Who's at Fault?

She was sitting on a chair enjoying winter sun when Simran entered the terrace of girl's room. Simran was feeling cold and wanted to sit in the sun. Suddenly Simran noticed a girl who was strikingly conspicuous by her appearance, tall, wheatish complexion and very overpowering demeanor. Most important feature of her personality was her eyes; big, saucer like and red as if filled with wine. Simran liked her instantly and walked towards her, "Hi, I am Simran." "Hello, I am Aliya," and they began talking.

Soon Simran and Aliya became very good friends. They both were beautiful, smart and energetic. One thing was very surprising that they were opposite to each other in nature. But as they say opposite attract each other; they were very close to each other. Both of them used to enjoy lectures, make fun of their teachers as well as their class mates. Simran had done her graduation from the same St. Agnes College from where she was doing her post graduation while Aliya was a new student there. Soon Aliya became an integral part of Simran's group.

There was a group of three boys who were the main target of Simran and her group. Arjun, Jamie and Hari were three friends who always hang together. They were almost unassuming type. Simran and Aliya used to make fun especially of Arjun who was bulky, fair complexioned and handsome young man but he had a man like appearance. He was always over dressed, wearing three piece suit etc. C'mon, no body wears suit in the college. There was something weird in his personality. Especially Aliya was very critical of Arjun. Simran had to hold her back, "Listen, don't be so rude; just ignore him."

Those years passed so quickly and soon it was time to say goodbye to the college. But Simran and Aliya continued their friendship. Then marriage of Simran's brother got fixed and Simran got busy with the preparations. Simran invited Aliya for the marriage and was planning a lot of things. Two days before the marriage was ring ceremony. Simran was eagerly waiting for Aliya but she was shocked when Aliya came. She was dressed as a newly wedded woman, bright coloured dress, her arms full of bangles, full makeup, Aliya was there. Simran could not speak for second,

"What, what's the matter? Why are you dressed like this? "

"Your friend is married now" replied Neha Di, Aliya's elder sister who had come along Aliya.

"When?! It can't be true. When I talked to you to invite, you did not tell me about all this"

"It all happened all of a sudden, sorry we couldn't invite you", Neha Di was replying while Aliya was quite. In the meantime, all the other members of Simran's family gathered, her mother, brothers, bhabhi, and children. All were asking why she married in such haste and she not invited Simran. But Simran was very happy, in fact elated.

Simran took Aliya to the terrace of the house where they were all alone, "Now you tell me the whole story, how things happened, you know I am so excited." Aliya did not answer immediately, and then she started sobbing, "You won't believe what happened with me. Mom and dad wanted to get me married." Aliya started but I instantly interrupted her, "But why? You are the youngest in the family and Neha Di is still unmarried."

"Yeah, I know, but I don't know why they were hell bent on marrying me. One day dad called me and told me that they had found me a match and in next week they had fixed my marriage. He gave me a photograph and said,

"This is boy's photo. You can watch it but marriage is final. "I was infuriated. I cried my heart out but my parents didn't listen to me. I was so angry that I didn't even look at the photograph and came back to my room. I was married in a simple ceremony. When the night came, I was horrified to find that the boy I married was........""

"Who?," Nervously I asked.

"He was Arjun. I shouted in surprise on the top of my voice but I could not do anything because the marriage was done," and Aliya started sobbing.

Simran was stunned, "What are you saying? It can't happen. Marriages are not done in this way.

In the meantime, Simran's nephew came running, "Bua, everybody is calling you, let's go." Simran and Aliya came down. After ceremony, Aliya started to go with her sister. Simran came to see her off but there was a feeling in Simran that that this was the last meeting of Aliya and Simran. She was feeling as if she will not meet Aliya again. Simran did never want to meet Arjun as Aliya's husband. She did not want that Arjun and his friends get the proximity to her. They were not good.

But she was sad for Aliya. How she will spend her whole life with such a person whom she never liked. For many days Simran was upset. Days were busy because of the marriage of her brother but in the nights she was unable to sleep. She felt as if Aliya was trapped somewhere. Simran thought Arjun will certainly torture her. How Aliya will bear that? Aliya was not picking her phone and there was no further news of Aliya. Marriage was completed and Simran's new bhabhi came in the house.

Then one day Simran happened to go to her elder brother's close friend's house. Rajesh bhaiya (as Simran used to call him) was not at home but his wife Rajni was at home. While they were talking, Simran asked,

"You know Arjun; he lives in your neighborhood." Suddenly Simran realized Arjun lived somewhere around that area. But she was not sure and Aliya also did not mention where she had gone to live after marriage.

"Who?"

Simran told her about Aliya and her marriage with Arjun.

"What are you talking? He is......" She didn't complete her sentence.

"What do you mean? You are hiding something, aren't you?" Simran wanted to know the truth.

"I have heard things about him." Rajni was still hesitant.

"Like what" Simran insisted.

"He is gay and he is partner of a local pub manager who lives near our house". Rajni said. Simran was stunned. Oh, Aliya, she must be going through a very bad time.

Simran was very upset for a very long time. She was very worried about Aliya but she did not know how to contact Aliya. She was not picking the phone. She must be going through a lot of trouble but there was no way Simran could help Aliya. Ultimately, Simran left everything to God.

Simran resumed her research work. She went to meet her research guide for some work. Mr. Amit Sharma was her guide who was also H.O.D. in our college. Obviously, he also knew about Aliya and Arjun's marriage which was the talk of the town these days. Amit sir said,

"Is it really possible that you knew nothing about this affair?"

"What are you saying sir? Affair, what affair? "Simran was shocked.

"Aliya and Arjun's affair, of course they were in love and they married for love. But why Aliya is not telling you the truth even after marriage. "Amit Sir said very convincingly

"Why are you so sure that they had an affair?" Simran was annoyed. Sir was saying anything which was not true.

"Because Imran who is Arjun's best friend himself told me that Aliya used to come at his place to meet Arjun. And please, I have no intention to upset you and nevertheless it's none of my business either. "Amit Sir changed the Topic. Simran came back home fuming. When Mom asked her what the matter was, Simran said,

"Amit Sir, don't know what he thinks of himself. He was saying Aliya had affair with Arjun. "Simran told exasperatedly.

Anyway, next day Simran went to her painting class as usual. These classes were a big boost for her as they were stress buster for her. She always wanted to learn painting and now she got the opportunity. On her way to painting class, she saw Neha, Aliya's sister. Simran was happy to see her. Now she will inquire about Aliya. Neha must be knowing about Aliya. Simran went to meet Neha,

"Hi Di, how are you and how is Aliya?"

"Aliya is happy in her in-law's home. By the way, why are you looking so disturbed? "Neha replied.

"I was worried about Aliya because...and Simran told everything to Neha what Aliya had told her, about Arjun, about marriage, everything. Neha was shocked to hear this. She replied,

"What are you saying? It is impossible to imagine that you of all people didn't know about Aliya and Arjun'affair. But you know you are responsible for this. Aliya is influenced by you so much that she felt you would not like her affair with Arjun. That is the reason that she didn't tell you about this. But personally I feel she was wrong. This is not friendship. "Simran could not hear further. She was shaking. Was this true? Aliya did this to her? Now there was no doubt. Everything was clear now. One thing was very sure .Now she will never trust her in the life. She will move on in life but she will never forgive Aliya for this. Simran was very strong and she did not let anyone see the turmoil she was going through.

One year passed. Simran engrossed herself in her research work so that she could not get time for anything else but life was not so easy. She was constantly nagged by college circle, friends, staff etc. She herself could not get over the incident. Then suddenly Aliya's phone calls started coming in. Simran did not pick them. Again she did not want to bear the same agony .Simran knew one thing. Now Arjun was Aliya's husband and Simran did not want to meet him in any case. Given his track record and hearing about him from Rajni, Simran had no intention of meeting him. Aliya's chapter was closed for Simran now, something she will always remember in her life. After some time phones stopped coming. Simran got busy with her life. Her research was completed and she got a job in Delhi as journalist. After sometime, she got married and settled in Delhi. Simran was very happy with her married life as well as her job. Ten years passed.

One day Simran's mother told her on the phone,

"You know, Aliya came to visit."

"What are you talking, who, Aliya, but why, after so many years, why?"Simran asked many questions in one breath.

"She came to inquire about you."Mother said.

"And Arjun let her come?"Simran could not believe her ears

"Arjun, her husband is dead?"

"When, how?"Simran asked.

"Perhaps in an accident. She has a son, very cute. Actually I was busy when she came. She was inquiring about you. She was asking about your phone number. I did not give it to her as I did not know whether you would like that or not but she gave her phone number and asked you to phone her." Simran was shocked to hear that Arjun was dead. How could that be? So many questions were doing rounds in her mind. She wanted to know about Aliya. Simran was tempted to ask mother about Aliya's phone number but something stopped her from doing so. She could not make the same mistake of trusting Aliya again and again get hurt.

But her resolve of not phoning did not last long. After few days, Simran's mother got ill. Simran went to meet her to her native place Rampur. Mother was feeling better now. Simran always liked to roam about in her city. She went to market. There she saw Aliya. She was buying something from a shop. Aliya did not see but Simran called her from behind,

"Hi, Aliya", Aliya was very surprised. She instantly hugged Simran as they were same old friends who could not live without each other. After changing pleasantries, they both decided to meet next day and parted their ways.

Next day, Aliya came with her son, Khush .That day Simran and her mother were alone in the house as her brothers and their families had gone to attend a marriage in the family. First thing that Aliya spoke was this,

"Simran, please forgive me for what I did with you."Aliya said.

"Listen, I have moved ahead in life. I am very happy with my life, great job, and wonderful husband. No regrets whatsoever, except one. Why you did this to me? "Suddenly, color drained off Aliya's face.

"I was afraid you won't like that and I didn't want to lose you which I anyway did."Aliya was very straightforward.

"So?" Simran asked.

"What?"Aliya knew what Simran was coming to.

"How all this happened, Arjun's suicide and all." Simran asked directly. Enough hide and seek had been played .This time she needed truth from Aliya. Nothing less than a truth.

"What I told you about my marriage was all a lie. Initially I was very happy with my marriage. Arjun so much cared for me. He used to love me so passionately. I could not believe my luck. I had got such a good looking life partner and rich in laws. But as the time passed, I got pregnant and things began to change. Arjun was always outside the house. Whenever I asked him about this, he was irritated,

"You have no work but to nag me, I go with my friends not with girls, you should be happy about that." That was true. I had kept check on that. But something was very disturbing. People in my in laws were very loving with me but in their eyes I could see pity. I did not know the reason behind this but I wanted to know.

It was my birthday. Arjun was in good mood. He wished me,

"Let's go out for dinner tonight." I was elated. Now he was behaving like old Arjun.

"I am so happy to see you like that again", my happiness was beyond limit. In my emotional out pour, l embraced him, tried put my lips on his but very politely, he pushed me. I was very hurt but didn't say anything as I did not want to spoil the moment. But I decided to talk about this when we come back.

When we went for the dinner, there was a couple sitting next to our table. Arjun took me to them and introduced me to them,

"Aliya, he is Sid, Siddharth, and this is Resham, his sister."Sid insisted that we sit with them and Arjun agreed. I was disappointed because I wanted to be alone with Arjun but I didn't show my feelings and happily sit there. After sometime, Arjun went to toilet and after him went Sid. Arjun did not come back for a long time. I got worried and I got up and went towards toilets. When I reached there, I heard voices. It was Arjun's voice that was coming from toilet,

"Sid, don't be so mean. Today is her birthday and I have never done anything for her since we got married. "

"Marriage, you call this marriage. Why don't you tell her the truth and save the torture to both of us. "I was taken aback. I was not able to understand what Sid was saying and why. Who was he? Why he was so affected by Arjun getting married to me and why I had not seen him anywhere in Arjun's life till today? My mind was spinning. I went into ladies toilet which was luckily empty and sat down on a toilet seat. What was going on? My mind was telling me something which my heart was not ready to listen. For a long time, I sat there. When I came out, Arjun was looking for me, very worried,

"What's the matter? Why are you looking so shaken? "

"I am feeling like throwing up. Can we go home, please? "I said and started going towards exit.

"Yeah sure," he said very promptly as he too wanted to get away.

I confronted Arjun the moment we reached home. He admitted,

"Yes, I admit I am in relationship with Sid. "He said.

"What type of relationship?" I didn't know what to make out of it.

"Don't be so naive. I don't like girls. "He said directly.

"Then why I am here as your wife."I stared at him in disbelief.

"Because my friends wanted me to win you because you were so hot and we wanted to teach lesson to that high headed of yours, that Simran. The best way to teach her lesson was to take you away from her.

"Listen, you don't know what you are talking about."With shaking body, I made him sit on the bed. He was weeping inconsolably,

"It's not my fault that I am different. I have tried my best to live to the expectations of my family. They wanted me to get married. I married you against my wishes but tried my best to make you happy. But I can't pretend any more. Sid is also angry with me and threatening to leave me. He wants that I should disclose our relationship to everyone so we can live together. But he is not thinking about you. What you will do after that. The whole world will know about me then."I was so absorbed in his sorrow that I forgot about myself. It was me who was going to be affected most by this revelation.

Arjun slept while weeping.

Next day when I woke, Arjun was not in the room. Whole day passed, he did not came back .I was waiting eagerly but instead of Arjun, came the news. Arjun was found dead in a hotel room with his friend Sid.

Everything was finished. I left my in laws home and came back to my mother and sisters. That is my story. "Aliya took a deep breath. Strange thing was that she didn't shed a single tear. Perhaps she had shed too many tears already that there were not left any.

Simran was surprised at her own emotions. Why was she not feeling anything? She was not feeling pity for Aliya. For her things were past that. She just wanted to help Aliya.

"Now what? Asked Simran.

"What?"

"What about your and Khush's future? I know where you live is a small town. Your family supports you. What about Neha Di? Where is she now? She is a lawyer. She can help you in many ways. ?"Simran asked.

"Neha Di is dead. She is no more. She married in another religion but later could not adjust there. She had a troubled life in the later years. She got cancer and died."Simran was shocked to hear that. It is true that life never ceases to surprise you.

"My eldest sister's husband is personal assistant to a minister of the state. He got me a job in a Govt school but it is a remote area where the school is located. It is a very long and tiring journey daily. Besides you know that I have never liked teaching as profession. Life has become a pain .No relation is left. I have to look after Khush also. What will he become if I am not able to provide him good education? All these things are so frustrating. I don't know what to do. Then you came in my mind, a ray of hope. I know I have no right to expect anything from you but only you can help me now, if you wish so. "Simran was moved to hear that. Simran went to Aliya and hugged her tightly.

"Of course I will help you. And you don't have to say sorry again and again. I will arrange everything for you; job for you, Khush's education everything. You come to Delhi and rest will be my responsibility. Tomorrow I am going back to Delhi. Once I arrange everything, I will call you. "Simran said. With her position, she knew she could do this.

Next day Simran's brother came to see her off at the station. When train came, Simran sat in the compartment and her brother went after saying bye. Then Simran saw Aliya on the platform. She was looking for Simran. Simran went down on the platform as there was still some time in the departure of the train. She went to Aliya and hugged her,

"What are you doing here? Are you coming with me?" Simran asked Aliya.

"No, but I want to thank you. You gave me a ground to stand. Earlier I was very dependant. I told my sister that I was going to Delhi with you. She started crying and said I was our parents' last wish. She will ditch Ma and Pa if she cannot help me and I have to go some other place. I told her the reason behind my decision. I told her I cannot spend my whole life working in a remote school. I have to do something that will make my life worthwhile. She talked to my brother in law. Now they have promised that my wish will be fulfilled. Jijaji has offered that if wished, he will help me setup a NGO where I can help women like me who are in distress," Aliya said.

"That's so cool. This has been your dream long ago. I'm so happy for you. "Simran was feeling really good.

"But you gave me the strength."

"Don't you ever say that again! Strength comes from within. You contacted me because there was strength in you. It really takes a lot of guts to accept one's mistakes. "Simran meant what she was saying.

Simran came back to her home. She was very happy that Aliya was once again part of her life. Aliya was very happy with her work. Her work was appreciated and very soon she was very popular among the women of the area.

When Simran met Aliya last, she was very happy. This one incident made Simran realize the need to help many other women. Simran set up an N.G.O. which is doing great job.