The Haze

A modern adaptation of "Shiva - Mohini" Story 

Scene 1 - Day 1 Time: 4:30 PM, Venue: An office.
 The cabin door is shut. A man’s shouting voice can be heard outside the cabin. -“You have messed up the business proposal. It’s completely rejected by our client!!! I made you in-charge of this entire initiative. I gave you an opportunity. You know how much this project mattered to us right? For last 6 years, you are with this company. I never knew you were such a jerk! Now get the hell out of my cabin. I don’t want to see your face!”
 
Door opens slowly, a young man, Mahesh comes out, looking exasperated. He has just faced the ire of his boss. He has got screwed royally. Mahesh is dejected, angry. He wants to bang the cabin door and pulls the handle with force but looks inside, his boss Mr. Kutty is still looking at him with anger. Hence Mahesh finally shuts it slowly wearing a meek smile on his face. He is moving towards his cubicle with his neck down.

Mahesh is thinking in his mind – “(with dejection) what did I do wrong? All those days & nights I used up making this business proposal has gone down the drain! साला Kutty thinks I am an ass-hole who is sucking up the company for all these years. (Fumingly) That Gupta! He reviewed my proposal draft so many times, but never gave any feedback. Now that bugger is nodding to whatever Kutty says. If I get a chance….साले को ठोक दुंगा!”
 
Mahesh walks past his cubicle as he is pre-occupied in his thought. He realizes & steps back into his cubicle. Un-ties himself & sit quietly in his chair. He is looking at the floor. The desk phone rings. He is not in a mood to answer. He allows the phone to ring twice more. The phone stops ringing. Kedar, his friend is passing by Mahesh’s cubicle. He stops by Mahesh’s cubicle. Kedar can see Mahesh’s distress.

Kedar asks with concern “Tea? चल एक कटिंग पे बात करते है”
 
Mahesh looks with dead expression. Nods his head suggesting, yes…Kedar & Mahesh are good friends for last 6 yrs. Both are peers but are not competitive with each other, as an exception. Perhaps, that is the key to their long lasting friendship. Mahesh gets up from his chair, Kedar pats Mahesh on his back to buck him up. Both walk towards the tea-stall downstairs.

Scene 2: Time 4:45 PM, venue: a Tea Stall.

Mahesh lights up a cigarette, takes deep inhale & smokes out. Kedar now hands over the glass of tea to Mahesh. Kedar is looking at Mahesh’s face. Mahesh is looking pained. While their eyes meet, Mahesh avoids eye contact. There is pause. Kedar is sipping the tea & asks Mahesh
Kedar: “Will you speak up now?”
Mahesh throws his cigarette on the ground & rubs off with his left feet. He is holding the glass of tea in his left hand. Mahesh vents off his anger, pain.
Mahesh: (Calmly) Kedar, I think everyone on the floor heard what happened. (With sudden rage) I am fade up with this shitty Kutty! I followed all the instructions given by him to T. I spend hours in office working on this business proposal & see what this bugger dishes out to me! (Fumingly) I will kill that Gupta! He was giving me look as if he already knew this proposal was a shit!
 
Kedar puts his arm on Mahesh’s should to calm him down.
Kedar: “चाय पी ले”
Mahesh is still upset. Holds the tea, brings the tea to his lips. The tea is cold. He screams at the stall owner
 
Mahesh: (Shouting from distance) “तेरी तो???…चाय थंडी है!
The chai walla voice is heard: “साब …जरा तामिझ से बात करो. चाय गरम हि दि थी आपको, पुछो अपने फ्रेंड से !” 

Now Mahesh more annoyed. Kedar senses that the tea was served hot but got cold as Mahesh was smoking & talking all this while. Kedar keeps Mahesh’s chai glass on the table & drags Mahesh, before the skirmish could escalate into a showdown. Kedar keeps his right hand on Mahesh’s shoulder.

Kedar: “Mahesh it’s just bad day at office. I can understand your frustration but please cool down.”
Mahesh gets further infuriated. He shrugs off Kedar hand on shoulder.
Mahesh: (with sarcasm) “I know, तेरा तो टाका भिडा है तेरे बॉस के साथ.” (with rage)” मै इतनी  मेहनत करने के बाद भी मुझे चिल्लाके "get out" बोलता है?, मुझे मालूम है, तू मेरा माझाक उडा रहा है!!!" 
Kedar understands that Mahesh is not in right frame of mind. He lets go of the comment. Mahesh walks away giving him angry look. Kedar tries to call Mahesh from behind but Mahesh keeps walking away with steady pace, pre-occupied in his thoughts.

Scene 3 -Time: 5 PM, Venue: On road.
 
Mahesh is on the road now. He has left for the day. He passes by his office building -
Mahesh thinking – (With Rage) “साला shitty Kutty! I am going early today. जो उखाडना है,  उखाड ले!”.
He is not in a mood to talk to anyone right now. He drifts away from office. His mobile rings. It’s his wife Gauri. He is not keen to talk to her at this time of distress. But he does not cut the call. Anyways, he is going to be a silent listener to what Gauri has to say! Gauri is harassing him on some trivial issue.
Gauri's voice: "Where are you? Today you did not even put your towel into the washing machine! Now a days, you treat me like your maid. If you do this again, I will throw all your belongings from the balcony!!!”
Mahesh: (helplessly lying) "Gauri I am in a meeting now. Can we talk later please?"
 
Gauri bangs the phone down. Mahesh is boiling from within. 

It’s been 9 yrs to their marriage. They have one son. Over the years their marriage is going through like a normal marriage but for last 3-4 months Gauri has turned into a nagging wife. Sometimes even hostile!

Mahesh is thinking – “What the hell? Why? Why me?? What wrong have I done? (with rage) 
बॉस और बिवी, दोनो को अपनी चामडी कि चप्पल भी सिलायी तो भी बोलेंगे हि - चुभती है साली!!!"

He is completely zapped now. He is seriously thinks, if he needs to go home, such early.

Scene 4 -Time: 5 PM, Venue: Mahesh’s doorstep
 
Mahesh visualizes that he goes home early & his wife drives him away without even opening the door or asking who is he? They are not used to him being around so early!
Gauri answers the door with an agitating tone “साब अभी घर पे नाही है!!! शाम को आओ ”

Scene 5 -Time: 5 PM, Venue: On road
 
Mahesh is back to his senses but he is filled with a unknown void.

Mahesh is thinking – "सुरज डूबने से पहले शहर ऐसा दिखता हैं? कितने महिनो में जल्दी घर हि नही गया! इतनी जल्दी घर पे जाकर क्या करु?? बिवी तो घर पे लेगी नही!" 
 
There is a garden nearby. He has not visited it in a long time. He slowly walks inside and sits on the nearby empty bench. He subconsciously toying with is mobile. He starts to browse his mobile phonebook. He encounters the name of Mohini. It brings the grin on his face. He remembers how he & Mohini got introduced on social networking website 3-4 months ago.

Scene 5: Flashback: 3-4 months ago. Time 9:30 PM, Venue: Office desk with PC.
 
Mahesh is taking break after long working hours. Stretching his arms & rotating his neck to get rid of stiffness. He looks at his watch. Thinks –“I must finish this part of the presentation today itself”. 

He brings the coffee from vending machine nearby. He decides to take 10 min.s break before resuming his work again. 

He browses his personal mails (gmail). He has some notification stating there is someone has added him as friend. 

He logs on to the social networking site. While checking his profile he encounters a profile of very good looking female (Mohini) in his suggestions. 

He is bowled over by her pics. He adds her as his friend & sips his coffee. Within a min., his request is accepted by the female (Mohini). She is online. 

Mahesh could not resist the temptation of pinging her.

Mahesh: Hey Beautiful!
Within seconds, Mahesh gets the reply.
Mohini: Hey handsome!Mahesh: you are stunningly beautiful! 
Mohini: Thanks honey! 
Mahesh: What are you doing right now? 
Mohini: Ummmm….You really want to know? 
Mahesh: Yeah! If you don’t mind ;) 
Mohini: I have just taken the shower & heading for my bed. 
Mahesh: Oh wow! 
Mohini: Don’t be naughty :) 
Mahesh: No…no. I am just jealous of your bed! 
Mohini: Is it? 
Mahesh: Hey, who else is there in your family 
Mohini: I am single honey. I get lonely many times 
Mahesh: Oh poor soul. What do you do when you are alone ;) 
Mohini: I chat with friends like you… 
Mahesh: BTW, I can see something very personal about you and I like what you have revealed ;) 
Mohini: Hey, what’s that? I have not turned on my web cam :) 
Mahesh: I think you just updated some min. ago. 
Mohini:?? 
Mahesh: your mobile number! :D 
Mohini: what? You can see my mobile number? 
Mahesh: yeah!
There is pause of few seconds... 
Mohini: Can you check now? 
Mahesh: It’s not visible now… 
Mohini: Thanks a million for saving me! 
Mahesh: Just to share, I have noted it already :) 
Mohini: Are you planning to just note it, or use it sometime? ;) 
Mahesh: Oh yeah…but I am free usually late night. Hope you don’t mind. :) 
Mohini: Depends on what you have to share ;) 
Mahesh: Well it will keep us engaged for sure! 
Mohini: All ears then :)

Mahesh’s mobile rings. It’s Kedar waiting for him for car pooling. Mahesh is bit upset for the timing of the call. But looks at his watch & sees its 10:30 PM already. He packs up for the day. His work is left halfway. He thinks…"tomorrow I will come bit early & finish this before 9:30 AM”. 
He leaves for the day. Mahesh is on Rly stn. Still thinking of Mohini

Scene 6: Flashback 2 Time: 6 PM, Venue: In Cafe
 
Mahesh is in talk with Mohini over mobile.
 
He remembers Mohini saying –“Hey that means I stay close to your office! Wow!”

Mohini's voice is bit hoarse. Mahesh is bit surprised at the voice but ignores it & continue with the call. 

Speaking with her gives him some strange comfort. He can be just Mahesh with her. He could flirt, share his frustration, share joy. 

Plus she was single! This leaves the possibility for intimacy! This possibility used to act as caffeine during his interactions with Mohini.

Scene 7 -Time: 6 PM, Venue: On Road.
 
So far Mahesh had not mustered the courage to meet Mohini in person. He is hesitant but finally dials her number.

Mohini greets him with smile & enthusiasm – “Hey handsome, how are you? “
 
Mahesh feels good. He starts conversing with hesitating tone.
“Mohini, I was just thinking….if you know…if we could meet sometime in person”
“Sure honey, you tell me. You are a very busy man. Tell me when we can meet?”
Mahesh (stuttering) “How are you placed for today?”
“Nothing dear, want to come over?”
(Bit hesitantly)“Well yes! If you don’t mind”
“No yaar, come over. You sound very tense & tired. Note down my address”
 
Mahesh eventually decides to meet Mohini at her place in short while. He notes down the address & landmarks. He is not able to figure out if this is attraction or mere rebound from the routine martial life.

Scene 8 -Time: 6:25 PM, Venue: On Road.
 
Mahesh is not sure of what he is doing. He is just going with the flow. Certain zeal is enthused in his footsteps. The prospect of meeting Mohini alone is exciting him. He calls up home & lies to Gauri
Mahesh:(Bit hurriedly) Gauri…I have an urgent client meeting lined up now. I will be late. Don’t wait for me at dinner”.
 
Mahesh senses that Gauri is further upset about last min. notice. She bangs the phone, as usual.

Mahesh looks helpless at his inability of retorting back, clenching his teeth. He looks across the street. There is a Bar & restaurant. He is an occasional drinker. He feels the urge to have some drink before he meets Mohini. That will give him courage to face her!
Mahesh thinking –“After such a shitty day, I think I deserve, one drink.! Mohini ke paas jane ki himmat bhi aa jayegi!

He goes to the bar. Initially planned for one drink, ends up having 3 pegs. 

He is gleefully high now. Starts humming his favorite song. He uses his credit card to pay for the bill. This habit of his of being high is detested by Gauri.  

He shakes his head to shrug off Gauri’s thought. 

He recollects the scene this afternoon, in his boss’s cabin.He was getting screwed! 

He tries shaking his head to get rid of that thought. 

His mobile rings. It’s Mohini. Asking him his whereabouts & guiding him with her address. He recovers his composure to meet his muse.

Mohini: “Ok, see you at 7:30 then!”

Scene 8 -Time: 6:25 PM, Venue: Mohini’s house
 
Mahesh is at Mohini’s door step. He has flowers for the lady. It’s a shady old building. 

Mahesh is bit surprised at the setup. He rings the door bell.

Mohini takes time to answers the door, as if she is pre-occupied. Mahesh is anxious for those 2 min.s. Does not know if he is at right place. 

Mohini finally opens the door with broad smile & holds Mahesh’s hand. Pulls him in. Mahesh is on high. 

His vision is bit blurred. He hands over the flower to Mohini. She gives a bright smile. 

Whatever he can see in the dim light, Mohini looks stunning. She is wearing T-shirt & jeans, faint lipstick. 

Amazing eyes! Mahesh is just observing her like a hungry child! Mohini senses his gaze. She takes him to the dining area. 

Makes him comfortable. She is chatting, smiling. Mahesh is in speechless bliss. She finally takes Mahesh’s hand in her palms. She offers him some hard drink. He nods yes.
 
Mohini puts on the music system. 

Song starts playing – “Falling in love with the stranger….”
 
She pours a drink for them. He slowly walks behind her. He is extremely close to her. He can smell her perfume. He is in dizzy now. She turns back & gives him the drink. He has the drink in one go. He holds her hand. God what a skin! He is now on cloud 9.
 
The song is still playing in the background
 
He wants to get close to her. She is mockingly saying no. They head towards the sofa. Mohini makes him sit at a distance. Cat & mouse, he thinks! He stretches his right arm near her hair trying to re-arrange them. Mohini is not comfortable him touching her hair. She stops him. He is now adamant. He reaches her hair with bit of force. His wrist-watch strap gets entangled in Mohini’s hair. She screams with hurt. Mahesh is bit conscious now. 

He is embarrassed at his foolishness. He applies more force, Mohini screams loudly & …….& her wig comes off. 

Mahesh puts on the adjacent light. 

There is a close up photo of Mohini beneath the light. It’s not Mohini! It’s a male, dressed as woman!!!

Mahesh is back to his senses for a second. He is aghast & frightened at the same time. He removes the wrist watch in a hurry, snatches off the wig carelessly & runs out of the apartment. Mohini or whoever it is calmly picks up the wig from the floor.

Scene 9 -Time: 9:30 PM, Venue: On Road.
 
Mahesh is running like a crazy dog. He does not know where he is headed. He is just running away from Mohini or whoever it was & perhaps from himself too. He is perplexed. He is not in his senses, as yet.

Scene 10 -Time: 10 PM, Venue: Railway station.
 
He finally reaches Rly. Stn. He is thirsty as hell. The station is still crowded. He sits in the further most corner as possible. Trying to avoid any interaction with anyone. Avoiding any eye-contact. He is half drunk. He sits for some time. Motionless. The trains are passing by.

Scene 11 -Time: 10 PM, Venue: Railway station.
 
Mahesh’s mobile rings. He is resumes his composure. It’s Gauri.

Gauri: (Shouting) Where are you? (Sarcastically) Still in the meeting or what?
Mahesh: (Tired tone) Gauri, please….
Gauri: (Taunting tone) today is our 9th Anniversary. I know it does not matter to you! Thanks for making me wait Mahesh!
Mahesh has completely forgotten about their 9th Wedding anniversary. This irks Gauri more.
Mahesh: (Pacifying tone) Gauri….
Gauri cuts the phone.

Scene 12 -Time: 10:15 PM, Venue: Railway station.
 
Mahesh is all mute. He is completely guilt ridden. He is ashamed of himself. He is still half drunk. He is watching the Rly. Stn. getting less crowded. The thought of his wife knowing about his immoral outing, shudders him. 

He can’t imagine the shame he will go through once his misdeed is known to his family & friends. It was not even a woman! 

What will his son think? What will his wife do? What will his boss say? A sudden depression grabs him! He is propelled to extreme thoughts to end his life! There & then. He slowly moves towards the end of Rly. Platform.

Mahesh thinks - “Just when train will enter the platform, I will jump from here. It will be with enough speed to cut me over. It’s better to die than living a shameful life.”
 
He is convinced. He looks at the train indicator & his wrist watch. It’s still 15 min.s for the train to arrive. He is fighting to stay awake.

Scene 13 -Time: 10:20 PM, Venue: Railway station.
 
Mahesh is sitting on the platform bench. He is completely in shambles. His dress crumpled. He gets a tap on his shoulder. Mahesh looks up slowly. It’s a man, his face looking clean & pleasant.
Mahesh is annoyed. He does not want his plan of suicide to fail. He moves further away from man. The man smiles warmly. Calls him by his name -
The man: “Mahesh?”
Mahesh is surprised. How does he know me by my name? He looks at the Man. The man is nothing but his mirror image! He smiles at the man. The man smile backs at Mahesh. Mahesh is amazed at the visual. He thinks it’s his hangover. Rubs his eyes, shakes his head, it doesn’t go. His image smiles at him warmly. Rest everything is blur only his image is now visible,
Mahesh Thinking – “Am I dead already?”
The image: (answers him with smile), “NO”.
The image still glowing.
The image: “I am you & you are me. Whatever you have done so far, I am the only real witness to that!”
Mahesh is now perplexed.
Mahesh (mildly) “Are you God?”
The image: (smiling) “No! I am your conscience”.
Mahesh is annoyed with his Image’s smile.
The Image: “Can U see my dress? Can you? Its grey! Your behavior is mere reflection of that!”
Mahesh looks from top to bottom at the image with dizzy eyes.
The Image: “Are you ashamed? Are you feeling guilty? Are you frightened?”
The Image: Are you ashamed because you got attracted to, what you thought as woman? feeling guilty because you think you indulged in infidelity? Or frightened because you are afraid of the possible consequences?”
 
Mahesh avoids eye contact

Mahesh: (admitting faintly) “I am afraid of consequences!”
The image: (sarcastically smiling) “Huh! So the infidelity is not an issue! It’s the consequences that frighten you! So if Mohini would have been a real woman you would not mind having intimacy as long as nobody comes to know!
 
Mahesh looks away as he faces the stark reality of his thoughts.
The image: “Will you follow what I say?”
Mahesh: (annoyingly) “why should I?”
The Image is not smiling now.

The Image: (Firmly) “Mahesh in last 3-4 months, you did so many things without my assent. I was always there to show you the right path… without fail! You never listened to me. You chose the easy path always & look where you are! You know why you got the firing today? Your mind was not on the job in hand. You were in your own virtual world. In few chats & phones, you were attracted to Mohini, expecting a possible intimacy."
“You were running after the mirage, Mahesh…hoping that no one comes to know about your infatuation.”
“Have you thought why Gauri is so upset for last few months? It’s same duration for which you got hooked with Mohini. Is that a mere coincidence?”
Mahesh nods his head sideways depicting “No” subconsciously.

The image: “You allowed a total stranger to replace real relations & healthy interactions with world. The social networking websites are unlike anything we've seen before. If you don’t exercise control, this social connecting device isolates society, diluting the sensitivity & basic moral values of an individual”
 
Mahesh is looking at the image with blurred eyes.
The Image: (asserting) “Now do as I say.”
Mahesh is transfixed.
The Image: (Firmly) “Go back to your home. Tell Gauri everything. Do not hide anything. Face the consequences. That’s the real redemption. Every human makes mistakes Mahesh. You certainly did one. But remember, you are not your mistakes! Ending your life is cowardice! Go home now!”

Scene 14 -Time: 11 PM, Venue: Railway station.
 
Mahesh’s mobile rings. It’s Gauri. Her tone is Mellow now. She is worried about him.

Gauri: (worried tone) Mahesh, where are you? (Mellow tone). Kedar had called just now to ask about your well-being. I learned about the rough day you had in office today. I am sorry Mahesh. I was very harsh on you. I know you did not have any client meeting. (Pleading tone) Please…please come back home, wherever you are. I am waiting for you. We both will have dinner together. I am hungry re!”

Mahesh is overwhelmed by the compassion of Gauri’s voice. She does not have a slightest idea of his innuendo.

Mahesh: (painfully) “I am coming”
 
Mahesh cuts the phone. He looks around but the image is gone. The train is just arriving. He has a grin on his face. He somehow manages to board the train.

Scene 15 -Time: 12 AM, Venue: Mahesh’s home.
 
Mahesh enters his home. Gauri is still awake but tired after waiting entire evening for Mahesh.

She senses that Mahesh is drunk as she opens the door but still wears a warm smile on face. 

Mahesh gives back a guilty smile. She makes him sit, gives him a glass of water. There is care in her movement. Mahesh glances at their bedroom. Their son is asleep.
She serves him the food.
 
Gauri: "Mahesh, let’s have the dinner."

Mahesh comes slowly & sits on the dining chair. Gauri feels guilty of bothering him on already bad day at office. She runs her fingers through his hair.

Gauri: Mahesh I am sorry…I did not have any idea about the office mishap. I know you did put in lot of hard work for this proposal. I am sure the things will fall in place. This is just a bad day!
 
Mahesh cannot hold his emotions anymore, He bursts into tears.

{The background score plays on}
He narrates everything to Gauri. Gauri is initially shocked & then pained. She moves away from Mahesh. Mahesh senses her withdrawal.

{The background score plays on}

Mahesh tries to hold Gauri’s hand. Enraged Gauri gives a tight slap on his face. Mahesh doesn’t respond at all.

Gauri: (Firmly) “I am leaving this home, tomorrow morning.”
Gauri gets out of dining area. Bangs the bedroom door.

Mahesh is half drunk looks down & then to the closed bedroom door with misty pained eyes.
{The background score plays on}

Scene 16 - Day 2: Time: 8 AM, Venue: Mahesh’s home.
 
Mahesh SMS’s his boss Kutty that he is not well. He will not be coming to office for the day.
 
He gets prompt reply as “Ok”
 
Gauri is leaving home with their son, Aaditya. Before leaving, she informs Mahesh -
 
Gauri: (While packing the bag) “I have prepared the lunch & dinner for you for today. I have asked shobha taai to make food for you from tomorrow. I will be at my parents home (sharply) but don’t try to reach me again.”
 
Mahesh looks on helplessly at her & their son. He does not have courage to stop Gauri.
 
Gauri leaves with her bag in one hand & holding Aaditya’s hand in other.
 
At the door, Mahesh has brief eye contact with Gauri. His eyes are welled up. She too is withholding her emotions. She leaves with a suitcase & Aaditya. Aaditya is looking back at Mahesh with confused and moist eyes…

Scene 17 – Day 3 Time: 4 AM, Venue: Kedar’s home.
 
Kedar is rubbing his eyes while answering the door. He opens the door to see Mahesh. 

He is surprised to see him at this hour. Mahesh is looking as if he has not slept for entire night. Kedar nods “Come in” to Mahesh. Mahesh is exasperated. He walks in slowly.
 
Kedar makes him sit. Gives Mahesh some water. Mahesh holds both hand of Kedar
 
Mahesh: (with extreme pain) she left me….she left me Kedar.
 
Kedar compassionately holds his shoulders while Mahesh cries uncontrollably.

Scene 18 – Day 18 Time: 4 PM, Venue: Office cabin.
 
Kutty is talking to Mahesh with smiling face. As if he has done some excellent work. 

Mahesh accepts the acknowledgement with preoccupied smile. Mahesh shakes his hand & 
comes out of cabin. 

Kedar calls Mahesh. But Mahesh is mute & his body language mellow. He moves to his desk ignoring Kedar’s call. 

Kedar is watching Mahesh from far.

Scene 19 – Day 18 Time: 4 PM, Venue: In Taxi.
 
{The background score plays on}
Mahesh is looking out of the cab window. He is looking out with blank eyes. He is pre-occupied missing Gauri & Aaditya.

Scene 20 – Day 18 Time: 6 PM, Venue: Gauri’s Home.
 
{The background score plays on}

Gauri is sitting alone in a window. She is missing her home & yes Mahesh too. The door bell rings, breaking the silence.
 
Gauri slowly walks up to the door & opens it....It's Kedar, holding the hand of Aaditya.
 
Kedar looks at Gauri. Gauri is trying to hide her tears, allows Kedar in.
 
Door closes when both Kedar & Aaditya come in.
{The background score plays on}

Scene 21 – 1 Month Later, Sunday morning Time: 10 AM, Venue: Mahesh’s Home.
 
Mahesh is just trying to wake up. He hears the noise of utensils from kitchen, as if someone is arranging them. He is amazed & moves toward the kitchen. 

He cautiously peeks inside kitchen. It’s none other than Gauri! He rubs his eyes. Again. He cannot believe it. She is back! He is euphoric. He tries to reach to her hand & then stops. She smiles & stretches her hand at him & gives him a big warm hug. He is speechless. 

He sees the mirror & sees the same self image as on Rly Stn. Only this time, it’s wearing pure glowing white dress. 

The door bell rings. Its Aaditya. He has come for a short recess from play ground to have a glass of water. Mahesh reaches him & hugs him tightly. Gauri comes closer to both. Mahesh looks to the image with a broad smile. 

The image smiles back at him, winks & vanish. In the door there is Kedar, looking relived and happy for Mahesh. Mahesh holds his hand with gratitude & hugs his friend. They shake hands warmly as Gauri & Aaditya looking on with a smile.
 

The haze is finally cleared!
Its the New Beginning…