Near river
Pradeep was looking around. He sensed that weather was perfect for him. He needed to go for routine cycling. He managed to make this rule of his life after retirement. His retirement was not such good news for him. It happened after lots of controversies. His company created product. He wanted it to be best and long lasting. He showed them way to create one. It was truly promising. He still remembered that day like yesterday. He worked hard for so many days. He had wasted so many birthdays of his daughter that he lost it's count. His wife was so upset at beginning but then she slowly sensed that there was not much option for them. He was doing a product which could be a big milestone in his life. She sensed it's importance. But his little Sanaya never understood. She always kept expecting him. She used to wait for hours in window just to meet him. But he never managed to get on time. Then one day finally he created product which was long lasting. He expected every one to jump with joy. But it didn't happen. His Boss said " If you keep such big duration for next purchase we need to shut our company." He was shocked. " It doesn't survive life long and if it survive in good way we will get new customer." " And each day we need to search another new customer. No..no..it is not practical." He sensed that this was going in wrong way. " Yes it will not survive such long time." " No..no" His Boss screamed. " Throw that product away. I will supply cheap version." He was so hurt. It was not right. " But sir I spend my so much time on it.." His Boss smiled. " Don't worry. I will give you enough money that you can spend your entire retirement life as rich man." " Retire life? But I don't planned to take retirement but every thing didn't happen as per our wishes." He was so confused. He was so upset. Boss " Now go home immediately." He nodded. He was so upset. He decided that he might try another customer. But Boss screamed " And remember don't try to resale it since you have used our instruments so it belong to us not you." He felt so angry. He banged door as loudly as possible. He knew that Boss hated it. But Boss just laughed and said " Stupid man honesty is not good quality in business." He was so shocked. He never thought anyone could blame him like that. He did everything in perfect way. It was his mistake. He went out of company. After that he decided to shift here. His wife Hina and Sanaya were not comfortable in shifting. Sanaya was not happy about changing school. He wanted to go out but when they objected so he skipped it. Then he started staying home. He was so frustrated. They were living in their strange style. Sanaya kept things wherever she wanted. Hina was not interested in teaching her discipline at all. He didn't like it. He began to argue one day. " Sanaya you must keep things properly." " Dad I am sorry but I am getting late for class. I have to attend extra classes and have to do school's work. I just spend entire day in it." " Really but I saw you many hours either chatting on phone or watching TV?!!" This managed to anger Sanaya lot. Sanaya " I always study hard Dad even did my best in my studies still you complaint?" " Come on, you are not that best. You just achieved first class on border that can't be considered best. You need to do better." Sanaya's face became red with anger. " Dad I try my best." She started to look upset from that day. She didn't smile much. She avoided him. He sensed that he had pushed his daughter too much. He sensed that she was hating him. He didn't want it to be that way. He went to Hina. " I think I am messing every thing. I am messing peace of this beautiful house." She didn't say anything. She just kept quiet. He sensed that it was clear indication that he was truly creating mess. " I feel I can't live here like that. I want to live peaceful life for sometime." " So? What do you want? We can't move in village like that.." " Not we, just me." He was shocked to see smile which slowly escaped from her lips. Hina was peaceful by nature. She never said anything against him even if she wished it from heart. She was not that kind of person who should complaint. She was peaceful woman. But she couldn't hide that pleasure which she felt by his decision. But then she controlled her smile and said " You don't have to do that?" " And you don't have to lie. Your face is telling truth. You don't want me in this house." " It is not about me. It is about our daughter. You are pushing her too much." " Fine on tomorrow I will leave." " But how did you find house?" " It is my problem. I will handle it." Then he left without thinking. He contacted his estate agent friend. At beginning he demanded time. But when he started to study situation. He understood one thing that it was not easy so he took flat on rent even today he was staying there. So his life was on most uncertain point. He didn't understand what he should do ahead in life. But he knew that he needed to stay fit so he kept cycling every day. Pradeep kept cycling until he didn't reach to peak of mountain. He was staying in flat where half building was empty. Few flats were occupied but even those people came just for weekends. Every one had busy life except him. He knew that soon his Boss would offer him big amount which would make him rich man. But he became jobless man too. He worked so hard. He didn't expected retirement after it. He had expected promotion or partnership. He wanted to work hard on product. He wanted to create bigger miracles. But it was not happening. His work was not just about money to him. It was his passion but after seeing that money he had to compromise but he didn't sign documents until now he was still thinking.
Hina was not happy about the way things were moving in their life. She wanted happy life but they also needed money and most importantly she didn't want to create enemies. She was so frustrated. When Pradeep started this project, he warned her about it's time consuming nature at that point he didn't want to quit it. But she was not happy about it. She wanted him to spend time with family. At that time they needed him at home too. Sanaya kept demanding his attention. Sanaya was so fond of him. It was not just about Sanaya. She had her desires too in her young age. She wanted to spend her time with him. She wanted candle light dinner and romantic walks. But then she felt that it was not too late. Sanaya was big enough to manage on her own. Hina could go and stay with Pradeep on weekends. But she didn't find it safe to keep her young daughter alone like that. She was so confused. She wanted to enjoy her life but without her daughter it was not that pleasant. She was so upset. She began to think about options where she could keep her daughter. She wanted to keep her in safe hands. But it was so hard to decide. Now a days it was so scary to keep Sanaya anywhere. It was not just about that relative but about surrounding too. She sensed one thing most of relatives were ready to come for picnic or enjoy birthday party but overnight stay in their house was not welcomed. People wanted privacy. She started to smile at that thought. She knew what was trouble. A person could pretend to be happy and smiling face for two or three days. In those parties people smiled until end of that party then in house they screamed about people who attended party or gossip and finally threw out their anger but if guest stayed in house then it was impossible to hide it. She knew that it was not right. Life was supposed to be pleasant but it was easy to say hard to do. Every one had one dream. She had nice dream of happy married life with well to do husband. But to keep their financial Pradeep needed money. She was happy at beginning with steady supply of money. But then it started getting irritating when she couldn't able to get his any time. But she adjusted it since she was busy with her household duties. Still at this point she didn't understand what she supposed to do. Pradeep was nice person but he had set of disciplines which was not going to suit his daughter. Sanaya needed her freedom. Sanaya was not so good in studies but her voice was so sweet. She was planning to make career in that side. Pradeep didn't understand it or value it. She felt one thing that Pradeep needed to join his job again. If not this job then he could find new one. She needed to go and convince this to him. But she didn't know where he was. She started messaging him good morning. Even today it was no answer. He was missing since week. Soon his company would start to contact him. If he kept his mobile like that then they would be in big trouble. Pradeep was always person of sound mind. He never behaved this way. But this time he was acting strange. He was missing that peaceful sound mind Pradeep. He was so nice and straightforward but this new change was diseaster for them. She started to try to call Pradeep again but she didn't manage to get in touch once again. It was frustrating. Sanaya came near her and sat beside her. " Mom what is wrong with Dad?" " I don't honey it is happening due to trouble in office." " Did he lost his job?" She could tell truth to Sanaya but she was not mature enough to handle it. She knew that Sanya started creating drama in house. Sanaya was not sound minded to help her. She didn't understand what was her mistake but Sanaya was not helpful or practical. Sanaya nodded happily. Sanaya " I asked since he was staying in house!! You know very well how much I want to enter in that music academy. It's fees are not cheap but they train people and give them chance to survive in world Mom!! I need break and they will give it to me. Please Mom convince Dad to give me that money." " Fine but you must complete graduation.." " Mom I can just take career from that academy." She was so confused. She didn't know much about it. " We still have two years to think. " " But I want to go there." " I know and I am not against you. You have to give examinations for it. We need to inquire." Sanaya looked upset. " But Dad is once again missing on this point? He never have any time for family. He cared just for that product. I just wish only if that product land in dustbin." Hina screamed on top of her lung "Shut up!!" Sanaya was so shocked. She started crying. She ran in her room. It was shocking to her until now no one screamed on her like this. First time in her life she was hearing such abuses. She sat in room. She kept crying. She didn't understand what was her crime. She began to feel so hopeless. She decided that she must call her friend. She immediately called him. " Dilip how are you?.. I am not okay. I just want to complete graduation and marry you. My parents are so frustrating." Then she started complaining. Dilip was her secret. She didn't let anyone know about her friendship with him. She talked with him for long time. Her Dad caught her one day but he didn't let him guess much. She was planning to hide it until she didn't finish her graduation. She wanted to complete her education first. But she was so busy in talking that day. She totally forgot to control her sound. She was talking so loudly when Hina came to her door. Hina wanted to talk her but when she heard Sanaya's words she stopped. She clearly heard that Sanaya was talking to some Dilip. She sensed that Sanaya was abusing them and planning to marry him. Hina heard enough. She decided that Pradeep was right. They needed to change town. At least she was going to do that. Sanaya had to come with her. She messaged estate agent and found out address of flat. He gave it immediately since Pradeep forgot to pay rent of that month. Heena " But he stayed there for just week." " This is advance rent. Don't worry I will find a nice place for you soon." She thanked him and disconnected call. When she went near room, Sanaya's room was locked. She decided that she should pack first and started packing.
Pradeep started to race his bicycle. It was so nice. But things became most wonderful. He felt that entire scene was turning in enchanting way. He started watching it. He sensed one thing that he didn't need to go back. It was perfect mountain. He could sit here. But he needed tent. It was strange. But he didn't even wanted it. He started to feel that he could live without it. He went to camping sometimes. He liked them. But he never thought that it could become perfect lifestyle. He started to think now that it could be perfect. But then he looked around. There was not food. He needed a place where he could find food. He suddenly remembered river. It was perfect place. He knew how to catch fish. He knew how to use river water. He knew how to create fire. He knew all. He wanted to be away from family and city. He didn't let any thought about his family even to touch his soul. It seemed like curse to him. It was hurting his soul. He suddenly decided that he must go inside jungle. He must enjoy nature. When he started to go inside he started to feel pleasant touch. It was so wonderful. He decided that he didn't need any language but then he remembered that he needed to cancel agreement of that flat he didn't want to keep paying rent. He was so sure. He immediately turned behind bicycle. He first called his estate agent friend. " Hello I found new flat. I want to cancel this agreement." " But few minutes ago your wife paid in advance rent." " Come on cancel it. You know I need permanent place not rental one." " I know and you found one." " Yes." He said in dreamy way. " Where?" " Near river in trees arounded by mountain." " Wow. It sounds like heaven. I can't find better deal for you. You are lucky man. Who gave it and what's cost?" He said happily " It's free." His friend started laughing. " Okay..Okay you don't want disclose any thing. I can understand professional attitude?" " No it's really free. I just needed tent." His friend started laughing. He clearly thought entire thing was just a joke. "Any way send me your address. " " Why?" He asked his friend with anger. He didn't want to talk this way but it came out with strange anger. His friend sounded nervous. " I just want to give it to your wife. She wanted to come and meet you. She kept trying to reach to you with mobile. " He was so confused. He didn't remember about his mobile at all. " Ohh I will call her." "Actually I think she is thinking about shifting." He was so angry now. " She denied it. She can't come now." His friend was totally confused. He controlled himself. " Actually I was planning a surprise and this will spoil all." His friend started laughing again. Pradeep felt he laugh too much. Now a days every human was managing to irritate him. He knew that he needed to go and stay in nature. "Ohh my God it was game of surprise. I thought something serious. Don't worry I will handle it." " Okay bye. I need to arrange things." His friend agreed immediately. Then Pradeep returned to his flat. He took all things. Then he gave back keys to secretary of building and went away. This time his bicycle was too heavy due to luggage. Sometimes he wished only if he could take some car. Then he started laughing. He was planning to stay in jungle and needed car. He laughed so loudly that people around him looked at him with shock. Frankly there were just few people around him. But still he felt even they were upset. He was riding bicycle in market. He was not supposed to laugh like that. It was hardest journey for him. Finally he reached to jungle. He stopped for few moments to catch breathe. Then he kept his bicycle in corner and went inside jungle. He started to search perfect spot. He finally found one under tree. It was wonderful. He saw it's beauty. He went back again. He brought back his tent. He set that tent near river. He began to hear loud voice of river when he went inside. It was meditating for him. He went back to corner and slowly started beginning one by one each item in tent. When Pradeep dropped keys to secretary he was totally upset. He didn't want this responsibility. He immediately called his estate agent. " What is going on? Your tenant just ran away while thrusting his key on me!! This is not right. It is not my responsibility." Estate agent was confused again. " Actually he got some new place and excited about giving surprise to wife. He must had done it in that phase." " Truthfully I don't understand how could he get a place in town and I don't know about it? I mean this is small town. People always talk. If someone sold place then matter needed to be registered so it must go in official way. Did he bought some hut? Did he have financial problem." Estate agent started laughing. "No not at all. His company is planning to compensate him in big way so he didn't need hut. Actually he is planning to stay near river." Now this was chance of secretary to laugh. " That river you are mentioning is inside jungle. There are just snake, mud and mosquitoes around it. Of course there are fishes in water to eat and few campers put tent there as adventure but no one stayed near it. In fact last time even camper ran away due to snake threat." Estate agent was shocked and hurt. " Are you sure there is not even single house? I mean outdated ancient sort of house." " No. Your friend lied to you." Estate agent was angry now. Secretary " Did he paid rent?" " Yes his wife gave check and I have to cash it. It reached to me few hours ago." " Then cash it. After that it was their business. It could be some dispute between husband and wife." Estate agent agreed. He cashed check in bank. He got his money and he decided to keep quiet. He began to feel that it was possible his friend wanted divorce. He decided that he would not call any of them.
Hina kept calling for three days but Pradeep didn't took her call. She wanted to discuss Sanaya's issue with him. She knew that Pradeep was right. Sanaya was not chatting with just her friend. He was something more than friend. She already packed her suitcases which hope to go to Pradeep. But he was not taking her call. In his absence she didn't want to confront Sanaya. She sensed that she could not wait for Pradeep's call. She called his estate agent. Estate agent tried to avoid matter in beginning. But he had to answer " Actually Pradeep told me to give that flat to other people on rent. He said he bought new house." Hina was so shocked that world around her started moving in circles. She kept quiet for sometime. Estate agent " Are you with good terms with Pradeep? You are not planning divorce?!!" " Not at all who told you this nonsense. I hope not Pradeep. Since if he was doing something behind my back, I don't know it." " No..no he said he wanted to surprise you but gave false address." She felt little relieved. " He must have mistaken while giving it." " No he said. He is living near river but there are not houses near river. Just mud, jungle and snakes. Person can't live there." " There might be some old house. You know Pradeep he likes to buy junk and renovate it." " Nothing existed there since water increase there in rainy season so no one waste money on that land." " Then did anyone fooled Pradeep?" Now this thought managed to scare estate agent. " Did he draw any money from account for purchase?" After hearing this line Hina shivered. She started to remember those crimes which read in newspaper or seen on TV. " I don't know. I will go in bank and check out." " But did he have single name account?" " I don't know. I need to check everything." Her voice started shaking. She began to feel so scared. Estate agent " Don't worry if he had removed such big amount then he must have informed you." " But he didn't told anything." " These surprise plans I just don't like them always bring crisis. Last time my wife wanted to give me surprise gift she purchased it on cheque but forgot to check balance. I was planning to close that account. Luckily that shopkeeper informed otherwise we should have landed in jail." She clearly sensed that Estate agent was nervous so chattering without cause. She decided to check out in bank. " I am going to bank bye." " Tell me when you locate Pradeep." " Surely. I will tell you bye." Then she disconnected call and ran towards bank. Sanaya was busy on her mobile. She sensed one thing that Sanaya was staying just in her world. She went to bank and asked them about withdrawal. It was time consuming since she went to every bank and answer turned out to be negative. She took breathe of relief. But then she started to feel tense again. If he had not paid any one then how did he managed to get home. She was so confused when she returned home. Sanaya came towards her. " Mom where were you? I was searching for you. I have brought that voucher of music academy. " " So Dilip is not paying for it? Then you can just take money from us finish your education and then ran away with Dilip. It is perfect plan. We don't deserve more respect than this. Why? Because your Dad don't have time for you." Sanaya started to look pale. " Mom I said it in just anger. I never act like that with you and Dad. You know me very well. I love you." " Stop pretending. Tell me fees. I will give you cheque." " Mom don't act like that.." " Your Dad is missing. I am going to that flat which he had rented." " What? I want to come with you, but my school.." "No need to give excuses. I will go and you can stay wherever you want. I have destroyed my entire married life for you and in return you treated me like wrappers whole time you were just planning to grab money and then vanish." " Mom stop this. I am not doing anything like that. I am chatting with Dilip just to reduce tension. I don't even meet him every day. Our friendship has began with internet we hardly talk with each other for days. Actually he didn't stay near by." " I am not interested in this discussion at this moment. I am going out search for your Dad if you want to come then pack in few seconds otherwise I will go out without you." Sanaya ran in room. It was first occasion when she was packing her bag alone. But she always took help of her mother but today she didn't dare. It was too much for her mother. She knew that she crossed her limits in anger. Even Dilip said same thing on phone. She started calculating needful things while she heard her Mom booked a bus ticket for them. She wanted to suggest a cab but she decided not to dare. She packed her clothes and got dressed. She came out " Mom I am ready." Hina looked at her without emotion and said " Great now close window and take food from refrigerator. We need to go out for long time so we need to close all." " But what about my school?" " I have informed them. On my request they granted vacation of one week. But you must join after it." Sanaya sensed that her studies were going to suffer. " Mom my studies will suffer and school might keep Marlon my record." " Then stay with your Grandma. I will call her." Sanaya was not much happy but still she nodded. Then she called her mother. Then she checked everything in house. Finally she locked house and went away. She took Sanaya with her. Sanaya felt so scared since she was treated first time with such a harshness. But Hina sensed one thing that she must not shelter her daughter any more if she was planning to have boyfriend then she must learn ways of world with harshness. She dropped her in Grandma's house and went to point where bus was going to stop.
Hina was so scared. She never traveled alone like that but now she didn't have much option. She was forced to travel alone. She kept looking behind her back again and again. Every man who looked at her even by chance looked like criminal and rapist to her. She had heard many such stories. But when she went inside bus, she sensed seat beside her was empty. She once again shivered with fear. She has to do journey with unknown person. Then slowly passengers started entering. She knew seat beside her was not going to be empty. She was scared of every individual. She was so upset. She closed her eyes and pretended as if she was on other place. She was once again with Pradeep enjoying her picnic. She was so happy but her happiness did not remain for long time. Since she heard voice of man " Are you alright?" She had to open her eyes. It was so scared. But when she saw that man she didn't feel anything secure but she saw that he didn't have much intention to harm her. He looked at her and asked " Do you want lemon water?" She denied. Then he started coming towards her. She was so scared. She screamed loudly. Then she sensed that man was more scared than her. He had magazine in hand. He was just trying to take it. Everyone was looking at them in strange way. " What happened?" She sensed that she had created drama without need. She had to lie now so she lied. " I thought I saw cockroach!!" Everyone started laughing. Then all went on seat. This man who sat beside her kept reading magazine. Then he tried to talk with her but he was about her family. After that he kept talking about his family. It was irritating. She didn't sense when she fall asleep. She was awake when that man told her that they had stopped for lunch. She was not hungry at all. But she didn't want to sit in empty bus so she went out. Then she ordered thali like others. When she put food inside her mouth,she started to feel hungry. She began to eat fast. After eating that food she felt little bit normal. She turned to other passengers of bus. " Do you know any thing about river?" All passengers seemed to know about it. But all claimed that it had just forest not house. Then suddenly one passenger said " Do you know there is one man who looked like some strange Saint is living there." " Saint?!!" " Yes..yes he stay in tent and catch fish. He just wear one pair of clothes." " No..no it is some man from town. He lost his job so he began to turn unsound." " Who told you that?" " A villager they knew everything." Hina was about to ask more about man when her phone rang. Sanaya was calling. She was so frustrated. She didn't want to hear Sanaya's drama now. She last time stood against Pradeep for her and finally found out Pradeep was right. Sanaya was moving in wrong way but she was her daughter and she kept her in her mother's house so she had to take her call. It was her responsibilty. She took her call. " What happened?" Sanaya " Mom when you are going to come back with Dad? I can't stay here forever." " I know but I think I need to search for your Dad for some days." " Mom you can't punish me like that just because I chat with Dilip!!" " I am not punishing you but you don't understand it since your life involve just around you in your mind. But I am concerned about my married life too. I am going to search for my husband. It doesn't matter what you think. I need to give my time on this moment to Pradeep." " What? Dad is still missing?" " Yes and I will file Police complaint about it. So it will take sometime. Bye." Then she disconnected her call. She came back on table and started crying. One passenger came near her and asked " What happened?" " I think that man might be my husband. He lost his job and missing for few days." " Then you should call Police." " I can't just go alone in Police station!! I am scared." " It's not that hard. You need to find missing complaint. If you want I will come with you." She started to feel scared. She couldn't trust a total stranger. She was confused. Then he looked around " I know you need woman with you. Don't worry. My family is going to come to pick me up at station. My wife will come with us." She nodded in agreement. She was trusting total stranger but she didn't have much option. She was so confused. She kept looking at her phone. Finally her Mom called her. She told her everything. Her Mom " Are you mad? Don't trust stranger like that. Where are you?" She told her location. " I am sending my nephew there go with him. It will be dark in few hours. You shouldn't travel alone like that. Did that dhaba have woman customer?" " Yes. Then sit by some family. Let that man go your nephew is coming." She did as per her Mom's request. It was big family with kids. They were luckily waiting for bus so they needed to stay for hour. She sat near them. Then that man came near her . " Bus is going. You are not coming." " No I am waiting for my nephew." He looked upset. She didn't understand his cause. But he said once again with anger " But I told you my wife is coming." " Still it look odd if I came to file complaint of my missing husband with unknown person in Police station." A man from family with she was sitting. " She is right Police will take doubt." That man looked frustrated but he went away. Then woman from family " Do you know him?" She told her entire story. " I know your husband is missing. You are upset but don't act like that. Don't you read rape cases." She nodded. That family stayed with her. Finally her nephew came. Then they went to Police station. She shivered when she went inside. She sensed that crime was high and cops were too busy. She might had just escaped from becoming victim. It was horrible. Then she told all to officer. " Ohh you are wife of that mad man. Few fisherman kept complaing about him. They said he take their fish but we said river don't belong to them but then we felt scared that snake might bite him. We need family members to take his responsibility. She shivered with fear. Then they immediately went there with ambulance. He didn't come out willingly. He kept screaming go away. He was looking like some cave age man. Hina didn't even recognise him. Finally they injected him and took him to hospital. It was horrible for her. But Psychiatrist said " This is nothing but just extreme depression due to loss of job. Don't worry we will handle it. But we need physical treatment too? Can you make payment?" " Sure money isn't problem. His company is paying large sum as compensation.." " Don't worry I will handle it by asking him. Now you may leave. I will call you when you will able to meet him. " She nodded and went away. She came such long distance to meet him. But finally she had to go back without it. She knew that she was doing this for Pradeep's good so she went back in her nephew's car to handle problem of Sanaya. She didn't want to stress Pradeep more so she decided to handle it as she did until now. She sensed that it was her duty and she had to do it.
The End
Pradeep was looking around. He sensed that weather was perfect for him. He needed to go for routine cycling. He managed to make this rule of his life after retirement. His retirement was not such good news for him. It happened after lots of controversies. His company created product. He wanted it to be best and long lasting. He showed them way to create one. It was truly promising. He still remembered that day like yesterday. He worked hard for so many days. He had wasted so many birthdays of his daughter that he lost it's count. His wife was so upset at beginning but then she slowly sensed that there was not much option for them. He was doing a product which could be a big milestone in his life. She sensed it's importance. But his little Sanaya never understood. She always kept expecting him. She used to wait for hours in window just to meet him. But he never managed to get on time. Then one day finally he created product which was long lasting. He expected every one to jump with joy. But it didn't happen. His Boss said " If you keep such big duration for next purchase we need to shut our company." He was shocked. " It doesn't survive life long and if it survive in good way we will get new customer." " And each day we need to search another new customer. No..no..it is not practical." He sensed that this was going in wrong way. " Yes it will not survive such long time." " No..no" His Boss screamed. " Throw that product away. I will supply cheap version." He was so hurt. It was not right. " But sir I spend my so much time on it.." His Boss smiled. " Don't worry. I will give you enough money that you can spend your entire retirement life as rich man." " Retire life? But I don't planned to take retirement but every thing didn't happen as per our wishes." He was so confused. He was so upset. Boss " Now go home immediately." He nodded. He was so upset. He decided that he might try another customer. But Boss screamed " And remember don't try to resale it since you have used our instruments so it belong to us not you." He felt so angry. He banged door as loudly as possible. He knew that Boss hated it. But Boss just laughed and said " Stupid man honesty is not good quality in business." He was so shocked. He never thought anyone could blame him like that. He did everything in perfect way. It was his mistake. He went out of company. After that he decided to shift here. His wife Hina and Sanaya were not comfortable in shifting. Sanaya was not happy about changing school. He wanted to go out but when they objected so he skipped it. Then he started staying home. He was so frustrated. They were living in their strange style. Sanaya kept things wherever she wanted. Hina was not interested in teaching her discipline at all. He didn't like it. He began to argue one day. " Sanaya you must keep things properly." " Dad I am sorry but I am getting late for class. I have to attend extra classes and have to do school's work. I just spend entire day in it." " Really but I saw you many hours either chatting on phone or watching TV?!!" This managed to anger Sanaya lot. Sanaya " I always study hard Dad even did my best in my studies still you complaint?" " Come on, you are not that best. You just achieved first class on border that can't be considered best. You need to do better." Sanaya's face became red with anger. " Dad I try my best." She started to look upset from that day. She didn't smile much. She avoided him. He sensed that he had pushed his daughter too much. He sensed that she was hating him. He didn't want it to be that way. He went to Hina. " I think I am messing every thing. I am messing peace of this beautiful house." She didn't say anything. She just kept quiet. He sensed that it was clear indication that he was truly creating mess. " I feel I can't live here like that. I want to live peaceful life for sometime." " So? What do you want? We can't move in village like that.." " Not we, just me." He was shocked to see smile which slowly escaped from her lips. Hina was peaceful by nature. She never said anything against him even if she wished it from heart. She was not that kind of person who should complaint. She was peaceful woman. But she couldn't hide that pleasure which she felt by his decision. But then she controlled her smile and said " You don't have to do that?" " And you don't have to lie. Your face is telling truth. You don't want me in this house." " It is not about me. It is about our daughter. You are pushing her too much." " Fine on tomorrow I will leave." " But how did you find house?" " It is my problem. I will handle it." Then he left without thinking. He contacted his estate agent friend. At beginning he demanded time. But when he started to study situation. He understood one thing that it was not easy so he took flat on rent even today he was staying there. So his life was on most uncertain point. He didn't understand what he should do ahead in life. But he knew that he needed to stay fit so he kept cycling every day. Pradeep kept cycling until he didn't reach to peak of mountain. He was staying in flat where half building was empty. Few flats were occupied but even those people came just for weekends. Every one had busy life except him. He knew that soon his Boss would offer him big amount which would make him rich man. But he became jobless man too. He worked so hard. He didn't expected retirement after it. He had expected promotion or partnership. He wanted to work hard on product. He wanted to create bigger miracles. But it was not happening. His work was not just about money to him. It was his passion but after seeing that money he had to compromise but he didn't sign documents until now he was still thinking.
Hina was not happy about the way things were moving in their life. She wanted happy life but they also needed money and most importantly she didn't want to create enemies. She was so frustrated. When Pradeep started this project, he warned her about it's time consuming nature at that point he didn't want to quit it. But she was not happy about it. She wanted him to spend time with family. At that time they needed him at home too. Sanaya kept demanding his attention. Sanaya was so fond of him. It was not just about Sanaya. She had her desires too in her young age. She wanted to spend her time with him. She wanted candle light dinner and romantic walks. But then she felt that it was not too late. Sanaya was big enough to manage on her own. Hina could go and stay with Pradeep on weekends. But she didn't find it safe to keep her young daughter alone like that. She was so confused. She wanted to enjoy her life but without her daughter it was not that pleasant. She was so upset. She began to think about options where she could keep her daughter. She wanted to keep her in safe hands. But it was so hard to decide. Now a days it was so scary to keep Sanaya anywhere. It was not just about that relative but about surrounding too. She sensed one thing most of relatives were ready to come for picnic or enjoy birthday party but overnight stay in their house was not welcomed. People wanted privacy. She started to smile at that thought. She knew what was trouble. A person could pretend to be happy and smiling face for two or three days. In those parties people smiled until end of that party then in house they screamed about people who attended party or gossip and finally threw out their anger but if guest stayed in house then it was impossible to hide it. She knew that it was not right. Life was supposed to be pleasant but it was easy to say hard to do. Every one had one dream. She had nice dream of happy married life with well to do husband. But to keep their financial Pradeep needed money. She was happy at beginning with steady supply of money. But then it started getting irritating when she couldn't able to get his any time. But she adjusted it since she was busy with her household duties. Still at this point she didn't understand what she supposed to do. Pradeep was nice person but he had set of disciplines which was not going to suit his daughter. Sanaya needed her freedom. Sanaya was not so good in studies but her voice was so sweet. She was planning to make career in that side. Pradeep didn't understand it or value it. She felt one thing that Pradeep needed to join his job again. If not this job then he could find new one. She needed to go and convince this to him. But she didn't know where he was. She started messaging him good morning. Even today it was no answer. He was missing since week. Soon his company would start to contact him. If he kept his mobile like that then they would be in big trouble. Pradeep was always person of sound mind. He never behaved this way. But this time he was acting strange. He was missing that peaceful sound mind Pradeep. He was so nice and straightforward but this new change was diseaster for them. She started to try to call Pradeep again but she didn't manage to get in touch once again. It was frustrating. Sanaya came near her and sat beside her. " Mom what is wrong with Dad?" " I don't honey it is happening due to trouble in office." " Did he lost his job?" She could tell truth to Sanaya but she was not mature enough to handle it. She knew that Sanya started creating drama in house. Sanaya was not sound minded to help her. She didn't understand what was her mistake but Sanaya was not helpful or practical. Sanaya nodded happily. Sanaya " I asked since he was staying in house!! You know very well how much I want to enter in that music academy. It's fees are not cheap but they train people and give them chance to survive in world Mom!! I need break and they will give it to me. Please Mom convince Dad to give me that money." " Fine but you must complete graduation.." " Mom I can just take career from that academy." She was so confused. She didn't know much about it. " We still have two years to think. " " But I want to go there." " I know and I am not against you. You have to give examinations for it. We need to inquire." Sanaya looked upset. " But Dad is once again missing on this point? He never have any time for family. He cared just for that product. I just wish only if that product land in dustbin." Hina screamed on top of her lung "Shut up!!" Sanaya was so shocked. She started crying. She ran in her room. It was shocking to her until now no one screamed on her like this. First time in her life she was hearing such abuses. She sat in room. She kept crying. She didn't understand what was her crime. She began to feel so hopeless. She decided that she must call her friend. She immediately called him. " Dilip how are you?.. I am not okay. I just want to complete graduation and marry you. My parents are so frustrating." Then she started complaining. Dilip was her secret. She didn't let anyone know about her friendship with him. She talked with him for long time. Her Dad caught her one day but he didn't let him guess much. She was planning to hide it until she didn't finish her graduation. She wanted to complete her education first. But she was so busy in talking that day. She totally forgot to control her sound. She was talking so loudly when Hina came to her door. Hina wanted to talk her but when she heard Sanaya's words she stopped. She clearly heard that Sanaya was talking to some Dilip. She sensed that Sanaya was abusing them and planning to marry him. Hina heard enough. She decided that Pradeep was right. They needed to change town. At least she was going to do that. Sanaya had to come with her. She messaged estate agent and found out address of flat. He gave it immediately since Pradeep forgot to pay rent of that month. Heena " But he stayed there for just week." " This is advance rent. Don't worry I will find a nice place for you soon." She thanked him and disconnected call. When she went near room, Sanaya's room was locked. She decided that she should pack first and started packing.
Pradeep started to race his bicycle. It was so nice. But things became most wonderful. He felt that entire scene was turning in enchanting way. He started watching it. He sensed one thing that he didn't need to go back. It was perfect mountain. He could sit here. But he needed tent. It was strange. But he didn't even wanted it. He started to feel that he could live without it. He went to camping sometimes. He liked them. But he never thought that it could become perfect lifestyle. He started to think now that it could be perfect. But then he looked around. There was not food. He needed a place where he could find food. He suddenly remembered river. It was perfect place. He knew how to catch fish. He knew how to use river water. He knew how to create fire. He knew all. He wanted to be away from family and city. He didn't let any thought about his family even to touch his soul. It seemed like curse to him. It was hurting his soul. He suddenly decided that he must go inside jungle. He must enjoy nature. When he started to go inside he started to feel pleasant touch. It was so wonderful. He decided that he didn't need any language but then he remembered that he needed to cancel agreement of that flat he didn't want to keep paying rent. He was so sure. He immediately turned behind bicycle. He first called his estate agent friend. " Hello I found new flat. I want to cancel this agreement." " But few minutes ago your wife paid in advance rent." " Come on cancel it. You know I need permanent place not rental one." " I know and you found one." " Yes." He said in dreamy way. " Where?" " Near river in trees arounded by mountain." " Wow. It sounds like heaven. I can't find better deal for you. You are lucky man. Who gave it and what's cost?" He said happily " It's free." His friend started laughing. " Okay..Okay you don't want disclose any thing. I can understand professional attitude?" " No it's really free. I just needed tent." His friend started laughing. He clearly thought entire thing was just a joke. "Any way send me your address. " " Why?" He asked his friend with anger. He didn't want to talk this way but it came out with strange anger. His friend sounded nervous. " I just want to give it to your wife. She wanted to come and meet you. She kept trying to reach to you with mobile. " He was so confused. He didn't remember about his mobile at all. " Ohh I will call her." "Actually I think she is thinking about shifting." He was so angry now. " She denied it. She can't come now." His friend was totally confused. He controlled himself. " Actually I was planning a surprise and this will spoil all." His friend started laughing again. Pradeep felt he laugh too much. Now a days every human was managing to irritate him. He knew that he needed to go and stay in nature. "Ohh my God it was game of surprise. I thought something serious. Don't worry I will handle it." " Okay bye. I need to arrange things." His friend agreed immediately. Then Pradeep returned to his flat. He took all things. Then he gave back keys to secretary of building and went away. This time his bicycle was too heavy due to luggage. Sometimes he wished only if he could take some car. Then he started laughing. He was planning to stay in jungle and needed car. He laughed so loudly that people around him looked at him with shock. Frankly there were just few people around him. But still he felt even they were upset. He was riding bicycle in market. He was not supposed to laugh like that. It was hardest journey for him. Finally he reached to jungle. He stopped for few moments to catch breathe. Then he kept his bicycle in corner and went inside jungle. He started to search perfect spot. He finally found one under tree. It was wonderful. He saw it's beauty. He went back again. He brought back his tent. He set that tent near river. He began to hear loud voice of river when he went inside. It was meditating for him. He went back to corner and slowly started beginning one by one each item in tent. When Pradeep dropped keys to secretary he was totally upset. He didn't want this responsibility. He immediately called his estate agent. " What is going on? Your tenant just ran away while thrusting his key on me!! This is not right. It is not my responsibility." Estate agent was confused again. " Actually he got some new place and excited about giving surprise to wife. He must had done it in that phase." " Truthfully I don't understand how could he get a place in town and I don't know about it? I mean this is small town. People always talk. If someone sold place then matter needed to be registered so it must go in official way. Did he bought some hut? Did he have financial problem." Estate agent started laughing. "No not at all. His company is planning to compensate him in big way so he didn't need hut. Actually he is planning to stay near river." Now this was chance of secretary to laugh. " That river you are mentioning is inside jungle. There are just snake, mud and mosquitoes around it. Of course there are fishes in water to eat and few campers put tent there as adventure but no one stayed near it. In fact last time even camper ran away due to snake threat." Estate agent was shocked and hurt. " Are you sure there is not even single house? I mean outdated ancient sort of house." " No. Your friend lied to you." Estate agent was angry now. Secretary " Did he paid rent?" " Yes his wife gave check and I have to cash it. It reached to me few hours ago." " Then cash it. After that it was their business. It could be some dispute between husband and wife." Estate agent agreed. He cashed check in bank. He got his money and he decided to keep quiet. He began to feel that it was possible his friend wanted divorce. He decided that he would not call any of them.
Hina kept calling for three days but Pradeep didn't took her call. She wanted to discuss Sanaya's issue with him. She knew that Pradeep was right. Sanaya was not chatting with just her friend. He was something more than friend. She already packed her suitcases which hope to go to Pradeep. But he was not taking her call. In his absence she didn't want to confront Sanaya. She sensed that she could not wait for Pradeep's call. She called his estate agent. Estate agent tried to avoid matter in beginning. But he had to answer " Actually Pradeep told me to give that flat to other people on rent. He said he bought new house." Hina was so shocked that world around her started moving in circles. She kept quiet for sometime. Estate agent " Are you with good terms with Pradeep? You are not planning divorce?!!" " Not at all who told you this nonsense. I hope not Pradeep. Since if he was doing something behind my back, I don't know it." " No..no he said he wanted to surprise you but gave false address." She felt little relieved. " He must have mistaken while giving it." " No he said. He is living near river but there are not houses near river. Just mud, jungle and snakes. Person can't live there." " There might be some old house. You know Pradeep he likes to buy junk and renovate it." " Nothing existed there since water increase there in rainy season so no one waste money on that land." " Then did anyone fooled Pradeep?" Now this thought managed to scare estate agent. " Did he draw any money from account for purchase?" After hearing this line Hina shivered. She started to remember those crimes which read in newspaper or seen on TV. " I don't know. I will go in bank and check out." " But did he have single name account?" " I don't know. I need to check everything." Her voice started shaking. She began to feel so scared. Estate agent " Don't worry if he had removed such big amount then he must have informed you." " But he didn't told anything." " These surprise plans I just don't like them always bring crisis. Last time my wife wanted to give me surprise gift she purchased it on cheque but forgot to check balance. I was planning to close that account. Luckily that shopkeeper informed otherwise we should have landed in jail." She clearly sensed that Estate agent was nervous so chattering without cause. She decided to check out in bank. " I am going to bank bye." " Tell me when you locate Pradeep." " Surely. I will tell you bye." Then she disconnected call and ran towards bank. Sanaya was busy on her mobile. She sensed one thing that Sanaya was staying just in her world. She went to bank and asked them about withdrawal. It was time consuming since she went to every bank and answer turned out to be negative. She took breathe of relief. But then she started to feel tense again. If he had not paid any one then how did he managed to get home. She was so confused when she returned home. Sanaya came towards her. " Mom where were you? I was searching for you. I have brought that voucher of music academy. " " So Dilip is not paying for it? Then you can just take money from us finish your education and then ran away with Dilip. It is perfect plan. We don't deserve more respect than this. Why? Because your Dad don't have time for you." Sanaya started to look pale. " Mom I said it in just anger. I never act like that with you and Dad. You know me very well. I love you." " Stop pretending. Tell me fees. I will give you cheque." " Mom don't act like that.." " Your Dad is missing. I am going to that flat which he had rented." " What? I want to come with you, but my school.." "No need to give excuses. I will go and you can stay wherever you want. I have destroyed my entire married life for you and in return you treated me like wrappers whole time you were just planning to grab money and then vanish." " Mom stop this. I am not doing anything like that. I am chatting with Dilip just to reduce tension. I don't even meet him every day. Our friendship has began with internet we hardly talk with each other for days. Actually he didn't stay near by." " I am not interested in this discussion at this moment. I am going out search for your Dad if you want to come then pack in few seconds otherwise I will go out without you." Sanaya ran in room. It was first occasion when she was packing her bag alone. But she always took help of her mother but today she didn't dare. It was too much for her mother. She knew that she crossed her limits in anger. Even Dilip said same thing on phone. She started calculating needful things while she heard her Mom booked a bus ticket for them. She wanted to suggest a cab but she decided not to dare. She packed her clothes and got dressed. She came out " Mom I am ready." Hina looked at her without emotion and said " Great now close window and take food from refrigerator. We need to go out for long time so we need to close all." " But what about my school?" " I have informed them. On my request they granted vacation of one week. But you must join after it." Sanaya sensed that her studies were going to suffer. " Mom my studies will suffer and school might keep Marlon my record." " Then stay with your Grandma. I will call her." Sanaya was not much happy but still she nodded. Then she called her mother. Then she checked everything in house. Finally she locked house and went away. She took Sanaya with her. Sanaya felt so scared since she was treated first time with such a harshness. But Hina sensed one thing that she must not shelter her daughter any more if she was planning to have boyfriend then she must learn ways of world with harshness. She dropped her in Grandma's house and went to point where bus was going to stop.
Hina was so scared. She never traveled alone like that but now she didn't have much option. She was forced to travel alone. She kept looking behind her back again and again. Every man who looked at her even by chance looked like criminal and rapist to her. She had heard many such stories. But when she went inside bus, she sensed seat beside her was empty. She once again shivered with fear. She has to do journey with unknown person. Then slowly passengers started entering. She knew seat beside her was not going to be empty. She was scared of every individual. She was so upset. She closed her eyes and pretended as if she was on other place. She was once again with Pradeep enjoying her picnic. She was so happy but her happiness did not remain for long time. Since she heard voice of man " Are you alright?" She had to open her eyes. It was so scared. But when she saw that man she didn't feel anything secure but she saw that he didn't have much intention to harm her. He looked at her and asked " Do you want lemon water?" She denied. Then he started coming towards her. She was so scared. She screamed loudly. Then she sensed that man was more scared than her. He had magazine in hand. He was just trying to take it. Everyone was looking at them in strange way. " What happened?" She sensed that she had created drama without need. She had to lie now so she lied. " I thought I saw cockroach!!" Everyone started laughing. Then all went on seat. This man who sat beside her kept reading magazine. Then he tried to talk with her but he was about her family. After that he kept talking about his family. It was irritating. She didn't sense when she fall asleep. She was awake when that man told her that they had stopped for lunch. She was not hungry at all. But she didn't want to sit in empty bus so she went out. Then she ordered thali like others. When she put food inside her mouth,she started to feel hungry. She began to eat fast. After eating that food she felt little bit normal. She turned to other passengers of bus. " Do you know any thing about river?" All passengers seemed to know about it. But all claimed that it had just forest not house. Then suddenly one passenger said " Do you know there is one man who looked like some strange Saint is living there." " Saint?!!" " Yes..yes he stay in tent and catch fish. He just wear one pair of clothes." " No..no it is some man from town. He lost his job so he began to turn unsound." " Who told you that?" " A villager they knew everything." Hina was about to ask more about man when her phone rang. Sanaya was calling. She was so frustrated. She didn't want to hear Sanaya's drama now. She last time stood against Pradeep for her and finally found out Pradeep was right. Sanaya was moving in wrong way but she was her daughter and she kept her in her mother's house so she had to take her call. It was her responsibilty. She took her call. " What happened?" Sanaya " Mom when you are going to come back with Dad? I can't stay here forever." " I know but I think I need to search for your Dad for some days." " Mom you can't punish me like that just because I chat with Dilip!!" " I am not punishing you but you don't understand it since your life involve just around you in your mind. But I am concerned about my married life too. I am going to search for my husband. It doesn't matter what you think. I need to give my time on this moment to Pradeep." " What? Dad is still missing?" " Yes and I will file Police complaint about it. So it will take sometime. Bye." Then she disconnected her call. She came back on table and started crying. One passenger came near her and asked " What happened?" " I think that man might be my husband. He lost his job and missing for few days." " Then you should call Police." " I can't just go alone in Police station!! I am scared." " It's not that hard. You need to find missing complaint. If you want I will come with you." She started to feel scared. She couldn't trust a total stranger. She was confused. Then he looked around " I know you need woman with you. Don't worry. My family is going to come to pick me up at station. My wife will come with us." She nodded in agreement. She was trusting total stranger but she didn't have much option. She was so confused. She kept looking at her phone. Finally her Mom called her. She told her everything. Her Mom " Are you mad? Don't trust stranger like that. Where are you?" She told her location. " I am sending my nephew there go with him. It will be dark in few hours. You shouldn't travel alone like that. Did that dhaba have woman customer?" " Yes. Then sit by some family. Let that man go your nephew is coming." She did as per her Mom's request. It was big family with kids. They were luckily waiting for bus so they needed to stay for hour. She sat near them. Then that man came near her . " Bus is going. You are not coming." " No I am waiting for my nephew." He looked upset. She didn't understand his cause. But he said once again with anger " But I told you my wife is coming." " Still it look odd if I came to file complaint of my missing husband with unknown person in Police station." A man from family with she was sitting. " She is right Police will take doubt." That man looked frustrated but he went away. Then woman from family " Do you know him?" She told her entire story. " I know your husband is missing. You are upset but don't act like that. Don't you read rape cases." She nodded. That family stayed with her. Finally her nephew came. Then they went to Police station. She shivered when she went inside. She sensed that crime was high and cops were too busy. She might had just escaped from becoming victim. It was horrible. Then she told all to officer. " Ohh you are wife of that mad man. Few fisherman kept complaing about him. They said he take their fish but we said river don't belong to them but then we felt scared that snake might bite him. We need family members to take his responsibility. She shivered with fear. Then they immediately went there with ambulance. He didn't come out willingly. He kept screaming go away. He was looking like some cave age man. Hina didn't even recognise him. Finally they injected him and took him to hospital. It was horrible for her. But Psychiatrist said " This is nothing but just extreme depression due to loss of job. Don't worry we will handle it. But we need physical treatment too? Can you make payment?" " Sure money isn't problem. His company is paying large sum as compensation.." " Don't worry I will handle it by asking him. Now you may leave. I will call you when you will able to meet him. " She nodded and went away. She came such long distance to meet him. But finally she had to go back without it. She knew that she was doing this for Pradeep's good so she went back in her nephew's car to handle problem of Sanaya. She didn't want to stress Pradeep more so she decided to handle it as she did until now. She sensed that it was her duty and she had to do it.
The End
