Rahul never showed up and Simran came back home alone. He had the ever so lame excuse that he had meetings. If he didn't work how would she afford the luxuries. What luxuries! All they ever spent on was food and house hold stuff. They hardly went on holidays. All their money seemed to go away in hospitals. Sometimes father in law was sick. Sometimes mother in law. Avi, Simran herself. It seemed to Simran that they spent a major chunk of their income on medicines and vegetables. Finances were a bit tight now. Business was in a slack. Every time Simran wanted to go out Rahul was always busy. Most of the time she either went alone or canceled her program. Life was just a compromise. There was no romance. Occasionally they had sex but she was left unsatisfied most of the time.
Towards the beginning of 2017 Bibi, Rahul's grandmother expired. She was 95 years old. She was a cute old lady and Simran always enjoyed taking care of her and talking to her. Bibi was a sweetheart. She always took Simran's side and scolded her mother in law. Bibi passing away meant the end of her biggest supporter. Bibi liked Esha and Raj but was always critical of Ravi, Rahul's younger brother and his wife Kiran. Ravi and Kiran stayed away from home in Simla. They came home occasionally and were always criticising everyone. Esha and Simran shared a great bond. They had decided that they couldn't work in the same kitchen so had amicably made up a plan to make separate kitchens. Simran heard a lot of flack when she converted a small store room into her kitchen. Esha did the same. Raj and Rahul understood that the women found it hard to cook and clean for so many people. So they supported them in their decision. The only people who objected were Mrs. Rai and Ravi. Initially people of the village started bitching about both Esha and Sim but when they saw how they managed their respective homes and jointly attended to guests who came, they changed their opinion and thinking. Finally Mrs. Rai accepted it too. And she made it a point to have breakfast with Simran and dinner with Esha. Lunch she made herself in her own kitchen. Bibi had also accepted this routine and she was glad she got attention from her daughter in law and grand daughters in law.
Now with Bibi gone there were many people coming in to condole. Simran and Esha were busy as hell. They didn't get any time to rest. Making tea and food for guests. Serving water and then doing the dishes. This had become a monotonous routine.
Rahul was very close to Bibi. He now missed her a lot. Simran had seen him crying secretly and many a times her heart went out to him. She wanted to hug him tight and kiss his grief away. But every time she tried he just shoved her away and went away from the place. Most of the time he would be on his mobile. He started talking in monosyllables . He just answered what he was asked. Simran felt as if she was talking to a wall.
One day Rahul was bathing and he had accidentally left his phone outside. Simran picked it up and saw it was Disha calling. The name on the screen infuriated her. She couldn't believe her eyes. After all this he was still in touch with that bitch. Rahul opened the bathroom door and found Simran holding the phone in her hand with the name Disha flashing on it. Simran had a look of disgust and she shoved the phone in Rahul's hand. She didn't say a single thing, turned around and locked herself in her room. Tears welled up in her eyes and she felt a sharp pain in her chest. Rahul was knocking on the door but she didn't answer or open the door. In a fit of rage he kicked the door hard and the old wooden door gave away. " what the hell is your problem?" he shouted. "It's just a phone call. I didn't call her she called me"
"Why are you still in contact with her when you promised that you would break all ties with her! You have been making a fool of me again." she shouted back. Face red with rage. Hearing their heated exchange of words Mr.Rai and his wife came running in the room. There was a heated exchange of words and Simran realised that no matter what she did, how good she was they would always take the side of their son. Now Bibi was also not there to take her side. Simran could do nothing but cry. Mr. Rai scolded both of them and told them that it was better they left each other than fight daily. That statement of her father in law stung Simran like a bow in her heart. She had been in this house despite of everything due to this man. She didn't want anything to happen to him and he was the one telling her to go away! She couldn't understand this selfish attitude. Her mother in law again started accusing her of making an issue out of nothing. She said what happened in the past should not be brought back in their lives. She was just being idiotic by suspecting her husband. Suddenly all three ganged up and started accusing her. How she was wrong. Simran was crying uncontrollably. She just couldn't believe these people. She had given 18 years of her life to them. This is what she got in return! She hated each and everyone to the core.
Rahul left for office and her in laws retired to their room. Avi who had heard everything came up to Simran and wiped her tears. He gave her a hug and said "Mom leave this house." Simran was shocked to hear these words. She looked up at him. Her eyes were swollen and red. Her cheeks were wet with her tears glistening as they made a river down to her neck. "Papa doesn't love you Mom, no one cares about you. I know you are here because of me. Now I tell you. Leave him. Go far away. Go to London. I am big enough to handle myself now." Tears flowed down his cheeks too. Simran hugged him tight and wailed loudly. Avi soothed her and assured her that he would handle everything here.
Avi had to go to his tuition classes and Simran was still sitting in her room, now thinking about what to do. She didn't want to stay here now. Not in a place where she was not respected and not loved. But where would she go? She didn't want to talk to her parents either. They would again convince her to go back to Rahul. What would the society say if she left? But she wouldn't be happy if she stayed here now. She got up and went to her dressing room. Took a suitcase and started filling it with the clothes she wanted to take along. She then opened her locker and filled all her gold jewellery in a bag. She searched all the cupboards for money which she hid from Rahul to save. She had only five thousand in cash. She stuffed it in her purse. Next she took out a paper and wrote a note to Avi:
Avi,
I love you a lot. But this time I am listening to your advice and leaving. I don't know where yet but once I am settled I will contact you and give you my details. Study hard Avi and be a good man. Make me proud. I love you.
Love Mom.
She left the note in Avi's cupboard. Cleaned the house one last time and left. She walked up to the bus stand and sat on a bus going to Delhi. While sitting on the bus many thoughts raced through her mind. What would she do where would she go? The first thing she did was block Rahul's number and then his parent's, her parent's, Ekta's, Avi's and all the possible relatives who could call her. She didn't want anyone calling her up. Then she checked her WhatsApp. There was a msg from Ali. The usual morning forwards and funny videos. After their confession that night, they had been in touch regularly. They sent jokes and pictures to each other. She confided in him and he gave her tips on how to avoid fights with Rahul. Once he had asked whether all was okay between the two of them and she had lied to him that all was okay. That time she was trying to mend her marriage and win back Rahul's love. She had hoped that everything would be back like before they had Avi. She always had an optimistic view. But nothing changed. All her efforts had gone down the drain. Rahul never was her's. What she couldn't understand was how was he able to have sex with her when he didn't even love her? Did he lust for her? Question after question was going on through her mind. She loved Ali secretly and never again confessed her love. Once Ali had jokingly sent a message that he wanted to meet her and spend the night with her. Simran had smiled at the thought but had replied "too bad. Maybe in the next life" and he had replied "definitely in the next life you will be mine!" Two weeks later Ali had sent her a picture of a girl her age. And asked her what she thought about her. Simran had replied beautiful. The girl was Shaina. Ali had told her that she had proposed to him and he was confused what to do. Simran had replied " go ahead. Accept the proposal if you have feelings for her. You are a better judge of your life. From that day on they reduced their chats but would send good morning and goodnight forwards to each other. Simran was a bit heart broken and jealous at first. But then she thought that Ali deserved happiness too.
Now when she saw his message she decided that she would not reply. She deleted his message, shut her phone down and kept it in her purse. On arriving at delhi she checked in to a small motel which was cheap. There she lay alone in the dark room and started to cry again. She didn't know when she fell asleep. The next morning she took her jewellery to the gold smith and asked what value her jewellery was for. The jeweller quoted the value at 3 lakhs. She asked if they could give her cash in exchange for her gold. The jeweller refused. He said he didn't give cash. Simran explained that she needed money urgently. But the jeweller didn't agree. Disheartened Simran was leaving the shop when the security guard stopped her and gave her a card. He said go to this man he will help you. Simran looked puzzled at the security guard but took the card any way. She went straight back to her motel for the fear that thieves would follow her and rob her of her jewellery. She sat down with the card. The Delhi heat had caused a headache. She took out her jewellery and scanned it again. There were gifts that she had gotten during her wedding. There was a ring which Rahul had given her during their honeymoon. Tears welled up again but she now didn't want to cry anymore. She sorted out the jewellery and kept the ones she didn't want to give away In another bag and the ones she didn't want, she kept in her purse. She decided to sleep the rest of the day. The next morning she looked at the card again. Scanned the address and called for a über. She was running out of cash in hand and needed money desperately. The über took her to Sarojni Nagar and from there Simran walked up into a dingy lane inside the market. Her heart was pounding. All the men around stared at her like a piece of meat walking among hungry hounds. Her heart was pounding inside her chest. She quickened her pace and reached the shop. There was a man sitting inside a 4 by 5 feet shack of a shop. He was large, wearing a white cap which Muslim men wore. He was dark with big eyes marked with eyeliner. His long beard was henna dyed. Wearing a white kurta pyjama and teeth stained with 'pan' ( beetle leaves). He looked like a typical Hindi movie villain. "How can I help you?" he asked.
"A security guard in M&L sons gave me your card" said Simran. "He said you could help me."
" Oh! You are the madam who was supposed to come yesterday. He had called me and told me that you were desperately in need of money. I waited for you all day." said the man.
Simran found it weird that he would know about her. She was now speculating whether she should stay there or not. But she needed the money. "Yes I was coming yesterday but I had some urgent work so couldn't make it."
Simran took the jewellery out of her purse and the man started scanning it and weighing it. He did a few calculations on his calculator and then looked up at Simran. Madam I can give one lakh fifteen thousand for this. Simran looked at him and then at her gold. " What is your name bhaiya?" she asked him.
" My name is Amjad."
"Amjad bhai could you tell me the current gold rate and the total weight of my jewellery."
He told her the gold rate was 25 thousand. Simran quickly checked on google. He was correct. Then she asked him the total weight. It was 60 grams. Simran did the math and according to her the cost came out to be one lakh 50 thousand.
"You are quoting too little bhaiya. Please don't loot me. I am like your little sister."
There was a bargain for price and ultimately the matter settled at one lakh 30 thousand. Simran needed the money thus she agreed. She felt bad selling her jewellery but she had no other choice. Amjad went inside and came out with the cash. He counted it and then gave it to Simran to count. Simran counted the money and then wrapped it in a news paper and put it in her purse. She thanked Amjad and went out the shop. She clutched her purse so hard that her knuckles went white. She hurried out of the market and hailed a cab. Once in the cab she directed the driver to the bank which had her father's account. The manager knew her well . She opened an account and deposited the money in the bank and asked for an international debit card. There talking to the manager she asked him if there was a job available in his bank or somewhere else. The manager knew her well but was a bit puzzled why she needed a job. She made up a story that she was in Delhi for a course in fashion designing as she was planning to open a fashion designing institute later on. She had free time in the morning as her classes were in the evening. The manager believed her story and asked her to come with her resume and certificates the next day for an interview. Simran was elated. Once she got a job she wouldn't have to worry about finances and she had enough money to last her a few months.
The next day Simran came back to the bank and cleared her interview. She was appointed as a clerk and was asked to start the job immediately. Simran was the happiest person that day. She treated herself to a sizzling brownie and coffee that day. Sitting there eating her brownie she missed Ekta. They used to go out together and eat brownies and pastries and coffee. Avi loved cake too. She took out her mobile and unblocked Avi and ekta's number. No sooner had she done this the mobile rang. It was Ekta. Simran thought for a while and picked up the phone.
Simran: hello
Ekta: where the hell are you!! Why is your phone not reachable?? It's been more than a week. Everyone is worried. What's wrong with you?
She was angry like hell.
Simran: how are you?
Ekta: forget me! Where are you?
Simran: I am fine don't worry about me. How are Mummy and Papa ?
Ekta: Mommy has been worried sick. She has been crying all week. We are coming to delhi tomorrow. Where are you?
Simran: No! Don't come here. You guys will ruin everything for me! I am not going back to that man or house and that's final! If you guys force me I'll run away and never see your faces.
Ekta: shut up!! Are you mad?? That's not the way. You should have called Papa and he would have talked to Jiju. What the hell happened now??
Simran told Ekta everything and how everyone accused her for everything. Ekta understood her pain and didn't force her again. She said she would take care of her parents.
Ekta: where are you staying?
Simran: I won't tell you. You'll spill the beans.
Ekta: No I won't! Okay don't tell me but are you safe?
Simran: yes I am safe.
Ekta: do you have money. Should I send you some?
Simran: I have a job now and don't worry I have money too.
Ekta: what!! Job??? I am impressed. Living alone seems to be doing good for you. You should have done this 3 years ago.
Simran: better late than never. Hey tell me one thing. Did you talk to Rahul or Avi?
Ekta: I called Avi. Jiju didn't pick my phone. He isn't taking anyone's calls. Avi told me there was a huge commotion at home. Everyone was searching frantically for you. Jiju broke his mobile in anger.
Simran: I think I should call Avi and find out. Bye. Don't call me. What if they are tracing your calls or something. Just message.
Ekta: bye take care and if you need anything just tell me. I love you.
Simran: I love you too bye.
With that she hung the phone. Some how she felt proud of herself. She didn't know she had so much power in her to take her own decisions. She had been dominated for 18 years. Finally she was the master of her own life. She then dialled Avi's number. Avi picked up the phone
Avi: hi ma! Where are you?
Simran: I am fine. Did you get my note?
Avi: yes I did. You really left??
Simran: I listened to your advice. Thank you Avi for giving me the strength. How is everyone.
Avi: dadi, dadu and Ravi uncle have been bitching about you. Dadi was really angry.
Simran: what about your dad?
Avi: he was crying the day you left. He hugged me and cried. He said sorry to me and said that he was wrong. Earlier he was very angry and he threw his mobile and broke it. He called his police friend too, to search for you. Are you okay?
Simran: I am fine. I found a job. Once I have my own house I will send you the address. Just don't call me Avi and delete your call log. I don't want anyone to know where I am. If you want to call me send me a message on whatsapp and then I will call. How are your studies going on.
Avi: don't worry. I won't tell anyone. You got a job?? I am impressed.
Simran: (smiling) yes I did! Just give me time. I will call you soon. You just pay attention to your studies. You have board exams next year. I want you to excel.
Avi: MA Don't worry. I am a big boy now. Will you ever come back?
Simran: No Avi. I won't come back. This chapter of my life is closed for ever. You are big enough to understand. You are free to choose who you want to live with.
Avi: okay MA, Don't worry I will study and make you proud. Can I come after my term end exams ?
Simran: Sure you can. Just don't call me. Message me and I will call you back. When are your exams?
Avi: 15th of next month. They will end by 26th. Can I come on 27th?
Simran: Sure. Take care of yourself and your Papa. Bye. I love you.
Avi: love you too MA. Bye.