Maya's fingers traced the intricate carvings on the wooden drawer handle. A soft smile played on her lips as she pulled it open, revealing a world of memories tucked away in faded photographs and forgotten trinkets. The gentle chime of a video call interrupted her reverie. It was Rohan, her son, his face beaming on the screen from the vibrant city of Melbourne. Beside him, Maya’s tiny bundle of joy gurgled and reached out for the screen, his chubby fingers making grabby motions. Maya stared back at the screen, smiling at her beloved grandson. "Daaaaadiiiii!" the baby's voice was a sweet symphony, filling Maya's heart with an overwhelming warmth. She cooed back, her eyes sparkling with affection. Sunday mornings were their sacred ritual, a bridge across continents, connecting them through the magic of technology.
As the call ended, Maya returned to the drawer, her mind wandering through the corridors of time. A photograph caught her eye, a young Rohan, gawky and beaming, captured in a moment of pure joy on a sun-kissed beach. She picked up the album, the weight of nostalgia pulling her into a world of yesteryears. Each picture was a time capsule, a reminder of a life lived, of dreams nurtured and shattered, and of a spirit that had emerged stronger from the ashes. There was Rohan, growing from a chubby toddler to a confident young boy, his eyes reflecting the same spark of life that had ignited her own journey. And then there was her reflection, a woman transformed by adversity, her gaze holding a depth of wisdom and resilience. The album was a testament to her endurance, a chronicle of a life that had defied expectations.
Infinite memories compressed her lifetime into a single phase. Maya saw herself as a young bride. Raised in a stereotypical and traditional environment, she excelled in all domestic chores but was never encouraged to pursue a profession. According to her family, earning was a male domain as women cannot handle money. Moreover, after her father’s sudden death, Maya’s aunt got a marriage proposal for her which was hard to refuse. The boy was well settled and an only heir of his family business. Maya would be rolling in money and being the only son’s wife she would be thoroughly pampered. “Why do I have to get married now, I want to become financially independent before marriage,” complained Maya to her mother. Her mother, a simple housewife suddenly burdened with the responsibility of marrying her daughter off said, “You marry and settle down, that would be a big support to me. Alok and his family are nice people and they are eagerly waiting for the wedding to happen soon.” The weight of societal expectations and familial pressure bore down on her, and she found herself trapped in a whirlwind of events, her dreams temporarily eclipsed by the demands of the moment.
The wedding was a grand affair. Maya’s family gave lavish gifts to the groom and his family, giving them no chance to complain. Also, her uncles did not want Maya to feel deprived for being fatherless. Maya wore a silk red Benarasi saree with gold ornaments looked like a goddess from heavens . Alok in his off white sherwani looked resplendent, his handsome features accentuated by the classic attire. They exchanged garlands in the presence of family and close friends. The ceremony was filled with laughter and tears as the couple took their vows. Maya’s mother could not contain her happiness and blessed the couple with heart full of joy. Yet, beneath the surface of the joyous occasion, a flicker of apprehension ignited within Maya, a whisper of doubt that would soon cast a long shadow over their newly formed union.
Maya’s marital bliss was a fleeting mirage, evaporating swiftly under the harsh glare of reality. Her idyllic vision of a loving partnership shattered as she confronted the stark truth about Alok. His controlling nature cast a long, dark shadow over their marriage, transforming their once promising union into a gilded prison. Despite the material comforts, her spirit yearned for emotional connection, respect, and genuine affection – desires that remained unfulfilled. Alok's love was a grotesque caricature, confined to the physical realm, leaving her soul aching for tenderness and understanding. As the barren landscape of their relationship expanded, she sought solace in motherhood, her son Rohan became her oasis in the emotional desert. Yet, the private torment inflicted by her husband festered, eroding her self-esteem and plunging her into the depths of despair. Constant criticism and comparison with his other sister in laws made her feel undervalued and inferior. She was wondering if he was having an affair with any of them. Her mother was completely besotted by Alok and Maya knew that no one would believe her. Her suspicion was eating her up from inside and she had no one to share her emotional and mental state with. Alok was a clever man. He would treat her with love in front of others, but in private would taunt and gaslight her. Whenever she was with her husband, she was anxious to please and placate him. This pretentious relationship was tearing her apart from within. The weight of this emotional turmoil was a heavy burden, and she was beginning to realize that she was trapped in a loveless marriage, a prisoner in her own home.
One day, while preparing dinner she thought to herself that Alok only appreciated her cooking. He did not see her beyond her cooking skills. Alok was extremely competitive by nature and arrogant. He had scant respect for anybody who did not match up with his status, and Maya was completely his opposite. She realised that spending few years in a wrong marriage was better than spending an entire life on regret and hate. She hoped to be free from her golden shackles and for that she had to build herself as freedom came with cost. A spark of determination ignited within her, a resolve to break free from the confines of her stifling existence and embrace a life of independence and self-discovery.
Maya thought that she had to fight her own battle. She wanted appreciation and recognition which was lacking in her life. She was tired of being addressed as Mrs. Alok and craved for her own identity. After a long thought, she started tiffin services. She provided simple homemade food to office goers. Her food was greatly relished and appreciated. She started getting big orders and seeing her grow, Alok was seething with rage and jealousy. Maya was no longer the demure and docile girl whom he could order around. Her financial independence gave her courage and confidence. She was preparing herself for the future and finally when her son Rohan turned ten, she divorced Alok. Her mother was shattered by this news. She never understood what lack of compatibility meant and discouraged Maya from separating, “You have a son now. Who will take care of you both. I will not be there forever. Give some time, everything will become fine.” But Maya’s resolve to leave Alok was firm. Lack of respect and neglect etched deep wounds on her heart, their sting intensified by the realization that her dream of a loving family had been irrevocably shattered.
Life was not easy after divorce. Taunts from relatives were a constant feature and her mother showed her displeasure in every action. Maya realized that she was not welcome in her family and had to fend for herself. The city was appearing claustrophobic to her as all her relatives would not let her be in peace. She lacked the sense of belongingness and craved for a home where she could be completely herself. Her tiffin services were becoming popular and she single handedly managed everything. Maya started staying independently with her son and as years rolled by, Rohan completed his schooling and got enrolled in a medical college in Puducherry. The walls of the empty house would eat her up. Living without Rohan was proving difficult and she would often visit Rohan as frequently as possible. Rohan would constantly complain about the canteen food and how much he missed her cooking. When she was with Rohan, she would prepare the delicacies which he liked and all his friends would equally relish the food. Maya’s cooking became quite a hit within Rohan’s college circle.
After completing his course, Rohan asked Maya to relocate to Puducherry. Easy going attitude of the place appealed to both of them. A long walk by the seaside always helped Maya clear her mind. Puducherry is known as the French Riviera of the East, it has a captivating blend of French colonial charm and Indian culture. This coastal town, once a French colony, retained a distinct European flair evident in its architecture, town planning, and overall ambiance. Maya always experienced a sense of peace here. However, beyond its serene beauty, Puducherry is also known for its delicious cuisine, a fusion of French and Indian flavors and Maya wished to explore and experiment with her culinary skills and create dishes that reflected her unique taste.
Maya soon adapted to the easy way of life in Puducherry. Driven by her desire to provide wholesome food to the hostel students, she started her tiffin services. Instantly, her dishes were sought after and she gained popularity like before. When she would cook for Alok and his family, it was a duty or responsibility, but now cooking was her love, her identity. Her tiffin services helped her to create a name for herself. It fulfilled her dream for freedom. She never imagined her life to take such a turn. Her mother, now old and frail came to stay with her. Her relatives now sang a different tune. Being an eternal optimist, Maya realized that her marriage and divorce with Alok was a blessing in disguise. Life takes you where you belong, only one should have the courage to face the hurdles.
One evening, Maya was enjoying her walk by the seaside. The balmy breeze was playing with her curls as she inhaled the salty smell of the Bay of Bengal. She spotted a tiny bakery at the end of the road. The café looked inviting and she decided to pay it a visit. As she entered the cafe, she was blown away by the soothing aroma of roasted coffee beans and vanilla essence. She was pleasantly surprised to see that all the tables were occupied. Few people waited outside. A young staff was arranging chairs and tables at the front of the café, under big blue garden umbrellas. Many colourful flowers bloomed and the café gave the impression of an idyllic European cottage. After waiting for few minutes, she sat on her table which was at the farthest corner of the garden. A pleasant looking man came towards her table and asked politely, “Hi! I am Ashish, the owner. Are you new here as I have not seen you before?” Maya smiled and not wanting to appear rude answered, “It seems you know all your customers.” ‘’Yes. Mostly. This place is around for almost seven years and our cheesecakes are famous all over Puducherry.” Maya said, “ Yes, I came here about a year back. Your claims must be really true as I see almost every table with a cheesecake. I wouldn’t mind tasting it as well.” Ashish smiled and said, “Well, let this be on me. You came on a lucky day. Seven years back at this date I started this café. Today I am serving complimentary cheesecakes to all.” Maya hesitated but there was something in Ashish’s demeanour that pleased Maya. She was wary of men. She had built a wall around herself after her failed marriage. Somewhere deep within her, Alok’s attitude was like an open wound that refused to heal.
She started to visit the café quite frequently, not only because of the cheesecake. But she also found Ashish to be amiable and friendly. Maya had not seen any man like Ashish before. He was no hunk to look at. An average height, wheatish complexion with silver grey mane. Alok was way more handsome and sophisticated. Ashish was gentle and witty. Gradually, friendship developed between the two of them. A friendship based on understanding, respect and trust. Maya started getting comfortable with him and gradually disclosed her past. Ashish revealed to her, how he lost his wife in an accident and hence started Roma Café in his wife’s name. Ashish and Roma were childhood sweethearts and Roma always dreamt of opening a café.
Their friendship was very special. It was a source of unwavering support and endless laughter. Their friendship was based on respect, understanding and acceptance of each other without any expectations. The two would spend hours talking about food, music and things that interest them. Their friends thought that someday Roma’s Café and Maya’s tiffin services would merge together and become one. But that was not meant to happen as Ashish was still deeply in love with his deceased wife Roma and Maya was not comfortable with any social bondages and commitments.
After few years Rohan went to Melbourne for his higher studies. Maya never wanted to come between Rohan and his ambition. The empty house without Rohan tore her up from inside, but now she was a strong woman. Her tiffin services and her social group kept her occupied. She had come a long way from being a docile housewife. Life taught her many lessons and one important one was that fate is not in anybody’s hands, but one creates their own destiny by the choices they make.
Life again played a cruel game with her. Ashish was detected with the big C. Mild fatigue, lack of appetite and debilitating health led to the discovery of an intruder inside him. Maya was constantly by his side as his pillar of strength. One day Ashish told Maya, “I have built the café to honour my wife’s dream. She was my only love. Now my health is not permitting me to run it smoothly and I got a good offer from one buyer. But money is not everything and I do not wish to sell it, but I have no other option. I would be very happy if you operate this café on my behalf. I would like to sell it to you, if you want.” Maya was speechless on hearing the offer. “You are my good friend who understands and respects my sentiments. I know you would look after this café as your own,” he said quietly. As she looked into Ashish's eyes, a storm of emotions raged within her – grief for his suffering, gratitude for his trust, and a deep sense of responsibility towards his legacy.
It has been a year since Ashish passed away. No one could fill that place, a vacuum in her life. Her friendship with Ashish was immensely enriching than her loveless marriage. The café, once a vibrant hub of laughter and shared dreams, now echoed with a haunting silence. Maya found herself often lost in memories, the scent of coffee and the sound of Ashish's laughter lingering in the air. The world had moved on, but a part of her remained frozen in time, yearning for his companionship. Yet, amidst the grief, a newfound strength was emerging. The legacy of their friendship, the spirit of their collaboration, was a flame she was determined to keep alive.
One afternoon, while engrossed in a book, a soft melody caught Maya's attention. A young woman, with a guitar slung over her shoulder, was singing a soulful tune. Her voice, a blend of melancholy and hope, resonated with Maya. The lyrics spoke of finding oneself amidst life's storms, of emerging stronger and more resilient. As the music filled the air, Maya felt a strange sense of connection, as if the singer's words were a reflection of her own journey.
Intrigued, Maya approached the young woman, introducing herself. Her name was Sonya, a free-spirited artist who had recently moved to Puducherry. There was an instant rapport between them, a shared understanding that transcended words. Sonya's music, like Maya's cooking, was a form of expression, a way to connect with people on a deeper level.
Together, they embarked on a new adventure. Maya, with her culinary expertise, and Sonya, with her musical talent, decided to collaborate. They envisioned a space where food and music intertwined, creating an ambiance that was both comforting and inspiring. "Roma’s Melody Café," they called it. This became a haven for aspiring singers and music lovers.
Maya found a renewed sense of purpose and a sense of fulfilment which she never experienced before. Life had its challenges, moments of doubt, and the occasional storm. But Maya had learned to navigate through them, drawing strength from her past, finding solace in her present, and embracing the future with open arms. She had embraced challenges with courage and dreamt of freedom. She hoped that her husband would be like those lover boys from movies, but Ashish showed her a different kind of love which was based on empathy and compassion. She was no longer a victim of circumstances; but the architect of her own destiny.