Chapter 06

MURALI

Murali, his chest constricted, stuffed his large-size piece of luggage with his clothes and books. He placed his laptop and other electronic gadgets in a smaller bag. He had spent all day putting his belongings in them; he would need another couple of hours before he finished packing his bags.

He was unsure if he could stay alone in his new flat. He had been living with Vasudev and Payal for many years and he would find staying alone difficult.

His mother, Payal, continued to stay with her 'date' during the nights. Murali had stopped arguing with her the week before. He hadn’t even told her he would move his stay. Payal would feel happy, for she could continue her love affair.

Murali needed someone’s help to get his large number of heavy books from the attic. He went to the living room to seek Vasu’s help. Vasu was reading a novel.

“Vasu,” Murali said. “Can you help me in getting some books from the attic?”

Vasu continued reading his book, evidently oblivious to the surroundings.

“Vasu,” Murali said louder and more impatiently.

Vasu adjusted his reading glasses on the bridge of his nose. He gave Murali a questioning stare.

“I need your help, please,” Murali repeated.

Vasu folded the book. “I am sorry, brother. I need to finish reading this.”

“It doesn’t take-”

“I know,” Vasu said. “Please take care of it yourself.”

Damn it! Murali hadn’t expected Vasu would behave so harshly. Is he angry over my decision to leave? Murali had told him he would stay with him only if Payal left her man and lived with dignity. And Vasu had hinted it would be impossible for Payal to leave her 'date' because she needed a friend in her life.

Murali had helped Vasu on several occasions. In return, he was getting animosity from him. Did Vasu behave so because he was influenced by Payal? But Payal wasn’t at home and Vasu should have helped him. How could he act so stubborn?

Murali's heart sank as he went back to his room, contemplating. He was doing the right thing by moving to his new flat. It was like sleeping with enemies if he continues to stay there. He wouldn’t benefit from their company.

Murali zipped the luggage and heaved a sigh of relief. He needed to freshen and relieve himself.

After a quick wash-up, he went to the living room to spend some time watching TV. He switched to the sports channel to see India playing cricket against Australia.

“Brother,” Vasu said as he placed his novel on the table. He removed his reading glasses. “You still have time to change your mind.”

“About what?” Murali raised his brows. “Me leaving home?”

Vasu nodded his agreement. “Don’t you think it’s better for you to remain with us?”

“I told you, already. I like some privacy to improve my job performance.”

“How does it affect--?” Vasudev mumbled.

 “I will be more comfortable staying alone in my new flat.” Murali controlled his urge to tell Vasu he was shifting also because of Payal’s intimacy with her friend.

Vasudev stared down. He seemed unhappy over Murali’s decision. But he was brainwashed by Payal. Also, Vasudev supported her as he wanted to become a proprietor of the wealth that Payal had inherited from her father.

The doorbell rang. Vasudev rose to his feet and opened the door. He let Payal enter.

She wore a loose-fitting cream corduroy pants and a dark purple shirt with a green, half-sleeved sweater on it. She glanced at Murali and then stared down. An awkward silence hung in the air as she removed her soft shoes.

Contrary to Murali’s expectation, she sat on the couch instead of rushing to her room. Maybe, Vasudev had informed her that Murali was leaving them.

Murali fought his urge to question where she stayed last night. The matter seemed closed to him and he didn’t want to put himself down in front of Vasudev.

Payal straightened. “I heard you’re leaving us.”

Murali nodded.

“May I know the reason?” she asked, her tone lowered.

She seemed to be unhappy over Murali's decision to move. She did love him; their only bone of contention was her growing relationship with her friend. Had she loved her husband, she would’ve avoided seeing other men. Murali hated her even though she tried to get closer to him.

“I want some privacy.”

“But-”

 “I have decided to move, Mum. I can't change my mind now.”

She looked at her sons. “I still suggest you don't leave. Don’t you think we need to stay united?”

“It’s not good as long as you spend your nights outside.” Murali grimaced.

Vasudev turned to him. “How does that affect us?”

“I already told you -”

“I remember,” she said. “I remember what you told us. You’re worried about your marriage and your prospects of getting a good bride.”

Murali swallowed. She told him correctly that he worried about his future. But how his Mum was going to solve it? He waited in silence for her to speak.

“I've seen a couple of girls from my circle of relatives who are quite good looking.” She looked at Vasudev and then back at Murali. "I can arrange for a get together so that you both can see them."

Murali heaved a sigh. She still had maintained some contacts with her distant relatives. Her friend whom she was dating also belonged to her circle of relatives.

But Murali hated marrying someone from her relations because of their carefree nature and not being orthodox. He at times thought he inherited his father’s southern genes since he believed in traditional values.

“Thanks for your support, Mum. Getting married is not the only reason why I'm moving.”

“What it is, then?”

“I need some privacy and peace of mind.”

Payal remained silent.

"You should let Vasu get married, then. I want to see him live happily with a family."

"Sure," said Murali. "Why not?"

“What are you going to do alone, then?” she asked.

“I believe in God,” Murali smiled. “I am sure he will bless me to lead a happier life.”

"Murali." She snarled. "You will not get your share of the property which I inherited from my father if you marry someone outside my relations."

Murali swallowed. He was not as greedy as his brother and he would sacrifice the wealth. "I'm not interested in your wealth, Mum. I'm earning well as a software engineer and I can take care of myself."

Payal looked at Vasudev for a few moments with sadness flowing from her eyes before she went to her room.

Murali continued looking her way until Vasudev said, “Why did you disappoint her?”

“I didn’t,” Murali said, his voice loud. “She is upset for her own reasons. I am moving from here for everyone’s good.”

Vasudev stared down. Perhaps, reality dawned on him as Murali sounded determined. But it was too late for Vasudev to switch sides.

It was just before five in the evening. Murali needed to spend some time with Prakash in a nearby restaurant before he went to his new apartment. He called Prakash and told him he would be at Kamat Hotel at five sharp.

He drove his car amidst Sunday traffic – low and leisurely. A few men walked beside the road with their partners. A few youngsters speeded their bikes past a couple of city buses, risking their lives.

Prakash was waiting in the parking lot. In his light khaki pants and a dark purple shirt with a half-sleeved sweater, he looked handsome. His fair face glittered in the orange and fading evening sunlight.

Murali parked his car and locked its doors. “Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

 “It’s okay." Prakash smiled. "I arrived here just a while ago.”

They marched towards the hotel entrance. A waiter in a white uniform ushered them to an empty table. Murali sat facing the window; Prakash took a seat opposite him, facing the hall. A muffled conversation of customers fell on Murali’s ears. A smell of spicy and hot masala food wafted in the air.

“I hope you’re feeling good,” Prakash said as he stared at Murali.

Murali nodded. “I spent time today packing the bags. It took half of the day to finish the job.”

“It’s good you kept yourself busy.” Prakash smiled.

“What about you?” Murali propped up his elbows on the table and clasped his hands.

“Well, I took my son to the community garden. He had been insisting I take him there to play with him on the swing.”

With compassion coursing through his heart Murali looked at Prakash. Prakash had lost his wife in an accident four years ago and he raised his son single-handedly. He had now got used to his solitary life; he took pleasure in raising the child.

“I know you’ll be busy looking after your son.”

“He is the only source of happiness in my life,” Prakash said, his eyes sparkling.

The waiter approached.

Murali ordered snacks – masala dosa and coffee - for both.

“I am sorry for what happened to Falguni.”

Murali stared down. He had tried hard to forget what had happened to his girlfriend.

“I am sorry for bringing up the matter at this time. I suggest you move on with your life. And don’t get discouraged.”

Prakash had been supportive of Murali, and he often helped him when needed. He had suggested he seek a psychiatrist’s help when Murali suffered from depression after losing his father. “Thanks to my friend for being concerned about me. I need your support.”

“I know you’re quite a sensitive guy,” Prakash said, his tone lowered. “I hope you’re still taking the medicines?”

Murali stared down. He had stopped taking the pills last one month.

Prakash seemingly understood Murali had discontinued the pills. “I told you many times not to stop taking the medicines. You'll put yourself in trouble if you discontinue.”

He paused and then said, “Are you prepared to stay alone in your flat?”

“That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

“But it will further worsen your depression.”

Murali couldn’t hold to Prakash’s gaze. Perhaps, Prakash was correct. But Murali needed peace of mind to concentrate on his work at his office. “My manager wants me to work hard on the new project. I need to concentrate on work and that’s possible only if I don't get distracted.”

Prakash remained silent and appeared to understand the motive behind Murali’s decision. “Alright. But I want you to see the doctor immediately and continue taking the pills. You’ll be in trouble otherwise.”

Murali nodded. He too wanted to be mentally fit and couldn’t ignore what had Prakash suggested. At times, he had helped him in making his life comfortable. He had guided him in joining a good software company and buying his new Maruti car. When Murali suffered from depression, he had referred him to the leading psychiatrist in the town. Murali should thank him for his generosity.

“I don’t mind seeing the doctor soon.”

Prakash straightened in his seat, smiling. “That’s a good decision.”

Murali ate his snacks, discussing their work, and personal matters. Murali liked to suggest Prakash see a girl and get married as he needed someone to care for his son. But he controlled his urge as he himself was not settled with a wife.

It was almost dinner time when Murali came back home with Prakash. He admired Prakash for being with him throughout the evening. Outside the home premises, Payal’s car was missing. Adrenaline rushed through his veins. Payal continued spending the nights with her 'date ' in spite of Murali’s suggestion not to.

He rang the doorbell.

Vasudev, in his white night suit, opened the door. He smiled at Prakash and backed away making room for them to enter.

They exchanged a few pleasantries. Murali placed his luggage in his car with the help of Prakash and Vasudev. He wanted to talk to Vasudev about Payal but thought it would be futile as Vasudev would lie to him. He bade him farewell and then along with Prakash, he drove his car outside the home premises.

He hoped that his new place of stay would bring him success in his personal and professional life.