Many-Splendoured Love/Just One Minute: Difference between revisions

Saamant had not heard any of it. He was standing there stunned. His eyes were not moving from the young woman doing Kathak dance. “ It surely is Manda. How beautiful she looks”, he mused.

Manda went back into the tent after finishing the dance.  On one side a few chairs had been placed for the artists to sit. Michael hugged her right away, congratulating her. “ There were so many claps. You heard them, right? You really are teriffic, you know”, he said. Manda had held on to his hand, and had thanked him with a lot of feelings in her eyes.  

When Manda turned around she saw two men standing there, looking at her. There was a long table separating them with where she sat. She could not recognise either of them right away. But one of the men said, laughing menacingly, “How are you, Bhabhi? My sister-in-law from before. Did not recognize us yet? I am Keny. And you forgot even this Samy?” He nudged Saamant, “ Arre, say something at least.”

Her father had asked her on phone, “ You are not making a very fast decision, right, Manda? Are you sure this Saamant is good?”  

After a simple wedding, they were to leave for Michael’s home, and settle amidst beautiful hills. Before going away that far, they wanted to meet Manju.bahen and Shaymu.bhai once more. During that time, again there was a big public programme planned by the Indian Association. Shyamu.bhai had coaxed Manda to present a dance there. He said, “My dear, before you go far away from us, let us have a chance to see your talent one more time.”  

Manda was shaking. She held on to her head with both hands. She felt like it was spinning. Where was she? Back in that apartment? How long does it take to recall everything from those three and a half months that were very difficult to pass? Days? Hours?  

Saamant shook his head without turning towards them, and for the very first time,  to his real friend Kanti he said no - firmly.

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