CHAPTER TWO / HAPPINESS

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          THERE'S ALWAYS a place or person where we find peace or uncommonly happiness. They have such a huge impact on our lives that they become almost a part of us.

           I'm currently walking through tattered, cracked paths leading towards a small house, built at the remote corner of this city. Tall, green coconut trees lining the trail made of cheap concrete, its feather - like leaves ignited by sunlight.

        A small house where I find some momentary joy. I assume, sometimes we find goodness where we least expect it.

       Upon reaching, at the front porch, I softly knock at the door. I find a gentle hum of door charm, from the other side ringing.

       "Arre, Aasha...What a pleasant surprise! Come inside." A old lady of about sixty year, to whom I call dadima beamed.

      "Was visiting the shivmandir. Thought of stopping by" I entered with a smile on my face.

      "By the way, today was my result day and you know dadima! I scored 91%" Taking a deep breathe I continued " That's nice right? Still I'm not that happy"

        "Wow! That's awesome Aasha! But first you sit and let me bring your Kalakand. I made it, this morning itself" She replied cheerfully and called Mili my childhood friend.

         Milli and I are inseparable, the fact we're birthday twins makes us almost like a sisters. She's almost like my elder sister, two years older than me. I still remember how we used to go to school every morning and our naughty escapades in Kesari Uncle bagicha. Those days were like writing in sand, temporary but soul warming.

         Few years back, She got married to a very kind hearted man, who used to live front of her house. It was an love marriage, dadima agreed their relationship. Now she tutors some childrens from neighbourhood and her husband works at nearby bank. Her parents never complained about the fact, he's not rich or earn little. I suppose, something my parents would never. They still believe in arranged marriage thing, which sounds like a janjir to me.

       "Aasha.. Kaisi ho? I was planning to meet you this sunday." My friend laughed and served a plate of sweets in the centre table.

       "And your result is very nice, how's the preparation for the college?"

        Taking a bite of sweets I replied, sadly "Umm.. papa admitted me in the literature section in community college. You know it very well how he is."

         "I can understand. Don't worry, you will definitely find something good from this misery. I believe in God, they never give something we can't solve." She assured, taking my hand gently and squeezing it a little.

       "You're right, I hope that I can find a way from these complications." I said, attempting a smile.

     Suddenly, we both heard a tiny voice of girl calling Mili.

        "That's the voice of Adya, a new six year old girl. She is very talented, her paintings are lovely."Mili informed me, dragging me inside the room.

       The room was a bit messy, crayons, paintbrushes and some other stationery items were scattered hastily on the floor. In the middle of the pile of books and canvas, a small bouncy girl was drawing little doodles on a piece of paper. Seeing us tip toeing towards her, she jumped excitedly and handed us a painting.

       "M-Miss, Here it is. it is o-okay isn't it?" She asked innocently and giggles, upon taking our smile.

         It was a winter landscape, pink, purple skies were adorning a street lamp. The white icy trails and snow dunes were beautifully painted. Overall it was, quite strange for a small girl to do such wonders from her inexperienced hands. Justifying her unending imagination and talent.

        "Wow!! it is beautiful indeed Adya. You did very well, you deserve a chocolate bar for this fine work." My friend praised her, stroking her little curls slowly.

         "I absolutely agree with your teacher Adya. You will get some handmade kalakand as well. Good job!" I commented, laughing slightly, hugging her tiny frame at the same time.

       Sending Adya to her home, as it was getting dark outside. We both decided to walk a little in the backyard of Mili's house.

          The early night was shone because of yellow moonlight, enlightening whole garden. The calming smell of bailey flower hanging in its tendrils was enchanting. The sound of rustling of banana leaves due to wind adding an extra essence to this moment.

         "So, I will suggest you to tutor kids as well. You can come here and teach them. But of course, if you agree." Mili hinted, hugging her woolen shawl tightly.

          Moving towards the metal bench, the crunch of leaves and twigs withering beneath my feet I answered,"I seriously want to work and this seems like a good option. But, I'll have to ask ma before taking decision."

         "Well, I don't think, she will allow you. You're grown enough to make your own choices Aasha!"

        Nodding to myself I agreed and said, "I will think about it. This is a great opportunity. I will surely inform you, if I will decide to join."

         "That's understandable. How about we meet at chandu pani puriwala stall near church on Sunday?" Mili questioned.

        "Yes, I will be there. I was craving for pani puri since last week by the way" I laughed and agreed.

        "Ha... Me too. Especially the mint flavoured water and maybe we can visit the new shop opened recently." She remarked enthusiastically.

       "Yes yes, sure." I continued, "And I should go now. I'm late. Ma must be getting worried."

         We hugged each other goodnight, under the very own beautiful moon. I could hear the chirpy sound of cricket insect in the bushes nearby.

           Departing to meet again in the light, like a good paths carrying some some sweet memories and pleasure.

~*~

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GLOSSARY

arre: used to addressing someone

dadima: grandma (in hindi)

shiv mandir: temple solely build for worshipping lord shiv ( an indian deity)

kalakand: an indian sweet made of sugar abd condensed milk

bagicha: a large garden

janjir: metal chain

kaisi ho: how are you (in hindi)

ma: mother

ha: yes in hindi

pani puri: an indian street food, cruchy ball filled with potato filling and flavoured water