The Madras Affair

by Sundari Venkatraman

  “How did you stop it, Thatha?” asked Gautam, the respect for his grandfather going up by several notches.

  “It was quite simple actually. I threatened to take her away from them. They agreed in the end since the poor child was dead against it and also thanks to her brother's support. That boy Raghavan is decent and quite modern in his outlook. He wouldn't have dreamt of standing back looking helplessly at what was happening to his sister. But I don't think he could have managed to stop his parents without my interference,” said Ganapathi. He wondered at fate that had brought life around a full circle, with his grandson falling head-over-heels for Sangita.

  A smile lit up Ganapathi's features. He mentally prepared himself for a full-scale battle. For so it was going to be if Gautam decided to marry Sangita. Her parents would never agree. But then, Ganapathi thrived on challenges.

  He looked affectionately at his grandson who had gone rather pale under his tan. “I think you'd better leave Gautam, if you want to be on time.”

  “Yes, Thatha,” replied Gautam meekly, still in shock. He wondered whether he should be grateful that Sangita's family was from South India and not the North. He put his thoughts into words. “Do you think they'd have burnt her alive on her husband's pyre if they lived in the North?” Gautam shuddered at the images his vivid imagination created.

  Ganapathi got up to put an arm around his grandson's shoulders. “Relax, son. It didn't happen. Sangita's yours, if you want her, okay? Just one request from me,” Ganapathi looked at his grandson's shell-shocked face, “Don't play with her emotions, my boy. She's been to hell and back in her short lifetime.”

  “Never, Thatha. I'll make her mine if she'll have me, I promise.” Gautam was intense.

  “That's my grandson. Make your move gently, son. Wish you luck.”

  Gautam got up from the sofa to hug Ganapathi tightly and kissed his baldpate. “Thank you, Thatha. You're an adorable old man.” He looked at the mischievous twinkle in Ganapathi's eyes and added, “At times.”

  He waved to him and calling out to Butterscotch, ran down the porch steps to get into the silver-grey Honda City and zoomed away to Children's Park.

  Sangita looked at her watch yet again. It was only 6.17. She gave a small sigh. She couldn't blame Gautam if she was early, could she? She watched Sandeep and Ramya racing each other to slide down the board. At least they were having a great time, she thought.

  “Hi there, if it's not Sangita?” A shiver danced down her spine as she heard Gautam's familiar voice. She turned around eagerly to see him standing there, holding a golden Labrador on a leash.

  “Hi Gautam, is he yours?” Her eyes lit up brightly at the sight of man and dog.

  “Yeah, meet Butterscotch, man's best friend.”

  “Woof.” The Lab shook himself before sitting down. He raised his fore paws gracefully in greeting.

  “Is he friendly?” asked Sangita.

  “Very. And he adores children,” smiled Gautam. “Are you afraid of dogs?”

  “No,” Sangita shook her head vigorously.

  “Shake Sangita's hand, Butterscotch.”

  Dog and lady shook hands solemnly before Sangita went on her knees to hug the huge, golden body. She buried her face in the dog's neck and cuddled him. It gave her an excuse not to meet the heat of Gautam's blue gaze.

  “You're so cute, you sweetheart,” she cooed in Butterscotch's ear.

  “Please don't embarrass the poor guy. No self-respecting male likes being called, 'cute',” came Gautam's voice close to her ear. He was kneeling beside her. She turned to look at him. It thrilled him to see the happiness and love shining out of her eyes.

  “Okay then, handsome Butterscotch.” She went back to her cuddling. Butterscotch enjoyed the hug as much as she did and growled his rapture.

  “Woof, woof.”

  “Lucky mutt. Never dreamed I'd be jealous of my own dog,” grumbled Gautam in a low voice.

  Wild colour rushed into Sangita's cheeks and she burrowed her face further into the dog's neck, her arms tightening around him.

  Butterscotch made a sound of protest. Gautam touched Sangita's shoulder. “I think Butterscotch's worried that you're choking him,” he said with a straight face, his blue eyes laughing. It was rather silly, but Gautam felt glad that Sangita and Butterscotch had hit it off instantaneously.

  “Sorry,” muttered Sangita, a trifle embarrassed, getting up from her kneeling position.

  Gautam stood up too. “What for?” he cocked an eyebrow. “I'm sure Butterscotch isn't, hey, fella? Are you sorry about that great big hug?” The dog shook his body delicately as he stood on all fours, wagging his tail vigorously. “See, he's quite happy.”

  Gautam looked down at her bent head. Even the drab shade of grey looked good on her, he thought.

  “Sangita.” She looked up to meet the intensity in Gautam's gaze.

  “Doggie,” squealed Ramya, pointing at Butterscotch, breaking the spell. The children ran over to the dog, arms outstretched.

  They stopped near Sangita and waited for her nod while looking at the Lab with longing in their eyes.

  “Sandeep, Ramya, meet Uncle Gautam. Butterscotch belongs to him,” she introduced.

  Gautam went on his knees beside the kids who looked at him in awe. He appeared so big. He gave them a wide smile before putting out a hand. “Hi, Sandeep,” he shook Sangita's son's hand before turning towards her niece, “Hi, Ramya,” and shook her hand in turn.

  Ramya went to Butterscotch and hugged him adoringly. She giggled her delight as the Lab licked her face exuberantly.

  Gautam was surprised to notice that Sandeep was more interested in him than in his dog. He couldn't help the feeling of deep affection that rose within him for the little boy who was the spitting image of his mother.

  He raised an eyebrow in query as Sandeep continued to stare at him in fascination. Ramya and Butterscotch were running around in circles chasing each other. Squeals of rapture and loud barks filled the air. Not distracted, Sandeep continued to study the tall man standing beside his mother.

  Darkness had fallen and the halogen lamps in the park were switched on. “Who are you?” came the soft question. Sandeep decided he liked the stranger. He wanted to know more about him.

  “I'm Gautam, your mom's friend.” Gautam put out his hand once again.

  Sandeep placed his own small one trustingly in his and indicated that he wanted the two of them to sit on the bench that was further away.

  Gautam looked at Sangita, his gaze questioning. She shrugged her shoulders in resignation, while keeping an eye on Ramya and Butterscotch. She was astonished with her son's behaviour. He was always shy of strangers, especially men. This was inadvertently due to the way Sangita reacted to strange men. But here she watched in enchantment as her son led the tall man to the park bench.

  Gautam lifted Sandeep on to the bench before sitting down beside him.

  “Are you my daddy?” asked the childish voice innocently, unaware of the disturbance he was creating in the adult's mind.

  Gautam wasn't sure that he had heard right.

  “Tell me again Sandeep, please” he requested the little boy.

  “Are you my daddy?” repeated Sandeep clearly.

  Gautam looked at the child sitting next to him wonderng how to deal with the question. He was worried about making promises without talking to Sangita first.

  “Well, Sandeep, I thought your father...”

  “Oh,” interrupted Sandeep impatiently. “I'm not talking about my Giri Daddy. He died. Are you going to be my new daddy?” he asked again.

  Gautam thought quickly. “Why, did your mom say that she's getting you a new daddy?” countered Gautam, completely bewildered. He looked at Sandeep who was quite tall for his age. He had a serious and no-nonsense demeanour as he scrutinised Gautam, looking him in the eye as he continued with his interview.

  “No, she didn't. But my Patti keeps shouting all the time that I don't have a daddy,” he confided in Gautam. “M
ummy becomes very sad when Patti says that. I don't like it when my Mummy's sad,” declared Sandeep with vehemence.

  'That makes two of us,' thought Gautam. He gave Sandeep an understanding look, glad to find that their thinking was similar. He liked the boy all the more for it.

  “Did you ask your Patti about having a new dad?”

  Sandeep nodded his head vigorously. “I asked her. She boxed my ears and told me, 'Sandeep, don't talk nonsense'.” The little boy's face fell as he recalled the incident.

  Gautam instinctively placed his arm on Sandeep's shoulder, drawing him close. After the kind of secure family background he himself had, Gautam failed to understand how a grandmother could box a five-year-old's ears.

  Sandeep cuddled close to Gautam, finding comfort in the older man's hold. “I asked Mummy today.”

  “What did she say?” asked Gautam, a mite worried about the child's reply.

  “She said 'no',” replied Sandeep dejectedly, his eyes looking at Gautam searchingly.

  Gautam looked at Sangita's son helplessly. He turned around in search of his mother. She was rolling on the ground tussling with her niece and the Labrador. Her laughter could be heard all the way here. A smile broke out on Gautam's face. He was so glad he had come over to meet them along with Butterscotch. It took him but a few seconds to get to a decision.

  Gautam lifted Sandeep on to his lap and seated him comfortably.

  “So, tell me young man, what do you want?” he asked Sandeep, man-to-man.

  “I want a daddy for my Mummy. I don't want Patti to shout at her. I don't want Mummy to be sad.”

  Gautam was in complete agreement. He nodded his head encouragingly when Sandeep stopped talking.

  “Will you be my daddy, please?” Sandeep asked Gautam. “Well, Sandeep, let me put it like this. I'd love to be your dad.” He watched the chocolate-brown eyes, so like Sangita's, light up in delight. “But, you'll have to wait for some time. I need to ask your mom first and later your Patti and Thatha. You must be patient.” Sandeep nodded his head on hearing this. “Let me do my best. In the meantime, will you look after your mom for me and not say a word to anyone? Let this be our secret,” he smiled at Sandeep, who nodded his head in agreement.

  Sandeep threw both his arms around Gautam's neck and hugged him tightly. He placed a noisy, wet kiss on the older man's cheek. “Thank you. I love you, Daddy,” he said with great trust.

  Sangita got up from her romp on the ground. Watching the man and boy curiously, she walked towards them holding Ramya by one hand. The little girl in turn was leading Butterscotch.

  “Shh,” said Gautam warningly, placing his index finger on the little boy's lips. “Not now, Sandeep, only when I tell you. Do call me uncle till then,” he insisted, much to the child's disappointment.

  Sandeep nodded his head reluctantly. Gautam placed a loving kiss on his forehead as the trio reached them. It was seven-thirty. Gautam eyed Sangita. Her hair was dishevelled; her face flushed from her exertions. He thought of the past hour and smiled to himself. He had made no progress in his relationship with her. But, he had made his acquaintance with her son and had found a trusted ally in him.

  Sangita looked at Gautam. “I think it's time for us to leave, Gautam.”

  “I guess so. Why don't I drop you guys at home? It's on my way, anyway,” he suggested reasonably.

  Panic flared in Sangita's lovely eyes. “No, Gautam.” She watched as temper blazed instantly in Gautam's gaze.

  “Why not?”

  “I don't think...”

  “Please Athai, let's go home with Gautam Uncle and Butterscotch. Say 'yes' please,” said Ramya. She didn't want to part with the golden Labrador.

  “Yeah, Mummy. Please say 'yes'. I want to go with Gautam Uncle too,” insisted Sandeep.

  She was outnumbered three to one. She looked at Gautam helplessly. He seemed to be enjoying Sangita's dilemma. “Give in, Sangita. We're too many against you. And what do you stand to lose? I do promise that my car's as comfortable as an auto-rickshaw, if not more,” he said, tongue-in-cheek.

  Sangita accepted defeat and followed the lot as they walked to the entrance. The children tripped along with the big, golden dog while Gautam and Sangita followed at a sedate pace.

  “Sangita.” She turned to look at Gautam. “Thank you for inviting me over today. I'm thrilled to meet your son. He's so like you; very handsome too.”

  She blushed in pleasure. She asked Gautam curiously, “What were the two of you talking about?”

  He avoided her direct gaze. “Oh, this and that,” he answered vaguely.

  Sangita wanted to pursue the subject but thought better of it. Her panic about going home in his car and facing her parents took precedence over everything.

  “Gautam,” her voice was hesitant. “Shall I take the kids home in an auto-rickshaw, please?” she pleaded. “I think...”

  Blue flames leapt at her as Gautam glared at Sangita. “What kind of a cad do you think I am leaving a lady with two small children in the middle of nowhere while taking off in my car all by myself?” he asked angrily.

  “But Gautam, you have to realise that my parents will be extremely upset if they see us getting off your car. They'll never approve.” She looked at him beseechingly, her eyes begging him to understand.

  “So, let them be upset. You can assure them that the children were insistent.”

  Sangita imagined her parents' reaction. “They'll never allow children to dictate on any matter, Gautam. They will only blame me. I don't want the poor kids to land in trouble.”

  He nodded as he caught on. Sandeep had told him enough about his grandmother. “Sangita, what do you think they'll do at the most? Be angry with you for a couple of days? So let them. Don't you want to go back with me?” His voice dropped to a whisper, his tone persuasive. When Sangita looked up, the blue eyes compelled her to fall in with his wishes.

  Sangita let out a long sigh of defeat. “Okay,” she capitulated.

  They were almost at the gates when he bent to kiss her swiftly on her cheek. “Lovely, darlin', you've made my day,” he said, a smile in his voice.

  She felt pleasure course through her body as she felt his lips against her cheek and saw the happiness on his face. Maybe it would be worthwhile to face her parents' wrath after all.

  Gautam opened the car with the remote, bundled the kids and Butterscotch into the back seat before opening the passenger door for Sangita. She slid in without protest. As Gautam bent down to close the door he asked softly, “Ice cream?”

  Sangita looked at her watch. 7.45. What the hell! She nodded her head and said, “Okay,” giving him a shy smile.

  During the drive, Sandeep and Ramya plied him with questions that Gautam answered patiently. Sangita tried to stop them a couple of times but Gautam told her not to worry and chattered away with the two eager children.

  He stopped the car at a large ice-cream parlour. “Now, tell me, what's your favourite?” he asked the kids. They roared jubilantly as Sandeep demanded chocolate and Ramya, strawberry. Gautam let the children and dog out of the car and turned to open Sangita's door.

  “Let me remain in the car, Gautam, please.”

  Gautam looked at her. He so wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until she forgot the very existence of her parents. His fists clenched as he controlled the urge. “What flavour?”

  “Butterscotch, of course,” she smiled at him.

  “Right, one butterscotch coming up for the lovely lady.” Gautam got out of the car and ordered the ice creams. He placed a small tub of vanilla ice cream in front of Butterscotch who lapped it up in a couple of minutes and wagged his tail for more.

  The children giggled as Gautam scolded, “No more, you greedy fellow. Patti will have my hide if you put on any more weight.”

  Silence reigned as they relished the treat while Butterscotch looked at each one of them with soulful eyes.

  The children thanked Gautam endearingly before getting into the car. Gautam dr
ove swiftly as Sangita gave him directions. They reached Sangita's home in a few minutes.

  The porch light came on as the opening of car doors could be heard from inside the house in the quiet neighbourhood. The ever curious Radha stepped outside to watch in horror as her widowed daughter came out of the passenger side of the car while the children tumbled out of the back. One could sense the extreme rage in her eyes; it seemed as if molten lava would spew from them anytime.

  To crown it all, Gautam got out of his seat to hug the children before saying, 'bye'. He turned to Sangita with a smile on his lips. Her face had paled at the sight of her mother standing on the porch, her jaw hanging wide open.

  “Sangita.” She turned to look at him, her pinched face pathetic. Gautam folded his arms tightly against his body to prevent them from going around her. “Sweetheart, please don't panic. Remember, they can't do anything to you. Any problem, call me.”

  She gave him an almost imperceptible nod before going in to face the music.

  He got into the car and drove away in a rush as he realised his presence would probably make the situation worse.

  9

  Radha waited for Sangita and the children to enter the house before closing the door quietly, the veritable calm before the storm.

  She didn't even wait for her daughter to take off her shoes before snarling, “Who was that?”

  Sangita forgot that she was all of twentyfive and mother of a five-year-old. She felt like a teenager who had outstayed her curfew. She raised frightened eyes towards her mother's furious face. She bent her head down, unable to meet the ferocity in the older woman's expression.

  “Answer me,” Radha gritted her teeth, her fists clenched, controlling the urge to slap her daughter. Didn't the girl have any sense at all? Imagine the scandal if any of their neighbours had caught the scene outside. Radha shuddered.

  Her attitude was justifiable since hers would have been the first tongue to wag if a similar incident had happened in any one of the other houses. She felt mortified that she might be at the receiving end.

  “Answer me,” she ordered threateningly, her hands biting into Sangita's slender shoulders, shaking her none too gently.