Disclaimer: The characters in this novella are purely fictional. Any resemblance to anyone living or dead is purely coincidental.
The notorious sandalwood smuggler, a dreaded dacoit, Veerappan was finally caught – this was the headlines for mid-day. Veerappan had terrorized the neighbouring state of Karnataka, the Home for the most expensive, fragrant and medicinal sandalwood trees. There were also rumours that he provided support and refuge to the naxalites, an extremist, rouge faction from the state of Andhra Pradesh. People were still in disbelief that Veerappan was in captive. As expected, there was a conundrum in the city.
Vicky and family were living in Koti area in Hyderabad. Koti is closer to the Muslim dominated old city area and always had the impacts of any infractions. Due to Veerappan being caught, the police expected unrest and the old city and Koti were under extra vigil. All colleges and work places were letting people leave earlier than normal, so that everyone could reach home safe.
Vicky too was returning home from his college. With a bunch of his classmates, he was walking through Bank Street near Mouzamjai Market – his regular route. One of his friends, Arun, nudged him and pointed him to a couple that was entering the park. Vicky saw her holding another man’s hands. Though it was not at close proximity, he could still see very clearly that it was her; he could vouch anywhere that it was her. Vicky was confused by what he witnessed.
Hailing from a family that was a big advocate of women’s liberation and rights he did not want to assume anything. He knew and believed that there could always be a platonic relationship between a man and a woman. There have been many such friendships and relations in their family, running for decades. So holding a hand or a gentle hug was absolutely fine according to him.
However, there was something in their looks that bothered Vicky. There was a longing and a yearning in their look. Vicky brushed it as his imagination. However hard he tried to brush that thought away, he was not able to. His mind questioned – due to the capture of Veerappan and the subsequent unrest in the city, when everyone was trying to reach their home, what was she doing with him in the park? Why should they be going into the park? Who was this stranger?
How much ever he tried to put a name to this strangers’ face he could not. Though the face was familiar, he had no idea as to who he was. His mind was racing. What should Vicky do now? Should he confront her?
“Vicky, should we get some Samosa Ragada at Gokul?”
Arun, Vicky’s best friend snapped him back to reality.
“Are yaar, looks like you are deep in your thought that you didn’t realize that we have reached Gokul Chat Bhandaar. What happened?” Arun asked.
“No, nothing. Everything is fine,” Vicky managed to say.
“So, are we getting a Samosa Ragada?”
“No, I’m good. I will pass it. If you want you can stop over along with the rest of our gang of friends. I will go home”
“That’s okay. I will also pass it for today. Let me give you company to your home and then I will go home”
Arun and Vicky bid adieu to their group of friends and started walking towards the Koti bus stop. Arun asked –
“Are you still thinking about what I showed you?”
“Yes! I am not sure what to make out of it. Something in their look was not right. I wanted to go and confront them. But, was not able to as I didn’t want to spoil any relationships”
“Hey don’t over analyze the incident my friend. Just move on. Maybe it’s nothing. Hey, you are friends with your uncle Kiran. Why don’t you just talk to him?”
“Talk to him and say what? That I saw my aunt with another man, holding hands?”
Arun did not want to proceed with this sensitive subject. He changed the topic and asked Vicky about his girlfriend and moved on to other topics. Soon they reached Vicky’s home. Arun bid goodbye to his friend and started walking towards his home.
With a confused / look, Vicky entered the house. Ammu was in the living room and she asked him, “Did you hear about Veerappan?”
“Yes Grandma. That’s why our college closed early.”
Ammu noticed the confused strange look in Vicky’s face and questioned – “Vicky, is everything fine? You don’t seem to be your normal self”
“Everything is fine Grandma”. Vicky retorted and rushed into his room.
He was pondering. Should he tell his Dad or Kiran about what he saw? Then the liberated ideology came to the forefront. But, what was wrong in holding another persons hands? It could just be a simple gesture of friendship – for he had some great friends that were women. And, they all believed that they were all going no to be friends for life.
Vicky debated on the next course of action.
Once Again…???!!! Chapter 3: the Erudition
to continue…