The Logical (Wo)Man

Goodbyes are Tough

Sia’s Point Of View

So that was it. I was officially married to a man whom I knew only for few weeks. It was more like a top secret deal that could cost your life if you spill it to anyone. Actually, a part of it, since my parents knew that we were “in Love” with each other. God knows what story that man weaved to convince his parents.

It was the second time I met Senior Mr. and Mrs. Datta. Before that, I saw them at Shouranya’s wedding but couldn’t talk with them much. His mother was a renowned film actress Mrs. Sharbani Datta who won many film awards for her great contribution to the Indian Cinema. At the age of 40, she left her film career to become a social worker, empowering women of the lower economic strata. As I stepped into the marriage counsellor’s office, she gave me a warm welcoming smile. Even in her late 50s, she was a beauty. Most importantly, she was down to earth. She also connected well with my mom and eased her as my mom started crying profoundly when Shourya put vermilion on my forehead. Both our fathers were cordial to each other and later at lunch discussed about all serious stuffs starting from share market, law and order in the country to our future.

I was pissed at Shourya. I know this is a deal and I have to be all formal about it. But the whole thing and specially his yesterday’s behavior at Chilo’s made me annoyed. I didn’t want to see his face until he called me “Mishti”. Did he actually say that or was it my imagination? Whatever! Who cares? Just a few more weeks and he’ll be out of my life.

I was getting emotional and it was hard for me to keep my tears at bay. When one has to leave their loved ones unprepared, unsure, unwillingly in such a short notice, the feeling is disastrous. Hence, I took a short “Sobbing Break” during lunch, to take it out in the ladies’ room of Grand Hilton Hotel.

The red vermilion on the forehead was making me more emotional. It was like a seal on my fate. As I came out, I was surprised to see the Devil himself standing right outside, waiting for me. I named him so because he was great with “Deals”. For example, he aced at the deal he made to ruin my life in exchange of my family’s safety. I was shocked when he asked me to come near him and wrapped those huge arms around me. I felt like sobbing again and took it out while resting my head on his chest. His embrace was soothing and it calmed my mind, though I didn’t pay much heed to what he was saying.

It was almost time for us to leave for the airport. We changed into our travel clothes. For me it was a peach silk blouse and denims and he just changed his Punjabi and was now wearing a Checked Polo Shirt over the denims. We also kept our jackets handy as London would be chilling when we land.

Saying goodbye was hard, so I kept it short. We were now standing at the porch of the Hotel.

“I am just a call away Ma” I tried to ease my mom who was now sniffing and sobbing.

“Any problem you face and you should let us know immediately Beta” Mr. Datta assured me with his hand on my head.

“Sure” I forced a smile.

“It’s sad you’ll have to leave so early, Sia! We didn’t get to know each other well.” Mrs. Datta said with a sad smile on her face.

Before I could say anything, the Devil spoke.

“I know Ma, but we are getting late. We should be leaving now.”

Both his parents seemed to be really good at heart. I wonder why this man was an exception being their son. In fact, Shouranya, was also such a darling.

I hugged my parents, my brother and Mrs. Datta who gave me a peck on my cheek, and the went over to the car. Luggage was already there in the bunk. I felt tears rolling down as I stared at the fountain on the other side of the porch.

We reached the airport within an hour as there was heavy traffic. Then we checked in our luggage, went through the immigration and security checks and was now waiting in the airport lounge for our flight.

It was a hopping flight via Dubai, which I had visited once for a vacation. The journey was long and tiring and honestly, I was scared about the sudden change in the course of my life.

After boarding our flight to London from Dubai, I decided to get some sleep. It has been a long day and I badly need some rest.

“Would you like something Sir?” The Air hostess of Emirs asked him with a lustrous smile.

“No Thank you” He was busy with his MacBook and didn’t pay much heed to her.

“And what about you Ma’am?” then she asked me.

“Oh yes! I need a bottle of red wine please!”

Alcohol was the best way for putting me to sleep as I had to make the uncanny thoughts go away from my head which were making me jittery. Also, the Business class seats had an ultimate level of comfort. I am not a tea-tootler and I drink wine occasionally. I try avoiding vodka and other hard stuff since that doesn’t go well with my stomach.

I drank the wine just like water and could see him looking at me from sideways. A few minutes later I felt the drowsiness seep in and even before I could understand I fell asleep.

I don’t remember how much time passed, when I felt his hot minty breath near my lobes

“Get up Mishti..” my eyes were still closed as I wanted the sleep badly.

I think I am imagining things, for example him calling me “Mishti” . It seems like I felt for him. But the feeling was new. It was pure. This powerful man had every chance of making lustful advances towards me and I could have not done anything about it. But he never touched me inappropriately. His touch, his embrace and his warmth melted my mind. He may have a rude attitude towards everyone and everything but I think he is good at heart. Or maybe he’s doing all this to get me to bed? It’s too soon to conclude anything.

I was still half sleepy when I felt a moist kiss on my forehead. I am sure it is the wine messing up with my senses.

“Ma’am I would request you to fasten your seat belt. We are about to land in an hour” The air hostess’s voice woke me up. Okay so it was my imagination as I could still see him sitting beside me, glued to his MacBook.

“Good morning Sia” he said with a warm smile.

“Mmorning” I was still feeling sleepy.

“Would you like to have your breakfast now or maybe some more wine” Was he making fun of me? How dare he.

“No for both”

I could see him hide a smile.

“And why are you smiling huh?” I felt like throwing him out of the window.

“Nothing. It’s just that you sleep like a baby”.

“So, you were observing me while I was sleeping?”

“You think I have time for that?”

“Really?”

“I’ll ask her to get your breakfast. It’ll make you feel good”.

“Don’t bother” I showed my disgust.

“Sia.” He sounded serious now. “I must remind you that you are my responsibility now. And you would never try to cross me again” he was cold. He was always cold to me. I hated him.

Breakfast was served. It was simple English breakfast with bread slices, beacon, hash brown , baked beans and apple juice. I finished it quickly as my stomach was already in short of food thanks to the only wine dinner from the previous night.

We landed in Heathrow, and went through the immigration, luggage collection process and finally came to the pickup area. London was chilling but it was sunny outside. It was a second time for me. I had been here earlier for 4 months at client office as onsite counterpart of my project. However, this time, it would be a longer stay than the first. As we reached the pickup point, a car stopped right in-front of me. It was a silver colored Rolls Royce Phantom. Honestly, I loved cars and wanted to own one of these in future, of course with my own money. To my astonishment , Shourya went ahead and opened the door for me. As we drove into a street in the city of Westminster, the heart of London, the car stopped in front of a Georgian Style two storied building with beautiful flower decorated verandas. As I got out, I saw the golden Nameplate of the house on the main door, shining in the bright sunlight.

It read :

“Shouryajit Datta. BA LLB, LLM.

Chief Consultant, Hastings and Ferguson Associates,

12 Regent Street, W1B4EL Westminster, London.”

Westminster city is a pretty plush location in central London. The cost of living here a month was more than what I used to get per year, back in India. Exactly how rich was he? I would have to find a job as soon as possible before the title of “Gold Digger” was permanently tagged to my name.