Mahashweta Read online

Satya made a show of reluctance before following Vasant out of the marriage hall.

  ‘When I make a lot of money I would like to buy a house in Pali Hill. That is one of my missions in life. Look at all the rich and famous people who live here; they’re either film stars or business magnates. Unlike most parts of Bombay, it still has some bungalows and trees left. What about you, Vasant? You never talk about your future.’

  ‘What about my future? You know appa died of rabies after being bitten by a dog in the village where we lived. That incident upsets me even now. If only there had been a good clinic and a doctor in the village, appa would have lived.

  I want to get some experience here, then go back and start my own clinic in the village. Money has never held any attraction for me. I will get more satisfaction by saving people like appa, rather than by staying in Bombay and making a lot of money.’

  ‘Vasant, don’t you require a lot of capital to realize this dream?’

  ‘Not really. I have my own house, which I will convert into a clinic. I have saved some money and I also own some land. I’ll manage. It will be a simple life with not much money.’

  ‘What about medicines and nursing?’

  ‘I will charge the rich, and with that money I’ll buy medicines for the poor.’

  ‘What about marriage? Does that feature in your plans? What if your wife says no to such a life after you get married?’

  ‘I am aware of the risk, Satya. That is why I am still unmarried. I will marry only when I find the woman who will agree to support my plans.’

  By then they had reached Anupama’s house.

  It was an old, whitewashed bungalow, with a beautiful, neat garden. There were coconut trees, guava and mango trees, and flower-beds in front of the house, with a cross in the corner. The name of the house was written on the gatepost: Mary Villa.

  Anupama was waiting for them.

  The interior of the house, which reflected the taste of the occupant, was as simple as the outside. Fresh cut flowers in a vase adorned the centre table.

  ‘This is one of the most beautiful houses I have ever seen,’ Satya remarked.

  ‘This is my friend’s house. She moved to Australia after her marriage and asked me to stay on, telling me to take care of the house and not to bother with the rent. The house is divided into two portions. I stay in one portion and the other is locked. Dolly’s mother comes here once in a while and stays there.’

  ‘How long can you stay here?’

  ‘As long as we have mutual love, affection and trust. I cannot measure that.’

  ‘What happens if you refuse to vacate the place?’

  ‘Why should I keep something that is not mine? If we keep things that don’t belong to us, we are worse than beggars. Breach of trust and failure to honour one’s commitments are the worst sins that I can think of.’

  Anupama realized that, subconsciously, she had been thinking of Anand and his betrayal, and that her words sounded unnaturally harsh.

  Vasant was busy examining her library while Satya and she talked. ‘Anupama, you have a rare collection of books. I have heard about Ashwagosha who wrote the famous Buddha Charitha Manasa. People say that it was the first drama in Indian literature.’

  ‘Yes, doctor. There might have been many other dramatists, but we do not have any of their works. What fascinates me about Ashwagosha is that he is a person who identifies with his mother, unlike others who identify with their fathers.’

  ‘Satya, are you getting bored?’ Vasant asked.

  ‘Even though it is Greek and Latin to me, I am enjoying it.’

  ‘Doctor,’ Anupama said to Vasant, ‘Sanskrit is my subject, so I know it fairly well. How are you so well versed in it? It is so unusual to meet someone outside the classroom who is fond of the language.’

  ‘There is a reason for that. My father was a Sanskrit teacher in our village. When I was a child I learnt it by listening to my father’s recitation from the classics. I have never had any formal instruction in the language. My love for Sanskrit is linked with memories of my parents. Today, they are both gone, but I still continue to read the Sanskrit classics.’

  All too soon it was time for them to return to the wedding celebrations. As they were stepping out, Anupama said, ‘If you need to borrow any books, any time, please let me know. That is the one thing I can offer.’

  Monday was Out-Patients’ Day, and everyone in the hospital was busy. As in all government hospitals, it was proving to be very difficult to control the OPD crowd.

  Vasant was intent on going to his department when suddenly he heard someone call out to him, ‘Hi, Vasant!’

  He turned to see Seema waving to him. He was surprised; Seema was supposed to be in America.

  ‘Hello, Seema,’ he waved back.

  ‘How are you, Vasant?’

  ‘I am fine, how are you?’

  ‘How do I look?’ Seema asked, smiling.

  Vasant looked at her. She had become fairer and had put on some weight. Glamorous Seema was looking even more fashionable now! Her stylishly trimmed hair, perfectly manicured nails, and transparent chiffon sari enhanced her sophistication.

  ‘I am surprised to see you here,’ Vasant commented.

  ‘My sister is getting married and papa insisted that I must be here at least for a month. So here I am.’ She opened her bag and pulled out a wedding invitation.

  ‘What about your family?’ Vasant asked as he took the invitation from her.

  ‘Oh! My baby is not well—he’s six months old, and in spite of all our efforts, he’s been bitten by mosquitoes. My husband is looking after him. Vasant, don’t miss the wedding. You must come.’

  ‘If I am not on duty that day, I’ll definitely come. Where is the wedding?’

  ‘At the Taj. My sister’s in-laws are very rich and they insisted that the wedding had to be very grand. Even if you are on duty, please get out of it and come.’

  ‘I’ll try.’

  ‘Vasant, you haven’t changed a bit. You’re meeting a friend after three years. Won’t you even invite me home for tea?’

  ‘Sorry, Seema, I don’t have a home. If you want, I can take you to Lakshmi Bhavan, our favourite college-time haunt.’

  Seema was horrified. ‘Come on Vasant, how can I eat there now? It is so dirty, and there are all sorts of infections floating around in Bombay!’

  ‘But you used to love eating there.’

  ‘It was different then.’

  ‘All right. I’ll take you to a good restaurant then.’

  ‘I am very busy with shopping and wedding preparations now. I’ll tell you when I’m free and you can take me then.’

  ‘Do you like living and working in the US?’

  ‘Oh Vasant, I make so much money there. Together, my husband and I are minting money. If a bright person like you were there, you could have earned so much. You are wasting your time in India.’

  ‘I don’t think so, Seema. You have not seen the real world here; it needs people like us. As in so many other matters, let’s agree to disagree.’

  Seema laughed as they made their way to Vasant’s department. ‘By the way, when are you getting married?’

  ‘I have not found the right girl yet.’

  Seema and Vasant had been classmates in college. Seema was an ambitious girl who had always had a soft corner for Vasant. Once, she had even expressed her desire to marry Vasant, but on condition that he settle in America. When she had perceived his true bent of mind, she had changed her mind quickly, married someone in the US, and settled there. Vasant had never mentioned this to anybody. He felt that Seema had made the right decision.

  They stopped outside his department. ‘Vasant, when will I see you again?’

  ‘When I come to your sister’s wedding.’

  She was not sure that he would come and, sensing her thoughts, Vasant said, ‘If I could come to your wedding, I can come to your sister’s wedding as well. Can I go now? My patients are waiting.’

  Seema