Night Jasmine

Untitled Part 9

"Are you chumming? Please say no!" Vidushi asked Sanyukta.

"What? No, done with that last week, why?" came the reply.

Vidushi somehow managed to convince Anju to let Sanyukta accompany her to visit the Kuldevi temple about an hour's drive away with an assurance that she'd bring her back by evening. What with the girls having done so well in their tenth grade exams and Randhir having secured a seat in a prestigious college, thanksgiving was spiritually appropriate. Anju agreed after having giving Sanyukta some offerings for the Goddess.

As soon as Sanyukta was dressed Vidushi whisked her off to the waiting SUV with Randhir behind the wheel, accompanied by Parth. For a moment Sanyukta stopped breathing, her boy crush looked so suave in his white linen shirt, designer jeans and a pair of Oakleys. His cologne was so ethereal. As she managed to mumble a hello to the boys, Vidhushi dragged Parth into the back seat with her while she pushed Sanyukta into the seat next to Randhir. Before Sanyukta could react they were off and onto the high road.

Sanyukta's confusion cleared as soon as the traffic on the highway thinned, Vidushi was flat on her back eagerly making out with Parth, who though hesitant at first gave in to her. To say that Sanyukta was shocked was an understatement, she knew Vidushi and Parth had a thing for each other, but this way, right under her brother's nose, she wondered...Ankit would have lynched her if he had been in Randhir's place, while this guy just grinned at her reassuringly. He warned the two lovers jokingly to confine themselves to first base; firstly his sister was still a minor and secondly they were heading toward a temple!

Sanyukta just sat there embarrassed, not knowing what to say, as the car echoed their soft moans. Randhir switched on some music. He knew she was uncomfortable and tried to put her at ease by chatting with her to distract her from the passion play in the backseat. He said that Parth was an old friend and was all for marrying Vidushi in the future, and as a brother he'd rather see his sister in good hands. Besides Parth and he were going to Mumbai together so he hoped to entrust her with his sister's well-being because the two girls were so close.

Despite herself Sanyukta smiled, she noticed that the two lovers were genuine in their feelings for each other, she knew Vidushi too well. Even though she was impulsive she would not compromise herself with a casual fling in her brother's presence. And Randhir had always been overly protective; she had experienced that side of him herself. Guess it was time for all to act grown up now!

The old temple was set amidst scenic beauty and had a lake close to it. It was a serene, verdant spot. Sanyukta had never been here before. Her heart began to beat faster. This was the patron deity of the Shekhawats, usually only visited by those born into the clan along with their spouses. Was there a larger purpose to why she was here, she wondered, or was it just because Vidushi needed a chaperone? She hoped it would not be inappropriate to ask the Goddess to grant her what she truly, deeply desired!

The offerings were made and obeisance was paid. Sanyukta prayed for the well-being of her dear-ones and simply left her fate to be decided by the divine forces. Unlike the others she had no clue what her future held, and she asked for strength to deal with whatever lay ahead.

On the way back they stopped at a rustic dhaba for a simple meal of bajra roti, kachri ki chutney, gatte ki subzi and buttermilk. There was an old market nearby; as they strolled though it they came upon a shop selling antique silver jewellery. The girls were obviously excited and eagerly sifted through the trinkets. Vidushi chose several earrings and Sanyukta was quite taken up by a pair of anklets with coral and pearl set in silver. Just as she was haggling over the price a high-pitched scream caught them unawares, a pair of manicured hands grabbed Randhir by his neck and soon his lips were being sucked by another wearing apricot gloss.

Sanyukta froze as the anklets slipped from her hands, Vidushi looked highly irritated and swore under her breath. She paid for her shopping and dragged Sanyukta back to the parked car. It was a good fifteen minutes before a dishevelled looking Randhir climbed back into driver's seat, with Parth next to him. Sanyukta sat completely still as they drove back, Vidushi filling her in with details which her ears barely heard.

The femme fatale in question was Ishika Rathore who had studied in Sanawar with Parth and Randhir. Her father was an influential politician and she was crazy about Randhir, hoping to hook up with him permanently. It was obvious that Vidushi did not like her much. However Sanyukta had seen the level of intimacy and she feared the worst. She just prayed the tears that were threatening to find release would stop right there.

Mercifully they returned soon and with a polite thank you Sanyukta hurried back home, where she rushed straight to her sanctum in the backyard. As she hugged the jasmine the dam broke, she muffled her sobs but her tears flowed freely. She did not know why it hurt so much, he was free to be with anyone, and she had no claim over him whatsoever.

A pair of eyes watched her helplessly from a distance but there was nothing to be done this time. Previously it was a puppy she wept over, this time it was puppy love. Only catharsis and time could mend her, and she had to learn to be stoic, life was not going be a bed of roses for her.

He saw her splash water on her face and dry it with the end of her dupatta before she turned toward her door. His own footsteps found their way inside, he had to pack for his morning flight. He would be gone before she woke up, heading for a new life in which, it seemed, there was no place for her.