In this world, some people love to be alone and finds solace as their ultimate refuge. It is very tough to understand their emotions and what’s rolling in their mind. They too are part of society but love loneliness. Rather than describing elaborately, a one-word describes them best…..

An INTROVERT.

“ Prabha, do you know, we humans are the most civilized of all beasts. If you agree, tell me why?”

The room with finely designed bookshelves full of enough collections proved the dominance of a book worm in it. As Akhanda turned the pages of ‘Shouts Of The Whispering Mind’ and waited for a response, Prabha with a tight hug gave an unexpected answer.

“ We are civilized because we can share our thoughts, and love parties, gathering. But Akhanda, I wonder how we two are continuing our relationship through our thoughts originate from totally different poles”.

With the half-finished conversation, Prabha hurried towards the kitchen. The house seemed to gain life at every step and word of Prabha.

“ The breakfast is ready….. my dear philosopher. Fill the belly and get ready to dance to the tune of melancholy in the evening.

Prabha seemed to be in a festive mood, decorated and watered all the flower pots in the corridor.

“ Akhanda, I am ironing your marriage suit. You look gorgeous in it”.

“Stop all this Prabha. You know I don’t like wearing suits. Our marriage party was an issue. I was bound to wear it. I never interfere in your lifestyle. At least let me dress in my way”.

As Akhanda was trying to prove his points, he guessed Prabha’s plan for the evening. He too was well aware of his wife’s tastes and her liveliness. He wondered how she manages to keep him and herself happy despite all odds.

“ I know, Akhanda, this suit will suit you. You have well build muscles. But look at me, I’ve gained weight and my waist….Oh my God!”

Without giving any chance for word combat, Prabha forcefully dressed him up.

“ Wow! Gorgeous. I think you could never get a second half better than me. So, darling we are going to attend Rohini’s marriage party. I hope you will not say no”.

Akhanda felt irritated at Prabha’s behavior. But it was a regular process. He can’t deny her, nor compare her love with anybody. Just because of this special and distinguishing behavior, he was first attracted to her; that too in a marriage party, which he always tries to escape from.

Ultimately, the repelled emotional love birds started their short journey to the marriage party. Akhanda already knows about Rohini’s marriage party. He planned to give a visit to her place on another day so that he could escape the huge gathering. But his plan failed.

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Unwantedly and reluctantly Akhanda entered the marriage hall. To his surprise, all the people present in the hall rushed forward and gave Akhanda a grant welcome. The drum beats and the melodious sound of blowing trumpets amended the entire atmosphere into a lively festive mood.

Many young girls came forward, giggled together, and pulled Akhanda inside the hall.

Prabha was left far behind. He looked at her face with a confused smile and wondered what happened suddenly. Prabha shook her head with a smile and indicated him to dance with the flow.

“ You, girls, leave him; he is not the bridegroom”, shouted an old lady.

“ Helloo, Akhanda…..

looking quite handsome. Everybody will get confused today. By the way, where is Prabha”.

“ Rohini….Rohini”, shouted Prabha as she ran towards them to join the conversation.

“ You know Rohini, Akhanda don’t like attending social meets but he never says a ‘no’ when I urge to attend. This is the first time he joined me. So, how do you like his style”.

Prabha kept on talking as usual but Rohini interrupted in the middle.

“ Akhanda, he is my cousin Riaan. You will feel bore here. We have lots of talks to talk about. You will feel comfortable with Riaan and his friends,” Rohini holding Prabha with her arms requested Akhanda with a smile.

Everyone on this green earth yearns for respect and love. It depends on different individuals how they expect to get it. Akhanda never expected himself to be treated as the center of attention, though in his inner core he never contended as that day.

“ Sir, I am Riaan. I was watching you from the time you entered the marriage hall. I do know you are not the bridegroom groom but everybody rushed towards you. You looked like a bridegroom.

My friends are afraid of you”.

“Afraid of me, why?” asked Akhanda astonishingly.

“Do I looked dreadful”?

“No Sir I suppose you are a strictly first-class contractor. My friends think so. Your well-built muscular anatomy made us think so. Am I correct Sir?”

A big pause became dominant for some time and Akhanda stared at Riaan in amazement.

To break the prevalent silence, Riaan started to talk with fear in mind.

“ Sir, are you okay? Did I asked something wrong?”

Akhanda burst into a big laughter.

“ No dear, I am. neither a first-class contractor nor a bodybuilder. Nor I’m the bridegroom which you already know . But why did you guys made all these unreal stories”.

“Sir, perhaps you don’t know you are handsome but have a dreadful dominant look”.

Akhanda laughed aloud once again.

“Do you know why? I seldom attend social gatherings and today I am feeling uncomfortable and a bit nervous. But dear Riaan, you gave me good company and made me the hero of this party”.

The conversation continued. Riaan’s friends joined them and the entire hall was full of laughter.

“ Akhanda, come let’s have our meal”, Prabha shouted.

“ Dear Prabha, you go and have the meal of your friend’s marriage party. I already filled my belly”, Akhanda spoke humorously holding Riaan with both hands.

Prabha gave a satisfactory smile and rushed to the dining room.


© Chinmoy