ACCEPTING 'US'

40.

Shyam wanted to join some work but Devamma silenced him with a sharp gaze. She was very much worried about his health all these days and now he is feeling better. That doesn't mean he would immediately join work and get tired. She wants him to rest at least until the panchayat is over.

" Fine I will stay home as you insist " he said sarcastically leaving home when Devamma was preparing to go for work. She sighed knowing that her son will not stay home unless his legs are tied.

Devamma was very much happy and relieved knowing that the money was arranged but she didn't know that it was not the full amount. She went to work with extra energy and enthusiasm. She talked with people around with a smile making everyone confused. They shrugged off not caring much about it.

Sudha was at home doing her regular chores when her dadi said while cutting vegetables.

" Sudha I want to ask something " dadi said. She had been observing her granddaughter for a while now and it was crystal clear that there was some problem between her and her husband. Both of them would exchange few words but the affection between them was amiss. She would have shut off the thought as her imagination but her old age gave her enough experience to know when relationships are in rough patches.

" Sure dadi. What is it? " Sudha asked stirring the contents in the bowl.

" Is there a problem between you and shyam beta? " She questioned and looked at sudha whose movements stopped and lips formed in a thin line. She was not wrong after all.

" It's just that he...got to know about my studies and job " she whispered. Dadi handed her the vegetables which she finished cutting and stood up.

" Look sudha I can understand how you people might be suffering from staying away from each other. It's not even six months since your marriage and you people are behaving distant. Your relationship is new and it takes time to grow that bond and love between you both but it also takes necessary action from both parties which will make them understand that they are trying to stay in a relationship. So someone should break this invisible wall between you both and then see how the other person will automatically clear the coast for you. Just trust yourself sudha and try to talk to him. I am sure he is also waiting for you to close this distance " dadi said making Sudha think. What dadi said was true and deep. She was certain that someday both of them should break the ice and become one.

Shyam met his friends and explained about his financial status. Everyone was deeply thinking about something to arrange money.

" I would have helped you shyam but you know we already used all the money in the crop. I have to wait for a month or so to get but within two weeks is highly impossible " vikas said with sadness. He really wanted to help his friend but he couldn't and he was helpless.

" Even I cannot help you man. I am so sorry " Kalyan said.

" No need to apologise kalyan. I understand " shyam said. Kalyan is from a poor family. He works hard to meet ends. His father being a drunkard doesn't help him much except increasing debts in village here and there. So his hands are almost empty to help.

" I could try to help shyam. I will let you know once I check " bhairav said thoughtfully.

" That would be a great help bhairav " shyam replied.

All friends discussed casual work but somehow Shyam's mind drifted back to his conversation where sudha denied him to talk. He wanted to know her reasons and for the first time she denied him. That felt odd and strangely exciting as he was able to see her other side of personality.

.......

Days passed by and the house fell into regular chores. Shyam was rarely home trying to go into the village and ask someone who may help but after getting to know their situation it was highly impossible for him to ask for help. He always tried to be as casual as possible but they themselves opened about their financial condition warning him that they couldn't help him financially.