A Realizing Proposal

Hema and Aruna first came to know each other in the nursery class. Aruna expressing her liking for the barrette on Hema's head had pulled her rather
long hair, styled like the pony-tail.
Though the latter was upset for sometime, they became close friends at the end of the school hours.

This friendship continued even in their high school and college days.

One would not spend a day without seeing and speaking with other. They spoke a lot about simple, stupid things and took great interest in meticulously describing or narrating a scene or an incident, they happened to witness.In fact they were very close friends, complementing each other.

Aruna, the fairer of the two was taller by a few inches and looked very tall when she stood beside Hema. But Hema had a special attraction about her : long dark hair, and lovely brown eyes. On her right cheek invariably a dimple would appear, should she try to smile. Besides, her gait, dressing sense and simple, natural gestures were very attractive. Added to that her voice had a certain sonorous, hypnotic effect ; especially when she spoke about things or
happenings under the influence of an emotion or supportive sentiment.
Naturally Aruna came under the unconscious influence of her friend just as many others did.

During the college days they were careful to dress in the same chosen colours and in the same way. Together, they had become a treat for the dreamy youths and boys, to watch . Wherever they went, they were treated with warmth and attention.

Within days of their completion of graduation both got job in the same reputed, well established company. Thus began their second phase of active life in society.

They never gave up their style of dressing and moving together on every special occasion or gathering.Within a short time their colleagues came to know about their close friendship and labelled them as the "duo '' or the " twins ".

In work Aruna was quicker and more efficient. She would accomplish any hard, difficult work with ease and with a cool smile all the time.
But Hema ,though more charming and more attractive of the two, was at times slack ,and diverted her attention to other common things, gossips or daily happenings; unlike Aruna whose concentration and perfection in the execution of any piece of work, was par- excellence.

Aruna came from moderately rich family background ,whereas Hema was from the typical middle class . But this factor never came in the way of their devoted and committed friendship
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Hardly a year had passed when both Aruna and Hema found themselves in a crux, which soon deepened into a dissociative situation in their cool and happy life.

The MD of the company who had been closely observing the neatness, efficiency and good nature of Aruna ,had chosen her as a life- partner for his only son
Sunil. Sunil was tall and handsome and had his early education in India, and higher studies abroad. He had returned and was to take the official charge of the company as the CEO.

He had been observing both Aruna and Hema, but at first sight was strongly attracted to Hema. He cherished the idea of marrying her.

Between the father and the son, a long discussion was held and the old man failed to induce his son. At last he had to consent to his son's choice.
Aruna who had already received some clues from the MD about his choice of his son's bride, now was a little disappointed as she came to know about Sunil's preference. She began to avoid Hema in the pretext of some domestic emergency or some other concocted reason.

Hema took her evasion causally and did not bother to probe further.
As days went by, and the distance between Hema and Sunil shortened, the one between the former and Aruna went on broadening, till at last one began to avoid the other.

Hema thought she was just in her own way . But Aruna gave three dimensional thoughts to the whole matter and found her friend guilty and dishonest.
She could not realize the fact that Sunil had his own choice to make and that Hema had not taken any initiative, nor had she done any manipulation to win the favour and heart of Sunil.

Soon their friendship turned into a kind of attitude on the part of each of them- neither explicit nor implicit.

Hema had no knowledge of what was going on in the mind of her friend ; nor did she ask her about the same.
Reluctantly she chose to believe that Aruna must have been jealous about her prospect.

In fact Aruna had undergone a strange, complex emotional disturbance during the few days of the incident. She was upset about the difference between Sunil's choice and that of his father.

For one whole week she didn't go to work but stayed in her room at home. All the time her mind was preoccupied with indignant thoughts. She could not bring herself to console or compromise. Her ego was considerably hurt.

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Both Hema and Aruna stood on a steep cliff and there was strong wind blowing from behind them. In the West the sun was about to set and was hanging in the sky at the horizon.
Aruna put all her strength together, and bitting her teeth, pushed Hema into the deep valley beneath.The other went down on her back ,screaming helplessly. Suddenly Aruna woke up. It took her a couple of minutes to realize that it was a dream, a horrible one - a shocking nightmare.

She exuded profusely and felt her throat go dry .She stretched her hand for the water- bottle and gulped it's content down the throat. She could not sleep further; and began to recall some specific, random events from her past life, which had brought her closer to Hema.
She began to analyse the situation ; and her inner mind told her that Hema was not at fault ; nor had she shown any sign of mischief or manipulation.
Besides none of them had ever thought about or imagined ever ,of making a match with Sunil ,or with anyone in the company- office.

Her rational mind prevailed over her and she felt sorry for Hema.
All these past few days she had let her down ; and had been rude to her. She got up to dial her number and to speak to her it was almost midnight and so she decided against it. Anyhow she was going to meet her first , in the next morning.

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Aruna found that Hema had already left her home for the office and also her phone could not be connected.
With an uneasy mind, much to the happiness to her colleagues she went to the office and occupied her usual place.

The intercom alerted her and she was called to enter the CEO'S room. As she entered she saw Sunil, Hema and a handsome young man already seated in the room. Aruna felt a little uneasy. But Hema got up and held her hand and made her sit.

After sipping the cool drinks served at the moment, Sunil began to speak in a cool curious manner.

He introduced his friend as Prem who had been his closest friend since their school and college days ,and although their business dealings in India and abroad. They had been good family friends as well .

Changing his voice, with earnest emotion he told Aruna that Prem had already seen her on many occasions during his previous visits , without her knowledge and had developed a kind special liking - a kind of love , for her. Being a little timid or shy by nature ,he had asked Sunil to propose to her on his behalf.

At this point Hema who knew everything in advance held her friend's hand firmly and said in a deep emotional voice :
" Won't you like that.... Please do for my sake accept the proposal... Now..... and right now......
Prem we know, is from a good cultured family... What is more : he loves you..... Do you seek anything more.. ? "

With wide open eyes and evidently not prepared for such a situation Aruna said in a somewhat choked voice :
" Yes.... I accept from my side.. But.. But.. The family formality... "

Sunil added : " That will be managed by my father "

The four of them left the chamber leaving behind the unfinished cooldrink glasses on the table .

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