Things were all right on Paritosh’ front. But Rupali still had to do something about Soumitra. He was upset and had started giving her silent treatment. She tried to get Sugata to mediate, but Soumitra would not give in. He would not even say what was bothering him. It grew worse when he announced that he wasn’t coming with them to Paritosh’ house that weekend.

“Why not?”

“I have to study.”

“You can do that there. You always do.”

“I am going to study with friends.”

That wasn’t true. He never did that, she knew it. When she woke up on Saturday to put the clothes in washing machine, an idea struck her. If washing machine was the root of all problems…

“What are you doing?” Soumitra came to the bathroom, where Rupali was sitting with heaps of clothes and washing them by hand.

“Washing clothes, Soumitra. What else?” she replied matter-of-factly.

“What happened to the washing machine?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are you not using it?”

She sighed and looked at him, “Because a washing machine is not more important than my brother for me.  It is that machine that has made you upset, isn’t it? That I did not return it?”

Soumitra flushed and stood silent.

“I am sorry, Soumitra. I really am. For having scolded you.”

“Why did you keep the washing machine, then?”

“There was indeed a drive by the club…”

“He doesn’t go to a club, you had said.”

“But he is a lifetime member. He showed me the e-mails.”

“The machine was from the club?”

“No. It was his. But he was planning to give it for the drive.”

“Hmm…”

“Soumitra, it is likely that it is still a favor; that he just taking cover behind the drive. But he is acutely aware of the things that you are bothered about. For example, the amount of time I have to give to Meenal. He is trying to make up for it; and make up in a way that works for us. He pays me more, which is helpful. This was one misguided way of making up, but I just couldn’t burn my bridges with him. So, I kept it. You probably felt betrayed after how I had scolded you. I am sorry, I burst out. But I am just trying to balance things… I also don’t always know what is right or wrong. I felt that his heart was in the right place. So, I let this one go… I made him promise that he won’t do something like this in future…”

Soumitra looked thoughtful; then spoke with a smile, “Then why are you not using the machine?”

“I didn’t want to burn bridges with him. But more than that, I can’t afford to alienate you Soumitra. If you hate the machine, I don’t want to use it. What do you think has kept me going for all these years, since Ma-Baba’s death? It is the two of you. If you are not happy, there is no point to my life, my job…” her eyes became moist.

“Didi!”

“That’s how it is. Don’t you understand that?”

“Let’s put the clothes in the washing machine, shall we?”

“Soumitra…”

“I am sorry, Didi. I really am. I was angry. I shouldn’t have been.”

“Now you are not?”

He shook his head; then said again, “Let’s put the clothes in the washing machine.”

—

Preparing Meenal to write exams at school took considerable efforts. They had to request the school to let her attend classes for a few days following up to the exams so that she got used to school and other children. The first couple of days were particularly difficult and Rupali had to be physically present in every class drawing some curious glances from students and staff. But after that they were surprised to see the improvements. Meenal was not only able to follow teacher’s instructions; she also made a couple of friends. With the help of the therapist, Rupali repeatedly tried to acquaint her with what to expect during exams. She arranged for some older papers and conducted mock tests at home. During the exams, Meenal went to the exam hall by herself and wrote the paper following the instructions.

Paritosh walked in excitedly a few days after the exams.

“She stood fifth in her class,” he informed her, “It’s unbelievable, Rupali.”

“Really? You have her marks sheet?”

“There is no marks sheet, but I have noted them down. Here. See this. Highest in Maths and Drawing, very good in General Knowledge, and she managed to scrape through even in Hindi and English.”

“Congratulations, Dr. Khanna.”

“Congratulations to you, Rupali. This has all been your hard work.”

“In trying to give each other credit, we are forgetting our little princess here. She is the one who has done it. Meenu. See how well you did. Look at your marks,” Rupali kneeled to talk to Meenal and showed her the diary in which Paritosh had noted down the marks.

“One hundred,” Meenal looked at her score in Maths and said.

“Yes. Full marks. Meenu did very well. We are all so proud of you. Do you want to celebrate, Meenu? What do you want? Sweets? Chocolates?”

“Candy.”

Paritosh looked surprised. “She asked for it?”

“Yes Sir. I was going to tell you that. For last couple of days, she has been telling me when and what she wants to eat.”

Paritosh looked happy and emotional.

“I will get some candies for her,” Rupali made to go to kitchen, when Meenal threw another surprise at them.

“Meenu. Papa. Swimming.”

“Meenu wants to go swimming?” Paritosh asked barely able to hide the quivering in his voice. Before this she used to ask for it only with signals.

“Meenu wants to go swimming,” she repeated after him.

“Now?”

“Now.”

“Let’s go.”

“Don’t you want to change and freshen up, Sir?”

“I’m fine. Will you please bring her candy to the pool.”

“Okay!” The mention of going to the pool after him made her heart jump. Will he be in the water too?

—

He wasn’t! He sat by and watched as Meenal enjoyed water in the lifebuoy.

“Meenu. Candy. Meenu. Candy,” Meenal said when she saw Rupali coming. They put a candy in her mouth without taking her out of the water.

“I have some good news for you too,” Paritosh told Rupali.

“More good news, you mean?” she smiled.

“Yeah,” he laughed slightly. He was very happy, she noticed with satisfaction. “The principal was interested in speaking to you.”

“What for?”

“To see if you would be interested in taking up a job with them. As a teacher. Given Meenu’s performance, he thought you could work with other children…”

Rupali gave a resigned smile, “I don’t think he realizes that I am not even a graduate. He won’t be able to give me a job. Policies won’t allow it. And there would be too many objections.”

“But… Surely there would be a way out. You can help children…”

“You can ask him and satisfy yourself, Dr. Khanna. I have tried enough. I am very happy working with Meenal. Don’t want to try what is beyond me and get disappointed. I think she has had enough,” she pointed towards Meenal and changed the subject, “She wants to get out.”

Paritosh looked thoughtful as he helped Meenal out of the pool.

—

To be continued