Sonu’s gift (584 words)

I had a business meeting at a starred hotel at 5 pm where I was to deliver a speech. I finished jotting down key points at home and dressed myself. My son of seven years was playing with toys in the living room. My wife who had been to a dentist for a routine cleaning should have been here by 2 pm. It was already 3.15 pm.

The phone jingled. “I am afraid you I will be held up. Please drop Sonu at the clinic on your way,” said the message from my wife.

“Sure,” I replied as I changed Sonu’s clothes and thrust a packet of cookies.

“Where are we going?” he asked as I drove through a busy main road.

“I will drop you at the clinic with Mom as I have to go urgently for a meeting,”

 The traffic on the road was heavy with too many cars. At the noisy intersection, the signal changed to red.

“Babu…babu.” I heard a squeaky voice accompanied by a popular tune from a single-stringed instrument made of a coconut shell. I turned to see a ten-year-old girl in torn clothes with a twinkle in her bright eyes proffering one instrument through the door to Sonu.

“No, no, take it away. The signal will be on very soon. Rush to the platform before you get caught amid the cars,” I shouted.

“Daddy, I want that instrument. Please do not send her away,” he started crying.

“This is a cheap stuff, Sonu. I will get you a Harmonica which can produce several sounds and you can play good music. Draw your hand inside for me to close the door,” I shouted.

The girl saw the signal switch on to amber. She dropped the instrument inside the car and said, “Today is my birthday. It is a gift from me to my brother Sonu,” said the girl as she ran away to the platform. I was rendered speechless.

I lost sight of the girl amid many cars running on both sides of the lane with impatient horns from behind. Compelled by the circumstances, I drove reluctantly towards the clinic with a heavy heart.

Dropping Sonu at the clinic where my wife was waiting, I could see the happy face of Sonu making musical noises with a bow from the coarse contraption in his hand to the amused look of my wife.

Even at night as I was lying on my bed, the smiling face of the little girl lingered before my eyes and the thought of her generous disposition despite my curt and petulant manner made me feel guilty.

I was at the same crossing same time the next day waiting near the curb for the girl to appear as my eyes roved all around. I waited for 15 minutes but she was not to be seen. As I started the car deciding to get her some other day, I heard a knock and the squeaky voice “Babu… Babu”

Thrilled, I turned to see the girl smiling. “Where is Sonu,” she asked.

I opened the window and said, “He is at school. Give me two more pieces of the instrument. How much does it cost?”.

“15 Rs each, Babu”

” I have this gift for your birthday from Sonu,” and handed over a box of Cadbury’s chocolates and 150 rupees. As she looked at me amazed, I added, “Do bring your parents one day, I wish to talk to them.”

“Remember to stop and smell the roses”

 

 

 

The budding love at Chang's (884 words)

The Chinese restaurant Chang’s in the mall in Orlando was not crowded. The owner Wu Chang was getting ready for the evening rush. He was directing the workers on different assignments. Two young Indians, one lean and of medium height and the other tall and well-built were sitting in one corner slowly eating Mapo Tofu while awaiting Lo Mein and Jasmine Tea. They were conversing rather loudly in their native language. One young Chinese girl was seated at a table a little away eating Fresh Cooked Broccoli. The Indians must be in their twenties and working here. A few Chinese were seen sipping tea and an American was drinking coke.

” Sundar, just turn your head casually to your right and look at the beauty sitting near the entrance. Don’t make it obvious”, said the tall guy.

Sundar stood up as if he was taking out his handkerchief from his pants and turned to see the girl. “What a charming and beautiful girl she is. I have never seen one so attractive, Mano, said Sundar.”

“Then come to this chair and sit. You can have an eyeful from this vantage position,” said Mano.

“I think she must be from China. I would like to befriend her. I have no idea whether she is an immigrant on visa working here like us or a citizen. How do I approach her?” asked Sundar

“I don’t know. Let us come daily and see if she also comes. If she does, maybe she has a fancy for you. I have seen her seeing you with sideways glances frequently. One day you can break the ice with a smile and a small talk” said Mano

“Don’t talk loudly. I see the proprietor frequently looking at us uncomfortably” warned Sundar

“Foolish fellow, how can this Chinese fellow follow us speaking in Tamil? Be bold. Come on, throw a smile at her as you leave,” said Mano

Almost daily these two Tamilian guys visited the restaurant at the same time. The girl was also seen there in her seat.

Sundar told Mano” I tried to catch her attention by smiling at her, dropping my car chain and lingering to take it She saw the owner staring at her and ignored my question as she left with a faint smile.”

“Let us change our tables from tomorrow and sit adjacent to her and see whether you can make any headway” advised Mano.’

This went on for a week with no advancement in their efforts to make friends with her. Mano asked him” Look here Sundar, this is a fruitless chase unless you take the bull by the horns. You are shy.. Are you serious about her? Is your yearning for her just for fun or for a long-term relationship? She is from the Far East and you are a Tamil. Marriage may not be on your mind. Just stop brooding over her. Let us not come here anymore.”

“No, I would even marry her if I know more about her, her mind, and her credentials. But how can I make an acquaintance when she seems disinterested? Let us come here for a week more before I give up, Mano,” pleaded Sundar..                                                                                             

The owner was looking at them with a poker face.

The girl surprisingly walked towards their table while waiting for their food the next day and said to Sundar with a twinkle in her small eyes, “I am Lijuan and work in an electronic company. I see you both almost daily and gather that you want to meet me. What can I do for you? “

Unable to get over the great surprise, Sundar in an incoherent voice asked her “How come you knew that I wanted to meet you? I haven’t told anyone except my buddy here.”

She giggled and said “Never mind that. You haven’t yet introduced yourselves.”

“I am Sundar S… u…n…d…a…r and he is Mano. We work in reputed IT companies. Pray tell me how you came to know about my interest in you,” said a happy Sundar.

“That can wait till you reveal what you wish to tell me.” she asked.

Sundar looked embarrassed when Mano told her with a smile, " My friend Sundar wishes to be your friend. He is a single and I suspect he has fallen for you.”

She turned her head towards Wu Chang and spoke something in Mandarin. He came near them and said with a large smile, “I have been listening to your rather loud conversations in Tamil in the last few weeks. I was in Chennai for 15 years running a shop in China Bazaar. She is my daughter and had her schooling there. She said the lean guy was interested in befriending her but lacked the guts to approach her directly and talk to her. She felt both of you were visiting only for her sake. I told her, if she likes him,  she can make the first move.”

“My god, does she know Tamil?” asked an aghast Sundar.

“She was topper in her class and took part regularly in Tamil debates,”he said and laughed roaringly.

As Lijuan extended her hand to Sundar, Mano discreetly left with the owner towards the cash counter leaving his friend to strike a friendship and make his romantic interest known to her.

The revenge (925 words)

“Sunil, I understand you go daily to AIIMS hospital to visit your grandpa. Can you please do me a favour? Can you hand over this packet to my friend Roopa at South Extension Part I? It is not far from the hospital.  Tomorrow is her birthday and I am tied up with something urgent.” said Praveen, his next-door neighbour.

“Surely, please write her address and phone number on the packet. You can inform her that I will be at her place around 6.30 pm,” replied Sunil.”

Both have been neighbours at Karol Bagh for two decades and classmates in B.Com.

While Praveen was a tall and handsome guy with curly hair, Sunil was short and stodgy with receding hair. While Praveen was outgoing, a man of wit and intelligence and sociable, Sunil on the other hand was a hardworking, insular and cautious type. Their circles of friends were different. Sunil suffered from an inferiority complex compared to Praveen’s good looks, height and winsome personality. The womenfolk in the college and locality usually gravitated towards Praveen in any gathering to catch his attention while Sunil was left alone to fend for himself.

When Sunil pressed the bell at the address given, a charming woman in jeans and a brightly coloured top opened the door.

“Is it Ms. Roopa? I am Sunil and my neighbour Praveen requested me to hand over this packet to you,” said Sunil as he handed over a colourful box tied with ribbons.

“Yes, I am Roopa, please come in. I am sorry he troubled you when visiting your grandpa at the hospital,’’ she said as she looked at the packet eagerly.

“You can open and see what Praveen has gifted you,” teased Sunil laughingly.

On opening it hurriedly. she found a cute black pen and exclaimed,” My god, it is a Mont Blanc.”

“Mont Blanc, it is an expensive pen,” he said as he took the box and the pen and scrutinised carefully as the colour on his face changed unseen by Roopa.

He remembered Praveen’s visit to his room a couple of days before to return a book.  Sunil showed him then the black Mont Blanc pen he had got as a gift at a three-day paid workshop. A day later he noticed that the box in which the pen was kept was missing on the table where he had placed it. There were no other visitors. The old maid who worked for them for years was very honest. He never suspected Praveen but wondered how it could have so mysteriously vanished.

When he returned the pen to Roopa, he could not banish the thought it was his pen and Praveen must have stolen it. All the pent-up jealousy and inferiority complex he suffered from added to the anger that arose in him but he did not show any sign of it.

“Sunil ji has Praveen ever mentioned to you that we love each other for quite some time though our parents are not yet aware? I do not think there would be any hurdle as he is a qualified Chartered Accountant working in reputed E&Y, very handsome to boot and comes from an affluent family. I am just confiding in you as you are his good pal,” she said.

“Did he say that he is a Chartered Accountant and is with E&Y? We studied B. Com together and he was an articled clerk in a small auditor’s firm. Please make independent and discreet enquiries without asking him. It is always wise to be sure of qualifications and the job. He is surely a handsome guy with a winning persona but….,” Sunil bit his tongue and stopped talking.

“My god, what a foolish person, I have been. I was falling for him madly by his false words based only on his charm. He must be a cheat. Let me ask my dad to check and if he is a cheat, he will pay dearly for it,” she said furiously and added, “Is there anything else you would like to warn me about?”

“Nothing much, I know of except that he has many girlfriends meeting him and possibly going out. I must, however, say there is nothing wrong with having friends. Nevertheless, do have this in mind while you probe. I am sorry. Let this exchange be between us,” Sunil said before taking leave of her in a show of hurry.

While driving home, he was inwardly happy that he had sowed seeds of doubt in Roopa’s mind and taken revenge for the pen stolen by Praveen. Roopa may reveal his name eventually but who cares, Sunil thought.

As he switched on the light and surveyed his room, he could not believe his eyes when he found the pen box on the table. He opened hurriedly to see his Mont Blanc pen secure inside and collapsed in the chair with both hands on his head.

His mother who entered the room asked, “What happened? Why are you sitting like this as if you had lost a kingdom? How careless are you? The maid told me this afternoon that she found the pen box under your table beneath a newspaper.”

“What a wretch I have been? How can I make amends for the heinous mistake now, I do not remember her number too” he racked his brain.

“Where are you going now at this hour, Sunil? You haven’t taken your dinner, “asked his mom anxiously as he hurried to his car.

“To South Extension. An important work to attend to immediately,” he replied.

 

Kindness from an unexpected source (1233)

 

Ranga Vilas is an old complex with a dozen tiled houses,  six on each side facing the other with a wide paved pathway in the middle. Each house had a veranda (porch) in the front. At the far end of the path, there was a row of six bathrooms and six separate toilets common for all houses. At the rear of the plot, there was one small room that was possibly a watchman's room earlier during construction. The tenants were far from affluent belonging to the lower middle class from different communities. The good landlord collected a small amount as rent, maintained the complex well and did not ask them to vacate.

It was in that small room Sankaran lived alone. A widower past 75, he had worked as a cook for many years with Rangaratnam, a rich businessman, who owned the complex. Being a kind man, he allowed his cook Sankaran to live rent-free in the small room on his retirement a few years back and gave him monthly a small amount for his living. To express his gratitude, Sankaran helped his master’s family in the kitchen on festival days or important days even to this day.

In the last house adjacent to Sankaran’s room, Vinayagam and his wife Shenbagam lived with their two school-going daughters, Amirtha and Ambuja. Three years back, when Sankaran heard Vinayagam severely scolding Amirtha for securing poor marks, he went to them and said” “Vinayagam, do not get angry with Amritha. She is not a dull girl. I will teach her daily in the evenings and make her get good marks. I can teach Ambuja too if you wish.”

“Uncle, she is in class 9 and her lessons are tough. I do not think you can handle it,” Vinayagam replied thinking how an old cook can teach to a high school student.

“Do not think I am an illiterate cook. I have studied up to intermediate and was a topper in my class. When my father who was a head cook died suddenly, I had to discontinue my studies and had to work as a cook in his team to take care of my family. Let us see for a month or two and if she does not score good marks, I will withdraw. I am offering to help her for free.”

“Sorry Uncle, please do not take me amiss. Both of you can start tomorrow itself. Ambuja will also join. We are very grateful to you,” replied Vinayagam.

Luckily for Sankaran, both were not duds. Once they understood the concepts and were made to do their homework daily before him, they commenced doing very well in their studies Vinayagam was very happy to see higher grades in their report cards after each successive term and thanked Sankaran profusely,

When Amirtha passed class 12 topping her school, the parent's joy was boundless. The entire family came with a packet containing a pair of new dhotis and shirts with a basket full of nuts and fruits and prostrated before him.

After the initial pleasantries, Sankaran asked,” What next Amirtha? You have got wonderful marks that all engineering colleges and RECs would gladly offer you a seat.”

The girl started to sob immediately. When Sankaran looked at Vinayagam, the latter coughed gently and requested Sankaran to come outside the room.

 When they were alone together, Vinayagam said,” You know very well, Uncle, my financial circumstances. We are living hand to mouth trying to make both ends meet with difficulty. I have a small job in a private company. After office hours, I work in a shop to earn extra income. How can I admit her to engineering college? Even an ordinary graduation course would be tough on me. This foolish girl does not understand and keeps crying. I have no savings even for her marriage. Soon I have to send Ambujam too to college. Kindly advise Amirtha suitably and impress on her that there are many openings after she does well in graduation and that Engineering is not the only option to progress in life."

“I understand the situation and will talk to Amirtha separately tomorrow. I am sure a satisfactory solution could be found. Do not discuss this subject today with her anymore,” Sankaran said.

When Amirtha met him the next day, Sankaran said, “You have made me proud and given a purpose to my life. Many parents in the complex request me now to help their children too.. Ambuja is also faring well. I just wanted to tell you about future options as I know you and your family well. I hope you are willing to listen.”

“ Thatha (grandpa),” all credit for my good result goes to you and for your timely help. I value your advice. Please tell me without any hesitation. I am all ears,” replied Amirtha.

‘There is nothing wrong with having a dream for a particular objective. Your desire for engineering is natural given your high marks. But it should be tempered with what is feasible under the family circumstances. Engineering courses cost a bomb and many families take loans for this purpose. Your dad is struggling already. You might have heard that one must coat according to one’s clothes meaning in your case that one must make choices that align with the family's financial means. Out of lakhs of students, only a few thousand join engineering colleges Are the others not progressing in life?

One option, I think, is the annual Civil Services examination. With your intelligence and knowledge, you can easily pass the examination. It offers positions of power and reasonable wealth and above all opportunities to return to society with gratitude in innumerable ways of development and help the people. Choose an Economics honours course and study well, keeping IAS as your only goal. Can I tell your father accordingly? I will help him financially for your study but do not mention this to him now under any circumstances. He will be glad to accept this option. What do you say? Think carefully and tell me, “said Sankaran.

“Thatha, you have opened my eyes to the reality. I have been selfish and unthinking about the sacrifices my parents are making. What you have advised inspires me to undertake, not for fame and money, but for the opportunity to help the deprived and disadvantaged. No second thoughts, I am fully fired up to take this challenge and clear the examination in the first attempt very creditably. I will tell my father that  I am for an economics honours course in a good college.”

“Ask him to see me when convenient. I have something to tell to clinch the matter,” said Sankaran.

When Vinayagam met him the same evening, Sankaran, told him,” Vinayagam, you need not worry about her college fees. They would not be as high as engineering. I have about three lakhs as savings in the post office for donations to charitable causes. What better charity there can be than Vidya Dhanam to a deserving student? I shall bear the cost of her fees and books till she completes. You do not have to repay. Ask her to apply immediately to a few top colleges. In a few years, your daughter will be a collector and what more do you need? Don't we need more women in our country's administration?

Vinayagam started sobbing with his towel over his mouth.

 

 

Sudheer's blunder (668 words)

 I was bored staying alone at my home. The TV showed an old action movie Bad Day at Blackrock with Spencer Tracy in the lead. I liked his role as a single-handed stranger who was on a visit to investigate in a small town with a shady past and prone to violence, if necessary to keep its past a secret. How long can one see the old classic Westerns though I loved them.. Then I watched the recorded Tennis match between Rafa and Djokovic at the French Open. I was hungry but had no mind to cook. I ordered some Chinese food from Wang’s with the instruction that it be delivered within 30 minutes.

It was then the mobile rang. “Hello,” I said and there was a brief silence from the other side.

“Hello, is Sudheer there? “ That was a young woman’s voice with a drawl and a convent accent.

“Yes, Sudheer here. Who is it?” I asked as there was a number without a name.

“I am sorry. You don’t seem to be the Sudheer I rang for.”

“How do you know?”

“His voice is youngish with a life in it”

“I am also young and not old as you seem to suggest”

“Sorry. I didn’t mean that way. He is 28 and a singer with an arresting voice.”

“It is alright. I am Sudheer t though I cannot sing like your friend. You did not tell me who you are.”

“Anita Roy, your voice is also good but different. I like the mix of husky and the  baritone in yours.”

“Thank you, not as sweet as yours anyway. I am unlucky as I am not the Sudheer t you are looking for. What do you do for a living?”

“I am a software engineer. Why unlucky? We have come to know each other now, though by chance”

“One second. Let me switch on the AC. It is sweltering here and sultry too”

“ Oh, do you live in Chennai? It is miserable, unlike this place. I visit Chennai often  once or twice  a month at least and will be there this weekend for some work at my  office on Monday”

“You must be in Bangalore”

“How did you know?”

"Where else do these software engineers swarm to? Hahaha.”

“Why the contempt for software engineers I could discern in your laugh? "She said.

 “Far from it. I am also in the IT sector working for TCS,” I replied.

“Same pinch. Then we can meet at our office when I come there next week.”

“With much pleasure. Are you single staying alone in Bangalore?”

“Yes. How about you?” she asked.

“Single for a few months only though. My wife has gone to her parents’ place in Coimbatore.”

“Oh, oh. married eh… It does not matter anyway. We will stay in touch.’

“ We must meet over dinner early next week, "I said.

“Sure. By the way, congrats”

“Whatever for?”

“I surmise you are becoming a father in a few months.”

“Yes, you are sharp and thank you. You have my cell number. You can ring me any time.”

“Yes, that is the intention. I will smother you with phone calls. Hehe, bye”

“Would love to be. Are you in a hurry? If you were in Chennai, we could have met right away”

The call was cut making me wonder why she disconnected abruptly. I checked through the True Caller App to find her name. I was shocked to see it was from Mahalingam & Co., my father-in-law's Chartered Accountant’s firm at Coimbatore.

I realized immediately that it was my unmarried and mischievous sister-in-law, Malini, a Chartered Accountant by profession, playing a prank on me impersonating some  Anita Roy, with whom unwittingly I indulged in a flirty conversation. I am sure she would have squealed by now the talk we had with my wife.

After a little while, I rang my wife’s cell number repeatedly only to find my calls getting cut unanswered. I knew the mischief had been done.

Nandhu's Saviour (815 words)

Nandhu was scared in that dark and dingy room. A fearful man who forcibly kidnapped him from the crowd in the temple was standing outside the room smoking a beedi and keeping a vigil on him. Nandhu saw through the window he was in a building in a dark grove with lots of trees. He cried and pleaded with the man to let him go to his mom. The man threatened to throw him in the well if he cried or pestered him.

Nandhu was just seven years old. He recollected how happily he had started with his mom to Venugopala swami temple in the evening. His mom had told him there was a special puja that day being Janmashtami. The temple was jampacked with devotees. He remembered that he could not see the deity and his mom had to lift him on her shoulders for him to have a glimpse of the God. More than God Krishna in blue colour with his flute in hand, he liked the white cow behind him with its head lowered and touching Krishna’s leg.

“Amma, I want that cow behind Krishna, I will hold it in my hand and take care of it. It will give milk to our house. Please get me the same” he pleaded with her.

She patted him on his cheeks and replied “It is Lord Krishna’s cow. You should not desire what is God’s. I will get you another cow when you grow a little older. They have horns and will hurt if one is not careful.”

The boy was adamant and cried, “No, I want that cow only. I do not need any other.”

She took him away from the sanctum and waded through the crowd with the boy in hand. He suddenly wrenched himself away and ran inside the crowd toward the sanctum saying, “I will not come without the cow. You go home.”

She got scared and went behind him calling his name. The boy did not respond to her repeated calls and disappeared into the crowd. Countless times of shouting his name and the efforts of others to trace him yielded no result. The crowd was so much that she could not easily move. The boy was lost. She wailed with many devotees sympathising with her.

Nandhu saw from the window of his room, the dreadful man walking towards a big well possibly to quench his thirst. Nandhu quietly pushed the door that luckily opened and slipped away to hide behind a bush a little away. He saw soon the man with two others frantically searching for him. After a search for quite some time in the darkness, they gave up the search.

Nandhu too was afraid of the darkness but dared not come out lest he be caught. He remembered his mom telling him frequently to pray to God whenever he faced difficulty. He thought of Krishna and the cow and prayed to them to take him home though his mind was more on the cow. He started sobbing when nothing happened and slowly drifted to sleep.

 He did not know how long he had slept till he found something licking his face. He woke up with a start and found the white cow, he saw with Krishna at the temple standing by his side. It nudged him to stand up. He held the rope on the cow’s neck that had several bells and slowly walked with it. He was afraid that the jingling bells may alert the terrible man but the cow walked confidently.

Lo, in a matter of a few minutes, he found himself opposite to his house. It was midnight when he knocked on the door. His mother with swollen eyes, who came rushing out fearing some bad news, was greatly surprised to see Nandhu standing as if nothing had happened. When she asked where he went, with whom and how he came home alone in the dark night.

” Amma, don’t you see the cow standing beside me as it did at Krishna’s temple? It brought me here from the dark forest safely from the clutches of a fearsome man. I hope you will permit me to be with us hereafter,” Nandhu replied with joy.

His mom looked behind him and said “What are you prattling about? I do not see any cow behind you. Are you dreaming or what? Do you know who kidnapped you?”  Nandhu turned and looked behind to see no cow and started weeping loudly when he did not see the cow.

 “I promise, Amma, the cow really licked and nudged me when I was asleep in the forest and brought me here from the dark woods safely unafraid of the jingling bells waking the evil man. His mom lifted her hands and folded towards the direction of the temple.

“Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation."

 

Billa and Ranga on the prowl

It was past 9 pm and the broad road was desolate except for the occasional speeding cars. On one side of the road, there were high-rise buildings housing several big IT companies and on the other side an elevated metro line and railway station. Usually, the place jostled with activity during the daytime with office goers and small vendors. The metro station was also busy with passengers coming in and going out. After 7 pm, a ghostly silence descends on the place and the road becomes empty. The trains are also few and far between and the station has an empty look.

Billa and Ranga were walking on the road after dinner and drink booze from a restaurant and bar a little away. They were the last customers before the restaurant pulled down its shutters for the day. They were on the high and were walking unsteadily on the road near the IT offices talking loudly and singing film songs intermittently.

“Billa, look ahead. We seem to be fortunate today. A young woman is walking alone ahead of us. She must have been delayed at the office. A foolish girl, obviously,” said Ranga.

Billa shrunk his eyes and struggled to focus on the figure walking ahead. He said, “Yeah, a tall woman in jeans and a top. Let us hurry and close the gap before she reaches the main road.”

As they hurried their steps, she increased her pace. These two guys in turn rushed and were almost running to narrow the gap. When they came closer, they saw her turning her head under the street light to see them stalking but strangely slowed down her steps.

 Ranga said, “Billa, what a beautiful woman and a nice catch if only we can lay our hands on her! We seem to be in luck today.”

Billa said, “Ranga, look, she seems to have now slowed down her walk possibly waiting for us to come near her.”

They caught her up soon and Ranga asked, “Why are you walking alone in this deserted at this hour? Aren’t you afraid?

“No, what should I be afraid of? I am accustomed to walking alone on this road and have had no trouble,” she said.

“What a foolish girl you are! Haven’t you heard of people getting frequently mugged and women criminally assaulted here on this stretch? I think you should not have chosen to walk today. We will accompany you, especially in the dark stretch ahead without lights till we reach the main road,” said Billa in what seemed a friendly tone.

“You do not seem to have listened properly. I told you that I had been walking alone a few times till I was alive and continue walking almost daily these days,” she said with a bewitching smile.

“What crap you are telling? Don’t think so you can get away with such a prattle from us today,” said Billa with a lecherous smile, as he stretched his hand to put on her shoulders with Ranga closing to prevent her escape.

“Do you think so? See me now,” she said, as the duo saw before them a skeleton having a big head with hollow eyes, toothless and wide jaws, dangling legs and unduly long hands staring at them.

 They let out a shrill scream in fear and ran helter-skelter down the street in the opposite direction with the figure chasing and howling behind them.

 

To Let (921 words)

 Raghavan, a marketing executive was frantically looking for a small apartment in Besant Nagar. He did not like working men's hostels that go under the name of 'mansions'. He never liked the ambience, the noise even at unearthly hours and litter of beer bottles outside each door and the foul smell. Wherever he went on learning about a vacant apartment either from an advertisement or word of mouth or with a To Let board, the owners turned him away saying the accommodation was for a small family. There was a resistance to letting out to singles. It is almost three months since he has been hunting.

In most places he visited, he found the same young lady in her twenties also approaching the owners. Either she had preceded or followed him. The result must have been the same for both as she always came with a long face. He had heard that it was more difficult for single ladies to get accommodation in apartments or working hostels. Many work in faraway IT offices on the outskirts and may be in shifts.

One Sunday afternoon as he came out of an apartment after the usual rejection of being single, he saw the lady climbing up the stairs to the apartment. He smiled at her and wished her good luck. She smiled back and said, “Thanks though I am sure of the outcome.”

He was sipping a coke at the pan shop on the road and he saw her coming out soon with the same long face. He called her “Hey, come here and tell me what happened. What is your name by the way?”

When she came near him, he offered her a coke and said “I know the outcome. I have been trying for quite some months and have lost hope.”

“Me too. I am Sita. But I need a place immediately. I am in a distant relative’s place and they have indicated clearly that I leave their house soonest. Frankly, I don’t know where to go and what to do. I cannot resign from the job and go back to my village”

“Oh, oh. I am sorry but no solution seems to be in sight unless devise some strategy.  I have one weird idea. If you are agreeable, we may succeed soon and our problem will be solved. Why don't we pose as a married couple and live in separate rooms? I promise you no harm will come to you. I am in marketing and will be away on tour for about 15 days a month. Some days I may return late at night. But you will have no cause to worry, I promise. “ He then told her about his job, family and other details.

Sita said” Seems a brilliant idea? I trust you and agree but I will walk out if you are not straight.” and gave all the details about her. They shook hands and exchanged mobile numbers.

Within a week they had occupied a two-bedroom beautiful apartment. She made early morning coffee if she got up earlier. They had cereals bread and fruits for breakfast. On holidays a caterer supplied them with food. The landlady took a liking for her and was non-interfering.  Everything went fine. The proximity and the frequent outings to restaurants and movies brought them together for tender feelings to blossom.

One Sunday as he was coming down the side staircase to get some magazines, he heard a booming voice from inside the landlord's ground floor space” Raghava, how come you are here? I know you are in Chennai. When I met your parents two months back at the village they were talking about you.”

Raghavan was shocked. It was Kodandam uncle of his village, a kind-hearted and guileless man

“Uncle, I am a tenant here. Glad to meet you. How is your health?”

"How come you are a tenant here? Kalyani, my niece, who is here, told me that a young couple is residing on the first floor. Your mom never mentioned about your marriage. Is it a love marriage or what? “he giggled and added “Where is your wife? Let me come up to your place and bless you both now that I am here”

 “Uncle, she has gone to her mother’s place and will return only in the evening,” he replied. Luckily Sita had gone out on some work.

“Oh.oh.I am leaving for Mumbai in a short while. I will visit you both next time. My best wishes to you.” he said

Raghavan went out immediately and did not return till in the evening.

In the night, he recounted  to Sita what had happened and said “I am sure Kodandam uncle would talk to my mother someday and the cat would be out of the bag”

Sita sat silent a bit worried but spoke later with a sparkle in her eyes” Raghavan, you are imaginative and always come up with bright ideas. Think of an idea  even one  out of the box thinking”

Raghavan let out a guffaw and said “I can think of only one and if I tell you, you will beat me”

“Hey, don’t be a meek one. Come out boldly. I am open to any good and attractive idea” she winked

“Eureka, the only option is to legitimize our tenancy agreement with the landlord’s requirements. I am all willing. What about you?”

She extended her hand and said “Accepted. It is a deal”, only to be surprised by the tight hug she got in return from him.

Neeraj’s first day in school (904)

 

(This old story of mine was published long back  in a school magazine)

TSR Sir as he was known was writing feverishly with chalk on the blackboard some formulae in algebra. He saw a shadow pass across the door. He found the Head Master with a puny boy entering the class.

“TSR”, the HM called him in a friendly tone and said “This is Neeraj, a new student. I have admitted him to your class as I feel he needs your care and attention. I will discuss more with you  during lunchtime.”

The HM had left and the boy was still standing at the door with a bag clutched in his hands waiting for the teacher’s permission to enter the class. He was wearing a much-worn cotton shirt along with shorts that were a shade small for his size. There was a safety pin pinned askew securing the shirt as there were no buttons. He looked emaciated with bony legs, sunken eyes and unspoken sadness writ large on his well-defined and charming face..

The teacher called him by his side. As he came limping with his polio-affected leg, he put his arm around him and asked him softly “What is your name, young boy? I forget Naresh or some such thing. Where are you from?”

“I am Neeraj, Sir, and have come from Alwar” the boy replied in a hardly audible voice.

“Good, Welcome to the class Neeraj.. Is there anyone among the boys wanting to have Neeraj by his side? “asked the teacher. There was a deafening silence for a couple of minutes till Nakul stood up.

Ravi nudged him in his leg and whispered “You fool, He looks skinny and lame.”

Nakul turned around and saw his mates. Raj made an ugly grimace. A few others were not amused by Nakul's gesture. It appeared they didn’t like the new entrant

“.Go and sit by the side of Nakul,” said the teacher.

All eyes were on the little boy as he ambled along towards Nakul. He moved to his left and gave him the aisle seat to enable the boy to sit without having to wade his way through the chairs. Shilpa, a girl of Nakul's age, did not fail to notice the thoughtfulness of her friend. There was a touch of pride in her eyes.

TSR Sir asked after he wrote (a+b-c)² on the board. Can anyone expand this?

There was a long silence. The teacher asked, “Neeraj, do you know the answer?”

The boy stood up and gave the right answer.” Why were you waiting for me to ask?” asked the teacher.

“Sorry, Sir. I was waiting for others to respond” he replied. There was instant jealousy among the students when the teacher exclaimed” Sabash, well done.”

When the bell rang for lunch, all the boys and girls scampered to the door. Nakul also had run but turned to see behind. He saw Neeraj sitting on the bench alone. A sense of guilt pricked the little boy even as he came to Neeraj. Soon Shilpa joined them.

Nakul asked “Have you brought any lunch? Come on; let us eat outside under the tree.” The three of them sat together and shared what they had. Shilpa said “Neeraj, don’t feel bad. The other boys and girls will soon warm up and become your friends. They are not wicked”

Even as she was saying this Ravi and Raj came to Neeraj and pulled his collar.” Are you trying to show off in the class that you know better than us? Can you have a bout of boxing with me? I can give you a black eye that your mom won’t be able to recognize you” said Raj.

When Ravi pushed the boy who fell, Nakul yelled at them “ You chicken-hearted bullies. Come on, let us have the bout of boxing and let me find out whose mom fails to recognize whom” and lunged forward at Ravi and Raj. Nakul was a big-built boy with strong muscles and the two ran away unwilling to put up a fight. Shilpa helped Neeraj sit up and dusted the sand from his face and arms.

“Thank you both,” said Neeraj even as he smiled. I can sing for you like Sonu Nigam if you wish to hear". The two were thrilled to hear Neeraj sing very much like the famous singer. Soon all the boys and girls surrounded them and were enthralled by the melodious singing. The boy mesmerised his classmates with his beautiful rendering in his wonderful voice that matched the great singer. When he had finished the song, each one of them went up to Neeraj and gave him a warm hug and a word of praise. Ravi and Raj were not far behind when they sheepishly came to say” Sorry, Neeraj, we behaved badly. Please accept us also as your friends.”

Neeraj standing between Nakul and Shilpa smiled at them and said “I am happy to be with you all. True, I cannot run a race or join a bout of boxing but I have many other tricks up my sleeves. I shall entertain you whenever the opportunity presents itself. I am happy to get you all as my friends but I value the friendship of Nakul and Shilpa more as they extended  their friendship to me wholeheartedly when they had seen only my handicap and were not aware of my singing ability.”

The bell rang and the three walked arm in arm towards the class.

 

The chaos over the missing records (803 words)

It was getting dark and cloudy with a nip in the air. I could see no one around in the park and did not wish to sit there anymore. As I got up from the bench, I saw a dark figure hurrying towards me. I could only see the silhouette signalling frantically with its hand to wait for him. I was a little jittery and wished to move away quickly. But, the figure was faster than me and was by my side asking me to sit down for a few minutes.

It was a tall and big man draped in a black blanket with a scary look. The eyes were big and sharp and the white teeth were pronounced. He looked strange though he smiled at me.” Do not be afraid. No harm will come to you. I need a little help from you as you seem to belong to this place” he said.

I mustered courage to ask “Who are you? You don’t look like a human with your unusually large frame. Tell me first before I decide to help you or not”

“Ok, let me not beat around the bush. Hold your breath! I am a Yama Duta (messenger of God of death) looking for one guy in this small town” he said

“Where does my help come?” I asked

“It is like this. Such a thing has never happened in the annals of Yamaloka. Our boss Chitragupta maintains a record known for its infallibility and accuracy. Strangely and inexplicably, something unheard of, a few pages of the record are found missing. There cannot be vested interests tampering with records as in your world. We are moving heaven and earth to locate and reconstruct. Our master Yamaraj is furious and worried about his reputation.

By chance, we came to know that one Banturi Venkata Raghavalu from this town is due to die today. I have no clue about him except for his name and town. I must take his life today if I value my job. You must tell me where that guy lives here. Luckily his name is uncommonly long and can be easily found out” narrated the worried Yama Duta.

I assured him “Do not worry. I was born and have lived all my life here and know almost all the people here being in the postal department. Give me five minutes to think undisturbed. Ply me with no questions”

“Take even 30 minutes. You are my saviour. But remember I have no clue except his name and town. Make sure you do not make a mistake.”

An evil idea took over my mind. I have been under great financial strain. My landlord who lives a few houses adjacent to mine has been pressing for the rental that I owe for several months. Three days back he made a scene outside my house with neighbours watching and threatened he would throw out my belongings outside if I failed to pay within a fortnight.

My wife had also been complaining that he frequented the house when I was not there casting his lecherous eyes on her and even obliquely suggesting a few times that the problem of arrear rental can be sorted out amicably.

This was a godsend opportunity to solve my problem. I wasted no time. Pretending that I suddenly remembered the victim’s name, I uttered rather loudly “Eureka, I know where your quarry lives. I remember his name very well. Do not worry as your problem is solved.”

The Yama Duta jumped in joy and exclaimed “Where is he? Tell me here and now. I will carry out my assignment and be gone to my place in satisfaction.”

“The man lives close to my house. He is a short and fat fellow. He is middle-aged and answers to the name Banturi Venkata Raghavalu. He is married…”

Even as I was continuing to describe, the fearsome man cut me short saying,” I don’t need all these details. I will rely on your word. Just show me his house. Is there any other man in the house to confuse me?”

I said none even as I pointed out my landlord’s house. He thanked me and disappeared in thin air.

The next morning my wife came running hurriedly as I was lazily rolling on my bed and said “I cannot believe it. It seems our landlord died of a sudden heart attack around 7 P.M. yesterday. The poor lady is wailing in great grief at this tragedy. Get ready. We will go there.”

When I left early for work the next day, my wife asked me why I was leaving earlier than my usual time., I replied with a poker face “I am going to the Newspaper office to insert an advertisement changing my name to Srinivasulu from Banturi Venkata Raghavalu."

 

The Unexpected Windfall (740 words)

Maddy was watching from his hotel with wonder the large casino with its glittering lights, lighted fountains, the moving marquee and the jostling crowd in and out and he felt he was in a dreamland. He had come to Connecticut on some project work from the Bay Area. He had another fortnight to stay here. He was tired of watching the TV and walked briskly towards the casino. He was in a mood to try his luck with a maximum outlay of a hundred dollars. One good thing about him was that once he decided on an upper limit, he was never tempted to exceed even if Lady Luck were to smile on him.

He got 100 dollars changed into coins from the counter and bought a bottle of coke. He went around the casino looking at the varieties of slot machines, roulette, blackjack and other games of chance, He chose a quiet corner and decided to stick with one machine this time. On earlier occasions, he used to hop from one machine to another, impatient if it did not win for him.

There was none around him as he started trying his luck. After a few attempts, he chose the dollar machine instead of the quarter machine. He kept inserting the coins and pulling the handle to rotate the reels. There were a few wins but were soon eroded by losses. He had exhausted about 80 dollars and wished to stop for a while to get a break. He leaned on the chair and closed his eyes keeping his mind blank.

There was a whiff of perfume, shuffle of shoes and he could hear someone sitting in the adjacent chair opposite another similar machine. When he heard the ring of coins falling into the receptacle, he opened his eyes to see a drop-dead beauty. She was young, not tall, blond with a long skirt. She said hi with a smile and he smiled back.

"You seem to have started on a winning note from the tinkles I heard when I was dozing. Keep it up. Good luck" Maddy said

"Thank you. That was not much. I am Melinda. Let me play before the winning streak vanishes" she said with a giggle.

He watched her putting one dollar after another a few times losing all the time till she finally sighed and said with a guffaw “I am broke. Let me watch you make money. Come on play. I will cheer you"

"Thanks. I am Maddy. Let me try with you as my mascot. Maybe I will rake in a lot of money" he said and started playing. He stopped when he lost ten dollars and said “I am short of luck today despite your presence by my side. I had decided to devote 100 dollars and I have only 10 with me. With that also gone, I would move out"

"Maddy, luck seems to evade you with the machines conspiring against you. I have a deal for you. Do you care to listen?"

"Come on Melinda. I am game. Tell me what"

“Let me play those ten dollars for you. If I win, you will have half of the winnings. I think I will win. What do you say?"

"Agreed. What if you lose?"

"Haha!. A good question. I have nothing to give except me, if you so wish” she said laughingly with a wink.

Taken aback at her audacity, he said "Hmm, play, let us see our luck" 

The young thing started playing. The first dollar itself raked in 25 dollars. Then she started losing all till she was left with two dollars. The penultimate fetched her 100 dollars and in her glee, she hugged him showering him with smooches. Vicky was all smiles. With bated breath, she inserted the last dollar she had and Lo the cash register did not stop ringing and playing music. She had hit a jackpot of 5000 dollars.

"Are you happy?” Melinda asked holding his hands.

"Hmm, Frankly I am not. I sort of wished that you lost" he said with a mischievous grin.

"Hurray, have no fear. Let this spot of luck for us blossom into a long-term friendship. Are you single? I am." she said.

“I am too. I was just kidding about your losing part. Let us be friends. Hurry up, we will celebrate with a great dinner and whatnot” he said as they walked out of the casino hand in hand.