Shazma was in no mood to socialize anymore. All she wanted to do was observe the world. Life seemed to be slipping past her. Everyone around her seemed happy. Yet here she was, discontentment bubbling in her belly.
Nikhil’s behaviour had truly shaken her. How could he turn so cold when all she had done was tell him about a plan? A great plan! How could he not understand that an offer like this never came by in one’s lifetime?
Just as she sighed, the phone in her hand beeped. The name on the display made her smile. It was Vir.
Hey, sis, how’re you doing?
I’m okay. And you? The waiter brought her a cup of tea and two biscuits. She smiled at him and gestured for the bill.
Vir used to call once or twice a month, and Shazma looked forward to those calls dearly. They lived in two different countries—Vir was in New Delhi, India, and she was in Singapore. As much as she would have liked to talk to him more often, life got in the way.
Are you really okay? You don’t sound like it, he said.
Vir had an uncanny knack for reaching out to her whenever she needed him. He could sense when she was troubled. It was almost telepathic. Even though he was younger by seven years, he had been like a parent to Shazma since the time SR passed away. Vir was the family’s pillar, and he had taken the role very seriously. Yet, he was also soft-hearted and generous. Vir was adored by his nephews. Meher and Shazma doted on him, and he was the apple of their mother’s eye.
He ran a successful real estate business in India and the Middle East and lived with Ma in a plush house in Delhi. He was widowed, with no intention of remarrying, despite being eligible and a social catch. As a businessman, he was aggressive and practical, but SR’s kindness and sensitivity were stamped on him.
I am… it’s okay, Shazma managed. They were talking after almost three weeks, and she didn’t want to burden him with her worries.
What happened in India? he asked. What do you mean? Shazma hedged.
I don’t know. But there’s something you’re not telling me.
Shazma smiled. Why do you say that?
Because you haven’t called me even once since you returned. That’s unusual. Ma was asking too—you know nothing escapes her. Plus, you don’t sound too good.
Shazma had deliberately not called anyone back home because she didn’t want them to worry or think less of Nikhil. She could handle their fight. Reluctantly, she told him about the offer she had received while she was in India.
It’s an important role! I’m so proud of you. It’s a huge acknowledgment of your service, Vir said, clearly pleased.
Yes, but I haven’t decided yet, she said.
What’s going on, sis? he asked, concern lacing his voice.
Now, with Vir urging her to open up, she couldn’t avoid the subject much longer. He had a way of prying things out of her, so she told him as much as she could.
I know it’s a great opportunity, but Nik is just not comfortable with it… she said hesitantly. He doesn’t like his life altered, and I understand that.
But you can take up the position and still spend the same amount of time with your family?
That’s what I told him. Nothing has to change—except that we’d need to create a permanent home in Bengaluru, which actually is a good thing.
Something about Vir’s concern, and the fact that everyone but her husband was happy for her, broke her reserve. She burst into silent tears.
I don’t know what to do. What if I can’t take this? she said.
The urge to see her brother and mother suddenly gripped her so hard she felt she couldn’t breathe.
Nik has stopped talking to me. He’s really upset, she said, sobbing like a little girl.
There was silence on the other end. Vir knew that Nik had always supported his sister, and that she adored him—put him on a pedestal. But this situation was different. When he finally spoke, his voice was tender.
You know, things have a way of solving themselves. You don’t need to be anything but you. And I don’t want you to overthink this situation and stress out.
Shazma nodded, wiping her eyes and cheeks dry with the back of her hand. Suddenly, she became aware that she was in a public space and had cried unabashedly. But no one was looking in her direction. She took a big sip of her tea.
It was now cold.
Give him time, Vir said. It’s a game-changer for him. He’ll understand. And you guys will work it out. I know it.
Yes, said Shazma. I’ll do that.
I can talk to him if you want, he offered.
He and Nikhil were friends and had mutual respect for each other, but she asked him not to pursue that idea further. She didn’t want Nik to think she had complained to her brother behind his back. It would only make their situation worse.
Okay then. I’ll call you tomorrow, said Vir. Don’t worry. Believe in the magic! She could almost hear him smile.
How do you do that? she asked. Do what?
Make everything around you so simple and beautiful, so peaceful and easy, Shazma said. Simple and easy, that’s me, he said.
Magical! That’s you! she replied.
When they hung up, Shazma finished her tea in two gulps, paid the bill, and went out to the parking lot. As she started the engine, she remembered the sign at the bus stop:
Thank you for giving way.
Vir was always there for her. She was convinced that she had known him from a previous lifetime—maybe from the great beyond.
Book: The Stars Light The Way; Author: Sucheta Raj Khanna; Publisher: Penguin Enterprise; Pages: 288; Price: Rs 499
Banner image by Mike Chai: https://www.pexels.com/photo/time-lapse-photography-of-people-walking-on-pedestrian-lane-842339/
