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SNEHAL
Snehal got out of the car, heaving a sigh of relief. She was content to propose to Vivek at Swagat and was happy because Vivek too expressed his interest in her. She needed to convince her parents and cancel the alliance with Ranjit. The task was daunting. Vivek should help her in achieving their goal.
“Vivek, I have the next class tomorrow morning.” She closed the car door and looked at him through the window, her head level with his. “I will go home.”
“Are we not discussing online teaching and going to Bangalore?”
“Now?”
“Yeah. I don’t want to wait.” He got out of the car and pressed the remote. The vehicle chirped, locking the door.
“All right,” Snehal said and followed him.
Pooja wasn’t in her seat and the cleaning lady sat in the lounge. Vivek opened his office cubicle and entered. Snehal sat in front of him.
“What did your ex-colleague tell you about the online web portal?”
“Well, students are learning the subjects on the internet. There have been several online portals that have come up recently, and they‘re offering courses at lower prices.”
“I’m sure your friend’s business is affected, too,” Vivek said. “What is his boss going to do?”
“They are going to Bangalore to meet a content provider who sells the ready-made web portals.”
“What do you mean by ready-made?”
“They provide the skeleton of the online teaching website. We can customize according to our requirements.”
“Oh, I see. I need to research on the internet to know more about it. I am proficient in website customization as I’ve worked on such projects in Bangalore. I think it’s imperative for us also to switch to online coaching.” Vivek drew in a heavy breath. “What do you suggest?”
“We must if we want to remain in the market.” Snehal propped up her elbows on the table. “I’ll ask my ex-colleague more details if you want.”
“When is he going to Bangalore?”
“This week.”
“Okay. I think we should also go to Bangalore.” Vivek sounded curious. “Are you coming with me?”
Snehal looked at Vivek shyly. She would go, but convincing her parents would be a daunting task. Her father had gone to Delhi on an official trip. What if I visit Bangalore and come back before Dad arrived?
“I will, but I should convince my parents.”
“Do you think they’ll allow you?”
“Luckily, my father is in Delhi.” Snehal sounded elated. “I can convince my mother, somehow.” It was an opportunity to build an intimate relationship with Vivek. “We will go and come back before he returns.”
“Do you think your mother will keep it from your Dad?”
Snehal sighed. “She wouldn’t want to get me in trouble.”
“Okay, let me reserve the flight tickets, then. You make sure to get the details of the online content provider from your ex-colleague. I’ll also search the internet and get to know more about it.”
An evening breeze ruffled Snehal’s hair as she drove her scooter back to her home. It had been a fruitful day. She proposed to Vivek, and they decided to go to Bangalore. Vivek accepting her proposition had been a major achievement, and she didn’t want anything more.
The evening traffic was moderate. A few city buses rode past her, honking. The sky was overcast, and the dark clouds indicated an imminent rain. She needed twenty minutes to arrive at her home; she hoped the rain wouldn’t start before she got to her house.
She parked her scooter inside her home and rang the doorbell. Her mother, wearing a pale purple sari, opened the door, smiling. Her neck was adorned with a diamond mixed gold necklace; a large size vermillion was stuck on the center of the forehead. Her black braid, applied with hair oil, glistened in the daylight.
“Hello, Mom,” Snehal entered and sat on a chair. She removed her footwear.
“Aren’t you late today?” Her mother went and sat on the couch.
“I had a meeting with my boss.” She bit her lip. Her mother would be disappointed to hear about Vivek.
“When do you stop going there?” Deepali sounded harsh.
Snehal grew courageous after she proposed to Vivek and got his support. She would build a good relationship with him. She wouldn’t mind going against her parents. “Don’t talk like Dad, Mum. You know I want to work and make my progress with my career. And no one can stop me.”
“Don’t you remember what Ranjit and your father warned you about? Your boss will bear the consequences if you continue going there. Don’t behave like a child, my dear.”
Ranjit was ruthless. He had dared to come to her house and spoke about Vivek with her parents. “Let them talk to me instead of warning Vivek.” Snehal grimaced. “I will continue to work with him.”
Her mother remained silent. No doubt she was caught in the dilemma, and she was helpless. She indeed loved Snehal and took her side, but Snehal’s father insisted she supports him.
Her continued silence made Snehal’s heart race. Will mum help me? Or will she remain a skeptic, supporting Dad?
“Mum, are you there?”
“Yes, Beta.” She turned off the TV and turned towards Snehal. “Snehal, why do you hate Ranjit?”
Snehal’s pulse quickened. Deepali would ask the details about her relationship with Vivek, eventually. Snehal would remain quiet and make her Mum talk about the matter.
“Why are you silent, Snehal? Are you in love with someone?”
Snehal went and sat beside her mother. She hid her face in her chest. Tears touched Snehal’s lashes.
Snehal’s mother ran her fingers through her hair. “I know you’re in love with someone else.” She sat Snehal straight. “Tell me how I can help you.”
Snehal drew in a heavy breath. Her mother had rightly guessed. She couldn’t hide the fact and would seek her mother’s help. “Mum, I’m in love with Vivek. If I marry at all, it’s going to be Vivek.” She tightened her fists, determined.
“I assumed you are in love with him.” Deepali touched her temple. “But your father might not agree with your decision.”
Snehal should convince her mother, and make her mediate to settle the matter. “Are you sure, Mum? Can’t you convince Dad, and break the alliance?”
“You know your father better than me about this matter.” Deepali’s face lit with a light grin. “He had been so stubborn.”
“But you can still talk to him. Can’t you?”
“Okay. I will try when he comes back from Delhi.”
Snehal sighed.
“I thank you for supporting me. By the way, I’m planning to go to Bangalore.”
“Bangalore? Why?”
“I need to meet someone there to upgrade our teaching methodology. It’s just a one day visit.”
“But your father-.”
“Mum,” Snehal said. “I’ll be back before dad arrives. Don’t worry.” She hoped her mother would agree to send her.
“Is Vivek joining you?”
Snehal paused and contemplated. Should I reveal the truth? Her mother had accepted her love for Vivek. She wouldn’t deny it if Snehal mentioned it. “Yes, Mom. We are going together.”
“Try to be cautious, Snehal. I suggest you drop your plan and save yourself from your Dad’s fury.”
“Don’t worry.” Snehal held her mother’s hand. “I’m going for one day.”
“Your life would’ve been easier had you listened to your parents.” Her mother rose. “You are getting yourself in trouble.” She went to the kitchen.
Snehal stretched her legs and let out a sigh. Yet another breakthrough. Her mother offered her help with the Ranjit matter; she remained silent about Snehal’s visit to Bangalore. Things had turned in Snehal’s favor. She needed to act wisely before she reached her goal.
Snehal wore a pale red T-shirt and light blue jeans to go to the airport. She hastened to apply lip gloss and mascara.
Her mother entered her room and gave her a bag. “Here is some food for you. I have packed enough for both of you.”
Snehal made sure all was correct with her makeup.
She looked at her mother. Ever since Snehal told her about Vivek, her mother’s face had become pale. She wasn’t as cheerful as she used to be. Snehal hoped her parents would become content when she led a successful married life with Vivek.
And Snehal would be disappointed throughout her life if she married Ranjit. Snehal didn’t want others to make a plan for her future.
She hugged her mother and controlled the surging emotion in her. “I’m sorry, Mum. I know you’re disappointed, but your daughter will be suffering throughout her life if she married Ranjit. You would be pleased if I lead a happy married life with Vivek, correct?”
Her mother held Snehal by her arms. “I know you make wise decisions, Beta. I wish you a happy future.”
Snehal took her luggage and went out of her room. After she put on her footwear, she kissed her mother. “See you.”
Snehal’s eyes searched for Vivek outside the airport lounge. He stood beneath the portico and waved to her. Snehal approached him. “Hi.”
He looked handsome in his pale khaki corduroy pants and a green T-shirt. His dark, deep-set eyes shone in the fading sunlight. His button nose stood out on his fair face, and his complexion contrasted with his black hair.
“Hello, Snehal.” He shook her hand.
Snehal’s breath increased.
“Don’t worry.” Vivek adjusted his backpack. “You are on time.”
He led her inside; the muffled conversation of travelers and visitors hurt her ears along with a lady's voice, announcing the arriving and departing flight details.
When their flight-related announcement was made, Vivek led her to the designated gate; they both boarded the airplane. Vivek located their seats and put his luggage inside the luggage cabin.
Snehal sat on the window side seat.
The remaining travelers arrived and sat. When the flight took off, Snehal looked outside the window.
“When have you last visited Bangalore?” Vivek diverted her attention.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She turned her face to him. “I went with my Dad when I studied engineering.”
“Around three to four years back, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“I worked there for two years,” Vivek said. “You already know why I shifted.”
“Yes, I know. It makes more sense if you care for your mother instead of working alone in Bangalore.”
“Did you get the details from your ex-colleagues about the company we are visiting?”
“Yes, it’s in the Majestic area. I even called and booked an appointment.” Snehal paused. “We can attend their tomorrow’s demo session at nine o’ clock.”
“That’s great. Thanks, Snehal for taking the initiative. I think the future of schooling is going to be web-based teaching. I read many articles on the internet. There are a lot of massive online coaching centers where one can learn the subject of their interest.”
“Yes, I agree.”
It was a one hour journey from Hubli to Bangalore. Snehal asked many questions related to software development procedures and how the IT sector was doing. She admired Vivek for the patience with which he answered.
Snehal sat on a couch in the hotel lobby while Vivek booked the room.
He approached her, inserting the receipt in his pocket. “Let’s go.”
Snehal’s heart raced while she climbed the stairs. She was going to reside with a boyfriend for the first time. Should she restrain herself from being intimate with Vivek? The incident with Ranjit had hurt her sentiments, and she would forget when she gets closer to Vivek.
The room boy opened the door and led them inside. He put down the luggage and left.
The place was spacious enough for two people. A large size bed sat in the center. A TV was placed in front of it. A couch and a coffee table sat beside the balcony door.
“Do you like it?” Vivek asked, smiling.
Snehal still breathed heavy. She locked her eyes onto his. “Yes, I do.” She approached him.
Vivek was composed despite their privacy. Doesn’t he have any feelings towards me?
Snehal put her hands around his shoulders. “Vivek, I love you.”
“Snehal-” Vivek stumbled for words. His eyes widened because of her sudden action.
Snehal kissed his lips. “I love you.” She wanted him to reciprocate.
“I too love you, but-” He couldn’t control surging adrenaline in his veins. He kissed her lips for a few moments and hugged her tight, rubbing her back.
Snehal pressed her chest to his stomach and Vivek’s hard muscles and stony bones soothed her soft physique and relieved her fatigued mind. She needed more and she would never mind taking off her clothes and indulge in sex. She had passed the ovulation period that week and need not fear getting pregnant.
Snehal held him tight and breathed heavy. She rubbed her thigh against his organ which hardened like a rock. She pressed her face to his chest. His heart pounded against his ribcage. She needed to carry on the excitement; a sense of vengeance against Ranjit and her father also coursed through her veins. She would be relieved only after having sex with Vivek; she nudged him towards the bed.
Vivek seemed apprehensive of crossing the limits. He remained in that posture with his breath increased. He held her by her shoulders. “Snehal, it’s too early for us to indulge in sex.”
Snehal was turned off by his words. She removed her hands.
“Why? Don’t you love me?”
“I told you I love you. But we need to resolve the matter with our elders.” He smiled and kissed her lips. “Don’t you think we’re doing injustice to our parents by having sex before the marriage?”
Snehal blushed and she shifted her gaze away from him. Vivek expressed his interest to marry her. No doubt he loved her and would care for her. She admired him for respecting the elders and seeking their blessings before consummating.
“I’m hurt by Ranjit and my father, Vivek.” Snehal looked into his eyes. “I can forgive them only if we unite and lead a successful marital life.”
“Can’t you wait for another few days until I speak with my Mum and my Uncle?”
“Okay. I thought of sleeping because we will not have any hurdles going forward.”
“But Ranjit may put impediments on our way to get united,” Vivek said, his tone raised. “We should be ready to face the consequences.” He continued looking at her with an expression of compassion. “I suggest you have patience.”
Snehal nodded. She collapsed back on the couch and heaved a sigh of relief.
Snehal put on a dark purple sari and matching blouse to go to the session.
Vivek, in his formal grey pants and cream shirt, was handsome. After a quick breakfast, they headed to the organization where the meeting was scheduled.
A receptionist ushered them to the lecture room. A few customers were seated in the hall. After a few minutes of waiting, a man in a navy suit and red tie entered. He started the projector, waited for it to boot up and then cleared his throat.
“Welcome to Teachable.” He adjusted his tie. “I’m Prateek, the founder, and director of the company.” He ran his eyes over all the attendees. “I’m glad that you’re interested in knowing about our product. Before we jump to the working details of Teachable, I would like to tell you about our satisfied customers who have bought our product.” Prateek clicked on the remote and navigated to a PowerPoint slide on the screen. He went through the testimonials of his customers who praised the Teachable product. After he finished talking about his clients, Prateek opened the Teachable portal and explained its contents. He showed how it could be customized and how the course materials could be plugged into.
“Do you provide the source code for us?” Vivek asked.
“Yes,” Prateek said. “I told you guys, you can change the portal through admin features as well as through the source code.”
“In which computer language the code is written?” Vivek asked.
“It’s developed using Microsoft .NET.” Prateek waited for a while, glancing at the customers. “I’m sure you are proficient with the technology. You can hire a programmer if you don’t know the coding.”
Vivek heaved a sigh of relief. He knew the technology and could modify according to his institution requirements. In the end, he asked Prateek about the price and after-sales service. The man answered his and other customer's questions with patience.
“Are we buying the product?” Snehal asked after they returned to their hotel room.
Vivek collapsed on the bed. “We’ll decide after consulting with Arjun and my uncle. They’ve been helpful in providing good suggestions throughout my venture.”
“It makes sense.” Snehal nodded.
The flight was scheduled for eight that night. Snehal wanted to spend the evening watching a movie or going to a theatre. “Can we postpone our return journey for tomorrow?”
“Why?”
“I would like to see a movie tonight,” Snehal said.
Vivek paused for a while then said, “Not tonight. I’m quite tired. What if we spend the night in the hotel and watch a movie tomorrow afternoon?”
“Okay. I’m also tired, and eager to have a good night’s sleep.”
“I’ll cancel the tickets and reschedule the return journey for tomorrow evening,” Vivek said.
Snehal heaved a sigh of relief. She looked forward to watching a movie the next day.