CHAPTER SIXTY TWO

Jwala :

I didn't know why is he avoiding me, but I accepted it for him. I inquired about his wellbeing through Vedika. As its morning there, I am free at night completing studies; I called Vedika.

"Hi Jwala"

"Hi sister, I am free today. I want to see the baby once."

"Sure, I will switch on to Skype," she said.

I logged in to my Skype account. I saw my baby and Vedika dressed her up so cutely.

"My baby is adorable."

"After all she is your child Jwala, so she looks like her mom," Vedika said making me smile.

"Vedika, Is breakfast ready?" He asked Vedika.

"Five minutes Agni. Jwala is on Skype" she said, and he came before the webcam where he is visible to me.

I looked at him after two months. Our eyes met, and we didn't talk anything for some time. He is a bit dull but why?

"Ag... Ni, how are you?"

"I am fine but don't you have any work except calling someone. I don't understand why are you disturbing others along with disturbing your health? What's the time now? It's almost 12:30 am there? Why didn't you sleep yet?"

"Because you are not here with me," I said in a low voice, but he heard.

"Do you want me to sing a lullaby for you to sleep now?"

"That's an excellent idea, but being Agni, you can't do that."

"Look, seriously I am telling you, even if you spoil your health, I won't bring you back," he said.

"Of course, if I am ill how can I travel to India? So it is better for you to visit but didn't take me to India."

"Stupid joke."

"But I didn't joke. Yesterday I met your friend while going to college in the lift. He told me that you are calling him every day to know about me" I said throwing a stone in the dark.

"Me? I called my friend to talk about business issues, but not about you. As I called, I asked about you casually."

I didn't meet his friend. I just told so to find out the reason behind his avoidance. So, now I understood that he is inquiring about me every day from his friend. So, that's the reason his friend's wife used to visit me every day.

"But I don't think you have something to discuss with your friend about your business, as he is from a different field."

"I am getting late to office, Bye, take care," he said making me smile as I understood that he is trying to escape.

"Bye, I love you," I said and logged out from Skype.

Agni PoV:

I went to the office but didn't focus on work remembering my love. I looked at her photo on my office table. She is looking beautiful with a cute smile on her face.

I am not angry with her. In fact, I can never be mad at my wife. But, if I didn't avoid her, she can't detach herself from family. Sometimes detachment and controlling our emotions becomes essential for succeeding in life.

Jwala needs time for herself. She should learn about herself, to live alone and be independent. My love should become her strength but not her weakness. She should love living with me but shouldn't feel that she can't live without me. She is strong, but the way she grew up and her circle made her forget her strength.

At evening, my PA came and reminded me of a meeting. I am watching the presentation regarding a new project. It took a long time, and I reached home at 9 pm. I miss my princess Jagni. I knocked on the door of Vedika as the baby is with her. She gave the baby to me. I kissed my baby and placed her in the cradle. For some time, I played with her and had my dinner.

I opened Jwala's photos in my mobile lying on the bed. Every time I remember her, the only question that crosses my mind is how she can be so innocent and pure? She is as innocent as a baby, and that innocence is all mine for the lifetime. That thought made me happy for a few seconds, but soon few bitter memories replaced the happiness. Unknowingly I dozed off into sleep hugging her photo which is in mobile. I am in deep sleep suddenly I felt mobile vibrating and ringing.

I woke up and looked at the mobile. It's from Jwala. In India, now it's 12:30 am. It means its 4 pm there. I received the call immediately.

"Jwala"

She didn't speak anything, but I heard her weeping.

"Jwala, are you alright?" I said and got out of my bed.

Holding the mobile, I went to wash basin and threw water on my face to come out of my sleepiness.

"Jwala, please stop crying and tell me what's wrong?"

She didn't say anything but still crying.

"Jwala, what happened? By any chance are you crying for missing me?"

"No, I didn't want to stay here. I will come back to our home."

"What the hell Jwala? Are you insane? If you are missing baby or me, I will visit you settling few works as soon as possible. That's the reason I didn't talk to you all these days. Morning, you spoke to me, and now you want to return to us" I said.

"Jwala, please be strong. I know you are missing your family, but still, remember that you have a goal to achieve."

"Agni, It's not that. I can't explain to you. Racial bullying is hurting me," She said between her tears.

"What do you mean Jwala? Tell me correctly and stop crying first."

"Agni, they are bullying me for being an Indian. I mean as I am not a White American."

"First stop crying and talk to me Jwala. Wipe your tears and login to Skype."

"Ok!"

After 5 minutes, she called me on Skype. Her face became red and tear-stained. I understood that she was so disturbed.

"Jwala, look into my eyes and don't cry. If you cry, I will cut the call."

"No, I won't cry."

"That's my darling. First I am sorry for avoiding you thinking to make you independent. I love you. You are beautiful, and I miss you so much" I said passing kisses to her.

She blushed and smiled.

"Bullying is almost faced by everyone in some phase of their life. It is in different forms. Even in a family, we see parents bullying a child who is average in studies as his/her sibling is a topper. Even in our India, we see bullying in the form of gender, religion, caste, region. Do you know who indulges in such activities? The one who is overconfident thinking they are great or the one who thinks you are better than them starts bashing and bullying.

It's just an act of idleness by those who people who are very free to focus only on insulting and hurting others, and in that process, they become fools and utter failure for the lifetime. They are worth for nothing and show their foolishness by bullying others. They try to prove they are better than you, but in their heart, they knew that they are the worst. Due to jealousy, they spoil others life who are succeeding by focusing only on their growth.

But, seriously you should understand the point that they are trying to divert your focus. Your mind focuses on the words of a bully. You start thinking about them and forget your actual purpose. Like that they drag you into their mess. So, focus on your goal and never allow others to divert you from your goal.

Tomorrow when you go to your college, record their bullying on your mobile. Give an indirect clue to any of your close faculty about the video recording saying that your family advised you to upload it on social media. Complain to your management regarding the bullying. When they try bullying you, shut their mouths with your confidence.

Jwala, you are so brave and confident. Many times you faced me courageously though I tried to break you completely. Show the same courage there too. No one can bully the one who is confident and courageous. Just be as you are Jwala, you can win the heart of anyone.

Within two weeks, I will visit you. I promise" I said to Jwala.

"I love you Agni. You are my strength" she said looking into my eyes.

I wish I could appear before her at once and take her into my arms making her smile. But the thing that I don't like about her is that she is not managing anything by herself and depending on me. How can I make her strong and self-dependent?