Switch of fate

 

 

Sumitra raised her eyebrows and rolled her eyeballs. Mrs Khanna begun again and once she started no one had a choice but listen. At the most you could do was shut your ears and pretend to be listening and Sumitra had developed that skill with practice. She also nodded intermittently and at the right pauses. Mrs Khanna loved her attention. It was only when Mrs Khanna posed a question in between or demanded an opinion that Sumitra feared being caught but till date she had always managed to get through with a counter question or she would throw a glance at Mrs Banerjee and Mrs Banerjee would immediately come to her rescue.

Only once a week on friday afternoon they had the staffroom to themselves.The college was a distinguished institute in the city with top class infrastructure and plenty of opportunities for growth and learning. It was a privilege to secure admission in the institution. More so if you were a faculty. Sumitra was appointed six months back as a lecturer with the junior college. She was on probation and it was a non grantable position. But she had accepted anyway with the hope that soon her name would be in the permanent staff muster and she would be paid close to triple the remuneration she was drawing now.

Sumitra had a passion for teaching and with a masters in English she could even lecture the post graduate students. She looked forward to each day. Only thing that put her off was Mrs Khanna’s non stop bragging and Girish’s cheap jokes.

Sumitra was married for seven years with no kids. First few years of marriage were joy and fun but after Dibankar’s loss of job, life had slowed down. Dibankar was laid off from the company on the pretext of cost cutting and was struggling to set up his own business.The setback had hit him hard and although he was trying, Sumitra could see the change in him. He had become a recluse and had started avoiding her. He spent most of his time away from home. He had no fixed hours of work and was seldom found at home. He ventured into a couple of startups but his projects never took off. Instead in the process he had largely exhausted their savings.

Now the marriage had lost its sheen. Husband wife tag was a mere formality and there was no spark left in their relationship. Sumitra slogged all day long in college but nonetheless it was difficult to make ends meet. Initially Dibankar was not willing but a lot of cajoling and perseverance on the part of Sumitra made him change his mind. Through a common acquaintance and with great difficulty, she had landed this job. The pay was not that great but enough for two. When bills were overdue, they shifted into a rental one room kitchen apartment. Sumitra was not really happy. She was ambitious. She had desires and craved for the good in life.  

Whatever it be but Dibankar’s burden lessened and he began work on a project with renewed vigor. The product was Dibankar’s brainchild and he was convinced that if it clicks life would change for the better.

College had given Sumitra a new lease of life but the constant jabbering and show off by Mrs Khanna irked her. Mrs Khanna belonged to a wealthy family and had taken up this job to kill time. She had a flashy lifestyle and loved to flaunt it. She was infamous for her designer sarees and expensive but tacky jewellery. She never missed an opportunity to boast about her rich husband and his overseas trips. He had just returned from Greece and Mrs Khanna was engrossed in sharing the details about the travel. Sumitra was fed up of all this and when she could take it no more, she excused herself to go the canteen. She ordered a cup of coffee to clear her muddled head. It was too sweet but nevertheless she kept sipping it and let her mind wander.

Life had been unfair she thought. Mrs Khanna was born with a silver spoon. She had no brains, no beauty, yet she was blessed…. blessed with a millionaire husband who pampered her and two daughters who were married into affluent families and settled abroad. She had a free hand with money and never had to consult anyone before spending on stuff. On the other hand Sumitra was intelligent and not necessarily a beauty but certainly attractive and of course well qualified but her husband was a mediocre with no aspirations, no kids and no riches to brag about. She could not go on living like this. This had to change. It must. She deserved more. She deserved better and she was going to ask for it. She had made up her mind. She would confront her husband, question him and cry her heart out in front of him. She would force him to do something about it. She is going to take charge of her life and not let anyone put her down. She suddenly felt powerful and in control. She gulped down the remaining coffee and walked out of the college gate.

Preoccupied she began heading home. She usually shared an auto. That was the cheapest but she did not mind walking too whenever she wanted to be by herself. Sometimes Mrs Khanna  would offer her a lift in her chauffeur driven car but Sumitra would always decline lying that Dibankar is on his way to fetch her.

Today however she had a different gait in her walk. She felt a new sense of confidence and courage to face the world. She felt better…far better than any other day. Her mind was racing. She had planned out the entire conversation. She had decided how to broach the subject. She was not going to make a scene or get emotional. She would be gentle yet firm and give a vent to all her bottled up anger and distress. Her chain of thoughts broke when the lift door opened. She had forgotten to collect the flour from the mill but today nothing mattered and she would do with rice she thought, although Dibankar preferred chapatis for dinner. She pressed the button six by default and waited but the elevator gave a jerk and halted. She pressed again but no use. She cussed and stepped out and grudgingly took the staircase. The lift was a showpiece. It was on the verge of a breakdown and nobody bothered. People never paid maintenance and the society management was hopeless. She too was a defaulter.

She began climbing but after the third floor she often rested for a few seconds to catch her breath. As she paused, a dark pink crushed paper on the steps caught her attention. She ignored the litter and raised her foot to climb when something glistened from the wrapper. She bent forward and picked it up out of curiosity. As she opened it her eyes widened. Inside was a gold ring with a large stone embedded into it. Holding her breath she sat down on the stained staircase to take a good look at it. A thought flashed into her mind…… what if it is a diamond ? She missed a heartbeat and looked at it closely. She was all the more convinced. It was a diamond…a real diamond. She had never seen or wore one but she could make out one. Mrs Khanna possessed a similar stone. Yes! She was sure… hundred percent sure..no doubt!  At that moment she heard footsteps and children shrieking. She quickly pressed the ring along with the paper in her palm, clenched her fist and stood still with bated breath. A group of boys sprinted along squealing and it was only after she could hear them no more that she resumed climbing.

Her head was spinning as if in a daze. Several thoughts came rushing. She felt she should stop there for a while and watch if the owner of the ring comes by looking for it. It was a precious piece of jewellery and the person would definitely come. She also felt like going to the secretary’s flat, explaining and handing it over to him to be returned to the rightful owner. But she hesitated, she very well knew what a crook the secretary was and shunned the thought immediately. She then decided on going straight home and telling Dibankar of this miraculous find. Dibankar was sensible and would know how to return it but Dibankar was already in debt and in dire need of money. He was not in a right state of mind and who knows if there is a change of mind. No, she had lost trust in Dibankar and revealing the diamond to him could be disastrous.

She was completely baffled and decided that she should go home and think over it leisurely. As it is there would be no one at home and she will have all the time to herself.

So she hurried taking two steps at a time and pulled out the key to open the door but found the door unlocked and slightly ajar. She stepped in wondering if she had forgotten to lock the door in the morning when she heard faint sounds from the kitchen. She peeped in and was surprised to find Dibankar already at home. He was humming and preparing tea. He gave her a warm smile and asked her to freshen up and join him for tea. Sumitra was as it is quite nervous and Dibankar’s untimely presence and change in demeanour perplexed her but anyway she did as instructed. When she came out of the washroom, Dibankar had laid out two steaming cups of tea and freshly baked puffs in a plate. He knew how much Sumitra loved those puffs from Santosh bakery. Unwantingly a smile played on Sumitra’s lips and she looked around for Dibankar but he was on phone in the gallery.

Dibankar signalled her to have tea and that he will be with her in a short time. Sumitra sat at the table and picked up the tea cup. She was still confused and didn’t know how to react. She was half way through the tea when Dibankar barged in. He was done with the call but said that something urgent had come up and he had to rush. He gave her a quick hug, wore his chappals and left saying that he will be back soon. Before Sumitra could say a word, he was running down the staircase.

Sumitra finished her tea, washed down the other cup and sat in the gallery. She knew too well that Dibankar’s ‘I’ll be back right away’ made little sense. In a way she was pleased, Dibankar had gone. She needed time to think. The diamond ring was still in her handbag.

The tea had calmed her nerves and she understood the gravity of the situation. Once again she opened her handbag and explored the ring. It looked brand new and lustrous with a sparkling brightness. Sumitra’s face lit up. She could never afford a diamond in her lifetime. To possess a diamond was like a dream come true. And here she was actually holding  one in her hand. She wore it. The diamond radiated on her slender finger. She stared at it from all angles and adored it all the more. It was a perfect fit as if designed for her. She revelled in its beauty. She felt a strong desire to keep it. The same evening she had been longing for a miracle and this was nothing less than a miracle. What if she keeps it for herself? What if she does not disclose the find? As she pondered over it, she felt a sense of exhilaration. Everything seemed crystal clear. She would wait till next morning. If a word spread in the society of the loss, she would hand over without a minute’s delay on some or the other pretext. Otherwise….. otherwise it was hers. She deserved it more than anyone. In case nobody claimed, she would own it. And in some time she would also share the incident with Dibankar.Yes ! She felt good about her decision and with a light head she began drifting into sleep.

When she opened her eyes, she realised she had fallen asleep in the chair. She rose with a stiff neck and unsteadily walked into the bedroom. The lights were on and Dibankar had still not returned. She checked the time in the mobile, it was a quarter past one. Dibankar had texted her. ‘ I’ll be late, don’t worry ‘. His messages were always very abrupt and she never bothered anymore. She switched off the lights and made her way to the bed. She felt the ring on her finger, smiled and went off to sleep.

Early morning the bell rang and she woke up with a start. Her head felt heavy. Who could have come this early? She feared some enquiry about the ring. She hastily pulled out the ring from her finger and thrust it into the bag and hesitantly opened the door. To her relief, it was the milk packet in the bag hung outside. She quickly snatched the bag and shut the door. She took a deep breath and turned but the bell rang again. Sumitra’s heartbeat quickened. The bell rang twice followed by a shout ‘ didi’. Thank God..it was Mamta, her housemaid. Sumitra heaved a sigh of relief and let her in. Mamta came early mornings and left along with Sumitra. Sumitra had to hurry. She had an hour to bathe, dress, eat and prepare for classes. Mindlessly she went about her routine but the diamond ring kept bothering her. She ultimately decided to wear it on her finger. People would notice especially Mrs Khanna. She turned it around so the stone would not be visible and the ring looked like a plain gold band. That was better she thought, no one would question and wearing it was a wise thing to do rather than leaving it at home. Keeping at home was not safe as Dibankar had a dirty habit of being nosy and scanning her belongings in her absence. Putting it in the college handbag was not safe either as she frequently forgot her stuff in the classrooms and staffroom.

She quickened her pace. Today there was an unknowing flight in her steps and she felt on top of the world. She was in a mood brighter than usual. Neither Mrs Khanna’s jabbering nor Girish’s flirtatious behaviour offended her. Every now and then she secretly checked for the ring and felt assured. She was desperate to hear the last bell and without a goodbye she darted towards the gate and turned right.

She usually took a left for home. On the right were the jewellers and that is where she was heading….to valuate the ring. She looked around and about to enter the first shop but hesitated. Nagesh would recognise her. She had been there with Dibankar to buy a pair of anklets on their anniversary. The purchase was done years back but she did not want to take any chances. She stepped down and swiftly moved into a store a few yards away.

Her heart was pounding and her senses had stopped functioning. She couldn’t believe what she had heard…..seventy five lacs….had she heard it right? Is that what the jeweller had quoted ? Even he looked astonished and stared at her from top to bottom. Had he any doubts? He further added that he had cited a minimum price and the valuation could go upto a crore ! It was a cut diamond and they  were very rare and precious. He tried to probe more but she ignored his questioning and glances and left muttering a hurried thank you.

This find had put an end to all her problems. Her desires would soon be fulfilled. She had received more than she had wished for. Her dreams would soon become a reality. First thing she would do is kick that petty underpaid college job, then book a plush house, and fund Dibankar’s project with remaining cash. He was on the verge of a launch but insufficient funds had stalled it. He was fretting and she had felt his misery and helplessness. Now was the time to share everything with him and she was going to do just that.

 

 

I would like to serve my readers with two different finishes for the above story.

Choice is yours….

 

 

 

One

 She reached home breathless. Lift was out of order as usual. Dibankar was resting on the bed….almost asleep. Even her entry did not disturb him. She let him be. He was away the whole night and was catching on sleep during the day. It was nothing new to her. She decided to use that time to rehearse as to how best to disclose the news to him.

She threw herself into the couch and lay there thinking. She became so engrossed in thoughts that an hour flew by and she realised that Dibankar had not even stirred. She threw a look at him and turned towards the kitchen. In the events that happened during the day she had again forgotten to pick the wheat flour from the mill. Dibankar would have to do with rice. She didn’t care. Nothing seemed more important to her at that moment other than the diamond ring. Diligently she cooked the rice tossing in the leftover vegetables and extra spices from the refrigerator. Dibankar craved for spicy food although Sumitra complained of heartburn. Rice was almost done and the aroma of pulav filled the house. Satisfied with the end product, she went on to wake up Dibankar. She looked at him and her heart swelled with affection for him. He had such a serene look. When asleep, he resembled a newborn. She felt like cuddling him. She smiled and took a step closer. She felt she saw something. She leaned forward and noticed a slight froth towards the end of his lips. She felt something amiss and bent over him. She was right. There was no sign of breathing. She tried the pulse but there was no pulse. Her eyes widened and she felt choked. She shook him by the collar and slapped him on the cheeks. There was no response and Sumitra began screaming out his name. In a flurry she emptied the whole water bottle by the bedside onto him. She turned numb with fear and shock.. She kept staring at the body and only when it dawned on her that Dibankar was dead, she came to her senses and crashed onto him. She broke into an uncontrollable cry. His chest soaked in her tears. When she lifted her head she noticed a letter by the pillow half drenched in water. Hastily she pulled it out and began reading it with blurry eyes.

Dearest Sumitra,

 Last few years have been really tough for us, especially you.  Trust me I have been trying and trying really hard. Do you think I enjoy living on your salary? It hurts me that I have not been able to provide for you. I regret that I have failed to be a worthy husband. I failed to bring you happiness and never fulfilled your desires. You are an ideal wife, ever compromising. Each time you have forgiven and given me a chance. You also parted with all your belongings and savings to support me. Believe me I always had this realisation and this thought was eating me everyday. I held myself responsible for our dire condition. In an attempt to make up for all the pain and suffering I caused you and to give you a better life I began work on a product as a final shot. I gave it my all. The project was challenging and complicated and that was the reason I stayed away from home at times…but..but finally Sumitra, my efforts bore fruits and a few days back I launched the product into the market. The response has been overwhelming with feedback and phone calls pouring in from all corners of the world . So much so that I received an exorbitant offer price from an NRI for the  complete rights of the product. After a good thought I decided to patent my research for a massive one crore and to my utmost delight it was accepted ! You remember the day I came home early. This is the news I was dying to share with you. I received the entire amount overnight through an online transfer. Sumitra I had never seen such a huge amount in my lifetime and fear gripped me….fear that I may squander away the newly gained wealth. I was also desperate to do something for you…to prove to you that I am not as worthless as you think. With this thought I took a decision , a decision to invest the crore into a piece of jewellery for you. This way I could buy your trust and happiness and secure our future too. But fate had something else in mind for me. I came home with the priceless diamond ring in my pocket but the moment I wanted to give you the surprise, my pocket was empty. To my utter shock and disbelief…I had lost it….I lost it Sumitra ! I left immediately to find the lost ring but in vain. The whole night and day I kept wandering on the streets and hunted down every spot but I could not locate it. It just disappeared. I was shattered. How could I tell you all this? Would you even believe me? You would say I am making up stories. I am fooling. I could not take this setback. I could not see a way out of this. This was the only way out…..this was the only way. Please forgive me if you can……..

 

 

 

Two

 As she entered the society gate, she saw several men and women assembled. She did not pay any heed. A tiff over water, problem with lift ,fights over children was nothing new. Sumitra ignored the crowd and hurried to the lift. It was out of order as usual. She was not going to let anything spoil her mood. She did not mind taking the staircase. Today nothing was going to perturb her. Nothing could go wrong. She smiled and moved ahead. Just then Mamta came gasping out of the crowd. She looked troubled and annoyed over something. Sumitra stopped her and enquired. Mamta was almost in tears. She was speaking rapidly in between sobs. Sumitra soon figured out what Mamta was blurting. Somebody had reported a loss of a ring and Mamta was being grilled. ‘I have not stolen anything didi.’ She was repeating again and again.

So that was all the commotion about. Sumitra felt the earth shake beneath her. She felt going weak in the knees.This was what she was dreading. Just when everything seemed to come alive and future looked so bright, the world had come crashing down. Her conscience did not permit  her to keep quiet. She could never live with the burden all her life. The guilt would kill her. She took only a moment to decide and in a fraction of a second, swung around and walked into the secretary’s office. ‘I found it on the stairway.’ this was the only line she uttered and left the place shattered. The secretary tried stopping her but she shot out of the office and sprinted her way home. Once she was home she locked herself, leaned against the door and broke into a wild howl. She cried and cried till there were no tears left to dry. Her head began to reel until she dragged herself to the bed and collapsed.

Next morning Mamta stood at the door smiling.

‘The Sharma’s found their ring didi’, she gleamed.

Sumitra smiled with an effort.

‘Didi shall I ask you something? said Mamta.

‘Hm.’

‘Didi why make fuss over a ring?’

‘It’s not an ordinary ring Mamta.’

‘It is didi ! They found it under the rug.’

‘What ! screamed Sumitra her face turning white.

‘Yes didi. Gold polished……only rupees five hundred.’ she laughed heartily.

 

 

 

Happy reading  !

 

Stay glued………………..