“Shalu, hurry up, we will miss the 8.22 fast local’, Ram called out as he picked up his bag.

“In a minute… Shalu’s voice trailed as she hurriedly put back vegetables and milk into the fridge.

They both fast paced walked towards the railway station.

This was their daily morning routine ever since they got married two years back.

Ram was an accountant at a private firm. Shalu was a teacher.

Both worked hard to make ends meet. Over and above monthly outgoings and daily expenses they had to pay home loan Emi for the one BHK flat that they lived in.

An exhausting schedule kept both busy through the day.

Ram did accounts for a pharmaceutical store after his office hours.

Shalu had taken up tuitions to supplement their family income.

A collective decision was taken to extend family expansion to five years.

The decision was made after an exhaustive discussion between the two.

Their leisure time activities were limited to a stroll by the seashore.

The morning run to board the fast train was another occasion for togetherness of hearts.

After a hectic morning routine, the jostling in crowded trains had to be dealt with.

Shalu expressed her concern to her best friend Asha.

“Why don’t you purchase a two-wheeler, it will save the rush and your energy”, Asha suggested.

Shalu found this to be a good idea. Ram had to travel to the store for his evening job. After a full day at the office, it would be convenient for him to have a two-wheeler.

She gave this a serious thought. Her worry was the finance to purchase a two-wheeler. Their current income and expenses would not allow them to have this additional expense.

An offer from the coaching classes close to her school looked like a good option. She had earlier turned down the job as it meant leaving the home early and returning late.

She tossed in bed for several nights before she made her decision.

“I am going to accept the coaching class job, it will add to my teaching experience”, Shalu tried to convince Ram.

Ram was not in favor of this, but Shalu was adamant that she had to take up the assignment.

Shalu now woke up much earlier. She finished the household chores, packed Ram’s lunch box and kept it on the table along with his breakfast and left home to go to the coaching class.

Six months down the line Shalu had saved enough to give down payment for a new two-wheeler.

Shalu convinced Ram to get a driving License.

Plans for the new purchase was kept secret. Shalu wanted to give a pleasant surprise to Ram.

Accompanied by Asha, Shalu visited the showroom close to her school.

After selecting the vehicle, Shalu completed the formalities for purchase including the loan.

An exhilarated Shalu came home and prepared Ram’s favorite dishes.

A tired Ram came home to get a pleasant surprise.

Shalu was humming her favorite song and the house was filled with aroma of his favorite food.

“Shalu…., a weary Ram called out.

Shalu came out with a glass of water.

“Anything special?

Shalu simply smiled.

“Freshen up fast. I have prepared your favorite vaalache birde and kothimbir vadi”.

The next few days Shalu was excited and eagerly waiting for the big day.

Ram noticed the change in Shalu. He was glad that his wife looked happy in spite of the hectic schedule. Perhaps there was something good happening at her workplace. Maybe she is shortlisted for Supervisor’s position.

Shalu could not contain her joy. She tried hard to keep her secret.

She spent part of her savings to buy a new shirt and helmets for both her and Ram.

These were stored away like treasures till the big day. Like a child she marveled her treasures and waited with bated breath for the new vehicle to arrive at her doorstep.

The fifteen-day period seemed like eons.

She visited the showroom two times during those days just to look at the shining vehicles displayed.

Her dreams had reels of Ram riding the new two-wheeler while she proudly sat pillion as her black tresses flew with the breeze.

Twenty days later

The magenta-colored two-wheeler is parked below Shalu’s house.

Shalu woke each morning to the reality of pain, the streaming dreams, the utter shock of life, the shattered pieces of survival.

Ram traversed to another planet after a severe cardiac arrest.

 ***

Glossary:

Vaalache birde – A sprouted field beans curry from Maharashtra

Kothimbir vadi – A savory crispy snack