Chapter 03

MURALI

Murali wiped his wet hair with a Turkish towel. A warm shower relieved his fatigue. It soothed his body. He strode to his closet and ran his eyes on his clothes. Wearing formal clothes had been boring for the last couple of weeks. He picked up his pale blue Levis jeans and dark green shirt and put them on. He combed his messy hair, sprayed almond cologne, and rubbed a jasmine talcum powder on his fair face.

His mind was filled with his mother, Payal, who didn’t return home last night. He had expected she would return and he had waited until almost midnight to see her.

He peeped into her bedroom. She wasn’t there. What has happened to her?

Murali vaguely knew she had been dating someone after his father died in an accident. He wanted to confront Payal about the matter but didn’t dare to do so. He wanted his brother, Vasudev, to support him to stop her from seeing her 'date'.

But Vasudev took his mother’s side; he remained silent when Murali asked him why Payal returned late in the night. Murali had guessed that Vasudev took her side because he wanted to inherit the property which Payal had owned. Payal inherited a twenty-acre farm and several plots in the prime location of the city from her father. Unlike Murali, Vasudev was greedy. He would do anything to amass wealth and become the property owner.

Murali went to the living room. Vasudev, clad in his formal office attire, was seated on the couch. His dark-medium sized green eyes sparkled as he looked into Murali's eyes. His clean-shaven fair face with an invisible neck shone in the fluorescent lights.

The wall clock showed at half-past eight. Murali decided to spend another few minutes with Vasudev and would talk about his mother before he left for his office.

“Good morning.” Murali sat beside him.

“Hi, brother.” Vasudev straightened himself. “Very good morning.”

“Did Mum call you?”

“Um...No.” Vasudev looked away.

Murali couldn’t believe Vasudev as he often lied about his mother’s whereabouts. He would go any distance to protect Payal. Murali didn’t want to argue with him and spoil his fresh mood.

“Do you know where she stayed last night?”

Vasu pressed his lips. He remained silent for a few moments. "I don't know, but why are you so worried about it?"

"We should know where she sleeps in the night, correct? I'm sure Mum must have told you where she spends her night."

"Um… I am not sure," Vasudev mumbled.

"Yes, tell me. Where does Mum go?"

"No, I don't know," Vasudev snarled. "Please don't ask this question again."

It was better for Murali to talk to his mother in the evening. He would be wasting his time if he continued asking Vasudev.

Murali went to the living room closet and chose his shoes. “Alright. See you later.” His heart pounding in his ribcage, he swung the door open and left, banging the door behind him.

He slid behind the wheel and headed down the main street, contemplating. If his father were alive, Payal wouldn’t behave so irresponsibly. How dare she date someone when he and Vasudev were yet to marry? What would his family friends and relatives say about them?

Payal never cared for the rumors as she came from an affluent family. Murali’s father dated her before he married her in spite of his parents’ opposition. Payal belonged to a different caste and she hailed from upper India. She too defied her parent’s advice and got married. Murali had hardly met his grandparents as they never showed any affection towards him and Vasudev.

He needed to tell his mother to stop seeing her 'date'. If she continued spending her nights outside, he would move away to his new flat which he had bought a few months ago.

*****

At his office, Murali parked his car, took his backpack, and then walked briskly towards the office's main entrance along with a few other employees to punch in on time.

The workplace was brightly lit with fluorescent lights. The employees were seated in their cubicle, with their eyes glues to the computer. A few, holding the edge of their cubicles, discussed a technical subject. A smell of lavender room freshener filled the surroundings.

Murali's glance shifted to his manager’s cubicle. Vikram was already in and was speaking over the intercom. Murali needed to meet him but decided not to disturb him; instead, he went to his desk, placed the backpack on it, and turned on his computer.

The system booted and it listed the new email messages. One of them was from Vikram. Murali clicked on it and read the subject. Vikram had scheduled one-on-one at ten o’clock. The subject mentioned was about a forthcoming new project.

Vikram had hinted to Murali a week ago that the marketing team had clinched a project dealing with the state government to automate their manual operations.

Murali heaved a sigh of relief, for it had been difficult for him spending time without any assignment after he finished executing a project successfully a fortnight ago. No doubt, Vikram was impressed with Murali’s performance and he chose him as a team leader for the forthcoming project.

His mind was filled with what Vikram had said about his good performance. Vikram had told Murali the management was considering his name for a promotion that financial year-end. Murali’s colleagues often praised him for his gentle nature and unbiased performance appraisal. He hoped he would execute the new project successfully as he had done before. I should work hard to make the project a success.

Murali missed his father’s support and encouragement. His brother Vasudev remained secluded and spoke less with Murali. His self-centered attitude annoyed him.

Murali’s only inspiration came from his friend, Prakash. After his father’s death, he strengthened his friendship with Prakash; they often spent their evening time at clubs and bars.

He read the remaining emails about the project from his colleagues. His glance shifted to the system clock at the lower right corner. Another fifteen minutes remained before the one-on-one. He replied to his colleague’s messages and then went to the meeting room.

He pushed open the door; Vikram wasn’t inside. Murali dragged a chair, sat across the table, and waited for Vikram. He needed to find out how many programmers he would need for the new project and its duration. Should he hire new programmers or work with the previous team? He hoped Vikram had planned to discuss all the details in the meeting.

The door opened. Vikram, holding a laptop, entered, forcing a smile. He looked handsome in his blue striped shirt and dark blue pants. His medium, slimly built body matched with his height of about six feet. His fair, square, and neatly shaven face shone in the milky white lights. His wide forehead just below his black hair stood out from the rest of his facial features.

He placed the laptop on the table. “Hi, Murali.”

Murali’s chest lightened. Vikram appeared rather jovial.

“Hello, Vikram.” Murali tried sounding cheerful.

“Did I keep you waiting?”

“No. I too came a few minutes ago.”

Vikram sat opposite Murali. “How is Falguni? Is she recovering?”

Murali’s heart sank. He hadn't told Vikram that Falguni’s had died. His conscience had not allowed him to talk about the matter over the phone.

He drew in a heavy breath. “She is no more, Vikram.” Murali tried to control the tears flowing down his cheeks. He stared down for a while until he regained control over his emotions.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Vikram remained silent for a few moments. He scooted towards Murali and placed his hand on his back. “I know it's a great loss for everyone. But you need to move on, Murali. I pray God to rest the departed soul in peace.”

Murali coughed. “I somehow-”

“I know you’ll find it difficult to cope up with your situation. You suffered a loss when your father died and now, it’s your friend who is no more. I suggest you be mentally strong as you need to think about your future.”

“I know, Vikram. I should move on.”

Vikram opened the laptop and stared at the screen for a few moments. “I once again congratulate you on your performance in the previous project. I received very encouraging feedback from your team members about you. They say the application worked well without bugs because of your well-thought software design. You really did a commendable job, Murali.”

“Thanks for the compliments. I share the success with all my team members because they also contributed equally to make the release a success.”

“Now, I have good news for you. The project I spoke about a few days ago is assigned to me. And I want you to handle it with your team members.”

Murali’s chest lightened. Vikram believed in his strengths; In spite of the loss of Falguni, Murali needed to keep him contented by working hard and executing the project successfully.

 “Thanks for having faith in me, Vikram,” Murali said. “I am sure my team will make the project a success.”

“I know you’re confident. This project is a bit larger and has some complicated modules. You may need a couple of extra programmers who are skilled in the relevant field.”

Murali nodded. “Sure. We will plan to hire good techies before we start the work.”

Murali discussed the new project details and its duration. Vikram told him his programmers should start learning the new technology to be used for the project. He said he would convene another meeting with all the team members and discuss the schedule.

*****

It was just before seven in the evening; Murali wished to leave for home. Before leaving, he needed to meet Vikram and talk about hiring new programmers. He went to Vikram’s seat. He wasn’t there; his cubicle light had been switched off. Murali took his backpack and walked out of the office.

The sky was clear. The orange sun was descending on the horizon, making the sky tinted with a pale reddish hue. A flock of pelicans in ‘V’ pattern flew towards the west. A shrill of parrots, mynas, and crows from a nearby neem tree filled the surroundings.

Murali slid behind the wheel, started the engine, and headed down the main street. His mind was filled with his brother and his mother. He needed to talk to Payal about her 'date' and would ask her to behave properly. He hoped Payal would listen to his advice.

He parked his car in the home garage, heaving a sigh of relief. Payal's and Vasudev's vehicles were parked on the premises. Murali stepped onto the porch, rang the doorbell, and waited for someone to open the door. The smell of jasmine, roses, and wet soil hit his nostrils. The greenery of the nursery plants and colorful flowers soothed his eyes.

The latch sounded. Vasu opened the door and forced a smile. He retreated back to the living room, holding the TV remote.

Payal was seated on a smaller couch; she looked jovial, but her face grew pale after Murali stared at her for a few seconds. She shifted her gaze back to the TV.

In her pale maroon salwar kameez, Payal looked beautiful. Her chubby cheeks were prominent on her fair, oval face. Her deep-set, dark, almond-shaped eyes along with a long nose and prominent chin enhanced her beautiful looks. The lipstick applied on her open, Cupid's bow lips glittered in the fluorescent light.

Murali removed his shoes and hung his jacket in the closet. He needed to be gentle with Payal while he spoke about the matter and shouldn’t hurt her.

He exchanged a few pleasantries before they sat in silence. It was an ideal time for Murali to talk to Payal. He cleared his throat. “Mum.”

Payal, seemingly settled after their small talk, turned to him. She looked at him with a questioning expression.

 “Where were you last night?” Murali tried not to sound loud.

Payal darted her gaze between Vasudev and Murali. “Well-” she stumbled for words.

Murali realized she wasn’t confident in talking about her affair, but he needed to persuade her to confess her love. He needed to bring his family dignity back.

“Tell me, Mum. I would like to know where you were last night.”

Payal stared at Vasudev. Perhaps, she wanted him to answer for her. Vasudev reduced the TV volume and turned to Murali. “Mum spends her nights with her close friend. Why does that bother you?”

Murali had seen Payal with her man at her home. It was a month ago when Murali came home from his office for lunch. Payal had introduced the man as her distant relative. Murali believed her, but he grew suspicious after Payal started spending her nights outside.

“May I know who that friend is?” Murali turned to Payal. “Yes, tell me, Mum. Who is that friend with whom you’re spending your nights?”

Payal’s face reddened; she knotted her brows. “Murali, behave yourself. I don’t want to hear any more words from you.”

“Why? Is it-”

“Murali,” Vasudev grimaced. “It’s none of our business to ask Mum all those details. We are adult enough to do whatever we like to.”

“Don’t you think Mum is putting us in trouble by sleeping with someone?” Murali asked.

 “Murali,” Payal said. “Don’t talk rubbish, okay.”

“You are making our future insecure. How can we seek the girls for our marriage if you misbehave, Mum?” Murali turned to Vasudev. “We can’t walk in the society with our head held high.”

Payal rose to her feet. “I told you already. I don’t want to listen to you anymore.” She stormed to her bedroom, her feet thumping on the floor.

“Brother,” Vasudev said. “Don’t take this seriously. Let Mum live her life.”

“But it is affecting my personal life, Vasu. I'm ashamed to go outside and meet people. And I’m not able to concentrate on my work because of what she is doing.”

“Don’t worry. You‘ll get adjusted to the situation when it becomes routine.”

“I don’t think I can tolerate all this, Vasu.”

“What are you going to do then?”

Murali stared down contemplating. He didn’t want to further confront his mother any longer. He needed to change himself instead of insisting others to change. One can’t change others.

“I am moving my stay to my new flat. I want peace of mind so that I can work efficiently.”

Vasudev remained silent. He seemed not to hinder Murali’s plans.

“I can’t live here and spoil my mood," said Murali. "I am leaving this coming weekend.”