Sarojini Market- Crowded, Yet Just Us

 

Sochti hai zyaada, kam woh samajhti hai ( She thinks too much, she understands less),  my phone started ringing. 

I ignored it for the first few seconds, and the lyrics continue “ Dil kuch kehta hai, kuch aur hi karti hai, Ladki kyon…. ( Their heart says one thing, they do something else. Why do girls) 

Shivam…Pick up your bloody phone, my sister yelled from inside. I was standing on the balcony, but the moment I heard her tone, I rushed in. Not because I cared about the call, but because I cared about myself. If I delayed even a second, something from the room would definitely come flying at my head.

I took the phone, put it on silent, and slowly looked up, smiling. She was standing there, arms crossed, glaring at me

Calm down...please. This is not for you. I tried to pacify her. I set a different ringtone for you, okay?” I added, lowering my voice as I quietly slipped out of the room with my phone.

(FYI, this is not a regular ringtone; I had customised this one for a very specific person. Someone who matches these lines a little too perfectly. “Geet ”) 

{Geet- One of my closet friends for the last 7 years, but not consecutively. We'd have terrible fights, not speak for months or sometimes a year, but then somehow we started talking like nothing happened. She is so foodie, like it’s not possible that you walk with her for a few miles and she doesn’t ask at every possible stop for something. She is sweet, caring, beautiful, and nowadays a little careless. Let’s know more about her later in the story)

“Hello,” I said when she picked up.

Silence.

“Will you say something?” I asked again, a little louder this time, as she wasn’t responding.

Softer,” she whispered, as a quiet command meant just for me.

Uggh… her never-ending dramas,” I muttered, rubbing my forehead.

Hello, I couldn’t pick up your call as I was outside…on the balcony. How are you? I softened my tone and replied. 

I am good, she replied, giggling. 

Are you serious? How can someone change their moods so fast? I replied annoyingly.

Hahaha, I love teasing you, she replied.

And I love when you do this, I muttered

“What do you love? Hmm… you said something, didn’t you?” she asked, sounding curious, like she had almost caught me.

Ahhmm….Nothing, I got numb for a while. Was I that loud? I questioned myself. 

No, you were saying you lo…Why did you call me? I cut her in the middle so she couldn’t drag that stuff anymore. 

“Oh… yes, yes. You know, Shivu… I’ve never been to Delhi before, and it’s my first time here… so I was thinking… maybe you could come with me for shopping at Sarojini Market?” She said it in that sweet, slightly hesitant voice, the kind she uses when she already knows I won’t be able to say no.

Long before she even finished her sentence, I knew some work was definitely coming my way.

I’ll tell you why.

Because whenever she calls me “ Shivu” and not “ Shivam”, it could only mean two things. Either I am mad at her, and she’s trying to butter me up, or she has some sort of work for me to do. 

I can, but I can’t assure you because I have to visit the doctor tomorrow. If it gets rescheduled, then maybe I can come. I said, trying to keep my voice stiff like the idea didn’t excite me at all… even though a small part of me was already picturing her bargaining with shopkeepers.

Please…try it, no, she pleaded, stretching the word like a kid

That’s not in my control, Geet. I’ll confirm with you by the evening, I replied nonchalantly.

Why are you sounding so weird? I don't like it, Shivam, She replied, annoyingly, and I could almost see her frowning face in front of me.

(Shivam- means either she is normal or getting ready to yell at me, and I saw what’s coming for me this time. )

What are you going to buy there, Geet? I asked softly, changing my tone.

Ahmm…Just a few things, nothing much. Some nail extensions, a hair dryer, and a few regular-wearing clothes, she replied. 

( Tip- Never trust girls when they say “ just a few things to buy”. You’ll get to know later in the story) 

Okay then, I’ll see if I can manage to come, I replied. 

I’ll be waiting, she murmured, her voice sweet, like she already knew I would come.  

Byee, take care, I replied and hung up. 

Is it possible that you go to the doctor and ask about the operation date? You have all the reports, and I know they will ask the same stuff. Just check if they perform this surgery there… otherwise, we can look for another hospital on Monday. I walked into the room and said to Di ( Elder sister), trying my best to convince her, like I wasn’t ready to take no for an answer.

But why can’t you go? Is there any problem? Is it start paining again? She asked, worry filling her voice as her hand gently moved over my stomach.

Noo, it’s fine. Stone doesn’t hurt that often; it’s just when you have a bad day, it decides to move around and gives pain. Hopefully, today isn’t that day, so don’t worry. I tried to calm her down. 

So, what’s the matter? She asked, frowning like she guessed something was fishy. 

Ahmm… nothing, I mumbled. I just don’t want to go. And anyway, we only have to check whether they have laser treatment or still operate traditionally, so what would I even do there? You go no….please. I’ll go with you on Monday. I said persuasively, as I just wanted her to agree on it.  

Looking at her face, I quietly crossed my fingers and was waiting for her “Yes” to my plan. I couldn’t tell her about Sarojini market right now, otherwise she won’t allow me, thinking that’s the reason I am saying "No" to the hospital.

So, what I’ll do is to act as if I just got to know that Geet is in Delhi and know nothing about the place and ask me to come with her. That way, it would look like I wanted to rest… but had no choice except to help her.  Perfect plan.

Ahmm… Okay, I’ll go tomorrow, " she replied and went off to the kitchen. 

I let out a long breath of relief and was just about to jump in victory when she suddenly turned back.

Pointing the rolling pin straight at me like a warning weapon, she said,

“You will rest tomorrow. No other plans.”

Yes, yes…I will. I said, rubbing my forehead like I desperately needed rest.

( At 08:30 pm) 

I took my phone, put it on silent, and started —

What? Are you serious? You are here, Geet? What a coincidence, when did you come to Delhi?

 

Who is here? My sister beckoned me over to talk to her. 

I can’t get too close to her as she would know no one is on the other side. So, maintaining a distance, I said “ Geet.”  

Oh, you want me to come with you to Sarojini Market tomorrow. Oh, it won’t take a long time, just a few things you need. Ahmm…Okay, I’ll text you on WhatsApp if I can come. I said it and hung up. 

I looked innocently at my sister and said, “ She is new here, didn’t know anything, and it’s her first time. Can I go with her? I’ll take the painkiller with me if it pains and will come back as early as possible. 

There is no problem going out there, but what would you eat there? You are allowed to eat specific things only, she replied. And one thing more, it won’t be early. Trust me, you’ll have your whole day packed, she suggested, as she knows how girls are. 

I’ll have juice, and if I need more, will manage with bananas, I replied. Although I don’t want to go, since she is new here and doesn’t know anything, I think I should help her. I added, but kept my tone down to show no excitement.  

Ya…Yaa, I know. You needed to help. Okay, go and come back soon, She replied and got busy with her work.

This is not what I expected. How did she agree so easily? And btw, her “ ya..yaa” sounded a bit different, like she knows brewing inside my mind. Anyway, she approves it, and that’s it. Let’s plan for tomorrow. 

Btw, how many times have you been to Sarojini? She replied mockingly. 

It’s a reality check. I’ve never been there and have no idea where exactly it is. I just know the metro route and nothing else, but Geet doesn’t know that I don’t know. 

Ahmm… Yes. I know where it is. It’s in…aaaa…. Near the metro station. When you come out of the metro station, it is just a few meters away. She added.

“I need to help her”, she mockingly whispered my lines. 

 She is just one of your friends, right? She asked, putting her hand on her waist.

Ahhh..ahmm…Yes. I replied. But why are you asking this? I added.

Nothing. Just noticing how much she means to you. Like, you are in pain, not now by grace of god, but it occurs anytime, you are not concerned about what to eat there, you might get tired, your health could deteriorate, but you “ need to help her.” She replied, looking at me, smiling. 

You are thinking too much. I’m just her friend, I replied, hiding my smile. 

Oh, means for her you are a friend, but I asked what she means to you? She asked, tickling me in the stomach. 

Nothing, Di. Just a friend. Good night. I want to sleep, I replied and put on the blanket. 

If so, why do you always smile when we talk about her? She removed the blanket from my face.

Good Nighttttt…. And put the blanket on. That’s the best I could do. 

Coming tomm. I texted Geet on WhatsApp and slept. 

( Morning 08;30 AM) 

I wore a black hoodie and combed my hair ( a very little that are left) and was ready to meet her soon. 

I am going, I said, putting on the shoes at the stairs. 

Who will take the painkillers? She handed me the medicine. 

Thank you so much. How could I forget this? I took the medicine and put it in my pocket. 

Enjoy your day with your “ Friend”, she giggled. 

I replied nothing and shut the door. 

( At Shastri Nagar Metro Station) 

Hello, I said. 

Can you come to Hauz Khas? I’ll meet you there, She asked. 

It’s too far from here, yaar. 40-45 minutes, I replied, annoyingly. 

And the same goes for me. Hauz Khas is near my place, and from here just 2 or 3 stops to Sarojini. She replied. 

Okay, wait for me at Hauz Khas, I’ll come soon. I replied. 

If Sarojini is near your place too, then let’s meet at Sarojini Market, She replied. 

No, no.. wait for me at Hauz Khas, I replied and hung up.  

I am not just going to help her with shopping, but I want to spend time with her too. So, instead of taking the shortest route to Sarojini market, I chose Hauz Khas. That route is so crowded during working days that you can’t find a place to at least stand properly. But the thought of meeting her, talking to her, and being with her was enough for me that day to manage everything. 

(At Hauz Khas Metro Station)

Where are you? I called her and asked. 

Turn around, she replied. 

I turned, and there she was, walking down the stairs.
Her smooth hair swayed gently with every step, her bright eyes shining like they knew exactly how to steal my attention, her lips curved into the kind of smile that could calm any storm, and her face… so beautiful that for a second, the noisy metro station felt strangely silent. 

“Hii…” she said, waving her hand at me.

“Hello, Motto,” I replied with a laugh. In response, she made that cute teddy-like frown she always used when I teased her.

“Let’s go, Shivu,” she said, turning around, tossing her bag straight into my hands, and walking toward the next metro to Sarojini Market. 

“Hey, hey… wait!” I called, stepping after her. “At least you could thank me for coming. And look at you, no excitement at all after seeing me here.”

She didn’t even slow down. And got into the next metro.

I asked you something, I patted her on the back, getting into the metro.

Why should I show excitement when you already know it?” she said casually. “You can’t say no to me… especially when I need you. No chance. I know you, Shivu. Now stop acting like a stranger and come with me.

She said it so confidently that I just stood there, staring at her for a second.

If you know me so well… why don’t you know what you’re supposed to know yet?  I murmured under my breath.

( At Sarojini Market Metro Station) 

Hold on, Geet… wait for me! I rushed toward the exit. By the time I snapped out of my thoughts, she was already outside the station.

What are you even carrying in this bag, idiot?  I asked as I stepped out. It was supposed to be empty.

A water bottle and some fruits… for you, she replied simply. I thought you might need them.

I didn’t say anything. I just smiled, looking at her.

Now, shall we go? she said, grabbing my hand like I was some lost kid and pulling me along.

I was supposed to guide her, help her find her way around, and act all responsible, but right now, the whole scene was exactly the opposite of what I had imagined.

But after a few steps, she suddenly stopped. And right then, I realised that was the end of her confidence.

I stood behind her, folding my arms and trying hard not to laugh.

“Go on… go,” I teased, poking her lightly on the head. You knew all the routes, remember? You were the one taking me to Sarojini. So tell me… where do we go now, Geet? 

Haha..Huh..You done? She replied, glaring at me.

Follow me, this place is always crowded, but since today is the weekend, there will be a lot more than on normal days, so don’t go anywhere. I strutted towards the market. 

Okay…She replied, making her face. 

( At Sarojini Market) 

At every step, I was reading the names of every shop, hoping to find the one she needed. Honestly, I shouldn’t have shown so much confidence earlier… this was my first time here too. 

You know, Geet, this place has changed a lot since the last time I visited. I tried to put my weapons down before it could backfire on me. 

Now, even if I make a mistake, she won't doubt that I don't know the place. Perfect plan. 

But I heard no response from her. I frowned and turned back.

She wasn’t there.

My heart skipped a beat.

“Geet…?” I called softly at first.
Then louder “Geet… Geet!”

I started moving around in circles, scanning every face, every lane.
Where did she go? She didn’t even know the way out. I should’ve held her hand.

“Geet… Geet…” I called again, my steps getting faster as I searched for her everywhere, the crowd suddenly feeling too big and too confusing. 

To be continued...

Read the next part here- Part 2😊

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