The Crimson Sky

1

“Aladin wait for me “ called out exhausted Yago behind him while Aladin fled with Abu on his shoulder on the streets that were busy with people buying stuff in the market.

“Abu come on” called out Aladin as he tried to enter a cave. Abu was frightened and did not want to go ahead he warned Aladin. But Aladin was too adamant to go inside and explore the cave. He dragged Abu assuring him nothing will happen to them. As they entered the cave it turned to get darker and darker and at a point they could not see each other, Aladin kept encouraging Abu and Yago and they moved ahead, they were deep into the cave suddenly Aladin stumbled and he gave out a cry Abu and Yago too started Aladin made them silent and looked at the thing from which he lost his balance, it felt something like a lamp to him he took it in his hand but due to darkness could not see anything Abu and Yago had already created mess there they were holding him tight, so Aladin finally thought to start the return journey. They all came out of the cave. They saw the lamp in light and as Aladin tried to rub the dust from the lamp to clean it, immediately an enormous genie rose and said

“What wouldst thou with me? I am the Slave of this lamp and will obey thee in all things.”

Aladin thought for a while and then fearlessly replied: “Bring me Ice- cream I’m hungry!”

And ice-cream was delivered to him. Aladin’s joy knew no bound he was jumping with joy.

He heard someone calling out “Harsh. Look who has come to meet you.” 5 yrs Harsh had to come out of his imaginary world and he ran to his Mom who was calling him.

“Mom you know what I found a genie”

“Ok ok beta now first look who has come to meet you; I will listen to your stories later” Avani said pointing towards Tanvi.

“Jasmine. Mom I found Jasmine too”

“Harshhh her name is Sakshi and not Jasmine” avani said in a stern voice.

“But mom look at her blue eyes. Her hair. she is jasmine Mom”

Tanvi burst into laughter, “Harsh OMG he is so innocent” she could hardly speak and Sakshi kept staring at Harsh. In no time they both became great friends and started playing Harsh showed her his teddy bear, monkey whose name was Abu and he showed her Yago he then included her in his game We three go on different mission and today we have found a Genie. You want to have a look? He rubbed the lamp and an imaginary genie came out of it and they entered into their imaginary world While Tanvi and Avani refreshed their memories. They both were busy talking about home, children, and general talks. After many days Tanvi came to meet Avani. When it started getting dark outside, Tanvi called out Sakshi as they had to leave for home, and it was time for Neil to return. Sakshi came running to her, she seemed to be so happy.

“Mamma can we wait for some more time, I want to play with harshhh”, sakshi insisted in her stammering voice.

“Daddy will be home any time dear and I have work at home, you know na.”

“But I want to play “

“Ok we will come tomorrow again. Then you continue todays game ok?”

“Promise?”

“Hmm promise.”

After making sure she will be coming there tomorrow she told Harsh that she will return tomorrow and they will continue the game tomorrow. Harsh agreed with a heavy heart. After Tanvi and Sakshi went Harsh started roaming behind Avani telling her all the things that happened while they were playing, “Mamma you know today I found new friends Genie and Jasmine. Genie lives in his lamp, the lamp is his home when I rub the lamp he comes out and as I found the lamp he will do whatever I tell him to do mamma you want to see, should I ask him to cook today’s dinner for you?” Avani was busy clearing the living room and while she had to move things from living room to kitchen Harsh use to come in between with all his excitement that he got from his imaginary world

Next day

“Neil your lunch box you forgot it on the table” Tanvi ran after Neil who was stepping out of home on the way to parking to start his drive to the company.

“Ahh Thank you I would have to die hungry today, but you saved me!” Neil winked at her.

“Hmm” Tanvi said handling him the lunch box widening her eyes.

Neil unlocked his car and as he ignited the engine, he waved to Tanvi, she too waved at him and kept looking at the car till it disappeared. She went back to the kitchen and got lost in her work.

After marriage Tanvi had to come to Mumbai and the big question that stood in front of them was what to do about the company that was well set up in TVM by Tanvi “Chirag”. The company was performing good and there were many prominent companies who would eagerly buy it, but it was more than a company to Tanvi she did not want to sell it. Finally, after giving it thought for days Neil decided to hand over the charge to his Brother – In law (BIL) who had just returned from US doing his MBA. Tanvi did not favor his decision. She was not sure if it was right to hand over such a big responsibility to him as he had no experience and handling such a big company was not a joke.

“Tannu believe me, Sparsh will not let us down. I know he has the potential and its not like we won’t be around to help him. He can always come to us if he feels insecure in taking any decision. And I will personally visit at least once in a month to see the progress I promise.”

“Sparsh, let me tell you I’m against all this. I really don’t want to. I know you have just”, Tanvi showed her disappointment to Sparsh.

“Di you just relax. I know what this company means to you and will never let your hopes die. I will take this company to new heights. there where you have always wanted it to be. I know I’m just out of school and need to take important lessons. But I assure you I will do my best. Put the best of me in this.”

“Don’t take any hasty decisions, ok? You have me, Neil, Atharva, Avani so many to guide you. So just don’t forget to get in touch with any one of us when in doubt. I know I’m showing you so much of lack of trust. But the reality is it has been years now I’m settled here I don’t feel like going from here, where I have my roots. I know experience teaches you everything. Even I knew nothing about all this, but I learnt. I know You will also learn through your experience. It’s just that I don’t want you to repeat the mistakes that I did. So, I’m concerned.”

“I understand Di but one has to move on in life.”

“Tannu. Come on now let Sparsh worry about how to proceed. We have planned all the transition for him and in next 3 months he will all be trained”, Assured Neil.

Finally, all the documents were prepared and the handover to Sparsh took place.

After which Tanvi and Neil got settled in Mumbai. Neil was back to his old life but for Tanvi everything had changed, She was so used to the nuclear family structure of theirs, She, Madhav and Chirag, but now she had to adjust herself with Neil’s family which added his parents to the family. Tanvi loved being with them. She spent whole day with her In-laws. She liked the presence of elders in her life. She had been living a hostel life through out her education and then after her marriage with Madhav had no one elder in house, so this change was good for her, she liked it when her Mother In-law(MIL) taught her little things, she loved being monitored for errors. As she had became a good businesswoman she now wanted to become a good Daughter In- law (DIL) and also she needed someone to be around in the new city.

Neil did not want Tanvi to work after marriage as he thought he was able enough to cater the family needs. Tanvi did not argue to him not that she did not want to pursue her career but even she thought that she needs a break to come out of her past and adjust with the present to prepare for their better future. Whenever she got time, she would call Avani and get in touch with her. Avani was also spending most of the time at home looking after Harsh. He was the naughtiest child she had seen. How morning would turn into evening Avani would not realize when she was with Harsh. Tanvi would give her great time saving tips but Avani would still feel day was too small. Now Since Harsh was 5 yrs and had started attending schools regularly Avani thought of getting back on track with her career, if not now she would not be able to do it ever. She shared her thoughts with Tanvi and she too agreed to her decision. Tanvi also told her that she was thinking to enroll Sakshi to some play group and then after she get settles in the routine in may be 6 months time she too will join Neil. Currently Tanvi would spend most of her time in Kitchen, then with Chirag for his studies and around Sakshi. Sakshi was now of 3 years and Tanvi wanted to enroll her for some play group so that she has a liking for school. Tanvi had visited Avani for the same. She had to do a proper survey to get the right thing for Sakshi.

“ Maaa, look what Sakshi did to my drawing book.” Yelled Chirag in disbelief.

“Uff. Chirag I have told you so many times beta you keep your stuff away from her reach. what happened? Show me. she took the book from his hand and started looking at it, all over the book there were tiny thumb prints and hand prints all in different color but instead of scolding Sakshi Tanvi was pleased about it as she could find a pattern in colors that she used and it looked beautiful.

“Chirag I will bring you a new drawing book now leave this book to her, let her do what she wants to do. And from now on don’t leave your watercolors in her reach, she doesn’t understand anything at this age dear she might put those dirty hands in her mouth and get sick later. They contain harmful chemicals. Do you understand what I mean ”

“. Sorry Maa I will not do this again. I will never leave my things on the floor from now.”

“That’s like my good son and Tanvi hugged him. Ok Now I must go to Avani Masi I have to look for Sakshi’s admission na. You promise me you will be a good boy and not trouble grand ma and grand pa and will complete your homework.”

“Ok but after you come home then I want to have Halwa.”

“Umm ok If I don’t get any of your complain I will surely prepare that for you.”

Tanvi started for Avani’s home and Sakshi was very happy to meet her new friend Aladin or rather Harsh.

~X~