma and Bauji when wanted to go with him at a function, he would excuse himself, for there were decisions to be made, only at his recommendations and signatures.
Rukmani should have been a pillar, supporting and taking care of home, she succumbed to her high-headedness, however. Her latent desires flowered amidst his absence at home. She at her will and command, dictating and ruling the way she wished. Making the things worse for him. Her calmness and patience were the only rebate and concession for him, rest his life– all in topsy-turvey mode.
The harder he was trying to come out, the more he felt sinking in.
He was sitting by the window, looking outside at the vast nature from his room, thinking of the family, now, here at Himalayan Retreat Centre.
He gasped for the breath amidst the hurricane of thoughts.
“Be you!” was the serendipity moment.
He looked at the flower, it was smiling with him. Faces of Rukmani, Vedant and Shruti, Amma and Bauji came alive, they all joined him in his peace within.
He contemplated on the words of the Master then, ready to unveil and work with his higher elf today.
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