Short story by RANJIT SINHA ROY


Stuti casually looked up from papers and saw the man pushing open the main entrance door and coming to office hall. She could not believe her eyes. But in a second she was sure. It was the same tall, well-built, neatly dressed man, with a charming smile, now talking to the receptionist. The girl directed him to the Manager’s cubicle. Before proceeding, he looked around and their eyes met. She prayed, he would not be able to recognize her. Two years was a long time. Moreover, they met only for a short time and the lights were dim. Despite her efforts, Stuti was unable to shift her gaze and probably that only gave her away. A brief hesitation and he recognized her. He smiled, gave a short nod and went to the Manager’s cubicle. Stuti knew, next he would come to her. She was trapped. There was no escape.

Her heart was pounding fast. Hands shaking and knees trembling, the monitor looked hazy and head seemed blank. Afraid, she thought of going out of the office. But then she was to go to Manager’s office for permission. It was impossible. That man was sitting there. Stuti did not know what to do.

It was two years since she met this man. Final semester exams were over and in a week’s time all the postgraduate students of her batch would leave the institute forever.

It was a silent evening and not dark yet. Stuti was flipping through the pages of a women’s magazine and felt extremely bored. Rajni, her roommate for two years was reading a novel. Once a while she glanced at Stuti, but said nothing. Perhaps she was also bored. After a while Rajni put the book down and asked Stuti, if she had anything to do in the evening. When Stuti said she was free, Rajni suggested she come along with her. She had a friend to meet and there was no point sitting alone in the hostel. Stuti readily agreed.

Rajni took her to a star hotel. Stuti had never been to that place. Things seemed strange. Rajni said that her friend had checked in there. She seemed to be quite familiar with the place and the person in the Reception counter gave her a knowing smile. She asked him something, and was given a number. They went up the elevator to fourth floor and Rajni knocked on a door. One casually dressed man in his forties opened and that was when she saw him first. Stuti was surprised. She expected Rajni’s friend to be much younger.

He gave a broad, welcome smile and called them in. Rajni introduced Stuti and they all sat down. He was tall and handsome and had a pleasant way of talking. Despite the age difference, he talked to the girls as though they were equals.

He spoke on various subjects, from latest hit films to present pop musical favorites. In a short time they became so free and frank that Stuti felt she knew him for a long time. They were laughing; joking and talking like old friends. She enjoyed his company.

He asked Stuti about her studies, her liking and disliking and who were her favorite authors. He told about himself also. That he was a confirmed bachelor and did not believe in bonded life. He was happy this way. He very much liked company of young, intelligent and beautiful girls, someone like Stuti. She blushed, but inwardly relished the compliment.

Rajni pretended to be jealous, and with fake anger softly hit him with a rolled newspaper. She said that now he preferred Stuti and forgotten her. He laughed and told that Rajni was his old flame and would forever remain the most favorite. They all had a hearty laugh and Stuti started admiring the man. He was really a very charming person. Men should be like him and not the prankish youngsters she saw every day in the university. He was mature and sounded so manly with deep resonant voice.

With polite permission he ordered one beer bottle for himself and cool drinks with some snacks for the girls. They were having a nice time when the phone rang.

He took the call, listened for a while and told Rajni that someone in the lounge was waiting for her. Rajni got up and asked Stuti to wait. She would be back soon.

This gentleman was so polite and well behaved. Stuti did not consider it abnormal to be all-alone in a hotel room with a person whom she met only a short time before. She trusted him.

They talked this and that for sometime. Then as though curious, he asked, if she had any boyfriend. He was surprised when told that there was none. As if joking, he said in that case he could be the one.

She did not know what came to her. She responded in the same tone and said laughing,
"Yes, why not", and blushed pink.

After few moments of silence he moved to the sofa, sat beside and put one arm around her shoulder. He lovingly and tenderly first kissed the lips, then deep on the mouth and slowly started caressing all over. He bolted the door and carried her to the bed. Stuti knew what was going to happen, but did not resist.

He was gentle and considerate. He could make out that she was completely inexperienced and tried to make it less painful for her. He took care that she would not feel uncomfortable. Initially her body was rigid and limp, but then responded surprisingly against her wish.

The act over, she covered herself with a bed sheet, gathered clothes, went to bathroom and wept. She felt she had lost something precious, carefully preserved for years. After sometime she stopped crying, had a wash and tried to clean herself as much as she could. She felt immensely guilty and hated herself. She felt dirty. Quietly she dressed, came out to the room. Fully satisfied he was lying on the bed. She heard him murmuring that virgins were rare and would like to have her once again. Without glancing at him she went down.

She went to the lounge and found Rajni waiting. Stuti suspected the whole thing was pre-arranged and Rajni was a key player. She left the hotel alone without asking Rajni and never talked to her till she left. After three days she vacated the hostel forever and went to her place. She did not meet Rajni again. Later she came to know that she got married and permanently settled in Canada.

For quite sometime, she was not able to make out what had come to her and how she could so shamelessly surrender to a total stranger. Probably it was the cool air-conditioned comfort or the décor of the room or the soothing dim lights or was charmed by his good looks and soft gentle voice or she was curious or may be a combination of all. She did not know how it could happen. She never mentioned it to anyone and kept it within herself as a guarded secret. Slowly, over two years she almost forgot the incident like a bad dream.

Campus selections were over. She got offer for a middle management position in a non-banking finance company. After a year she married Vikash. It was an arranged marriage and she was thankful to her parents for selecting such a wonderful husband. They fell in love at the very first sight and till now it was the same. By look and nature they seemed to be made for each other. Tomorrow it would be the first marriage anniversary and they were looking forward to this day of all days.

The office had low partitions and one could not see others when seated. There was no separate chamber even for senior executives. Decoration and set-up were most modern and the environment excellent.

Now that the man had finished discussion with the Manager. He stood up and looked around after the customary handshake.

Despite best efforts Stuti could not avoid looking at him. He smiled and came straight to her table and without permission sat on the chair opposite.
“Good morning. How are you?" She did not respond and looked at the papers on the table.

“So you are angry with me and won’t talk. Did I do any harm to you young lady? I do not think so. I was very considerate. You know that well. Though initially it was a little painful, I think you ultimately enjoyed the act. Frankly speaking, I never imagined a beautiful young girl like you could really remain virgin. Normally it does not happen. First I thought you were pretending, but then I could make out that you were genuinely untouched. It was a novel experience, my dear. Very, very, rarely I come across girls like you. You were an exception.”

Stuti remained silent, afraid that others may hear. But the man was careful and talked in a low voice. He waited for her to talk. But when there was no response, he smiled and said,
“My dear young lady, I want to have your wonderful company once again. Recently I have been posted in this town as the Branch Manager of my company. I have an apartment. It is cozy and comfortable. You would like it. I won’t take much of your time. Just an hour or two.”

He paused a moment, then with little surprise said,
“I see, you are married now! That’s why you are so hesitant. Don’t be afraid my dear. Unfortunately I have an engagement tonight. So tomorrow evening around six, I shall pick you up and we shall have a wonderful time together. Now that you are married and experienced, you can teach me few new techniques. As for being late, you can inform your husband that you have some pending work to finish and it may take an hour or two more. So, Madam, it is all settled.”

He looked at her keenly, then slowly added,
"By the by, if by any chance you prefer to be absent tomorrow, I may drop in to your place in the evening. In that case I can meet your husband too and discuss the black mole you have on your left inner thigh. It will not be difficult for me to get your address. So, may I take your leave now my dear? Shall see you tomorrow.”

He got up, gave a twisted, meaningful smile and went out. Stuti could see him through the glass door, walking to his car parked across the road and drive away.

Everything looked hazy and blurred. People talking in the office sounded like a distant
noise. Despite air-conditioning she was sweating. Cold sweat flowed down her
spine. She felt helpless and did not know what to do.

She went to Ladies’ Room and splashed her face with cold water. Waited till calmed down a little and then came back to her seat. She took a glass of water and felt better. Trying to forget the whole episode, she went through the papers and by afternoon she was composed to some extent. But the thought and fear never left her. She tried to find a way out, but there was none. She felt weak, feverish and cold.

Evening she came home at usual hour and Vikash returned shortly after. They had tea together and discussed next day’s program. Vikash was very enthusiastic about his plans. Stuti also took part, but inwardly she was tense and worried. Sometime she would look blank and absent minded. Several times Vikash asked if she was listening. When she said, yes she was, Vikash asked if she was all right, did anything happen in the office. She felt sad for him. Poor boy. Suddenly she had a strong surge of love for him. She put arms around his neck and said,
“Vikash, tell me, you will never leave me. Never, never. Please hold me tight and say you love me.”

Vikash did as she said, but was surprised at her sudden emotion. Stuti put her head on his shoulder and started crying. Vikash could not understand why she should turn so emotional. He allowed her to silently cry for sometime. Then asked,
“Stuti, are you alright? Tell me if you are sick or anything wrong. Did I say something, which has hurt you? For quite sometime I felt you are not within yourself. Something was biting you. Tell me what it is.”

Stuti calmed herself. She felt much better now. Somehow she felt assured in his tight embrace. She raised her head and smiled through tears. “No Vikash, nothing wrong. Will you love me forever whatever may come".
Vikash smiled tenderly. His heart melted for her. He nodded looking at her tear filled eyes.

It was decided that tomorrow around six in the evening Vikash would come to her office and take her home. After a wash and dressing up they would first go to a ballet - a German group - now performing in the city. Though difficult to get seats, Vikash had managed two in the third row. After that they will go to an exclusive restaurant and have candlelight dinner. On request, they play special anniversary music, with musicians standing around the table. Vikash did not tell her about it. He kept it, as a surprise item. He knew, how happy she would be. Then they would exchange secretly purchased gifts, over a glass of Italian wine. It will be a ceremony exclusive to them. No friends, no guests, no fanfare. Only Vikash and Stuti

After dinner they went to bed. Vikash talked for few minutes and then was fast asleep. Stuti remained awake for a long time apprehensive of what awaited her tomorrow. Much later, she had a disturbed sleep, waking up frequently, with a dry throat. Perhaps this was their last night together. She was afraid, very afraid.

Next morning Vikash dropped her in the office and drove away asking her to be ready by six. Office was in ground floor with three wide black marble steps leading to the thick plate- glass entrance. Stuti went to her table and sat looking straight at the door opposite as though she expected that man to enter any time. Then she realised that it was only ten in the morning and there were full eight hours for him to step in.

She tried to concentrate in her work. There was lot of pending papers she could not clear the previous day. She tried to brush aside all other thoughts and concentrate only on the pending papers. Before lunch break she completed the work.

Things were not same after lunch. Every now and then she looked at the watch. Time seemed to move very slowly. By five she was restless and by quarter to six her heart was thumping again. She started to sweat and everything looked hazy. She went to Ladies’ Room once, took a full glass of water and kept staring at the entrance.

It was exactly six when she saw the man getting down from the car parked on other side of the road. He was locking the door when Vikash also parked his in the office parking lot. Stuti saw the man crossing the road and Vikash coming up the steps.

Vikash was pushing the glass door open, when there was a sharp screeching sound and a heavy thud on the road. Traffic halted and people rushed to the spot where a man lay sprawled under a car.

Stuti knew who he was. She also knew that the man was dead. Stuti put her head down on both palms, with elbows on the table. She started to weep. She did not know that relief could also make one cry.

Vikash turned back from the door, rushed with others to the accident spot and came back in few minutes. He went to Stuti’s table and found her sobbing. He said,

“Why are you crying Stuti? It happens everyday. So many people die in road accidents. Can we cry for all of them? Moreover we do not know who the man was. A total stranger. No doubt it was a sad thing, but what to do. Poor fellow, meeting an end like this. Come on let’s go now. Wipe your eyes."

Meanwhile, police and ambulance had come. They covered the body with a white sheet and lifted it to the ambulance van. Stuti said she would go only after everything was cleared.

Shortly the police jeep and ambulance van left. The crowd dispersed and traffic resumed. It seemed as though nothing had happened and life moved on as usual. Everything was normal, except for some dark stains on the road. They came out and she carefully avoided looking at that spot.

On way home, Vikash drove with Stuti sitting beside. Suddenly she started to laugh. She tried to control herself by putting her palm on the mouth, but could not stop. She bent forward and laughed and laughed. Surprised Vikash asked,
“Few minutes back you were crying. Now you are laughing so much. What is the matter?”
She laughed for some more time and then straightend up. Now there was only a broad smile.
“Nothing Vikash, I laughed because we are alive in this beautiful world. You and I. Life is so wonderful. Let us enjoy it as long as we live. Vikash today is our first anniversary. I shall remember this day forever.”

It was slowly getting dark. At that moment the streetlights came up and it was bright all around. Silently they drove back home. Both were smiling. It was their first wedding anniversary.