Anupama stepped onto the platform at Dadar railway station, feeling anxious and tense. She had never been to Bombay before, and was flabbergasted by the huge crowds. For a moment she wondered whether it had been a mistake to bank on Sumi's help alone, now that she had decided to take such a big step. She had come to this unknown city with just a small suitcase of clothes and some of her favourite books.
As she stood irresolute on the platform, she saw Sumi and felt waves of relief wash over her.
'Sumi! I am so glad to see you. Bombay scares me.'
'Which is why I thought I'd come to the station to receive you. I'm on leave today,' Sumithra said as she led Anupama to board a local train.
Everything was new for Anupama-the language, the people, the sultriness of the air. . .everything. She stuck close to her friend until they reached Versova where Sumithra had a tiny single-bedroom apartment.
Accustomed as she was to the wide-open spaces of the village, Anupama found the flat and its surroundings congested, although it had all the modern conveniences.
Sumithra worked six days a week, with Sunday off. Her husband was an engineer, and his weekly holiday was on Thursday.
Anu, you've stopped taking care of yourself in the three years since your wedding. Now that you are here, you must treat this as your home. I want you to relax here; we'll look after you,'
Sumithra's voice was charged with emotion.
Anupama was so overwhelmed by her friend's affection that she could hardly speak. No one had spoken to her so tenderly for a long time.
'Sumi, please try to get me a job as soon as possible. I have been idle for the last three years, and I am going mad. Appa has a lot of financial worries and I must take up a job so that I can support him.'
'Don't worry. I will talk to Hari. He will help you. Anu, isn't it Anand's duty to send you some money to support you? Can't Dr Desai tell him this at least?'
'Sumi, I do not want money from someone who doesn't love me. God will provide for me. I have my education, and it will serve to feed me.'
'Anu, your mother-in-law is so religious and god-fearing. Doesn't she know that these things will be useless if the basic quality of humanity is absent? How can she treat you so badly?' Sumithra's anger rose with every word, before Anupama calmed her down.
'Sumi, let's not talk about them. I want to look ahead rather than remain stuck in the past.'
'Okay. What kind of a job do you want? You're far too intelligent to be an ordinary clerk like me.'
'Sumi, what I like or dislike is not important. I cannot afford to be choosy. Any job is fine by me!'
'I feel terrible about this. You were so fond of plays and literature when we were studying. A person like you should be a lecturer in a college.'
Anupama laughed. 'Forget all that now. My life has become a play now.'
They had their lunch and Anupama, who was tired after the journey, slept for a while. When she woke up, she heard Sumithra talking to her husband, Hari.
She felt a little awkward because of her situation, but nevertheless greeted him with a smile.
'Anu, this is Hari Prasad. They exchanged greetings...
Hari was surprised when he saw her. From Sumi's description, he had imagined Anupama as an ordinary girl with white patches marring her face and body. But the girl he saw standing before him was breathtakingly beautiful; she was like a heavenly vision come down to earth. Compared to Anupama, Sumithra looked plainer than ever before.
He greeted Anupama politely. Anupama's smile faltered in the face of Hari's worshipful gaze. Many boys would look at her with the same expression during her college days. But she calmed herself; once the patches appeared on her face things would be quite different.
'I want to thank you for letting me stay with you. Sumi said you would help me get a job in Bombay.'
'Oh, that will not be a problem. Since this is your first trip to Bombay, why don't you do some sightseeing first? Take a look at the Elephanta Caves, Victoria Terminus, Borivili Park, and so on. Please make yourself comfortable in our house.'
Although Hari's words reassured Anupama, she continued to feel somewhat apprehensive. Sumithra was her friend, but how would Hari feel if she continued to stay there for some length of time?