“Where are you?” I muttered, rubbing my forehead as I looked around the crowd. The market was packed, and she was not as tall as my friend Kishore, who could easily be spotted from miles away. And with what she was wearing, a fluffy white sweater, a muffler wrapped around her neck, and loose blue jeans, she somehow looked even shorter than she actually was.
Shivu…
I heard my name from a distance. Hearing that sound was a real load off my mind.
About five shops ahead, she was standing at a stall, holding a pair of jhumkas near her ears and silently asking me, “How do they look?” through lip-sync.
For a moment, I didn’t even know how to react. I was angry that she disappeared like that. Relieved that I finally found her. And somehow smiling too, looking at her innocent excitement.
But one thing became very clear to me that day: girls may not know the way to the market, but once they enter it, they know everything better than Google Maps.
How are they looking? She asked me once I got there.
Beautiful, I replied, smiling.
What happened to you? You look worried. Were you running? Why are you gasping? Is everything alright? Do you need water? Before I could answer, she had already opened her bag and taken out a bottle.
I’m fine. It’s just… when I turned back and couldn’t see you anywhere, I got worried. At least tell me before disappearing like that.”
I sighed and took a sip of water.
Anyway, leave it.
Okay, sorry… but this much tension, Shivam? Why?” she asked softly while tucking her hair behind her ears.
Ahmm… I mean… I’m answerable to uncle and aunty. You came here with me. What would I tell them if you got lost somewhere? I replied, avoiding eye contact.
And before she could react to that, I quickly changed the topic.
By the way… this wasn’t even on your shopping list yesterday, right?
She didn’t say anything. Just gave me a sly little grin. And in that exact moment, I realized my sister’s warning was absolutely correct.
“It’s never going to be just a few things.”
So… what’s next? I asked.
Just keep walking, she walked off smiling like a model walking on a ramp. Seeing this, I texted my sister, “It may take some time, or more. Maybe by evening, I’ll be free.”
Look at these nail extensions, Shivam, she asked me.
I literally had no idea how they apply it to nails, what it is even for, and why they need it. But you can’t say it, you have to answer it, and that’s what I did.
What about these? I picked another set and handed it to her. I think these will look nice.
Ohhh yes, these are really pretty. You’re actually good at this, she said while sending pictures to someone on WhatsApp.
How many do you need? I asked, stuffing them into a polythene bag.
Thirty, she said
I froze.
What? I looked at her in shock because it wasn’t the 30 pieces but 30 little boxes, and each one had at least 3-4 pieces.
Thirty boxes? Are you planning to use them for the entire year or just one wedding?”
You just pack them, Shivam, she replied casually while bargaining with the shopkeeper.
Okay, madam, I sighed.
Just after we crossed that shop and walked a few meters.
I want to eat something. She suddenly stopped in the middle of the road like a kid asking for candy at a fair.
It’s only been one hour since we got here… I stared at her.
I don’t know anything. I just want food. Want it, want it, want it. Otherwise I’ll keep irritating you, she said.
I already knew all her drama.
I think I might faint, Shivam, She held her stomach dramatically.
You will faint? I laughed. Geet, weakness stays miles away from you. I said, patting her shoulder.
Fine then. I’m sitting right here. She placed one hand on her waist and glared at me. You’ll see.
Okay, okay… come. And that’s how she ended up eating a double plate of chole-bhature with a Coke.
Chale Maalik ( Shall we go, my lord)? I asked her.
She instantly jumped off the cement bench and twirled once under the tree like a happy child.
After that, we kept buying everything that came our way — mufflers, sandals, shoes, crockery, t-shirts, random accessories, and things I didn’t even know existed.
Ironically, almost nothing was from the list she mentioned yesterday.
Except the nail extensions.
This is Geet for you. Or maybe… girls in general.
Shivam, come over. Help me to choose the right cardigans, she called me.
We arrived here at 10;00 am, I remember, and now it’s 01; 00 pm. According to yesterday’s “small shopping plan,” we were supposed to be back home by now, but this is going to be a long march.
There are so many turns and narrow paths in this market that you will not be able to figure out where you were coming from, where you are now and what you have left behind, because when you turn back, you will find a huge crowd on the road and turn from where you came.
“Coming!” I shouted back. Though honestly, I was still wondering, “what exactly is a cardigan”?
Which one do you like? She asked.
Oh, sweater, I said, touching the fabric.
She frowned. There’s a difference. But why am I even explaining this to you? You call t-shirts shirts and shirts t-shirts. So yes, for you, it’s a sweater.
I smiled sheepishly. That’s why you need a female around you. Take this yellow one. I picked one for her.
I knew it if there was yellow, you won’t choose anything else for me, she smiled and took it.
I picked up a yellow one. Take this.
She smiled knowingly. I knew it. If there’s something yellow, you’ll pick only that for me.
Can’t help it, I grinned. Yellow never looked special to me until I saw you wearing that yellow sweater that day.
She blushed slightly.
Thank you… and by the way, it was a sweatshirt, Shivam. She laughed.
If “she” were “he”, I would have said a lot of things, but taking lessons was my work that day.
What else do we have to add to the cart? I asked, carrying her bags.
It’s not like she wasn’t carrying any, but we shared. She was not reliant; I was just trying to be chivalrous.
“Madam! Madam! Look at this bag!”
Someone suddenly tossed a bag into the air and let it fall on the road.
Welcome to Sarojini Market – where you don’t go looking for products. Products come looking for you., and the way they sell, you’ll be shocked.
This is so strong and reliable, sir. Look at this, I’m lighting the lighter here, and nothing is going to happen here. It’s just 1200, sir. Please take it. Madam, have a look, it is so stylish too. He kept demonstrating everything.
What you say? You want it? I asked.
But it’s too much, she replied, she murmured while checking it carefully.
I leaned slightly closer.
I didn’t ask the price. I asked if you liked it.
She blinked once and nodded softly. That was enough for me.
300 bhaiya, I set my price.
It’s below the minimum, he replied, I cannot sell at that price, but if you are saying I can give it to you at 700, he added.
I am not saying you’re asking too much but just telling you my budget. I only have 300 and rest is your decision, And I started walking away.
Bhaiya, 500, he shouted from back but I didn’t turn.
Ok 300. Take it, he came back running.
I paid him and handed the bag to Geet.
"Women are just hyped for bargaining; you do the real one," she said, nudging my shoulder playfully.
Haha… you won’t believe this, but I’ve never bargained this much even for myself. I only did it today thinking maybe I could save some money for you, I said, picking up the bags again and walking ahead.
Thank you, she replied with a smile.
Ahmm… Shivu, I have nothing to wear for the mehndi, she suddenly said.
What? No, no… you definitely have to wear something,” I replied dramatically, making her laugh.
“Stop it, Perv. I’m serious.” She rolled her eyes. “Should I buy a lehenga for it?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
( Lesson- Now one thing I’ve understood about girls - when they ask something like this, they’re not really asking for your opinion. They just want you to say “yes” loudly and happily.)
And that’s exactly what I did.
“Yes, obviously! You should buy one. Come on, let’s go,” I replied.
We entered a shop.
Hello ma’am, please come in, the shopkeeper greeted us…. Oh sorry…just her. They know very well whom to welcome and when. They will come to me later.
This is one of our finest pieces, ma’am, he said, showing a yellow embroidered lehenga.
It had delicate mirror work shining softly under the lights, with hand-painted floral patterns flowing along the border. The fabric looked so graceful that for a moment my eyes just got stuck on it.
And then, automatically, I imagined Geet wearing it. She would outshine everyone there.
Wow… this is beautiful, I exclaimed.
Sir already liked it for you, ma’am. You should take it, the shopkeeper instantly jumped in.
But it’s for mehndi, Shivu. It should be green, she said, making a tiny disappointed face.
Ohhh yes, right. Show us some green options, I added.
Within seconds, another man appeared with a green lehenga in his hands. Honestly, I don’t know how these shopkeepers work so fast. It’s like they already know what you’re about to ask for.
I was about to say no when Geet suddenly went- “Yes. Yes. YES.”
Then she looked at me excitedly. “What do you say, Shivam?”
And again… rule number one:
Just say “yes” when she wants you to say “yes.”
Oh yes, definitely. You can’t miss this one. It’ll look amazing on you, I replied with even more excitement than she had.
You both liked it? Then let’s pack it, the shopkeeper said, almost sealing the deal before we could even think properly.
Yes, we’ll take it, Geet answered happily.
Now came my actual entry into the conversation.
“Sir, how will you pay?” he asked me.
See? I told you. They know exactly whom to talk to and when.
First tell me the price, I asked.
Only 4500, sir.
What? No chance. Let’s go, Shivu, Geet reacted instantly.
I lightly pinched her hand, asking her to stop for a second.
I think 4500 rupees is perfectly reasonable for this beautiful dress. But as you can see in our bags, we've already done a lot of shopping for today. This is the last leg of the trip, so we are kind of running out of budget, bhaiya. Let's find a way for both of us.. I did what I was supposed to do.
We can give you 3000, Geet started.
No… noo, ma’am. We are really sorry but we can’t give you at this price, they immediately replied, taking the lehenga out of the packing bag.
Geet, why don’t you check those dresses once? I suggested.
She finally turned away for a moment. And now came the real negotiation.
Me- Bhaiya, please. She liked it a lot and I am with her, please understand. 3200?
Shopkeeper- Girlfriend?
Me- Yes.
Shopkeeper- I know you really want her to wear it but that would be a loss for us, sir.
Me- Please, do it. You know how much it matters to me.
Shopkeeper- 3500?
Me- Done.
( FYI, the shopkeeper and I didn’t say a word. It was just eye contact that exchanged everything. That’s how male understand each other, mainly, in such situations. And honestly… for a second, I wished what he assumed about me and Geet was actually true.)
3500, ma’am. Sir agreed, so now I won’t listen to anything else. Here you go,” he smiled, handing her the bag.
But when did you both even talk? I was sitting right there! she asked, shocked.
Just keep walking. I’ll explain later, I said, pushing her toward the exit
But how did you do that? she kept asking impatiently.
Keep moving, I laughed.
While leaving, I looked back. Thank you, I said to the shopkeeper.
Welcome, sir, he replied, shaking my hand with a knowing smile.
The moment we stepped out, she stopped again.
Now will you PLEASE tell me what happened there?”
We talked through eye contact, I told him you’re my girlfriend and asked him to help me out a little.” I responded casually, trying to hide my smile so she wouldn't think I liked being called her boyfriend.
And all this happened without a single word? she laughed. “I should bring you with me every time I go shopping.”
She walked ahead laughing. But strangely… she didn’t react to the girlfriend part.
Did she feel something too? Ahhh no. Probably she thought I wasn’t serious, so why would she react seriously?
Yes. That had to be the reason.
What are you thinking? Let’s go! she called out.
Coming, I replied, walking behind her.
( Walking around)
Geet, I think we’re getting late. It’s already 5 PM. Aunty’s call is coming any moment now.
And exactly as I said that, her phone started ringing.
I burst out laughing. See? Right on time.
Such a witch you are, she muttered, cutting the call. Let’s go.
By then the market had become even more crowded. People were pushing from every direction and walking straight felt impossible.
Suddenly she stopped again.
Shivu, let’s check that shop once.
I can’t believe you, Geet. You are not going home this way. I held her hand and started walking ahead, making way to exit. After somehow escaping the chaos, I finally spotted the metro gate and sighed in relief.
I can’t go in the metro carrying all this stuff at this hour, she complained.
Then let’s book an auto, I suggested.
Yes, please.
She sat on a nearby bench while I booked one on Rapido.
(A few minutes later, the auto arrived.)
Come, let’s go.
I picked up the bags and walked ahead when suddenly she held my hand from behind.
No more shopping, Geet, I said without turning.
Your shoelaces, idiot. Before I could react, she knelt down and started tying them.
And honestly…it looked less like shoelaces and more like a proposal scene to my overthinking heart. I kept staring at her and smiling like an idiot while she fixed them carefully.
Done. Let’s go now, she said, looking up at me.
The way I was looking at her suddenly felt a little too awkward, so I quickly looked away toward the auto.
Y-yeah… let’s go. We loaded the bags and sat inside.
( Auto started)
He probably drove a few kilometers and then She -
Stop bhaiya.
What happened? I asked.
Just a minute. I;ll right back in a moment, she replied and got off.
But where are you going? By the time I ask again she disappeared.
While she was not there, I took out the painkiller and had it.
( A few minute later)
Let’s go bhaiya, she came in and auto started.
Where did you go? I asked.
She took out the burger out of the polythene.
I don’t know how to react here. I looked at her face for two seconds… then just laughed and lightly nudged her stomach.
“Enjoy,” I said.
“Hahaha.” she responded
You want some? She offered.
No, I am good. I denied.
Just one bite?” She brought it close to my mouth.
I took a bite. She finished the rest.
If you have done it, can you do a massage? My shoulders are hurting,” I asked.
One second. She quickly finished the last bite, cleaned her hands, and moved closer to me.
“Here?”
“Little left.”
“Here?”
“Yeah… there.” I groaned softly. “That side hurts.”
Her hands moved gently over my shoulders. And honestly… it felt so comforting that half my pain disappeared instantly.
While she was checking all the bags, I was looking outside. The sun was setting beside us. Cool wind brushed against our faces. The city noise had faded somewhere behind us. And at that moment, sitting beside her in that moving auto, I knew this was a day I would never forget.
Maybe I hadn’t held her hand intentionally in the market but now, when I look back at that moment, it still gives me butterflies. I wished I could hold it forever. I wished something miraculous would happen and make her mine. And suddenly, a line came to my mind for that situation when I was holding her hand in that crowd-
“Mushkilo mae yuhi tumhe sambhal lunga,
Tum jo thaam lo haath mera,
Toh sari umar saath nibhaunga…”
( I'll take care of you through hard times,
If you hold my hand,
I'll be with you for the rest of your life.)
You’re coming all the way to Palam and then going back to Shastri Nagar? Won’t that be too much traveling? I troubled you a lot today,” she said, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“No, no… it’s fine,” I smiled. “I can’t leave you with so much stuff all alone. I’ll drop you near your home and then go back. I replied.
Did it hurt again? Have you taken the painkiller? She asked.
Luckily, it didn’t happen today. No need for painkillers. I lied with a smile..
Let’s play thumb war, I asked.
We locked fingers and started playing like little kids. And somewhere between random conversations, laughter, and tiny silences…the journey ended.
Palam Metro, the auto driver said.
We took out the bags, paid the driver and he went away.
How far is your home from here? I asked
Just 1 kilometer, She replied.
You take care of the bags, I look for the auto. She said
Okay, I replied.
( A Few Minutes Later )
Shivu…here, here, she waved from the other side of the road.
Coming, coming. I took the bags and reached there.
You have to catch the train today as well? I hope you had a good time in Delhi, I replied smiling.
Yes, it is at night. And of course, I had a great time here and can’t thank you enough. She replied, shaking her hands.
For a second, my chest felt strangely heavy as she was going. So instead of speaking, I just smiled.
Okay, I think you should go now. Di must be waiting for you, she replied.
Take care, Geet. Happy Journey. I said and walked back toward the metro gate.
I didn’t get inside, standing at the gate, and waiting for her to look back. The auto waited for a while and then started moving. I was looking at the time, then her, and waiting for her to turn.
She moved her head a little left where I was standing, and seeing this my heartbeat instantly shot up and a smile appeared on my face, but then she turned straight. Perhaps, she was just adjusting something. And slowly, the auto disappeared.
“It’s not that she didn’t turn back that hurts, but what hurts the most is that she didn’t think I might be waiting for her.”
No matter where we end up at the end but if she ever needs me, I’ll always be there for her without expecting anything in return. Perhaps that’s what a true friend, a true human, or a true person who loves you does. I once heard somewhere -
“ Anat jante hue bhi, anat tak saath nibhana hi Pream hai”
( Love is staying beside someone till eternity… even after knowing the ending.)
( Based on true event)
Connect With Me;-
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3. YouTube;- https://www.youtube.com/c/wordsofkumar
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5. iTunes;- https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/wordsofkumar/id1583957060
1 Comments
It's a beautiful story with the ending i wasn't expecting. I really enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeletespread the love😊
@Kumar Shivam....