AN UNFINISHED STORY

I had become a regular to the city park. Not that I was an early riser and fond of morning walk but that my blood sugar had shot up in spite of insulin jabs twice a day. My physician had therefore suggested ‘morning walk’ at least five days a week.

          “You must walk at least 5 kilometres every day. That is the only way to manage your sugar level.”

It was a Doctor’s order. Couldn’t be defied. I accepted it even if grudgingly. In implementing this regimen, my wife Malini played a major role. She would coax him out of bed at five in the morning and place my walking kit before me.

          “Have at least five rounds of the park, you lousy bum.”

          I started following the regimen reluctantly but gradually I started liking it. The lab tests were encouraging. My sugar level had come down; I was elated by the results.  

There were young, middle, past middle and old age people in the park. A few jogged, some walked briskly, others walked and some rambled leisurely; everyone to his own comfort level. Some of the ‘walkers’ listened to music with earphones plugged in; the elderly few had walking sticks to steady their walking.  

          A week later I noticed an elderly person walking with a middle age lady. They too were regular. The old man and the lady would take two rounds of the park. Then the old man would sit on a bench and read newspaper and the lady would plug in her earphones and start jogging. I observed that the lady took five to six rounds non-stop and every time she passed by the old man, she would whisper something to him. The old man would nod his head and gesture her to continue. I was curious to find out about the odd couple. One day I stopped by the old man and wished him. The latter simply nodded his head. 

“I am Professor Arvind, have started coming to the park recently.” I said extending my hand.

The old man stared at me and after a long awkward pause whispered, “Prof Ankit Shukla, years back taught Chemistry in Hindu College.”

“I taught History in Government College, Patiala. Have shifted to Delhi recently,”

Thereafter we two often met in the park; exchanged niceties but there was no word about the lady accompanying the old man. I deemed it proper to let the matter rest at that.

“Come over to my place sometime. We can chat over coffee,” the elderly professor suggested one day giving out his address to me.

Even though we belonged to different disciplines, we blended well. In short, we became good friends and at times we stealthily managed beer sessions.  We discussed world events, the contemporary scientific developments world over and local politics. We spoke on various matters including increasing number of divorces and modern cult of ‘live-in’ but never spoke about the lady who chaperoned Professor Shukla. I understood that he was cagey about it and I thought it proper to leave the matter to his judgement.

One afternoon when we were having beer, Professor Shukla became emotional.  It was the death anniversary of his wife. It is then that he started narrating his story to me.

II

I was the Head of Department of Chemistry of Hindu College. There I met Ananya, the lady you see with me in the park. She was newly appointed as lecturer and was doing her PhD under my guidance. Ananya was a diligent and conscientious tutor with commendable academic profile. Her students respected her, which you would appreciate was no mean testimonial for a young lecturer. I was also pleased to get laudable feedback from her peers.

I was a married person, happy with my wife and two grown up children. Life was smooth and normal. Ananya sometimes came to my place. She was quite friendly with my children but my wife Malini kept a distance from her.  AnAN UNFINISHED STORY

I had become a regular to the city park. Not that I was an early riser and fond of morning walk but that my blood sugar had shot up in spite of insulin jabs twice a day. My physician had therefore suggested ‘morning walk’ at least five days a week.

“You must walk at least 5 kilometres every day. That is the only way to manage your sugar level.” 

It was a Doctor’s order. Couldn’t be defied. I accepted it even if grudgingly. In implementing this regimen, my wife Malini played a major role. She would coax him out of bed at five in the morning and place my walking kit before me.

“Have at least five rounds of the park, you lousy bum.” 

I started following the regimen reluctantly but gradually I started liking it. The lab tests were encouraging. My sugar level had come down; I was elated by the results.  

There were young, middle, past middle and old age people in the park. A few jogged, some walked briskly, others walked and some rambled leisurely; everyone to his own comfort level. Some of the ‘walkers’ listened to music with earphones plugged in; the elderly few had walking sticks to steady their walking.  

A week later I noticed an elderly person walking with a middle age lady. They too were regular. The old man and the lady would take two rounds of the park. Then the old man would sit on a bench and read newspaper and the lady would plug in her earphones and start jogging. I observed that the lady took five to six rounds non-stop and every time she passed by the old man, she would whisper something to him. The old man would nod his head and gesture her to continue. I was curious to find out about the odd couple. One day I stopped by the old man and wished him. The latter simply nodded his head.  

“I am Professor Arvind, have started coming to the park recently.” I said extending my hand. 

The old man stared at me and after a long awkward pause whispered, “Prof Ankit Shukla, years back taught Chemistry in Hindu College.” 

“I taught History in Government College, Patiala. Have shifted to Delhi recently,”

Thereafter we two often met in the park; exchanged niceties but there was no word about the lady accompanying the old man. I deemed it proper to let the matter rest at that. 

“Come over to my place sometime. We can chat over coffee,” the elderly professor suggested one day giving out his address to me. 

Even though we belonged to different disciplines, we blended well. In short, we became good friends and at times we stealthily managed beer sessions.  We discussed world events, the contemporary scientific developments world over and local politics. We spoke on various matters including increasing number of divorces and modern cult of ‘live-in’ but never spoke about the lady who chaperoned Professor Shukla. I understood that he was cagey about it and I thought it proper to leave the matter to his judgement. 

One afternoon when we were having beer, Professor Shukla became emotional.  It was the death anniversary of his wife. It is then that he started narrating his story to me. 

II

I was the Head of Department of Chemistry of Hindu College. There I met Ananya, the lady you see with me in the park. She was newly appointed as lecturer and was doing her PhD under my guidance. Ananya was a diligent and conscientious tutor with commendable academic profile. Her students respected her, which you would appreciate was no mean testimonial for a young lecturer. I was also pleased to get laudable feedback from her peers.

I was a married person, happy with my wife and two grown up children. Life was smooth and normal. Ananya sometimes came to my place. She was quite friendly with my children but my wife Malini kept a distance from her.  Ananya used to spend some time with me in my ‘study’ discussing her thesis. My wife had some reservation about it. According to her, there should be a distinction between office and home but she never let Ananya know her mind. Ananya, whenever she came, always brought snacks, which I devoured wholesomely. This made my wife uncomfortable. 

“She is a fantastic cook. I will add in your credentials,” I used to pull Ananya’s leg on such occasions.  Soon she became a good friend of my daughter Sonakshi who was a middle level executive with a multinational. Those days we were looking for a suitable match for Sonakshi in marriage portals after she had made amply clear to us that she didn’t have anyone in mind. 

We selected few names and then made enquiries and finally we zeroed on two boys. One evening we were discussing the two options since Sonakshi was not able to make up her mind even though she had met both the boys and had been out with them. Ananya too was present there. 

“Both are nice, suave and well placed professionally. Both are from good families and both are handsome,” Sonakshi said, blushing a little. 

    “But I really can’t choose between the two,” Sonakshi continued and then suddenly turning towards Ananya she said, “Ananya! Tell me if you were in my place, what you would look for in them.”

Ananya’s reply was spontaneous. “Look! I will grade the guy who nears your father’s perfect ten.” 

I was embarrassed at Ananya’s compliment, rather unsettled; gaped at Sonakshi who bore a meaningful smile. And then I looked peevishly at my wife. She was looking at the ceiling, seemingly not amused. 

As mentioned earlier, Malini had some reservations over Ananya’s visit to my place. She even sometimes entered my ‘study’ when I was with Ananya. I noticed it but ignored it because my conscience was clear. I was just helping my student professionally. For me Ananya was just a junior, a young affable colleague. I had no inkling or intuition of what she felt about me. And yet to my utter dismay, I found Malini changed since that evening. She was glum and non-participative in our day to day talks. 

Ananya was tall, lithe and fair. She had long black hair reaching her curves.  She had told me that she was a basket ball player in her college days. That night I couldn’t sleep comfortably. I failed to wean my thoughts away from Ananya and I noticed a change even in Malini; not sleeping like she usually did. Normally, Malini would sleep like a log the moment she hit the bed. 

Till that evening I had never realized that Ananya was remarkably beautiful and attractive. Next morning when she came to my room during recess, I found she was not merely beautiful; she was awfully beautiful, charming and desirable. And then I remembered the previous evening’s episode. 

“You should have been careful. I am not sure what Sonakshi thinks about it but Malini is surely not pleased.”

Ananya suddenly became serious. I saw tears at the corner of her eyes. I was quick to realize that it could be another moment of embarrassment if anyone entered my room at that moment. 

“Please control yourself. Let’s not create a scene here too,” I spoke gruffly.

“Sorry sir. I am very sorry ... please forgive me,” she whispered and left the room. 

Ananya didn’t come to the college for a week. I was worried but couldn’t share my concern with anyone. I thought of ringing her; thought of going to her place but could not muster enough courage. I even thought of relinquishing to be her ‘guide’ but that would have hurt her. I didn’t want that. 

I had lost my sleep. 

Then one morning Ananya came to my room, wished me briefly and left the room leaving an envelope on my table. I didn’t have courage to open the envelope then and there even though I was quite inquisitive. I decided to open it during lunch hours. 

It was a short letter. It read:

Sir, 

It is not easy for me to justify what transpired that evening at your place. Equally difficult is to explain what I feel for you and why I should have developed these feelings. 

The fact is that I fell in love with you in our very first meeting when you were explaining the academic curriculum to me. I knew you were an elderly person with a family. I always knew it was absolute foolishness on my part but I couldn’t stop myself. The fact is that you are ensconced deep in my mind, heart and soul. I tried to reason it out with myself several times but have failed.  But now I assure you. Never shall I cause discomforting moments for you. 

Please forgive me, this one time.

Ananya

Ananya completed her PhD under my guidance. Then she had a change of job. She was appointed in the nearby Ramjas College. It was only chance meeting that we saw each other. I learnt from some of the colleagues that she was not interested in marriage and had told her parents accordingly. 

Professor Shukla had a long sip of beer and continued as I sat spellbound. 

Sonakshi got married and shifted to America with her husband. My son got a job in Australia. He married a local girl and settled there. 

I am not sure whether Malini forgave me. She never talked of that eventful evening and she never talked of Ananya with me even though Ananya came on the marriage ceremony of both our children; wishing them and presenting them exclusive gifts. There was a message in my wife’s silence. 

I retired from teaching and shifted to the present flat. We were a lonely couple and unfortunately, I became a loner after Malini suddenly died of pneumonia couple of years later.  

After the funeral Ananya came to my place with other colleagues and expressed condolence.  Ananya stayed back as others left. Quietly, she started taking care of the house and of the mourners.  My children reached two days after the cremation. Ananya took care of them and their children. We hardly spoke.

 My children returned after a month. My daughter wanted me to accompany her but I was so attached to the place and the memories associated with it that I didn’t want to leave. Moreover, I wanted to retain my freedom. 

Professor Shukla paused, looked at the sky; there was a lump in his throat. A little later he continued. 

Ananya has hired a flat next door and has been taking care of me since then. She starts her day by dragging me out of bed and taking me to the park. She makes my breakfast and leaves instructions with the maid for the day. On certain evenings she comes and takes dinner with me before going to her place. 

I tell her repeatedly to find a suitable match and get married but she simply ignores me.

That is the end of our unfinished story. Professor Shukla said smiling feebly. 

It was a melancholic smile of an anguished soul. 

 “It is sheer madness. You saw how she comes to me after completing each round and asks me if I were ok,” Professor Shukla managed to say with lot of efforts, wiping the tears that had welled up in his eyes..  

I was virtually shaken. I had no words. We looked at each other in silence and as I got up to leave, Professor Shukla whispered. 

“You know Professor! Her extreme devotion really pains me.  It hurts me that her life has become an unfinished story because of me.” 

anya used to spend some time with me in my ‘study’ discussing her thesis. My wife had some reservation about it. According to her, there should be a distinction between office and home but she never let Ananya know her mind. Ananya, whenever she came, always brought snacks, which I devoured wholesomely. This made my wife uncomfortable.

“She is a fantastic cook. I will add in your credentials,” I used to pull Ananya’s leg on such occasions.  Soon she became a good friend of my daughter Sonakshi who was a middle level executive with a multinational. Those days we were looking for a suitable match for Sonakshi in marriage portals after she had made amply clear to us that she didn’t have anyone in mind.

We selected few names and then made enquiries and finally we zeroed on two boys. One evening we were discussing the two options since Sonakshi was not able to make up her mind even though she had met both the boys and had been out with them. Ananya too was present there.

“Both are nice, suave and well placed professionally. Both are from good families and both are handsome,” Sonakshi said, blushing a little.

    “But I really can’t choose between the two,” Sonakshi continued and then suddenly turning towards Ananya she said, “Ananya! Tell me if you were in my place, what you would look for in them.”

Ananya’s reply was spontaneous. “Look! I will grade the guy who nears your father’s perfect ten.”

I was embarrassed at Ananya’s compliment, rather unsettled; gaped at Sonakshi who bore a meaningful smile. And then I looked peevishly at my wife. She was looking at the ceiling, seemingly not amused.

As mentioned earlier, Malini had some reservations over Ananya’s visit to my place. She even sometimes entered my ‘study’ when I was with Ananya. I noticed it but ignored it because my conscience was clear. I was just helping my student professionally. For me Ananya was just a junior, a young affable colleague. I had no inkling or intuition of what she felt about me. And yet to my utter dismay, I found Malini changed since that evening. She was glum and non-participative in our day to day talks.

Ananya was tall, lithe and fair. She had long black hair reaching her curves.  She had told me that she was a basket ball player in her college days. That night I couldn’t sleep comfortably. I failed to wean my thoughts away from Ananya and I noticed a change even in Malini; not sleeping like she usually did. Normally, Malini would sleep like a log the moment she hit the bed.

Till that evening I had never realized that Ananya was remarkably beautiful and attractive. Next morning when she came to my room during recess, I found she was not merely beautiful; she was awfully beautiful, charming and desirable. And then I remembered the previous evening’s episode.

“You should have been careful. I am not sure what Sonakshi thinks about it but Malini is surely not pleased.”

Ananya suddenly became serious. I saw tears at the corner of her eyes. I was quick to realize that it could be another moment of embarrassment if anyone entered my room at that moment.

“Please control yourself. Let’s not create a scene here too,” I spoke gruffly.

“Sorry sir. I am very sorry ... please forgive me,” she whispered and left the room.

Ananya didn’t come to the college for a week. I was worried but couldn’t share my concern with anyone. I thought of ringing her; thought of going to her place but could not muster enough courage. I even thought of relinquishing to be her ‘guide’ but that would have hurt her. I didn’t want that.

I had lost my sleep.

Then one morning Ananya came to my room, wished me briefly and left the room leaving an envelope on my table. I didn’t have courage to open the envelope then and there even though I was quite inquisitive. I decided to open it during lunch hours.

It was a short letter. It read:

Sir,

It is not easy for me to justify what transpired that evening at your place. Equally difficult is to explain what I feel for you and why I should have developed these feelings.

The fact is that I fell in love with you in our very first meeting when you were explaining the academic curriculum to me. I knew you were an elderly person with a family. I always knew it was absolute foolishness on my part but I couldn’t stop myself. The fact is that you are ensconced deep in my mind, heart and soul. I tried to reason it out with myself several times but have failed.  But now I assure you. Never shall I cause discomforting moments for you.

Please forgive me, this one time.

Ananya

Ananya completed her PhD under my guidance. Then she had a change of job. She was appointed in the nearby Ramjas College. It was only chance meeting that we saw each other. I learnt from some of the colleagues that she was not interested in marriage and had told her parents accordingly.

Professor Shukla had a long sip of beer and continued as I sat spellbound.

Sonakshi got married and shifted to America with her husband. My son got a job in Australia. He married a local girl and settled there.

I am not sure whether Malini forgave me. She never talked of that eventful evening and she never talked of Ananya with me even though Ananya came on the marriage ceremony of both our children; wishing them and presenting them exclusive gifts. There was a message in my wife’s silence.

I retired from teaching and shifted to the present flat. We were a lonely couple and unfortunately, I became a loner after Malini suddenly died of pneumonia couple of years later.  

After the funeral Ananya came to my place with other colleagues and expressed condolence.  Ananya stayed back as others left. Quietly, she started taking care of the house and of the mourners.  My children reached two days after the cremation. Ananya took care of them and their children. We hardly spoke.

 My children returned after a month. My daughter wanted me to accompany her but I was so attached to the place and the memories associated with it that I didn’t want to leave. Moreover, I wanted to retain my freedom.

Professor Shukla paused, looked at the sky; there was a lump in his throat. A little later he continued.

Ananya has hired a flat next door and has been taking care of me since then. She starts her day by dragging me out of bed and taking me to the park. She makes my breakfast and leaves instructions with the maid for the day. On certain evenings she comes and takes dinner with me before going to her place.

I tell her repeatedly to find a suitable match and get married but she simply ignores me.

That is the end of our unfinished story. Professor Shukla said smiling feebly.

It was a melancholic smile of an anguished soul.

 “It is sheer madness. You saw how she comes to me after completing each round and asks me if I were ok,” Professor Shukla managed to say with lot of efforts, wiping the tears that had welled up in his eyes..  

I was virtually shaken. I had no words. We looked at each other in silence and as I got up to leave, Professor Shukla whispered.

“You know Professor! Her extreme devotion really pains me.  It hurts me that her life has become an unfinished story because of me.”