Madcaljan21’s Blog

It was the busy day as usual at Madras Mambalam station.The people around her were running and walking briskly to catch the train. All of a sudden everything seem to look as if its been fast forwarded. Vandhana , age 25, working for MNC was also waiting to catch her train to Tambaram. She liked to look around her just to waive the time. There were couple of interesting people around her. Few of them waved at her as she have been travelling through the same path each day for almost a year now. Few college girl giggling and talking about some X and Y. Few husband and wife did not even talk to one another , they must have had a good fight before they start, which will fade off when they reach home. Few kids crying to their mom asking for a chocolate. It was a real hot day and each minute she waited she had to  wet a handkerchief. She thought of getting a big towel the next day. This has almost become her routine. She would start early in the morning and reach her office by 9 or 9.30 and reach back home by 7 or 8. She was waiting for a good train companion. But she did not have a good friend.

After almost two months, when Vandhana was waiting in the station, she saw a 50 year old lady walking towards her. Something in her attracted Vandhana. She was really charming at her age, had a perfect features and was pleasant. She walked towards Vandhana and started talking casually with her. ” Hi, I’m Malathi, I have been waiting there for a long time, saw you so walked here to just have a chit chat”. Vandhana initially thought about talking to a stranger. who knows , Malathi may be a part of a gang. But she did not seemed so. Vandhana finally opened her mouth ” Hi aunty. I’m vandhana, going to Tambaram now. I have never seen you here before. “, ” Oh yes, I just moved to this place couple of days back, I’m also heading towards Tambaram, do you feel I’m a stranger and how to believe me?”, Vandhana was shocked ” Oh yes initially, this society is changing us. Please dont mistake me”, “Oh, thats fine, infact that is safer for you”. The train finally came, they boarded the train and were talking all the way till Tambaram. They both departed and walked towards their respective offices. Vandhana was very happy to meet Malathi and somehow their frequencies matched.They again met that day evening and had good time back to their place.

This continued then on, Vandhana  used to wait for Malathi and vice versa. Vandhana was more and more attracted towards Malathi. Malathi at times gave useful tips to Vandhana about career, presenting herself, cooking and so many other stuffs. Malathi was really educated and an entertainer. She held control over the flow of the conversation and made the communication interesting and useful. Vandhana invited malathi to her house a couple of times, but Malathi would always deny that saying a friendship should be outside the family and that would be healthy. This dejected Vandha a bit, but she accepted that too.

Vandhana’s parents were looking for alliance for her. This elated Malathi. She got a lot of gifts to Vandhana even before something was fixed. She got a lot of jewellery for Vandhana. Vandhana rejected all those, but all in vain. Malathi told her that she did not have a family. She was alone for almost 23 years. She was doing this to Vandhana like she would do for her own daughter. Vandhana’s parents insisted her to bring Malathi home and that she can stay with them. But malathi also rejected this. Vandhana could not do anything to bring Malathi home. Malathi was very adament in that. They all had to adjust and just praised her good will.

Finally Vandhana’s marriage was fixed and she gave Malathi her invitation and asked to come in advance. Malathi was very very happy and again gave her many gifts. Finally on the marriage day, Vandhana was waiting for Malathi. But she did not turn up. Vandhana recived a courier with best wishes from Malathi. It had a Diamond necklace, which would  cost a fortune. Everyone was happy seeing the necklace, but Vandhana got enraged. She did not like what Malathi did to her. She took the address from the courier person. After the marriage was over, Vandhana went to Malathi’s house with her parents and her husband.

Except Vandhana everyone stayed in the car. It was an apartment complex. Malathi’s house was in the second floor. Vandhana went upstairs to see her. She walked down the corridor and was very excited to meet her. She finally reached her house. Vandhana ringed the bell and waiting outside. She could hear Malathi calling out ” I’m coming”. She heard the door click open. The door opened wide and she saw a traditional potrait of Malathi, Her father and 2 years old Vandhana smiling innocently at her. Then she looked at Malathi for a long time. Wiped her eyes, smiled at her and ran back.

Vandhana came back to the car and told them “Malathi is not at home, it seems she have shifted the house and gone somewhere north”.