Zoya never thought she would meet Sunil here. But the reality spoke differently, the man who once filled her days appeared suddenly from the middle of nowhere. She had forgotten about him, throwing away all memories of him. And she succeeded. But why was he here?
Uh, of course Ramya invited him. They went to the same school including the girl with Sunil, Sharmila Swetha. At least, the girl used to be Zoya's friend.
Sharmila, a girl who was not only smart but also beautiful. Her intelligence was from her father, a leading Professor and internist in Mumbai. Supposedly Sharmila also completed her studies in medicine.
Sunil affectionately brought Sharmila towards her. They both smiled although in Zoya's eyes looks like artificial smile.
"Hi Zoya, how are you?" said Sunil. Zoya couldn't help but smile back and replied, "Good. How are you guys?"
"As you can see." It was Sharmila who answered.
"Back from Boston?" Sunil asked.
"Yeah, just a few days ago."
"On vacation or what?"
"I've graduated."
"Well, congratulation then!" Sharmila said.
"You look more beautiful," said Zoya looking at Sharmila's appearance. The girl who became Sunil's lover did look different. Now her body looked more proportional if you can't say sexy.
"You also look more beautiful and mature. But your appearance hasn't changed much huh, always simple. I like it," Sharmila also complimented. Zoya only smiled a little. She knew that this kind of praise was useless, but also important in socializing, especially among people like them. The mouth often talks nicely, but the heart is often the opposite. They even drop each other. Feel who was the greatest among them. The proof was Sharmila shamelessly still being nice even though the man she holding was Zoya's ex-lover. But Zoya actually wasn't angry at Sharmila at all. Sunil was the playboy, betraying her.
Zoya already have known the man's character. He has an affair and likes to play with girls. Luckily, she was free from Sunil.
The man in front of her knew very well how to take advantage of his potential. His good looks and the status of his parents, the rulers of Mumbai were his weapons to attract girls. Zoya once fell in his trap. Formerly.
But it's been four years and now Sunil is still sticking with Sharmila. How can their relationship last that long? Had Sunil changed?
Sunil was restless. Men, when they hear women praising each other must be like that as if there was nothing else to talk about.
"What are you doing now? I heard you're working on the TV, huh?" Said Zoya
"Who said that?"
"I heard so."
"I've been in the world of television for a while, played in several soap operas but my parents didn't really approve of it. They'd rather I join the police academy."
"Oh yeah?"
"Now I'm an officer."
"Oh yeah?" Zoya repeats the same words out of her shock. She did not think at all the career chosen by his ex.
"I'm sure your career will be as fast as your father's."
"Thank you."
Zoya remembered all the careers chosen by her friends not far from the profession of their parents. She was no exception. Even though the world is progressing and developing, many children still following their parents' patronage.
They engaged in small talk until soon the show began. They separated from each other. Sunil and Sharmila went to a table near the stage while Zoya not far from the entrance.
Ramya's birthday seemed a bit formal, although there was live music as well. And also there was a lot of food served.
During the event Zoya found out Sunil occasionally glanced at her so she wondered what was wrong with that man. Wasn't he satisfied with his girlfriend now? Why glanced at her?
Their relationship was long over almost four years. Sunil was a thing of the past, no need to remember anymore. Their relationship was just friends.
Zoya was more focused on Ramya's birthday. She felt that this event was not just a mere birthday, but also a gathering place for the at bourgeoisie to interact and find relationships as well as introducing themselves. She knew because Ramya was aspiring politician. She wanted like her father. After all, she thought, why would Ramya hold a birthday party like this, she wasn't a child anymore to have a birthday party like this, if there was no specific purpose?
Ah, never mind! What was she thinking about. What is clear now she wanted to enjoy her best friend's birthday party. Eat and have fun after 3 days of being confined at home.
She looked around. She felt this was not like in India seeing the concept that carried out. The western atmosphere. Neither the decorations, the appearance of the guests, the musical accompaniment that sings western songs – none of the Indian songs, not even the food served on the table. Everything was western.
The cake-cutting ceremony was over.
While Zoya enjoying her meal, she almost choked when the singer on stage sang Gloria Gaynor song. I Will Survive. It was her favorite song when she broke up with Sunil after finding out that the man was having an affair with Sharmila What a coincident moment!
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
Keep thinking I coud never live without you by my side
But then I spent so many nights thinking how did me wrong
And I grow strong and I learned how to get along
And you're so back from outer space
I Just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face
I should have changed that stupid lock, I should have made You leave your key
If I'd known for just one second You'd be back to bother me
The female singer who was on the small stage seemed excited to sing the song, even though it didn't match the atmosphere of the birthday party, but it seemed to represent Zoya's feelings. Her voice quite powerful and there was a feeling of anger when she sang the song. Had she ever felt the pain of being left by her lover and tried to survive and move on? Zoya didn't know, it's clear that she was happy to hear that song.
She tried to glance at Sunil, it turned out that Sunil was also watching her enjoying the song. From afar Zoya threw a smile. Not a seductive smile, but more an expression of satisfaction.
Yes, she managed to survive and forget about Sunil. The proof was that she was fine even though there was no more man to fill her days after Sunil.
She was a strong woman, daughter of Narendra Prasadh. If she wanted she could have gotten more from Sunil, but she learned to be more mature and focus on her education rather than building relationships again. She thought, if she can't just deal with love affairs, how will she deal with all the big problems in her life? Isn't she heir to the throne of his father's business empire?
Sunil was the loser! Throwing diamonds to chase agate.
A small incident occurred. From a distance she saw Sharmila arguing with Sunil. It was seen from Sharmila's gesture. What happened to them? Zoya doesn't know what they were talking about. Sharmila seemed angry. She got up from her seat, hurriedly walked towards the exit. Sunil chased trying to hold her.
It was just a small incident, none of the other guests knew their little fight, because everyone was busy with their own business and the music was quite loud.
Sharmila continued walking towards the exit door, that means she would definitely pass where Zoya sitting and Zoya chosed to pretend to be relaxed while sipping her drink.
She raised her head as Sharmila passed her and smiled. But the girl didn't even respond and looked away.
Zoya had no idea what they were arguing about. But what really happened was Sharmila caught Sunil always stealing glances at Zoya. That's what made her angry, especially when Zoya smiled at Sunil during the singer's rendition of I will Survive.
Sharmila was suddenly jealous.
"Are you crazy?" Choletti Sai Kumari scolded his only daughter. There was no cause suddenly she asked to be married to a man who had been making her heart flutter wildly. That man was none other than Praveen Jayachandran.Since getting to know Praveen, Ranjana had fallen in love with him. Every moment the young man's face haunted her, dancing in her eyes. Make her heart always pounding, and blood flow faster. In her mind, Praveen was so charming.Praveen before leaving for Mumbai, worked at Choletti's pottery factory. For four months he worked there secretly to raise money. He worked so diligently, from morning to evening making various clay tools. Starting from taking clay, processing and shaping it to the burning process, he did it. Although at first he was not very skilled, but he learned quickly so he was able to make pottery in greater numbers than other workers.Choletti, the business owner, liked Praveen. At first he didn't expect the young man to work hard at his place, but se
The memorial service of his mother was only a few days to come. Nearby neighbors had been invited. Of course, no one would refuse because they would be served with many foods and drinks. Some poor people had also been invited. Auntie Neha had been shopping for necessities at the market using the of Praveen's mother savings and also donations from mourners on the day of death. She bought more than enough that she came home with a bajaj almost full of all kinds of groceries. Rice, flour, sugar, chicken meat, eggs, various vegetables, and spices. Enough for a hundred people. They invited only dozens, but just in case there would be more than that. Luckily the money was more than enough and there were a few thousand rupees left. Later it would be the women who cook. Usually in cooking events, they also use it as a gathering for residents. They chatted and joked with each other to increase their intimacy. Praveen had also collected a lot of firewood for cooking. At that time he took a sh
"Dad, I'm really bored at home. I want to start working, dedicating myself to the company as well as practicing the skill I have. Why didn't you ask me to join the company?" Zoya asked Narendra Prasadh that morning at the family dining table.Narendra Prasadh took a sip of his black coffee and put the cup back on the saucer. He looked his eldest daughter straight in the eye. Looks like she really bored at home, without doing any thing productive."Maybe I should look for a job at another company, if you don't give me a position. I'll just apply at the Central Bank then. There is a job vacancy there," Zoya said more like a threat.Narendra smiled hearing that."I sent you to the best campus in the world, how can someone else take advantage of your intelligence? No way!""Then why until now you make me unemployed?""So you feel unemployed now, My Dear?""Exactly! That is what I feel right now!""Don't worry, there's no way I won't give you an honorable position in the Vishaya Group. I'm
Zoya jumped onto the bed. Suddenly the bed shook. She did not accept his father's decision. Dharavi? Why go there? Even though her father had explained why she was sent there, Zoya still didn't accept it. This was a really crazy idea, it didn't make any sense. If it's to galvanize her sense she don't have to go to Dharavi. Asked her to stay there for three months would be like living in hell. She never thought whether she could survive or not. Why bother if only perceive life of the lower classes? After all, she had a high level of sympathy and empathy for the poor. At school, she often involved in social actions. Even while studying in Boston, she also participated in charity activities. She thought her father's idea was too ridiculous. How dare to galvanize his daughter in such a way? Moreover, she was a girl. Sending her to Dharavi could clearly threaten her safety especially if people knew she was Narendra Prasadh's daughter. She can be a target for extortion and even kidnapping
Praveen stared sorrowfully at the small river where his mother's ashes dispersed. It's been ten days since she died and only memories remain in his head. All the memories with his mother from childhood to leaving her three months ago swirled in his head. Like the fragments of a mosaic that broken up and he tried to put them back together, into a whole picture.He knew, the remnants of the ashes that he dispersed, had no trace at all. Only the brownish-colored of water flow not far from he stood.He wanted to say goodbye to his mother because tomorrow he would return to Mumbai. Memorial event had been held and went well. As a child he had fulfilled his responsibilities. Nothing else was left.Praveen also wanted to overcome the sadness he felt. He wanted to be a new person, a better new man. He wished to throw away the dream of becoming a Bollywood star, and live the live according to reality. Never mind to bury that dream here, no need to be realized in Mumbai there.In front of the
The river was shallow, but due to a lot of mud at the bottom the water surface was as high as Ranjana's neck. She seemed to be gasping for air to keep her head above the water but the mud seemed to swallow her feet.Praveen was already in the water alone with Ranjana. He swiftly tried to grab Ranjana's big arm, but he couldn't because it was too big to hold. Finally he grabbed her wrist."Let go! Let go of me! I'd rather die than not be able to marry you!""What are you doing? Don't be a fool to end your life in such a ridiculous way!" Praveen shouted with difficulty dragging Ranjana. But the huge body didn't move at all. Ranjana continued to struggle and the muddy water splashed down her head and Praveen's head.With all his strength Praveen dragged her out and she struggled even more trying to get out of Praveen's grip and desperately threw herself into the water and made her drowning. Praveen was panic. He tried to lift her up, but the body was so heavy. It's like lifting a hippo
"Hey, why do you look like a drowned rat? Did you fall into the river or something?" asked Auntie Neha seeing Praveen coming home bedraggled. Praveen ignored her, just went to the room to get a towel and change of clothes.In the living room the spinster auntie still waiting for him. Ten minutes passed, her nephew had not yet come out of the bathroom behind the house. Actually this afternoon he had taken a shower but the incident earlier, he had to take a bath again."Praveen, I want to talk to you," she said when Praveen had come out of the bathroom.Praveen stopped his steps and looked back at his aunt with a surprised look."Auntie, what do you want to talk about?""Someone was here looking for you this afternoon. A woman named Ranjana. I said you were out.""I've met her," Praveen replied curtly."So then she looked for you all the way to the riverside field?""Yes.""Who's she? Is she your lover?" Aunt Neha asked for an explanation."My lover?" Praveen raised his eyebrows."She
Praveen was out of station with his backpack. The backpack felt heavy on his back because of clothes he was carrying. He brought a lot because he didn't know when he would come back here again. He stepped out of the station while carrying a bag of food containing his meals.In front of the station was quite crowded that afternoon. There were many private vehicles parked carelessly mixed with street vendors selling various food and other necessities. There were also many beggars who raised their hands asking for begging to passers-by.For some reason his eyes fell on an old man in shabby clothes sitting cross-legged on the sidewalk across the street. Although sitting cross-legged but still holding a stick in a standing position. The turban he was wearing also looked shabby. His beard and mustache were left long and unkempt.He was silent when Praveen approached him. Praveen only realized when he looked closely at his white eyeballs. He was blind. What a pity, a blind old man had to beg