For Shokhi her last years of school were of significance. Her personality underwent a drastic change. Her inside was the same, her questions, her answers, her understanding of the situations around in and outside world, she did it alone. Shokha was with her but to a certain extent. They by now had understood that they were part of a broken family. At home they saw Moni suffer and Manas rising in his career. Both Shokhi and Shokha knew that Manas had someone else in his life. Shokha went totally against his father. Thier relationship took a path that never met till date. Shokhi wanted both Moni and Manas in her life. She loved her father too and had the belief that her parents will unite one day.
For the outside world Harry had changed a lot of things for her. She became aware of her feminity and understood that her unconventional looks are of prime attraction to the opposite sex. She learnt to flaunt her beauty in her own way. She kept herself poised and simple as she was and that started the magic for her. She could feel eyes following her and as a girl in that age, she enjoyed all the attention. But whoever came her way she let him pass by. Reason being that unique magic bell did not ring inside her. At this point of time Shokha became her idol. She felt someone like Shokha would be perfect for her.
Little did she(Shokhi) know that her personality was bone of contention in her family. Her cousins had lot of complex inside them looking at her. She was even asked to stay away from her brother in law. Shokhi with all this happening around her became bolder and more outgoing. Fears lessened.
An Incident..
During Durga Puja she met Shonkho. A very attractive young Boy. Shonkho was Chini Di's cousin. Shokhi met Chini during Puja. Shonkho showed lot of interest in Shokhi, despite having a girl in his life. Shokhi came to know that Harry too knew Shonkho. This was the first time Shokhi's grey side came out. Even Shokhi didn't know that she could be grey too. She in her spree to flaunt herself showed interest in Shonkho. She told Chini Di too. To her own surprise Shokhi portrayed as if only her cousin was after her. She wanted to teach Harry a lesson through Shonkho. Why, she didn't know. Shonkho told Harry about her. Harry came up to Shokhi to talk but it was too late. Shokhi just laughed it off. Both Harry and Shonkho didn't matter to her. But her inner self still wasn't satisfied with what she did to Harry. Why did she want Harry to feel guilty?? Answers come a few years later. But her tryst with Shonkho made her understand that Harry was unable to forget her. That gave her a sense of Victory.
Shokhi even attended his marriage and made it miserable for him.
By now Shokhi was in College...
Moni's health wasn't good. Manas was in his own world of success and happiness. Home atmosphere was very disturbing for Shokhi and Shokha.
Shokha was now School's football team Captain. Shokhi felt proud and her idolization became stronger.
At night lying in her bed, she used to think..'Is there anyone for me?' Her heart raced through the desire and wish for someone like her.
Before I end this part let me share a secret of Shokhi.
Shokhi used to say to herself 'Kya koi hoga, jo mujhe pagalon ki tarah chaahe? Jo mujhe bas utha kar le jaaye!!!'
This was the first time this thought came to her.
Her quest for this Man in reality began...
TO BE CONTINUED...
© Choitali