fiction – Page 6 – When I tell stories

March 2, 2015

V-Day Dilemmas Part II – Make the right choice

This is the concluding part of V day Dilemmas. The story was intended to be a standalone one piece however the end of part 1 made my reader friend demand a part 2. Tried penning it, hope you like it. You can read the first part here.

Saturday 17^th Feb Sky bar 19.30 confirmed, message blinked on Ranjit’s mobile as he rubbed some after save on this chic face. A quick look at the mirror again adjusted his hair before leaving. Sky bar was packed with people in groups, some cribbing about a Saturday working policy, girl gangs discussing what’s in vogue and there in the middle he saw Rohan sitting by the bar chatting with the bartender on origin of mojitos. Ranjit came and patted his back, “hey Rohan, glad you see you again. I thought we wouldn’t meet.”

“Yeh and you sent me 20 messages in 3 days! Dude you are quite a persistent guy!” So how was your Valentine? Did your girlfriend like the gift?”

“Oh yeh she did.” Ranjit said casually. “But tell me about you. How are you? And what do you do?”

“Oh me, well my valentine was classic, all just fell in place. The terrace was decorated with a table for two, wine, olives, cheese and loads of conversations. I carried her favourite cupcakes and she really loved the white and yellow lilies. When two people are in love for a long period they start loving the unsaid, the mundane, the silence and then comes some evenings when you sit and converse, reminiscing getting nostalgic till they fall asleep in each other’s arms.” Rohan went silent and dazed for a moment.

“Hey Rohan, dude…” Ranjit shaked him, “You are totally in love with her!” he added.

“I surely am.” Rohan blushed.

The rest of the evening went over several glasses of long islands and tequila shots, discussing politics and technology. At 2.30 am at the last round called, Rohan thought to himself that this was a start of a long lasting strong friendship.

“Hi Vasant, get the car out in front, I’ll be there.” He slipped his phone in this back pocket helping the completely sloshed Ranjit move towards the elevator.

While waiting for the elevator he felt Ranjit’s hand in his back pocket. He gently pulled it out thinking he might be looking for his phone. Just as the elevator arrived, Ranjit pushed him in placing his lips on Rohan’s in a passionate kiss. His one hand pressed Rohan’s butt hard while his other hand slipped in his shirt. Rohan just froze in the moment not knowing how to react. He instantly pushed Ranjit, his lean body collided with force on the other side of the elevator as he fell hard and broke into a tears. The door opened Rohan picked Ranjit up around his arms as people waited to enter the elevator.

“I had never realised until recently what my preferences were. By that time it was too late.” Ranjit gathered himself for once his melancholy.

“Why late Ranjit, we all have rights to be ourselves choose our lives.” Rohan placed his hand on Ranjit’s comforting him. “And if you are clear then why Sheetal, aren’t you keeping her in shadows. It would do no good to anyone.” He added as the waiter served black coffees.

“Sheetal’s father has invested in my venture which is a start-up apart from my regular job. That’s my only chance to make big. I share no feelings for her just a rope hung around me. ” Ranjit placed the warm black coffee mug on his forehead and continued, “I can’t avoid Sheetal.”

“Life is to be lived with someone you love, your soulmate. It can’t be a compromise Ranjit. It wouldn’t help you or her. Make your choice clear as soon as possible, with regards to funds, well I can help you provided you don’t try your kissing skills on me.” Rohan said smiling turning the atmosphere light. Ranjit smiled back profusely apologizing for his behaviour.

Rohan was right; it indeed was a start of a strong friendship.

Special Note: Homosexuality is a punishable offense currently in India. More about it can be read here. My heart reaches out to people who do not have a right to chose their partner. Hope India awakens to a better change.

February 3, 2015

V Day Dilemmas – A Fiction

Ranjit had planned it all well; he was particularly waiting for this Valentine’s Day to gift Sheetal, his girlfriend since 8 months (ok, 7 months 9 days 14 hours according to Sheetal) a nice tangible present. Times have surely changed Ranjit thought to himself, who believes in the emotion of love or beautiful words, it’s all about the occasion “Valentine’s Day” and “the tangible gift” for which he had left on a half day leave from work to scout and keep his girlfriend happy.

The yellow and white lilies were picked and a check marked on the list. He walked into Palladium and started window shopping the big brand shops that would match her taste. None of the hand bags on display had a price tag on it. He wasn’t sure if walking in and just asking for prices and not buying was as per “rules” of brand shopping. He was casually walking down the aisle when he peeped into the Gucci shop. The two saleswomen gave pleasant comforting smiles that prompted him to walk in. The store was a huge hall with a big chandelier in between, he got seated on one of the leather fur sofas as the saleswoman started displaying the new, regular and vintage collection. After seeing around 7 bags he was thoroughly confused on which one to pick, all of them were elegant and would suit Sheetal he thought. He checked the prices and was relieved that he had saved more than enough to select the best.

Rohan entered the store in great hurry. “Could you show me the Cabas collection in bamboo, both leather and en python please.” He crisply asked and lost himself in his blackberry. He looked at the handbags and frowned a bit. “I think she already has these, in the new collection anything?” he said irresolute. “Sir, this is the new collection.” said the saleswoman curtly. He started glancing through the store at all the beautifully displayed handbags when his eye fell on the uncertain Ranjit and he smiled.

“Hi there.” Walking up to him he tried starting a conversation. Ranjit turned and stood next to him. “I am Rohan.” “Hello myself Ranjit.” he responded ambivalently. “I am here to get a present for my wife, Ananya. I know this sounds a bit odd, but would it be possible for you to give me that bouquet of yellow and while lilies. They are her favourite and it would remind her of our first Valentine when I gifted these. I would accompany a hand written poem of mine, she would value it over any other gift I’d buy for her.” He completed in one go ending with a broad smile. “Yes sure Rohan, take it man. Anything to keep the woman happy.” He said handing over the bouquet and patting Rohan’s arm. “Thanks dude, you are here to buy your wife a gift?” Rohan added. “No, haven’t reached there, still a girlfriend, it’s difficult to choose one in this large collection.” He smiled. “I insist please let me do something for this bouquet that you so gratefully gave me without any apprehension.” After much hesitance and lot of insisting Ranjit accepted the best of Cabas collection from Rohan. They exchanged cards and decided to meet over drinks the next Saturday.

January 23, 2015

The Verdict

“Do you realize what you have done?” she asked ashamed.

“Yes, but it just happened and I didn’t initiate it, Sunil did.” He said without remorse.

“And more over Pa says, I will be out in 10 days.” He continued, eating the first morsel from the tiffin.

“Yes, sure you will be, have you wondered you spoiled a young girl’s life? The media has exposed her name…newspapers are running stories on her like an autobiography. Where would she get work, who would marry her? Don’t you feel sorry for what you did?” She almost screamed.

“Are you my mother or hers? She shouldn’t have been in a pub at 11 pm in the first place. Delhi anyway is not a safe place. On top of it, she started arguing with Sunil when all he had done was to ask her to dance with him as she looked really hot. Her telling him ‘be a man and back-off’ cost her. Good she will now never try it again, she knows how much of men we four are.” he said sarcastically, drinking the kheer his mother had brought in the tiffin.

“Yes son you are so right, I was relieved when the nurse had announced it’s a boy as I was under a lot of pressure from your grandparents. Your father’s joy knew no bounds as his business empire got an heir. I know I cannot reverse what happened to the girl but this is my way of proving to her that I am by her side. And all I pray God today is may you be born as a woman the next birth.” She said wrapping the tiffin containers, as her son turned blue oozing froth from his mouth.

September 25, 2014

Bang Bang – That Awful Sound!

Ananya clad in a burka just to avoid acquaintances, turned right onto the narrow Barauni lane, she read the piece of paper from under her veil, Room no 113, Kisbar makaan, Barauni road, Bihar 851116 it read. She was in the right lane as she paced to find the said building.

“Bhaijaan….Bhaijaan” she hushed knocking the door.

“ji, aayiye.” Abdul said opening the door.

“Is it ready?” enquired Ananya.

“How many?” questioned Abdul.

“Two.” confirmed Ananya.

“Ok.” Abdul walked to the other room where the karigars (workers) were seated engrossed working. Ananya sat on a rolled cotton mattresses looking nervously around the dusty dingy room. She kept shaking her legs making her restlessness evident. Abdul returned in 5 minutes. She got up but again sat down after Abdul gestured her to do so.

“These are the best handmade pistols in India. Munger made pistol come with a guarantee of never giving up on the owner. “ he said with utmost pride assembling the pistols.

“One magazine is free with each piece. Hope you know how to operate it? Do you want it for yourself? Why two?” He looked at her handing one of them on her hand.

“No…no I don’t.” As Ananya held it with trembling hands.

Adbul demoed it to her without firing a shot. Ananya tried it on another the same way. He wrapped both in a piece of cloth and gave it to her.”

“I am giving this to you as you are Nisreen’s friend. Handle with care, it’s no joke.” He warned her.

Ananya kept the wrapped pieces in her bag that hung from her shoulder. “ji bhaijaan.” She responded handing over the bundle of notes to Abdul. “It’s as agreed 30 for 2.”

“Where did you arrange this Ananya?” he questioned again.

Ananya just turned and walked silently, she would never tell anyone that she robbed her own house of the money kept for her marriage.

*********************************************************************************

“True lovers we are.” Anupam said in a confident tone kissing Ananya’s forehead. He scanned the surroundings swiftly not a soul except for the maize crop that swayed with the wind.

“My parents will never agree or understand our true love. They have never understood me in the past 16 years.” Ananya said handing over the cloth wrapped pistol.

“I know, I know. My family is my father and where has he understood me in past 23 years, I never tried convincing him for any girl I had an affair with earlier, I love you truly and tried telling him and what did I get a slap in return. No one can understand us Ananya, no one. Have you not heard of all the true love stories, the give up on their lives for oneness.” Spoke Anupam boastfully.

“My ma loves me a lot; I don’t know what will happen of her. My father, I am the only child. I am scared Anupam, are we doing right?” Ananya was scared and sceptical.

“I always knew your love was not true. True lovers never question, they just sacrifice. They don’t chicken out like you. What will you love when you can’t do this much. You are ordinary just like others. ” Exclaimed Anupam angrily.

“No, please don’t be upset. I know this is the only way to be together. I have faith. I will do anything for our union, our oneness.” She said picking up the pistol.

“Okay.” Anupam picked the pistol too.

“Now listen to me carefully. I will count 3….2….and at the count of 1, we both say I love you and shoot. Here…” he said pointing at his heart. They both stood up, he smooched her deep before pushing her a foot apart pointing the pistol at her. Ananya tried to hold the pistol straight with unsteady hands.

“3….” Anupam said aloud.

“2….” He continued.

“1…..”

“I love….” Ananya whispered with a choked voice tears rolling down her face.

A gun shot disturbed all the birds as they scattered in the evening sky chirping loud. One body fell on the ground with a bullet hit in the head. Anupam walked towards her, shook the body with his foot. He pulled her dupatta and placed it on her head. He walked away smiling without remorse screaming “I love you Ananya, I love you…..Love…hahah…my foot.” His phone rang, the name flashed Nisreen.

This post is my written variation to the song I am addicted to these days. Watch it and join the addiction, do not miss the video.

Featured image source: Bang bang

September 15, 2014

The Case of the Missing Wife Closed (concluding part)

My post The Case of the Missing Wife was to end in one part, however on demand and for my friends I try my hand at the concluding part. Hope I do some justice and is a good read. For part one please read here .

“What is your wife’s name?”

“huh….” A startled Rohan looked blankly at Nirman, the officer in charge.

“An…An…Ananya…” He said petrified.

Dragging the hanging light bulb straight on his face, he shouted again, “And yours?”

“Mine…I…I don’t know.” He said with a feeble voice placing his hand on his eyes to avoid the blazing light.

“Look, my wife is not there, please find her, we came by car from Mumbai to Pune.” He continued pleading.

“Sir, the forensic report is out.” Another officer, Ravi whispered in Nirman’s ear.

“Get his clothes off and try to get any DNA trace of his wife, hair strand, nail, and skin anything from his clothes. Call Dr. Sridhar to crack this nut.” He walked out leaving Rohan and Ravi in the room.

“Remove your clothes and leave them on the table. I will be back.” Said Ravi.

“What have I done officer?” Rohan asked worriedly.

Ravi took his clothes leaving him naked in the cell. He left him for almost 30 minutes, sometimes humiliation works in getting the truth out.

“Where are his clothes? Get him his clothes now.” Said Dr. Sridhar as he entered the cell seeing Rohan coiled in a corner naked.

“Don’t you worry son. These people cannot harm you. Here take these clothes.” He offered a fresh pair.

“So what is your name son?” he asked pulling out a pen and a paper.

“Mine…I think I know…” he tried thinking hard, “Rohan…..that’s my name…I think.”

“And your wife’s? She was with you right in the car?”

“Yes, Ananya, we were in car, together.”

“Who was driving?”

“I drove her to Pune.”

Sridhar looked at the FIR which said the woman was in the driver’s seat.

“What time was it when you reached Pune?”

“I don’t remember, it was late and dark.”

“Did you park the car in the underground parking or outside the hotel?”

“I don’t remember, sir.”

“Ok, don’t stress. So which room did your wife choose?”

“No, it feels things are fading now. The receptionist asked me something and I looked at her and she nodded but said nothing.”

Just then Nirman barged in, “Did this jerk speak up? When some of his nails will be pulled or fingers cut he will blurt all.” He said looking straight at Rohan.

“Look son, try to tell me, once it goes out of my hands, I won’t be able to help you.” Dr. Sridhar pacified him.

“I really don’t remember doctor, I wish I did. Why do you say these things? Rather than finding my wife, you are questioning me?” Rohan almost broke down and started sobbing loudly.

Dr. Sridhar looked at Nirman and passed the note that mentioned,

Post Traumatic Amnesia – disoriented – confused, highly distractractable, difficulty with thinking, memory and concentration and afraid, dis-inhibited, agitated and emotionally labile, hallucinating.

As the last resort to get him back to reality, Nirman placed a packet and some photographs in front of him. “Are these yours or your wife’s?”

“Yes, where did you get these, this ring, this mangalsutra its damaged, melted..this watch I gifted her..He picked the photo of a seared body….”Ananya….” He shouted recognising the face from the burnt contours.

He uncontrollable cried for hours before accepting and getting back his reality.

***************************************************************************************************************

“Hope you denied the travel to your boss for the project Ananya?” retorted Rohan.

“No, I haven’t, it’s a big opportunity honey, I think we should think about it.” She explained.

“No way, it’s for 6 months for God’s sake, you cannot go, period. No discussion.” He flared.

“Yes, you rule my life, don’t you? Where am I ever asked my decision ever? You say no means no.”

“Stop it Ananya, you know that’s untrue.” He shouted but she continued her nag.

“When have I got the freedom to do things, like you decide I should come to Pune, so I should. Do I have a choice?” there had been no pleasant talk since the time the project opportunity had come.

Rohan being short tempered had lost it by then. He pulled the emergency brakes and hopped out of the car. “Why don’t you understand, I can’t live without you. Just go I will walk up to the hotel; take this car and go where you want. You are free now.” Were his words before stepping out?

Ananya tried to release her seat belt and move to the driver’s seat in a rage. A multi-axle trailer sped honking behind her as she tried to move to the driver’s seat. Rohan on the other side of the road turned and tried to run towards the car seeing the trailer speeding close. Before he could get anywhere closer the trailer collided with the car and caught fire. Rohan froze at that instance, he was shocked, shaken, he just turned and started walking.

Nirman stamped the file as Case closed.

Image Source: Flickr.com

September 12, 2014

The Case of the Missing Wife

The early morning rays fell on Rohan’s face, he immediately placed his hand on his eyes trying to get the comforting shadow to avoid the brightness. The other hand scanned the bed trying to find Ananya. “Ananya” he called out. She did not answer.

He lay on the bed for another few minutes thinking she would return from the bathroom. Feeling restless he swiftly moved out of the bed, calling her out louder than before, “Ananya….where are you?” He opened the bathroom door and moved the shower curtain she was nowhere to be seen. He searched every corner of the two room suit at the Starlite Inn to avoid a chance of a foolish prank. She was absent.

He walked out of the room; a stout housekeeper gave a blank look. “Have you seen my wife, Ananya?” he questioned the housekeeper. “No sir, I didn’t see anyone go out, I am here since 30 minutes.” He ran through the floor and took the stairs down to the reception. Hurriedly he asked the receptionist, “Did you see Ananya, my wife?” The man behind the counter looked with an impassive face, “who wife…sir?”

Rohan furiously said, “Are you out of your mind?” And moved hastily towards the cafeteria. His eyes searched all over as he approached an old woman, “Aunty did you see a girl..I mean a woman here, she is short, this height, black eyes.” He gestured placing his hand near his shoulder depicting her height. “No beta, I haven’t.”

He was now worried and petrified. He rushed back to the reception, “Don’t you remember her, we checked in last night, you even asked me if I preferred a higher floor, I looked at her and she gestured its ok. Don’t you remember anything?” he blabbered in one breath.

“No sir. I was not in the night shift; I have just come an hour back that would have been my colleague.” Before the receptionist could speak further he started again, “Are you out of your mind? Call the police now, my wife is missing.” “Sir, did you try her mobile.” “No, in fact I am not able to find any of my belongings, can you please call the police. We have come by car from Mumbai to Pune and I checked my car is also missing. She has never taken the car without informing me.”

“Please calm down.” Pacified the receptionist as he picked up the phone and dialled the nearest police station. It rang.

“Aundh Police Station.” Voice on the phone.

“Sir, I am Raghubeer from Starlite Inn.” The receptionist said hesitantly.

“ha bola (please say).” He continued.

“Sir, there is a gentleman here, he says he came with his wife and she is……” the receptionist started narrating.

“Thamba ek minute, dusra phone vaajtoy. (Give me a moment please, the other phone is ringing.). interrupted the constable.

On the other phone, “ho saaheb, me lihitoh. Rohan….Ananya. Accident near Expressway exit.” He scribbled on his book as he spoke aloud.

He got back, “Ha sir, bola.” He continued. “Sir, what accident you just noted, I mean heard on the phone?” the receptionist questioned preempting.

“Arre, last night a truck and a car collided near express way exit. A couple was travelling, the car is burnt completely, and we recovered one seared body, a woman. The man is missing, looks like he escaped death without a scratch. We got the names as Rohan and Ananya from the sim card of the damaged phones.”

“Sir, the man..I mean Rohan is not missing; he is here at Starlite Inn. Can you please come over?” he completed and hung up.

He opened the check-in register, only one name; Rohan next to it, verification documents to be submitted was mentioned next to it. He looked at the hyperventilating Rohan as he ranted at every passer by asking for his wife.

Image Source: Flickr.com

September 10, 2014

Ganesh versus the Third Reich (Nazis)

Adolf Hitler, Lord Ganesh and a cast of intellectually challenged people trying to put together a play is the plot of the play.

Ganesh versus the Third Reich was the first play I went last week to see at the Basel theatre. Firstly it was surprising they were playing an English play in Basel. But I am a fan of theatre artists and thus had to go and watch. This isn‘t a review as I am not good at it and thus never tried, what I will try to do is narrate my experience.

There were two main factors why I was interested to go and watch the play. Ganesh versus the Third Reich is a 100 minute skit by a learning-disabled ensemble produced by Back to Back theatre group.

The play revolves around two narratives to address a major question „who has the right to tell a story and who has the right to be heard.”

The first narrative is that of a director who wants to direct a play on Lord Ganesh with a cast of disabled actors. The stage opens with bare minimum props and a group of actors who are trying to enact a story.

The second narrative is interwoven with first and an interesting shot in 1943 when Adolf Hitler has stolen the Swastika a symbol of wellbeing and balance. Lord Shiva is enraged and vows to end the universe, that is when goddess Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva) and mother of Lord Ganesh demands her son Ganesh to go to Germany and reclaim the Swastika to calm Lord Shiva.

While this narrative of Lord Ganesh’s resolve to get the swastika back is enacted, the cast keeps interrupting the play and and switching to first narrative of improvising the backstage rehearsals.

Certain scenes from narrative one are uncomfortable and pose serious questions be it when a bolshie actor called Scott Price is questioning his co-star’s Mark’s mental capacity. “You’ve got the mind of a goldfish,” Scott challenges Mark Deans, the non-communicative character in the cast. “Do you?” the David Woods (the only abled cast member), the director joins in. “Do you have the mind of a goldfish?” Mark silences for long thinking for an answer.

This scene tries to point to the Nazi’s mass extermination programme T4 for disabled people where they killed people with deformity. The director David Woods (narrative one) also plays Dr. Josef Mengele in narrative two who was a known Doctor in the Nazi regime and is seen walking on the stage an SS uniform, shouting about his passion for “the abnormal be it birth defects, dwarfs, mongoloids or some degenerative conditions”.

The constantly drop out of character to question their right of telling the story specially when none of them are Hindu or Jewish.

The play is intelligently crafted trying to bring up subtle questions aloud. These scenes are kept simple but beautifully designed – they used shadow-play-style backdrops are used and pulled on and off transparent curtains; to show Swiss alps moving past the train, and the moonless night sky of Berlin.

On the way Lord Ganesh meets a feeble man from a concentration camp who narrates his story of how Hitler killed his family the sisters because they were too young and the others who were too old.

I found the climax point of the play when the director shocks into a direct address to the audience, challenging various levels of involvement, whether sympathetic, ashamed, demeaning – or simply accepting, finally identifying the audience as the potential enemy.

Lord Ganesh reclaims the Swastika in narrative two and Hitler is seen walking away and the director coming forth, trying to convey the evil does not end.

All in all a brilliant play as i feel that every individual will have his own perspective and take on the questions posed be it right to perform or the abled and strong always oppress others. It is poignant, thought provoking and has a lasting impact on the audience.

Image Source: Google Images

August 25, 2014

Sharmaji gets Stylish.

„Hold the mirror up on the right side Loveleen, I can’t see a thing.” Sharmaji said irritatingly.

“Oh ho, I really don’t understand this ritual of yours every month.” Said Loveleen frustrated.

“Cutting ones hair is a bad thing right?” Sharmaji quizzed.

“No, it isn’t. But trying to save 25 rupees and doing it at home is the issue. And be very careful the scissor is razer sharp.”

“Ok, ok I get that, now will you hold the mirror right so that I can manage the cut well.”

Loveleen kept holding the mirror as Sharmaji adjusted his face looking closely at the mirror in from of him and getting a rear view of his hair as Loveleen held the one behind him.

He was about to get a measure and cut when Loveleen shouted, “Ohhhhhh nooooooo, my dal, its burning….the cooker.” She dashed the mirror on the washbasin and ran to the kitchen.

Sharmaji gave an angry look, “I don’t understand her at all”, and he told himself nodding his head.

He picked up the mirror in one hand and tried to get a look of his locks above his nape and continued.

“OH MY GOD, Loveleen.” He cried out in terror.

Loveleen came back running and so did his younger daughter Gutti.

Loveleen shrieked, “Sharmaji, what have you done?” Gutti tried hard but could not contain her laughter. She immediately picked her phone and clicked him and sent it to her elder sister Pinky on whatapp with a caption, Dad spotted in a new look LOL and two winky smilees.”

“Is it all gone?” Sharmaji was now tensed.

Loveleen held his face examining his hair, “No, a big chunk of it till I can see your skull, hmmmm may be the size of a motichoor laddoo.”

Sharmaji started sweating as he tried feeling the portion of his head where he accidentally grazed a major chunk of his hair.

“You can’t do that with scissors, what did you do?”

“Well, you see this!” He picked up the automatic razor and displayed it to them, the girls had given me on my birthday to get rid of my nose, ears and chest hair….I used that thinking it would be quicker than the scissors, I didn’t in my dream think, it would do this.”

By this time Gutti had run into her room and was literally rolling on the floor with laughter.

“What do we do now Loveleen? Sharmaji moved his head from left to right to get a stock of the damage done.

“Do you want to consider getting rid of it all completely?

“You mean bald…”

“You already have a receding hairline, try it.”

“What try it, my father and your father in law is still alive ok, don’t you ever say try it…”He said utterly frustrated at this suggestion.

Gutti ran to the scene again, trying to maintain a serious face but burst out again as she saw him. Loveleen looked at her with big eyes and she stopped, gulping her chuckle uttered, “Dad I think, Di is not going to like it, I mean it’s her Arangetram (*it is a public graduation performance for a dance form) tomorrow. And you would be called on stage too! You know what I mean?” She somehow managed saying that without laughing.

“How about wearing a wig?” She continued trying to sound serious.

Sharmaji and Loveleen looked at her startled. “His hair is still there, not gone, it’s just the rear right which is bald…well not bald but…” She stopped realizing the panic Sharmaji was in. Sharmaji had just stabilized and was accepting the fact of what had happened.

All three stood looking at each other in the bathroom. “Isn’t it stuffy here.” Gutti said breaking the silence, “Can we at least move out of this place.” Gutti said walking slowly out of the bathroom. Loveleen and Sharmaji followed.

Just then Pinky rushed in, dropped her bag near the door and “Dad, what did you do? I mean it’s my function tomorrow. I have been waiting so long for this day.” She immediately stopped looking at Sharmaji’s embarrassed face.

He turned back to display his doing to Pinky. It was now feeling like what a model feels on the ramp when there is a wardrobe malfunction. Pinky’s jaw dropped at the faux pas she was witnessing. She could visualize her friends mocking and laughing at her.

Half an hour into the drama and things were sinking in. Great ideas came up.

How about putting in some fake hair and sticking it there? – Pinky

Can we just take some brush bristles and cover the big patch? – of course Gutti

The Dhony look, it’s in vogue! – Pinky, trying to make his father look cool and mod.

A cap or a hat, you like Dev Anand, isn’t it, but would that cover the required? – puzzled Loveleen.

Sharmaji closed his eyes and sat there on the sofa. With renewed determination he got up like a soldier who has made up his mind to win the battle or like the way Archimedes would have said “Eureka!”

He went into the bathroom and locked himself for 1.5 hours. The girls roamed up and down in the living room trying to guard their neighbor Leena coming home and Loveleen knocked the door sometimes concerned and sometimes giving a pep talk. Later all were quiet and got back to their chores.

Sharmaji walked confidently to the living room, his demeanor was different. He had colored his hair all black after 10 years. He wore the shirt, trouser and blazer that he was to wear for the function and the biggest change was he rolled a woolen scarf that matched the blazer, hit the patch successfully and overall looked splendid.

There was pin drop silence, he looked at all three of them, finally his confidence was giving in and nervously he said, “What, not ok?”

All three unanimously said, “Sharmaji, you look awesome and so young. Love you.” As all three hugged him altogether.

August 22, 2014

The Haunted Bridge – A Perspective

“What? You are still on the way! Mom is about to cut the cake now. You had never told me marrying a judge would be giving up on all social functions. Where are y….” Ananya shrieked over the phone.

“On the bridge… Mahanadi.” Rohan replied which in the deadening silence of the road seemed like a shout. He realised the line had disconnected. The phone slid from the dashboard and fell below the brake pedal wrapping the earphones on Rohan’s foot. He bent to get the phone.

The long deserted road, a distant street light and the rustling of leaves by the chill winter breeze of Mahanadi made it more a sinister location. Picking up the phone,Rohan readied to take a turn from the bridge and noticed a female figure dressed in a black robe walking aimlessly towards his car from behind the gnarled oak tree. Her face was pale, almost white, her torso stiff but her bottom floated as it seemed she was walking on air towards the car. Sweat ran down his brow and a chill down his spine. He tried not to see her but could feel her walking closer and closer every passing second.

As the car took a complete right, he saw her vividly from the corner of his eyes. She had stopped walking, looked like a she was staring at Rohan standing 7 feet away. Rohan completely shaken accelerated and passed her as swiftly as he could.

500 meters and the car screeched to a complete halt, he dared to peep through the rare view mirror and there was absolute no sight of her. He tried seeing her from the side mirror; she had vanished in thin air. His body grew completely cold, his eyes hot as coal as he sped off in full speed escaping the memory of what he just experienced.

*****************************************************************************

“I know I am late for the party, the auto broke down on this deserted bridge and he dragged it on the other side of the bridge. No its ok I will wait till Shilpa comes and picks me up.” said Kreeti.

“Hello…hello…” the line had disconnected.

To avoid standing in the middle of the road she should next to the oak tree, waiting for her friend. She saw two headlights approaching her from the misty bridge. She wrapped her Halloween black costume and moved a few steps to get a good look at the lights. A car appeared from behind the fog. She was completely shaken to see no one was driving the car. She looked closely still there was no one on the driver’s seat. Her body could feel the pounding heart as she trembled with fear.

The car took a slow turn as she stood frozen on the side of the road. She immediately saw a figure now driving the car. She moved a few steps ahead as the figure inside stared at her with big round eyes. The car swiftly moved past her. Trying to escape the situation she ran and stood behind the oak tree.

The car moved 500 meters and stopped. Her heart was in her mouth and her mind was giving way almost at a pass out situation. She could actually feel every haunting nano second pass. The car moved in full speed leaving her with the sleepless nights to come of what she had just experience.

August 18, 2014

Never ending wait

„Are you upset at me, again? “ Ananya asked lovingly.

“Look, Rohan, I don’t like to be late on purpose you know that. Now stop looking at me like that with a sullen face please.” She said pushing the bunch of yellow lilies towards him.

One of the lilies moved with the breeze and touched his face. She picked it, kissed it and kept it back again.

He always called her in this garden when the world would want to meet for movies, coffee or restaurants. She felt it was their time together where she could always talk at length, free without being nudged by anyone.

“Did I tell you about my dream…of course it was our dream?” He remained silent looking at her radiant face and a strand of hair constantly flowing from her cheek and getting stuck to her lips as she spoke. As the zephyr played with her hair, she pulled the strand and neatly tucked it behind her ear and it playfully flew on her cheek again. She let it be.

Rohan looked affectionately, this dream came in as a harbingerof the same story she repeated every time they met.

She started,” We were sitting in this same park, talking sweet nothings to each other. Planning the way we would want our parents to know about us. You did suggest you being the only child of your parents; they should come and talk to mine.”

A ball came and hit Rohan’s leg. Ananya playfully picked it up and threw it towards the child and continued. “My brother came and asked me to reach home urgently as Ma had fallen off the stairs. You immediately asked me to rush and promised me to come back and meet you in this park.”

“Rohan, since that day I have been coming here to meet you and ask you what happened and you have just chosen to not respond.”

He said nothing and sat in deadening stillness.

She too sat there in silence, whining and coaxing to get an answer but in vain. The ingénue Ananya as always picked up the flowers left it near him and left with a promise to meet the next day.

मज़ार -ए -कैस पर जब रूहे लैला इक दिन आयी

तोह अरमानों के मुरझाए कुछ फूल भी लायी

लगी जब फूल वह रखने तोह कब्र से आवाज़ आयी

चढ़ाना फूल जानेमन मगर आहिस्ता आहिस्ता।