Raju took Praveen inside the Dharavi through a narrow and winding alley. Throughout the journey he was silent and looked around."It's your first time to Dharavi?" asked Raju."Yes. I'm from Chandrapur.""So you are same origin as Mr. Anand, right?""Yes.""What's your relationship with him?""Nothing. He's just my aunt's friend.""Oh, I thought you are his family from the village."Praveen didn't answer. He continued to follow Raju's steps. Fifteen minutes walking down the narrow alley, they finally arrived.The atmosphere seemed busy in the house that as well as the clothes factory. The house was two floor. Downstairs was production area. Ten people seemed busy working. Some of them were sewing, some other cutting clothes similar to jeans. They just followed the pattern. All seemed to be skilled with the job.Praveen was still standing at the entrance. Raju had returned to his work right away. Praveen was left alone outside without being told to come in.But not long after, a rathe
After walking around looking at Dharavi's situation, Zoya returned to the hotel. She felt tired, all her joints felt feeble after walking down the row of shops selling various goods. She had marked important places such as clinics, ATMs, restaurants, grocery stores, and so on. It turned out that her worries were baseless. Even though Dharavi was a slum area, but all the places she needs are available there. Of course she didn't go into the alleys leading to central Dharavi . She was afraid to get lost, knowing she was a new comer.Arriving at the hotel it was too late. It was Dusk. She immediately took a shower and rested. She had bought a bag of snacks to accompany her through the night. Tomorrow, she would check out before 2 pm. But she wouldn't wait to long, maybe a bit early, because she had a lot to do.Just finished taking a shower, her phone rang. Ramya's name was on the screen. She immediately answered the call. Just as she said hello, her old friend chimed in."Where are y
At 7 am Praveen had started work. He received brief training from Uncle Anand using a sewing machine and sewing pieces of jeans. In a moment, he understood and started sewing. It's not difficult because he just followed the pattern. The material of the pants had been cut.The stocky man repeatedly reminded him to be careful, there was no need to hurry because he wasn't as skilled as the others. Praveen understood that if he were wrong he would have to untie the seams and do it again.He slept curled up all night because the room was small and occupied by 7 people, making him sore that morning. Yes, the workers sleep upstairs. You can imagine a room measuring 3 by 3 meters filled with 7 people. Just like Sardines. Much better at PN Shelter. But he had no other choice. Luckily 3 other workers lived not far away, otherwise 10 people would be more crowded.By 10 am he was getting bored. Only this time he worked just sitting behind the sewing machine, not moving much. Do sewing. Finish one
Zoya was confused. Where should she wait? She couldn't wait from she stood now, obviously could be seen. Should she hide? But where? There's nowhere to hide around. She stood at the mouth of the alley leading to the field. On the left and right were only attached houses. She might enter someone's house. What if the householder thought her as a thief and shouted at her?She was getting more confused. There was no other way but to try to trace the alley she passed before. She hesitated for a moment and afraid get lost.On seeing Praveen coming out of the public toilet, Zoya turned around right away. She decided to go back. But a minute later, she tried to look back in the hope that he was behind her, but Praveen disappeared. there were only a few passers-by.Where the hell was he? Why did he suddenly just disappear? Zoya nagged herself. Damn it, she felt left out.Inevitably Zoya had to go home alone. She tried to remember the alley she went through. When there was another alley, she
Zoya sat in one corner of her room. There was nothing else in the room other than a traveling bag, a shopping bag containing the small things she bought earlier, a bucket and a dipper. The room still looked empty and loose. She was confused, how to buy items that are rather large such as folding mattress, small table, fan, portable electric stove and others?Actually, it's not about buying the tools that was the problem, but how to bring them to the rented house. Vehicles such as bajaj cannot enter through the alley. Like it or not, she had to carry it herself. Carrying a bucket and crackle bag, she had to suppress her ego in such a way, it felt like people were staring at her. She was not used to taking care of these things all her life. All her needs were always available. If she need something, there was a maid at the house to do it.Four years in Boston was also easier. She lived in a fully equipped apartment. Even though she lived alone, she felt comfortable. Just studying, she
The elementary school building looked dingy and in some places the plaster of the walls was peeled off. There was no signboard in front of the school, but at first glance one would had known this was a school. The building consists of several classes and the courtyard was reddish soil. It was spacious to allow students to play, or perform ceremonies or to exercise. Chhota Taara Elementary School or Little Star was one of the schools in Dharavi. This school was better than other because it was bigger and resembled a normal school. Other schools were mostly like ordinary buildings that attached to other houses or places of business. The only sign that marked it was the name sign written on the front of the building. Zoya was more than half hour looking for this Chhota Taara. She was a little tired of searching around and asking people. Luckily she went to this school in early so that when she found the school it wasn't hot yet, and she wasn't sweating either. The school yard seemed em
For the past two days Praveen had felt like a bird in a cage. He could not go anywhere other than just sitting diligently in front of the sewing machine, sewing one after another. Finished one, sewed another one, and so on. From morning until late at night. His body felt crushed, his eyes stinging because he focused on seeing the needle that went up and down. He could only rest for half an hour at lunch. He was sure this was not the right job for him. And he would not like a job like this for the rest of his life. He endured these two days for the sake of Uncle Anand who had been kind enough to give him a place to stay. From time to time he said a prayer, that the worker who had returned to his village would back here soon so that he would not have the burden of leaving this place. And sure enough, his prayer was answered in the afternoon, when that man appeared at Uncle Anand's house. It turned out that he was still young, at least the same age as him. He looked on cynically when he
It was a lonely night at Uncle Anand's house. The workers were away on weekend. Even though they still work on Sundays, they don't want to miss Saturday night. Incidentally Uncle Anand and his wife were also out. Only Praveen and Raju were in the narrow front room, sitting and watching tv. "You didn't go out, Praveen?" asked Raju. "How about you? Why don't you go out for a Saturday night?" Praveen asked back. "What for? Only spend the money. It's better for me just stay at home. This year I have to be frugal to raise money." "You want to get married?" Raju just smiled. "You think thrift just to get married, do you? No! I want to get out of India!" "Where?" asked Praveen curiously. "I want to emigrate. I have two choices, maybe Dubai or Australia. But most likely Dubai. Australia is a bit tough. I don't have any sponsors there." "Sponsorship? What do you mean?" "That's the person who guaranteed us there! Otherwise Visa will not come out. I don't want to be an illegal immigrant.
Praveen was back in the hotel room when Narendra Prasadh's family troupe arrived. Two luxury cars entered the hotel grounds in a convoy and stopped in front of the entrance. Not far behind were five more SUVs carrying employees and servants.Narendra Prasadh was in the first car. He got out of the car after the hotel staff opened the car door for him.He appeared to be wearing traditional clothing instead of a suit, and that did not diminish his authority as a wealthy businessman.His wife, Pratyusha Beniwal followed after him. She also appeared to be wearing a saree with gold ornaments. Precious stone jewelry in the form of a necklace and bracelet added to the luxury of her appearance. Truly extraordinary. Then followed by her youngest son Rahul.Before entering, the graceful woman stood for a moment waiting for the next car. The sedan carrying Zoya and her sister Danishka.The hotel staff also swiftly opened the car door for Zoya. She got out of the car carefully while fixing her sa
That morning at Amaneesh Chakraborty's residence, there was also a lot of activity.They would perform Ganesh puja, a ritual to ask the god for blessings.The procession will be held this afternoon. Many of Mr. Amaneesh's extended family had also attended.The joy radiated from the face of the Mumbai Police Chief. Of course, this was a happy day because his proud son, Sunil Chakraborty, was getting married.As a father, he could imagine how lucky Sunil was. Having a good career in the police force and also having a beautiful wife who was the daughter of a rich man in Mumbai.It felt like a dream.All preparations had been done well by a third party. They just went through it. Everything went smoothly according to expectations.Sunil should have also been very happy that day. But it was as if something was bothering him, and it was visible on his face. He was not completely happy because of one problem that had not been resolved until now.He should have been able to overcome Praveen a
Praveen was still lying in bed that morning. Even though the hotel room was so comfortable, he had not been able to sleep at all since last night.This was a very decisive moment in his life, preparing himself to carry out the plan he had made as best he could.He had thought about it down to the smallest detail so that this plan would succeed. There should be no gaps or opportunities for him to fail.If he failed, he could end up in prison.Taking away the prospective bride who is none other than the daughter of a prominent conglomerate and the prospective daughter-in-law of the number one person in the Mumbai police?It would definitely create a scene and become national news. More sensational than the kidnapping that Zoya experienced before!If he failed, his face would adorn the front pages of newspapers and even television, not as an actor or model, but as a criminal. The career he had built with great difficulty would end tragically.No, that couldn't happen!He immediately got
It was late afternoon when they returned from Dharavi, but nothing happened. Praveen's room was empty just like when Sunil visited earlier. There was no sign of him coming here. Nothing had changed at all.It was just that Zoya felt a different atmosphere when she saw the room. There was a longing that enveloped her, imagining when she and Praveen were alone in the room.She remembered the time she slept over during the heavy rain that caused flooding due to the moonson. Even though the lights were out and it was raining outside, she felt at peace in Praveen's arms all night. The man really took good care of her.There were indeed many memories in Dharavi. If not with Sunil, she would have gone to school to meet the teachers there, Mrs. Fateema and her two other friends, Harshida and Shanti. Or if necessary she would go to her rented house.Had everything remained the same or changed? She really didn't know."Where have you been? Why are you home at this hour?" Mrs. Pratyusha asked wh
A surprise for Zoya, but not for Sunil as they headed to the AMA office. A large billboard on the side of the road caught the attention of passersby.An advertising billboard starring Praveen. Apparently the advertisement had spread to several strategic places.Zoya was happy to see the billboard. She wanted to take out her cellphone and take a picture of it as memorials. But she didn't because didn't want to offend the man beside her. She didn't say a word, even trying to divert attention by pretending not to see it."Damn it! I don't want to see that billboard!" said Sunil."Isn't he the person you want to meet now?""Right, but not with his poster!""Okay! Just look away!" said Zoya indifferently. She tried not to look at the billboard as if it wasn't important.Sunil's gut feeling told him that she deliberately pretended unwilling to see the billboard. He was sure, deep down in her heart, she was happy to see it. It made Sunil even more annoyed.If only he could find him, he woul
Sunil still stared at Zoya with an uncertain look in his eyes. His intuition said otherwise. The girl still had a secret that she kept tightly.Sunil was sure that Zoya knew where Praveen was. They were still in touch until now.Even though their wedding day was getting closer, he felt that something was going to happen.He had to make sure that it didn't happen. He had to find that man right now!"I have to meet him, Zoya!" said Sunil.The beautiful girl frowned, but said nothing."Help me find him!" he said in a deep, commanding voice.Zoya took a deep breath."I told you, since I was kidnapped, we've only been in touch by phone, only a few times. I don't know where he is now. All I know is that he lives in Dharavi. Isn't it clear what I said?""I know you're lying!""I don't know how to convince you anymore! Rather than keep talking, I'd rather go home! I don't want us to fight, Sunil! I don't want to spoil my mood before our wedding day. That's much more important than finding him
Sunil had tried various ways to find Praveen, but to no avail. The man could no longer be contacted. Although he contacted him via Zoya's cellphone, it never connected.He was sure that Praveen already knew everything.***The next day.He had appeared at Narendra Prasadh's residence."I'll take you out, Zoya!" said Sunil when asked the purpose of his visit."I don't feel like going anywhere today!""Come on! I'll take you again to see the preparations for our wedding party!""For what? Didn't we see it yesterday? Just let the hotel and WO finish it! Don't bother them again!""No. We're just looking around! I promise not to bother them even if it's just to give input! Besides, there's something I want to talk to you about," replied Sunil."Why don't we talk about it here?""I want to talk outside.""About what?""You'll find out later!"“There’s no one here! You’re free to talk about anything, don’t worry!” said Zoya.There was indeed no one at home except the servants. Her two younge
Sunil drive his car at above average speed. He felt like a hunter chasing prey, and he didn't want to lose that prey.I have to get him now! He hissed and checked again for the firearm slung at his waist.'Get ready, Praveen! Maybe this is your last day to breathe the air. You escaped death before, but not this time!' He muttered.He accelerated his car. Coincidentally, that afternoon the street was not very busy. Maybe it's not time for people to get home from work so he drive without a hitch.Forty-five minutes later he was on the edge of northern Mumbai. He checked Praveen's hiding location again. It turned out not far away.Without much difficulty he finally arrived. With a faster heartbeat, he got out of the car he had parked three hundred meters from the house where Praveen was thought to be hiding.He wore a baseball cap and covered his face with a face mask. Several people passing by seemed to stare intently at him, but he didn't care. He just kept walking.Then he arrived a
Sunil gestured to Sania to end the call. The girl frowned.That fast?"Prav, I'll call later when it's safe!" she said, still covering her mouth so her voice was still unclear."What?" asked Praveen. Before he got an answer, the phone had already been turned off.“Zoya! Zoya!” he called, of course, he was in vain.His feelings immediately turned bad. Was it really Zoya just called? Why did her voice sound weird?"Who did call?" Rajesh asked.“Zoya! But her behavior was so strange. She doesn't usually act like that.""Didn't you promise not to receive calls from anyone?"“How could I refuse her call?”"This is for your own safety!”Praveen was silent. He had already decided not to receive calls from anyone, but not from Zoya.He tried to contact the girl again but couldn't connect. He tried several times but in vain.Ah, what's wrong with her? Hopefully, she's okay. He put his phone in his pocket.Meanwhile, Sunil has kept the device again. His feelings were filled with joy. He succeed