Cheer-Haran*

Shobha was in her mid forties. Slim – but not frail. Fair – reasonably. Her face had very few signs of her age, but a lot indicated her dashing beauty of until a recent past. Few grey hairs made her look more graceful than otherwise. She made conscious efforts to avoid facials and make-ups. Had always believed in diets, walks, mind exercises and few lotions that came from natural oils and which were kind to her. Nobody would truly believe that she had a nineteen year old son. Lipstick was something she was so fascinated to right from childhood and couldn’t avoid in spite of the kind of person she is. Talking to her always made one see a tough persona inside. While she was the most “accessible” person for any help in professional circles, “Stay-away-No-Nonsense-with-Me” was very clear in her body language for any other advances. This kept men at bay, who become wishful of wooing her, at her first looks and demeanour. “Damsel” is the diction that many came across on first looking at her. Some would later change it to Scare, or Respect, or Bitch, or Arrogant, or just Good. Hardly any would continue to hold the initial description anyways.

Shobha was married for 12 years, about 9 years ago, when Debashish Banerjee, her husband separated from her. It was indeed her decision to separate. She couldn’t accommodate Deb after his affair(s) outside their marriage. He had believed that he was entitled to pardon, and could carry on without a hitch. But She thought otherwise, since she had always believed in 100% reciprocation. To her – How can Love be unconditionally one-sided. How can one lie with lies in bed. Shee – hated such a thing. They parted ways with a formal divorce and a nominal maintenance to her for the child. Never again did they meet. She moved-on pretty soon. Started working again that she had stopped after her marriage to Deb. She and her son, Bidyut, were now a two-some family. Got into her work deeper and made phenomenal success. Not until recently did she realize that Biddu – that’s how she would call her son – had grown old enough and was drifting from her.

Shobha’s occupation too had been very demanding that she had to travel a lot to meet business targets. It was when she was doing post-graduation in Corporate Affairs that she met Deb studying in the same College. She had gained great regard amongst her colleagues and peers, who were willing to go any stretch on a word from her. She was well compensated for her efforts and expertise – beyond her own expectations, which she always kept low. She is now general manager to APAC region, for a global brand headquartered in Singapore. To her, Work was more than a get-away from her failed marital relationship, hiding herself from the tantrums of the society. Many men who looked at her beauty and known her single-state got too eager to engage with her in a relationship. Like her successes at work, Shobha was far more successful in shooing them away, politely, diplomatically and sometimes deceitfully. Some, who got too close to a relationship through professional proximity, soon distanced themselves from such a notion about her. All of these happened without much ado. No dramas, scenes, gossips or anything of that sort. She had the best of people-management-skills. Anyone who worked with her closely would soon get engrossed in work with the same passion and ways that she did.

Wednesday 4:22 PM

His mother walked into the room just as he was about to apply her new lipstick. She was startled. He was startled. “What are you doing with my lipstick? It’s new…I haven’t used it so far. Couldn’t you have waited?” He smiled and handed it back to her. “I forgot to tell you…I am playing Draupadi in our college production… rehearsals start this evening.” He said in a neat but clearly, a made up voice.

“Yes Aunty, we are doing a stage play today.” Said the girl, who was squatting in front of him. Only then did she noticed Pia by his side. Now, the girl who was seemingly as old as him, started covering her tops with the fall (pallu) of her saree, which seemingly could have fallen down. What were they doing in her room. It was clear to the older lady, something isn’t right. Of all, He playing Draupadi didn’t fit the story anyways. But she realised that more inquiries would force more lies than facts. Or has she grown too paranoid. She too needed some time to recoup from her encounter just a few hours ago. So, she let them leave in a hurry.

Wednesday 9:04 AM

Today, she had a close encounter at her Office. She was still in doubt as to whether it could have been an accident or a deliberate mischief. While she was pulling her travel bag through the corridor as she had arrived at office, straight from the airport, a sheaf of papers fell from a half-open folder she was carrying in her other hand. She had been quite too early to office, just planning to go home early to catch up with Biddu and make up for the seven days. While she was busy gathering the papers that fell apart, she felt a probing hand on her rear. Shocked, she did not expect anyone except the security and housekeeping staff in office at that point – who were seen at the far end of the corridor, far from her, when she came-in. Two, hand on the rear – was her worst nightmare come true. Immediately she shot up and saw a figure – about her height – standing so close to her, before she could plan anything, had already dropped the folder and bag from her hand, took a quick turn and slapped hard on the person’s side, her hand with full palm out for the person’s ear and cheek in one swift but hard-slap. It took some time for her to come to terms with what had just happened. The person in front was the new vice president in marketing. She hardly remembered his name. Some first name and Chaturvedi was the surname. That she had remembered through the mails from HR that came in when he had joined. She then had wondered who in marketing would still stick out such surnames, as it was out of fashion for his domain in particular. Having gained some composure, Chipper-Chaturvedi, yet in shock, had softly aired out a sorry at her. Slowly, after several seconds of staring at her, he muttered, “I was walking in a hurry and had dashed on to you – accidentally”. By then, she too had gained some sense of the events, returned a stare at him. She was yet to decide a response beyond what she had just done. The person moved on to enter his cabin. She saw around, none was in sight. She then gathered the papers one by one and dragged her bag and belongings inside her cabin. Kept them aside and dropped herself in her chair. For a long-time, she hadn’t felt that insecure feeling, which was creeping back now. Tears were rolling down inconspicuously.

Wednesday 11:34 AM

Hours had gone by without a movement, inside her cabin. Many in the office should have presumed that she is still in travel. She had gotten up to go to the rest room. Picked her towel and wiped her face and stepped out of her cabin. Just then she bumped into the vice president HR, Leela, in her early fifties. Definitely, Shobha under her current predicament, hadn’t noticed this bumpy-figure, coloured hair, made-up face and with intricate dressing, gave a very formal and less elegant look. She added to it with a widened plastic smile, “Hi Sho, looks you are too tired from the journey, why don’t you get some rest”. “Ya, I will, thanks” nodded Shobha and swiftly moved on her way to the rest room.

At the rest room, washing her face and wiping with her towel, she was still looking at the mirror, on her reflection, thinking of what she had gone through this morning, what should be the next step forward, should she make a complaint or let go of it, leave it to time for healing, and whether her face is expressive of any of these. She recalled that earlier, during one of her lunch time chat with fellow-women, she overheard them saying about Chaturvedi that Chipper was preferred nickname showcasing his expertise in competitive-marketing, which he did chip off competition’s brand so easily. But actually, he had another nickname in the inner circles, “Chipku” for his approach to women. Some had even mentioned “Stripper” for his sharp eyesight when it comes to seeing women, fixed and virtually stripping off their clothing.

Would it be wise to leave this Chipku-Chaturvedi. What if he continued his advances on her or any other female unabated. Will this damage her reputation, which she had built brick-by-brick through hard and tormenting long hours of work. Should she just ignore and forget this whole episode. Will she be able to continue work as usual, especially when it involves meeting this Chipku. Undecided, she returned to her cabin to reconcile with herself before she arrived at a decision. She had gotten herself deep into her day’s work, as an escapade from her mental turmoil.

Wednesday 11:20 AM

Biddu had finished his call with Mamma. She will be going to office straight to save time. He immediately sprung to action. Called Pia, told her that they can rehearse at their home and can go to the venue together from there. When she inquired about the rest of the cast, he cleared her stating, they were doing reasonably well. He and She only had needed extra drill to do justice to their roles. Also, it was more to do with costumes, which was very elaborate for the two of them. They planned to meet post lunch.

Wednesday 2:10 PM

Pia had arrived with two bags of dresses – to choose from. While one of the sarees clung out of the bag, and when she stepped on to it while entering the door, she came down heavily in spite of her weightlessness. Biddu rushed to her rescue and took the bags from her, helped her rise and made her relax. Brought her a coke, relieved her wholly.

They were staging a play in their college. It was about Draupadi of Mahabharata. It was Biddu’s idea to showcase Draupadi in a decisive role. According to him, she is the causative factor for the entire epic. The narrative and dialogues were simple and lucid. It ran very boldly, like ‘why did she make a ruckus of one-more man, when there were five of them already’; ‘it is in her design that a woman should exercise her discretion and choice in whatever she does, including marriage or sex – none should be taken for granted’. A very un-conventional story and heavier subject for a college show. But he has seen and emboldened by more un-conventional and adventurous stories played by his seniors in the past Culturals. It is with such bold depictions, that he tendered a fanfare unto himself in college. Also, being well aware of the pranks that fellas generally pull on their peers, he chose not to cast any girl as Draupadi, but do it himself.

Pia is in his class and playmate for a year now. She has been a pal to him and a close company in college. He spent good time with her which felt good when his mother wasn’t around. Now she has to help him drape in sarees, for them to be pulled-off with ease. So, this is what Cheer-Haran*, is all about.

Wednesday 8:40PM

Huge roaring applause. Biddu couldn’t believe himself. He had prepared himself for a mixed response. He had even anticipated some religious hardliners among audience, which involved students from different colleges, to make some foul cries. He was overwhelmed by the response. He and his seven co actors in the play did a real fantastic job. Well-conceived and well executed. There was a standing ovation. They bowed to the audience in acknowledgement. Hugged each other and shared compliments heartily. As soon as he walked out of the stage Biddu rushed to Pia, hugged her tight and raised her up in the air. Very happy he was. She was very happy too.

As they were undoing the costumes in the changing room, folding the sarees one by one, sharing the fun while they recalled the scene of Cheer-Haran. All cast and crew were praying that the stapler pins didn’t give away one saree-from the other, which would have spoilt the intensity of the message and the show in whole. Thanking heavens for not having such mishaps. Finally, they were happy that the message sent out was so strong, the audience went silent and had to be prompted to even clap when the play was actually over. Laughing out happily at the outcome, the two were arranging things back into their bags. One pristine moment, Biddu came close to Pia and placed a soft kiss on her lips. While Pia was happy and at her best wits relishing the play and that she made important contributions from behind, had suddenly dropped to shock by this unexpected move of his. “What the f*** are you doing Biddu”, she voiced loudly. “you’ve gone crazy, stay away”. He continued, trying again to come close to her, now with his open arms. Forced a hug and drew her close to his lips, his hands running amock. One moment later she spanked on his face. Pushed him with all her force, whatever she had in her. “YOU.., you stay away” – she ran. Coming back, pulled her two bags, and then shot out of sight. Biddu had lost his senses for a while. He stood blank, thinking of his acts, her responses, and now thoughts wandering on what lay ahead. He hadn’t expected this. He definitely liked Pia from the bottom of his heart. But now what has he made of himself. Overwhelmed by his success of the evening, he heard nothing from her “NOs”. Biddu has failed his own philosophy, that he showcased just an hour ago.

Thursday 3:43 AM

Shobha was well awake in her bed. She hadn’t slept well. Yesterday, more than the travel, she got too tired, because of too many incidents in one day. Earlier, she had thought of going to Leela and narrating to her on what had happened that morning. Then, thinking about the different outcomes, deferred that decision. She hadn’t eaten anything the whole day. She was doused in thoughts, leading nowhere. Indecisive. She had left office at 3:10PM.

As she reached home, thoughts about Biddu kept her strained even more. Is she doing the right things for him, had always been a thought that creeped her mind every now and then. That cropped up again, now more strongly. By seven in the evening, she had emptied some left-overs from the fridge. After gaining some energy, she made some poha for Biddu – not knowing whether he will have dinner or not. Went through the grind of clearing the kitchen ware, clothes for a wash, and after satisfying herself of having everything in its place, she hit the bed by eight. Now, she was well awake. Biddu’s room door was wide open. She could see his mobile lightening up with some message. Probably, one of his friends would have gone abroad and losing sense of time, could be texting at this time of the hour. Having woken up so early, and thinking of the way Biddu and the girl Pia where talking last evening, Shobha got a bit curious. Her encounter yesterday, made it more unbearable. She walked into her son’s room. He was well asleep. Should have slept very late, his mobile was still in his hands. She took the mobile and saw that WhatsApp was open. Started reading through it. It was very much unlike her. Privacy is a mark of respect as the relationship grows more intimate, she believed. Now, she was inquiring into parenting-style. So, she pardoned herself for peeking into her son’s mobile. From 9:10PM yesterday, several lines, twenty eight – she counted, went out from him to Pia. All were Sorrys, in different forms and phrases. So many ‘Shouldn’t have’ messages, which narrated most of events at the back-stage. Emojis, Texts, pictures. All of them had double-blue-stripes on their sides, received-read. Not one replied. She came back to her bed. Looking at the ceiling, she resolved to close these issues tomorrow.

Thursday 3:25PM

Starbucks Coffee isn’t a place she would chose on any normal day. Shobha found it to be expensive. But it was a great choice if one need to have undisturbed meetings. Today was different. She had it laid clear and bare in her mind on what to do that day. Her second spell of sleep that morning brought in some clarity of mind. While she was at office, she had called Pia and Biddu to meet her here by three. Both were there on time. Pia had tears pooled and about to fall. Biddu was engrossed in deep regret, which mother could make out very easily. A long silence prevailed, and she too let it prevail, to soothe nerves and to settle the anxieties.

Earlier that day, she had met Leela in her cabin and told her about Chipku’s adventures of the previous day. From her responses and promptitude that she displayed, she was really concerned. Shobha had to correct her earlier impressions about Leela, which weren’t professional anyways. Exasperated, Leela took some notes on her post-id pad and within the next half-n-hour, walked into the Regional Director’s (RD) cabin, when he was alone. Shobha returned to her cabin. Obviously, RD seem to have had a longer discussion. After about forty minutes, Leela walked into Shobha’s cabin and said it has been taken care. She narrated that Chipku was called into RD’s cabin while Leela was still there. On inquiring what had happened, Chipku admitted that he had inadvertently brushed on you – all of it was supposed to be an accident – as he put it. To which, RD stated that given the admission by Chipku that such an incident happened, rest of it, such as brushing his hand at inappropriate places cannot be construed as mere coincidence and accidental and therefore, Chipku has to leave immediately on his own accord – or face the formal inquiry through our POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Committee.

Now, that the teens had shown a better frame of mind, Shobha began to talk. Looking at Pia, she said, “Child, thank you for coming. I really do not know what exactly has happened between you. But I can make out that Biddu has hurt you badly by going beyond the line of your consent. For this, he is seriously at fault. You can go to Police as well, in which case, I suggest you take your elders along. They need to accompany you. If you need my help you may call anytime. On Biddu’s side, I shall assure you he will not meddle with you from now”. Looking at Biddu, “Son, do you have something to say to Pia now”. Biddu, not able to stop a tear breaking out from his eyes, “Terribly sorry Pia, whatever Mamma has said..!”

********

Cheer-Haran* : Literally means, removing a saree. A scene in Mahabharata, wherein Dushasan tries stripping Draupadi’s saree. But through his magic, Krishna provides to protect her modesty with a never ending saree. Tired, Dushasan gives up.