Heartfelt conversation

It was my uncle's 75th birthday. He had invited all relatives to celebrate this milestone. Among the attendees was my cousin, Jyoti.

Jyoti, my cousin was 2 years younger to me. She had her hardships which I would always avoid talking about. I saw Jyoti at a distance and waved at her. She saw me and walked towards me, "may I join you?"

"Don't be so formal. This is not an office, you are with your family," I joked indicating that she was free to decide where to sit.

Jyoti pulled the chair and sat besides me, "we are meeting after a long time. How are you?"

"I am good. Life is busy, man. I was not able to join all of you last time. Mom and dad told me you guys had a blast at Pune. I missed all that because of my work," I expressed my frustration towards my job and missing out on fun.

"That was a great trip. You would have enjoyed a lot. We missed you too," Jyoti added.

"How's life and career? I hope your industry treats you better," I asked her.

"Well, everything is good. Career is fine. Finance industry is brutal but of course it is better than your healthcare industry. We do get some time to unwind and relax, unlike you," Jyoti replied. She smiled but her smile did not reach her eyes. I partially knew the reason, her first marriage was a disaster. Though the second marriage was going better.

I decided to continue on the topic about career, "do you guys anticipate a recession? I mean your industry is always the first to know and predict, that is why I am asking. Are there any trends pointing at a recession?"

"Possibly in 2-3 years. Some early trends are suggesting but cannot say anything for sure. There could be a recession but not immediately," she responded.

Jyoti was looking at me as if she wanted to tell me something but could not say it. I sensed it, but I did not know how should I ask her. I had no clue what should I ask her. What was she expecting me to ask her, was a bigger question. I was intentionally keeping the discussion on the professional front to not sound intrusive towards her personal and married life. I was not sure if my questions would hurt her.

"Jyoti, I directly jumped into professional discussion. I did not even ask you, how are you?" It felt like a good starter for transition.

"I am good. Thanks for asking. But," Jyoti suddenly stopped.

"What is it? You can tell me," I held her hand, letting her know that I was on her side.

"I know. I am fine now, but I was not well," Jyoti was opening up. This was when we were interrupted by one of my nieces.

"Aunty, grandpa is calling you. He wants you to take pictures," my niece said.

"Tell him, I will come in 5 minutes," I did not want to leave Jyoti when she was vulnerable.

"No aunty, you need to go right now. Grandpa's friends are leaving and they want a photo. Come right now," my niece was insistent.

"I will be back," I told Jyoti and left with my niece.

Once I went to take photos, I could not return. The whole evening was spent in taking pictures. All the time I was feeling guilty for not continuing the conversation with Jyoti.

The ceremony ended and I was unable to get back to Jyoti. That night I texted her, "sorry, I could not return. Our conversation remained incomplete ".

Jyoti promptly replied, "no worries. You are the family photographer. We should meet and speak once".

"I would love to, but you are in Pune and I am here in Mumbai. How will we work this out?"

"Next week I have to come to Mumbai. My office is near your office. I will call you once I am there. Please will you meet? Lunch, coffee, dinner, I am okay with anything. Please just the two of us".

"Definitely. You tell me when and where, I will be there", I had tears in my eyes. I knew that she was going through something complicated and she wanted someone on her side. It happened to be me, a second cousin who rarely meets. I could not imagine what she was going through. There was only one way to find out.

I kept away my phone, prayed silently for my cousin's wellbeing and happiness.