PART 57 Preview.
May 24th 4 AM
Mumbai to Ahmedabad
Her Kaki is in the shower. Her kids are still asleep. Ritu is up. She was crying all nite long. She is not speaking with Khanak. Wails that she will miss her too much!ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
Ritu is making chai for the first time ever and is also trying to make Khanak's fave breakfast, poha! ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
The train is at 6.25 AM. They must leave home by 5.30 AM
Khanak stands by her fave window and stares out. The street is quiet. The street lights reflect on puddles of water from last nite's rain.
Everything's the same all around!
But everything about her was going to change in a week.
The sight of her street at 4 AM will forever be part of her "single days" memory.
The visuals of the suitcase packed and by the door. The good byes from neighbors and kids. The sleepy lazy watchman's silent nod and smile. Her kaamwali bai's tears. The vegetable hawker's blessing. Her tailor's sanctification. Her fingers had trembled when she had signed the lease over to Ritu. Pai Uncle had cleared his throat multiple times, and refused to have a cup of his favorite Gujarati Wagh Bakri chai for the first time.
Two streams freely flow down her cheeks. She was fortunate or unfortunate she did not know,... to have gotten two vidais in her life. One for a man she sought, the other will be for a man that pursued her.
Khanak is devastated about leaving Ritu and going away. Things have happened so quick, she feels like she is walking away from the friendship.
Her phone rings.
Khanak grabs it quickly, lest the kids wake up.
Khanak: hello! (sleep drugged voice)
Shaan: hey! (wide awake)
Khanak: Hi!
Shaan: were you crying?
Khanak: No! (the lump forms in her throat again)
Shaan: I can get there sooner if you like? Around 5?
Khanak: nahi! 5:30 is fine... Thanks for the ride. I know its early. I couldn't find seats on a later train (rambles)
Shaan: You can write me a thank you note after our wedding.
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