11 Hours

by Daniel Paul Singh

  “Are you happy with her?”

  “Of course, why?” I was startled by her question.

  “I hope you guess the meaning of ‘happy’ here.”

  “Oh, that happy. I do, I do.” I wanted to vanish at the snap of a finger, given a choice.

  Nothing could get more awkward than discussing your bedroom stories with your parents! Of course, I was not going to tell her that I had several packets of condoms hidden away in my shelf.

  “I wonder what you both were doing all these days then.” my mom contemplated further, much to my annoyance. I didn’t encourage any further conversation and left the place.

  Undoubtedly, Indian parents are typically orthodox. They would neither allow us even to watch a smooch scene on TV, nor are we allowed to read or discuss sex. Needless to say, porn movies are banned. But the minute you are married, you are suddenly expected to become a sex expert and father a kid within ten months of wedlock. My parents were no exception.

  Diana and I had discussed before our wedding that we needed to spend some time with each other to understand ourselves better, know our preferences and embrace our differences before we stepped into parenthood. Since both of us were of the same opinion, it helped us to bond better.

  I was returning from office one day when I got a frantic call from Diana.

  “Where are you?” she questioned.

  I had just parked my bike then.

  “I am on the way, Gubbly. Why? What do you want?”

  “Come home, soon! I can’t stay anymore in your house. Find me a hostel immediately. I will live there alone.” she started to weep bitterly.

  No matter how much effort men put in, they can never comprehend how and why women react to particular situations in a certain way. I was facing one such moment. I had no clue why Diana was crying bitterly, and why she sounded so desperate. With several thoughts racing in my mind, I rang the door bell. I saw a gallery of slippers lined up outside and sensed that we had guests.

  As I entered, I found Diana’s parents sitting in the hall. I welcomed them, excused myself and went into our room, really confused and anxious. Diana had locked herself in the bathroom. I closed the bedroom door and called her out. I was surprised to see her wet cheeks and swollen eyes. I guessed that she should have cried for quite a long time to be in that state of agony. Before she could say anything, I hugged her to comfort her.

  “Find me a hostel. I can’t stay here anymore. Definitely not with your mom!”

  “Wait, Diana. Relax! Don’t cry and don’t talk like this. Tell me what happened.” I hugged her even more tightly.

  “Do you know what your mom told me? Do you know what she said to my parents?” she wept bitterly.

  It was hard to console her as she sobbed incessantly. I knew I couldn’t get to know anything from her at that stage. I asked her to rest and walked out to the hall where the family had gathered. I pulled a chair and sat amidst our parents. To my surprise and relief, they were talking casually. I felt as if a war zone had suddenly transformed into a tranquil garden after I had entered home. It would have been difficult for anyone to believe that something had gone wrong a few minutes before.

  Seeing me confused, Diana’s dad began to brief what had happened.

  “Nothing much to worry, Rob! We were just discussing about you guys, and Diana got upset, that’s all.”

  I was shocked. Diana was crying her heart out in the room, and here, they were all being so cool about it! I was desperate to know what exactly happened.

  “Your mom was telling how Diana was wearing tight jeans to the office during night shifts, and how that is quite risky these days. Then, Diana’s mom was saying how you had made her cut her hair.” he sighed disappointedly.

  I looked at my mom. My mom was in no mood to even look at me. She stared at the wall and was clearly disinterested in any further conversation. My dad interrupted.

  “Misunderstandings do happen. It just happened unintentionally. Let us all forget it.”

  Diana’s mom spoke her share now, “You were the one who made her cut her hair. Is that how a married woman behaves? Wearing such tight pants and cutting hair like sluts?” Her blatant questions shook me.

  “It was not just my decision. It was our decision. I gave her the freedom that she lacked in your house.” I tried explaining to Diana’s mom when her dad came to my rescue.

  “Don’t talk about it, Jesse. Even in college, she wanted to have short hair, and she used to wear jeans. But, I too feel it is not right to do all this after marriage.”

  ‘Modernity is not in the attire,’ Diana’s words kept lingering in my mind.

  Then, Diana’s dad spoke to my mom, “Just today, I came to know that even you are against her wearing modern clothes. I thought you did not mind that at all.”

  My mom didn’t reply. I didn’t know what to do. I was caught in a complex web, an entangled web, so fragile that I could neither escape from it, nor break it open. I kept silent as I felt that was the best thing to do when in doubt.

  “Instill some wisdom in your daughter’s mind.” my mom told her dad.

  He nodded grimly, and they decided to leave. We all stood up for prayer and called out to Diana. Diana’s dad dutifully advised his daughter to behave as my mom pleased. Just then, my mom retorted, “Ask her to apologize to me.”

  “Why?” I questioned.

  “She screamed at me and asked me to leave the home.” my mom fumed.

  That was when I started realizing the gravity of the situation. I sank down on the sofa. It was all too much on my face in one go. I couldn’t think clearly, so I chose not to react either. Never even in my dreams did it occur to me that Diana, of all people, would be so disrespectful to elders. From what I had known of her so far, she was the softest and the most obedient girl I had ever come across. Diana’s dad insisted that she apologize to my mom, but she kept refusing vehemently. Finally, she ran into the bedroom once again in tears and slammed the door.

  Without much choice, Diana’s parents departed solemnly. I still didn’t have the strength to move from the sofa.

  “Did she really tell you that, Mom?” I asked genuinely hoping to hear a ‘NO’.

  “You heard me well. That little wimp told me exactly what I said. How old is she? To disrespect me like that and having the audacity to ask me to go away from MY own home! Who the hell does she think she is?”

  I tried to calm her down in vain.

  My mom then narrated what had transpired between all of them while I was not there.

  My mom was complaining to Diana’s mom about her dressing for late night shifts when Diana suddenly lost her temper and wanted to leave our house. My mom had authoritatively asked her to go in, and she had retorted this way in the spur of the moment.

  I didn’t know how to react. I looked at my mom. She was quite shaken by the time she finished explaining everything to me. She could not take a word from Diana or anyone anymore. I hugged her.

  I tapped our bedroom door, and Diana slowly opened it. She was still crying. So, I did not want to shout at her.

  “Whatever could have happened, you still shouldn’t have spoken this way to my mom. There should be no compromise in respecting elders. Don’t you think it is inappropriate to talk the way you did? I want you to apologize. How would you feel had I said the same to your parents in your house? Will that be fair?”

  “Rob, there is only so much I can take in. Not anymore. Now, listen to me. You decide whether you want your parents or me. If you want to choose your parents over me, then find me a hostel. I cannot live in hell for the rest of my life.”

  “What the heck? What did they even do to you to take such a strong step? Do you want me to shout to bring some sense to you? My mom doesn’t want you to get into trouble. You are returning late from office, you never know what will happen. Why are you behaving this way?” I wasn’t sure what I was talking, but I had to.

  “I have to be presentable at my workplace, Rob. What is wrong in it? W
hat’s wrong in wearing a jean?”

  “Nothing wrong in it, but modernity is not in the attire, remember?”

  “Come on!”

  “Diana, you know what my mom told when you cut your hair. She said it suits you very well and makes you look good. More than me, she admired your new look. I am pretty sure if she is saying something like this, there should be some reason behind it. Could be that the list of serial killings and rapes happening in the city is troubling her. Why don’t you think in that angle?”

  “Nobody is going to rape me in my office!”

  “Most of the rape victims are attacked by people whom they know well, like cab drivers and stuff. Take the case of Nirbhaya.”

  “That’s the problem with the society, Rob! The problem is with your eyes, not in the dress I wear! Even in the case of Nirbhaya, it is the rapist’s cheap attitude that cost her life. Not her attire. Everyone victimizes the woman and asks her to hide behind doors rather than hang the convict to death immediately! When will we start addressing the criminals directly rather than make women a victim for someone else’s crime?”

  “I am not asking you to not wear modern clothes. Wear it, flaunt your body, but remember, there is no replacement for elegance. From what my mom told, it was clear that she is genuinely worried about the timing in which you are wearing the costume, not the costume in itself. Be a roman when you are in Rome. Above all, I will get you good salwars and tops. You will look classy in that.”

  “I am still not convinced why I should change.”

  “Well, then sit down and think calmly. I hope you have something called as brain. Think what I will do if someone kidnaps you or rapes you someday!”

  “Rob, what are you even talking?”

  “You first apologize to my mom.”

  “That I can’t.” Diana was adamant.

  I did not know what to say. My mom had been the most important person all my life. Like any other son, I loved her the most and respected her the most. When someone talked to my mom that way, I would lose my cool and would beat the pulp out of that person. But that day, it was different. I couldn’t even bring myself to scold Diana. I couldn’t even bring myself to slap her. I was trying to talk sense into her. I was growing up. In a fight between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, the best thing a son could do is to not take sides and not get involved.

  “Diana, listen to me… Do this for me, just this once at least. Apologize to her immediately. She is an elder, and we are a family, remember? These things sometimes happen, unintentionally. I am asking you to apologize for behaving badly to an elder, which was definitely not the right thing to do and you know it!”

  “I won’t!” Diana screamed at the top of her voice.

  I didn’t know what to do. I knew for sure that what Diana did was wrong. No matter what, she shouldn’t have disrespected my mom. I felt dejected and was quite tired by now. I just sank down on the bed.

  After a few minutes, a hand fell on my chest, and Diana turned me towards her side and kissed me. “Okay, I will apologize, and that will be just for you. But when I am back, I will find myself a hostel and vacate this house.” she got up from the bed, unlocked the door and went straight to the kitchen. She apologized to my mom, and then to my dad too, and again rushed back to our room and fell on the bed, crying.

  I went to my mom who was still in the kitchen and said, “Mom, Diana has apologized. Shall we forget this whole incident and make peace with each other?”

  “I am in no mood to forgive anyone.”

  “Mom, come on now!”

  “It was not a heartfelt apology, Rob! You know it. You both will never understand that all that I do and ask is for your good!”

  ”I know, Mom! I don’t know why she behaved that way. I am sorry.”

  “Had I talked this way to my mother-in-law, your dad would have beaten the pulp out of me.”

  “Mom, I do not believe that hitting a woman is the sign of being a ‘Man’, and you taught me that, by the way. I am just following your teachings.”

  “I know, but the Bible also says, ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’!”

  “She isn’t a child.”

  “But you treat her like one, Rob. If not for you, I would have shifted back to Trichy the moment she asked me to leave. Why should I sit here and listen to all this at my age when you are not even defending me in front of her?”

  “I did defend you, Mom! I promise on her behalf that she wouldn’t wear such clothes late in the night. And I apologize again on her behalf.” I huffed.

  “I can never forget this Rob, remember that.” my mom said and continued to cook. I felt bad for her. I couldn’t find a genuine reason for that weird behavior of Diana. I sat at the dining table. My dad was already seated there, having his dinner.

  “Sit down and eat. You must be hungry.” my dad spoke calmly to me.

  “Dad, I don’t know...”

  “You don’t have to say anything. Every family has its fights, and it is not new to anyone that the mom-in-law and daughter-in-law fight top them all. Just keep silent. All will be well soon.”

  “I am not sure what to say. When will mom become normal?”

  “That may take few days. Maybe, we both should take a break and go to Trichy and let you guys live alone for some time in peace, and more importantly, in privacy.”

  “Nothing like that, Dad! I need all of you. I am dependent on all of you. Just don’t talk about leaving us now.”

  “Let’s see.” he said blankly ignoring my pleading eyes.

  “You should have been here and listened to how Diana screamed. The entire block would have heard that. How true is the saying that the softest ones make the loudest noise! Even I was baffled, Rob.”

  “I am sorry, Dad. I will ensure that does not repeat ever again.” I begged.

  “Make sure your mom doesn’t go through this again.” he told me firmly.

  I was pretty sure that it was going to take quite some time and a lot of effort from my side to pacify my mom.

  Diana and my mom’s relation got strained since that incident. They almost stopped talking to each other. The house was a mess for nearly a week after this. Diana was still adamant about finding a hostel nearby. But, I took a firm stand on that issue and never obliged to her plea of living alone. Diana slowly accepted the truth in what my mom had said.

  In accordance with Murphy’s Law, bad times don’t come alone. When one thing goes wrong, the rest of your world crumbles down along with it too! My life was no different to this theory.

  Two weeks later, Diana was visibly upset and was longing to talk to me when I returned home. I saw her sullen face and hoped with all my heart that there was no more disagreement in the house again while I was away.

  “Any problem with anyone?” that was the first thing I asked. “No.”

  There was no emotion left in her face.

  “Then, why do you look so dull and disturbed?” I was worried. “I am not sure how to say it.”

  “Just say it.” I insisted impatiently.

  “Rob, I am afraid I am suffering from cancer.” she uttered in an

  emotionless tone with a dreaded concern buried within. ₪ ₪ ₪

  Part 2

  The Crush

  Chapter 9 Deal for Diana I was concerned with the message to ‘Find Brindha’ from the unknown number and dialed to it, hoping to find a lead to save Diana.

  “Hello” I uttered and waited in patience.

  “Hello” a male voice said from the other end in an enthused tone.

  “Who... Who are you?” I trembled.

  “Relax, Mr. Robin!” he talked as he if he knew me well.

  “How do you know my name?” I wasn’t comfortable with the call.

  “Huh... I know everything about you.” He boasted.

  Silence. An uncomfortable pause ensued as I waited anxiously for the stranger to continue.

  “I know that you went out from your office this evening to the Kolkata chat shop nearby, and
had a pani poori and a pav bhaji. I know that you returned home at 8.30 PM. I know that you were planning for an anniversary gift for your wife. I also know about the girl in the next street inviting you for sex. I know that you waited for your wife with bated breath near your apartment gate by 10.45 PM, and I am aware that right now you are standing at her office.” he finished.

  I was stunned. Even the slightest thought of someone watching me all through the evening sent shivers down my spine. I wondered how he knew everything about me. He should have sent someone to follow me all along. I also guessed he might have tapped into my browser. I knew it could be done, but was shocked to know that I was subjected to it. Oh and my browser history, Heck! I stood frozen and speechless while he continued.

  “Are you still on the call Robin?” he asked in a chilling tone.

  I was thinking hard on who it could be and what gain he could have in tracking me. I gathered some courage and spoke.

  “Who are you? What do you want?”

  “You want all the answers so quickly, don’t you? Have some patience.” He said in his measured tone.

  “Bloody tell me who you are now!” I lost my cool.

  “Do you think it’s so easy? I have waited for this day for the past six months. Six months, Mr. Robin! That’s a long time, right? I would naturally expect you to wait for some time.”

  The stranger was taking it too far.

  “Why are you doing this to me?” I implored.

  “Because I need my reward” I could hear a faint smile at the other end.

  I wasn’t sure who he was and why he had been waiting for this day for six months. Even though at the back of my mind I guessed that he should have kidnapped my wife, I couldn’t bring myself to ask him about it on his face. I wasn’t someone who would cross path with anyone at any point of time. I had not even got myself into a fist fight. With that being the case, I couldn’t think of any incident that would warrant my wife to be kidnapped.

  “What reward? How much ransom do you want?” I asked.

  “How much can you give?” he shot back.

  “Everything I have is for my wife. Take everything, leave her.” I pleaded.