Acknowledgement

I never thought I would write a book. I never thought I would tell a story. But I did. Having said that, writing a book is harder than I thought and certainly more rewarding than I ever imagined. None of this would have been possible without the support of my husband, Sunil. He was the reason I ventured into writing.

I’m eternally grateful to my in-laws, parents, sister, and brother-in-law, who believed in me and taught me that I could be whatever I want to be.

Thank you, Stephanie Francis, for helping me so much with the editing.

From reading early drafts to giving me advice on the cover page, special thanks to Upendra Dhara.

Chapter 1

Is it absolutely necessary to get married to the one you loved for so long, or is it OK even if you don’t?

Standing in her bedroom balcony, Nitya was thinking whether she would find “The one” at all. If yes, then when? For some reason, her sister getting married at the age of 20 with the groom their parents chose had an immense effect on Nitya.

Do you go looking for love or does it come your way? Another question that troubles most youngsters. Well, she didn’t know either. Soon, thinking about finding lasting, true love turned into glancing at pedestrians.

Meanwhile, “Nitya,” her mother interrupted.

“Coming, Ma.”

“Can you please go to the store and get some onions?”

“It’s raining, Ma.”

“Exactly, that is why I’m making pakoras. Besides, the store is just two buildings away.”

Nitya rolled her eyes at her mother, grabbed an umbrella, and unwillingly left for the store.

Carefully walking and escaping the smears of dirt and water that usually 4-wheeler vehicles cause, Nitya cursed the rain. Usually, heavy rainfall is observed from June to September in Indore. Rainfall is often accompanied by humidity in most parts of Madhya Pradesh.

After a brief interruption, Nitya quickly came back to what she was thinking while standing in the balcony.

Currently, in her second year of graduation with Science background, Nitya is a 19-year old girl who lives with her parents in Indore. She could never decide how she wanted to settle in life. For example, one is to get married to the guy that parents decide soon after graduating, to have an ambition or goal and work towards it, or wait till you find the “The one” and then marry him.

Soon, Nitya reached the store.

“How may I help you?” asked the store owner. A middle-aged man, probably in his 40s, with a stomach that is similar to a 6-month pregnant lady, almost bald, long-sleeved purple shirt with flowers on it, and oversized trousers, stared with frowned eyes at her, who is standing across the wooden table that is usually known as “Billing counter.”

“Do you have onions?”

“Of course. Onions are one of the extensively used vegetables. Why wouldn’t I?” said the store owner, in a defending tone.

Whatever was Nitya’s reaction even though she didn’t say it out loud.

“One kilogram, please.”

The store looked as if it was one thousand years old. Finding anything in that store would be finding a needle in a haystack.

The store owner came back with onions after five minutes.

Quickly grabbing those onions, Nitya paid him and left the store.

Soon after going home, Nitya indulged herself in the Guru Purnima festivities, which was less than a week away.

Nitya’s first and most important task was to prepare an introductory speech, which she promised to deliver the next day to the department head. Not having started yet and not knowing where to start, Nitya took a pen and paper and sat on a chair.

I need to focus on my speech.

“Will you come out of your room and taste these?” asked Nitya’s Mother.

“Not now, Ma.”

She started penning down, “Guru Purnima is a Hindu custom that is celebrated across India…” and then struck off the sentence. Nitya started afresh. After a couple of hours of scuffling, she finally completed the job.

***

The next day, with much excitement and jubilation, Nitya arrived on campus humming her favorite song, A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, and wearing her favorite pink lip gloss. The department head of Sanskrit, Mrs Vinita Gupta, in her early 50s, 5 feet 6 inches and medium build, was overseeing the Guru Purnima festivities. With twenty plus years of experience in the teaching field and a PhD in Sanskrit, Mrs Vinita Gupta received quite a few awards and accolades in her professional career.

Nitya approached Mrs Vinita Gupta, who sat at her desk, wearing a black and grey striped linen saree with a designer blouse, and hair tied in a bun.

“Good morning, ma’am.”

“Morning, sweetie. Is the speech ready yet?”

“Yes, ma’am. Here it is,” said Nitya, by handing a piece of paper to Mrs Vinita Gupta.

“It is wonderful, my dear,” said Mrs Vinita Gupta after thoroughly going through the speech.

Nitya headed back to her class, delighted and thrilled.

***

The much-awaited day has finally arrived, Guru Purnima.

Nitya reached college early that day to ensure herself and Mrs Vinita Gupta all things went as planned.

A perfect square-shaped with a seating capacity of 400, the college auditorium was inundated with students and professors. The auditorium entrance had an arch made of roses, and two flower pots of three feet each placed on each end of the arch. The stage backdrop was decorated with bouquets, peachy drapes, and flowy floral blooms. The center stage was filled with unlit diyas.

Everybody gathered in the auditorium. The ceremony was about to begin.

Nitya gave a perfunctory glace to find an empty seat and swiftly took a seat in the front row.

Before the ceremony began, Nitya had to light the diyas as instructed by Mrs Vinita Gupta. She quickly got up and handed her mobile phone to the person sitting next to her.

“Hey, can you please hold this? Thanks,” said Nitya.

That is when Ashwin saw Nitya for the first time.

“Sure.”

Chapter 2

Since it is a religious tradition, Nitya removed her shoes and set them aside.

With his undivided attention, Ashwin stared at Nitya as she proceeded. Dressed in a white and red Salwar kameez, and a red dupatta, hair tied in a ponytail, Nitya grabbed a matchbox to light the diyas.

Ashwin kept staring at her as if it was the very first time he saw a girl on planet Earth.

He felt something. A violin music in the background, the tantalizing earthy fragrance that comes before the rain, electrical storms with their acoustic effect, and leaves & flowers falling off the branch as if it was the first month of Autumn.

Nothing of this sort happened.

Meanwhile, Nitya was on stage, standing behind the podium, and was about to start her introductory speech.

“Behind a majority of festivals celebrated in India, the primary purpose is spiritual. Guru Purnima, originally known as the birthday of Veda Vyasa, is a Hindu tradition that is celebrated as a dedication, showing respect and gratitude to teachers and professors who may be spiritual, academic, or cultural gurus.

There are a couple of historical references associated with Guru Purnima. For Hindus, it is believed to be a special day as Rishi Vyasa, the author of Mahabharata, was born on this day. For Buddhists, they consider this tradition important as Lord Buddha gave his very first sermon on this day.

Today, on behalf of all students, I would like to pay obeisance to my gurus, masters, and teachers for bringing the light of knowledge and enlightenment in our lives. Guru Purnima is a wonderful day that reminds all students and disciples of the significance of self-effacing masters, teachers, and gurus in oriental culture.”

Everyone applauded.

Nitya left for backstage.

Followed by were a handful of performances by other students.

“Where is she? Where did she go?” Ashwin wondered and kept asking his friend, Nikhil, next to him the same question over and over again, who now probably is thinking it’s the biggest mistake of his life.

“Bro, you have her phone. So obviously she’s gonna come. Now leave me alone.”

Nitya came back to her seat during the last performance.

Finally, Mrs Vinita Gupta came onto the stage with a mic in her hand. Of course, she didn’t want to stand behind a podium as it would cover her sheath dress. She expressed appreciation and gratitude to all the students who made the event happen.

“Hi,” said Ashwin.

“Such a diverting event, isn’t it?” Nitya said with much happiness.

“Yes, it definitely is,” said Ashwin. “Good speech, by the way, I’m Ashwin.”

“Nitya,” Nitya introduced herself. “Really? I thought it was OK-ish.”

“No, it was good.”

“Glad you liked it.”

Ashwin wanted to know more about her.

“I think your boyfriend came, asking for you,” said Ashwin, hesitantly.

“My boyfriend? No, I don’t have a boyfriend. What’s the name of the guy that came looking for me?”

“I don’t think he told me his name. Anyway, not important,” said Ashwin after a long pause.

Nitya gave a suspicious look.

“By the way, I think I gave you my mobile earlier, can I have it back now?”

“I don’t remember that. Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.”

Ashwin carelessly checked his pockets.

“No, I don’t have it.”

“What? I thought I gave it to you,” said Nitya with frowned eyes.

“Do one thing. Here’s my mobile. Just dial your number and will see where it is.”

Nitya dialed her number, and it was ringing.

They could hear Wind Chimes music, and it was coming from Ashwin’s pocket.

“Here it is. Maybe I didn’t check properly,” said Ashwin with a sheepish grin.

“Right,” said Nitya with a hesitant look.

“Anyway, I will save your number. We should meet again for coffee,” said Ashwin in a desperate tone.

“Of course. I will be in touch.”

Ashwin gave her mobile back and extended his hand for a handshake. After giving it much thought, she shook his hand. The moment her hand came in contact with his, she felt something different.

***

Nitya kept thinking about the morning and the unexpected, yet pleasant meeting with Ashwin.

Why did he ask for my phone number? Is he interested in me? I should’ve chatted a little bit longer. But then again, I can’t sound or look desperate.