random thoughts

Sunita’s love

2012-01-30T11:17:00.001+05:30

Whenever I see Sundar, I longed to hold him tightly in my hands. I loved to cup his cheeks in my palms and smother him with smooches. I loved to run my fingers through his unruly and curly hairs and smell the fragrance I liked. His dark eyes that always twinkled mischievously at the corner and his defiant don’t-care look were the things I liked most in him. He was always a bit rough with me but I liked it most of the times. He was sitting just a few feet away from me in a corner casting his longing looks at me every now and then as if pleading with me to come and sit by his side. My heart sank for I dared not go near him with dad sitting by my side. Dad is a no-nonsense type brooking no improper behavior.

Sundar made a secret sign that only we two knew beckoning me to come near him. There were a few others in the room including my mom. Everyone knew dad’s disciplinarian streak and I didn’t want to risk however coy and innocent face Sundar put up.. When I seemingly ignored him by talking to others, I was all the time looking at him through the corner of my eyes aware that he stole glances at me. Now he had the audacity to wink at me. Luckily dad did not notice. I could not suppress my smile and the short giggle that escaped from my lips but luckily they went unnoticed by others.

What hurt me most was that dad did not take kindly to Sundar and his ways. He never spoke to him warmly and there was always a note of disapproval whenever he found him with me. Sadly dad had not moved with times and harboured antiquated ideas on men and matters. No one these days are submissive and there is a bit of brashness in all.

It was then the most unexpected thing happened.Sundar all on a sudden stood up from his chair, took a few steps defiantly towards me and hugged me in the presence of all. Dad was livid with rage and shouted”Sunita, go to your room I say. I cannot tolerate this behaviour.”

I was irritated at dad’s boorish manner and blurted “Dad, you forget he is a small boy of five years and expect him to behave like a grown up man. How long would a child sit in a corner unspoken to and away from his mom as a ‘sit out’ punishment?”

The lead

2012-01-28T11:56:00.002+05:30

Sadanand drove aimlessly. The road was long with no trees on either side. Just a barren hot stretch it was with sun blazing in all its summer fury. He was not sure where he was going. He could not sit quiet at home.He could do nothing better when the police with all its resources are yet to get a lead. His five year old daughter had been kidnapped. He had neither an enemy nor was he rich. All relatives and friends were contacted with none offering any clue. There was no ransom call either. Someone took her away when she was playing outside the house and his wife was cooking lunch. The police had nothing to work upon. With no demand in the last four days, they wondered whether it could be a pedophile behind this. The ad in dailies brought no response. It looked they were at a dead end. With his wife constantly crying, he had her parents brought to comfort her while he roamed the roads in his bike hoping for some lead.

He saw a petrol bunk just before the road forked into two directions. The road that curved along the petrol bunk led to another town. He saw some buses taking that route.

“Fill the tank fully” he told the lone attendant.

As the petrol was being filled in, the attendant asked “Where are you bound for in this hot sun?”

“No idea” he replied with a shrug of his shoulders

There was a puzzled look as the attendant’s eyes surveyed him from head to foot..”The curved road takes you to Makkalchatram, a small town” he said

“Any idea where the straight road takes you to?”

I don’t think anywhere. I haven’t seen people taking that road”

“Haven’t you ever gone that side?”

No, why do you want to take that deserted road with no purpose? You seem to have a jaded look.”

“I am thirsty. Do you have water to drink?

“Sure. Come into the bunk. There is an old fan running.”

The water was cool and Sadanand looked refreshed.”Thanks. a lot. How much for the oil?” he asked

“765 rupees”

Are you sure that road leads to nowhere? I would like to give it a try” he said

“I told you I have never gone that side beyond two or three miles. Except for a deserted small tiled house, there is nothing there beyond”

“A small tiled house, is it?”

“Are you planning to take that road? I think that is strange”

“Why, what is strange about it?”

“Come to think of it, four days back one middle aged man with a child took the same road”

“What? What child? Tell me quickly” Sadanand grabbed his shoulders and shook him.

“A girl of five years who looked not his type. Why have you lost any child or what ?”

Sadanand thrust Rs1000 note in his hands and said to the attendant “Keep the change”

The baffled attendant looked at the speeding car on the lonely road

Unfinished work

2012-01-26T13:19:00.002+05:30

I hate this cell with nothing but jaded walls and a grilled door, a bare room dark and dingy with no movable part in it. I am a condemned convict. I do not mind hanging in gallows but wish to get out just for a day to kill that viper Praveen.

“You will not go out ever”, I turned when I heard the voice.

“I will. Without wreaking my vengeance on him I cannot die. I need to spray the bullets on every part of his evil body till he dies. I need just half an hour with him” I replied

“That Praveen is not wholly at fault. Your wife also was an accomplice to the treachery” he responded.

“But I have already hacked her and I am here because of that. But killing him after a torture is an unfinished job” I said.

“You were a fool. Why did you bring them together in the first place?” he said as If I am at fault.

“How would I have known beforehand, you idiot? He was the MD.I had taken my wife to the office party. He came near us and said to me that he never knew I had such a charming wife. I took it as a compliment. He asked her whether she worked and was a graduate. When she said she was a homemaker and a PG, he offered her an appointment instantly. We were happy at the increased income. She liked the work:”I said when my mate interrupted me.

“Why do you wish to kill such a benefactor” he asked

“Benefactor, my foot. I never knew his evil intention. He gradually drafted her in MD’s office with increased responsibilities and pay. Even then I was oblivious of his wicked plan. He gave me a promotion and started sending me on tours initially for a couple of days and then for longer periods. I was a fool to his gradual seduction of my wife and their liaison till one night when I returned unexpectedly for them and found them in the bed. I hacked her then and there in my rage. He escaped but he will not get away from me. Do not advise me without knowing all the facts” I said with anger mounting in me.

“Day dream. You cannot touch him, you idiot, let alone killing. You will be hung very soon. Just keep quiet and pray God for mercy for killing your wife” he said.

I lost my temper and shrieked “How dare you call me an idiot? I will strangle you first before killing that viper”

The warder came running and tapped the door.”With whom are you talking? Don’t you know others are sleeping and you should not make noise in the middle of night” he said

“This fellow is infuriating me even when I do not talk to him” I complained.

The warder saw inside the small room and said “No one is there. Do not imagine. I will send for the doctor in the morning. Go to sleep” he ordered.

I turned round to see no one was there in the cell. But trust me he was there a little while ago

The warder along with a doctor and two others came unusually very early in the morning. “Please examine him, doctor.He was agitated and talking to himself last night” said the warder.

“Just an emotional outburst. Is it not slated for this morning? He is fit for that”the doctor told him after examining me and looking at me with pity.

I was given a bath, breakfast and led somewhere. But they didn’t know I have work to do.

Aditi's bridegroom

2012-01-25T12:56:00.003+05:30

Aditi’s parents were busy since morning. They had the maid servant spruce up the house changing curtains, sofa covers, vacuuming the carpet, wiping the photo frames and the glasses. Her dad brought fresh flowers for the vase. Her mom was busy in the kitchen making some sweets and snacks. They had also obtained some Bengali sweets from a sweet stall. One of the prospective bridegroom’s parents had informed that they would come in the evening after 3pm to see Aditi.She had taken off for that day from office and went in the morning for a facial at a beauty parlour.After a shower ,she dressed herself in a fine saffron light weight designer silk sari paired with apt jewelry. When it was nearing three, her dad sprayed lavender air freshener in the hall. The aroma of a sandalwood incense stick was wafting from the puja room. There was also the fragrance of jasmine in the air.

There was a short and hesitant buzz. Her dad rushed to open the door to find a young man in a blue coloured striped shirt and charcoal grey pant. He looked tall, very handsome and muscular. He smiled and asked “Is this Aditi’s place?”

“Yes, yes, please come in and be seated. We were actually waiting for you. Has no one else come with you?” The hall was cool with the air conditioner humming.

“No, it is enough if I meet her. I should have come half an hour earlier but was held up in a meeting” he said with a smile.Aditi who was peeping through a small opening in a window from the adjacent room noticed his well aligned sparkling teeth. A cute looking guy, she thought with some satisfaction.

“I hope you had no difficulty in locating the house” asked Aditi’s dad.

“Not at all. It took just 30 minutes to drive from my office. The ambience here is good. A bright but cool home you have in sylvan surroundings” he said

“Yes, I bought it ten years back” he said as Aditi’s mom brought a plate full of snacks and sweets.

“Why all these? Where is Aditi?” he said

“It is customary. Please have” he said and turned to his wife and added “Where is Aditi? Ask her to come. You also come here”

Aditi came demurely accompanied by her mother. The young man stood up and folded his hands to both of them.

When they were seated he said with a large smile “Glad I could come today.Infact I have wanted to see you ever since I heard about you. I could find time only today”

After some pleasantries, Aditi’s dad stood up and said “I will leave you alone and you can discuss matters of mutual interest.”

It was then Aditi’s dad heard a car coming to a halt opposite his house and gate being opened. He rushed to see an elderly man and his wife in kanjeevaram silk sari getting down along with a young man .They had a basket of fruits along with flowers. He was surprised and wondered who then this young man in the hall could be.

He rushed in before Aditi and that young man get to talk to each other and asked him “Who are you, Sir? What brought you here? Why did you want to meet Aditi? I think there has been a mistake.”

“Yes Sir, I was also wondering at the warm reception. I had a lead that Aditi was planning to take an insurance cover. I had come to meet Aditi regarding that. I am an officer in a multinational insurance company” he said

Meanwhile the elderly couple entered the hall accompanied by a short man with a pronounced paunch and a weird face.

Aditi hurriedly left the hall with a disappointed look in her face.

The tiff

2012-01-22T19:26:00.003+05:30

Not a day passed without Preeti and Prateek quarreling. If she wished to go to grocery stores, he would say a mall. If she suggested pizza for dinner, he would ask her to make zafrani pulav.While she would want both of them to see together Dance India dance programme, he would opt for cricket. With both adamant they would go to different rooms to watch the shows they liked or both shutting down the TV in disgust to browse the net separately. Such incidents invariably led to exchange of words with both sleeping turned away from each other. The irony was Preeti’s parents had matched the horoscopes for compatibility. He was an extrovert, loud and gregarious while she was quiet, introvert and receding by nature.

Being the only son, Prateek never knew to adjust or share. She was a pampered daughter being the only girl amidst five sons. The saving grace was that both were good and faithful to each other. But life after the initial charm turned dull and boring even within a year of marriage. Both worked and met only in the late evenings. Weekends invariably ended in a tiff when he went to play tennis or a game of bridge or beer party with friends. She invariably went to mall to while away the time. Sometimes she wished she had remained single enjoying the freedom at her parent’s house.

What brought matter to a head was that on the first wedding anniversary, he went to another town to attend a distant cousin’s wedding. He had not told her of his plan. She had hoped it would be a grand outing for them to a distant resort for a couple of days. She found in his room some packets of dresses for her on his table but he had not remembered to tell her beforehand.

When he came late in the night, she opened the door and quietly proceeded towards bedroom without asking him anything.

“Preeti, are you upset? Why the long face? Whatever for this scowl in your face? I was not here the whole day for us to quarrel ” he said.

She was furious at the manner he was talking even when he had forgotten or pretended so, about their first anniversary. Could any man forget this important day and absent himself without telling her? She simply said “ Have I not opened the door promptly after the first bell? I have nothing else to talk to you. Good night” she said

“I know you are angry because I went to my cousin’s marriage. I also know you do not like my people or tolerate my mingling with them. I hate you for your narrow mindedness” he spoke in anger

“What else can I expect from a person who does not even know his first anniversary? You should not have married and spoilt a woman’s life” she replied equally strongly.

“What are you blabbering about? Are you referring to completion of one year of quarrel and curses from you? Anyway you could have taken the dresses I had kept on my table. Have you ever spoken lovingly to me? Have you ever taken interest in things I like? You hate my friends, my hobbies, my people and even my presence. Yes, I should not have married you and should have spared myself of seeing your ugly face” he fulminated

“Enough of your rubbish. I go out of your house early morning and spare you of seeing my face. I would also be happier without you” she exploded

“I would welcome it gladly. Get lost wherever you wish to with whomever you like. It is a good riddance”

“How dare you talk to me like that? Mind your words. I hate you from the bottom of my heart” she said and ran away to another room.

Six months had passed since she came to her parents house. She did not reveal much but said she would like to stay with them for some time. They could surmise that something was amiss but did not press her to tell. Her mom on one or two occasions obliquely said quarrels between couples were common and should not be carried too far unless there was a serious reason.

Preeti had in the first few months disconnected the calls from Prateek on her cell. After a few times, he stopped calling. When she saw her brothers’ wives happily living, she also longed to be back. She knew Prateek despite his coarse behavior was not a bad guy. Only he didn’t realize the folly of continuing his old habits even after wedding. She felt she had been hasty in walking out.

Meanwhile Prateek was forlorn and miserable. He hated to come home and did not relish watching his favourite programmes alone. He was filled with remorse that he failed to celebrate his first anniversary and attended a wedding where his absence would not have been noticed. He decided to go to her place in the adjacent town and seek her forgiveness. He left office early and reached her parents place. Her mom received him with warmth.

“Where is Preeti?” he asked

“I don’t know where she has gone. But she said not to worry if she did not return by night. But she was telling that she was rude to someone and going for apologizing. She didn’t tell me who and where” her mom said.

Just then his cell rang.”Where are you? I am in our house”Preeti asked

The resolution

2012-01-20T21:16:00.002+05:30

Neeraj was already late. The lift door was almost closing as he rushed towards it. His office was on 17th floor and it would take considerable time for it to come down again. The other lift was under repair. Luckily the door opened and there was a young woman in it alone. He rushed in and the doors closed.”Thanks” he mumbled.

“I saw you hastening to the lift and opened the closing door” she said softly with a smile.

“Thanks again. I am actually in a hurry. Do you work in this building? I do not remember to have seen you ealier”he said.

“No, I came here looking for a job.” she replied.

The lift was moving up slowly. “What kind of job?” he queried

“Anything in HR.I have a diploma in HR management but not from a prestigious institution” she said

“Okay. My floor is coming. Note down my cell number and call me in the afternoon. I will tell you where to send your CV’ he said hastily and went out. She had scribbled the number in her palm but had forgotten to ask for his name. A cute looking guy he was just being courteous to a woman who had opened the lift door. Nevertheless she entered the number in her mobile.

In the afternoon she hesitated for a moment whether to give a ring to this stranger or not but chose to call him.”Neeraj here.”Who is calling?” he asked.

“Neha, I met you in the morning in the lift” she said

“Oh, that charming and helpful lady, I remember now.Neha is a sweet name. Do you have a pen and paper? Note down the email ID and send the resume. Let me explore through my contacts whether anything can be done .Do you have any specific requirement?”he asked

“Yes, I have. I need a job immediately” she said

He let out a loud laugh.”I cannot promise but I will try. Any objection if I call on this number when I get a lead? Where do you live?” he asked.

“No objection .You can call at any time. I am at Motinagar living with my mom. Thanks for the help”

She sent the resume the same day. There was no response for a week. She concluded that he was just being polite and nothing may come out of it. So it was a pleasant surprise when she had an email on a Monday asking her to appear for an interview at an Import and export company on Wednesday morning. It was in the same building where she had met Neeraj. She was the lone candidate and was interviewed by by three men who asked her general questions. They asked her to wait for some time.

In about 30 minutes, one of the three who interviewed her came and said “Sorry, you have not been selected. In fact we had recommended your appointment but the Managing Director overruled us saying you will not meet his requirements for the job. Nevertheless he would like to see you. Best of luck. Come this way” he said and guided her towards MD’s room. She was asked to wait for some time in the ante-room and the person left.

At that time surprisingly Neeraj entered the ante room and on seeing her asked her with a smile “Hello, Sneha, what brings you here to MD’s room?”

“Neha, not Sneha.Are you working in this company? It seems your MD does not want me. I don’t know why he wants to see me when he has already decided against me? Do you know him by any chance? I came with lot of hope” she said

“Let me go in and find out. Yes I know him well. Please wait till he calls. He is a good man. May be he has some other job for you” he said and went in.

There was a buzz. MD’s secretary took her in. She was rendered speechless when she saw Neeraj sitting in MD’s chair. He stood up and extended his hand. He sent the secretary away asking her to send some fresh fruit juice.

She was silent waiting for him to speak. He said “I am sorry to hear that you have not been chosen.”

“Sir, I heard you only rejected me. Why do you give hope and then make it come crashing down? We are not play things but are seriously in need of a job to keep our hearth warm. I heard you wanted to see me. Now that you have seen, can I go?”

No Sir business. Call me Neeraj.Are you in a great hurry? I have some explanation for your rejection. I felt you cannot be a staff in this company. I have some other plan for you in my mind and may be can utilize your skill in another capacity” he said

Thanks a lot Sir. When you cannot give a junior position in your own company, what role you are talking about elsewhere? Please permit me to leave” she said sneeringly as she stood up.

“Oh, oh.The fruit juice has come. Please be seated and let us drink. Allow me to complete before you decide to walk out” he said. As she sat down, he said “I have made detailed enquiries about you and your family. I am coming to your place on Friday along with my parents for formally asking for your hand. If you agree to the proposal, a director’s chair will be awaiting you here” he said with a large smile

Neha could neither believe her ears nor utter one word as tears flowed from her eyes.Neeraj stood up and came around her side and asked “Is this a happy resolution to your job hunt?”

Award from Vaidegi of Desert trails

2012-01-20T10:12:00.014+05:30

Thanks a lot, Vaidegi for conferring this award , tagging me and for the nice things said about my blog.
She has stipulated the following conditions:
The rules of this tag:
 Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your Blog Post
 Thank the Blogger who nominated you
 Share 7 Random things about yourself
 Nominate 15 fellow Bloggers
 Inform the Bloggers of their nomination
Let me do the difficult part first.It is well nigh impossible to choose from among the bloggers who visit my blog regularly and whose blogs I find interesting and versatile.Many vie for inclusion but I have chosen six at random.Each one is different from the other in style,narration and in their capacity to hold the reader's attention.I simply enjoy reading their posts and would commend their blogs to those who are not currently following.
1.,Cloud nine:http://cloudninetalks.blogspot.com/
2..Meera:http://meerareflections.blogspot.com/
3.NRI Girl:http://hephzibahisrael.blogspot.com/
4.Swetha:http://whirlwindthoughts.blogspot.com/
5.Rhapsody: http://rappingonamelody.blogspot.com/
6.Sujata Satya:http://sujathasathya.blogspot.com/
The seven random things about me.
1.May be at 80 I am the oldest among the blogger friends I have come across here.
But that does not hamper my style or the blogging.The one advantage is that younger
bloggers feel comfortable in interacting with me.
2.I enjoy Sudoku solving two or three problems of evil/diabolical level.
3.I am a lover of Carnatic music and most of the time I am before lappy, the music of
old or modern greats would be on. making me wonder whether it is the net or the music that ties me with lappy
4.I watch old wild West movies frequently from DVDs.
5.I follow cricket and tennis with keen interest.,read and discuss about them.
6.Cooking South Indian food is my hobby and if my daughter permits I try my hand at it.
7.Though god fearing, I am not very religious

Raghav’s ragging

2012-01-18T21:12:00.003+05:30

The engineering college was on the outskirts of the city in the vast expanse studded with isolated old houses of what was earlier a village. The boys and girls were ferried by buses. There was hostel separately for boys and girls. The college was not high in the list and was a haven for boys and girls who could not score highly. It was notorious for ragging with an inept management unable to control the few unruly students. Complaints were often made but the concerned students with power and influence behind them had no fear.

Raghav a timid boy in the first semester and born with four sisters from a family of ordinary means was scared of these bullies and gave them a wide berth. A puny boy, studious in habits and given to obedience, could evade the rampant ragging thus far. It was his bad luck that on this day the lecturer taunted a few students when Raghav answered a few questions correctly while many blinked. Word went round to the seniors during lunch time about the humiliation of the back benchers. That was his nemesis and he was marked instantly for ragging.

As he came out of the class in the evening, three bullies from the senior class ambushed him and took him away from the bus stand to the rear of college building.

“So you are a show off. You wish to expose the other students with your intelligence. But you don’t have the guts those boys possess. What do you say?” one senior asked him with his hand holding his collar.

Raghav’s throat went dry with fear and he kept silent. This infuriated another bully who gave him a hard slap.

The third one said” If you are that gutsy and smart, why don’t you go into that house you see yonder and wave your hand from the balcony? Unless you do it, you will not be allowed to go home” even as the one who slapped took away his bag and things kept in the pocket.

The house on the rear was for long lying unused and was rumoured to be haunted by a violent ghost. Nobody ever tread into the sprawling ground. Even the daring boys kept away as people talked of unnatural deaths and mental wrecks for those who dared. Into such a house the poor lad was pushed into. When he stood near the broken gate the bullies threw stones at him making him go further inside. He gingerly moved on the pathway that was littered with dry leaves and dirt. Stones were hurled at him whenever he lingered. He gathered courage and stepped on the verandah. The bullies gesticulated him to go inside the house.

The door was covered with cobwebs and dust. He tapped the door gently and was shivering in dread. The bullies were watching intently. The door slightly opened to reveal an old woman in white gown who seemed tall but shriveled. Her eyes were sunk deeply and there was a white tooth with a skin that was drawn tightly on the face looking a skeleton. Raghav could not utter any word and was sweating profusely.

“Come in. Do not be afraid. What brought you here? No one comes. Are you in trouble and seeking refuge here? Tell me without fear” the lady spoke.

Raghav mustered courage and narrated the trouble he was put into and said “I had no mind to trouble you. They threw stones at me to trespass into your compound. They insist that I show up in the balcony for them to release me to my home”

“That is easily done. Come on to the first floor” she said. They went up the creaky stairs and waved their hands at the boys with old woman’s hand on Raghav’s shoulders.”Call the boys here and as they enter the verandah ,you run away by the rear door. Do not stay here after they enter” the woman added

Raghav signaled the boys to come telling “It is nice here and there are fruits. Do come”. They saw Raghav smiling and talking to the old woman.Curiosity took better of them. They decided to have some fun and came rushing. Raghav ran away through the rear door as fast as his legs could carry.

When he neared the outer gate, he heard loud screams and shrieks from his college mates as if there was a murderous assault on them. He did not linger and ran away

The next day there were crowds of students, lecturers and staff outside the building. There was a police van.. He heard from them that the three boys who had ventured into the forbidden building the previous evening were behaving strangely with fear in their eyes and talking to themselves incoherently like lunatics.

Raghav looked at the balcony. He felt there was a slight movement of a figure in white clothes

Doubly lucky

2012-01-11T13:40:00.005+05:30

Vinod had his account with the bank at the ground floor of his office building. It was manned entirely by ladies except for the security.Vinod never made use of ATM or credit card facility. The reason is not far to seek as to why he loved to visit the bank so often. It is not by any design of his that an extremely good looking lady happened to be the teller but that was the reason for his daily visit. She was around 27, quite efficient and businesslike. Though she smiled, her answers to Vinod’s questions were brief and to the point. This did not deter him from trying to cultivate her. He informed her unsolicited that he worked in the same building and that he was an engineer and in good position. Sometimes he would talk about the weather and of the overcast sky. She would just count the money and hand it over with a smile. But the pleasure of seeing her once daily was adequate recompense for the trouble he took.

Vinod had gone with his mother to a book fair on a Sunday. It was a huge fair drawing heavy crowd and on this day it was unmanageable. The weather was oppressive in the mid summer. With poor ventilation and narrow corridors, it was smelly and hot. His mom bought some religious books while he went for some cheap editions of old classics. It was nearing 8pm and they had covered more than half the fair.They heard cries ‘Fire, fire’ from one side and there was a mad scramble of the visitors for the exit gate even though smoke was coming from one corner. Soon the fire spread and engulfed larger areas. The unruly rush became a stampede near the exit and it was by luck that Vinod found an opening on the side to take his mother out. Someone had cut the power and the whole place was plunged in darkness. He could hear the bells of the fire engines rushing towards the different sides of the fair. In a short while the fire engines were dousing the fire and the shop keepers busy in salvaging the books. Most of the visitors had left except for idle and curious onlookers. There was utter confusion, smoke and shock

By the time he located his car in the darkness, it was 9pm.As he got into the vehicle, his mother shrieked from the other side and said ”Vinod, come here, I find a young girl sleeping on the ground near the door.”She was about five fast asleep. Obviously separated from her guardians she had strayed in the darkness to this place and fell into slumber.

“Mom, shall I leave the child with some policeman? You be here. I will come soon” Vinod said

“No, it is a girl child and it is night time. It is not desirable to leave her with some policeman. The girl looks from well to do family. Let us take her home and leave a message with our area police station that we have brought the child home and give our address and phone number. The missing parents would eventually find their way to us” she said.

The next day morning the little girl started crying when she woke up to the new surroundings.Vinod’s mom had gone to a temple. The child could not tell precisely where her house was located though she gave the name of the play school.Vinod decided to take the girl to the school, when the phone rang. It was from the police station informing that the girl’s mother was coming to Vinod’s house along with a policeman. The girl was tidied up, given milk and some toys to play with.Vinod was playing with her to keep her in good humour and the little girl took to him instantly.

The bell rang and the girl rushed to open the door.Can you guess who was there with the policeman? You did it right. None else than the teller at the bank in the building where Vinod worked. For a moment both were rendered speechless. It was broken when the girl rushed to the arms of the lady telling “Uncle is so sweet but did not know to play even in simple games.”

Both broke into laughter.”I am Vinod.Please come in. Mom should be here very soon. Lucky that we could find your daughter sleeping last night near our car. Should I say doubly lucky?” Vinod said and sent the policeman away after thanking him profusely along with some money.

“I am Archana.Thanks a bunch. I am indebted to you for ever for bringing her here and keeping her safely. I see you daily at the bank. Why doubly lucky?” she asked with a smile

“Mommy, can we take uncle with us to our home? I like him so much” the girl intervened

“Don’t worry little girl, I intend to drop you both at your place and meet your daddy” Vinod said

Her mom’s face fell . She said” My husband was killed at the Kashmir border three years ago. I am living alone with my daughter”

“I am very sorry. Can you wait for a few minutes? I want my mom to see you” he said even as the girl snuggled in his arms.

When driving them home, he asked with broad grin in the face. ”Should I explain why doubly lucky if you have not guessed it already?”

She looked at him and made faces before breaking into a smile. A love was born.

The smile

2012-01-07T14:42:00.005+05:30

It was at a party that I had met Sudhir.Strikingly handsome with a muscular body that was very fair and his curly hair, he caught my attention immediately as I entered the hall. He had not obviously noticed me as he was chatting animatedly with a few young ladies. His smile was magnetic as I could see from the expressions of his listeners .I moved closer to him to catch his eye.

For the last few months I have no boy friend after the last one moved away preferring someone else may be for her money. Though I was dating some, I had not found the right man. This guy appeared to be a good catch. He dressed well. I liked the dimple in his cheek when he smiled. As expected he turned and his eyes fell on me. It seemed they froze on me forever till I smiled at him. He returned the smile and abruptly left his company to move towards me. It was only when he came close that I noticed it wasn’t a dimple but a scar. But did it matter when it added to his charm?

After the introductions, he asked very courteously whether he can hold my hands for a dance. His lavish remarks on my beauty and the ease of my dancing steps, his soft whispers and the gentle touch and his winning smile made my legs weak aware that I had fallen for him head over heels. After a while he took me out to the darker side of the long corridor to hug me and plant his first kiss. Cuddling close to each other, we sat on a cold bench for a long time and expressing our wish to carry forward the friendship further by frequent meetings. A sudden cold breeze swept across and he held me tight. There was some uneasy feeling when he stared at me with his smiling eyes. I didn’t know why but his eyes suddenly reminded me of a viper.

“Why, what happened, Savitha?”he asked anxiously.

“Nothing, the wind is chilly” I replied

“Okay, let us go inside. I will pick you up tomorrow evening from your office for our first date. Be ready” he said.

He was there sharp at 6pm outside my office. We went to a film and then had dinner at a posh restaurent.He behaved with me very gentlemanly.”Would you mind visiting my room before I drop you at your place? We can have some drinks and some cuddling” he asked

“Why not? I do not mind so long as you behave yourself. From what I have seen you so far, you seem to be fine gentleman. I consider myself fortunate to become your friend” I replied

It was a well kept place and things neatly arranged showing Sudhir in bright light.I was happy and said “I am cleanliness freak. I think we have similar taste.”

He wrapped his arm around my waist and drew me close to kiss me. It was the same smile that I saw the previous day. I involuntarily shuddered in fear and drew myself back.

“Why what happened, Savitha? You did this last evening also” he asked

“It is nothing” I said

“No, I don’t believe you.You are scared not without justification. Your inner instincts have warned you correctly. I am an evil man since one year. Have you had a boy friend? Tell me” he said

“Why, I did have a few but nothing clicked .II never got close to anyone. It is only you that I have really fallen for and it is my wish that this stays for a long time. What evil you were talking about?” I asked

“Don’t get scared of what I am about to tell you. I love you and would not harm you. I had a girl friend. We were in deep love with each other and were very intimate. We had plans to get married. I was making all arrangements till I saw her one day betraying me with another man. When pressed she confessed that he was her ex friend and have been having affair on the sly. I lost my cool and in a fit of rage strangled her to death. Her man had run away. Due to lack of adequate evidence I was convicted on some minor account and let off after a short tem in prison. This incident affected me mentally and I have lost faith in women. I befriend young women and when alone with them suddenly the rage in me swells up and I in a fit of madness kill them, may be a way to remove the bitterness in me” he stopped for a while when I interrupted

“Can I go home now, Sudhir.You can tell me the rest later. I am feeling giddy” I said

“Savitha, do not be afraid. I am no psycho. I am changed. No harm will come to you. I love you very much and wish to spend the rest of my life with you” he said even as he embraced me as if to assuage my fears.

It was then I felt a burning sensation in my back. I tried to free myself from his steely grip even as I saw a patch of scarlet on the floor around my feet, warm and sticky.Oh my god, what has happened to me I thought and looked at him.He was smiling at me with the same scary eyes staring like viper. The brightness around me dimmed as I crumpled on the floor.

What did Kokila do?

2011-12-27T04:48:00.006+05:30

Kokila was waiting for more than an hour before the jail door opened. She went to the counter where Sendhil was seated on the other side. The guards were seen at a distance. It was not a bright area. The high walls in faded cream colour and the stale smell with sunlight peeping through grilled doors gave an uncomfortable feeling.

“How are you? You look a little drawn. Are you taking your food properly” asked Kokila.He didn’t answer and was just looking at her.”I asked you some questions. Did you not hear them?” she said a little hurt.

“I do not like this place. I hate the people around. I wish to be back with you in your arms at our home.I will grow mad if I stay here” he said

“I understand. I too wish the same but it is not going to be. You have been convicted for life and the lawyer says even the higher court has not given relief. I do not know whom to approach. Your ‘leader’, really a scoundrel to me, with whom you were associated with much against my wish and for whom you got into trouble is moving around freely in the car while you are languishing here. He had the cheek to come home one day and offer me some money with the suggestion that I can be in great comfort if I live with him. I even suspect he did all this with such a plan in his dirty mind. I threw him out but am always worried. He has his side kicks roaming around the house” Kokila lamented.

Stung by the oblique accusation, he kept silent for a while before he said “Don’t you trust me? I did not kill anybody. I swear upon God. That wily man sent me there even when that victim was stabbed already and his life was ebbing out. There was none there. The dying man asked me for water. I could not turn a deaf ear to the last wish and I went to kitchen to fetch water. Someone must have tipped the police and they arrested me when I could give no reason why I was there with the dead man.The leader denied talking to me at all. I was made a scapegoat.”

“You have repeated this many times. I trust you but what shall I do without you for entire life time?” she cried.

“Will you listen to what I say? Please marry someone who is good and move away from this place before any harm comes to you.” he said

“I hate you for talking like this. Marriage is not like a shirt changed so easily. I would wait for you till my death” she said

But if you stay in the same place, one day he will abduct you. It is not safe to be without a man’s protection” Sendhil said

“Don’t you worry. You know Kumar, my cousin, who is a police constable. He has shifted few months back with his mother adjacent to our house. He has assured that he would ensure my safety. I am working in a private clinic as a help and am out during the day. It is time to leave. I will see you next week. Take care” she replied.

It was more than a year since Sendhil was taken in custody and life for young Kokila was miserable. She had no one having been brought up by some kindly relative. Just 28 and in robust health, she missed her husband much. Kumar came usually on weekends and sometimes in the evenings to cheer her up. Just about the same age, he loved Kokila but had not mentioned to her as she was already in love with Sendhil before her marriage. The frequent visits and her close proximity kindled old emotions. They watched films together in the TV often and she would persuade him to have food with her. He wished for some gesture from her for broaching the subject.

One Sunday when Kumar was with her, she tripped and fell down. Kumar gave his hand but she could not get up. He lifted her bodily with his sinewy arms and carried her to the cot. He sat by her side and massaged the leg where she had hurt herself. She did not stop him. She felt a strange sense of happiness in his firm and caressing touch and the smell of his masculine body set the butterflies in her stomach to flutter. He snuggled closer and asked as if in whisper “Do you feel better, Koki?”

She said “Yes, it is soothing. I feel secure with you around.”

“Don’t you worry? I am always there for you" he said and moved the hair from her forehead. She shivered as he bent closer, clasped both her shoulders strongly by his arms and kissed her gently on her forehead. She didn’t push him away when he brushed his lips with hers. She had goose bumps all over.

“No, no.Please do not tempt me. We may end up doing wrong thing. I am still his wife” she said weakly

“Have you realized he will be there for his life time and cannot come out before you become old? Please marry me. I will take care of you as apple of my eye. Do you know I have loved you for many years? Please say yes.” he gently tried to persuade her.

She wished to scream an yes but remembered her statement to Sendhil a few days back that marriage is not a shirt to be changed so easily.

What did Kokila do? Did she change the shirt in the circumstances she was placed? What would you like her to do?

The true Christmas spirit

2011-12-24T23:11:00.003+05:30

Susan and Mathew made heavy purchases of various gifts, cakes and sweets and toys the whole afternoon and had them bundled in colorful wrappers and put in the rear seat of the car. With both earning good salary, they spend every Christmas a tidy sum towards gifts for their friends. They generally surprise their friends on Christmas Eve.

They decided to start with a friend on the outskirts of city. This would enable them to see the bright lit streets and houses with decorations and shining lights in multi colours.They drove through the various streets slowly seeing happy people and happier children playing around the Christmas tree. They could even see the tables in a few houses with food, cakes and sweets laid on them lavishly. They heard the singing of girls and young men dancing. There was mirth all around.

As they were exiting the busier part of the city through the darker and poorer areas, Mathew saw a man in Santa’s robes signaling them to stop the car. Surprised he stopped the vehicle by his side. He was white in complexion, old in years and looked really like a Santa Claus with his flowing white beard, smiling eyes, merry, and round-bellied. He was bespectacled and complete with his red coat trimmed with white fur and a bag on his shoulders.

“How can I help you? Would you like a lift? But where are your sleigh and the reindeers?” Mathew asked jocularly.

“Thank you. I don’t need a lift. But I was wondering where you are bound for as there are no rich men of your class beyond this point” he said even as he peeped into the car and added “I see you carry lots of gifts like Santa Claus. For whom are they intended?”

Mathew did not appreciate his impertinence in stopping his vehicle and asking him questions that was no concern of his. But the genial manner of the man and his attire softened his anger. He said “I am taking this to distribute these to my friends before night fall. I am in a hurry actually” he said.

“I would not take much of your time. Your friends must be well off like you. Am I right?” he asked

Though irked at his impudence, he politely answered in the affirmative.

“Oh, oh, you seem to have missed the spirit of Christmas and what the Man who died in the cross stood for” he said.

“What do you mean?”asked Mathew in anger.

“Nothing. It is just that Christmas is not merely fun, feast and family that includes friends and relatives. It is not just giving gifts to each other. It means embracing the true Christmas spirit, to reach down within ourselves and be willing to give to the needy. Give ourselves, our time, our love, and our possessions to those who are not as happily placed as ourselves. Giving gifts to such people is no obligation, but a symbol of love. Yonder, a little down on the road you will see the poor in the humble tenements with no light or adequate food or well dressed to protect them from the cold weather. It is the same Christmas for them too but without the merry making and joy” said the old man

For a moment Mathew was speechless. The truth of the words hit him hard and he could see from Susan’s face that she was also affected.

The old man seeing their silence said “The poor people shiver in cold and wallow on the damp floor with hungry stomach. Let your gifts bring cheer and warmth on this special day if you are inclined to agree with me. Do remember that Christmas is a season for hospitality and charity.

“Thank you Sir for opening our eyes. This Christmas will be special. We haven’t bought the blankets. We will presently buy and distribute all these to the poor. Our friends can do without these.” Mathew replied and turned to Susan asking her for approval. She was elated at the suggestion. They both turned to find the old man had vanished just as quickly as he appeared. They were left wondering whether Santa Claus is real as in that long stretch of road no one can disappear that easily.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2011-12-24T06:28:00.005+05:30

A Christmas Blessing
This Christmas
May the blessing of JOY abide WITHIN you...
May the blessing of PEACE rest UPON you...
May the blessing of LOVE flow THROUGH you...

May all the blessings of the Lord be yours at Christmas and in the New Year

Bringing sunshine

2011-12-23T21:44:00.002+05:30

Amrutha Joseph was returning home after buying some grocery. She bought daily for three reasons; one she cannot carry heavy load and another she liked to buy fresh stuff. The third one was she combined her walk with this daily ritual.A smart lady in her 50s she lived alone.

As she was walking leisurely this afternoon from the store, a boy of nine dashed against her. She lost her balance and was about to fall down but managed to regain her posture. The boy who dashed snatched her bag in the melee but alert as Amrutha was, she caught hold of the fleeing boy by his collar. Unable to get free, the boy started crying and pleaded for mercy. Clad in a dirty short and torn shirt that was too big for him with hair that has never seen a cut, he was dirty. She asked him why he snatched.

“My mom and sister haven’t eaten for two days. They are starving. I could not bear to see them die of starvation. I am sorry. What I did was wrong. This is the first time I erred” the boy said amidst sobs.

Meanwhile a few passersby crowded around her and asked what happened and whether the boy did some mischief. She denied and said the boy is known to him. She then dragged the unwilling boy to her home. Once home she asked him to have a wash from the tap in the backyard. She then gave sumptuously whatever was made for lunch.

“You said your mom and sister are starving for two days. Why cannot they work? You also do not appear to be starving from the way you snatched and tried to pull away from my grip. How come?” she asked?

“True they are starving. Mom is sick and sister is younger to me. I come to the roadside stalls and compete with dogs when the customers throw biscuits or bun. They take pity on me and buy some refreshment or give the left over. It is wrong but I cannot bear hunger” he said.

“Okay from tomorrow you come early morning and help me. I will put you in a school. I will give some money too each month for the help you do. You can go home at 6pm daily. You can go now” she said.

Amrutha was happy that she can save the boy from turning a wastrel and a criminal. The boy came sharp at 7am and started helping her in the chores. She had a barber cut his hair and gave him new clothes to wear. She got him admitted in a school nearby. Everything seemed to go well.

On the third day she found some people shouting outside her door. There was a police constable. He asked Amrutha deferentially, this woman has complained that you have kept her son forcibly in confinement and not allowing him to go home.

She got angry and said “What crap is this? The boy leaves for home at 6pm after his supper. Ask him”

When the boy was asked, he said “I am not going home. I leave this house at 6pm and sleep in the market place.”

“Why didn’t you go home as you were told? You never told me the truth. Have you started your old ways again?”Amrutha asked the boy.

“No, ma’m.If I go to home, I will be turned to picking others pockets, stealing or snatching bags as I cannot bear seeing them in hunger. But I have promised you that I would not go back to old ways. That is why I am not going home. I hope when you give me money each month that should help keep their hunger away.I would then go” the boy said amidst sobs.

Amrutha Joseph said ‘You are such a sweet boy. I will give you your wages in advance. Give it to your mom and you also go home along with them.” She was never happier than this day seeing the smile in the boy’s and his mother’s faces.

The church bell rang then loudly as if to say "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

A holdup

2011-12-22T12:30:00.003+05:30

Velu is a school dropout. He lost his father when young. His mother worked at various homes as domestic help. His uncle, mom’s brother, got him inducted for training in several shops-a cycle repair shop, an automobile workshop, an electrical repairing unit and even a plumbing outfit. He would not stick on even for a fortnight and did not like hard work. He fell into bad company, started smoking cigarettes thrown by others, drinking cheap liquors and picking pockets. Uncle gave him up as a lost case but still showered his affection on him. He used to give him some money once a while and plead with him to mend his ways. Uncle had a daughter whom he wished to give in marriage to Velu if he became good and responsible. But it was not to be. Picking pockets in crowded bazaars and snatching bags from unwary old women was easy. He avoided buses for practicing his trade as it was risky with police in plain clothes. But he wanted to make big money and was looking for ways to do it.

After he saw an old Western film where a man robbed a bank brandishing a gun, the idea caught his fancy. He had never gone into a bank till that day and had no idea of its working and where money was kept. He visited a couple of times the local bank that was at the outskirts of his town close to uncle’s house. It was not a crowded branch and around 12 noon there were hardly any. He took a toy gun that resembled like a real one. He had filched this from his uncle’s grandson.

The teller was a plump lady around 45 with thick glasses. There was no one except an old man at the other end.Velu tapped gently with the gun covered by kerchief and showed a paper with words “This is a holdup. Don’t scream. Put the money in bag and give.”

The woman became pale in fear as he moved the gun up and down. She quietly put all the money in the bag as commanded.

“Be quick. Don’t leave anything behind” whispered Velu in gruff tone.

As she was about to hand over the bag to Velu, he heard a loud but familiar voice from behind.”Hey, Velu, what are you doing in the bank? Do you have an account also? I knew you will turn a new leaf”. Velu turned and saw his uncle approaching him. Suddenly he started perspiring when he saw his plan going awry.

When uncle came near and patted him, he saw the gun in the hand.”Hey, what is this? My grandson has been searching for his toy gun ever since you came to our home. Are you having fun threatening the cashier with a fake?”

Immediately there was a loud shriek from the cashier "Save me, it is robbery." The other officials came running and pounced upon Velu.

Velu is doing time in jail and his uncle is frantically looking for a match for his younger daughter.

The moral is never rob a bank near uncle’s home with a stolen toy gun.

A Christmas blessing

2011-12-21T08:27:00.003+05:30

Ambrose was still reclined in the sofa and had no mind to get up and switch on the lights even though it had become dark. He had shut down the TV after seeing for a few minutes, kept aside the novel he was reading and silenced the music system. He lost interest in everything ever since his young wife Sharon passed away two years back. He could see the bright lights in all the houses , the brightly decorated Christmas trees through windows and the shining stars hanging outside. Christmas was just the next day. He remembered how Sharon and himself would spend hours on the Christmas tree adorning it with beautifully wrapped gifts, ribbons and attractive items .The tree still was in one of the rear rooms but he had no mind to have it brought out.

To get out of the stuffiness and the dull head ache he sauntered across the road to the market close by. He was just walking along a shop full of Christmas trees, hanging decorations for the trees Christmas tree lights, ornaments, shiny balls and so much more. There was a little boy of eight or nine year old standing outside the shop peering through the glass at the various things inside. He would move from one end to the other without taking his head away.

“Hey, what are you looking at so intently?” asked Ambrose.

The boy turned immediately and said “I am watching all the things stored inside. Aren’t they beautiful, Mister?”

“Yes, they are. Don’t you have a Christmas tree in your home? What is your name?” Ambrose asked.

“No, we don’t have one. We have become poor after dad passed away two years back. Mom says we cannot afford. Xavier is my name” the boy replied

“I am sorry to hear that. I have a nice Christmas tree with all decorations. I do not need it .I can give you” Ambrose said

Just then he heard a voice from behind.”Xavier, how long are you standing there? Come away. We are returning home.” It was the boy’s mom. She looked about 30 and very strikingly attractive. Ambrose stood bewitched.

“Mom, uncle says he has a spare Christmas tree all done up and that he can give me. Can I take it?" the boy asked pleadingly.

It was then she turned to look at Ambrose whose eyes were already transfixed on her. Ambrose 34 was a handsome man and her heart skipped a beat. But she told “Xavier, we should not accept gifts from strangers. Come here. Let us go.”

Ambrose stepped forward to her and said “We are strangers only till we become known and turn into friends. I have a tree that I would not be using. Let Xavier have it. If you kindly agree I will drop it in my car at your house. I stay opposite to this place.”

When she was hesitating, Ambrose told with finality “Xavier, please tell me where you live? I will bring it within an hour”

Soon the tree was set up in their small but well kept house. Ambrose had tied some gifts in the tree.

He turned to the lady and said “My name is Ambrose. I lost my wife two years back. That is the reason I have no mind to celebrate. Thanks to Xavier I am now drawn into the mood. You haven’t introduced yourself yet”

“I am Sharon. I lost my husband in an accident two years back. I am working in a small job. I am glad to meet a kind hearted gentleman like you. We are sailing in the same boat as I too did not feel the urge to celebrate Christmas though the boy has been pressing. Thanks to you I could feel the Christmas cheer and happier days ahead”

“What a strange coincidence? My wife too was Sharon. Did you say happier days ahead? Yes, we can make them happy. Please accept me as friend initially. I am no longer a stranger” Ambrose said with a big laugh.

She turned coy and her eyes lowered unable to stand the gaze of the man.A love was born on the Christmas Eve.

Rajalakshmi's violin

2011-12-20T12:23:00.004+05:30

Rajalakshmi mami must have been a very beautiful in her younger days. But the pangs of hunger and poverty had left their marks on her shrunken face. But it could not rob even at the age of 70 her natural dignity, smiling eyes and her poise. She lived in one of those several dark potions adjacent to each other at the rear of the narrow house with her husband who was bed ridden. Who else could one blame but the quirk of fate that brought the once rich lawyer and his wife to this abject state? They were rolling in wealth once but some foolish investments, certain wrong decisions and reckless generosity eroded whatever they had. Today they were virtually on dole from a kindly relative. Mami was supplementing her income by teaching violin till a couple of years back before arthritis chose to reside in her. Her dad had taught her violin when she was young from a vidwan of great repute till she had mastered the art to the level of accompanying senior musicians. But the lawyer husband forbade her playing in public and she had to be content teaching her art to the young chits.

Among the many of her wards who had grown big in the field of music, the famous Thirunangur Naryanan is one. He was a poor lad with passion for learning music but had no means to learn from a teacher .Mami took him in her fold and taught him free besides getting a violin for him free during her well- to-do days. The alert boy picked up the nuances of music with alacrity to become in due course a leading violin vidwan.But he had not forgotten his roots and often visited mami and her husband with fruits and new clothes. He knew they had become poor and needed financial support and he was willing to help. But mami’s pride would countenance no such favour having been accustomed to give rather than take. She would accept only the fruits and return the clothes however badly she needed them.Narayanan would return back sad with moist eyes. When the landlord of the portion wanted to increase the rent, Narayanan made a secret deal with him that he would bear the increase without mami being aware.

Mami’s husband became sick with fever. It was more than a week the fever had not subsided. The kindly doctor in the neighbourhood, who treated them free and dispensed free samples he got, wanted them to have certain tests done at a laboratory.Mami had no money or anything to sell save the old violin that her dad bought decades ago. All the other violins that she had acquired, she had disposed off one by one whenever the need arose. This violin she had kept in her puja place alongside the gods. It brought her always happy memories of her younger days when her dad took her to a shop and got her this violin. She had learnt her basics with this instrument. Her husband had grown weak and the need was urgent. She was ready to sell and told the landlord’s wife to let her know whether someone was willing to buy .

The next day a young man came to mami and wished to see the violin.He played on it and was greatly impressed. He offered to buy at whatever price she was willing to sell it for.

Mami said ”I don’t know the price of violin. I would need a thousand rupees for my husband’s treatment. I do not know whether it is worth it.”

“Mami, you are still in thretha yugam.Do you know how much a good violin even for basic model for a beginner costs these days. But this is of superior quality. Thank god, I came as otherwise you would have been cheated. Here is Rs. 10000, please accept it. I have made a good deal” the boy said

“Ada paithyakara (mad man). This has remained unused for several years and not worth even the thousand I had asked for greedily because of want. Give me just that amount and take the violin. I am grateful as your money will enable me to treat my husband” mami said.

“Mami,I have heard about you and how you have been instrumental in bringing out great vidwans.This violin has some sentiment for me that cannot be measured in rupees. I am highly employed and can afford. It may fetch more if sold to a connosieur.Please accept Rs.10000 and bless me” the young man said and fell at her feet.

A month later when mami’s husband had recovered completely, Thirunangur Narayanan visited her. After pleasantries, he said ” Do you remember the young man who bought your violin. He was learning from me. But unfortunately he had to leave for Europe permanently on work. He left the violin with me requesting me to return it to you. He wanted it replaced in the puja space as before.”

“Oh my god, I have spent the money on treatment. How can I return the money” she said with a shock

“Who asked for money? He has left with specific instruction that no money should be taken back” said Narayanan.He did not intentionally mention that the young man was his son.

Mami was speechless with tears flowing from her eyes.

A happy end

2011-12-19T11:33:00.004+05:30

Rajesh looked around anxiously from his car on the pavement outside the Bata store. He could not talk to Ranjitha as she had specifically told him not to give her a ring to her home. He had sent a sms “All arranged at Tiruneermalai temple. The muhurtam will be at 9.30am tomorrow. Please be at the Bata shop at 8.00 am. I will pick you up. Do not bring any jewelry or clothes. I have arranged everything. Cheers “.He hoped that she did not develop cold feet at the last moment. They have been in love for nearly two years and wished to marry. His parents were against it. She did not even broach the subject to her parents for she was sure they will shoot it down without a second thought. They were old fashioned and very conservative and would not countenance her marrying someone from outside their own caste.

He was relieved when he saw her outside the Bata shop in her usual Salwar khameez with a small bag in her hand. As she got into the car, he said“Ranjitha, I am so happy that you are on time. I have bought a gorgeous silk sari with matching blouse. I have also got a mangal sutra along with a few jewels for you. We will have our breakfast on our way and proceed to the temple. My friends would be overseeing the arrangements. After a short and simple ceremony, we will be off for our honeymoon at Mauritius in the evening. Do not be afraid. Everything will pass off smoothly”.

“I am very much afraid, Rajesh. My parents left early morning for some function they told me. It was easy for me to come away as my younger brother had also left with them. I have never done anything till this day without my parent’s knowledge. I cannot imagine that I have run away from my home like this. But I cannot dream of being without you” she said.

After a small breakfast, they changed themselves to the wedding costume. He wore a silk dhoti and a cream colored silk kurta.She looked beautiful in the deep maroon silk sari with heavy zari borders. She had worn the gold chains, gold bangles and diamond stud that Rajesh had bought for her.

As they reached the top of the hill to the temple, they were shell shocked to find Ranjitas parents and her brother all decked in fine clothes.Ranjita expected the worst and feared her dad would explode in rage and do unseemly things. Instead both were smiling and beckoned Ranjita and Rajesh towards them. Is this a lull before the storm, she wondered? She didn’t know how her parents in the first place came to know about their secret plans. Nevertheless both of them fell down to touch their feet.

“Don’t be surprised, Ranju. Your alert brother saw Rajesh’s message coming to your mobile when you were having a shower and instantly showed it to us. We realized that things have gone too far and there was no reason or point to go against your wishes. Rajesh is also an eminent match except that he belonged to another caste. But we decided to overlook it and give you a surprise. We are taking charge of the wedding from now on from your Rajesh and his friends” said her dad.

It was then that Rajesh heard a familiar booming voice calling “Rajesh, congratulations. We have come in time” He turned to look and found his parents and sisters all attired for the occasion. Surprise writ large on his face, Rajesh gave a sheepish grin and a questioning look. His dad said “Sammandhi was kind enough to telephone me last night of your secret escapade and requested us to agree for the alliance. We also wished to join the celebrations when we knew that nothing can stop you from attaining your dream girl” his dad said

The priest said “It is getting late. Let us start” and signaled to the melam to start playing. The two young things were in cloud nine.

First meeting

2011-12-15T16:59:00.003+05:30

Vinita didn’t know how it happened. It all started with a comment in her blog. One reader Satyavan, as he called himself, ripped her post to pieces calling it a flawed one written in haste without deliberation. This set the tone for others to pick holes on her post. Vinita became enraged and answered all points with equal ferocity. But Satyavan did not allow matters to rest there but poured more ridicule that Vinita lost her cool and sleep. So it was a shock when she had a mail later from Satyavan expressing his genuine regret for having been harsh and praising her for her good English and writing skill. When she did not reply, he persisted till she relented. She soon found him to be a well mannered young man from affluent family with a Masters in law. They started chatting and texting daily and soon became close friends. She never liked people in the legal field because her father was one and she has seen how little time he spent with family. But this guy looked different with varied interests that were common with hers. They could talk for hours on the books they read, the films they have seen or music they like. But they haven’t shared their personal details or seen each other. They wished to wait for some more time to meet in person. Though they knew without the other one knowing that they had fallen in love for each other.

Her dad had a roaring practice and had many juniors working under him. His office was always crowded with his assistants and clients till late in the night. Despite his persuading her to take to legal career, she chose management and was working in a big pharmeutical company. She felt that lawyers have no permanent values and would choose to argue any cause depending on the client and the fees involved.

One morning her car did not start however much she tried. She rushed to her father’s chamber to ask for one of his cars when she found his father discussing a case with one of his assistants. He looked tall, handsome, and slightly dusky with his hair falling on his forehead. First time she noticed him as she never came much here. When they were gazing at each other, her dad said “Haven’t you met Shyam? He is one of my brightest assistant and helps me a lot.” Turning to Shyam he said “Meet my daughter Vinita. She is an MBA from Ahmadabad and is in a MNC.She hates law” he said with a guffaw. Then he asked her “What brings you here, my young lady?” He asked Shyam to accompany her and hand over .the keys of the car that had fuel in full.

“Nice to meet you. I wish you had also taken to law. We would have been working together” he said with a mischievous grin.

She smiled back and said before driving away “Thank you. I hope we will have occasions to meet. I am sure you will be attending my birthday party tomorrow in our house. Dad said he would be coming with his team”

That afternoon when Satyavan came online, she said “It is time we meet each other. There is an occasion tomorrow. Please come to my house for my birthday at 6.30pm.It is 335 Chamiers road. My dad’s name is Govind Narayan.”

He said “Oh my god” and kept silent

“Why what happened? Why that exclamation?” she asked

“Nothing. He is a very senior and famous lawyer. Are you his daughter? I never knew you are that highly connected. I am a small fry” he replied.

“How does it matter? Do not fail to come. I wish to meet you and take forward our friendship to the next level. You will have no difficulty in identifying me. Just mention Satyavan when you see me. I can introduce you to my parents. My dad will like you since you are also in the same profession” she said.

It was 630pm.The hall was crowded. Her colleagues, dad’s selected staff, and some relatives were there. There was no trace of Satyavan. She was looking at the main entrance every now and then. It was 6.45pm.Dad said “Let us cut the cake at 7pm” When she saw Shyam smiling at her, she beckoned him and whispered in his ear “I am expecting a close friend of mine, Satyavan by name. Can you kindly go to the gate and find whether anyone is standing there. He hasn’t met me so far and may be hesitant”

He came back and said there was none. Dad asked her to cut the cake.Crestfallen, she managed to wear a smile and cut amidst claps and wishes of Happy Birthday. One by one everyone came near her, wished her and gave presents.. It was then Shyam turn and he came near her with a big packet and a bouquet and said “Happy Birthday. I hope your friend made it.”

She said in a dejected tone “No, he failed me. Any way thanks for the gift”

“No, he hasn’t failed you. Please look at your gift”Shyam said

When she saw the gift and the word Satyavan written on it, her eyes sparkled like 1000 watt bulb and asked “Who gave this to you/”

“Why would anybody give my gift to me?”he smiled at her

Forgetting that she was amidst a crowd and the centre of attraction she shrieked”Satyavan,I am so happy”All heads with eyebrows raised turned towards her.

Biding his time

2011-12-13T21:25:00.002+05:30

At 70 with his wife long dead, life held no charm. He had taken to liquor to drown his sorrow. As drunken men are wont to he came home sometimes in inebriated condition blabbering and making a nuisance of himself. Otherwise he was a quiet man spending time in the local free library or in the park watching children play. But his daughter-in-law taunted him much and hurt him always with barbs of insult saying he was a worthless burden. She did not permit the grandchildren to come near him. The only saving grace was his son being considerate to him but he was afraid of the termagant. When she was within his earshot, he would raise his voice and tell his dad with a wink”Can you not keep your room clean?” and inserting under his pillow at the same time a packet of orange candies that the old man loved. That reprimand would keep the woman happy but it was the son’s affection that kept the old man put up with all indignities.

But things went too far this afternoon when he broke a glass vase by mistake. She raised a hell and in anger asked him to leave the home if he had some shame left in him. He didn’t know where to go and what to do. He wished to put an end to his life as there was no purpose in prolonging it. The only way that he knew which many others have done before is to jump over the railings from the bridge across the wide river. He had no guts. He drank a whole bottle of the heady liquor. It was dusk and the sun was setting fast. There were not many walking .Cars were whizzing past in speed. He could see a couple of men sitting in a bench a little yonder. As he neared the railing in the middle of the long bridge, he saw a young girl of around twenty standing already there. She was craning her neck to see the river down below. The old man sensed that things were not all right with the girl. He hurried towards her. He could see that she was not happy about his intrusion.

He forgot what for he was there. His mind was occupied fully with the girl.”Hey, what are you doing? Why do you lean on the railing so dangerously. The water is swirling in current and it is deep there” he said with a concern.

She did not answer and instead she started sobbing.”What is bothering you, young lady?”Why do you cry? Whatever you plan to do is not the right way. Tell me your problem. May be I can help you” he said softly.

Sorry Uncle. The only way you can help is not to stop me from putting an end to my life. Please leave me alone and go your way” she pleaded.

“No, I have no such intention of leaving you in this miserable state. Come with me and tell me your problem. Taking one’s life is an extreme step that cannot be reversed. Please be sensible” he persuaded her.

The girl instead of responding suddenly lunged forward towards the railing. The old man reacted with alacrity and caught her by her shoulders and pulled her away from the railing. The girl immediately raised her voice and shouted “Save me, save me.”

The two men who were sitting a little away came rushing and caught hold of the old man and started assaulting him. The old man pleaded”This woman was about to jump into the river. She told me that she was ending her life. I saved her from jumping.”

“It is a lie. He made some indecent proposal seeing me alone. I asked him to go away. When rebuffed, he tried to misbehave with me” she accused him

“Yes, we were watching from a distance. Although an old fellow, he was troubling her for some time” said one of the men.

“Oh my god, she is young to be my granddaughter. She is lying I do not know for what reason. Believe me, I have my son and grandchildren” wailed the old man

“Okay, how much money do you have in your pocket?”one of the two men asked

“May be three or four hundred” the old man replied

They felt his packet and ferreted out six hundred and odd rupees. They retained two hundred and gave the balance to the woman telling her “Take this. He is an old man. Let him go this time” She quietly pocketed the money and started walking along with the men.

The old man knew he was conned. As he entered the house he heard the termagant shouting at the top of her voice “Where has that old nuisance gone? Does he think this is a choultry open for him to come and go as he pleases? It is my bad luck to be stuck with such a burden”

The old man quietly tiptoed to his room biding for another favourable time.

Behind the façade of ugliness

2011-12-11T14:16:00.003+05:30

I was in the market with my young daughter of seven years old. I had just finished buying some groceries and cakes and chocolates from a bakery. The evening was pleasant and there was a gentle breeze. My daughter wished to sit near the fountain outside the store and watch the falling water. I moved towards a bench where a young boy was sitting already. But as I went near, my appraising eyes found him to be dirty with torn knickers and oversized T shirt. His hair on the head was unkempt having seen no wash for days together. He was bare legged with dirt and grime on his legs. As my daughter rushed towards the bench, I called her back and said “Let us sit in the other bench”

“Why mom? I would like to sit here. There is a boy there” she asked innocently.

Without elaborating I simply commanded her to come to the adjacent bench where I sat down. She turned and looked at the disappointed boy before coming to me with a crestfallen face. She did not speak to me for a while but kept turning often to look at the boy. The boy smiled back with his eyes sparkling in joy.

“What is wrong if we sit by his side? Is it because he is poor? I don’t understand you” she said in a tone tinged with sadness and anger.

“He is dirty and grimy. Look at his matted hair. He has never had wash for months, it seems. I do not want you to be near him”

She sat grumpily by my side and did not look at the fountain that she longed to see. Her face turned towards the boy frequently. The boy stood up suddenly and pulled out something from his pocket. I looked at him sideways. It was a wrist band, a friendship band, one that he got from somewhere with Raksha Bandhan ahead in a few days. He dangled it before her with a childlike smile that was inviting. My girl stood up and begged me to let her go and have the band.

It was then in a blinding flash of realization that I became aware of how peevish I have been and failing to see a beautiful child in that grubby outfit. I could no longer see the filth in his hair or dress. His smile looked angelic to me. I remonstrated myself at my superciliousness. I told my daughter to her great surprise “Why not? Go to him and have the band tied around your wrist”

She jumped in joy and was in the next moment with him. The boy gingerly tied the band without touching her with both of them watching me carefully. I told my daughter “Give him your hand and a warm shake and bring him here to me”. They both came to me running with their hands held together. I could see the happiness writ large on their faces. They then around the circular fountain

I handed her a packet of chocolates asking her to give him. The ugly boy no longer seemed so and I could see the beauty that was not initially visible. A guileless warm boy from humble circumstances spread cheer round him. Soon I was lost in thoughts of my younger days in a large family with my parents struggling always to make both ends meet. Life is often like that. Where we are born or how we are born is God’s gift to us. We may be born in a rich or poor family or possess a charming or ugly face but these are things over which we have little control. But being like that little boy exuding warmth of spirit and joy despite the poor circumstances is within our reach. There was no trace of envy in the urchin’s eyes save the stoical reconciliation to his destiny. My girl too taught me a big lesson that day that real beauty lies not in outward apparel or appearance but one has to look deeper to see the inner beauty. A lame man guiding a blind across the road is far more acceptable than a well attired dude driving the car and hooting at the slow pedestrians in sheer petulance. If we care to linger and see, we can perceive behind the façade of seeming ugliness, an inner beauty of rare charm.

Christmas spirit

2011-12-04T14:25:00.002+05:30

Anita Sebastian was watching her husband children decorating the Christmas tree. They were weaving strings of light along the branches. Her daughter Priya was sitting around the multi coloured glass baubles and glass ornaments waiting for her dad and brothers to ask when they needed them. They had both a large star and a beautiful angel but were still undecided which one to put on the top of the tree. There was laughter, loud cackle and mirth amongst them. They were seen inviting Anita now and then to join them in the fun. But she was in no mood. She sat in the sofa a little yonder vacantly looking at their direction. There was a dull head ache and listlessness. She made tea for all and brought a plateful of cookies for the children and hubby. The tea didn’t help her much.

She had been the previous day afternoon to the next building complex. It was a smaller one with mostly single bed roomed flats. She had met Mrs. Christine many times at the church a year or two back and not seen thereafter. She is old and walked with the aid of walker. The pastor was making enquiries of her and in passing mentioned that she was leading a lonely life on her meager pension. The flat it appeared was owned by her and she has a son who stayed abroad. He married someone there and got children. In the initial days he used to come alone once in two years and always promised his mom to bring his wife and children for the Christmas the next year. This never happened. In the last few years there has been no news about him, whether alive or dead. Christine had sought pastor’s help to contact him but could give no details of the country or place where her son lived. Pastor was mentioning that the lady frail in health and poor in vision was holding on to her life with the hope and dream of seeing her grand children at least once during Christmas. Anita learnt that pastor had kindly arranged for a reliable young maid to take care of the old Woman.

“You are so close to her. Why don’t you add some joy to her dull life by meeting her once a while? She would much appreciate it. I am sure Lord would bless you for your compassion” the pastor gently suggested to her.

It was this request from the priest that took her to Christine’s apartment. The maid took her to the room where she was reclining in an easy chair. She looked at Anita hard when she introduced herself asking her to bring her face closer. She broke into a gentle smile when she recognized her and said “Aren’t you the charming lady who lives close by. I remember meeting you at the church and also have heard you playing piano and singing in choirs.”

“Yes, aunty.I should have come to see you long back and also be visiting you regularly. I am in default. Pastor was suggesting that I meet you. Here are some cookies I made at home. Children are at home having holidays for Christmas” Anita said

“Won’t you bring them too next time? I am actually waiting for my grandchildren to come. My son has promised to bring them for Christmas and I have even kept some gifts ready for them. I wish to have fun with them at least on one Christmas” she said

Anita saw in a corner some loosely bundled packets in gift wrapper with lot of dust piled on them.

When Anita saw her face turn sad at the mention of grand children, she held her hands gently and said “Please do not worry. I hope they are able to make it this year. I will pray to Lord that they come.” She knew inwardly it was not to happen but had not heart to tell her. She left soon after exchanging some pleasantries with a promise to return.

It was this unhappy revelation that sat heavy in her heart ever since she met the old woman and it was brought to sharp focus when Anita saw her children enjoying the Christmas spirit with their dad setting up the tree. She could not wrench her thoughts away from the woman easily to join the fun with kids

Sebastian who has been watching her with sideward glances came by her side. He gently wrapped his arm around her and pushed her hair backward from the forehead.”Do not worry, honey. We will do something for Mrs.Christine.We will go to mall and get her some nice gifts and cakes too.” Her mood lightened when she joined the children and placed a Santa Claus figure on the top of tree and later went to the mall.

It was Christmas Eve. The whole house was brightly lit. Final touches were made to the tree with extra colored shells, some apples and pine cones. Sebastian was not seen. They were planning to visit the church for the mid night Mass. The dining table was full of various fruits, pastries and chocolates. Children were humming hymns and carols. The mood was upbeat.

It was then she heard Sebastian’s car pull up. She opened the door to see Sebastian gently escorting a beaming Mrs. Christine into the house.”Anita, Christmas is an occasion for family reunion. Mrs. Christine will be with us for two days and enjoy the company of grand children and an affectionate daughter”he said with a hearty smile. Anita rushed towards the old lady to fall into her extended arms.

3

2011-12-02T10:24:00.003+05:30

Govind was watching TV after a Sunday breakfast when the telephone rang.

“Hello:

“Today 3.00 pm is time fixed for you. Be ready. I know this is unexpected and you would be least prepared. Meanwhile reflect on all the good and bad that you have done in this life. When we come to meet you, this may come in handy.’’

“Hello, hello, who is this? Whoever you are, I am not free at 3.00.What do you want from me? Why are you coming to see me?”

“We have told you that your time is fixed and we have no power to alter it even by a second. Consider you are lucky you are informed in advance. For most we barge in without notice. Don’t be worried. People will talk of you nicely after this. You can inform your near and dear ones to be with you on this occasion” the weird voice said. The line was disconnected.

Govind started perspiring even in the AC room. “What does he mean my team is up? Is it my end? Who is he anyway? I haven’t heard of Yama’s messengers informing over phone. Could it be a prank?” he thought.

He told his wife and children. They too were shaken. She called her brothers and sisters to convey about the mysterious call. Likewise Govind’s siblings were also duly informed. One of them brought a doctor along with emergency kit ready.

They all felt it must be some prank but had a lurking fear of the worst scenario.Govind was in good health except that he was obese and had high blood pressure..His parents had heart ailments. He was 49, a vulnerable age. Only a week back one neighbour passed away when doing a work out.

Somehow the news trickled to office colleagues. A few of them had come with bouquets to assure him that nothing would happen but inwardly not wanting to miss seeing him before any untoward thing happened. The doctor was checking his pressure every now and then. In the anxiety it shot up.

Someone started a bhajan invoking the blessings of God to ward of the danger.

One of his sisters said ”Govind likes onion bajji.Can someone go and get it from Venkateswara boli stall?”He was forced to eat one much against his wishes. The moments became tense as the hands of clock touched 2.30pm.The prayer became feverish and loud pitched. Even neighbours swarmed the house and craned their necks through doors and windows to get a glimpse of Govind before his final moment arrived and saw the doctor feeling his pulse and reading his pressure.

The clock showed 2.45pm.His wife rushed from kitchen with a glass of horlicks.Govind was perspiring heavily and grinned sheepishly at the attention paid to him. As he was sipping, he saw everyone’s eyes fixed at the clock. Suddenly he felt giddy.

The clock struck 2.55pm.There was high expectancy accompanied with worry.

Then they heard a booming voice,”Saar, Saar’ from the verandah.”We have come from UTV as informed already. Are you ready? Oh my god, you have gathered so much crowd” said the TV assistant and asked the boys to bring the equipments inside.

Someone asked him what this was all about. He said “We informed over phone that Sir’s time is fixed for 3.00.We will have a short interview with him on his life in the earlier days and how it has changed in the present times and what needs to be done. This is for a new programme entitled. Your days –past and present. Is he ready? We can start it right away as we have another appointment at 4.00PM.

There were loud peals of laughter everywhere. Govind sat up abruptly. His son brought him a well pressed shirt to wear. Someone combed his hair while another snatched the bajji from his plate. The lights started glowing brightly and the camera came alive for Govind’s 15 minutes of fame.

Raju’s benefactor

2011-12-01T16:00:00.003+05:30

It was drizzling outside. There were not many in that small bank in the outskirts of the city.Raju had just withdrawn a heavy sum for some function in his house. He suddenly felt a sharp nudge of cold steel on his back. He heard a rough voice”Don’t panic. Hand over the money quietly. There is a reason”

Raju turned to see a coarse looking man with a big mustache and a deep scar on his face. There was a faint familiarity in his face. He looked like any sidekick of the villain in the movies with shaven head and a red scarf around his neck. Raju perspired heavily in fear. The few staff in the bank behind the glass partitions did not notice them.

Raju said “I am a poor man. I have withdrawn this money for my daughter’s wedding preparation. Please spare me.”

“Don’t fear. I have not come to harm you as you think. Your money would be safe if you give it to me” he said

Raju asked “How come? I need this money immediately for my use. Please spare me, I beg of you.”

“There are two men outside waiting on their motorbike to snatch this from you. When I saw you, I decided to save it for you. I will give it back after they are gone.” he said

Confused and still shaking in fear Raju asked “How can I be sure that you would return this money? Why are you considerate to me? I have never met you. Please allow me to go.”

“Okay, if you do not trust me, deposit the money back in the bank before they pull down the shutters. Do it fast. I cannot remain here for long. One of them waiting outside may come in here to see what is happening. I will tell you why I am being kind to you after you have deposited the money back “ he said hurriedly

Raju without loss of time quickly credited the amount back in the bank much to the amusement of the bank cashier..

The man said “You may not remember me. About six months back on a lonely stretch I way laid you and asked you to hand over whatever money you had on you. You had just a few rupees and a watch. As you were handing over the money, a police patrol car suddenly screeched to a halt by our side. Seeing you in your clean attire and me in my rowdy appearance, the police asked you whether there was any problem. You told them’None.we know each other and are exchanging pleasantries’ and they sped away.”

“I could not forget the help you did that day. You could have simply handed me over to them. Probably you took pity on my poor condition. When my buddies and I decided to rob, I was sent inside to keep watch. When I saw you, I wished to do you a good turn. Let me hurry before they become suspicious” he said and vanished

Raju stood there dumbfounded at the thought that even vile persons have a streak of gratitude in them and that it is not the possession of only the virtuous.

55 word fiction

2011-11-26T07:34:00.003+05:30

1) Impatience
“Daddy, here is the report card”
All Cs and couple of Ds with ‘Very poor’ remark
“You bring shame, you fool” said dad and slapped the boy
“That is brother’s. He didn’t attend school. Here is mine” said sobbing boy
All A plus with one A
Daddy shrank in shame as he hugged the boy
2) Double standard
“I am bored stiff. Let us go to casino and have fun” prodded Sunita
“I am in no mood. Let us watch TV” replied hubby
“No, we are going”
“Mommy, let me come. Me too bored” said her small daughter
“No, play with nanny”
“She doesn’t. She talks on mobile”
“Then watch Tom and Jerry”
3) Vanity
The girl in tatters swiped the car clean at the signal.
He dropped a rupee coin in her hand.
“Daddy, you paid ten rupees for the gateman at the restaurant”
“He opened the door”
“He did his duty. This girl voluntarily cleaned the car, daddy” said the girl
“Shut up Be your age” snapped daddy
4) Surprise
It was the third day after marriage.
Her dinner was a total failure again.
She trembled as hubby said “Drop everything. You are going out. Get ready as I bring the car”
Crest fallen she feared the worst as she sat in the car.
He drove silently and stopped the car before Pizza hut
5) Reality
The baby looked at her mom crying
Mommy was forcibly feeding something through a device.
“Don’t cry” said the cute baby. She didn’t hear
“Mommy, my stomach is burning. Please stop feeding”
Deaf must be mommy but tears rolled faster
“I love you mommy” said the baby girl as she closed her eyes permanently.

Archana's accomplice

2011-11-07T10:28:00.006+05:30

Archana was addicted to the computer. At 35 without children and husband by her side, it was a humdrum life for her. There was little joy in her life what with a husband like Arul, an obese no gooder, she had married by mistake. She was wealthy and a rebel and years ago fell for his smooth talk and bold advances. She never bothered about the admonitions from her old daddy and went ahead marrying him. She soon realized her mistake. He was a drunkard and was after easy money. He was also a poor lover and gave her no joy. Since he was troubling her daily for money, she drove him out but paid monthly some amount for his upkeep. But he was still pestering her with his demands. She spent her time in facebook, Orkut and a few other social sites and befriended young men and chatted with them endlessly. Some she met and with some she dated. While she enjoyed these, she was on the lookout for one reliable guy easily amenable to her wishes.

She found this young man Virat in the chat room repeatedly pinging her and wanting to chat with her.. There was certain warmth and forced intimacy in his words. A single, he said, he was unattached. Her age did not matter, he said, as he preferred slightly older women. Any particular reason, she asked to which he said they loved better. She did not easily agree to date him but when he persisted for an early meeting she was tempted to give him her number. His voice was masculine and so mesmerizing that she did not want the call to ever end.They agreed to meet at a restaurant. In person too he was captivating. After the pleasantries, she asked him how he took special interest in her in the chat room and whether he had heard of or knew her earlier. He shrugged his shoulders and smiled. After the dinner she took him home and she had a wonderful night with him. She knew in the morning he had fallen for her hook line and sinker. He continued to stay with her giving her pleasant time and gradually won her complete confidence. She confided in him how her life had been ruined and this was the first time ever she is experiencing the joy of masculine company in full. She told him how Arul without agreeing for divorce was taking advantage of her and how she keenly desired that this nuisance is put to a permanent end.

“Will you do this favour for me? I shall reward you amply in several ways” she tempted him with a mischievous wink.

“I would do anything for you, my sweet pie. But let us go out now to a posh restaurant in your finest dress and all bedecked with dazzling jewelry” Virat replied

“Surely, I will get ready in a few minutes But tell me when will you finish him off” she asked

“Tomorrow morning I will look into this the first thing. But right now I will choose what jewels my darling will wear tonight for our dinner outing” he said as he gave her a peck on her cheeks.

She then opened her Almirah and took out all the boxes of jewels and laid them before him. There were so many different kinds of jewelry in gold and diamond, various types of necklaces, unique pendants, classic earrings, celebrity-inspired jewelry, exquisite pearl sets and many more. It must be worth a life time fortune. She told him “Select what you want me to wear before I come back after change of dress”

When she came out in her beautiful dress fresh after a shower, he showed her the jewelry he had chosen for the night. He pushed the boxes away and said as he pulled her to the bed “Let us have some real fun before we go out for dinner, you seductress” When she was happily enjoying his warm embrace with her eyes closed after the passionate encounter, she failed to see the nylon rope he put around her neck. She became limp after some struggle. He collected all the jewels and left the place quietly locking the door by closing and leaving no trace of his presence.

“Virat,I am pleased that you accomplished the job given to you perfectly. With her dad dead and with no kids, I would get all her wealth and become rich. Here is the promised money in the envelope. But we must celebrate this successful completion of the job. Just one second’ Arul said as he went in to fetch two glasses of champagne.Virat with a fortune already in his house was in high spirit as he pocketed the envelope. After clinking the glasses, he gulped it in one go. He never got up as he slumped on the floor. Arul had a hearty laugh unaware that Virat had left on Archana’s bed his mobile that linked him to Arul.

Mohan’s gift

2011-11-04T08:21:00.002+05:30

It was her birthday.Anjaly’s mom pressed her to visit the temple and offer her prayers. She hurried back from office, had a shower and left for the temple to much relief of her mom. She bought a big bundle of flowers and a garland of basil (Tulsi).It was a small temple with Kothandaramar as the principal deity. She went to the main sanctum and could not find the priest. She prayed silently with closed eyes for a few minutes. Then as she took a step backwards, she collided with someone and the flowers fell from her hand on the ground. It was a young man who said sorry many times. As she bent to retrieve the flowers, he also bent for same purpose with their heads now colliding. She stared at him in anger and when she saw the confused face of the handsome guy, she suddenly broke into laughter with him joining her.

“I am Mohan. Please keep aside these flowers. I will right away get fresh flowers” he said

“No need. I can get them myself. It was not your fault” she replied

But without waiting for another moment he rushed out only to be back with larger bundle of flowers and Tulsi.When she opened her purse he stopped her by touching her hand on an impulse.”It is for God. It does not matter who spends. Probably you missed it .I said I am Mohan” he said

“Sorry,I am Anjaly.Thanks a bunch” she said. He seemed a pleasant guy and an engaging conversationalist. He came walking with her till her house. She learnt that he worked in another city and that he had come on a month’s leave to his parents place. Much to mom’s surprise her visits to the temple became more frequent and the friendship with Mohan correspondingly grew into deep love. They met daily till he left and thereafter wrote to each other. She was thrilled but knew that it would be difficult to get her parents agree to this. She hailed from an affluent family of a different caste. Mohan was also not highly qualified and had an ordinary position.

She broached the subject to her mom who conveyed it to her dad. As expected he hit the roof and would have none of it. He searched vigorously for a good match till he found a highly qualified well employed young man. He was also a charming person coming from an equally rich background. There was no single reason for her to protest except profess her love for Mohan. Brushing aside all her tantrums and objections, her dominating dad went ahead finalizing the arrangements. Mohan suggested that they elope to which Anjaly was not agreeable. He swore that he would not allow her to get married to someone else and that he would meet her dad to inform that they would go ahead and marry in a temple come what may. She dissuaded him saying harm will come to him as her dad had political connections and was a toughie. She pleaded with him to forget her saying she had no nerve to go against her parent’s wishes knowing well her father’s nature. But he was not convinced and accused her of ditching him for a better person. She stopped meeting him. She did not extend an invitation for the wedding fearing he may create a scene in his frustration. Luckily the marriage passed off smoothly.

With the honeymoon over after the wedding, Anjaly had settled down in her new apartment. Life was good though the painful thoughts of Mohan often visited her. She tried her best to forget him though she was grateful he never did anything to scuttle her marriage in anger and disappointment. She knew he was a bit emotional and impulsive. It was 6pm. She was reading a daily in her living room when she heard the door bell. When she saw through the window, she was shocked to find Mohan standing.He also saw her and smiled. She was alone in the house and did not want to open the door and let him in. Why had he come, was he up to some mischief she wondered.

“Mohan, no one at home. I am alone. Please do not mistake me for not inviting you in. My husband is expected any time. Tell me what brought you here” Anjaly said

“It is okay. I could not attend your marriage to wish you well. I just wanted to convey my good wishes and give a small gift. Please take this” he said as he gave her a small packet wrapped in colourful gift wrapper.”I will not trouble you any more” he said and left hurriedly.

With beads of perspiration trickling from her face, she opened the packet (if you expected a big Blam you are mistaken).It contained all the love letters she had written him neatly folded with a small note on the top.”I will always love you, Anj. You can sleep in peace from now on wards. I wish you well, Mohan”..She could not suppress her tears when she thought of his consideration for her well being and his gentle ways.

A story for Halloween day

2011-11-01T12:24:00.002+05:30

I had recently shifted to this multi storied apartment complex. My apartment was bright with lots of sunshine in the mornings and had a great view of the road and the green golf grounds across. My wife who was with her parents on a short trip is expected to join me soon. She would love this place as it had a gym, an open swimming pool with a colourful fountain by its side .There was a small store selling milk, bread and other essential things that one would need to buy urgently. There was only one thing that bothered me. The apartment just opposite mine was not occupied. I have heard that it has been lying vacant for long.

When I opened my door to receive pizza from the delivery guy, I found the door of the opposite apartment ajar and the hall brightly lit. I heard some music mingled with some conversation. May be the TV was on. It was then I saw a middle aged man in a loose trouser and a check shirt coming towards the door. He smiled at me that was bizarre with rather well aligned big teeth and said hello. When I responded with a smile and a hello, he said “I am Santosh.Would you mind joining me for a glass of beer?”

Surprised I replied “I am Guna.Give me a minute. I will be with you.” I had a quick wash, dabbed some perfume and changed the shirt to a casual T shirt. He welcomed me and indicated the cozy sofa for me to sit down.

“New here? he asked and added ”Nice complex with beautiful setting. I am sure you like it”

Yes, I like the ambience. You too new, I believe. I saw your apartment closed” I said

“No, I am an old resident. True it remained closed for a while. I am living alone here and generally busy with my interests” he said

“Oh, I see. I remember the real estate people who showed me my apartment had mentioned that yours were vacant for long” I said. He did not answer.

“Give me a few minutes. I will get the glasses and the drink” he said and disappeared towards kitchen.

The air was stale and a putrid smell was emanating. I was about to sneeze and I looked for my handkerchief in my pockets. I stifled the sneeze with my fingers on my nose when I found I had left my hanky in the house. He suddenly appeared with some tissues in hand and said ”Help yourself. Give me a few minutes more” he said as he went away. The tissues were ice cold. I wondered how he knew that I was about to sneeze and my searching for hanky in my pockets when he was away at the kitchen. May be I had let out a stifled sound for his sharp ears to catch.

In a while he came out with two tall glasses and a bottle of possibly red wine. I remembered that he had mentioned beer earlier.

As he set the glasses on the centre table and poured the red drink, the smell of a rancid stuff assailed my nose triggering a feeling of throwing up. I looked up at him to see his big white teeth in what was his face, a dark hollow when he smiled. It was a scary and grotesque sight to watch the lean man laughing with his loose attire.

“Have this drink once and you would forever be like me yearning for it” he said

As the fear and uneasiness arose from the pit of my stomach, I made a hasty exit, leaving my mobile behind by mistake, to my apartment that I had not luckily locked. I was perspiring in fear and drenched in sweat. I rang for the security to rush immediately. I opened the door only after the two security men assured twice that they were from security.

I narrated the fearful incident. When we looked at the door, it was closed. They pressed the bell with no response. When I insisted what I had witnessed, they said “No one is living here for years. It remains locked. No one has ever come to this to our knowledge. There is an alarm system that would alert us if the doors are forced. I am sorry, sir, you are imagining” he said

“You cannot dismiss my complaint like that. Please open the door. I had left behind my mobile in my haste to get out.

When they opened the door with a master key, it was full of dust and cobwebs with no indication that it was ever occupied. When I mentioned about the wine,they saw no glasses and when the security opened the fridge it was empty and disconnected. They looked at me with strange expression when I told them about the missing mobile. It was not on the centre table where I had left it and again there was a worried look when one of the security shouted ‘it is here”. It was In the waste paper basket along with clean tissue . There was now a confused look in their faces.

Parrot talk

2011-10-28T20:46:00.004+05:30

Shankar had just returned after a week’s tour. The wretched job took him away for almost 20 days in a month. His wife Menaka was away at the market and had left the keys with the neighbor. It was hot and the fan did not give any relief. He reclined on an easy chair with a bottle of chilled coke. He never liked being away from his young wife for so many days but his marketing job required his constant touring.

He suddenly heard the parrot talking, ‘’Sweetie, come closer”. He could not believe his ears when he heard for second time for he had never heard the parrot speak such words. He went near and said “Hello, Ranga” .It repeated clearly “Sweetie, come near”. He was utterly confused and asked the bird to repeat .To his horror it said “Close the door”. This repetition went for a while till the bird refused to talk by remaining silent. In his rage he shook the cage violently till the bird screeched in fear. His mind started imagining all sorts of scenarios and he perspired a lot. Where she is and what does she do in his absence, he was wondering. He decided to find out if there is any secret liaison going on with someone in his absence. She is so guileless and utterly simple that he could not associate any treachery with her. But the parrot does not lie. It repeats what it hears.

He heard the three wheeler outside.Menaka came inside with several bags in her hands and smiled at him.”When did you come? Did I keep you waiting for long? Just a couple of minutes .I will make coffee for you” she said with a bright smile in her face.

"I don’t need coffee. Come here. I wish to ask you some questions. I don’t really know what is happening in our house in my absence. I want a truthful answer from you” Shankar said in a serious tone.

Bewildered at his strange behavior, she said “What are you talking about? I cannot make out what you are alluding at. Are you well? Is anything bothering you? Please tell me.”

“Yes, lots of things are bothering me. Come and listen to the parrot” he said as he dragged her towards the bird.

“As soon as they approached the cage it blurted “Sweetie, come close” again and again. After a while it said “Close the door”. Shankar turned to her and asked “What is all this nonsense of Sweetie coming close and closing the door. Who is calling you Sweetie? I have never spoken to you like that. Why close the door?”. He would not stop and shook her shoulders hard with his hands and asked her “Tell me the truth whatever it is”

On hearing this wild accusation, Menaka broke into an uncontrollable laughter with tears coming out of her eyes.

“What is there to laugh about? Do not avoid the question by this laugh act” he shouted.

She asked him to wait for a few seconds and ran out of the apartment to fetch a five year old boy from the adjacent flat.”Arjun, talk to the parrot. Uncle wants to see how the parrot talks” she said to the young boy.

The boy ran near the parrot and said “Sweetie, come close” only to be answered back by the bird with same words.

Shankar felt foolish but still asked “What about the door:

Menaka asked Arjun “Tell uncle what aunty asks you to do after you enter the house”

“You always say close the door and never leave it open” the boy replied

Menaka looked seriously at Shankar with derision and said “You have gone down in my esteem by several notches. I never knew that you so hastily jump to absurd conclusions. It shows how little trust you have in your partner. Do I ever doubt your integrity when you are away for three weeks in a month? Do remember that relationships are killed by suspicion.”She rushed out of the hall into the bedroom breaking into uncontainable sobs.

The last thing heard from Shankar’s house was that he had given away the parrot to Arjun.

I found the shelter and food

2011-10-27T05:59:00.003+05:30

! sank down on my knees in the dock I was standing when the foreman of the jury said ‘found guilty of murder’ The rest about the judge condemning me to life imprisonment is all bizarre except the wicked smile on the face of the accuser when I was led out of court room by policemen. I will just narrate what happened on that fateful evening for you to decide for yourself on my innocence or otherwise.

I was new to that city where I came in search of a job just the day before. I needed a place to stay and a job for my food. I walked in and out of many doors of business establishments with little luck till I found rest to my tired limbs on a bench in a park. I found a middle aged man sitting with a morose face and muttering to himself. I could see he was tormented by some worry.

Though I was in no better condition; I tried to bring cheer by saying “The day is beautiful and the sun is setting in its crimson glory. Cheer up, my friend, and lighten your heart by sharing with me what is bothering you”

“I lost my wife two days back and her memories keep oppressing me” he said

"I am extremely sorry. Was she ailing?” I asked

"No, she died of an accident. I will tell you more. Can you come with me to my house on the other side of the road? I need your small help” he replied

It was a large house with a portico. He took me inside through a large hall that was dimly lit. I was seated in a chair by the small dining table. He brought from the fridge a small can of coke. He said “I need your help in carrying that large box to my car. It is too heavy for me. I have to deliver it today. I will get the car to the portico. I will be back in a shortwhile.Please make yourself comfortable” he said before he left to bring the car.

The air was stale and some weird smell assailed my nose. The dining area was also dimly lit.I was not comfortable with the thought of being alone in an unknown house of a stranger. My throat was dry. I sipped the coke. As I moved my leg,I found something sticky under my shoes. I bent down to notice thick blood leaving a trail to the box. I moved gingerly towards it and opened the lid.Lo, there was a body of a young woman with several stab wounds and a knife sticking out. She must have been dead. I closed the lid immediately and returned to the same chair.

I wished to run away from the scene when I heard the car drawing to a halt in the portico. The man straddled in and said “Sorry for keeping you waiting”

I asked “You said your wife met with an accident. Was she run over by vehicle or had a big fall? How did she die?”

His face suddenly became red with anger. His eyes bulged out as he shouted “Why do you ask such a question?”

"Nothing. You said it was an accident. So I wished to know how” I replied calmly though shaken by his sudden rage.

“Did you open the box? I see your slimy trail of blood towards the box. Answer yes or no. Still you ask me whether she was run over or had a fall. I will kill you if you do not tell me the truth” he shouted like a mad man.

I looked around to find a way to escape .Luckily the door was ajar. I made a quick bolt to the door and ran as fast as legs could carry with the angry man in hot pursuit. My heart was pounding with fear and my knees became weak. Lucky I thought when I ran into the arms of the two policemen standing a little yonder.

The fact that I trespassed into a private building (he denied having invited me or met in the park), the blood in the sole of my shoe, the trail left near the box and my finger prints on the box and on the furniture did me in to conclude that I stabbed her for money and concealed it by putting her in a box in the absence of her husband away on work. It was a cruel murder by a cunning husband foisted on me whose only foolishness lay in unwittingly trying to help a stranger but it was an iron-clad case to the police against me with no extenuating circumstance or alibi.

It is a mean irony that I have now found the shelter and the food I was looking for.

The mysterious caller

2011-10-23T11:08:00.002+05:30

Anasuya was having tea with her friend Sujata and chatting as they do almost daily. The latter, a friendly lady, lived in the opposite apartment. Anasuya had started living in this place since six months after her marriage with Akhil.She had not taken up a job since coming to the city busy as she was with a long honeymoon and settling down in a new place. The phone rang.

”Hello, yes this is Anasuya.Who is calling?” said Anasuya.There was some silence.”Why do you give me a ring daily without telling who you are and what do you want? I will be constrained to report to police if you trouble me again” she said before slamming the receiver.

She wiped the perspiration on her forehead in the AC hall and sat down with a visible worry lines on her face.”What is that? From whom is the call?”asked Sujata.

The phone rang again.Anasuya ignored it till the ring died away after some time.”I really don’t know but this guy has been pestering me since a fortnight and the calls have become more frequent. He wouldn’t tell who he is but seems to know everything about me. That makes me scary” said Anasuya

Knowing well that Anasuya is extremely fetching, Sujata asked “Is the guy flirting? Is he showing any romantic interest in you? Could it be someone you knew before marriage, a colleague or class mate?”

“Flirting….not very much but he did say once that we meet and get to know each other better. I shouted at him and slammed the receiver even as he was giggling at the other end. I don’t think I know this guy through his voice seems familiar” Anasuya replied

“You said that he knew everything about you. What do you mean by that?” asked Sujata.

“He knows what and where I had studied, where I worked, who my people are and even more minute details. I wondered whether it could be any relative of mine or someone known to my family. But I don’t see anyone like that” Anasuya said.”One more thing comes to my mind about his having said he is an IIT and IIM product and very well employed with a huge pay packet. I said who cares and asked him to desist ringing”

“Did you confide to your hubby? You seem to have no ex boyfriends. Why not tell him and seek the help of police?”asked Sujata

“I did tell him and sought his help to put an end to this nuisance. He simply laughed and said it must be some cranky fellow telephoning from different public booths. He said the best thing is not to respond but put the receiver down and the guy will give up after sometime. I do that always but when that guy tells me something that he is not expected to know, I get curious and ask him how he knew”

“Tell me like what” asked Sujata

“Like, that I looked best in the yellow Bengali cotton sari or that he was fascinated by the intricately embroidered salwar suit with sequined patchwork that I wore that day. He knew what I wear each day. Don’t you feel it unnerving to be in the constant gaze of an unseen stranger? My hubby doesn’t seem to realize the mental tension that I go through” said Anasuya

“Okay, tell me when you had your bath and wore this blue salwar today? Early in the morning or leisurely after seeing your hubby off?” asked Sujata

“I was lazy today, Suji, after watching a late night movie in the TV.I usually take bath on getting up but today I had my shower and change of my dress only after seeing off my hubby” Anasuya replied.

It was then the phone rang. Sujata immediately told her friend “Do not disconnect if the call is from the guy. Talk to him and ask him what you are wearing today since he seemed to know everything”. She nodded her head

“Hey, I told you not to disturb but you persist. Since you profess to know everything about me, tell me what dress I am wearing now. This should call your bluff.”

There was a long silence and the call was disconnected.Anasuya waited for some time. She got only a call from Akhil and after pleasantries he was asking whether the guy troubled her today.

When she told Sujata, she said “I now know for certain who the unknown caller is. You may be in for a shock but it is a fact. Shall I tell you?”

“Yes, go ahead” replied Anasuya

“The mysterious caller is your hubby.Is he a suspicious type? Is he possessive and insecure that you are very beautiful compared to his plain look? Be frank” I have a feeling he keeps testing you Sujata said

Anasuya kept silent for long. When prodded she said “Yes, I think so. He will always be monitoring whom I talk to when we go to parties. I felt his stare from behind always. He is suspicious alright but has not accused me. I have caught him reading my diary and scanning my mobile when I go to bathroom or kitchen”

“I am so sorry. He needs counseling, I think. Confront him this evening and gently suggest that he needs professional help. But be firm. I hope everything will work out well’ Sujata consoled her

How Akila was humbled?

2011-10-21T06:41:00.002+05:30

It was a hot summer afternoon. The sun was blazing and weather was oppressive with not a leaf moving. There was the scheduled power cut for an hour. Akila had kept the front door open for some breeze and light. She wanted to get an inverter soon to escape this daily ordeal. It was then she heard the loud voice “Water melon, water melon” at a distance in her building complex.Akila knew the fruit seller would come soon come to her. She decided to buy two fruits, have them cut to small pieces and keep them in the fridge. This sweet and succulent fruit is a great thirst quencher that she loved.

The fruit seller Roja is a slightly built woman of about 35 years with three kids studying in a school. She toiled hard in the hot sun to supplement the meager income of her husband. She kept changing the fruits depending on the season.Akila liked to buy from her for three reasons. She always brought good stuff from the whole sale market. She sold at reasonable prices keeping a small margin for her .Her prices were fixed and uniform for all and she never allowed the buyers to negotiate the price Lastly Akila has been buying from her for the last three years and had taken a liking for her. She gave away her old clothes to her periodically.

When Roja came perspiring heavily,Akila rushed to get her a glass of cool water.Akila then chose a big water melon and asked her “How much for this?”.She weighed the fruit and said 95 rupees.

“It is costly .I will pay only 80 rupees” said Akila

“Amma, you know my prices are fixed. If you want a fruit at lower price, choose a smaller size. Take this and you need to pay only 75 rupees” she replied with certain brusqueness in her voice.

“No, I will not pay more than 85 rupees for the fruit I have chosen. You cannot always have the way you want it” said Akila

“Amma, I am sorry. I am in a hurry. I need to go to different houses and cannot waste my time bargaining with you. My price is fixed. Take it or leave it” Roja said with finality.

Akila got angry at the tone of Roja’s voice and felt she was insensitive to the kindness shown to her. As it was dark with power cut,she fished out with difficulty a one hundred rupee note from her bag and gave the money without one word. The woman returned the balance saying” please do not get upset. I am poor and cannot afford to lose the small amount I am earning.”

Akila closed the door abruptly and went inside without answering her. She was still seething in anger. The power cut only aggravated her bad mood. She thought though pettily to herself why should she give all her old clothes only to this woman. She could as well give to other needy people. If she can be strict with me, I can also be. How can she forget that on many days she had given the poor woman food? If she were a bit grateful, she could have at least explained softly her inability to reduce the price instead of being curt.Akila decided that she would henceforth go and get her fruit requirements from the big departmental stores.

It was 7pm in the evening and she was watching TV. She heard someone calling “Amma, amma”.When she opened the door, she found Roja standing. A thought struck Akila’s mind immediately that she had come to express her regret for the rudeness exhibited in the afternoon.

“You bargained hard for five rupees but handed over 500 rupee note mistakenly for 100 rupee note. Lucky that I kept the money you gave in my small purse that I keep within my blouse. The money that I got from others I kept in a big bag that I keep in my hip. Take this five hundred rupee note and give me 100 rupees” Roja said with a smile on her face.

Akila was rendered speechless at the honesty and fair-mindedness of this poor woman who could have as well retained the money. But it is not in her character. Honesty, Akila realized, is not dependent on one’s station in life but on the values imbedded.Akila felt humbled and ashamed when she thought of her own petty thoughts.Roja in her mind stood tall compared to her. Akila gave her 150 rupees saying that she should not refuse and that this was a small token of her appreciation for her honesty.

55 W fiction

2011-10-14T14:44:00.002+05:30

1. Welcome
He had not seen his grandparents in India. He has seen them only in mom’s photo album. He was happy to see them in all smiles along with his eldest sister welcoming him. Where are his parents and other siblings, he wondered? He looked down to see them all crying in the hall at his home

2. Despicable

It was dark and raining. She was again missing in the night. It happened frequently. Despite the vigil she gives the slip, a dirty slut.It is frustrating to stir out in dark to find her engaged in despicable act somewhere. He decided to throw her out. He found her near a puddle with another dog.

3. Birthday gift

Arun madly in love with Agnes was in wonderful relationship with her.Oflate he felt she was cold and distant. May be she was busy with work. Tomorrow is his birthday. He opened with excitement the packet from Agnes. She hasn’t forgotten. Obviously she is in love. Inside a tiny box was his ring.

4. Cost of a wink
Immigration over, he got his baggage quickly. Avoiding eye contact and heart pounding he passed through green channel. She was standing a little away smiling at him. What a stunning beauty, twenty-eight at most. He returned her smile with a faint wink. She came over and whispered “Please come aside and open your boxes”

5. Pride

Lata entered the restaurant with her friends
“Get us masala dosa and coffee” she told the server.
Lingering he asked “Do you recognize me,?”
She betrayed no sign of recognition.
“Balu from RKM School, Chennai” he said
“Sorry, I don’t remember” she replied
Another server brought them the food.
Embarrassment avoided, she saved her pride

A regrettable mistake

2011-10-13T19:05:00.003+05:30

Nandita was happy that the seminar ended one day earlier than scheduled. She could rush back to Bangalore by the late evening flight to be present for her wedding anniversary the next day. She kept the news of the change in programme a secret to spring a surprise on her hubby Sanjeev.She hurriedly bought a couple of richly embroidered Lucknowi kurta for him and a box of assorted sweets from Bengali Market on her way to airport. It would be 11pm by the time she reached her home. She was all excited. She had the key to her apartment.

She literally ran from the taxi to the door and inserted the key to open it unsuccessfully without noise. What she beheld was something she was least prepared for. Sanjeev’s distant cousin Neelam clad in a nighty and a towel draped casually around her shoulders came into the hall direct from a shower. She could not believe what she saw. What the hell is she doing here at this time when she was not at home thought Nandita.Her mind raced back to the tidbit that Sanjeev had told about how they very much wished to marry but their plan was foiled by objections from both sides. She suspected that both of them were still nursing their fondness for each other. She was now seething in anger

“How come you returned early, Nandita? Sanju told me that you were expected only late tomorrow night” said Neelam

“Shocked, is it? You did not expect me at this late hour, I think. Did I upset your plan?”Nandita spewed venom in her words.

Bewildered and not understanding her, Neelam asked “What? What are you telling? Why should I be shocked, Nandita?”

“I am telling nothing that you did not know. Don’t act innocent” said Nandita and without uttering one more word she ran to Sanjeev’s bedroom and opened the door that was just closed. She found him seated before computer amidst some office files and typing feverishly. The bed had not been slept. He was evidently busy with office work.

Mollified to some extent but still uneasy, she sat down on the bed

Sanjeev got up and came near her to wrap her in his arms. He said “Honey, I am extremely happy you have come in time for the anniversary. I knew you would make it. I have some surprises for you for tomorrow. By the way, did you see Neelam and her hubby? They came late in the evening from Tirupati just to say a hello thinking you would also be there. They are bound for Delhi tomorrow morning. I requested them to stay here overnight instead of in a hotel. I got Pizza from Dominoes.”

Struck with remorse at her rude behavior on false assumptions, Nandita said “Wait a minute” and rushed to the hall followed by Sanjeev.”Neelam, please come out” she called knocking the door. There was no response. After a few minutes, the door opened and her hubby said that she was in bathroom and asked them to wait.

She must have been crying and gone to wash her face. As soon as she emerged Nandita hugged her and said “Neelam, please forgive me. I was a fool and gone crazy. I made hasty assumptions without hearing you and hurt you with my rude words. Will you please pardon me?”

Confused Sanjeev asked “What happened, Nandita? I asked you whether you had met Neelu and without answering you came rushing here”

Then Neelam said with a smile”Sanju, it is a matter between two women and nothing that concerned you. Just a minor misunderstanding happily resolved, isn’t it Nandita?”

Caesar's sacrifice

2011-10-10T08:22:00.005+05:30

Aditi had to leave for work early in the morning. She had skipped her usual morning walk with Caesar. When she came back home only at 7pm, Caesar pulled her towards the door. She decided to take him for a walk though it was dark. She generally walked along a park in the adjacent road that houses big bungalows with deep drive ways and big iron gates .The avenue with big trees on both sides with very few street lights was generally desolate except for the occasional car whizzing past. During mornings however it was a hub of activity with many men and women walking or jogging in the park. It wore now a gloomy look on this new moon night and she wanted to hurry back home. Caesar however lingered and ran to the trees to stand on three legs or sniffing at everything he came across. She pulled the leash and said “Hurry up, Caesar”

She noticed an Innova van coming slowly behind on her side of the kerb that was not wide for her to move away from the road. She hastened her speed taking big strides. She panicked when she saw the van slowly nearing her. She started running towards the main road that was still a furlong away. She felt an outstretched hand from the van grab her arm pulling her inside the open doors of the big van. She screamed 'Caesar' only once when the dog pounced upon the outstretched hand and clawed its teeth deep into the flesh. The grip loosened Aditi ran as fast as her legs could carry. She turned to see Caesar not leaving its hold despite someone hitting it from inside. The van had stopped. The bitten man was screaming in pain.

Aditi was still shivering in fear even when she was inside her apartment complex. Worried about the dog, she could muster a few men to accompany her equipped with a torch. She found Caesar lying battered on head and soaked in blood. Evidently the evil men had hit the dog with a handle bar. The dog was not dead by then. When Aditi went on her knees to lift the dog, it whimpered in pain and snuggled closer to her. With the dog’s gaze from his soulful eyes fixed on her, Caesar let out cries even as tears flooded on Aditi’s cheeks. Even as someone suggested carrying him to a vet immediately, the canine’s head fell down.Aditi’s shrill shriek “Caesar” was heard far and wide with lights coming up in the various windows of nearby buildings.She cried inconsolably at the supreme sacrifice of Caesar to protect her from harm.

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog-Mark Twain
.

Kokila’s presence of mind

2011-10-09T06:38:00.003+05:30

It was 8.30pm.Kokila had just put her child to sleep. She switched off the TV after she saw the news of a young woman killed in the lift by the lift operator. It was scary and upset her. She took an unfinished novel to read reclined in her bed. But her mind would not rest on the book and the image of the murdered woman resisting the attack came before her mind. Kokila’s husband Navin had gone on tour for a couple of days. She always retired to bed early whenever Navin was away. She felt lonelier today as the family in the opposite apartment had gone on a pilgrimage. The two apartments at the first floor were also locked as one was vacant and the family in the other had gone for a wedding. People lived in the two apartments on the ground floor. The watchman at the gate had taken leave for ten days.

It was then the door bell rang. Startled she went and peeped through the peephole. It was Kartik, a colleague of Navin, with what looked an official packet in his hand. She hesitated for a second but then opened the door.

“Navin has gone on tour” she said hoping he would leave after giving the packet if he had come to deliver it.

“I know and that is why I have come” he said with a foolish smile even as he closed the door behind him.

Kokila was scared and knew she had made a mistake. But she did not want to betray her fear and pretended to be normal and asked him to be seated.

“I am famished. Get something to eat” he said in a rough tone. He was a muscular and heavily built man with huge biceps. He smelled of alcohol. She decided to play safe and quickly went in to make two oothappams (pan cakes).He was sitting in the sofa and was watching her with a leering look. She knew his intentions were not honourable.Infact when she met him twice in office parties, she had taken an instant dislike for him.

When she handed over the plate, he deliberately brushed his hairy hand with hers. The smirk in his face was unmistakable. He quickly gobbled up the food, let out a loud belch and said “Thank you. The hunger of my belly is over. Now I expect you to be a reasonable girl and not turn foolish. I have always liked you. That hubby of yours never invited me to the house. Tonight my long last wish is going to be fulfilled”

When she turned towards the telephone, he said “Sorry, I have removed the plug and your mobile that you had foolishly left on the dining table is with me. Do not resist. It will be over in 30 minutes and I will go away. I have come determined to possess you dead or alive. Don’t get hurt. Be a smart girl” he said even as he was rotating the scarf in his hand as the kids do with skipping rope. His intent was clear.

Kokila sized up the situation in a trice. The thought of the murdered woman in the lift came to her mind. She said “Okay. But I need a shower. I am stinking. Give me a few minutes. I will be back. But you must leave after you are done with.”

Kartik was elated as he did not expect her to succumb to his threat so easily. He said “Okay. Come quick. I cannot wait for long. Remember, no tricks. I am a ruthless person.”

He heard initially the running water in the bathroom and then the drone of hair dryer. In a few minutes, the door opened. She looked fresh in her new white overall and a large turkey towel on her hand. To his utter disbelief and surprise, she gave him one big coquettish smile and beckoned him to her saying “Come give me a big bear hug”

“What a lovely bitch”he thought to himself and rushed headlong towards her with extended arms. Even as he wrapped tightly her cool body, he felt a warm sensation in the stomach. Startled, he shrank back to see a long and big chef’s knife imbedded in his belly with blood running from the deep wound. He pulled it out only to witness blood gushing out as if from a hose. He lost his balance and felt down. He became scared at the sight of blood and felt weak. He looked at her and venomously cursed “What have you done, you common whore?”He tried to get up clutching at his stomach but could not.

She grabbed the sleeping child and ran towards the door and then the steps to the ground floor. She knocked frantically at both doors. The inmates came out and soon Kartik was in the custody of police.

“The willow which bends to the tempest often escapes better than the oak which resists it and so in great calamities, it sometimes happens that light and frivolous spirits recover their elasticity and presence of mind sooner than those loftier-Sir Walter Scott

Sequel to nagging question

2011-10-08T19:19:00.004+05:30

This is a sequel to the story nagging question http://kparthas.blogspot.com/2011/10/nagging-question.html

This has been sent by Jyoti of http://www.randomjuxtapositions.com/ .Many readers had asked the answer for the nagging question.This is a better ending to my story.
The sequel

The question however nagged Madhavan no less. He tried avoiding the topic with his wife. The past few incidents reported in newspapers regarding single women travelling alone in trains has as it is created a phobia against Railways in India. He was happy that he was around to avoid something bad that was about to happen to Divya.

God has strange ways of making people meet. Though Madhavan was thankful to God for Divya and the happiness they shared, he was also concerned about a similar incident that could be waiting to happen to someone else. Or who knows, may have already happened to someone else and it was all hushed up.

It was all but coincidence that particular day there was an article in the newspaper related to this. Madhavan looked up from the newspaper and asked Divya, “Do you remember when you got up to go the toilet that day in the station?”

“Yes? “ She answered with a questioning look.

“Did anyone approach you with a free sample of perfume or scent on a small piece of tissue?” he continued.

“Yes, as a matter of fact, I regret not buying that bottle from him. It was such a lovely scent. I only whiffed it for a second, as I was in a hurry to go to the toilet. When I came out, he was already gone. Why do you ask?” She replied.

He handed the newspaper to her and pointed out the article, the person in the picture was the same guy she had met at the station. He had been arrested for attempted rape of a 20-year-old girl, who was travelling alone. He was caught when an elderly woman got suspicious of his activities outside the ladies toilet and called in the security.

Divya had had a narrow escape. She hugged Madhavan with tears in her eyes. They were tears of joy, for discovering the answer to her nagging question and tears of gratitude to God for sending an angel to save her.
--

Jyothi
www.randomjuxtapositions.com

Sindhu's surprise

2011-10-05T11:23:00.002+05:30

The Logan International airport was buzzing with activity. I had checked in and was waiting for security clearance. I had two hours before me. I saw an Indian young woman in her early twenties sitting across me. She was sobbing gently wiping the tears frequently. From a slip pasted on her box, I could see she was also bound for Chennai. Her slightly dusky appearance and the features indicated she was from my state. She was charming with a well chiseled face. From the shining gold bangles and chain she was wearing, I deduced she must have been newly married. Something was obviously amiss. I felt I should help her in case she needed any.

I went near her and said “I am Gopal bound for Chennai. I work here. I see that something is bothering you and that you are alone. I get a feeling you are new to this country. If there is anything you need, please ask me freely. Do you speak Tamil?”

“Thanks. I am Sindhu. Yes I am somewhat new. I came here three months back and am returning to my place after some unfortunate developments. Yes I am a Tamilian”she replied

Showing the coffee shop opposite to our seats, I said “Let us go and have some French fries and coffee. I am hungry”

While we were having coffee, I said “I am not inquisitive but you were crying a while ago. I hope there is no serious problem. You do not have to answer if it is personal. I work for Fidelity since two years after my post graduation here. I am going for a fortnight to see my parents. Do you live in Chennai? My parents live in Besant Nagar.”

She kept quiet for some time. I did not prompt her waiting for her to open up.

She asked “What is your seat number. Mine is 16A”

“Wow! What a happy coincidence. Mine is 16B. It is a two seat arrangement normally reserved for women with small kids as they have a bassinet facility” I replied with obvious happiness.

She smiled and said “Wow. We would be seated side by side. It is a long story. I will tell you in the plane. Let us go as we are due for security check already”

That was the first time I was sitting so close to a young woman. The gentle perfume was subdued but still I could feel the fragrance. I don’t know why but I was elated to be by her side. As the plane settled on its long journey to London Heathrow, she asked “Are you in a mood to listen to a depressing story?”

When I said I am all ears, she started telling how she was deceived by a rake who had already married two American women who left him soon and now living in with a big Cuban woman five years older to him.” We got his reference from a matrimonial column. The relative to whom a request was made to enquire did not check thoroughly. While I am a BTech from IIT, he is not even a postgraduate and doing odd jobs living off on that Cuban woman. He gave false information about him. His intention was to ditch the Cuban woman and attach himself to me as I am in a good job having been transferred by my company to US. He is a cruel and coarse guy given to violent temper and lying. When I sized up the situation I moved to a separate apartment with the help of colleagues but he started pestering me. I threatened police action to keep him at bay, sought a transfer back to India and plan to file papers for divorce. That is the gist of my American experience.”

“I have heard of such instances of even well educated men doing such things. It happens despite the best care for no one can find all details about the individuals’ character. Where do you live in Chennai?” I asked

“Adyar. Do you live with your wife here in US?” she asked

“No, I am not yet married. My parents want me to see a few young ladies they have selected. Personally I would like to put off my wedding for a year. I hope to persuade my parents to agree. They do not mind even my choosing my own partner provided she is from India preferably a Tamilian” I said with a smile.

“Do you have anyone in view?”she asked

“Not till I reached the airport this evening” I said with a mischievous smile.

Bewildered she looked at me and said “I don’t get it. What is it you are telling?” she asked

“Even I didn’t know till recently. Let us eat the dinner and resume our conversation” I said with a smile.

When I took the dinner plate from the air hostess and gave it to Sindhu, my hands brushed against hers. She pulled back immediately not before making an eye contact with me .After dinner we did not pursue the same subject. She dozed off in a while. When she woke up with a start when there was turbulence in the air, she found herself resting her head on my shoulders and that I had covered her with a blanket. Embarrassed she shrank back; when I said “It is ok. Sleep for some more time”

“No, the sleep has gone. Tell me more about the change in your mind after reaching airport. Did you meet any friend of yours?” she said

“I met none except you” I said with a loud guffaw as heads turned towards me. I continued saying “I have found one and am willing to wait till her problem is sorted out.”

In utter disbelief and shyness she lowered her head. I said “I wish to introduce you to my parents soonest and hope to spend the fortnight happily in the company of my new find and friend” and held her fingers in mine throughout the flight.

The unspoken love

2011-10-04T14:29:00.002+05:30

Deepak was scrutinizing the day’s mail stacked on his office table early in the morning. He was puzzled to see a small envelope in office stationery with the words “Personal, for your eyes only” typed in bold. He quickly opened to see a typed short unsigned letter.

Honey,
You may not know my deepest love for you for I have never expressed it. The sole motivation for my coming to office daily is to see your irresistibly charming face. I want to be bound together with you and lead a life of eternal bliss. Won’t you open your eyes and see for yourself your love-struck admirer.

Deepak a handsome young executive was aware that he was the object of adoring eyes not only in office but elsewhere too. He had no girl friend in particular that could be called romantic. He was sure that this must be from someone in the office as the envelope bore office logo and address. There were three young women in his small office.

Lavanya, a charming, chubby but petite one is married with a small child. Her husband worked in Singapore and came twice a year for a short holiday. Though she was friendly and spoke animatedly with him, he could not discern any romantic inclinations from her side. But then she found innumerable reasons to come frequently to his cabin and linger for a while.

Ipsita, secretary to the Managing Director smiled at him always but was taciturn. Conscious of her position and privy to all important decisions, she never spoke much for fear people may ask her questions. Deepak always took care not to embarrass her and for this reason she dropped in to his cabin for an occasional tea whenever MD was away. She was a single, tall very attractive but had no fiancé to his knowledge. Here again there was never an oblique suggestion of any amorous interest in him.

But Lalita was a different. A bubbly extrovert, she was a flirt, not with him alone but with everyone including courier and pizza boys who came to deliver. She was in the accounts department and reported to him. Knowing her well, she is not the type to write secretive letters. If she were in love she would have told him openly and even take the bull by the horns by hugging him on the spot. But he had heard that some young man frequently came to the office and took her in his bullet after office hours.

He was actually curious to find out who out of this three would have written this love note. It was unmistakably for him for his name was typed legibly both on the envelope and the paper inside. It was then his colleague Pinto entered his cabin. He was in the marketing wing and was mostly outside the office except in the morning hours and sometimes in the evenings. They were good friends. But strangely he never mingled with the lady staff. He was formal with them most of the times but curt occasionally with Lalita especially. The girls had even complained obliquely about him to Deepak who consoled them saying he was an enigma to him too.

Pinto asked him “Hey Deepu, why are you wearing a worried look on your otherwise charming face? What happened? What is that paper on your hand?”

“I am not worried but only surprised. Just have a look at this confidential note and tell me who could have written this to me” said Deepak

Pinto glanced at it and then said with a mischievous smile “Whoever has written is shy of telling you directly on your face of their love and would probably wish you to find from their body language. You are a smart chap and should be able to unravel the mystery of your ardent lover very soon. I give you two days time and in case you fail, I will help you find.”

The next day he showed Lavanya the note and said “I know it cannot be you. I am just checking with all the three lady staff” She just smiled and said she did not write.

Ipsita’s response with a big smile when she saw the letter was ”Deepak, you could have shown me this note a month earlier. It is late now. My parents have finalized a match already. Bad luck”

“For whom?”Deepak asked with a grin

“Me of course” she said and vanished

Lalita said “Sorry, my dear. I have a fiancé already as you might have known. I would have readily upgraded for you but I have gone too far with that guy”

Next day when Pinto came, he plunged directly into the subject. Deepak narrated his conversation with the three ladies.
Pinto then said with a roguish smile “Think out of box. If it is not from a lady in the office, can it be from somebody else?”He left abruptly saying “Have your answer ready. I will be back in a few minutes”

It was then it struck Deepak like a sledge hammer blow that though Pinto seemed a normal guy, he often smiled roguishly without provocation and spoke in a soft voice, and simpered whenever he greeted him in the mornings. He had seen that he never befriended any girl or spoke of any one. There was an effeminate side to his personality and often talked holding Deepak’s hands of his great affection for him. Now he realized the bitter truth and developed an instant dislike for him.

When Pinto entered, Deepak threw the letter on his face and said “it is you. I hate you. You find your quarry elsewhere” and dismissed him telling “I am sorry Pinto, I am busy and have some urgent work to attend to.”

The nagging question

2011-10-02T05:26:00.002+05:30

Divya was waiting at the Central station for boarding her train to Coimbatore. She had come an hour earlier. She found seated by her side a young man in his late twenties reading an English magazine. He looked handsome with dark curly hair parted at the centre. The thin rimless specs that rested on his aquiline nose added to his charm. She glanced towards him now and then but he never seemed to take note of her. She glanced at her watch and found it had stopped.

“Mister, can you please tell me the time?” she asked him shaking her watch vigorously.

“20.10.Has your watch stopped or what?” he asked.

She giggled and said “Thanks. Why would I ask if it were running?”

“I am Madhavan bound for Coimbatore. Who knows you might have asked me just to pick up a conversation” he said with a mischievous grin.

“Chee, chee.Why should I pick up conversation with a stranger? I am Divya waiting for my train to the same place” she replied.

When he exploded into laughter she too joined him. After a few pleasantries he asked her “Would you mind having tea and some snacks at the restaurant? I am famished and we have an hour more”

She readily agreed. He ordered samosa, sandwiches and tea. As they were waiting, she excused herself leaving her small suit case with him . When she came back, he found him waiting with the snacks and tea. They ate together. She learnt he was an Income Tax officer working at Coimbatore and in turn had informed him that she was an officer in a national bank.

As they were eating she felt suddenly groggy with a tugging pain in her head and blacked out.

It was early morning. She heard noises of people around. She found that she was in a berth in AC two tier compartment. The train had reached Coimbatore. She quickly looked for her hand bag. It was lying under her pillow. Except for the missing cash of a few thousands all were intact. She looked for her suitcase. It was missing.

She realized she was conned. She didn’t know what to do as most of the passengers were getting down. She came to the gate to get down. There she found Madhavan waiting for her with her suitcase in his hand.

“Good morning, Divya. Could you sleep well? What happened? You passed out suddenly yesterday. I gtot worried.. I saw from your hand bag your ticket with coach and seat number. I did not want to leave you in that state in the station. I had no time to go to the police. I was also not comfortable leaving a young lady in their custody in the night. So I decided to put you in the train .Luckily I was in the next cabin. I took the precaution to remove the money from your bag and keep your suitcase with me. Here they are. Please have them checked” he said with a smile.

She thanked him profusely and said “I did not know what happened after I ate the stuff along with you. I do not remember a single bit. But for your presence of mind and help I would have been in serious trouble. I have no words to express my gratitude. Thanks a bunch for safeguarding my money and the suitcase.”

“Never mind. All is well that ends well. My car would be waiting. I can drop you at your place on my way” he said

“Thanks. I would rather take a three wheeler. I do not know how to thank you for being such a good Samaritan” she said as she gave her card.

“I can understand your apprehension in travelling with unknown stranger in a car. But I have no intention to leave you here without ensuring you reach safely to your home. I will accompany you in your three-wheeler with my car behind. Here is my card” he said.

It was a big bungalow where the three wheeler stopped. She invited him for a coffee to which he readily agreed. As she related the incident, her parents were very pleased with him and enquired about his parents, where he stayed, matrimonial status and such like as old people are wont to. To make things short suffice it to say they were happily married in six months time.

One Sunday morning when she was sitting in the balcony of their house sipping tea with Madhavan, she remembered the question that had always foxed her without an answer. She looked at the innocent face of her husband reading a news paper. The thought crossed to her mind that he had also taken the same refreshments that day in the station with no ill effect and how she alone conked out. Could it be someone at the restaurant, she wondered? No, it cannot be she concluded.

Divya asked him the question the umpteenth time.

“Whoever did it I thank him from the bottom of my heart for fetching me such a beautiful wife. Do you suspect me?” was his smiling answer as always. She dared not accuse him for he was such a beloved husband.

A journey not made

2011-09-24T01:11:00.003+05:30

Amrita wished to visit the Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayur for a long time. She had a vow to discharge. She had heard her friends speak about the enchanting idol and the serene atmosphere of devotion that pervades there. She had booked the tickets for the family a fortnight in advance. They had not gone on any vacation for more than two years due to some reason or the other. She had a small plan to visit a few scenic spots if possible before they returned to Bangalore. Her husband Ananth despite a busy schedule gave in to her pleas and had taken three days leave. The kids were in raptures. She started packing for the trip without forgetting to take her traditional dresses both for her and family for the visit to Kerala temples that had some regulations.

It was the day prior to the departure by plane to Cochin. It was 11 am and the telephone rang. It was Ananth who told her in a flustered tone “Look Amrit, I got a phone call from the senior home where my grandpa’s brother is staying that he had taken seriously ill and admitted to a hospital at Vellore. They rang me up as I am the nearest kin as per their records. It seems that he had expressed a desire to meet me. I am going by car after lunch and will let you know after reaching.”

“Oh, oh, what about our trip slated for tomorrow. The plane leaves early in the morning at 8 am. We are all packed up and ready. Will you be back by evening?”Amrita asked anxiously.

“I will give a ring from there. You know he has no children or any other relative. Let us pray he stabilizes by evening. Wait for my call from Vellore”Ananth replied

“I am always unlucky. After two long years after much imploring you had agreed. You always pleaded inability blaming your office. Now you have to go to see an ailing relative who is 85 years old. Agreed that you have to go and see him but what prevents you from assuring me that you will be back in the evening?” she replied.

“Don’t be foolish. How can I assure you when I do not know how sick he is?” he shot back

“What is it you are going to do by being present there after you have met him? He must be under doctors’ care and they would give him the treatment needed. Your grand pa’s brother is not poor and has money for best treatment. If there is a need, we can always return. I wish to go to Guruvayur temple tomorrow as per schedule. I want you back in the night” she told in raised voice.

“You are being unreasonable. Would you do it if it were your grandfather? At any rate I cannot promise anything until I meet the doctors. Keep praying and wait for my call. I am in a hurry”he said as he disconnected the call.

The kids were sorely disappointed. Amrita could not console the kids. She was angry with her husband and was even sore with his old relative for spoiling the plan. But she was still hoping that her husband would return by 10pm at least. Instead she got a call from him around 10.30 pm.She heard him telling “My grandfather is really sick and in intensive care. The doctors are not sanguine about the outcome of their efforts to save him and wished me to stay back for the night. I am sorry, Amrit, but there is no way out. Please cancel the tickets immediately and also inform the tourist car chap. I will call you in the morning.”

“I knew that this is what would happen. Stay there as long as you wish” she said and slammed the phone down. The phone rang again and again but she just ignored.

In the morning around 8am Ananth called and said “By god’s grace chinna thatha is stable .I would leave Vellore after meeting the senior doctor. I am sure you would have cancelled the tickets. God willing, we will go next week.”

“I knew this is what you would say. I am making no plan. Do what you wish” she replied and hung the phone.

As she was watching the TV around 9 am, there was flash news under breaking news about the crash of the morning plane from Bangalore to Cochin and that the authorities feared heavy casualities.She was shocked with disbelief as this was the plane she should have taken with her family. She was dazed for a while before she rang up Ananth to convey the news.

“I am sorry Ananth for being rude to you. It is all Lord Krishna’s grace that made us escape this tragedy. His ways are mysterious and He had shown His grace through the sickness of thatha (grandpa).If you are planning to visit Vellore tomorrow, I too wish to accompany you. Our grandpa is in a way instrumental for our well being today.”

“…Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower……
William Cowper

The retribution

2011-09-23T03:28:00.003+05:30

Shuklaji, a second rung politician in his spotless white clothes and bushy moustache was surrounded by his sidekicks. The day’s newspaper was lying before him. He was fretting and fuming in anger as he saw the screaming headlines. He knew who it was who made his life miserable with his investigative journalism and relentless exposure of all his misdeeds. The rascal, whistle blower as he called himself, was again at it splashing every detail of his latest forcible occupation of someone’s house in a central locality and dispossessing the timid owner of his only asset by threat, intimidation and assault. Shuklaji’s steady rise from the poster-pasting days to the present senior position in the hierarchy is marked by unabashed crime and violence. The reporter was targeting him with his exposes almost on a daily basis even when Shuklaji had done no harm personally to him. The top party honchos were not pleased with the negative publicity and pulled him up for his avariciousness and the brazen manner he went about in his misdeeds. They wanted him to square up the matter with the journalist so that party’s name is not sullied.

Shuklaji sent his emissary to the reporter with a packet of huge money to buy his silence. Although living in ordinary circumstances, the reporter refused to succumb to the blandishments and sent the emissary away. When he was threatened with dire consequences if he did not refrain from his exposes, the reporter reportedly smiled and dared him to. All the efforts of Shuklaji to bring the foolish man around had failed. Today’s article was the last straw. The politician decided to put a permanent end to what he perceived as a menace and threat to his freedom and political future.

The politician had chosen an ordinary car with a changed number plate and was waiting on the road in the car with his sidekick outside the reporter’s home. A short while later the young reporter emerged with his wife and child and was starting his scooter.Shuklaji hailed a shoe shine boy who was in the road platform and asked him “Will you do me a small help? I will give you 100 rupees. Just take this small packet to the person who is getting ready with his scooter and hand it over to him. If he asks who had given the packet, tell him someone whom you didn’t know. Come and tell me that you have given and another hundred rupee note awaits you.”

When the boy agreed, he collected a packet from his sidekick and handed over the boy along with a hundred rupee note urging him to hurry up before the man on the scooter left.

When the boy ran with the packet to the reporter and narrated what he was told, the reporter told the boy that he did not want it .He said “Take it back fast to the person who gave you and hand it over to him whether he wants it or not. Do it immediately before he leaves.”

As Shuklaji and his sidekick were waiting for the boy to return to report the successful accomplishment, the boy returned unseen from the other side of the car. After keeping the packet silently inside the car through the open window, the boy ran away afraid that the man would take back the hundred rupee note he had given.

A few minutes later the entire traffic on the road came to standstill when they heard a loud explosion from inside a car with people scurrying hither and thither for safety.

Sunaina

2011-09-21T16:58:00.008+05:30

The clock struck 4.She could hardly sleep the whole night. It is exactly one year since her daughter of ten years had passed away after a brief viral fever. Her thoughts kept haunting her the whole night as she lay restless in the bed. Her husband put his arm over her and gently patting her he said “Honey, you must try to get some sleep. There is no point in hurting yourself like this. You have the school to attend to. Close your eyes and sleep.” As she snuggled closer to him, she slowly wafted into sleep even as he kept on patting her.

In the morning when she entered class six, she saw this new girl in the front row. She was not in uniform but in a nice blue denim skirt and a white top with polka dots of blue colour.The girl around 11 years was extremely fetching with a twinkle in the corner of her eyes.Sunita asked her ‘What is your name? You seem a new entrant.”

“Yes, Ma’m.I joined today.Sunaina is my name” she replied

Sunita stood dazed in disbelief. Her daughter was also Sunaina.”Will you repeat your name please?” she said.

“Sunaina, Madam” the girl replied in soft voice.

Even as she started the lessons, she could not take her eyes off the new girl who kept smiling at her. There was a strange sensation of peace in Sunita and she felt light in heart after the sleepless night. As the class ended, the girls left their note books on Sunita’s table with their homework done. She took the note books home as she is wont to for correction.

She was thinking about the new girl and could not but compare her with her daughter who would have also been 11.What a coincidence not only in their names being the same but also the smile in their faces. Suddenly she rummaged through the books to see whether the new girl had also left her note book as she had a vague memory of the girl walking up to her table along with others at the end of class. She could easily find the one as it had no cover like the notebooks of other girls. Wondering what she could have written as she had no homework to do, she opened the page to read. She found this written boldly and in beautiful handwriting.

“Dear Mom,
I am the sweet and protective angel come to be with you always. Do not grieve if you do not see me but take heart that I am always there beside you and watching you.
With love,
Sunaina”

Sunita had goose bumps as she read the lines and rushed to open the door for her husband who had just returned from office. Seeing her flustered and in a bewildered state, he asked her “Sunita, what happened? You seem agitated. Are you keeping well?”

“You will be amazed. One new girl of our Sunaina’s age joined my class today. Beautiful and smiling, she bears a close resemblance to our daughter. When I was going through home work note books, I found this note from her. Please see. I will fetch the note book” she said as she hurried to get the note book.

“I see a blank page, Sunita.I don’t see anything written on it. Are you imagining? Are you feeling well?”he asked with concern.

She snatched the note book from his hands and saw the note clearly. ”Have you become blind or what? It is as clear and prominent as your nose on your face” she said angrily.

He saw again and said “Change your dress. Let us go to doctor. You need a tranquilizer to soothe your nerves. You need some rest also.I will have a wash and change the dress. Meanwhile get ready”

She saw the note again and again and started crying inconsolably. She felt a tiny hand on her shoulders gently patting her. Sunita was certain about what was written.

The next day reached the school a few minutes earlier than usual. When she entered the class, she could not see Sunaina to her great disappointment. After the class she went to the school office and asked “Any information about the new girl Sunaina who had joined my class yesterday”She hasn’t turned up today.”

“No, Sunita madam. No girl joined the school or your class yesterday. What are you talking about?” asked the clerk in the office.

As she stood dazed,Sunita again felt the soft hands of a child on her shoulders

55 W fiction

2011-09-13T00:39:00.004+05:30

1. Loyalty
As they were tying the knot at a temple, she asked “I have left my home behind forever. Will you be true and ever with me?”
”Why doubt me? Cheer up. Let us go to our hotel room after dinner and have fun” he said shutting the thought of his wife and child at home.

2. Talisman
He paid Rs.500 to the famous tantric for an unfailing talisman to attract woman. He came out and tried it on a young woman waiting at bus stop. Lo, she smiled at him and came near. He smiled back not seeing the talisman she also had in hand and trying on him. Talisman seemed working.

3. The will
He hated his dad who made his wayward son’s life miserable. He threw him out when he was into drugs and whores. He didn’t attend dad’s funeral or lawyer’s office. Why go and get disappointed, he thought. Lawyer read the secret will “……If my son is not present, entire wealth should go to charity…..”

4. The report card
The boy stood trembling with poor report card.
“Come near” his dad called. Mom’s face was grim.
Boy sobbed fearing worst punishment.
“Very poor show. It is a shame on you” dad said as he took the cane.
”Don’t cry. It is over. Do better next time” he smilingly said as he broke the cane

5. Pets
LKG admission in prestigious school was going on..
The four year old in pony tail and pinafore stood before Principal
“Name three pets” she was told
“Cat, dog and…” she lingered for a while before she said “daddy”.
All broke into laughter and the girl was admitted with parents beaming with smile

A tryst in bus to Vellore

2011-09-11T21:30:00.003+05:30

Gayatri could not get a seat in the Volvo bus at Koyambedu but settled for what she was told a 2x2 deluxe bus. There was hardly enough leg space and the seats were not wide. She would not have normally taken such a bus but her father insisted that she be at Vellore in the night itself without fail. She knew why the urgency in her dad’s tone. It must be another bride seeing ceremony the next day. She was fed up with this rigmarole of a man coming with his parents and sometimes with sisters too, having coffee with spicy snacks and asking a few inane questions before taking leave and never to get back. She had neither the heart to refuse her parents requests nor the grit to tell them that she will choose her own man.

The bus was yet to start waiting for passengers and would reach Vellore only around midnight. She was not worried as her younger brother would be waiting at the bus stand. She settled down with her iPad.

She turned when she heard a deep voice “Can I get in? The window seat is mine”. He was a tall, handsome guy with neatly trimmed wavy hair, a bit darkish with a faint of smile that made him very attractive. But she was irritated at his stressing about the window seat being his when she was already seated in her aisle seat. She got up and stood in the pathway. While trying to put his box in the loft, he pushed her bag to a corner.

Gayatri was furious and said in an acerbic tone”Why do you push my bag? You can as well put your box in the empty space. Keep my bag where it belonged”

With sarcasm in his tone, he said “Are spaces in the loft also reserved like seats? Mine wouldn’t fit in there. Your bag can still be seen”

“That is none of my concern. You can keep your box wherever you like without disturbing mine. If you are particular about specific place, you should have come much earlier and not on the eleventh hour disturbing others like a bull in china shop” Gayatri exploded.

He didn’t lose his cool and told her smilingly “Don’t lose your temper. Your bag will remain where it was.”

He sat quiet for a few minutes in his seat and said “Excuse me. I will get a bottle of water”

She frowned her face and again got up to give him way.

He came back with two bottles of water and two packets of biscuits.”You don’t have to get up. I will squeeze in” he said.

“No, I would prefer to move. Please wait” she said. He pulled a long face and waited.

After a while offering the bottle of water and biscuit packet he said “Have this water and biscuits”

“Thank you. I don’t need” she curtly said

He kept quiet for some time and then asked “Did I offend you in anyway? You seem to be displeased”

“No. Why should I be pleased or displeased with a stranger in the bus?” she replied

He kept silent with an obvious hurt in his face at the snub he received and started watching the video in the bus. He lost interest in a while and turned to look at Gayatri.When she turned, he smiled at her and asked “Are you living in Chennai?”

She just said “Hmmm”

“Me too. I have some work at Vellore tomorrow and hope to catch the 5pm bus back “he informed unsolicited

“Hmm” was her reply again.

“It is okay if you don’t wish to answer. I have been seeing right from the beginning a tinge of impoliteness in your tone when there is no cause for it. It is regrettable all the more as you seem educated and possibly well employed” he said softly with certain seriousness in his tone.

Gayatri stared at him but did not reply. He turned his face away and closed his eyes to catch a few winks.

It was 2.45pm next day.Gayatris house was filled with a few relatives. The aroma of cashew nuts fried in ghee wafted in the air along with that of cardamom and saffron. Gayatri was decked in a beautiful sari with some elegant jewelry adding to her charm. The air was fragrant with jasmine. Gayatris father was standing in the portico awaiting the young man. Her mom was giving the final touches to Gayatris make up.

Her dad rushed in to announce the arrival.Gayatri stayed inside with her twin sister Savitri waiting for her to be called. After a few minutes she was called to the drawing hall. She got a thousand watts shock when she saw the young man who travelled in the bus with her. She feared this bride-seeing trip would also be a certain failure.

The young man smiled at Gayatri and showing a seat opposite him said ” Please be seated here. I hope no spaces are reserved here.”

Everyone looked at him with surprise not knowing what he meant.

“I hope your anger has subsided” he said with a loud guffaw.

Gayatri said “I am sorry. I didn’t know”

Never mind. I hope your sister Savitri will not be like you. If your parents do not mind, I wish to have her hand.

There was a deafening silence among those assembled.Gayatri stood up deeply hurt and started walking inside.

“Hey, Gayatri, do not go away. I was just kidding. Honestly I like you and your petulant ways” he said laughing

There was a loud peal of laughter when Savitri said ”In any case I would have rejected him. I dislike presumptuous guys”

Serial killer at large

2011-09-09T05:23:00.005+05:30

The city was abuzz with the spine chilling stories of gory killings in different parts mostly in the night. Some daytime murders in secluded spots were reported. There was a uniform pattern behind the killings and the instrument used was the same. The victims were mostly young men. Old men, women and children were spared by the killer. The description of this serial killer was all hearsay as no one has seen him and the victims were too dead to throw light on.Rumours were afloat that he killed with a blunt instrument on the head.. But no evidence was found in the vicinity. The newspapers were screaming with headlines reporting the ghastly slaughters and asking for immediate action by the police. The police were not found wanting in response and many patrol teams were doing the rounds in different parts of the city at nights. It was nearly a month and more than 15 killings had taken place with the killer still eluding the police. There was a reward of rupees one lakh to anyone helping in nabbing the culprit.

Ravi was broke. He had no job. The last rupee was spent long back and he needed money badly. This was a godsend opportunity. He was a hefty and strong fellow and can tackle anyone on one to one basis. He ventured out in his spotless blue jeans and cream khurta looking carefully on all sides n for any suspicious character. It was dark and drizzling with the atmosphere somewhat creepy. The night seemed perfect for the killer to come out of his den to get his prey. Ravi leisurely walked but with alertness as the road lined with big trees was deserted with not a single soul. It was three days since an incident was reported and whole city was waiting with bated breath for the next murder and hoped the police would catch the killer. Police were also on tenterhooks setting up barricades at all intersections for the cars to stop. They even checked individuals who looked suspicious sparing the well dressed office goers.

Ravi saw a few police patrol cars whizzing past. This road was still desolate and dim with lights few and far between. Ravi had made sure that he was well armed when he went out since the day murder started happening. Still there was a slight tinge of fear as the killer managed to kill 15 unwary and unsuspecting victims. But he was well prepared for a skirmish if necessary and confident that he cannot be taken by surprise. Nevertheless he ran his hand on his side to feel the security of weapon he had hidden to be used if necessary.

It was then he saw in the darkness a well built tall man enter from a side road. There were none within sight. He felt his heart was pounding hard and that he was perspiring. There was a strange feeling of tingling in his hands and legs. He did not panic though and kept his hand on the weapon. When the man neared, he found him in Khaki uniform of the police. He was sporting a long and bushy mustache as policemen are wont to.

Ravi heaved a sigh of relief when the khaki clad man asked in a stentorian voice ”Hey, what are you doing in this road at this hour? Don’t you know that a mad killer is on prowl and that people do not stir out after dusk and if they do, they go in groups?”

Ravi laughed loudly and said “I am fully aware. In fact I am on the prowl to catch him to help you inept police people.”

“You seem a reckless guy. I would call you a foolish and rash guy to come like this alone without even a walking stick in your hand to confront a known serial killer. The moment he sees you he will make a mince meat of you” the khaki clad man said

“Don’t assume things. I have a weapon to protect myself. Why should I fear now when you are there by my side” Ravi said

“That is true. Not a single patrol car is seen for nearly 30 minutes. I think one jeep is coming behind us. Don’t you see?”asked the khaki man

Ravi turned behind to see the jeep when he felt a sledge hammer blow fall on his head. Thousand stars exploded before he felt he was floating in darkness and all was quiet thereafter.

The headlines in the paper next day screamed ”Killer active again. Sixteenth victim. Is police sleeping?”

Onam greetings

2011-09-08T20:48:00.007+05:30

ONASHAMSAKAL

പൂകളും പുഞ്ചിരിയും നിറഞ്ഞ പൊന്നോണ ആശംസഗല്‍
wishing you beautiful onam with flowers and smile

warm regards

A tribute to a teacher

2011-09-06T19:57:00.003+05:30

An old post I am repeating though a bit delayed for the Teachers day

I was in class 8 I think when I had Mr.Govindarajan (we called him GR Sir) for my class teacher. From my sieve like memory I clearly remember that he was short and frail with a small physical frame and unkempt hair and appeared much older than his early fifties. But I cannot forget the twinkle in his kindly eyes and the ever present mischievous smile in his face that belied the initial impression one got of him. His witty and lively classes, however drab the subjects were, made him very popular amongst the boys in the school. Despite his bubbly humour and warmth, there was a certain aloofness inhibiting any intimacy or liberties. He knew well how to instill and inspire confidence in his pupils and in making them believe that they can achieve whatever goal they had set for themselves. He never derided even the weak students and took trouble to explain the lessons again and again. He used to devote invariably the last 10 minutes of his class to kindle the interest of the boys in general subjects and expand their mental horizon. There was some innate charm about him and his teaching method that we wouldn’t have willingly foregone his classes. A wise master, he inspired awe in his abilities and earned the respect of one and all including his peers. He had surprisingly a soft trait in that he could not be harsh even on impish and roguish boys when occasions demanded it. When any boy complained of slightest physical discomfort, he never looked askance but sent him home immediately for rest.

For reasons not known to me, he took a special liking for me possibly because I lived very close to his house. He used to give me small errands occasionally like getting chalk pieces from the office. It was one day when he entered the class unusually late by a few minutes; he looked distinctly fatigued and distraught.

He called me near him and whispered ”Partha, I went to hospital this morning to admit my aged mother who is suffering from acute Asthma. It was an emergency and I am coming directly from there after she stabilized. You know my house. Can you please collect the lunch from my wife? Tell her that I was held up and couldn’t come home. Also tell her that doctors are attending on my mother and that I would be going to hospital directly from the school.”

I virtually ran to his house that was close to school. It was a small two room side portion, dark and dingy. After I conveyed the message I was waiting for the lady to pack the lunch. I could see in the dark and bare hall a small boy of my age huddled on a mat. When he saw me, he tried to get up but could not. He made some unintelligible guttural noises that brought his mother scurrying to his side. She said “Lie down quietly and I will come in a minute to you after sending lunch to appa”
I blurted foolishly “Aunty is he not well? He is not getting up and is making strange sounds.”

She turned to me attempting to hide a tear and said before going to kitchen” Yes, he is very unwell and cannot walk on his own. He cannot speak and is not a normal child.”

It struck me then that he was not only polio affected but also mentally retarded. What a cruel punishment to have befallen on the excellent and loving teacher who never betrayed even in an unguarded moment the piteous and depressing scene at home. An aged sick mother frequently on bouts of asthma, an abnormal child with no future, a small decrepit home and low emoluments is a deadly combination that no ordinary person can withstand. I wondered how this man’s devotion to his duty and amiable disposition remained unshaken by such extreme personal disappointments. My esteem for him grew boundless when I remembered his natural dignity, infectious warmth of spirit and willingness to walk the extra mile to teach the slow children till they understood. He never allowed his private grief to intrude in the call of his duty.

Education for him is something more than book learning. For him it is an initiation of the young and eager minds into the wonders of the world and life where time and money played little part at personal level. The memory of such a great but simple teacher of the past abides like a perfume even after the lapse of long years. Such rich contentment and serene detachment are no common possessions of ordinary mortals.

Kishore babu's kindness

2011-09-04T07:41:00.003+05:30

Kishore babu as he is known is a rich man leading a peaceful life after handing over the business to his sons. A kindly old man he spent his time reading spiritual books, visiting temples and attending religious lectures. His palatial house overlooked a large municipal park situated in sylvan surroundings. This park with its best laid pathways for the morning walkers drew large crowd .One could see joggers running, old men and women walking briskly, yoga sessions on green spots, children playing in the playing area on the slides and swings and young romantic couples hiding in secluded spots under the trees watching the ducks swimming in the large pond in the centre. Vendors were seen busy selling to the young and old jal mudi, gol goppas, alu tikias, ice creams of different brands and fluffy sugar candies in pink colour

Kishore babu invariably spent the Sunday evenings at the park watching the people and the playing children. The children all well dressed from well to do families flocked the ice cream vendors and were busy buying cones and cups of ice-cream in different colours and tastes. What saddened Kishore babu was the sight of ill clad poor children in tatters watching with drooling mouths from afar the rich kids licking the cones and slurping from the cups.. The hapless kids did not approach the vendors but kept staring hungrily at the fortunate children with mouths open. Kishore babu had not forgotten his early childhood days in poverty with his mom working in different households to make a living. He left the park abruptly and in a depressed mood much earlier than his usual time.

The next Sunday Kishore babu was seen sitting in his usual place. Not yonder from him stood one man with a tall stool with large cubes of ice covered by gunny bag and a carpenter tool like planer on the stool to shred the ice cubes. Mounted on his stool was an array of bottles with coloured sugar syrups in red, yellow and green. As the rich children started buying and eating cone and cup ice creams, he invited the poor children to come near him and have one or two as they desired of ice cream made of raw ice from the man by his side. The glee in the children’s faces, looking at the man shredding the ice, fixing it over a stick and pouring coloured syrups, should be seen to be believed. Their joy multiplied when their demands for repeated helpings of sugary syrups were willingly met by the man. Kishore babu was a picture of contentment when he saw these kids were no longer eyeing the affluent children on the other side. Satisfied at the unexpected treat, they all gave him a shy smile before scampering off.

This became a hardy Sunday ritual with number of kids growing. But Kishore babu did not mind. He surprised them frequently gifting them T shirts, school bags or packets of biscuits or some such stuff. Though he did not talk to them much, the poor children looked upon their benefactor with certain fondness and awe. It was one Sunday Kishore babu had not turned up. The children were all eagerly waiting for his arrival. One of the kids ran across the road to his palatial bungalow and saw a huge crowd of people and an array of cars coming one after the other and stopping opposite the house. Promptly the other children also gathered and stood at a safe distance watching the movements. They came to know from a security guard who was shooing them away that the old man had died of a sudden cardiac arrest in the afternoon. The body was kept in the hall for the stream of distinguished visitors and relatives to file past. It was time for leaving for the crematorium. The eldest son of Kishore babu who knew his dad’s fondness for the poor children and his Sunday trysts with them asked the security to send them in to have one last look at their patron.

It was a measure of Kishore babu’s compassion when the visitors saw a huge retinue of poorly dressed children walking past the body in tears and uncontrollable sobs.

“You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.”Ralph Waldo Emerson

Blessed are those who can give

2011-08-30T22:25:00.006+05:30

“Ganesan, I welcome you to the department.Savitri madam has gone on maternity leave for six months. You handle the classes she was taking. I know it is for a short duration. Let us hope something comes up in six months time as we are expanding” said Gyanasagaram, the head of department for Mathematics

“Thank you, Sir. I pray that I would be able to continue here as a regular teacher. I need the job as I have a large family to support” I replied.

“I know that you have your mother and four siblings to take care of. Six months is a long time. Things can change for the better. Do not worry. God will find a way for you” he spoke in a comforting tone.

Thanks again, Sir. I need your blessings. I will give my heart and soul to the job” I added

Though the emoluments for a temporary teacher were paltry, the new income helped me in keeping the hearth at home warm. Gyanasagaram who was nearing 60 took a paternal interest in me and frequently enquired about my work and the support needed. He also complimented me that the feedback he got from the students and some of the parents was flattering and added that he had mentioned about my good work to both the Headmaster and correspondent.

My brothers were still in the school with the sister learning typing. My mother fell sick often needing treatment. I was struggling to make both ends meet with my meagre income. One day Gyanasagaram told me that he was coaching a few boys from another school and that he found it a burden. He asked me whether I can help him by taking tuition for these boys. I knew inwardly he was doing this to help me overcome my difficult circumstances but made it appear as if I was doing him a favour.I was touched by his kindness and could do nothing but hold his hands on my heart in deference as tears swelled in my eyes. The added income made things easy for me though the sense of guilt that I was depriving him of his income was pricking me.

The six months tenure was drawing to a close. It was then Gyanasagaram paid a surprise visit to my house. My mom was very sick and lay curled in bed. I had to take her to a doctor. The shelves in the kitchen were empty. Poverty was writ large on our faces and the house. The loss of job and the regular income were staring at me. School fees had to be paid. I was at my wits end. There was nothing to offer to my benefactor except a glass of water. He sized up the situation in no time. He did not speak much and left after a few minutes.

Three days later I was called by the Headmaster as soon as the school hours started. That was the last day. I knew I have been called to be informed that my tenure was over and that my services were no longer necessary. I found the school correspondent also seated with him.

“Good morning, Ganesan.We are sorry your tenure will be over from today.Savitri will be joining tomorrow. We are very happy at the sincerity and devotion you had shown in your work. Parents keep telling me how pleased their children are with you and your teaching. What is your future plan?”

With an attempt to restrain the tears, I said “I have no idea. I need this job most but I am aware my term has ended. I dread the forthcoming days.” Choked with emotion I could continue no more. The headmaster stood up and came near me. Patting me on my shoulders he said “Do not worry. You will continue to work with us hopefully on regular basis. Please attend the school as usual.”

Bewildered at the turn of events I looked at him in utter disbelief. The Headmaster smiled at me and said “Go to your benefactor and prostrate before him. Gyanasagaram has applied for voluntary retirement on personal grounds effective from tomorrow. I asked him for reasons. He did not tell anything except that he was comfortable with his well employed sons and that he can hang his boots without any inconvenience. He specifically requested me to employ you on regular basis. I personally feel that he took this decision impelled by a wish to help you. He used to come to me frequently pleading for one more regular teacher for his department to accommodate you. When I told him last week that the management had turned down the proposal, he submitted his papers two days later. He refused to withdraw despite our persuasion.”

I rushed to his house the same evening only to be told by his son “Dad had left with mom on a long pilgrimage. He wished that I should convey his felicitations to you on your extension in case you visited the house. I had never seen him happier than when he took his retirement.”

"Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting."
~ Elizabeth Bibesco

Clandestine meeting

2011-08-25T02:29:00.003+05:30

It was past 12 in the night. It has been drizzling since evening.Sharmila sat comfortably in the taxi for this long drive to the palatial house on the outskirts of the city. The taxi driver was known to her and knew the place. She always employed him for these midnight visits. The person she was to meet is a prominent figure and took care to avoid any adverse publicity. He insisted that they meet only during late hours when the city slept. She visited him once or twice a month as he was very busy with state affairs and surrounded by countless secretaries and officials even at his residence

These meetings are known only to the two and very discreetly arranged especially when his wife was sent away on some pretext to another city. Sharmila did not like these nocturnal meetings and the secrecy that accompanied them. She was willing to meet him like any other in the day time at his private room. But he was not agreeable and insisted on the clandestine meetings.

Sharmila, hardly 25, was an attractive brunette, tall and with a golden skin that glowed. She knew that she was a head turner and made the hearts of young men flutter and smiled to herself with satisfaction at the admiration she received whenever she walked in the mall or public places.

“Can you please drive faster? I have an appointment at 1am and I cannot afford to be late even by a minute” she said to the driver

“It is drizzling Ma’m and the road is not good. Still I will be able to reach there in ten minutes, don’t worry” the driver assured.

She became silent, adjusted her hair, had quick touch up and applied on her face and neck Chloé fragrance from the tiny perfume bottle in her bag. As if they knew in advance, the gate was open and the taxi drove straight to the portico.

“Do wait. It will not take more than one hour” she told the driver as she quickly and silently walked in to take the stairs to the first floor. She gently knocked the door and lingered for a few seconds before she entered.

“Come in my child. You are on dot even when it is raining. Come and sit close to me, my dear” the politician said.

As she snuggled close to him with his arms wrapped around her, she started sobbing and telling “Grand pa, I hate this secrecy. It does not look good. Why don’t you make known to everybody our relationship? Why are you scared?”

“My sweet little girl, it is not so easy. There are many vested interests trying to oust me from this position. If a scandal were to break out that is the end. You know my wife. She is a termagant and will hit the roof if she knows our relationship. I cannot tell her that your late mom is an illegitimate daughter of mine. Please wait for an opportune moment. Stop crying. Take this wad of money and the other gifts” he said as he affectionately passed his hands over the head of his grandchild.

The telephone call

2011-08-24T02:18:00.006+05:30

I was reading some spiritual book explaining the Karma theory that our past actions follow us like a shadow through the cycle of births and deaths. I took comfort in the thought that my omissions and commissions in this life can be attributed to the past and there was little that I could have done to avoid them. My mood lifted up when I found myself grinning at .escaping from the personal responsibility for my problems. It was then the phone rang.

“Hello, is it Sarvadaman’s house?” asked a male voice

“Yes, I am his father speaking” I said

“Sorry Sir, your son has been arrested by the police about 30 minutes back and taken to the station. I don’t know where. They would not give him time to telephone you or talk to anyone of us” the voice said.

I was confused and asked him “Any idea why he was arrested? Did he ask you to telephone me? Who are you, Sir?”

“No Sir, he did not ask .He was very perturbed and shaken. I am also working in Telecom department with him. I don’t know why he was picked. You know the intense probe that is going on.Infact no one knows that I am informing you.” the voice replied

“There is something wrong here. My son is a clean chap. I don’t think he is in any way connected with the wrong things happening.Infact we discuss the news daily and he is very much perturbed. By the way, what is your good name and how did you find my number?” I asked

“I am Mahesh Sharma. I checked the office telephone directory and found his name with residence number” he replied

I rang up my son’s mobile number. It was silent and was switched off. I became a little concerned.

“Thank you. Just for confirming that it is my son, can you give me details like how he looks like, to which state he belongs to and such like?”I asked

“He is a tall guy and not very fair or dark. Medium complexion I would say. He wears specs. Will this suffice?”he replied

I was a little worried now and started panicking. I said “Yes your description fits him. I will start right away to find his whereabouts. Thanks for informing. His wife and children would be greatly upset. Thank you again” I said before I continued as an afterthought “You didn’t say which state he hailed from”

“He is a Punjabi from Batinda, Sir” he replied

“Are you sure?”I persisted

“Hundred percent. He has partaken in many Punjabi dramas and programmes in our office” he said

“Thanks a bunch Sharmaji.My son is Sarvadhaman Swaminathan iyer, a Tamilian.I have heard my son telling me that his namesake had joined recently in the Ministry. Please try to find out his number as he may not be listed in the old telephone directory and inform his family” I said as I heaved a sigh of relief.

Gossip

2011-08-22T07:55:00.003+05:30

Ambujam mami knew almost everyone in that complex of more than six blocks of 16 houses each. She had the knack of befriending all with her pleasant conversation. Always well dressed, she was a picture of grace wearing always a smile in her face. She had a small family of husband and an office going daughter in her early 20s.Her husband who generally left in the mornings came late.Ambujam spent most of the time talking to one or the other in the lobbies, play area or in the pathway while she went for walk twice a day. Nothing happened in the complex without her knowledge. She knew which apartment had new tenants, which lady is in family way, where the kids are studying or working and which one had gone astray and which family is breaking up. The possession of this knowledge has fetched her albeit wrongly a label as a gossip. It is not her fault that she knew the happenings in the complex and that she shared the news with other friends. There were some occupants who avoided her like a plague.

Be that as it may, she had been noticing for the last few months a young man visiting the complex on his motorbike whenever she went out to visit her relatives during weekends. Clad in jeans and colorful shirts, he looked muscular and quite handsome. What intrigued mami was that Renuka of E block rushed out every time that young man came and was seen talking to him in a corner of the community hall..Renuka and Ambujam mami’s daughter Sumitra were close friends having studied together and living in the same complex. But she didn’t mention this to her daughter as she would get angry with her for her snooping trait. But mami relieved herself of the tension by telling a few other ladies. They also watched and confirmed her suspicion that Renuka was meeting him frequently without the knowledge of her parents. Mami even thought of bringing this to the notice of Renuka’s mom but dropped the idea as that lady was never warm with her

.
When mami went out to visit her relatives, Sumitra would invariably excuse herself pleading she needed rest. One Saturday when Ambujam mami was leaving, she saw Renuka in animated conversation with that young man .When she turned back to see her, she saw her pointing her hand at her and giggling with him. She could take no more of this nasty goings on and decided to tell her mom about the secret meetings.

The next Monday she took her close friend who lived in the opposite apartment with her and went to Renuka’s house. Luckily the young girl was not at home. Her mom welcomed them and said “A pleasant surprise your visit is. I know you as Sumitra’s mom but we have never mixed much. I am glad you came with your friend. Just a couple of minutes, I will get you some tea and biscuits.”

After the pleasantries Ambujam said “Actually I wanted to come earlier but was hesitant. I was not sure how you would react to the information that I wish to convey to you.”

“Why would I react? You can tell me freely without hesitation. I am actually eager to hear you” the lady said.

“You should not mistake me.Renuka is just like my daughter Sumitra.I am as much concerned about her as I am with my own daughter” Ambujam gently started broaching the subject.

“What about Renuka? Why should you be concerned with her? Did she do something for you to be upset with her?” she asked with a worried look.

“You are a mom like me. I just wanted to inform you that Renuka is meeting one young man near the community hall on weekends invariably and on some other occasions. They seem to talk enthusiastically. I do not know whether you are aware of this. I felt I should caution you about their secret liaison “she whispered to her.

“Frankly I am not aware. Let me check with Renuka.We are a liberal family and would not object to her choosing her own boy friend and eventually her partner. Since she hasn’t mentioned, let me find out” the lady said calmly.

It was then Renuka entered the house unexpectedly. Ambujam was taken aback and started to get up. The lady restrained her asking her “Please be seated. Let us ask Renuka in your presence. We will know the actual facts”

Renuka after hearing her mother turned towards Ambujam and said “Mami, hold your breath for the information that I am going to reveal may shock you. I would not have told you but for your bringing the matters to this head. That young man is coming to meet Sumitra.He is a common friend. They are great friends and have been dating for more than a year. He comes to meet Sumitra every weekend. He checks with me before going into your apartment whether you had left andt Sumitra is alone. He chats with me for a few minutes before going into your apartment for spending a couple of hours or taking her out. I learn they may tie the knot very soon.”

When Ambujam mami started fainting and was about to fall, the lady shouted “Renuka, get a glass of cool water and put the fan at high speed”

My writ runs here

2011-08-20T06:59:00.002+05:30

I was having my leisurely lunch at the restaurant. It was then I saw my (ex) husband Sunil walking in alone and looking for a place to sit. I wished to avoid him and lowered my head hoping he would not see me. I lost myself in my thoughts about him and my life with him. Well educated, well employed and handsome, he was what many girls would dream to be married with. It was an arranged marriage and I did not have much occasion to know him well. After the initial euphoria, I could find a pronounced streak of selfishness, intolerance and lack of consideration for others in him. I thought being the only child of his parents, he had had no occasion to share with siblings as most do and expected whatever he wished had to be done without demur. I hoped things would turn better over a period of time since he was married. But when he started insisting that in all matters his wish alone would govern our lives, I resisted. It did not stop with issues where he was involved but even on matters relating to me like when I can visit my parents, talk to my people and friends. He would insist on my cooking a full meal even when we came late tired and I was in no mood to cook. He would expect me to accompany him to boring parties at his friends’ places even when I disliked some of them. Things became so intolerable that I felt I could breathe easier without him.
On one day when in anger he said “In this house my writ alone runs. Do as I ask you to do or find your own home to live”, I replied that I would be moving away.
“Get lost immediately. Don’t you ever dream of coming back here” he thundered in anger.
I left him then and there. He tried to talk to me after a month but I did not encourage as I was still nursing my anger. I must confess I missed him though I could not accept his boorish behavior. I had not looked for any other man. I started learning Japanese to kill the evening times.
I was woken up from my reverie when I heard his soft voice”Swapna, what a surprise? Can I sit here? I wish to talk to you”
“Why not, you are welcome” I replied
“How are you? You look a bit wan and reduced. Are you keeping well?” he asked
“I am fine. The stress perhaps could be the reason “I replied. I was inwardly happy that he was concerned about my health and waited to hear what he wished to say. I was wondering whether he was struck with remorse and had come to plead for my return to his home. If he sincerely expressed regret and promised to change his ways, I was mentally not averse to give one more try.
When he was keeping quiet for some time, I prodded him saying “You wished to tell me something.”
“Yes, er…..I don’t know how to begin and how you would react to what I am going to say” he replied.
“Why should you hesitate? You never bothered to pay heed to my feelings anytime and did things as you wished. Why this preamble? Tell me whatever you wanted to say and be done with it” I said
“I have personally nothing against you. You have difficulty in adjusting to my way of living and there was no possibility of our seeing eye to eye on most things. You thought it fit to move away” he said when I interrupted him saying “It is not a correct statement. You asked me to get lost if I cannot accept your condition that it is your writ that runs in the home. I always felt marriage is an arrangement between two equal partners.”
“Whatever be the reason we are now living separately and will have to formalize it by mutual agreement” he said
“Then go ahead and ask your lawyer to send the papers. What is there for you to talk to me? I have some urgent work. Can I go?” I said
“No, it is like this. You know Smitha who works as assistant manager in my department. We have been meeting for some time and she has tentatively agreed to marry me after our divorce papers are finalized. But she insists on her meeting you and knowing from you the reasons for separation. You can help me get on with my life by facilitating this marriage to materialize. Will you do this favour?” he pleaded in a soft tone that was unlike him.
Concealing my anger I said “You can send her anytime. I am getting late”
The next day when Smitha came home, I welcomed her and offered her a drink.
“I know you work in Sunil’s department. What is it you wanted to meet me for?” I asked
“Yes, he is my boss. I am aware that you and Sunil have separated. He wants me to marry him and pressuring me to agree. I wished to know in confidence why you moved away from him within a year of marriage. Your reply will have a bearing on my answer to him though I promise I will not divulge what you would be telling me. Please help me to decide” she spoke directly coming to the point.
“It is simple. Just make an intelligent guess why a woman would leave a well educated, well employed and handsome guy within a year” I said
The colour in her face turned and she said “I think I know”
“Exactly, he could not consummate the marriage despite doctors certifying him being normal. He would not admit” I said coolly
A fortnight later I heard she had resigned her job and left for some other station. My writ ran here

Payback

2011-08-13T20:39:00.003+05:30

I am not a devout person. I never went to temples nor made obeisance to god men. I am not an atheist though. I just felt there was some power much beyond us to keep the sun and moon to rise without fail, the planets not falling or colliding with each other and the seas kept restrained within their shores. But my acknowledgement of this power beyond did not however inhibit me from many distasteful things that I indulged in. You see I am a small fry in politics but with vaulting ambitions to make it big. I had the necessary mental makeup. I was ruthless, cunning, ambitious, and greedy. I had all the vices that a man in good health can possibly have. I had hitched myself to a rising star in a political party and was slowly growing in importance.
As ill luck would have it, the leader to whom I had linked my fortune and future had a serious setback when he was caught in a big murder case and put behind bars. Luckily I was out of the suspect list though I had a minor role as his sidekick. His fall from grace of the opportunistic higher-ups and my identification with him were threatening my future and even my livelihood. It was then I heard of this god man who was making headlines and attracting a huge following of thousands to his abode. I heard if one is lucky enough to get an audience with him, he had the panacea for all the troubles. Stories abounded about how he cured chronic ailments given up by doctors, restored broken family relationships by a mere benediction, secured high positions, wealth, victory in difficult tasks and what not. I too wished to meet him and have my doubts resolved whether I should change loyalties or stick with the one who has caught himself in deep trouble. A wrong move may hurt me and my future considerably. I needed a steady flow of money.
With much effort, I was ushered to his august presence in the incense filled room. Clad in ochre robe with magnetic eyes and a winsome smile, he evoked an instant awe. After I prostrated full length and made my obeisance, he said in a soft voice that was almost a whisper”I know your problems. Patience is a virtue that helps. Have this to protect you” he said as he handed over a small Ganesh idol in gold that he contrived out of thin air by just waving his hand.
Wonder struck I looked at the idol that was shining in my hand and was quickly assessing mentally its weight and value. As if he read my mind he said ‘Yes it is pure gold. If you need quick results within a fortnight you must spend a couple of lakhs for doing special puja and for the silver amulet. Tomorrow is most auspicious and we can have it done, if you so wish.”
The next moment I was sort of dismissed and led outside by his disciples as a new devotee with his family entered the room. My attempts to catch his eyes were futile as thereafter he totally ignored my presence.
The same night I mustered two and half lakhs rupees from a money lender at usurious rate. I knew how to tackle these men. The money given to the god man, I was asked to come the next day to collect the amulet. I could not meet the god man again but was given an amulet to wear by his office. I could not go home as I had some paid job to evict a recalcitrant tenant from a house in the neighboring town. There was a sense of confidence in my steps after I wore the amulet till a week later I was tipped by my friend to stay away and that police were visiting my house daily to nab me in connection with the murder. I was alarmed and involuntarily felt the amulet I was wearing on my right arm and also ran my fingers on the Ganesh idol that I carried always. Stung by a doubt at the adverse turn of events, I rushed to a goldsmith and found the Ganesh idol was made of cheap brass. I knew I was duped and rushed to the God man’s place only to find from a distance a large number of policemen standing outside.
It was then I felt an arm on my shoulder. Taken aback I turned to see the moneylender breathing on my neck with a policeman in tow.

The encounter

2011-08-10T07:47:00.002+05:30

“I have been watching you. You cannot overcome your bad mood by drowning yourself in liquor. What is bothering you? Since last night I have seen you turning on your bed without sleep and now you have started drinking heavily even early in the day” asked Selvi
Inspector Kesavan, his eyes bloodshot, turned towards her but did not reply.
“I know you have a problem. I hate this wretched profession of yours always hunting criminals but I cannot allow you to spoil your health. Please confide in me” pleaded Selvi..
“I killed a young man last evening cold bloodedly when he least expected. There was no fig leaf of a fight as justification as he was unarmed” replied Kesavan
“This is nothing unusual for you. You have killed innumerable persons ruthlessly calling them encounters. Why shed tears in this case?” Selvi asked
“In most cases we chase them and they attempt to defend themselves by shooting. Such encounters are justified as in self defense and the authorities are aware but gloss over such incidents” he said
“Why then this guilt now?”asked Selvi
“No, Selvi.This is different. If the man I had killed were the ruthless criminal involved in many murders, holdups, ransom and what not, I would have no regrets for killing him. He was a menace to society. But the man who tipped us had made a grievous mistake. It was a case of mistaken identity. The guy whom we killed is a small time criminal acting as recovery agent for private debts. There are no serious charges against him though the police were looking for him. It was the pathetic cry of this man’s wife whom I saw after the shooting that fills my heart with remorse. Hardly 25 she was in advanced stage of pregnancy. Her long and shrill wail on seeing the bullet ridden body of her husband is still ringing in my ears. I am unable to get over, Selvi” Kesavan was seen sobbing.
“Oh, oh, I feel so sorry for the poor woman” Selvi said.
“Actually we inveigled him out of the house by asking his confidant to warn him on mobile that police would be soon there to nab him and that he should escape. This fool misled us unwittingly though. The poor chap trusted his friend and came out of the house. We followed him till he was what we thought out of sight of his wife but never knew she was watching him leaving from the terrace. We surprised him and shot at him when he tried to run back and planted a gun in his hand” he said
“How sad” she remarked
“The woman had seen the cold blooded murder and screamed beating her chest and head. She is very young almost my younger sister’s age. It will take a long time for me to forget her face filled with horror and shock” he added
“Forget it as a bad dream. This is one of the hazards of the profession. Ask for a change to another department and be done with killing. I will also have peace of mind. You do not know how much tense I am daily till I see you back in home” Selvi said.
“I have already asked the departmental head for a transfer. I wish to help later that woman indirectly to salve my conscience. Where is Arjun?” he asked.
“Dad, I am here. I came in a few minutes ago and overheard the conversation between you two. The only saving grace in this sordid episode is that you had not killed him intentionally. There had been a mistake though you should have made doubly sure about the identity. Grieve not for it was not a deliberate act. But the wrong done to that young woman cannot be easily brushed aside. As your son I will make suitable amends for it after the furor dies down. I may even given her life time protection as atonement” said Arjun the 27 year old young man.
Wiping the tears from his eyes, Kesavan straightened his shoulders and looked at his grown up son with immense pride.

Mandira,iPad and Bus ride

2011-08-04T21:21:00.009+05:30

An urgent work cropped up at Bangalore and I did not have time to make any reservation. Luckily I could get a seat In the AC bus that was to leave in the next hour. I was hungry and tired. Grabbing some snack and a can of coke, I settled in a chair in the lounge. As I was finishing the coke, I heard “Bus for Bangalore now boarding.” I hurriedly dumped the bag in the receptacle over the allotted seat and settled in the window seat. The bus was to depart in the next five minutes and I was happy that my adjacent seat was unoccupied. There was no trace of any passenger. My happiness was however short lived when a young lady came and occupied the seat next to me. She was about 25, very charming in Jeans and a Khurta like top.

“Are you proceeding for Bangalore?” she asked softly

I nodded and asked “What about you? Do you live In Bangalore?”

“Yes” she said with a smile
After some pleasantries, I came to know that she was working In Bangalore and that she had come to Chennai on some official work. She did not give much detail about her. She was a bit reticent and answered in monosyllables.

I started playing Sudoku In my iPad to while away the time while the video in the bus was showing some Rajni film. She was watching it for a while and then closed her eyes possibly to catch some sleep. After some time I took my lappy and started working on some report I was to send.

“It is boring. Can I use your iPad to play some games if you are going to be busy with lappy?”I heard her ask me

“Why not? By all means play to your hearts content till the power lasts” I said as I gave her the iPad

She started playing Hangman, Mahjongg and various other games. I got busy with my work and after an hour put the lappy in the bag when the eyelids became heavy. Having had a busy day, I fell into sleep immediately

It was only at Krishnagiri that I got up and went to the rest room. She was holding the iPad tightly in her hands and was seen dozing with her eyes closed. Not wanting to disturb her I went back to sleep in an empty seat on the other side.

It was after the bus had left Hosur that I woke up with a start to find the lady missing from the seat. I panicked and asked the conductor where the lady was. He said she got down at Hosur hurriedly at the last moment as if on second thought. It was a new iPad and I cursed myself for leaving it in her custody and sleeping. I had not got even the name of the company where she worked while I had foolishly parted with the name of my company and my mobile number in the hope we may become friends. If she were working at Bangalore, why should she get down at Hosur? I was certain that she was a well dressed petty thief possibly filching things like this from unwary passengers.

The conductor and a few passengers commiserated with me at my plight and expressed their doubts whether any complaint with police would help. The bus was moving at great speed leaving me with no other option than to stay put. It was then my mobile rang. It was the lady who spoke.

“Sorry, Sir.I had to get down at Hosur as my parents live there. I work in Bangalore. You were fast asleep when the bus stopped at Hosur.I waited for sometime hoping you would wake up in the noise of the bus stand. When you did not, I left the iPad in your laptop bag. Forgive me for this liberty. Please open the lappy bag and see whether the iPad is there while I am on line. Lucky I had your number” she said.

I quickly checked to find my iPad safely in the bag and was struck with remorse at my hasty assumptions
“Thank you Miss….er I was a bit worried when I did not see you. It is a new iPad and I was very much upset. I am extremely sorry for some uncharitable assumptions ‘I said

“Mandira…..Miss Mandira. So you thought I was a thief” she replied as she laughed loudly and continued “Let us meet at Bangalore in the coming week. You owe me an apology.”

It is a different matter that this fortuitous incident developed into a friendship culminating eventually in our happy marriage.

55 W fiction

2011-07-31T22:31:00.001+05:30

1. Short lived happiness
“Daddy”
His face illumined happily at son’s voice.
“Enough of your being alone. Come let’s go.”
“Has your wife agreed?”
“We were concerned and came to this decision jointly” said the son
His heart swelled in pride at the thought of grandchildren.
The son’s face became grim as the car stopped at old age home.
2. Nanny
The child was crying in bed
“Mummy, don’t go” she wailed
She gave Tylenol as she felt her shivering and warm.
“Don’t worry. Will be back from party soon. Nanny is here” she said as she left hurriedly.

“Nanny, Where are you? Am feeling like throwing up. Please come
Nanny was snoring in her bed
3. Stolen kiss
She was beautiful and smiling at him from the corner in the theatre. No one was around. Unable to resist, he approached her with adrenalin running high. Her parted lips were still inviting. He planted a stealthy kiss but the wretched bell rang. He reluctantly went into hall looking again at the tempting wall poster

4. Blood thirsty
He wrote to her in his blood “I love you”
“Wow, write more and longer” she replied
He wrote more and asked “Are you happy?”
“Yes. I like the smell of your blood. Keep them coming” she replied
“I am willing to die for your love” he wrote
“This is what I want” she replied
5. Bertha after me
“I am scared of Bertha. She is after us” he told his sweetheart.
She said “Me too.”
“She will catch us wherever we are. I pray she stops pursuing us” he said.
“Let us hide in the basement for the night and move elsewhere tomorrow.
Next morning TV blared typhoon Bertha changed course

credulity

2011-07-28T01:37:00.004+05:30

It was a crowded street with shops and hotels on either side. It was close to a railway station. Every five minutes when the trains disgorged the passengers, they came out in hordes walking along the street to their destinations. There was always the hooting of the horns,the screaming roadside vendors, the babel of voices and the rattle of the tram cars. Seated at a vantage point was the young man in his torn pants and an oversized Tshirt with a towel spread before him. By his side stood the white stick with two small rows of red paint at the top and bottom of the stick. One need not be guided by this stick to know he was blind. His protruded white pupils and his contorted facial features were enough for others to see his disability.
The passersby invariably took pity on this miserable man and dropped coins on the spread towel. There were no trees to give him shade and he sat on the edge of the platform taking care not to impede the flowing traffic of pedestrians. He generally came early there and left when the sun went down on the sky. Who brought him there and where he went after the evening are unknown. They are also not of material consequence to the story. Suffice it to say rain or shine, he was seated day in and day out waiting for the munificence of the kind hearted people to keep his hunger at bay.
This day an older beggar sat by his side. He had no serious disability to evoke the sympathy of the people except that he had only one leg but had a crutch to support him when he walked. But amongst beggars there seemed no competition and the blind youngster did not mind the company. In fact he conversed with the older man making the long squatting on the hot sun less burdensome. Coins were falling at regular intervals on the young man’s towel while the older guy was not that lucky. No one ever dropped any coin on his towel. Where the coins rolled or fell out of the blind man’s towel and they were many , the older man silently took them and kept with him. He did not take however what fell on the towel. Oblivious of the deceit the young man enjoyed the older man’s company.
A kindly woman dropped a twenty rupee note out of extreme compassion but did not feel necessary to tell the young beggar of the fact. She assumed that he would as was his wont collect the contributions by feeling the towel with his hand. As soon as she walked away after lingering for a few seconds, the elder beggar quietly lifted the note and put it securely in his pocket.
“I could smell from the fragrance of flowers that a woman was standing by my side but could hear no noise of coin falling” said the blind man.
“Yes, I also observed her standing before you and opening her bag but on second thoughts walked away without giving anything. May be she had no change” the older man said.
That evening when the day was over, the older beggar asked him to wait. He fetched two packets of lemon rice and gave him one to eat.
Surprised the blind one asked the other guy why this generosity.
“You are like my younger brother. I have no one to look after. Whatever I earn I can spend. I will take care of you always. You do not have to worry. I intend to spend the rest of my life along with you. It suits me well” replied the older fellow.
The young beggar innocently said “I am touched by your affection a thing I have never received. We can even share whatever is given to me. You don’t seem to get much. People take pity on me because of my blindness.”

Presence of mind

2011-07-27T18:03:00.003+05:30

Rohini always keeps the front door locked and used the peephole whenever the bell rang. Today after the grocery was delivered by the boy from the local store, she forgot to close the door as she smelt the milk boiling and rushed to the kitchen. She checked the coffee in the filter and found it had not filtered. When she went back to close the door, she saw a well built man standing in the hall with the door behind him slightly closed. It was an apartment complex with the opposite one remaining locked as they had gone on vacation. Her husband was on tour and expected in the evening.Rohini in her early 30s mostly worked from home on odd consultancy jobs but went out almost daily meeting friends and socializing
She knew she had made a mistake. But he looked decent in his well pressed clothes and the smug smile in his face made him look attractive. The initial irritability softened as she asked him gently ”You could have rung the bell. What is it you want?”
“Sorry madam, I should have done it and stood outside waiting for you” he said politely
“Never mind, tell me the purpose of your visit” she asked
“I heard that you wanted a driver for your car. I am now on the lookout for a job as my previous employer got transferred” he replied even as he surveyed the rich furniture in the hall and the well kept showcase with some finest curios. Affluence was strikingly seen everywhere. If only he had a bit of luck, he was thinking, when her voice brought him to attention
“Who told you we were looking for a driver and how did you get the address?”she asked with some suspicion as she had talked to Ravi only a couple of days back that she needed a driver.
“The drivers meet once a while at a tourist operator’s office. Someone told me though I do not know how he got the information. I can give some good references. I have an aged mother to look after and a younger sister to be married off” he replied
She liked his appearance and the soft way he spoke. She felt he would make a good driver for her and be the envy of her friends who came with aged drivers with thick glasses and bent figures. She started wondering why husbands prefer old men while choosing drivers for spouses.
“Madam, please help me get this job. You will have no room for complaint” he pleaded even as he glanced around. For the first time she didn’t like his roving eyes.
The aroma of coffee from the filter filled the room. She had not yet taken. She did not want to miss a good driver and wanted to question him further
“Please wait. I will be back soon from the kitchen” she said
She prepared a cup of coffee and went to the adjoining room wherefrom she could see him through an opening in the well curtained window.
The young man thought what an easy target she was and how easily she fell for his talk. She also looked very good. He was thanking his stars for his good luck. There were none in the floor. He must handle this tactfully and help himself, he thought.
As he neared the show case, he saw on the mantle a Rado watch. He quickly pocketed it and looked around. He heard her talking to someone on phone. He filched an iPhone that was tempting to ignore besides some silver pieces. Meanwhile he heard a rustle and he quickly moved to the place where he was standing.
She came with a cup of coffee and a large smile in her face. She looked very fascinating. He felt his heart pounding faster and adrenaline rushing through his veins as she handed him the cup and her fingers brushed his.
“Please sit down and drink the coffee first. You can tell me later about yourself, how much you expect and whether you would come out of station if need be” she said.
He now sincerely felt how nice it would have been if he had known driving really and started fantasizing taking her on long trips. He felt sorry for her now and how she would be hurt very soon. But compassion has never been his virtue and he turned into a wild animal when hapless women came under his control.
As he was drinking his coffee, she said “Just a minute. I will be back very soon” and left the room. He went to the front door and locked it. He felt very happy that the job is rendered so easy. No one would hear. He sat waiting for her. Five minutes went by and she wasn’t seen. He stood up to go inside but felt he could not stand. Something amiss, he thought. He sat down
Ten minutes later Rohini came into the hall and saw the crumpled figure on the sofa. She smiled and rang up for the security at the gate. Thanks to her foresight in watching him steal the things through the curtained window, she could save herself. But she had to beat him in his own game without arousing any suspicion and she did it with aplomb. The coffee helped her accomplish it.

A ruse

2011-07-23T06:30:00.001+05:30

It was nearing 11pm.Jayaram runs the three -wheeler in the night shift for the last few months. Passengers after this late hour were less but the few who used at this hour were generally drunk and did not mind paying whatever fare he demanded. Some were not in a position even to count the money. They were not always good and some dangerous too.Jayaram makes a quick mental assessment before he accepted the passengers. He avoided carrying two or more passengers unless they were a family. His wife had gone to her mom’s place for delivery and had asked him to send Rs.5000 for medical expenses. He was short of the amount by a thousand and wished to make it up god willing this night.
“Hey auto, will you come up to Santhoshapuram? We are in a hurry” Jayaram heard a gruff and a bit incoherent voice behind him.
“Where, Sir” he asked
“Santoshapuram” the man said in a raised voice
“Santhome, is it”
“Are you deaf or what? Santoshapuram near Tambaram” he shouted at the top of voice
“Don’t get angry, sir. I am hard of hearing since childhood” he replied
“It’s alright.. Take us double quick: the man said
“It is quite far, Sir. I am to hand over the vehicle by midnight” he said obviously uncomfortable with their looks. One of them had a tight T-shirt that showed his bulging muscles over a lungi that was folded in half. The other wore a dark red khurta over faded jeans. They sported long mustache that highlighted their evil faces and their big smoke- stained teeth.
Unmindful of his disinclination, they pushed their way into the vehicle and said in a threatening voice ‘Be a good boy. Don’t get into any trouble. We are not in good mood.. We know your meter is rigged. Nevertheless we will pay you double the fare. Start immediately”
Jayaram didn’t want any trouble but needed the sizable money he expected from the long trip . He quietly started the vehicle. They asked him twice some innocuous question but he pretended not to have heard them till they tapped his shoulder and raised their voices. Satisfied that the driver was hard of hearing, the two men commenced conversing with each other in silent tone. Jayaram sharpened his ears to catch their conversation.
The T-shirt man said”We have to keep the boy hidden may be for two days. By that time the boss will decide what to do. It all depends upon the boy’s parents. If they quietly pay the money, he may not harm the boy. But one can never be sure with boss. He can be tricky and most cruel too. He has given deadline by 1pm tomorrow morning to pay up and have the boy alive.”
The khurta guy said “I feel bad for the five year old kid. He has been crying all the time and had not taken a morsel of food. We brought him from the playground blindfolded. He wouldn’t know where he is holed up. Why kill him?”
“Shut up. It is none of our business. You seem to have taken a liking for the boy. If the boy is lucky you drop him back at Valmiki nagar.Don‘t open your mouth before boss. He may even kill you” admonished the T-shirt.
“Let us buy some idlies on the way .The boy may be hungry” said the khurta chap
“No time to waste. Let us get bun in the tea shop near the house. It is nearing 12.Let us stop the auto at the beginning of the street and walk up to the house. It is drizzling but never mind” said the T-shirt
When they reached the street, it was raining heavily. Instead of stopping at the beginning of the road, they got down before a small tiled house at the end of the road. They paid him 400 rupees and asked him “Are you happy?”
Jayaram said”What? What did you say? You want me to wait?”
Assured that the driver did not hear their conversations, the T shirt laughed and said “Nothing .I said have a safe trip back”
Jayaram swung into action once he came to the main road by calling the police. By 2am the young child was rescued and the men including the boss were in custody. When the parents came to the police station to take the child, he overheard them asking the inspector of police “Where is the honest auto driver? We wish to meet him and thank him profusely. We would also reward him handsomely for saving us the huge ransom of one crore demanded. We would even make him a owner of a fleet of autos instead of being a driver. But for his honesty and the smart ruse of pretending to be deaf, we would not have got back our child alive.”
Jayaram could not believe what he heard but remembered that good acts have their own rewards.

score to settle

2011-07-15T02:04:00.003+05:30

‘Blade’ Balan as he was known is a character with whom no one can be comfortable with. He was dreaded by all peace loving and law abiding people. A school dropout, he started picking pockets to chain snatching, drugs to smuggling, and finally to assaults to murders. Hardly 30 he had graduated in all acts of crime with particular propensity to contract killing. No one knew where he lived and what he did for a living. But he was present wherever there were disputes and his help was needed for settlement be it throwing a tenant out, recovery of loan , grabbing land, scaring people in love disputes or settlement of chronic problems by violent means.
Balan was lying one afternoon on Kala’s lap with both of them cuddling amorously in her hut. Their friendship was recent and started on a tiff at a ration shop.Balan tried to jump the queue one day for procuring rations for someone known to him. While all the others kept mum, Kala who was at the end of the line had the temerity to question. He was not accustomed to anyone confronting him and he looked at her with astonishment. She was about 35, well built and attractive. Instead of getting angry, he smiled at her. He got her rations too out of turn and thus became their friendship.Kala’s husband, a painter by profession and a chronic alcoholic and a sickly person, beat her mercilessly under the influence of liquor. He could not keep her happy and she detested him hating his very presence in the house. Balan became an infatuated slave of her pandering to all her needs and smothered her with money and love. Most afternoons when he had no compelling work, he spent with her.
One afternoon when they were in a happy frame of mind, she casually mentioned ‘My husband is suspecting us. May be some neighbours must have squealed about our meetings and intimacy. I wish to marry you and be ever with you unafraid of others mouths.It is not possible as long as this wretch is alive.”
Inebriated with her warm and passionate kisses, he asked her ”Tell me clearly. Do you want him out of our way permanently. Promise that you will marry me then.”
“I wish to be with you all my life. You have made my life very happy and I am unable to be without you even for a day. Only this man is a hindrance in our way. I don’t know what you will do but please see that you don’t get me into any trouble” she said
“Forget it. This man is a small fry. I have eliminated prominent people with ease. Don’t worry. I have lot of clout. We will soon elope from this place after the deed is done. Give me a week’s time. He will be permanently out of your way. Be assured no danger will come to you” he said.
“Thanks. I have one request. Avoid coming here for a month or two after the event so that no one would connect you with his disappearance. After two months we can move to another nearby place quietly.I would be missing you a lot during the intervening days but cannot be helped “she replied.
Two months later Balan in dark glasses and a beard came to Kala’s hut to find it locked. He came on successive days to find the house closed. He enquired discreetly with a woman selling flowers nearby whether the locked hut was available for rent.
She said “One Kala was living there. People say her husband ran away deserting her. She was not happy with him though. People here gossip that she went with her secret lover about a month and half back. No one knows where she had gone. She was secretive, it seems.”
“Secret lover?” he expressed surprise.
“Actually she was having affairs with two men. One man, a plumber I hear, was about 45 and a long time lover whom she met regularly at his place. The other fellow was a younger man and I heard he was a dreaded rowdy. He was a recent acquisition of hers. But people talk that she ditched this younger guy for the older man. Why do you ask all these?” the flower woman asked
“Just curiosity. Why would she leave a younger guy for an older man? It surprises me” he said
“True, I heard the younger fellow was a hooligan and she was afraid of him. Don’t know what happened to her husband. People talk many things. But this woman was a wicked woman and a slut” she said in contempt
Balan smiled at her and said “You are so helpful. Give me flowers for 25 rupees for the Vinayagar temple” and casually added “Any idea where she lives now? I would come to you daily and buy flowers. Where is your hut?”
The flower girl smiled back at him coquettishly and said “I heard they are at Kuppanchavadi.Do come daily. I will keep flowers especially for you. My hut is at the end of the road. I live with my mom who is away at work most afternoons.”
“Thanks .We will become friends. I will be back after a week. I have some urgent work to do. Let me go now. Can you please give the flowers at the temple? I am in a hurry” he said
Balan started walking towards Kuppanchavadi.He had some scores to settle..

Naren,mirror and peace

2011-07-07T21:21:00.005+05:30

“Do not feel lost and lonely. It happens to all at some stage in life. I know losing a partner of forty years is no small thing. But one has to move on with life, Naren.Cheer up and go out to meet friends and relatives. Get books from the library or play a game or two of Sudoku or chess online. Learn to keep your mind engaged” said Arvind to his friend.
“I do try to divert my mind but am unable to forget her. Forty years, to be exact thirty nine years, eight months and twenty one days we lived together sharing joys and sorrows. Every little thing in this house brings back her memory. These six months of being without her is real hell. I wish Vimla had not died” bemoaned Naren
“You are selfish. Don’t you remember the pain and suffering she was undergoing in her last days? Death was a great relief for her. She must be really happy now relieved of pain” said Arvind.
Naren asked “Do you sincerely believe that she would be free of pain and be happy. I do not mind my suffering here without her if only I knew she was cheerful”
“It is easy. Why don’t you talk to her through a planchette or gazing at the mirror in the twilight hours? Just once to know that she is happy and free from pain. Promise me that you would not use this device more than once” warned Arvind
“How do I do it? I mean talking to her thro a mirror” asked Naren
“Don’t know much. But I have heard like this. Listen carefully.
On the day you wish to talk to her eat only fruits and vegetables. Avoid coffee. Do this exercise in the evening as the sun sets. Remove all metals from your body, rings, watches and chains. Disconnect phones and remove battery from clocks. Close the door of your room. No one else should be present. It should be absolute silence. Sit in a comfortable position before a very clean and big mirror. Switch off the lights after lighting a fragrant candle kept by side of mirror. Be in physical contact with something of your wife that she liked best say a sari or a necklace. Keep it on your lap. Keep her photo before you. You can even play a soft music that she liked. Think of some happy moments with her and start expecting her to appear before you. The mirror may become hazy and clouded. Do not be worried. It is a sign that you have established contact. Keep gazing at the mirror. You may hear some indistinct unusual noises in the back ground. Place your finger on the mirror as it feels a tingle. This means she is ready for communicating with you. Do not be afraid as her image appears in the mirror unclear initially but getting sharper and clearer. This experience will not last beyond one or two minutes. Do not ask questions abruptly. Greet her and express your love for her. Once she replies, you can converse. Please be positive. Sometimes there will be noises making the conversation difficult. Sometimes you may even feel the sensation of her touch. Strain your ears to listen intently. I hope this should be adequate. Will meet you after two days to know the outcome of your effort” explained Arvind.
Two days later, when Arvind met Naren he found him exultant and in high spirit.
Naren started telling “Arvind, I have been waiting for you to share my experiences. I saw her and spoke to her. She is fine and totally free from pain. Initially for a few minutes nothing was clear and it was noisy with eerie sounds. It became crystal clear later. I told her I miss her very much. She said she too missed me a lot but that we can never be together until my time comes.She said she is happy though the people there are looking different”
“How is it different?” asked Arvind
“It was not clear. She said that it was something like we are in a strange land but that she got used to it. They are all nice but not so friendly when others like me call her. She told me she had to take permission and that she cannot speak for long. She told me that we can hopefully meet once I depart this world but warned me not to do anything foolish. People who commit suicides go elsewhere. I am praying that my end would come soon” Naren replied.
“Don’t be silly. Forget about all these since you know she is happy and get on with your life” advised Arvind
Two days later Arvind rushed to Naren’s place when he got a call from his son. He was waiting at the gate. He said on seeing me “Uncle, something strange has happened last night and I find my dad dead sitting on a chair with a mirror before him and a burnt candle. The lights were switched off and there was the fragrance of burnt incense stick.Something weird, I could not know why. The doctor said it was a cardiac arrest.”
When Arvind entered his room, he saw Naren with a peaceful and contented face obviously an indication that he has joined his wife.

Saketh's surprise

2011-07-05T17:15:00.003+05:30

She was sipping her tea after a hot samosa in the university canteen. She had long hours to work in the lab. She had an uneasy feeling that someone was looking at her from a distance. When she turned her head, her eyes met those of a young man across a few tables. He was staring at her intently. She lowered her eyes immediately not before realizing that he was a very handsome guy, tall and dusky, that women fancy for. When she looked again, he smiled at her and she could not but make a faint grin at his audacity. Before she could finish the tea, he strode by her side and said “I am Saketh and in the seventh semester. You resemble a lot my niece, almost a clone I should say, that made me keep looking at you.”

Inwardly happy that he made the first move she replied “I am Saranya also in the seventh semester in computer engineering. To which discipline do you belong to?”

“Chemical engineering .Perhaps that is why we haven’t seen each other” he replied with a smile. She liked the attractive dimple that formed in his right cheek. She started liking him.
“Is your day over?”he asked

“No, I have some work to do at the lab” she replied
“Allow me to walk with you up to the lab. My day is over and will take the bus back home. I live in Adyar” he said giving more information than asked for.

”Thank you. I live in Indira nagar close by to your place”

From the next day onwards tea at the canteen at this time became a daily feature for them along with long walks whenever their classes permitted. The days melted into months and as the last semester for Saketh drew to a close they knew they were in deep love with each other. He was however not sanguine whether this love would materialize as she was the daughter of a very wealthy business magnate. There was such a wide chasm that he used to wonder often what she thought about this and whether she was just enjoying his company as a pleasurable pastime during her college days. But she seemed very sincere and earnest in her love for him. But he lacked the courage to propose fearing rejection. As the year wore on, he joined a MBA programme in another city and their contacts were limited to frequent sms messages initially that tapered off to occasional ones over a period.

Three years later he had joined a reputed company after a campus placement and worked hard to impress the bosses. His mom wished that he should marry but he could not forget Saranya so easily. He didn’t know where she was except to know that she had taken up a job after management course.

It was then one day he got an order transferring him to an overseas location for a period of two years. He did not want this as he had none to take care of his aged mom. He was advised by his immediate boss to meet the VP (HR).He had never visited the department. His office was a big ocean. As he was waiting in the ante room for the VP to call him, he was astonished to see Saranya entering along with someone into the ante room from outside with a file in her hand. She had put on some weight and looked much more charming. She didn’t notice him initially as she was conversing with the other guy.
When she turned, she let out a loud exclamation of joy and said “Wow, isn’t it Saketh? What are you doing here? I heard you were somewhere in the North at Delhi or somewhere.”

“No, I am here in this organization for one year. I work at the unit in the outskirts of the city. What brings you here? Are you also meeting the VP?” he asked

“I have some small work inside. Can I finish it first? The staff will send you in when I am finished. I hope you don’t mind, Saketh” she said pleadingly

After a few minutes, a secretary requested Saketh to go in. When he entered, he saw Saranya sitting in a chair opposite to VP’s vacant chair. He wondered why the secretary sent him in when the VP had not yet arrived. Hearing his gentle cough, she turned to beam a broad smile and welcome him by offering the seat adjacent to hers.

“Thanks, I thought you had finished your job and left. Where is the VP? He is not seen. Are you also waiting for him? he asked.

She smiled and asked him “What is it you wish to discuss with VP.If you can tell me, may be I can help you.”
Saketh explained briefly the purpose of his visit.

“Okay. This time I can swing it in your favour.But next time you are asked, please do not decline. I think you aren’t yet married. Meanwhile make arrangements for taking care of mom in your absence” she said with a twinkle in her eyes

“Thank you, Saranya. You are god send. I am happy you are in a position to influence the VP.I don’t know how to express my thanks.”

“I will tell you in due course. Meanwhile I will ask the VP to issue the orders cancelling the original decision.” she said even as she moved to the vacant VP’s chair and sat down.

Saketh was rendered speechless when it dawned on him that his friend is the VP.

She let out a big guffaw and said “Sorry, Saketh, for having fun at your expense. Don’t you know that my dad is the major share holder and founder of this company? I am extremely happy that we are back together again. Can you join me for a dinner at Blue Fox this evening? We have some serious matter to discuss and bring it to a happy conclusion.”

The unexpected help

2011-07-02T00:32:00.002+05:30

Selvam slowed down his auto (three-wheeler) near the bus stand. His duty would be over in another hour at 9pm and he will have to hand over the auto to the owner. He wished to drive for longer hours but that would be possible only if he had his own vehicle. He has been saving but the amount is still inadequate even for getting a permit. Luckily he had no big family to support except for his mother. He knew car driving but preferred to run the auto. If he drove car the tourist companies would insist on his going out of station almost 20 days in a month. This he did not want as he could not leave his mom alone.
It was dark and drizzling. There were a few people waiting for the bus. One young girl who was also waiting asked Selvam who stopped the vehicle by her side expectantly “How much would you demand for taking me to Adyar circle?”
“100Rs. ma’am” he said politely
“That is too much, I can pay 70Rs.Please come” she said
“Petrol prices have gone up, ma’am.One cannot afford at 70Rs.Make it 90Rs” he said
“No, I cannot also afford. Maximum I can pay Rs80.That is reasonable. I would have normally waited for the bus but my baby would be waiting at the crèche” she pleaded.
Selvam did not agree thinking due to urgency she would relent after a few minutes. It was a war of nerves and his experience showed that passengers often blink their eyes first under pressure.
It was then a white Maruti Omni screeched to a halt close to the young woman. The sliding door opened and a young man pulled her inside. She screamed and resisted. The other waiting passengers in the bus stand were standing numb in shock at this brazen audacity.Selvam who was a little away in the front turned to see she was almost dragged inside the car. She was wailing loud asking for help.
Her words that her baby was waiting in crèche came to Selvam’s mind. He knew he had no time but to rush to her help. Without a second thought and unmindful of the consequences and in a split second he drove his auto in front of the vehicle and collided head on with Omni that was about to start. Nothing mattered to him then save rescuing the woman from the ruffians. The front wheel of the auto got entangled under the bonnet and the car could not move. The three young men jumped out of the vehicle and tried to escape. One was caught by the passengers. The other two managed to give the slip.
The auto was freed from the car and luckily except for a dent on the bumper of the front wheel there was no serious damage, He offered to take the trembling lady in his auto to her place that was readily accepted. She thanked him profusely for saving her and at the end of journey offered him Rs100 but he took only Rs.80. It is another matter that she could arrange a loan through her husband from his bank for buying an auto and that she gave him a tidy sum as a token of gratitude.
The ways of life are strange indeed. We never know from where the much needed help would come to us. Surprisingly they come sometimes from totally unexpected quarters from people whom we ignore, haggle with, or even fight. In this case there was mutual help from two people who wrangled over ten rupees.

55 W fiction

2011-06-29T21:52:00.002+05:30

Chain snatching
I was taking evening walk alone in the lonely road. Two men in their motorbikes suddenly ambushed me and sped away after snatching daringly my chain. I neither resisted fearing harm nor screamed to attract attention. Instead I smiled to myself.
I use the glittering brass chains for my walks

Soliciting
They were young pretty girls clad in jeans and T-shirts.
When I stared, one of them said “Just 200Rs Sir. You will be happy for the visit”
I was hesitant wondering at the open soliciting.
“Come I will myself attend on you” she offered
My wife nudged and said “Try, it is a new salon”

Beating death
It was a complicated and long heart surgery for four hours.
The cardiac surgeon emerged triumphantly announcing ’Operation success. I can beat death”
He told his assistant ‘Keep things ready for the next surgery. Will be back after a short rest”
After an hour, assistant was waking up an inert doctor. Death was laughing

Man delivers baby
In the exhibition the marquee screamed “ONLY 25 Rs.SEE A MAN DELIVERING A BABY
With disbelief people rushed in to see the strange show
When the hall was full, the showman ordered silence. Lights focused on stage.
A man walked from behind the screen and placed a basket with a new born babe in it

The smile

2011-06-28T06:11:00.003+05:30

Miss George was not a bad teacher. In fact she was a conscientious and a good one. She took great pains to prepare her lessons well in advance. She burnt mid night oil to correct the homework the same day and give remarks in each and every note book. That the comments were trenchant was no fault of hers for she wrote what she genuinely felt without any effort to be nice. To an outsider her remarks may appear rude and discouraging in nature though they indicated where the students had gone wrong and what the right answer was. But the children en masse disliked her but she was not perturbed. Her class was always serious with no light hearted aside and she came down heavily on any kid trying to be flippant. She never touched any child but her tongue was rapier like. She was not good looking though many held she was ugly and that was why she remained a spinster. She was lean and scrawny and the thick glasses she wore made her hunched figure not a pretty sight. Sadly she paid no attention to her dress also.
Her colleagues in the staff room gave her a wide berth though she did nothing to merit such a mean treatment. As a result she was seen sitting alone in a corner poring over a book or a paper while the room was filled with riotous laughter and banter from others. She never smiled either in the class or in the staff room. Her eye brows were knit in what looked a constant frown. In short she had no friends.
That particular day her mood was nastier. That was the last period for the day. She asked questions on the lessons she taught the previous day as she always did. When the boys and girls failed to give satisfactory answers, her anger erupted and was followed by a stern order asking them all to stand up with hands folded for the rest of the class while she revised the lessons she taught earlier. The children were not amused and one could see the hate in their eyes. When the bell rang there were loud shouts of relief and joy with the children making a beeline for the door.
Praveen saw the hunch backed teacher walking slowly with a bag heavy with note books of the children. She was seen stopping every ten steps and shifting the weighty bag from one shoulder to the other. He felt pity for the teacher though he was also the one amongst those who stood the last hour in the class. He hurried his pace and walked up to her and said”Ma’am, can I please carry your bag up to your home?”
“I can carry my own bag. I don’t need your assistance” she replied curtly.
“I know ma’am. I still wish to carry it for you as you seem to find it heavy” he answered her.
“Don’t pester me. Don’t you understand that I do not need your help? Go home” she said with certain irritation and finality as she started walking
Praveen kept following her at a safe distance though he should have turned left to reach his home. It was then to his shock, he saw his teacher trip over a stone and fall flat with the note books and papers spilling. He ran towards her and lent his hand to make her sit. He collected the scattered notebooks and papers and put them in the bag and hung it on his shoulder. She stood up and slowly trudged her way home with the boy by her side. Not one word was spoken. Probably she was shattered and in pain.
When she reached her small home, she asked the hesitant boy to come in. It was a one bed roomed tenement but neatly kept.
“Please wait. Let me change my clothes after a wash” she said as she switched on the fan.
The boy found pictures of Jesus on cross, Virgin Mary and a few other saints on the wall. There was a bible on the table with candles on the stand. He could see a rosary along side. He thought to himself she must be a devout lady though he could not understand why she was always serious.
She brought a plate with some cookies and a glass of fruit juice.
“Have it. Thank you very much. You were persistent in helping me. I would have struggled but for your help” she said with a smile. That was the first time he saw her smile and she looked better with that smile.
“Thank you ma’am for permitting me to carry the bag. You can give me any errand in the class. I would willingly do.Sorry, we could not answer your question in the class. Yesterday’s lesson was tough for all of us” he replied
“Some one could have told me. I would not have made you all stand for an hour. I was in a bad mood today as I got news of my grand ma’s death in the village. But I should not have shown my personal grief in the class like this” she said
The boy was touched by her frankness. He decided to tell all his classmates how nice Miss George really is.
The next day as Miss George entered the class all students stood up and said in a chorus with smile on their faces “good morning, miss”
It was the first time she received such an hearty ovation and welcome. She smiled at them for the first time and saw the happy face of Praveen from one of the benches.

The meeting at the restaurant

2011-06-22T15:27:00.003+05:30

It was a well known restaurant in the city. It was crowded and buzzing with patrons. A group of half a dozen boisterous girls entered the restaurant and were assigned a corner table at the far end. The girls were seen giggling for no reason and often broke into a riot of laughter interspersed with loud shrieks and hearty banter. It seemed the presence of others hardly mattered to them. They had all assembled to meet their college mate Amrita who had come from US on a short vacation.
“Look at the handsome bearer by the table to the left. If he were to join films, he can give a scare to the aged heroes still doing the younger roles” said one girl
All eyes turned towards the young man taking orders from the adjacent table. His face was turned away but one could not miss his muscular well proportioned body, the long hair that was curly and a tiger like gait as he walked towards the kitchen. As the girls drooled, Amrita wondered, could it be her boy friend Rajan, her heart throb. The gait and hair style was unmistakable. It cannot be, as Rajan was a class topper destined to succeed in life. No, no this must be his clone. Both were initially corresponding but lost touch with after sometime. He went for management course and she got busy with her studies. It was on the top of her agenda to trace him in this visit and renew their relationship.
She lost her mood for partying. Citing severe headache, she wanted to be excused and told them that they could meet on another day. Luckily he had not seen her and if he were really Rajan what an embarrassment it would have been for her amidst her friends. She sincerely hoped that he was someone else and not Rajan.
The next day she went alone to the same restaurant just to make sure it was not Rajan.He had a large mole on his temple and that should clinch matters. When she went to sit near the same table, she saw him from a distance. She stood and looked at him to draw his attention. As expected he noticed her and rushed to her side
“Isn’t it Amrita? What a pleasant surprise to meet you after such a long time? How are you Amrita?” he asked animatedly
She looked at him with the order book and a pen in his hand and said with some irritation in her tone “Yes, I am Amrita indeed, Rajan. But for your mole I would have surmised it is your clone doing duty as a lowly waiter in a hotel”
“Why speak disparagingly of a waiter, is it that you consider a waiter’s job demeaning? All jobs are honorable, Amrita” he said.
“I don’t know but I am sure I would not be a friend with a waiter. He doesn’t belong to my circle. I am very much disappointed. I came here to make sure that the waiter whom I saw here yesterday is not you. Sadly you are a waiter. All my hopes of having a long term relationship with you are shattered. Why did you have to take this poor job when you were a topper and I think did a management course? I am sorry Rajan, I have to bid you a good bye” she spoke
It was then one bearer came to Rajan’s side and said in a deferential tone “Sir, some visitors have come and are waiting in your office”
Rajan turned to Amrita and said “.Please come with me. I will send them away in a few minutes.”
Amrita was surprised. Why would they address a waiter as Sir and request him to meet the visitors in his office. Does he have an office of his own? Then what is he? With such doubts assailing her mind, she went along with him.
They entered a large air conditioned richly carpeted room with large mahogany table, matching chairs, well upholstered sofa set. He sat in the chair and disposed of the visitors in a few minutes.
Looking at the bemused Amrita he asked “Are you surprised? I own this restaurant. We have a chain of such places in the city. To interact with my patrons and also see how the waiters are dealing with them, I mingle with them once a while. To me work is worship and nothing is below my dignity. Did you not notice that I was not in uniform unlike others?”
“Oh Rajan, I am extremely sorry for my hasty conclusions. Please forgive me. I came to the city only to meet you and carry forward our friendship to the next level. Lucky I could meet you. All is well that ends well. Here is my address. My parents would like to meet you. I can come and take you when convenient to you” Amrita spoke.
“Lucky that I could meet you here in the restaurant for it showed your values in true colour.I am greatly disappointed with you. You are not the kind of person whom I would like to have as my partner in life. Let us be just friends. Thanks for dropping in “he said and stood up extending his hands for a handshake and goodbye.

The surrender

2011-06-19T19:32:00.005+05:30

The time was past 1am. Her shift that was to be over at 11pm but dragged on as she could not leave till her reliever came. It happened often like this. But today it was and dark drizzling when she entered the parking lot in the basement. There was no one visible. She was always afraid to go into lonely parking lot alone. If she saw someone, it gave a scare instead of relief. Her mom has been telling her to take up a job in the general shift even if it meant lower salary. But the pay was good here and she was getting much visibility and name.

The road was deserted and she had to pass through a lonely stretch before she can come to the city proper. She could not see many cars and the few she saw sped away fast. She had an old jalopy that did the service of a car. She had already booked for a new car and was expecting a car loan from her bank. Though it started instantly after she inserted the ignition key, it showed signs of a rebel after a short distance. She coaxed it gently and drove along. In another 20 minutes she would be out this bad patch. There was the long subway a little ahead that got flooded even after a slight rain. Once she crossed the subway, she would be safe on the highway where cars kept moving continuously even at this late hour. As ill luck would have it, the vehicle came to an abrupt stop no sooner she entered the subway.. All her attempts to start the car yielded no fruit. She was scared to get out of the car in the dead of night and she did not also know the car mechanism. It was dark too. She closed her eyes with her hands and started praying not knowing how to get out of this mess. No car came along. Her husband was away on tour. To make matters worse, her mobile had nil credit.

It was then she saw silhouettes of two well built men with wooden logs approaching the car from either side of the road. They ambled along evidently drunk. Their wicked intent was crystal clear. There was little point in screaming. Beads of perspiration ran over her body. Fear enveloped her as she thought of their breaking the glasses. It is not the likely loss of money or car that bothered her but the harm they could inflict on her. Her mind became numb as they came very close to the vehicle swinging the logs in their hands.

Not knowing what to do, she resorted to the only thing that she knew. She prayed intently,”Oh, Krishna, Guruvayurappa, I totally leave it in your hands Please save me from this predicament and I will pay my obeisance to You at Your shrine at the earliest” and turned the ignition key. Lo, the car came to instant life as if by a miracle and as she pressed the accelerator the car whizzed past the two crowding men taking them by utter surprise. It did not stop till it reached the highway when a police patrol car screeched to halt by her side. Tears ran down her cheeks in wonderment at the compassion of the great Lord.

“It is such comfort to drop the tangles of life into God's hands and leave them there.”

55 W fiction

2011-06-02T16:01:00.003+05:30

Morality
What I do not like about Rinku is her going gaga over every hunk she sees. I am in love with her and want her to play straight. I hate cheating girls. I killed my wife because she deceived. I will warn Rinku tomorrow at our rendezvous when her husband is away.

A touch of compassion
I am don’s sidekick. He sent me to bring forcibly a young woman he had seen for his postprandial fun. I saw through window her nursing a babe in arms. I saw a mom in her and whispered “escape immediately by back door. You are in danger” and tell myself no one is at home.

Change of heart

2011-05-30T05:58:00.002+05:30

It was raining cats and dogs. I was stranded in a bus stop. There was no sign of rain abating. It was getting dark. I was waiting for any bus as I did not know where I was bound for. A storm was raging in me too. I had told my hubby before I left the house in a huff that I will have nothing to do with him anymore and that he can forget me. I did not take the car as it was a gift from my hubby and not my own. There was no sight of bus for more than 30 minutes. The road was getting flooded. There was none else in the bus stand. . I hated to go back to the house that I had left just an hour ago.
It was then I saw in the distance a figure slowly wading through the knee deep waters with an umbrella and another in its hand. For a moment I thought it could be Rajan my hubby coming to persuade me to return. As it was dark I could not see clearly but it was not the tall Rajan. I was nervous who this could be. The wretched bus was not coming, I cursed. The figure was making slow progress towards the bus stop. I could see now that it was a man but could not make out distinctly.
When he neared, he called “Vinita, come home. Why are you out in this bad weather? What happened? I asked Rajan whether you had returned from office as it is raining heavily. He said rather indifferently that you had and left home by walk without telling where you were bound for. He would not tell me more but refused to go in search of you. Any quarrel between you two? Please come home. This is not the weather to venture out. I got worried about you and could not stay in the house. Please have this umbrella and accompany me home.”
He was nearing 75 and not very strong. Yet he chose to come out when my hubby showed no concern. I was touched by this old man’s concern for me little knowing that he was the reason for my quarrel with my hubby.
I had told Rajan that he had broken his promise by bringing his old man to live with us. I had told him even during our courting days that I hated cooking especially after a tiresome day in office. He had promised that he would put him in some senior citizen’s home. Nevertheless he brought him home immediately after the honeymoon. All my oblique hints and direct requests that he be sent away did not yield any result. Instead he was telling that he being the only offspring was duty bound to take care of his dad in his twilight years. The old man never ate any ready mix food, Pizza, noodles and things that were easy to prepare or buy. I had neither the time nor the inclination to make traditional food that this man relished. To be blunt, the real reason was that I didn’t want anyone besides me and my hubby at my home. Hence the frequent quarrels that reached a crescendo today culminating in my walk out. Otherwise the old man was non-interfering and minded his own business. He never asked for anything and was unobtrusive. He was self effacing.
When the old man virtually begged me to return home in the torrential rain, I could feel a parental concern and genuine affection that was lacking from the hubby. There was a stab of pain when I looked at the emaciated and bent figure half drenched pleading with me to come home. I did not have the heart to disappoint the man.”Papa, why did you have to come in this downpour? Do not worry, I will come with you. Hold my hand as otherwise you may fall down .There could be open manholes” I said as I led my father-in-law towards the house.
Slowly as we treaded a few steps, I saw another figure coming towards us in the downpour with no umbrella. It was Rajan.He did not utter one word but held my hand as all the three of us trudged. But his clasp spoke more words than what he would have uttered.
When we reached home, my father-in-law said ”I do not know what for you both quarreled. But I could not bear your going out alone in the heavy rain and was upset that Rajan was doing nothing about it. I do not wish to get involved in the quarrel between a couple. But I must thank you for heeding my words. Let me rest. I am tired”
When I was sitting in the living room, Rajan came silently to me and said”I have since decided to send my dad to a senior citizen home. I will break the news to him in the morning. You do not have to go away.”
“There is no need for that. I will keep him with us till my end. I will employ a lady cook to assist me. He is my father too” I said with a smile
Surprised at the pleasant turn thanks to the rain, he hugged me tightly and took me to the bedroom in the first floor.

The surprise visit

2011-05-28T04:37:00.004+05:30

Arjun was returning by an earlier flight from the official tour. He was supposed to come only in the evening flight to be in time for the first wedding anniversary the next day. He wished to surprise his wife Preeti and did not inform her. He bought for her a deep blue kameez that had intricate sequin and bugle bead work for the yoke and hemline with matching black salwar and dupatta, CHANEL perfume and a pearl ear rings and necklace set. He did not forget to collect a bouquet of flowers and a box of assorted chocolates at the airport. If time permitted he wished to take her to a good restaurant for dinner. Though an arranged marriage he found her to be very sweet, intelligent and capable. Both loved each other very much and had similar tastes. She worked in a foreign bank.
He entered the house with the duplicate key and silently tiptoed inside. He wished to hug her from behind by closing her eyes. She was not seen in the living room or in the kitchen. Thinking she must be in the bedroom, he treaded softly without making noise towards it.He heard her talking to some male. Wondering who he could be at 5PM, he stood near the door and listened to the conversation.
“I specifically told you to come early by 11am and not late as my husband is expected in the evening flight. I do not want my husband to know what I am doing. I wanted this to be kept a secret.” Preeti was heard telling
“True, you had asked me to come early. But I was held up. Please excuse me” the male voice said
“. I am actually in a quandary whether I should send you away and ask you come tomorrow afternoon as he may come any time now”Preeti was telling.
“Do not send me away. I am not free tomorrow. It will be done in 30 minutes’ he pleaded
“Okay. Be careful and mind you no rough job” she said
Arjun could not believe his ears." Am I being betrayed? Why does she want him to come when I am not there? How gullible I was in thinking that she was a very good and loving wife? he thought.” With his heart pounding fast and face red with anger and suspicion, he decided to sit outside till he came out. He did not want to go in and see the despicable sight. He took a cricket bat in his hand and sat on the chair outside.
It was silent for a while except for the thuds and furniture moving.Arjun’s blood boiled at this treachery and decided that once he found out the man, he would just walk out of her life. He threw the bouquet towards another chair and was trying hard to control his rage.
Soon thereafter a man came out of the room with a ladder in hand and a bag of tools. When he saw Arjun, he bowed deferentially and said he can see whether the job has been done satisfactorily. Immediately Preeti rushed out and seeing Arjun she grabbed his hand and puledl him inside the room.
“.I wished to spring a surprise on you. You have been wanting a 56” LCD TV. This man spoilt it. I had asked him to come early to install before you reach. Any way I am happy you have come early. Do you like this TV? We can see hereafter reclining in our bed. Whatever for you are holding a cricket bat?”She asked
Sheepishly smiling he mumbled saying that he found the bat as he came up and with IPL in full swing he wished to swing the bat a little.
Sending the man away, he hugged her tight and said “Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift. I will see the finals in this screen. I have also a few surprises for you. Get ready fast. We are eating out. Just one second” he said and ran out.
He came back with the bouquet and the packets to submerge her in happiness.

55 W fiction

2011-05-26T00:41:00.003+05:30

Sleep over
Anil was surprised when his friend mentioned “Julie is coming to my room to spend the night”
“Wow, what are you planning to do” asked Anil
“Just have fun. She has been wanting for long” the friend replied
“Did she really want?”
“Yes,it was her idea to learn baking from me” said Anjaly

Being first
“Have you ever come first in your school?”shouted Sanjay’s dad
“Yes, I breasted the tape first in the school sports today” he replied proudly
“Sorry, Sanju, for shouting. What was the event? Any medal?”asked his dad
“Slow cycling race” replied Sanju inaudibly

Careless
It was a bad day. When he searched the pocket to pay the bus fare, he found the purse missing. Someone had picked his pocket. He didn’t telephone his wife. She always taunted him for his carelessness.
“How negligent you are? You left the wallet on the dining table” berated his wife in the evening.

55 W fiction

2011-05-21T03:35:00.005+05:30

Head-on collision

The train was speeding at 60mph along the curve with screeching noise..From the window I saw a goods train coming from opposite side. I started telling my prayers.There was a deafening roar and soon there were groans and screams crying for help. I opened the door to see a head-on collision on the adjacent track.

Instant love

I saw her in the mall. I could not take my eyes off her. Dressed in chic outfit she had blond hair in curls, blue eyes and long legs. I saw her eye lashes fluttering. I wished to possess her forever."Mummy, see her. I want her."
“Nothing doing. You have three Barbie dolls already.”

Highway scare

The highway was lonely and dark. I stopped the car at the closed level crossing. Two men came near from the sides. I was scared stiff.
One man tapped the door and asked "Show me the license.Okay, wait for a few cars and go as convoy. It is a bad stretch ahead with wicked men.”

Bablu’s luck

Bablu, an orphan, lived with his rich relative. He grew to be a loafer with all vices despite warnings of serious consequences if unchanged. Fed up one morning he mixed poison to relative’s cup of coffee and drank his cup wondering at the smirk in old fox’s face as he poured his cup in sink.

The companion

He was walking at midnight by the side of cemetery. No one around, it was scary till he found another walking ahead. He hastened his steps to be with him. He talked but the other was silent. Reaching the end of road he asked “where do you live?”
The other replied ”Cemetery” and disappeared.