plantain leaf - final draft

8/12/2019 Plantain Leaf - Final Draft

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Sacred Union

Chennai May 2009

Chennai was sweltering in the month of May. The searing heat was

scorching ones mind and body. The frequent load shedding added to

the woes that summer offered. One could hear people on the streets

cussing and swearing as the heat beat them badly.

Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai - 10.30 a.m.

Final year Bachelors of Fine Arts students were eagerly waiting for

one of the greatest and influential artists. She not only recreated the

magic of Art but also was herself a subject of contemporary art

around the globe. Her works not only won a number of accolades

and credit but also inspired many a young upcoming artists. She was

named as modern age Picasso for her compositions. Her art spoke

volumes. She was an alumnus and was coming to present one of herbest works to the students.

Shalini Mahadevan, 30, Tall and Attractive, suave and intelligent

appeared in the auditorium. Her face had a fervour that left students

enthralled. Dressed in a Peach color kanchipuram silk sari, with her

long hair tied in French plait, she looked like poetry. She not only

practiced art but also looked like art. An air of serenity alluredeveryone. By looking at her, a quote passed on ones mind:

Nee enna kaviyama, Swarpnama

Ellai Nadamadum oviyama

Roughly translated- are you an epic poem or a dream or a walking

painting?


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After 2 hours of presentation and lecture, everybody was deeply

moved by one of her best creations. Students told her that her work

would be recognized and awarded by the International Arts

Association. At around 2.00, she packed her bags and pulled out her

Honda city, ready to drive back home. Her home was located in

Besant Nagar, which was the prime and well known neighborhood in

Chennai city. The area captures attention as it has a wide range of

eat outs. The one of the biggest attraction would be the Elliots

beach which meets Marina Beach towards the end. The place had a

special place in Shalinis life as it involved some of the best memories

with her best friend since childhood.

Shalini was overwhelmed with the support and love the college

students had poured on her. She couldnt stop the tears flowing

down her cheeks. After few minutes, she gained her equilibrium and

moved out of the car to enter her plush house. It was a beautiful

bungalow with a small courtyard on the other side. One of the rooms

housed multiple paintings done by Shalini. As soon as she entered

the house, she quickly went inside the room and moved close to her

masterpiece. The theme of the work was called Sacred Union. In it,

was a girl holding her hands with a boy. She was dressed in a

traditional red colored wedding sari and the groom was giving a

handsome smile to his bride. The sparkling shine in their eyes was

rightly captured by Shalini. She was a melody and music was hisdefinition. He was the rain and she became his rainbow. He was

sunlight and she was his sunflower.

She was Shalini Mahadevan. He was Shashi Ranjan.

Remnants of her tears pulled us to her horrifying past.

28 May 2002 Chennai


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Amma, Where is Shalini? asked Sandhya Balan, a Bharat Natyam

dancer from kalakshetra. She was dressed in a golden colored sari

with one side green border. Sandhya was the best childhood friend

of Shalini and was staying close to her house. She spent major part of

her days in Shalinis place and was treated like another daughter of

the family.

Oh, Sandhya, Where have you been?

Shalini is waiting for you from so long. Go, Run, She is getting

ready, told Shalinis mother and smiled with excitement. Gayathri

was a loving and strict mother unlike her husband Mahadevan. She

was a violinist and her husband was a carnatic vocalist. Music ran in

their blood. Though Shalini did not take up music as her profession,

she did engage herself whenever she felt like. She was an only child

and has spent her years growing up listening to the morning ragas

from her father and beautiful pieces from her mother. May be that

was the beauty of any South Indian Family. They would like their kidsto take interest in any of the classical music or dance forms and let it

be a part of their life.

Upstairs, Shalini was surrounded by many of her friends and cousins.

The beautician showed her skills and worked on her sari and hair.

Meanwhile, Sandhya entered. She was mesmerized seeing Shalini.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Shalini looked at her and glowed withhappiness. She kissed Sandhya and hugged her immediately.

The wedding arrangements were on in full swing. The gateposts

were decorated with full grown plantain trees which signified eternal

and endless generations. The soulful rendition of music troupe added

to the beauty of the festivities. The sprinkling of rosewater and

offerings of flowers, chandan and kumkum at the doorstepsindicated warm welcome to the guests. Shalini and Shashi were lifted


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by their respective uncles as they exchanged the wedding garlands

and after some of the religious rituals the pandit uttered the divine

shloka, Mangalyam tantunanena, mama jeevana hetuna, kanthe

badhnami subhage twam jeeva sarada satam. It means This is a

sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your

neck O maiden having many auspicious attributes. May you live

happily for a hundred years (with me).

Shalini s parents were crying with happiness and were content that

everything went off so smoothly. The bride and grooms parents

hugged each other and were chatting and laughing happily. Shaliniwinked at Shashi. The eyes did all the talking.

Their honeymoon in Coorg was beautifully spent. The perfect setting

in resort, photo sessions, nights in the cold weather, awesome and

mouthwatering eateries, lots of adventure sports, quiet nights by the

hill side. It was an ethereal experience and it made a lot of memories

that would linger on forever.

The poem conveys a soft tale of their romantic getaway and how the

two souls were interweaved with each other.

An equal music between the two bodies

Flowing freely, tuning new melodies

Gazing each other and kissing softly

You take away my pain swift and gently

Mutual were our feelings that led to connection

Hardly could we control our temptations

Whispered into your ears in that silent night

Need it forever, please hold me tight

For that night, I thank my stars

almost become one, venus and marsYeah, my heart fell by surprise


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If I said you are not my dream, which is one fine lie

Giving a thought, together

Took a vow to be there for each other

28 May 2005

Shalini was so happy that day. She got up much early and started her

daily chores. After finishing she sat with a mug of filter coffee and

Hindu. She wore a neon green colored kurti and matching pink

salwar. She made a religious wife to Shashi and was not indolent at

any time. Shashis life started with programming and ended with it.

He was a successful software programmer in one of the leading IT

companies in Chennai. Those days he was so engrossed with the

work and project that he hardly gave any undivided attention to his

wife and household duties. But Shalini was stoic. All she wanted was

to take care of him and make him happy.

The clock showed seven thirty. She stood to wake Shashi up. Carrying

her finished mug, she turned back and there he was. He was looking

smart in a sandal colored blazer. He had not changed much since

their wedding except that he wore spectacles now.

Oh, you are already ready? asked Shalini with an enchanting voice.

Yes, I have a client meeting at 10.00.

Okay, let me bring you the breakfast. She ran into the kitchen.

No, I will have the breakfast at office. I have to leave or else I will be

late.

Please, Please. It will not take much time. I have prepared nice

breakfast for you. The entreaty in her voice made him smile and

without further ado, he sat quietly near the dining table. He


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discussed how things at his office were coming up, how his projects

were getting good recognition and his performance appraisal. She

was happy and cheerful, listening to his significant achievements.

Though he forgot their anniversary, he complimented her for the

delicious Idlis and Kesari. She was overwhelmed with joy and after

wishing him goodbye, she went to her favorite place - the balcony.

The place was inviting in the morning. The trees danced and plants

swayed to the morning breeze.

In the afternoon, she busied herself in her world of paintings. She

was painting an image of lord Krishna with a pot - full of butter. Asshe was working on her half finished painting, she received umpteen

number of calls from everyone wishing her Happy anniversary.

Time passed in a jiffy. After talking with Sandhya for 40 minutes, she

took leave from her cell phone. She had so much to do before Shashi

came home. She wanted to prepare a nice candle light dinner with

the perfect setting. She bought fresh flowers from the florist,

switched on the CD player which played old melodies, filled the room

with aromatic candles and placed roses everywhere. The kitchen

brimmed with delicious fragrance. She prepared a lot of eateries

from sweets to his favorite Hyderabadi Biryani. After seasoning it

with salt and pepper, she hurried to dress herself up. And then she

came in a red colored sari and pearl necklace with matching earrings.

She looked beautiful and impeccable. She hummed the song Yaenenjae, En nenjae fromthe recently released movieApril Mathathil.

Her phone rang. It displayed an unknown number. She thought it

would be someone who wants to wish her.

Hello. The person was a cop from Nungambakkam police station.

And there she stood speechless. There was a massive accident in the


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road adjoining Nungambakkam. Lot of people got injured and some

died on the spot. They found Shashis I card from his shirt pocket.

Hello, Hello Madam, Are you there? The cop asked her continuously

but Shalini was lost in her own world. The sadness engulfed her.

After few minutes, she managed to call her parents. She ran

hurriedly to the T G hospital. She stammered in front of the

receptionist who was attending her. And there she stood in front of

the ICCU. By that time, her parents and in laws had reached the

hospital. After seeing Shalini, they all broke down and couldnt

control the tears. Sandhya came straightly from her office.

After 2 hours, the doctor came outside and conveyed the unpleasant

news about Shashi. Shalini fainted at that very instant. She had that

thought she would surprise him by her arrangements for their

anniversary, but death of her beloved had shocked her. It was more

than what one could bear. After regaining consciousness, Shalini

looked very pale. She refused to eat or talk with anybody. Nurse toldthat the doctor wanted to speak to her. She unwillingly agreed.

There was a person who got admitted in the afternoon and who

needed a functioning heart. Surpisingly, Shashis heart was

functioning. So they wanted to transplant the heart and save that

persons life. The doctor wanted her consent to continue with the

operation. Shalini was dumbfounded. She did not know what to say

and went blank for a second. Finally she gave her nod to the doctor.

The doctor thanked her and told the persons name. His name was

Prasad Krishan. She hardly listened to him and begged him to leave

her alone for some time. On that evening, her health improved and

doctor asked her to proceed for the funeral ceremony. While leaving,

Shalini wanted to see the persons face who had received her

husbands heart. She barely remembered his name and after giving a

thought for few minutes, she asked the nurse to show him. She


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stood outside the ward and saw him from a distance. She wiped her

tears and started to leave.

The funeral arrangements were done by the relatives. Sandhya was

by Shalinis side. Shalini couldnt stop her tears. The person she

loved, trusted and cared so much was - gone. All she had now were

his memories. Memories that would haunt her forever. The

memories which will make her life terrible to live. She hugged

Sandhya and sobbed. Sandhya consoled her but it became a futile

exercise as her situation was getting grave.

It took one long year for Shalini to gain balance in her life. Her

parents and Sandhya acted like a pillars of strength.

Shalini, what are you doing today?asked Sandhya. She was going

for an art exhibition and wanted to take her as she felt that would

give her confidence and a change from her routine life.

Nothing much. I am busy with my cooking and cleaning the house,said Shalini nonchalantly.

Do you want to accompany me? I would like to take you

somewhere. I am sure you will love it.

No, I dont want to. I am tied up here. I am good staying at my

place. Even after ayear, she locked herself in her place. She lost her

social life. It was like Shashi became an enervating force that hit her

and affected her life. Also, she bid good bye to her painting and art.

Sandhya wanted to raise a storm that day. She scolded Shalini for her

behavior. All Shalini needed was a change. A change that would give

her life back. Finally Sandhyas persuasive efforts paid off and Shalini

agreed to go with her.


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Shalini was mesmerized and stunned looking at the traditional and

modern paintings done by young artists. Sandhya could see how

Shalinis eyes lit up seeing her passion. Shalini was awestruck with

realization. Sandhya squeezed her hand. She smiled and hugged her

friend and thanked her for bringing her there.

Sandhya told the real reason for bringing her to the art gallery. She

wanted her to take art seriously. Enough mourning had been done

with, from her end. Now all she needed was a big change. She had an

entire life waiting for her to kiss with a smile and take it in her arms.

Sandhya became her motivational force who supported her fully.

Slowly and steadily, she moved ahead in her life. She tried to occupy

her mind and heart with drawings and paintings. She researched on

new and upcoming collections. When her heart ached for Shashi,

she cried and shut herself with his photograph in her room. She

started her work from 8 in the morning and worked till 9 at night.

She wanted to be busy which would give her very little time to thinkabout her beloved. Sandhya kept a watch on her. She used to come

to Shalinis place in the evenings. Shalini would then, show her

paintings and explain it to her friend. Art became her world. Sandhya

gave a patient ear to her and listened to her with excitement. She

was happy and relieved with Shalinis improvements. It felt so good

when u act as a guide in anothers life. True, Sandhya thought.

Shalinis parents and in laws were also happy and saw her life taking

360 degree turn.

28 August 2009

Shalini was preparing for lunch. It was Sandhyas birthday and she

wanted to give her the surprise by throwing a party. Though Sandhya


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was her closest friend, she was more like her sister that she never

had. She wanted to thank her by helping her move ahead in her life

and showcase her talent to the world. As she was making Kheer and

fruit salads, she got a call from an unknown number. She quickly

washed her hands and lifted her cell phone to answer.

Hello, Shalini here. How can I help you?, said Shalini in her

enchanting voice.

Hi, This is Vivek here. I am calling on behalf of our president. Your

art Sacred union has been recognized by our association and you

have been nominated for the prestigious award. Congratulations!!

Shalini couldnt control her tears. She thought she was hallucinating.

She wanted to pinch herself to know whether all this was true .

Hello, Hello, Shalini Mahadevan, Are you still there?

Oh I am sorry, Yeah I am listening. Thank you so much. I dont know

....errr...hmm...I am ...errr, literally on cloud nine.

Hahaha, I know. Thats true. You deserve this Shalini. Our president

wanted to give you a call personally and invite you for the felicitation

ceremony but as he is out of country, he asked me to do it. Well, the

felicitation ceremony is on September 28 at 6.00 p.m. I will email you

all the details of the Programme. Congratulations once again.

She immediately called Sandhya and gave the news. She did not tell

her about the party she was arranging for the evening. She called her

parents and in laws and spread the news. All were very happy and

wished her much luck.

Evening party was a celebration for double delight. Sandhyas

birthday coupled with her own victory. She thanked God and stood


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in front of Shashis photograph. She felt it was all his doing. The

vacuum in her life was removed by Art but after all the success she

was achieving, she wanted to share her joy with Shashi.

28 September 2009 6.00 p.m.

The Auditorium of Governments Arts College was decorated

beautifully. Shalini reached the venue at 6.00 p.m. sharp. She was

accompanied by Sandhya. The event was about to be telecasted live

on National Channel so her parents and inlaws decided to stay back

and view it on television. Only one person could accompany. That

was the protocol. Audience was waiting for the President and few

other guests. The entire auditorium was brimming with elegant and

creative artists. Some were very young students and some were

experienced professionals. Shalini squeezed Sandhyas hand and

gave her a broad smile. That moment could not be expressed in

words, Sandhya thought.

The person hosting the event stood and started to give welcome

speech. He told that president has arrived. Everybody listened to him

patiently and their eyes were glued to the stage. And he came.

Dressed in grey suit, wearing spectacles, one hand in his trouser

pocket, he looked very handsome and smart.

But here Shalinis heart became heavy. Her eyes were moist. All she

wanted was to run away from the auditorium. It was Prasad Krishnan

on the stage. He was the president of International Arts Association

and also the owner of Shalinis beloved Shashis heart. Shalini

couldnt control her tears. Upon seeing her cry, Sandhya insisted to

know the reason. After much request, she told Sandhya about it.

Sandhya too became emotional but she did not show it to her friend.


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Around the same time, Mr. Prasad Krishnan called out her name to

felicitate her with the award.

Give a big hand to Ms.Shalini Mahadevan for the Most Elegant art

of the year. he mentioned.

Shalini lifted her head up, wiped her tears and went ahead to collect

the award. On the stage, all she could see was Shashi holding the

beautiful momento. Even after so much effort, she was not able to

stop her tears from flowing. Tears which showed her past, tears

which reflected her present, happy tears which marked her victory,

and the satisfactory tears which symbolised Shashis support.

Mr.Prasad did not know her but she was the one who saved his life.

Shalini thought she was blessed as she was receiving the award from

her husband. When she thanked him, she was transfixed. For a

fraction of a second, she saw Shashi in his eyes. There was same the

handsome smile and shine on both of thems eyes like it was in the

painting. Though the tears in her eyes showed pain, her heart wasthoroughly content. The award was the testimony for their love. For

Shalini, it was her life, it was her Shashi.

plantain leaf - final draft

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