The Dream

Chandy sat back in his chair. His eyes were half closed as he gazed at the city skyline out of his office window. It had been a good day. After all the stressful events over the  past few weeks, success had come. And it had come big time. The CEO was excited at what Chandy had presented. It was a great breakthough. The CEO heaped praises on Chandy and his team. And this was no mean feat, considering the CEO was a man of few words. And in the midst of the euphoria had come the excited call from the doctor in Penang. It was excellent news. Everything was going right. This could be the time to tell her. He picked up his phone. He had to share this with Malini now.

The phone rang and rang. She didn’t pick it up. She’s probably having a nap, Chandy though, as he hung up.

***

It was nearly dark when he pulled into the driveway. The house was dark. He rang the doorbell, while opening the front door. What a lovely surprise it would be. She knew Malini would be happy. He  walked into the living room. Everything was dark, but he could hear the TV upstairs. He padded up the stairs. The living room was a mess, dirty clothes and shoes everywhere. Leftover food on the coffe table. And a bad odour emanating from the kitchen.  This was unusual!

“Malini! I need to talk to you,” he exclaimed, bubbling like a little boy.

“Shhhhh….. “ she waved him off, not taking her eyes off the mega-serial scene.

Chandy sank into the sofa beside her. He watched the scene for a few moments.

“Malini,” he began.

“Shhhhh…. Just go away ok? I’m watching this.”

Chandy gave up. He went in for his shower. The sight of the bathroom infuriated him. Wet clothes everywhere. Some stinking, obviously having soaked for days. But Chandy quietly cleaned it up. Then he showered, and by the time he dried up and changed into his comfortable shorts and t-shirt, he had cooled down. He walked into the TV room just as the serial was ending.

“It’s been a week since you came home. And now, you walk in late and won’t leave me in peace to watch my show ? So what is so urgent you have to interrupt me?” Malini raised her voice in irritation.

“Well, I was trying to call you from the office….” Chandy began.

“Ya, that’s what I want to know? What’s so life-and-death that you have to keep ringing home and disturbing me? Can’t it wait? You are such a nuisance.”

“Listen, Malini, I was just trying to talk to you…”

“You can talk to me anytime. So do you need to interrupt my show? Doesn’t what I’m doing matter at all?”

Chandy exploded. “Listen. I just don’t know what kind of woman you are. The house is a pig sty. The bathroom and kitchen stink to high heaven. And here you are sitting all day watching serials…”

“Listen, I’m not sitting all day ok? You are the one sitting in the air con office like a Lord, and you think you can walk in here and Lord it over me? Get lost.”

And the words got harsher and louder. Until Chandy just walked out of the house.

***

Chandy sat on the park bench. It was dark and lonely. The evening had started so well. Why is Malini behaving like this? Just when the good news should be a cause of cheer, she had to throw the tantrum. What did he do wrong?

It was almost midnight when he left the park, driving slowly home.

***

Malini lay on her bed. The pillow was wet from her tears. She was angry with herself for not confronting him earlier. Kamala had told her she had seen Chandy with a woman in Penang. But even otherwise, she should have suspected something amiss. Chandy was always travelling to Penang. “Business,” he would say. How could he do this ? She had sacrificed everything to come with him. And now he was picking on her for not answering his calls, and watching a TV show. And for God’s sake, does he think she is a slave ?

***

Malini sat upright. It was incredible. She was alone in the huge theatre. It was cold. She shuddered. But she couldn’t move from her seat. And then the lights dimmed. The screen came alive. The scene was blindingly sharp. Two people…. Walking in the distance. The camera zoomed in. It was Chandy… and a girl. It was Chandy and Christine. She recognized her immediately.

Malini looked at Christine. She was pale and wearing a headscarf. Instantly everything became clear to her.

***

Malini awoke early. She sat up. Chandy was not beside her. She hurried into the living room. Chandy lay in a heap on the sofa. The comforter lying on the floor nearby. She stood near him, looking down at him. What a childlike face. He had been caring for the terminally ill Christine. She stroked his head softly.  Chandy opened his eyes and looked up at her blankly. He watched as tears welled in her eyes.

“I know everything Chandy. I’m sorry. How could I have been so stupid. I am totally unworthy of you. Please will you forgive me?”

Chandy got up and pulled her down beside her, hugging her tightly.

“Shhh. Its ok. Malini. Its ok.”

“We have to go to Penang. I have to see her. I have been stupid for far too long. Please take me to see my sister.”