Plantain Leaf - Final Draft
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Transcript of 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.