Surprise Mausumi Pkukan Baruah
©
Copyright 2015 by Mausumi Phukan Baruah
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“I
also love you sweet heart” Tonuj whispered before
disconnecting
the line. He felt the urgent need of smoking to release his tension.
Alone in darkness, he sat for hours. Then suddenly he decided
“enough is enough, I cannot lie forever”. He felt
relaxed. He thought “Tomorrow I will disclose my real
situation to Neha. I have to be brave”. But the very thought
of revealing the truth made him shiver even on that summary night.
Tonuj almost cried aloud, “Oh God, give me strength, please
save me this time. I promise, I will never make such mistake again
in my whole life”.
After
many years he seemed to rely totally on the power of God.
Tonuj
cursed the day when he was diverted from his path. He was such a
happy person. How could he fall into such miserable situation? But
now he cannot undo things that he dared to indulge in. He feels like
slapping himself for such condition, but a few months ago Tonuj felt
like a superhero.
Tonuj
still remembers his first meeting with Neha. That moment still
brings smile to his face. Tonuj went to Bangalore to attend a
conference. He met, many of his old friends. He felt younger. Everyone
praised him for maintaining his figure. His friend Mrinal
especially teased him “Hey Tonuj, still maintaining the
killer
look! Commendable yaar. But only the figure or the mind?”
Tonuj
laughed. As he knows Mrinal indicated his college days. Tonuj felt
so light. After many years of monotony he again felt like college
boy. He was just flooting. Maybe that night his raw of two pegs
crossed the limit. Life seemed to be full of colours. The regular
routine had killed the charm of life in his small town. He was in a
new place and his mind started flying.
Mrinal
took him to a corner and showed him the girl with blue attire.
“Hey
partner, look at that pretty thing. She seems to be interested in
you!”
“Shut
up yaar” Tonuj did not pay much attention. But, he glanced at
the beautiful girl. “Wow! Really pretty”. His voice
reflected his thoughts. That evening he couldn’t hide his
admiration for the girl as his eyes betrayed him and he found himself
looking at her continuously.
Next
few days passed with lots of enthusiasm. That girl was smart enough
to introduce herself to him. During the stay that girl paid extra
attention to Tonuj. Without knowing Tonuj found himself to be drawn
by her presence in his life. He wanted to live everymoment of this
newly found excitement. He smiled a lot, cracked a lot of jokes and
sang his favourite songs after a long time. Life seemed so full of
thrills. His friends teased him a lot.
“Aare
yaar, you are still charming to girls.” Niraj acted jealous.
Tonuj felt proud.
“Why
not? Do you think I have because dull?”
“Honestly
yaar, tell us the secret’. Though Tonuj tried to act natural,
he couldn’t hide his pride. Without thinking deeply Tonuj
spent most of his time with Neha. They became close enough to discuss
every topic with each other. But Neha didn’t show any
interest
in Tonuj’s personal life. Tonuj also didn’t want to
discuss his personal life with her. They enjoyed every moment of
togetherness and paid no attention to the rest of the world. Sometimes
Neha asked him. “Tonuj da, why don’t you
shift to Bangalore?”
“Why
Neha? I am happy in my present condition. Why should I
shift?”
“Then,
we will be always together”. Tonuj just laughed. But he felt
happy. One month in her company made his trip memorable and full of
fun. Without knowing they became closer and started sharing emotions.
Tonuj didn’t want to become serious and when the parting time
came he wasn’t sure what made him feel so restless. But Neha
couldn’t hide her emotions and she made Tonuj promise that
they
would always be in touch.
Tonuj
reached his place and life was different. He tried to forget
everything. “After all man can make mistakes” he
assured
himself. “Everyone has the right to enjoy some moments of his
life.”
But
Neha kept calling. She couldn’t take things easily. She never
thought that Tonuj would forget her so fast. His promise has made
her believe in him. Tonuj now feels trapped. Here, Megha has become
suspicious and there, Neha seems too curious to know every detail of
his daily life.
Tonuj
has started to avoid Neha’s calls.
Tonuj
keeps telling himself that everything will be normal. Neha will
surely forget him after a few months. He loves his wife Megha very
much and his daughter is his life. Neha never asked him about his
family and he also didn’t mention about his wife and
daughter. Of course he thought Neha was a modern city girl who wanted
to spend
some carefree days with an attractive guy. He now feels guilty for
Megha. But his intention was not to have a relationship with Neha. He
only wanted to spend some nice time with her. Megha has started
enquiring about the frequent calls to his mobile. His daughter is
also complaining about his absent minded nature. And above all
Neha’s day and night emotional outbursts. “Oh, hell!
Life has become so unbearable,” Tonuj sighs.
Tonuj
curses himself. Now if he tells the truth, Neha will do something
drastic ….. So unpredictable that girl is!. And if he
continues this way, his family life will be shattered. “Oh!
God, help me” Tonuj has become the victim of his own
enjoyment.
Tonuj
has decided “enough is enough! I can’t take risk
anymore,” He changed his sim card and smiled. “At
last,
I have taken a wise decision”. He consoled himself.
Tonuj
feels relaxed. Last three days have gone without any tension. He
has promised to himself that he will never act so carelessly again in
his life. He has planned a holiday trip for Megha.
Tonuj
feels relieved. He has planned that on this anniversary, he will give
his wife a lovely gift. “My God, life can make you do so many
nasty things.” Tonuj feels pain for the girl, but what can he
do?
He
suddenly remembers that he has to go home early. Today his wife
Megha’s cousin will come to their house for the first time.
He
hasn’t met this cousin of Megha and Megha is very much
thrilled
for her visit. “Tanu, please be early, otherwise I will be
very
much hurt.”
Tonuj
has left his office whistling. After many days his mood is normal
now. He has gone to the market and brought a fresh bunch of roses to
welcome Megha’s cousin. Megha will be so happy.
Tonuj
had reached home and heard the giggles of ladies. He smiled and
opened the door. Megha shouted with happiness “Oh my God, You
have come. Meet my lovely sister.”
Tonuj’s
jaws dropped and his smile vanished as he extended his hand to
welcome his wife’s cousin.
“Oh!
I am Neha.”
The
girl offered her hand and looked deep into his eyes.
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