THE SILENT BETRAYAL - I

It was on a sultry April evening when Frank caught sight of his ideal match in a park in Behala, the outskirts of the mega city of Kolkata.
He was 16. Coming from a well-to-do family.A nice, tall guy with a fair complexion wearing a red T-shirt and an off-white coloured trouser.It was not the first time.  Immediately he realized that she lived in his locality and had sighted her in various hang-outs previously.A blonde haired girl wearing glasses. She had put on a conventional outfit of a top and jeans. 
Strolling along the sides of the woodlands with his school mates he couldn’t take his eyes of this flamboyant girl sitting on one of the benches in the midst of a few others. He was quite distracted. 
He always wanted to say “ hello” but somehow he thought that the situation wasn’t appropriate in all those bygone times. ‘This was the opportune moment’ – something in his inner conscience told him. Gathering that all important courage he steadied himself and extended his friendship. Fortunately for him it was gleefully greeted as well.
From then on there was no looking back. Another story of a boy falling in love. He began frequenting her. From Super market to Westside. The marbled steps of Victoria memorial to the shade of the banyan tree in the Botanical garden. The traditional ‘Adda zone’ in Coffee house to the party night at Trincas. Inox to Fame. They were there. Experiencing. Diksha eventually gave into the passionate perseverance of her lover. All the time their relationship deepened and the world brightened up like never before for this teenage twosome.
A couple of years have passed since then. The present time is a little different. Both Frank and Diksha have now passed their high school exams and taken up separate courses in discrete universities. However, their intimacy never took a blow owing to this change. They still kept hanging out to-gether.
One evening, these two victims of cupid were to be seen by the riverside. Both had such a calm and peaceful look on their faces, it seemed, nothing matters to them. Whatever happens in this world, they would always be together.
Ambulating along the banks of the tributary, Diksha asserted, “ Frank, what if I’m not here beside you from the next moment.” Frank quite surprised by this abrupt and vague remark by his beloved asked, “ What makes you think so?”
Diksha: No, just wanna know? How would you feel if I were not with you?
Frank: The world would become like a graveyard then. I’m quite incapacited without you. You know those five days when you were out of station with your parents. I never felt like working. Never had the confidence to succeed. I owe all my achievements to you, Diksha.
( Catching hold of her hands and taking her to the side of the road)
Promise me, promise me that you will never even think of moving apart!!!
Diksha quite easily gave in and made her promise bringing back the familiar smile on Frank’s face. He felt satisfied. As days past his intimacy with her, rose. Like an immatured teenage lad having the uncanny experience of falling in love for the first time. He felt as if his heart burst out into thousands of gold coins whenever she glanced at him with a rise smile on her face. The world seemed to be full of optimism. Life was a bed of roses for our hero.


THE SILENT BETRAYAL – II

The date was 5th of November. Frank was returning home from college when he suddenly remembered that he had to pay a visit to the store. His mom had asked him get some household requirements from the store in the morning. He immediately took a turn.
‘MODERN STORES’ read the name of the shop.
Frank to shopkeeper : 1 kg sugar, and a packet of biscuits please.
The shopkeeper took the order- nodded – and asked him to wait. While awaiting his goods. He took a look around. What he saw made him feel quite uneasy. Diksha was mincing beside a guy of about the same age. She had a smile on her face which indicated that she was having a joyous time with him . Frank even noticed that she was moving hand in hand with him. They went passed him. At the first glance, it felt as if his heart was scissored into two.
However, his blind faith calmed him down. As he returned back home, a thousand and one questions were tormenting his mind. He tried calling up Diksha at night but found that she was engaged. His doubts turned from bad to worse. A sleepless night resulted.
The next day he had an appointment with her. As usual in the evening by the same riverside. Frank was eagerly awaiting this moment from the day the incident took place. He reached the appointed meeting point half an hour earlier. Anxiously awaiting.
Finally she arrived. Immediately she was hurled at.
Frank, not wasting any time: Who was he? Your best friend? He added cynically.
Diksha: Who?
Frank: Don’t pretend. Who was that boy with you yesterday?
Diksha: ( Having understood the misunderstanding) Ohhhh!!!
He was Rahul. A college friend. He comes from a very rich family. I like to get along with him at times as I can get all the material things without having to spend even a penny. He pays.
Frank: (Breathing lightly now) Ohh. I thought otherwise.
Diksha: I never expected this sort of a behaviour from you. How could you even think of me having an affair with him. You know that I only love you!!
Giving him a light kiss, she cheered him up.
Frank was quite disappointed and ashamed with himself.
How could I have thought so cheaply, he questioned himself.
Diksha: What’s wrong? What’s bothering you?
Frank: Nothing really. Let’s go!
Money was the only thing which Frank couldn’t afford at will for Diksha.
He was from a middle class family. His family could afford the necessities but not the luxuries.
‘ BIG BAZAAR – SHOPPING AT WILL’
This was the hoarding in front of the multiplex.
Diksha pleaded Frank to take him there that evening.
Frank: Alright. Which section would you like to go to?
Diksha: Sarees!! I always had the desire to possess one but couldn’t ever convince my parents. Please, take me!!
They strolled to the ‘SAREE’ section. Diksha’s eyes brightened as she viewed all the attractive and gorgeous designs present there. She took some time to decide and then...
Diksha: Hey Frank! Check this one. Will I not look angelic in this saree?
Frank: Well, ya, sure you will!!!
Diksha: I wanna have this!! Please present this to me na!!!!
Frank: (Quite surprised and annoyed by her request) You know that I get only hundred and fifty bucks each week. How on earth shall I be able to buy you this!! This costs way above my budget. Its listed Rs. 500.
Diksha: (Quite disheartened and agitated) You don’t seem to have anything for me except your abstract and so called ‘blind love ‘. When was the last time you bought me something?? Huh!! Tell me??
Frank knew that cash was the main crisis point but he was helpless.
They silently went back home, separately. Life, after all is not devoid of hic-ups - thought Frank as he went off to sleep that night. How would he be able to break the shackles and come out of this hole? He loved her very much but money seems to be the root of all evil.


THE SILENT BETRAYAL- III

As cited earlier, Frank was from a middle class family. His father, Hariprasad was a clerk in the local bank. Theirs being a nuclear family, there was only a single earner in the household. His mother, Sheetal, had quite a hard time making both ends meet. However, things were being managed somehow when one afternoon . . . .
On the congested ‘D.H. Road’ Hariprasad met with an accident. While trying to cross over to the other end he was hit on the side by a taxi. The rickshaw pullers from the local stand along with some passers-by came to an immediate rescue. They carried him to the nearest ‘JANAKALYAN‘
Hospital. Hariprasad had fainted, it seemed, when he was being bed-carried to the operation theatre. The doctors had tested his pulse and indicated that he still could be saved.
Frank, having received this disastrous and apocalyptic news from his mother had, in the meantime rushed to the hospital. His mother arrived a little later. They were explained the situation. Having been assured that the doctor is optimistic they were relieved a little. After about two and a half hours the surgeon finally stepped out of his theatre.
Doctor: The patient has merely survived. Both his legs are fractured and waist bone slightly dislocated. I’m sorry, he’ll have to move on wheel chair from now on.
Heart breaking news!! Hariprasad was in his mid forties.
Not only has there set in the despairing feeling of not being able to stand on his own feet for the rest of his life, but what shall become of his family? That was what was running through Hariprasad’s depressed mind from the moment he had regained consciousness following his treatment. The doctor had recommended Hariprasad to extend his rest at the hospital for at least three weeks or so. His wife and son had met him on that very day. They had taken their leave thereafter with a heavy heart.
THAT NIGHT AT THE DINNER TABLE . . . . .
Frank: Mom, what’s there for dinner?
Mother: Nothing much . I guess we both will have to do with a couple of chapattis each and some curry.
Frank: (Abruptly) That’s all there is?
Mother: (Annoyed by Frank’s remark) Do you think I have everything in this world to give you? Let me be very clear. Your father won’t be able to work for the rest of his life. The money from the pension has already started drying out!! (Sobbing) What else is there left to happen?
Frank: (Understanding a mother’s feeling) I’m sorry. I guess I’ll have to learn how to earn something in order to get things going again.
Mother: What are you talking about? Who’s going to take care of your studies?
Frank: No mom. I’ve decided. (Remembering his incident with Diksha and visualizing the present state of his family) This world believes in only one motto “NO MONEY NO NOTHING”. I’ll earn. With my high school education I’ll get some job or the other. The rest will take its own place. Studies are not meant for me unfortunately, it seems. That doesn’t matter. Not everything is meant for everyone in this world.
Mother: (Hugging her son) Oh Frank!! I’ll always be praying that you get some job.
That night both went off to sleep detaining in their mind that from tomorrow the days won’t be like before.
Climax has set in.


THE SILENT BETRAYAL – IV

Life had taken a complete turn as far as Frank was concerned. The next morning, instead of getting ready for college – he took a peak at the ‘ JOB VACANCY’ page of the daily newspaper. It was quite difficult to find a job suiting his standards. Nevertheless, he managed to spot a few. Off he went.
On that day itself he had to appear for a couple of interviews. It was an acid test for him. However, he was keeping his fingers crossed on his way back home after a long, hard and tensed day out. The results for the vacancies were scheduled to be published within forty eight hours.
That evening, he had another date with Diksha. Both hadn’t even seen each other for about two weeks. Frank was dying to meet her. To talk to her. To disburden his heavy heart by sharing his thoughts.

THAT EVENING . . . .
Frank: (Having explained everything about what had happened to his father and how his life has changed thereafter) Why are you silent?
Diksha: I’m sorry!! I can’t even think of such a lot happening in such a short time, really!!
Frank: I’ll have to run the house on my own now. I’ll have to earn.
Diksha: There’s no meaning in being disheartened. Try and look on the bright side of things! You have the privilege of making cash from such a young age. Oh I really do hope that you get a job quickly.
Frank was quite pleased at Diksha’s well wishes for him. Little knowing that she loved money more than anything else.

TWO DAYS LATER . . . .
Frank received a letter of approval from ‘Marshal and Co.’ meaning that he was chosen for the job as an assistant in an engineering firm. He was elated. He informed his mother about this admission. Both were relieved more than anything else. A bulk of Rs. 2,500 a month was everything to them.
Not everyday brings bad luck! – Thought Frank as stepped out of his house to meet his love that evening. He was in a joyous mood after quite some time .Sharing happiness makes it larger. No wonder he was willing to share it with her.
Frank: Guess what! I’ve been selected for a job!!
Diksha: Really, wow that’s great!! You see, tough people last – tough times don’t. So, what are your plans now? Luxury?
Diksha being an immatured girl without any job experience didn’t have any idea that luxury couldn’t be bought with such low levels of educational status.
Frank: I don’t think so. My job pays me just about enough to run my family. I don’t have the privilege of even dreaming of exuberance.
Diksha was quite dissatisfied at this last statement. Abruptly, out of nowhere, as if she realized that she had committed a grave mistake said, “Well, I’ve gotta go now. See ya.” Frank was quite surprised by this swing of mood. However, he took it lightly not knowing that the tough times would be back soon.

3 MONTHS HAD PASSED . . . .
Those meetings had taken a blow. Leave alone dating, Frank couldn’t even get in touch with Diksha on the phone. Why was she ignoring him? Had he done something silly again? What could possibly be going on? Such thoughts were constantly functioning in Frank’s mind. He was desperate to know.
Not having any access he decided to surprise her as she would be on her way back from college. Likewise he did. One afternoon, as the college bells rang Frank was to be seen beside the gates. He knew that she would be moving out soon and then it would be easy to follow her.
However, there was awaiting another twist in the tail. She was moving out alright but with her boyfriend beside her. Frank was shocked. Last time he was able to calm himself down but now something stirred in his mind. Something said that this just might be the end.
Frank followed them despondently. A little down the lane the guy’s bike was parked. He stepped on it. Diksha’s hands were around his waist. Off they went. Frank was dejected at this. A thousand and one questions tormented his mind at a time!! The day after, he met Diksha at the footsteps of her house.
Frank: What’s happened to you? What are you up to this time?
Diksha: I’m engaged.
The world seemed to be echoing the same “I’m engaged “!!!!

Frank: But…..
Diksha (In an annoyed and irritated tone): But what? Huh!! You think my life’s a joke? You think you’ll be able to satisfy my needs ever?
Frank: But, I truly love you! Is that not a lot?
Diksha( Laughing cynically): Love’s an abstract commodity. What I want is substance. A lucrative life is what I always have craved for. So, speak in terms of value.
Frank(Desperately holding his tears): I’ve been betrayed by many people before. I never expected it from you. It’s not your needs, it’s your greed that’s luring you towards that guy!
Diksha: Listen, Frank. I’ve taken this decision not before giving it a serious thought. I never dreamt that I would be engaged with a pauper!! So please don’t try to reform me as I know exactly what I’m doing. Now, would you please mind moving away as I have a date with Craig.
Frank took a leave from her sight for the final time. That night, the heavens screamed and the earth was stormed. Much like the state of Frank’s heart. When Frank looked out of the window at midnight- he reflected and restrospected! What would become of him now???

THE SILENT BETRAYAL – V
Life was supposed to carry on but his mind was infiltrated with negative thoughts. He was ashamed, embarrassed, dejected, distressed and depressed. Still obsessed with Diksha. He wasn’t being able to hold his emotions together.
He caught sight of her, one day in a small pub. The room was transparently glassed from outside. She was with her fiancée’. Frank’s heart was ripped open. He felt as if to break in and catch hold of that guy by the scuff of the neck. He couldn’t, which made the picture even worse. After a while she became engaged in a passionate kiss. That was enough!!!
Frank began indulging in drugs from the next day. His attitude towards life had changed. He took pleasure out of punishing himself! What else was there left in life for him??? The candle of life started fading away from that very moment. He knew that the end wasn’t very far, now!
A MONTH LATER…..
A crowd of people gathered by the sidewalk. They were blankly staring at a middle aged man who seemed to be dead. It was Frank!!!! Excessive substance abuse!! His mother was subjected to mental illness on receiving the news. His father, who was half dead already, had lost all his sensitiveness. As for our ‘queen’. She was high flying. On cloud nine!!! Little did she know that somewhere someone had given up his life for her.
Life is indeed, cruel. It takes someone to the windward side and some to the leeward side. It makes some smile while others bleed. It makes the world a paradise for some while a graveyard for others. A bed of roses for some while knife-like for others.
People say ‘life teaches you all its tricks while you live’. What’s the meaning of a teacher who leads you to pre-matured death? ‘Love’ is a rare commodity and ‘true love’ even rarer. Love is abstract. It can’t be measured. It has no court of judgment. Thereby, it has no justice to it. People who get betrayed have no place for support. They’re left alone. Life says cynically,” Ponder over your past and die out of shame and fear. You aren’t a chosen one!”
LOVE
is not about whom
you have known the longest..
OR
Who came first…
OR
Who cares the best…
It’s all about WHO CAME & NEVER LEFT.

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