Not all love stories are smooth (1369)

Muthu was learning Desktop publishing in a private institute as he could not afford a college education. His mom was working in a private clinic. He visited daily the local government library to read the various dailies and magazines. There were many books and novels but a deposit was to be paid to take books home. He read the books in the library itself as he never liked to sit alone in the house when his mom was away.

He was reading a paper supplement looking at the ‘Situations Vacant’ column. When he turned his head hearing a rustle of feet, he saw a young girl of maybe 17 or 18 standing near the table looking at him. She looked very pretty with a small nose and well-chiselled features. She was in a much worn-out faded salwar suit that indicated her poor circumstances. There was some apprehension in her eyes.

“Do you wish to tell me something?” he asked her. She was seen hesitating to talk.

He smiled at her and asked again whether she wanted to say something.

“I am waiting to see the supplement you are having in your hand. When you have finished it, please give it to me before others take it “she said softly

“I am sorry I didn’t know. I was just browsing without any specific purpose. Please have it” he said as he handed over the paper

She smiled and said “Thanks. Someone told me of an ad that has come today.”

As she returned to her table, I saw her long hair in plaits falling almost below her hip. She looked graceful in her walk. Though he was not inclined to read, he brought an astrological magazine from the shelf and turned inside its pages. Now and then he looked at her side and noticed she was also glancing at him sideways. After about half an hour, she stood up and lingered for a moment at his table with a faint smile on her face before she left.

That night as he was lying on his bed, he was dreaming of his future, of a steady job in a publishing company and about the girl he met in the library. He cursed himself for not asking her name and whether she visited the library daily.

He was there the next day in his best T-shirt and jeans. His heart sank when he found she was not there. He took a couple of papers with appointment supplements to the same desk and sat there hoping she would come soon. In about twenty minutes, she came hurriedly and he could see the expectancy in her face when she looked around and at his table. He smiled at her and showed the opposite vacant chair.

 When she sat down, he said “I am Muthu learning desktop publishing and living next to Ganesh temple on the next street. What is your name?”

“I am Saroja” she replied after some time. When prompted what she did, she said “I stopped school after class 10. I have joined typewriting classes. “

“Why are you not studying further?” he asked.

“I have no parents. I am living in my uncle’s house next to the flour mill. He cannot afford my education, though he is affectionate towards me. I am looking for a job.”

“I am sorry to hear that,” he said feeling pity for the girl. They started meeting at the library almost daily except Sundays. When her birthday came, he wished to give her a small gift. She refused saying “My aunt is very watchful and if she found any new thing she would enquire and stop me from going to the library and typing classes.”

They became very fond of each other and wished to spend time together as much as possible. One week later when he met her, she smiled at him rather weakly but looked away quickly. He felt she was trying to hide her face. He turned her face to see tears trickling down and asked her what bothered her. She did not reply but looked forlorn and lost.

When prompted, she said, “My uncle has decided to shift to a village near Salem this Thursday. I do not wish to go out of Chennai. I want to be here permanently. I feel like crying.”

He was shocked and couldn’t gather words immediately. “I know Saroja. Don’t worry. We will find a way out We have still three days” he replied without knowing what else to say.

“Muthu, I am shy to tell you. Please find some way to keep me with you,” she said as she hid her face behind her dupatta.

. “I know. I am also in deep love with you, Saroja. But you are minor and I cannot take you away to my house,” he said

“No, I turned 18 two months back and am a major,” she said

“Let me check with my mom whether she can keep you with us till such time you find a job. Give me time to think. I will come up with some solution before Thursday, “he assured her.

He discussed it with his mom that night itself. She was supportive and assured him that she would discuss with the owner of the clinic to employ that girl as they were already in need of an assistant. She also said that Saroja could stay with them till she found an alternative accommodation with the nurses. She asked him not to give her high hopes till the matter was finalized.

He did not go to the library the next day. On Tuesday night when he learnt that his mom had got the approval from the owner-doctor for Saroja’s appointment, she suggested that they could go to her house the next day morning and talk to her uncle. Muthu was jubilant and could not sleep the whole night.

There was no difficulty in locating the house when they went the next day to the flour mill. When asked about the whereabouts of Saroja, an elderly woman sitting nearby showed the locked door and asked who they were.

When his mom explained the purpose of their visit, the woman said “How unlucky the poor girl is. She was crying for the last two days. She never wanted to leave this place. Her aunt kept her locked in the house and did not allow her to go out fearing she might run away. They forcefully took her with them early this morning itself instead of tomorrow as planned. Are you related to that nice girl?”

His mom replied “, No, but we wanted to get related to her. Do you have any idea of the place they have gone to?”

“No, they did not leave any address behind them. They were secretive.”

As Muthu’s mom put her arms gently around him, he was crestfallen with all his hopes come to naught.

“Do not feel sad. We did our best. It is destiny. The girl seemed intelligent and let us hope she can contact you soon,” she assured him wiping the tears from his face.

As they reached their house, Muthu’s mom said, “Let us pray first at the temple for her wellbeing and her ability to reach you.”

As both of them were praying with their eyes closed, Muthu felt someone tugging his shirt from behind. When he turned and saw, he let out a cry of jubilation saying,” Amma, look who is here.”

 It was Saroja, who fell at the feet of Muthu’s mom sobbing,” Kindly accept me and do not turn me away. I gave the slip to my uncle unseen  just as the bus was about to leave and came right here waiting for you to come.”

Muthu’s mom wrapped her shoulders with her arms with much warmth, kissed her forehead and said softly, "Do not fear. You will be with us forever. You have a job. Your future is safe and secure with us. Look at Muthu’s face beaming with happiness.” 

As an afterthought, she added,” Hold his hand and enter the house with your right foot forward. We will let your uncle know about the developments in due course.”