Film

Devayani got up from sleep hearing “over the horizon” ringtone on her phone. It was 3 pm on the wall clock. It stopped ringing even before she aanswerd it. Devayani fiddled with her phone to see the caller's name. It started ringing again.

Hello, Devayani answered.

Hi, how are you, she heard the familiar voice of Ganga from the other end.

I am fine, how are you? Devayani asked.

I am fine but, Ganga hesitated.

But what? You didn’t hear from me for a long time. Is that what you have got? I tried calling you several times and it was you who was not available. Devayani said to justify something assuming that is what she should do for the word, 'but'.

Oh yeah, I went on fifteen days pilgrimage covering Ram Janam Bhoomi in Ayodhya, Kedarnath, Badrinath, etc. and my phone was not reachable, Ganga explained.

So, how was your Thirtha Yathra?

Devayani asked.

It was good and I could see the progress in the Ram Mandir construction, which gained pace soon after the court order. I called you to tell you something more important. Ganga replied and made an attempt to present, the purpose of her call.

Go head, Devayani said in a humble way.

Prithvi is no more!

He met with an accident yesterday. I think I should inform you about this. Today the body was brought from the hospital and will be disposed of by tomorrow noon. Ganga said in a relaxed voice.

Devayani had no emotions. This news didn’t make her happy or sad. But she was shocked by the news about his death. And she didn’t reply.

I am sorry, I don’t mean to hurt you. I just wanted to keep you informed. Ganga tried to be passive.

Thank you for informing. Can you tell me what exactly happened? Devayani asked.

He was drunk and was over speeding in his newly brought Bugatti. It was a head-on- collation with a truck. It was the truck driver's fault, but Prithvi being high on drink didn’t make an attempt to avoid and was not using a seat belt. Hence the Airbags and all other safety features of Bugatti did not work. It happened around 3 Am in the morning today. His body will be brought home by evening after autopsy. The funeral pyre is arranged at around 12 Pm noon in Bangalore. Ganga explained.

I don’t think I can make it, but I will try, Devayani said. I actually don’t know what I should do. I will decide and keep you posted, Devayani was in a hurry to end the call.

Okay, let me know if you are coming. Even I don’t want to force you on it. Ganga said In the same passive tone.

Okay, give me some time. I just got up from sleep. I will get back to you in some time, Devayani said before ending the call.

Devayani disconnected the call and went to the kitchen.

She sat in the kitchen chair, sipping the coffee she prepared for her. She started wondering if Prithvi's death has disturbed her? It reminded her about her life before and after meeting Prithvi. And also the best days of her life, which was spent with Prithvi. She sat there in the kitchen, holding the empty coffee cup. She was lost in her memory.

It was Ganga, her colleague, who introduced Devayani to Prithvi.

The sound of the doorbell brought back Devayani from her memory.

She opened the door to see a young man and a girl, both in their early twenties standing there with huge bags.

Good afternoon Madam, so…sorry, good evening Madam. We are from the Swadeshi Marketing company. We sell directly from the company and these articles are made in India. The guy introduced them to Devayani.

Devayani slammed her front door shouting; I don’t want anything.

Devayani sat on a sofa in her living room and went through the small diary, where she had contact names and numbers written.

She dialed the number of an agent through whom she regularly booked flight and train tickets.

Hello madam, what can I do for you? Arumugam, the agent who had Devayani's number saved in his phone answered her call pleasantly.

Sir, I need a ticket to Bangalore on the first available flight. Devayani explained the reason for her call.

I will check and let you know in five minutes, madam. Arumugam said in a pleasant tone.

He called Devayani back in 5 minutes and said; Madam the next flight to Bangalore is at nine Pm today. And the ticket is available.

Then please book me a ticket and also arrange a return ticket from Bangalore after 5 Pm, tomorrow. Let me know the amount and I will send you the money online, Devayani said before ending the call.

At eight forty-five, Devayani was sitting in a Spice Jet aircraft. She looked at the boarding pass which read; red, hot, spicy. Below that was her name printed in black letters, which is Devayani Selvam, made her slip into memories, forgetting the world around.

Kaveriamma was the youngest one in her family. She enjoyed all the privileges given to the youngest kid in the family. Her father Selvam was a farmer. Her mother passed away, days after her birth. All she knew about her mother was a few black and white pictures hanging on the wall. She was a stage artist and there were on-stage pictures from the play.

Her father Selvam was also part of the troop and they fell in love. They got married and said goodbye to the stage after their wedding. And they settled in their home town, in Tirunalveli in Tamilnadu. Hence they named their first daughter as Ranga Nayaki and second as Narthaki. Their urge for a male child resulted in another girl baby. And she inherited her grandmother's name, which is Kaveriammal.

Her father Selvam owned a small parcel of land and depended on agriculture. He did all that he could to educate his children. They had a government school in their village where all lessons are taught in Tamil till class seven. So parents and students had no other option than finding a private English school in the town. And those who can not afford education will drop out. Only a few choose to go in search of a government school in a different town or village. Her village was a living representation of the reason for India's poor literacy rate. And this involved a process of students learning formulas and scientific names all over again at some point in time when they switch language.

Her Uncle Vyramuthu who works in ICF Chennai used to visit their house during every summer vacation. He loved her and brought gifts to her every year. He and his wife who only had a son, loved her a lot and offered to take her to Chennai, where she can go to a Big School. Her father the single parent ready accepted the idea.

That way little Kaveriammal packed her belongings and it was not easy, but she was excited.

Vyramuthu Uncle got her admission in Chennai public School. She was not eligible to get admission in Chennai public school. But Vyramuthu uncle got this done, through a politician friend of him.

(For little Kaveriammal it turned out to be a punishment of all time. To begin with, she was not used to and comfortable with the European closet. She was used to brushing her teeth in the morning, walking through her neighbourhood. She was not ready to accept the idea of doing the same in a small bathroom. Then she was used to going to school along with her friend walking through the paddy field, all the way till school from home. But now she is going to school in an airconditioned bus and the kids often talk about video games and all she could think of is some discussions about the village at it's best.)

(A song )

All her friends in bishop Cotton Spoke meticulous English and for Kaveriammal, English, Greek, and Latin meant the same. The entire class burst out laughing when she said her name. Kaveriammal got a nickname in less than ten minutes of her presence in class. Most of her friends had extremely fair skin and even those who had the same dark skin like her’s spoke those fancy words which she never heard before. Students and teachers had a tough time communicating with her. Kaveriammal only knew Tamil. And her Tamil sounded like Greek and Latin for those teachers and students who speak Chennai Tamil.

Gradually Kaveriammal started picking up things and became one among the top ten in the class in arts, sports, and studies. Along with that, her dressing style changed. She picked up a cool hairstyle for her. Her way of speaking and gestures changed. And this made her a star of Chennai public school. Her friends stopped teasing her and they became her best friends, she soon had a fan following in Chennai public school. She enjoyed her life more than ever. She felt she is among the luckiest on earth. She started to float with the flow of Chennai public school. She got distinction in her exams. She even got a cash prize for chanting Bhagavath Geetha Slokas in a contest.

During her vacation, she went to her native to witness her elder sister Ranganayaki's engagement followed by a wedding. Rangahnayaki completed her twelveth and was at home for a year. And her second sister was doing her twelveth now and Kaveriammal thought that she could see her second sister's wedding during her next vacation. Kaveriammal had a great plan for her. Vyramuthu Uncle promised her that he will help and aid her education till she completes her BTECH. His only son completed BTECH followed by MTECH and got settled in the USA in a year. So he wanted Kaveriammal to Complete at least BTECH.

Since the days of high school, the people in Chennai public school were crazy about dates and managed at least one Arcot account. But Kaveriammal was very much focused on studies. Her beauty and charm made her friends call her 'Blackberry'. That was the most expensive phone used by the expensive people of those days.

Kaveriammal Completed her twelveth and been to her native. people from her native treated her like a celebrity. Her second sister's engagement was over during her exams. So Kaveriammal was there on a vacation to attend her second sister Narthaki's wedding. She got to know that her father sold two-third of their farm to repay the loan borrowed from Ganesh Nadar,the financer. And the loan was borrowed to pay the dowry for Ranganayaki's wedding.

Selvam could not pay both interest and the principal to Ganesh Nadar, the nonbanking finance company owner. Once Ganesh Nadar was poor and used to extract firewood from the forest and used to walk twelve kilometres to reach the town with firewood on his head. He then purchased a bike on finance from a local lender. There were instances of financers taking his bike away, due to non-payment. Ganesh Nadar worked hard and was smart to start a nonbanking finance company, where he can charges interest as per his whims and fantasies. And he agreed to buy two-third of Selvam's farm at a price which is little less than the market price. For Selvam, it was distress, sale.

Her father Selvam promised to pay much more than what he could afford to Ranganayaki's husband, as dowry. He is an honest man from a reputed family and paid as agreed. Later her mother in law found that their son deserves more, because some relatives said so. And that resulted in the second bill of Dowry.

So her father Selvam decided to sell two-third of his farm to take care of his bills. Only the farmers know that the eucalyptus trees they grow as hedgegrow around their farm are only good to pay for children's education, repaying small loans from local lenders, etc. And growing five or ten trees is no solution for a wedding in a society like India, where dowry can make or break the deal.

Her second sister Narthaki was marriedRajan. He was a gentleman and was a caring husband. He was also known as OKay Rajan. He used to go for catering work in his childhood. Back then the uniform for catering was a white or safforn lungi along with a sacred thread that is worn only by Brahmins. It was just like how a white shirt and black pant is must nowadays. But boys from the village used to go wearing a sacred thread on their own. Even the Brahmins in the village were aware of this, but were fine with it because it provided employment for many. So Rajan been to Chennai, a couple of times for catering work. He heard this word, 'Okay'. And that became his response for any happy or sad news. It is the same word used to acknowledging anything he heard, understood or even to say 'yes' or 'no' to something. Later it evolved in his mouth and became Ok-ok-ok-okokay.

Kaveriammal went back to Chennai to start her BTECH after a forty days vacation in her home town.

Kaveriammal stayed in a hostel with other students. She was very much focused on her studies. She was not into anything other than weekend movies with friends, occasional drinking and cigarettes while drinking. She got selection through a campus interview in HP. She went back to her home town after completing her BTECH. She was all excited to start her career in HP after spending a month in her home town.

She spent a few days in her village happily. But her life went upside when her father was hit by a moving car in an isolated place near their farm. There was none to note the vehicle registration number and car didn't stop. And he was not covered under any insurance. So to fund her father's hospitalization, Kaveriammal borrowed money from Ganesh Nadar. Her father was hospitalized for a few months and he breathed his last breath in the hospital.

After her father's death, Kaveriammal decided to sell the farm. Other than repaying to Ganesh Nadar, she also wanted to help her second sister. For Narthaki, her husband was everything, but her mother in law had a problem with her. And this resulted in a fight between them and it was Rajan who suffered in between mother and wife. He fought with his parents and got permission to build a new house in a small vacant plot owned by his father.

Rajan used a cycle to go to his farm, to neighbouring villages and even for grazing. He stopped every time when he saw a stone on the roadside and took it home in his cycle. He invested the money he got by selling milk in a local Chit fund where some twenty people will contribute a fixed amount and member can take the entire sum with a promise to continue to contribute, even after withdrawal till the end of the term. He arranged all the construction materials. He even applied for a home loan and got it approved and built a beautiful home.

His house joined the only few Concrete roofed houses in the village, rest were either tiles or thatched hut. So Kaveriammal sold her home and repaid Ganesh Nadar's debt. Then she parted the rest of the money with her second sister.

Ningava went back to Chennai to find a job and to make an attempt for the civil service exam, her childhood dream.

Kaveriammal stayed in a working women's hostel in Chennai and started searching for a job. She got a job after three months, but she was extremely happy, that she got a job in a company like what she wanted. She was so excited about her role in her first company and she did not realize that she spent six months in it. Ganga was her teammate. On one Friday she said that it is her birthday and offered to throw a party to all team members. As panned, all of them went to a restaurant in the evening and Ganga's boyfriend came to join them. He came along with his friend Prithvi, a realtor.

Prithvi was very much impressed by Kaveriammal and took her details through Ganga's boyfriend. He followed her from office till home and harassed her till she fell for him. They went for movies, parties, and long drives and even boosed together. It went on for six months and Kaveriammal Completed one year in her office. And she enjoyed Prithvi's company.

(Song)

One day Kaveriammal got a call in the morning. It was Prithvi. She answered the call and said that she is in her office.

Oaky, just come out saying something. it is an emergency, Prithvi said.

What happened? Where are you?

Kaveriammal anxiety was more than evident.

I am at home and will let you know everything. Just come out of your office and I will be there in ten minutes., Prithvi said in a serious tone.

See, I don't get leave approved in such short notice, Kaveriammal said.

Its okay, even if you lose your job, it is urgent. Try to understand, Prithvi said all in a hurry and disconnected.

At eleven fifteen she came out of her office campus and found Prithvi's car there.

She walked close to it and found her crazy boyfriend sitting in the car in a night pant and filthy T-shirt. And that made her understand that there is some sort of emergency. So she quietly boarded the car and Prithvi started the car and started driving and didn't utter a word. They were in front of a house after fifteen minutes' drive and Kaveriammal was amused.

Where are we? She asked.

Get down, it's my home and I will introduce you to my mom and dad.

Kaveriammal was still confused, but followed his instructions.

They walked into the living room to see Prithvi's mom and dad watching TV. His mother got up saying: what is this now?

Prithvi pulled her and held her close to him: she is my wife and you will not bother me anymore in the name of wedding.

Kaveriammal for a strange reason felt an unexplainable pride and honor, though she didn't like his behavior, since his first call in the morning. And it is the same dominating character of her strange boyfriend, which is one among things, she liked about him.

But she and Prithvi's parents were equally amused and shocked. Prithvi made use of this time to grab and push Kaveriammal all the way to his bedroom. He pushed her on to the bed.

Kaveriammal fell on the bed and started thinking; is this the emergency?

Prithvi lit a cigarette.

Kaveriammal who was fuming could not control it any more, but choose not to create an issue in his house. She still asked, What do you think? you bring me here from office all in a hurry?

I will tell you everything. we will discuss it later when we go out for lunch. I will be back in ten minutes, Prithvi said and walked into the bathe room without waiting for her reply.

Kaveriammal could not control her anger, so she started fiddling with her phone. After a few minutes, she could feel the sweet smell of his soap followed by the smell of his perfume. She continued to fiddle with her phone till he touched her shoulder, saying; let's go.

Prithvi was in a light blue coloured Kurtha and blue denim jeans and leather slippers. She followed him.

They walked past his parents and his mom asked: 'Just say what is this all about'.

I will tell you, once I am back, Prithvi said while stepping out. Both were silent and they reach a restaurant in Ten minutes. The restaurant was empty. They were only few people for early lunch. She and Prithvi choose to sit in the corner table. The waiter said that it will take another twenty-minute to get lunch. They agreed. Prithvi asked the waiter to increase the volume of the music to avoid any possible shout of Kaveriammal being herd by someone.

I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you, but I had no other option, my mom was forcing me to marry a girl in our distant relation, Prithivi gave the introduction for the drama since morning.

It is absolutely fine, I will go to my PG and take rest after lunch. And please don't do this again, Kaveriammal said in a casual way.

No, we will go to your PG and vacate it. Then we will go to my home.

Ho, no I am not prepared for this. I am going right away if you force me. She showed all her frustration since morning.

Please try to understand me. If you are going, then you will be going away from my life forever. My parents are forcing me to marry another girl. Prithvi played an emotional card.

I don't even know whether I take you that seriously. Kaveriammal expressed her confusion.

Isn't it you who said that you do not have anybody? you are independent. And it is you who wanted me to say that I will marry you someday and it is you who wanted me to say that, I love you, all the time?

She didn't have an answer and felt like she is sitting in front of a person who has strange magical powers to control her thoughts. She was not sure about what she should say. And the message, that he is doing all this to get her, thrilled her.

Finally, they finished their lunch and decided to go vacate her PG. They took all her belongings in the car. They reached Prithvi's home. Upon reaching his home, Prithvi got a call from his business partner regarding some deal. He asked Kaveriammal to stay in his room and left.

After he left, Prithvi's mother called Kaveriammal and asked about everything that happened since morning. Kaveriammal also gave a brief introduction to her. Kaveriammal narrated her story since morning to know that there was no such urgency and it's just that his parents spoke about a proposal.

This made her angry, but the thought that he did all that for her and that made her happy. other than that she liked Prithvi's parents. Her next worry was about her office and job.

Prithvi came home at late night around eleven-thirty and said that he got a new deal and was busy with. The next day he left early morning and came back only after a week. So there was no scope for any discussion or fight.

After he came back, it was Prithvi's mother who said that he should marry her to continue to keep her in their home. So he arranged a registered wedding in less than two hours. Kaveriammal was very frustrated in the beginning, but later she started enjoying Prithvi's company. He was busy all the time, but always found time for movies, parties, and long drives.

(Song)

She was not prepared to tell the "ten days story" for the next thirty days of the notice period. So she decided to buy it.

Prithvi didn't face this issue until the wedding. But soon after the wedding, introducing his wife to friends and family was not easy with her typical Tamil name. He gave her a compromise option. And that was to change her first name. He said; all of us will by default have Mudaliar as the last name. And those whom we marry also should have the same name if not should change as Mudaliar after the wedding. But I will give you the option to keep your dad's name as your surname if you could change your first name to something better. And that is how she became Devayani Selvam through a lawyer.

It's been six months since Devayani was married to Prithvi. Their life was filled with nothing other than love and happiness. Prithvi was always busy with his business but was available whenever Devayani wanted him. Ever since their wedding, they planned for a Honeymoon. But they couldn't go. The wedding itself was not planned. So they kept planning a vacation for six months and the plan which became a reality was their plan to spend a week in Tahiti island.

Prithvi booked Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort and Spa. There first three days of their stay in the resort made them feel like a King. A real king who owns a Kingdom. Prithvi and Devayani enjoyed their stay and were busy for the first three days with surfing, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, etc.

On the fourth day, they spent time till noon in the spa. They were about to go out by evening but canceled their plan and decided to stay indoors due to rain. Prithvi went through the stuff on the wall of his superb spacious Room. There he found this picture hanging next to the picture of the British prince and princess.

Photo.

This line was framed and was hanging on the wall of the hotel room in Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort and Spa made Prithvi read the line underneath the photo.

A British prince and princess stayed in the same room, few years. They were there in the island for their honeymoon celebration. It was a special room since then and he stayed there for three days and saw this Photo hanging on the wall, which was written by one of the most influential writers of his time. Those who read his story would, of course, see an electric current emulating from within oneself. And this is a feeling even those treated him like enemies had.

After reading these lines, the prince who was walking in the corridor saw the rain and decided to stay there for another week. It was the most expensive and luxurious room in the resort and required an advance booking. All those who booked the room were extremely rich. So the prince pleaded with both the embassies and finally got his room for another week. And those lines of this famous writer made them stay there for another week, just to make love. And the Hotel management Presented a miniature artificial garden on the wall. And there was a photo of the British Royal couple with this picture and the miniature garden setup in the background.

(Song)

Upon knowing this, Prithvi decided to stay indoors for the remaining three days of his stay. And Devayani was conceived. And they decided to name their child as Tahiti if it happens to be a girl child. That way Tahiti got the name of the island after her birth.

Madam, we reached Bangalore, Devayani heard someone saying this and she could feel someone touching her shoulder.

She opened her eyes to see a Sexy girl from the northeast, in her red mini skirt. It was Spice jet air hostess.

It was eleven-thirty when she came out of the airport. She booked an OLA cab to Ganga's house in Anna Nagar and shared the cab details with Ganga.

Devayani reached Ganga's home by around one o clock in the night.

Devayani got up at around six in the morning. Ganga's maid brought Devayani a cup of tea. She enjoyed the tea and went to the kitchen after her shover. Ganga and her maid were busy preparing breakfast.

My son has an exam today and will leave by eight. By then the breakfast should be ready. You can relax in the living room until then. We will leave after breakfast. Ganga said and gave the TV remote to Devayani.

(Devayani turned Tv and tuned to a news channel to divert her attention from thinking about Prithvi. There was new about our home minister declaring that Hindi should be the National Language. There were opinions of different political leaders. Those opinions were either supporting the minister or it was against it. But Deavayani knew the real problem involved in it. Most of the Indian villages will not have schools. Even if there is one, it will just be till seventh. So it is obvious that those parents who can afford private English schools will go to English school. And their kids will have to go through the trouble of learning algebra formulas and scientific names in English all over again. This itself is a hindrance to one's growth as a student and not doing it can limit one's opportunities. And those poor parents who cannot afford private English schools will either drop out or will look for a government school in neighbouring villages. It also reminded about the same ruling leaders making it mandatory to have schooling since the age of three. She felt even that as an eyewash.

Childhood is precious and it is not necessary that we push every kid to school at the age of three. Instead, the government can spend more money on education, to build more schools and to maintain the existing one.

The newspaper had news about Tamilnadu fighting with the Center for Tamil. Those who fight for Tamil are forgetting the fact that Tamil is a vast language and it is not meant to fight with those who do not know it. It is to teach our young ones that we belong to a place where we have such a rich culture and language. That is missing nowadays and we often meet parents who take pride in saying that their kids won't speak the regional language. The same is the issue with any other state. Thereby reducing the value of language to the extent of making it a powerful political weapon. And one would find the leaders who fight in the name of Hindi, Kannada, and Tamil sending their kids to private English school.

Devayani felt Andhra Pradesh model schools introduced in 2013 by the then Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu was a great move, which was aimed to teach all subjects in English and the students can choose to learn any two regional languages of their choice. And it is amazing that even after bifurcation, the respective Cm's of Telangana and Sima Andhra continued it for the poor. It is an effective solution to bring up the kids to compete globally. It is an effective solution for students having to learn mathematical and scientific formulas in English after a few years of education. All those who go to schools where the medium of instruction is regional language will have to switch language if they join for any professional course. And there is no employment program from any state or central government to employ those who are graduates in regional language. Yet they slap education in regional languages. Thousand of government schools in India are closed saying that they either do not have adequate staffing or they do not have enough students to continue the schools. And the issue revolves around linguistic ego, regional sentiments and the politics associated with it. Politicians strongly believe that lesser education in India will help them to rule forever.

Such a deliberate attempt by the ruling government to promote private schools will, of course, result in a huge imbalance in society. One such imbalance is, Modi and affiliate institutions will not have students to learn 'skill India'. Even those skilled Indians will not get a job or will not even get a Mudra loan for Startup.

Another such imbalance could be that at least a small section of society who would love education but cannot afford, will be denied education.

Another big imbalance politicians should remember is, it is government school teachers who do the election duty, it is they who will spread awareness about health and Swatch Barath. People going to an English school in the airconditioned bus will hardly clean the streets, even for photos or videos.

If not Our respective governments should start accepting business proposals from a labor contractor for election duty and for collecting Sensex data.

Devayani felt that the government should focus more on these issues than making it compulsory for three-year-old to do schooling. It okay for three old to spend another year without any commitment and burden. It is okay for a three-year-old to spend another year at home doing nothing. unless both the parents are working and they need someone to babysit. Our union government can consider increasing the number of Kendriya Vidyalaya with an idea to provide quality education to all, than just helping central government employees and their kids.)

(Devayni started thinking, how difficult it will be for those from poor families to bring up a child. The expensive fees for various sports activities, like an exorbitant fee paid to a private Tennis Academy. And those who cannot afford it should tell their young ones that tennis is not a good hobby and to concentrate more on studies.)

Devgayani came back to reality from her thoughts upon hearing Ganga's call for breakfast

After breakfast, Devayani, Ganga and her husband went to See Prithvi. They reached Prithvi's house by around nine o clock in the morning. The weather was very hot. Devayani remembered, she going out in the summer a few years ago. Chennai had the effects of global warming. There was a small crowd gathered in front of Prithvi's house. They walked past the crowd to reach the living room. They saw the Prithvi's body being kept in the middle of the room, with a lamp-lit near his head. Prithvi's mother started crying louder the movement she saw Devayani. She came and hugged Devayani.

Prithvi was the same as how he was when she met him last time. It is just the life that is missing in the body. His body was swollen a bit. His funeral and last rites were over by twelve in the noon. Prithvi's father torched his funeral pyre.

While on her way back to Ganga's house, they found the road being blocked by some Tamil activists who organized a procession to fight for Tamil. The procession was to pressurize the government to give employment to those who studied in Tamil school till graduation and above. People in Tamil Nadu fighting for Tamil made her wonder.

After coming home, Ganga's husband said that he spoke to Prithvi's common friend at the funeral. They said that Prithvi was very aggressive in business and happened to clash with an ordinary man who was just the face of a big Mafia. It is believed that it could be a planned murder or could also be a genuine road accident. And even Prithvi did not use a seat belt and was high on Alcohol.

By around ten o clock on the following morning, Devayani booked a cab to Chennai International Airport. She had a flight to Hyderabad at twelve at noon.

At twelve o clock, Devayani was sitting in an Indigo airline.

They say that those who died will come back to stay with their loved ones for a day or two after death. And that is what reminds us of all those good and bad things about them.

Prithvi's business flourished and he set up a new office. Then he hired a new receptionist. Later she became his personal assistant. She was from a poor family and was young and attractive. Prithvi got to know that she is more than willing to cooperate with him and this made Prithvi loose interest in Devayani. This was followed by several arguments between Prithvi and Devayani. This shift was well known to Devayani from day one. And she challenging this used to result in a fight, every day. Eventually, she understood that Prithvi does not have the love and affection he exhibited in the beginning. She understood that he is treating her more like a burden than as a wife. Once Prithvi said that he married her only to avoid another girl, who is a distant relative of him.

Devayani felt that it is meaningless to continue with him.

Tell me how much I should pay to make you leave me? was Prithvi's question upon hearing this and she knew that his parents who loved her cannot fix this issue. So she decided to part ways with him assuming that someday he will go searching for her. In fact, Deavayani was not aware of her present condition and thought she can continue to live freely, like what she did in the past.

(Song)

She could not come to terms with the reality and accepting compensation or even fight legally was completely out of question. So she moved out and started staying in Ganga's home. She got a job and Starting sending her eight-year-old toddler to Hifi daycare, where she can see what her daughter is doing through web cameras in the daycare. She worked there for a few months and tried to hire a house on rent.

She went along with the broker to see the house. She liked the house, the rent and advance were affordable.

The house owner said; we only rent it to families. So, is it for the family?

Yes, I work for this software company and it's just me and my daughter who will stay here, Devayani Said showing her ID.

And what is your husband doing? house owner's wife asked.

We are separated, Devayani replied.

The house owner and his wife had a discussion for a few minutes and said that they will not rent a house for other than couples.

This incident and the trouble she was going through from inside made her say yes to another collage of her who gave the idea of a few pegs after the work. She was used to occasional drinks from her days of BTECH.

She took her baby form the daycare and Ganga agreed to take care of the baby while she is out drinking.

But she really dint enjoy the party because her colleague thought she is keep away from her daughter, for him. She did not like his talk, gesture, and intentions. So that brought an end such drink parties.

Her next trouble was her boss at the office. She could not tolerate certain words and expectations. And he started to make her extend her shift every day because she did not pay much heed for his expectations. This even stopped her from picking up her baby from daycare. She could not spend much time with her baby because her boss wanted her to extend. Devayani felt that society is competing within themselves to exploit someone's broken life.

Later, one day she was extending her shift and there was none around her cubicle and her great boss caught her shoulder from behind. She tried to slap him, but he blocked her. She left the office immediately. On her way home, he called her several times. That made her go to the police station. She didn't want to call Prithvi or Vyramuthu uncle, so she went to the nearest station to file a complaint. The police made her wait there for two hours along with her baby. Then they made her write a complaint. Then went through the written complaint and said pleasantly that her office which is diagonally opposite to police station is not in their limits. There limits end at where the station is and advised her to go to the concerned station.

In between her boss kept calling her and even said that he will fire hire. He kept calling again and again after getting drunk.

So she went to the concerned station after getting food for her girl child. By ten of the clock, she reached the concerned station. There the Station house officer was drunk and wanted her to discuss the issue with him. He wanted her to tell exactly what her boss did. There was no lady police in the concerned station. He was not accepting the complaint and was also not ready to let her and her child go.

Devayani texted Ganga. She came along with her boyfriend. Upon seeing them, the station house officer was ready to let them go but did not register a complaint. The next morning she got a call from the station asking her to go to the station again to meat the same station house officer. she said that she is not interested in the case. She decided to give up her job.

Someone gave his number saying he can help her. He said the MLA is his friend and can help her with the issue. He called her on the next day to know her condition. She said that she decided not to visit the station again.

You can meet our MLA sir. Now he is here in town and he will definitely help you, he said.

Devayani said that she is not interested in doing anything for the time being.

All this pressure made her fall into depression gradually. And this was going beyond what she could take and she decided to meet a physiatrist, who could help her with some pills to control her over anxiety and depression. But society gave this a new name, which is, "she is mentally sick”. And she continued to get calls from her boss asking her to report to work and threats saying he will make sure that she will not work anywhere anymore. And this made her call the friend of MLA, her saviour. He asked her to go meet him and gave his address and phone number.

She went and met MLA. He spoke to Devayani and her daughter. Then he assured her that he will do all that he could to help her. And then he asked her to meet him in his office on the following day. She agreed.

The next day Devayani got a call from her boss saying that he will not harass her anymore and will give her settlement till date, along with papers. He also gave her the option to continue there. She decided to end her job. Later she got a call from the Hr team saying that she will get salary till the end of the month and her relieving letter will be emailed.

The next morning she has been to MLA's office to say thanks to him. She went inside the office and found the MLA sitting there along with the one who offered her help. And there was another man whose appearance was of a rowdy-sheeter.

The MLA treated her exactly like how he would perform on stage. He assured her that she can approach him on any day for such help. He said that she can find another job.

Devayani was happy to know that there are such leaders. She thanked him and said bye, before leaving.

She came out of his office and was wearing her slippers outside. She heard loud laughter from inside. Then she heard one saying; I saw her in the station last week and though it will be of some use for you. But you seemed to be very gentle.

Then she heard the MLA saying; she has a one-year-old kid. But she is good. Some son of bitch ditched her after the baby was born. I could have maintained her in one of my guest-house. I wanted her. But I heard, she is mentally sick. So thought, why getting into the mess.

After that, she decided to live without makeup and plain simple cotton saree and ordinary hairstyle.

After hearing that, Devayani felt that it is not safe to continue in Chennai. So she decided to go to her home town, where she does not own a home but thought that she can stay in her sister's home for a while.

She went to her home town in Tirunalveli. Her villagers who treated her like a celebrity now treated her like a substandard citizen. Her sister who was successful in life had her own problem and was least bothered about depressed Devayani. In her home town, she had few sympathizers, who said; it's nothing like what you expected, It's life. It's something even her physiatrist also said: it's nothing like what you expected, It's life. She never wanted to go back to Chennai and staying in her village was not a solution for any of her problems. So she decided to go to Hyderabad to start everything from scratch. And it went perfectly well.

That way Deavayani shifted to Hyderabad and rented a house there. She joined a Hyundai car showroom as a salesman. Her stellar performance in sales helped her become a team leader in six months and then she was promoted as a manager in a year's time. Eventually, she was out of her depression and could do without pills and regained some level of sense of security. Still, Devayani maintained the same code of simple sarees and no makeup. She also decided not to apply Sindoor( Red vermilion) on her forehead, a privilege given to married women in Indian society. Along with that, Devayani also gave up ornaments. It was just she and Tahiti and they had no relatives and places to visit.

Both of them could have felt that they are being left behind by society if Devayani would not have met a few fabulous people.

One of them was Zeckariya. He and his wife visited her showroom years ago to purchase a car. They were filthy rich and were more than humble. Later the couple started visiting the showroom for service and they became very close to Devayani and Tahiti. Zeckariya wife Rosy was a sweet lady, who also followed certain codes like Devayani.

She had one big Godrej locker full of gold ornaments and jewellery. But she lives a simple life, about which she never uttered a word, even after being close to Devayani for years. Zeckariya was a great man, but his behaviour with Rosy was just a mere reflection of Male dominance in Indian Society. She never had any complaints. There were instances of Rosy crawling on her knees, in front of several guests. Was it respect or fear or a combination of all of it. But her sons fought for her, once they grew up. Devayani saw Rosy wearing ornaments and jewelry only for her son's wedding. Their children went abroad for job, soon after their education. So Zackaria and Rosy enjoyed little Tahiti's presence in their house on weekends. They also invited Devayani and Tahiti for every festival and occasion.

Another interesting lady Devayani and Tahiti met is a sweet, sexy, hot lady, who is a living representation of everything good and unusually good. Her name is Angelina. She worked for a popular jewellery maker called Jewel garden, as a brand ambassador even at the age of forty-two. And no one would ever say that she is even twenty-five. One would find the limitations of vocabulary to express her figure. Other than her wide forehead and below that are her eyes, Shaped eyebrows, a long nose, and red glossy lips. One could see her perfectly carved teeth when she smiles. She, of course, had a long face. She had extremely fair skin. She had a tall and lean figure. She was a model who started modeling at the age of thirty-five. She also excelled in makeup and became one of the best in the Industry. And she had a boyfriend who was just twenty-four years. And Angelina had an eighteen-year-old boy and a sixteen-year-old girl. Every word of Angelina was sweeter than Sugar and was much more than just a cheer or motivation.

And this is how she introduced her to Devayani;

I started modeling at the age of thirty-five. And many young models discouraged me, saying that I am old. But now at the age of 42, I am in a much higher position than them.

I was a school teacher. I am from Mizoram. I was married to an ass who dumped me after I gave birth to my girl child, my second kid. Thereafter I took care of my kids. I did all this by working in a school as a teacher in our place. And I came to Hyderabad to pursue my dream of modelling. I do makeup for events for celebrities and movie stars.

I am a brand ambassador for Jewel Garden and people invite me as chief guest for events. I have an 18-year-old boy and a sixteen-year-old girl. And I have a boyfriend who is twenty five-years. He is an Athletic.

Angelina invited little Tahiti and Devayani, after preparing delicious cakes and pastries on weekends. Tahiti loved them and they became very close to each other.

Another great family that made Devayani and Tahiti feel that they are part of the mainstream and not isolated, is their house owner Srinivas Reddy and his wife Sridevi. Their only daughter is living in USA. She went there for a project. Then her stay there was extended. Later she fell in love with a Telugu guy, who was born and raised there in USA. They got married and informed reddy about it. Reddy and his wife were agitated about not being able to see their only daughter's wedding. They are saddened because they could not make their only girl child's wedding a celebration. Reddy and his wife treated Devayani like their daughter. They loved little Tahiti and her mischievousness.

Once Tahiti fell sick when she was six years old. They have been to Angelina's home and she offered ice-cream. Tahiti readily accepted the stuff. Devayani started expressing her anxiety. She went on to deny ice- cream to Tahiti.

My friend Ashwini's father said, ice-cream is not the cause for the fever, Tahiti said and distanced herself from Devayani and asked: Amma when will my Appa come?

Devayani had no answer because she did not know what she should say. For a very long time after separation, she believed that Prithvi will come looking for her. Later her problems kept her busy in life and eventually, all her hopes died down. And she did not know, what to say to her six years old.

That is when Angelina took Tahiti on her shoulder and said that she should not ask that question to her mother.

Why is it so? Tahiti was queries to know.

Because he won't love you and you will understand as you grow.

You can tell your friends that he is no more because is no more in your life. Like how you are no more in his life.

Angelina was bold and harsh. She dealt with these questions from two kids, a few years ago.

Later Tahiti understood that her father was a crazy lover of her mom at one point in time until he fell for another hot and sexy bitch who worked for him. And to be precise, he lost interest in Deavayani after she was conceived. Thereafter Devayani was not a concern for him.

This did not make Tahiti a rebellious kid, instead, it only made her proud of her mother and felt that she should do everything to make her mother happy.

Devayani got up when an air hostess touched her shoulder gently.

Madam, we reached Hyderabad, she said and walked away.

She got out of Rajeev Gandhi Airport airport at two o clock. She tried to book a cab, but there were no individual cabs available. So she booked one seat in the OLA share.

She got the name of the Cab driver as Sriramulu, the vehicle make and model along with its registration number, but not the cab.

She stood there for ten minutes after which a cab stopped right in front of her. She boarded it after confirming the registration number.

The driver stayed there saying that there are two more people boarding the Cab.

Devayani saw a woman in her twenties along with a four-year-old girl walking towards the cab. Both of them had extremely fair skin and Sindhur on her upper forehead, a privilege given to married women in Indian society. Both the girl and the lady had a heart-shaped face. The girl had hair till her shoulder and was combed toward both sides from the middle. The lady also had the same hairstyle. The girl was in a cream-colored mini skirt and burgundy color top. Her blue saree with shiny elements embroidered onto it. Her appearance had the rich flavor of North India.

It reminded Devayanhi about Her and Tahiti, a few years ago.

Devayani checked the app on her phone to see and find her name.

It was mentioned as Madhurima.

The women choose to sit in the back seat after making her angel sit in the front seat next to the Driver.

Uncle, should I wear this seat belt? the girl asked.

You can, if it won't hurt you, Sriramulu said.

I think I am fine without it, She replied.

Sir, Aap iske sath bath math kigiye. Unke mooh se bade bade bath nikaltha hai. (Sir, be careful. She talks about things which are not appropriate for her age, the lady warned driver).

Okay, madam, Sriramulu said casually and turned on the map and started driving.

Mere Papa be car chalatha hai( My dad also drives car), the girl said and paused.

Sriramulu looked at the angel sitting next to him and said; so what?

Or inn Ko Bhi( And her as well), the girl said pointing her finger to her mother sitting in the back seat.

All of them in the car was equally amused, other than her mother. But even her mother was speechless.

Madam, ( Dheko ye kya bol Raha hai) see what your daughter is saying, Sriramulu said to ease the Situation.

My Bola Na, Uske Moohse Bade Bade Bathe Nikalthi hai. ( Didn't I warn you that she talks about things which are not appropriate to her age).

AAP Ko Mera Bath Sunke Hasi Ara hai kya(Did my words bring a smile on your face)? The little girl asked and started laughing. Her laugh can make anyone say that she is an angel without wings and magical powers.

AAP Kyu Sharmara hai? (Why are you shying away?) The girl continued to giggle.

AAP Thoda dher keliye chup hojayiye( Please, stay quiet for a while dear), said her mother.

Tahiti and Devayani were of the same age when they came to Hyderabad. Devayani remembers the day she came to Hyderabad as an asylum seeker, several years ago. Tahiti was just four and was very quiet as a child. But now what she is doing and her adventures scared Devayni.

Devayani spent the next fifteen minutes thinking about Tahiti and did not realize the cab reaching her doorstep.

Devayani opened the front gate to see lovely orchids and garden in the perfect shape. All credit goes to her maid, for whom the garden mattered as much as it did to Devayani and Tahiti. She went straight to the kitchen to prepare a large cup of strong black tea, the best cure for her headache.

Everything in the kitchen seemed to be usual, other than her mindset. For a strange reason, she remembered Prithvi asking her to prepare tea and following her all the way till the kitchen. Then he behaved like a predator and she had no other option than entertaining her crazy husband. And she was proud of her husband for every reason. And all that ended in just a year.

Fifteen minutes later, Devayani was in the garden sipping black tea.

All of a sudden, she heard a sound and looked into the road to see a Toyota Fortuner which drifted from the other side of the road. The vehicle was at a speed of at least 100 kilometers an hour. It almost seemed like the driver lost control over the vehicle. The next thing Devayani saw was the heavy tires of Toyota Fortuner going two feet high when it climbed the pavement, which leads to Devayani's driveway. It scared Devayani. And it was Tahiti who was on its wheels. The SUV stopped in the portico, making a loud sound of tires skidding an inch on the concrete floor.

Once and for all Devayani got the mixed feeling of anger, fear, and excitement after seeing her daughter's stellar performance on wheels.

Tahiti got down from the SUV. Her driver and guard got down from the back seat in police inform.

Tahiti was in a blue cotton T-shirt, with police written in the bold white letter on it's back. She was in a brown ( Khaki) pant and leather boots.

It all started with a vow Tahiti made to shave her head in Thirupathi temple if her mother came out of her sickness, for which she is taking pills every day. And that is how Devayani explained her depression to the three-year-old. A few months later Tahiti got to know that her mom doesn't need those pills anymore and can go to work. After a few years, she shaved her head in Thriputhi saying; Its life, it's nothing like what you expected.

Then she got to know that her mom wanted to become an IAS officer. But could not make it happen due to various reasons. So Tahiti decided to be one, what her mother once wanted to be.

Tahiti walked up to Devayani and placed her arms on her mother's shoulders. Then she hugged her and kissed her cheeks and said in her ears: "It's life, it's nothing like what you expected".

Then she turned around to look at the driver and her guard, who were standing there silently. She instructed the driver to report by 8 Am on the following morning.

Devayani was shocked to see the way Tahiti ordering her driver and guard. Those effects of police training were more visible in her.

Devayani and her daughter went inside and sat in the living room. Tahiti was all excited to go tell her friends about her posting in the same city. She was one among the rank holder who can request a posting in the same state and luckily she got in her home town. Tahiti gave a summary of all that happened since she met her mother last time. Tahiti went upstairs to her room to freshen up refusing the Coffee Devayani offered.

A few minutes later, Tahiti came after shover in a Red Hot Chili peppers round neck T-shirt and blue jeans along with low heel slippers. She went to Devayani's bedroom and found her mother lying on the bed. Devayani said that she is sick due to headache. Tahiti informed her mother, that she is going out to meet her friends and her mother had no reason to stop the assistant commissioner of police from going out. She took her scooter and went out to meet few of her friends.

Devayani prepared another cup of coffee for herself and sat on the sofa, sipping coffee filled with happiness.

Sipping coffee, she thought about little Tahiti becoming an assistant commissioner of police. It all sharted with her making a wow to shave her head in Thirupathi temple. Later she settled with a pixie hair cut because it helped her a lot in her crazes like marshall arts, NCC camps, Squat, Guide, swimming, horse riding, etc. All this was her preparation to fulfill her mother's childhood dream of becoming a civil servant or a police officer. Tahiti spent most of her weekend with her mother, avoiding parties and functions. And Devayani spent few of her offs accompanying Tahiti in trecking, camps, etc. And her little angel has become 'Assistant Commissioner of Police'. But she is still the same three-year-old who once said, you will be all strong to protect me. "It's life, it's nothing like what you expected". Later it became her motto.

Tahiti refused to use cosmetics, did not go for facial for more than a few occasions and never worried about shaving her head in Tirupathi temple after her, mother came out of her depression. Later she made hair cut a habit. She did all this because it is the code her mother followed since her childhood. So Tahiti did the same saying, I will give you company in whatever you do.

Serious of incidents like separation which was not expected at all, then other men trying to make use of her, her boss, the police and the MLA made her fall into dispersion. She approaching a Physiatrist assuming that it would help her to come out of it. It made the society call her a "woman with Psychological problems". And all of them said; It's nothing like what you expected, It's life.

And it was Tahiti, who said; It's life, It's nothing like what you expected.

She remembered all the struggles she went through along with Tahiti. Yes, Tahiti the reason for her life, the motivation to do all that she did after coming to Hyderabad. Devayani felt that whatever she did so far for her daughter is too less when compared to Tahiti's achievements. Devayani could see tears rolling down her cheeks, even without her awareness.

On the way, she was pulled over by a traffic police inspector and a constable, who were checking vehicle documents. Tahiti was not known to them. She was riding without the helmet. She introduces herself by saying student and they made her stand there for a few minutes. The police also stopped a few TSRTC buses for violating traffic Singal. They fined every motorist who violated rules. For Tahiti, they said she can pay online and let her go.

She was caught by another policeman who excused her after showing the challan. And she came across many policemen on the street helping motorists. They stand in the middle of the road exposing them to dust and smoke for at least eight hours a day. She observed that officers are not engaged in harassing the public for money. They were just taking pictures of those who violated the rules. Boys are doing a great job, she said to herself after a around in the city.

Around seven o clock, she was at Charminar, sipping Irani Chai along with her friends.

Devayani fell asleep on the sofa in the living room and woke to hear the sound of the doorbell. It was her daughter who came after spending three hours with friends. Tahiti came inside and took Devayani's hands into her hand and started to dance singing, 'you were made to love me baby and I were made to love you'.

The next morning Tahiti was ready in uniform after her exercise, bathe and breakfast. She sat in the Fortuner and instructed the driver to go to Traffic police headquarters. Police officers from all three police commissionerate were waiting there for her. It was communicated to them on the previous day by her subordinate. Also, there were few from NGOs.

Tahiti started her address saying that she is just out of training and is taking charge as an assistant commissioner, who will take care of traffic.

I have no problem with you taking bribe from those who violate the rules. My only advice is to do it adequately. And proportionately the number of challans also should increase along with the bribe.

She continued after a pause, We will implement the new amended motor vehicles act. I Already went through the new changes and felt it's unfair to collect such heavy penalties from the public. It also is a dilution of law which will help us to harass the public. The new act fails to clarify several things and it is up to the respective government or cities to take a call on whether to implement it or not. In fact, the new motor vehicle act is just an increase in fare for violating the law. And it is a dilution of law, which can be misused. For example, we have fine as per the new tariff for over-speeding, but we do not know the permitted speed, because it differs in each road, and we have signboards specifying the speed limit, only in very few roads.

But we are implementing it strictly in our city. This means, no faulty traffic lights, there should be lines on every main road in the city. Every road user should ensure that there is no one-way violation, each motorist should stop at zebra crossing upon seeing a pedestrian in the roadside., No wrong side traffic on one-way allowed, every motorist should stop before the white line at every signal and violation will cause hindrance to free flow of traffic. Even pedestrians should not cross the road at the signal when it's off

To implement the new motor vehicle Act, first, we all should know what it is. So I want all of you to go through it at least once, Then teach the same to everyone in your respective station. We also need to educate the public about the new motor vehicle act, the punishment for violations. It is the responsibility of each road user to keep it safe for themselves, other motorists and pedestrians.

But police on duty can violate all this law. Even the Ambulance can violate all these rules. Also tell the public to make an attempt to make way for ambulance upon hearing the Ambulance siren, by clearing the extreme right line. And it is possible to do this even on a congested bridge.

I have these three people from three big NGO's in the city. She introduced the name of the men there and the NGO they are representing. Form tomorrow, we should have at least one traffic policeman at each signal. Each one of them will have at least one person from each NGO. These NGO's have promised to run a campaign to pool more volunteers. We will pull all sorts of violators aside and our friends from these NGOs will educate the violators about the law and the dangers involved. We will do this for a month. By then, I will try to have all the faulty signal lights fixed. I will talk to the Hyderabad Development Authority to fix all the problems like clear and visible signboards everywhere to guide motorists about U-turn and it's prohibition and for one-way traffic.

And each police personnel on duty will be given a disposable mask on every day to protect themselves from dust and smoke.

Hereafter the vehicles used for Ambulance cannot be older than five years. This will be applicable to all government and Private Ambulances. Each Ambulance should go to their respective traffic police station for inspection. The inspection is to make sure that all signal lights, Siren, break test and the medical equipment are working. Each ambulance should be fitted with a microphone and mike to communicate with the traffic police at the signal to clear the route manually.

We will stop all those who violate the law and will make them spend 15 minutes with us for training. The message is, those who follow rules will reach faster and safe. Also give safety tips like, It is always good to maintain eye contact and an understanding with the other driver at an intersection and the right for way always belongs to the vehicle on your right.

And don't forget what is on your uniform; Duty, Honour, and Compassion.