FUEL FOR LIVING - PART 3‏

“Buddy! Good Morning! We are ready! Where are you?” Sindhuja asked Anand over the phone.

“Right outside your door, lovely lady!” replied Anand.

“Woaaa! So can we start?” Sindhuja asked as she opened the door and disconnected the call.

They all drove to the zoo in Anand’s car. The day was full of curious questions from Sindhuja and answers from Anand; raised eyebrows and stares from Vidya.

-----

“Buddy how do they feed the lion?”

“They sing a lullaby, the lion sleeps and then they go in and keep the meat for it to eat, before the lion wakes up!” replied Anand.

Vidya couldn’t help smiling.

-----

“Why don’t we have a zoo for humans?”

“Well, Emmmm… because it’s difficult to maintain them!”

-----
“If I want, can I take one of the monkeys home with me?”

“No baby! It needs to stay with its friends in this environment, else it will go crazy!”

-----
Vidya noticed Anand had changed a lot in the years after college. During their college days, Anand used to be paranoid about kids. He believed disaster is inevitable if he tried to socialise with kids. Hence he consciously avoided any opportunity to get along with kids. But the Anand she was looking at now, seemed a natural with kids. He put Sindhuja at ease right from the start, was very patient and comforting, kept her in good spirit all the time and was mindful of the needs of the child. Whenever Sindhu grew a little bored, he amused her with his antics. Whenever a place was crowded for some exhibition, Anand made Sindhu use his shoulders as a chair to sit and watch the show.

“Why are the animals locked up?”

“Animals are special species and at times a bit dangerous. They may harm us if provoked. So to be safe, it’s better to keep them in cages!”

----
“Do animals also go to God after they die?”

“Yes baby!”

“So, do they have zoo up in the heaven too?”

“Oh, I don’t think they will have one there.”

“Why not?”

“In heaven, everything is so beautiful and everyone is so calm and friendly that we don’t need separate place to go and visit any kind of special species. Everyone lives in harmony with each other; humans, animals, plants!”

-----
“What is harmony?”
“Emmm harmony is….”

“Sindhu, it’s time for some chocolates!” Anand was more delighted than Sindhu on hearing this. He looked gratefully at Vidya for saving him and she returned it with a warm light-hearted laugh.

The day ended the way it started – with questions from Sindhuja and she fell asleep as soon as she crashed in her bed owing to the day long trip.

“Thanks for being so patient with Sindhuja. She is never tired of asking questions!” Vidya said as Anand began to leave.

“Oh I enjoy being with her so much. She is a lovable girl!”

“But if she starts troubling you too much just tell me! She can at times drive people crazy!”

“I’ll handle her just fine. Don’t worry!” Anand said reaching for Vidya’s hand.

Vidya put her hand to cover Anand’s, smiled and said “Thanks again! See you!”

“Good night. Take care!” said Anand and left.

Vidya stood at the door staring into the darkness for a long time.

-----

Back home Anand couldn’t get sleep. He wasn’t sure what was bothering him. The fact that he was still in love with Vidya, or the question whether it is morally right to be moving close with her, when she has no idea about his feelings? He didn’t surely want Vidya to think of him as a cheap fellow who is trying to exploit her. He wanted to marry her and give her and Sindhuja the happiness that they deserve. With questions hovering in his mind, he drifted off to sleep.

-----

The next two days went on reasonably normal for Anand. He hadn’t made any calls to Vidya, knowing that she would be busy with her work. It was evening around 4 when he received a call.

“Anand? Its Vidya here!”

“Hi Vidya! How are you?”

“I am fine. I need a favour from you Anand. I know I am troubling you but I just don’t know what to do!” said Vidya.

“Vidya, don’t be so formal! Just tell me what is it?”

“Can you pick up Sindhuja from her Nanny’s place at 8 and keep her for an hour or two? I have some work which is eating up all my time since yesterday. The Nanny has some date today, which she doesn’t want to miss. She was kind enough to keep Sindhuja till 10 yesterday, though the agreement is only till 8.”

“Alright! I’ll do it! Just chill! Give me her address and you give me a call before you start from office, I’ll come and pick you up!”

“No, I’ll come to your place and pick up Sindhuja.”

“Vidya, it’s ok. I have enough money to afford petrol! I’ll come and pick you up.”

“Hey that’s not necessary!” argued Vidya.

“It is absolutely necessary. Either I take care of the whole package, or I don’t! Now out with the Nanny’s address and then get back to work.”

-----

An hour later, Anand parked his car in front of the Nanny’s house and rung the bell.
“Hello. I am Anand. I am here to pick up Sindhuja!”

“Oh yeah.” She called Sindhuja out and she came running.

“Hi buddy!” Sindhuja said to him enthusiastically.

“Hi Sindhu!”

The Nanny asked Sindhuja, “Is this your Anand Uncle?”

“Yes, he is!”

“Alright, go and pack you stuff!” said Nanny to Sindhuja.

“Please come in. It’s necessary to confirm the identity of such guardians. Nowadays child abduction is on a rise!” said the Nanny to Anand leading him to the sitting area.

“Oh, I completely agree! I am happy Sindhuja is in safe hands.” Anand said smiling.

“You are in much early than what Vidya told me!” The Nanny told Anand .

“Yeah I wanted to spend more time with Sindhu.”

Sindhuja came out with her bag and announced that she was all set to go.

“Thanks…...” hesitated Anand.

“Oh, my name is Mridula.”

“Thanks Mridula! Nice meeting you.” said Anand with a smile.

“Nice meeting you too! Bye Sindhuja!” said Mridula.



“So buddy, you are taking me to your home eh?” asked Sindhuja as soon as she had strapped her seat belt.

“Yes baby!” replied Anand as he started the car.

Lets Continue Tomorrow........................