Litte Delights!

Originally submitted in http://www.thecolorsofmysoul.com/2013/06/little-delights/


“SWISH”

“BOOM”

“KABOOM”


The sights and sounds welcomed him. Riding back in to homeland, after good long years in another country, his head automatically turned skywards, admiring the vibrant display of fireworks. He was really back home.

Coffee Break!!

Attempt to tell a story. Leave your reviews as comments if you please

Part 1

The cup of coffee in her hands was still hot. The vending machine was the most sought after in the office. It was also the perfect place for a good bit of gossip and some girl time. Pallavi’s friends were all from different floors and different departments. After spending hours in front of the computer studying project reports, preparing quotes, following up with the site offices and

The First Time

His thumb traced a line down her neck. The warmth from his palm on her neck spread through her. He was holding her close, she was holding him too. Her eyes were shut tight but lips parted in anticipation. They stood cheek to cheek, feeling their breath brush off their skin.

They had met a month ago at a common friend’s birthday party. The connection was instant. They had spent the whole evening chatting and stayed together till almost everyone had left. She did not want the evening to end and the feeling was mutual. Phone numbers were exchanged and the first messages flew across the very same night.

It had started light and soon turned rigorous. Not a beep missed to reply and when it didn’t beep a sense of loss. Their hands typed feverishly and yet they had so much to share and then one day, they started to call.

When they weren't messaging, they were lost in thoughts. They could only wonder what it was and did not know what it was destined for. They had jobs and lives that needed their attention and that ensured that they spent some time apart. But the moment a window opened, the messages would start.

She felt a pain one night, inside her heart. It was, she realised called LONGING. She missed him, wished him to be near, an arm around her shoulder, her head against his beating chest. He felt that pain too and wished to hold her near and never let her go far.

They planned to meet for coffee; it had been two weeks since they had first met. Unlike the first time, they hardly had any words to speak. They sat silently, together staring in to their cups, watching the hearts in the froth and wondering what the other was thinking. Though they sat silent, they sat content, just happy to be near each other. She gathered some courage and extended her little finger from where she held her cup. It gently grazed his hand and slowly pried out his little finger too. They sat there, talking of the weather, looking dreamily everywhere else rather than meeting eyes. They sat there with their fingers intertwined.

The other meetings were unlike that one, they had lots to talk, there were lots of smiles and lots more fingers intertwined.

They were returning from dinner tonight. They had driven together but wanted to walk together for a while. It was a lonely corner.  He loosely held her hand and kept wishing for a never ending night. It was sudden. She turned towards him quickly and hooked her arms under his. He was taken aback. Shaken and nervous, he hugged her back and they held tight.

As they drew apart, he held her pretty head in his hands. He traced a line down her throat and gulped for air. He felt her swallow in anticipation. They now stood cheek to cheek, lips parted and waiting for that moment.

Stupid Idiotic Girl..

I am a total mess. Sitting here, in a restaurant, looking in to a menu and unable to decide. Well not about what I want to eat, rather what do I tell this guy sitting at the table with me.

Hi, I am Stupid Girl. Yup, that's my name. Well not my birth name but I felt that this one suits me better given what I am prone to, Stupidity. Dad still calls me Princess, wait till he hears about the things I do. Still he is too soft and loving that he would turn a deaf ear to all that being said.

Back to where I am right now. At a restaurant, hiding behind a menu and trying to think of something, anything. Just then my stupid brain decides to go on a little memory tour and I fail to resist.

It all began a few weeks back, two to be exact. I had to take up a communications training as part of my college thing. The less said the better. I was actually being video-taped when I gave my speech, which was exciting and then they relayed it to the whole class, making me an example on how not to stand wide-footed when on a stage. Embarrassing. To the point, in the training, there was a guy, the same guy. I saw him when he came up for his speech, never seen him before. When he finished his speech and returned to his seat, my eyes followed him, which was just out of habit. Suddenly he looked up and our eyes met. Again EMBARRASSING. I did not will it nor wish it. I knew that now on it would be more of 'look here and look there and look if he is looking back'.

A typical story, we ended up being on the same group to work on a presentation and just by the mere chance of locking eyes, I became his focal point. Wherever I went, I could see him, despite having 28 other guys and girls around. Okay, it was a small crowd but whenever I looked he would be looking at me.

Finally on our presentation day, he found me alone and immediately asked me out for a COFFEE. Innocent request and I didn't know what to say and I didn't want to be rude and so I agreed to meet him Friday at 5.

Which brings us rather me right here and right now.

Stupid brain. Instead of focusing on how to answer, it goes on a trip. I quietly peer over the edge of the menu and watch him give his order to the waitress.I have to make up my mind. For the moment I just go with "I'll have the same". But that doesn't answer THE question.

The question in question is his question on whether I would be his girlfriend.

Where is the "LIKE"? I would have preferred "would you like to be my girlfriend" rather than "be my girlfriend" accompanied by pleading eyes. Not bragging but he seemed besotted which was absolutely flattering.

Stupid brain finally manages to remind me of a good policy, "you need to be my good friend first, we hardly know each other".

"Well", I begin, "it's just that" and I get interrupted by his pleading looks. My heart begins to melt and I am getting scared. As I am still sensing it happen, I say "we don't know each other so well, probably it may work, it may not too. I am not unsure, I can't decide. I think we should just be friends."

 I really did not want to be rude and hurt his feelings, a simple "i don't like you" would have been fine, with a "so much now but you are such a nice guy and I really don't know what to say." Stupid again.

I guess what he heard were just "probably it may work". That was quiet obvious by that smile that spread across his face. Love fool.

So you see, my stupidity at play one more time. Now he has my number and plans in place and I smile sheepishly and wonder whether he considers me his girlfriend or just as a friend.

I know this will not last long and surely I will have to start working on a break up strategy. Oh yeah, I know the right plan, I'll just say that "     ". Actually I will dump my phone in to the gutter or just the sim, move to a different city, then take up private tuition and even change my name.

Guess Idiotic Girl would be a great choice.

A Special Evening

5:00 pm

The lights were turned low, curtains drawn and the scent of paneer roses filled the air. She walked slowly to the centre of the room, gingerly carrying a crystal bowl filled with water. She put it down gently on the glass coffee table and mocked herself for not thinking of bringing it empty and then filling it. She had been walking in slow motion for a full 5 minutes. She disappeared in to the dining and re-appeared with a bottle in one hand and a small plastic cover in the other. She bent close and let two drops from the bottle touch the water. It was rose water. Then she dug in to the plastic bag and after much ruffling pulled out her hand clutching a fistful of rose petals. Gently she strew them on the now calm water. A minute later she had lit a white cup candle and let it float amidst the roses and watched the crystal bowl glow.

She had it all planned. Why had it to be the guys always trying to impress the girls with a well planned romantic date. Girls can also do that. That is what she planned. A romantic evening to be with her special one. Breaking out of her reverie she quickly dashed in to her bedroom. She had plenty of time but wanted to get dressed slowly.

The saree was very pretty, she had liked it at first sight and had kept it locked away for some special occasion. Its calling had come. She draped it gently, lost in her thoughts, all the while smiling and blushing, thinking about her guy. Around came the pallu and went over her left shoulder and she silently squealed in joy. It looked gorgeous. She looked gorgeous. She decided to let her hair loose for a change and went for the minimal make-up. It was a special day and she wanted her special shimmering lipstick. With the final touch of the bindi to her forehead, she looked in to the mirror and could only smile shyly. She looked perfect.

Shifting her gaze to the bottom draw of her dressing table she had just pulled open, she smiled yet again. She dug in and retrieved two small boxes. It was going to be special alright.

6:00 pm

The message had been simple. "Come home early".

His other messages asking "why" and "what" were left unanswered. He had no clue what was up but didn't want to disappoint her. He was on time and lost in thought as he was about to ring the bell. The door opened and he stood there caught in mid action with his hand outstretched and eyes wide, staring at this beautiful apparition smiling at him from the doorstep. He recovered quickly and beamed as he watched her smile and draw him inside.

The living room looked different. The lights low, the decorated coffee table, a mild-sweet fragrance and he counted 5 candles placed in different convenient places. Impressed. And then again his eyes were back to her. 

She had gone in to their kitchen and was now returning with two tall glasses of Sherbet. A glass each in hand they settled on the sofa and sat opposite each other. He wanted to appraise her and watched her doing the same. Whatever she had planned, it was working perfectly. The ruby red drink cooled his throat but warmed up his insides. His mind now relaxed and mood romantic.

"What is it?", he asked. "Ssssh, I will tell you later.", she said. "Oh! c'mon tell no!", he pleaded. "Have some patience", she said and stood smiling and slowly moved towards him. He never liked lipstick and she knew that, but this time he did not want to stop her. As her arms went around his neck, he could smell her. She had no perfume on, yet smelled divine. They sat there, snuggling in each others' arms.

A few minutes later, she stood up. "I have something for you". Saying that she walked off in to the bedroom. The moment had finally come, the secret of the evening was to be revealed. He sat back in the sofa and recalled how and when she had planned all this. There had been no signs, she had been her usual groggy self that morning, dressed in her nightie and somberly cooking and packing his lunch. Everything as usual except for that message around noon asking him to be home early.

She had a small fruit basket in her hand. Clueless yet again, he started to rise but she motioned for him to sit. His eyes followed her as she slowly came around to sit next to him. Silently she handed him the basket. She was now doing her eye-talk.

He scanned it, searched for what was special in a fruit basket and that is when he found it. The two small boxes.

With no patience to play guessing games, he opened the first one to his reach. Inside was a small porcelain doll. It was a little baby doll, sleeping in its blue knickers, dreamily smiling and its chubby cheeks blushed pink. The second had another little doll, this had a pink skirt and flower on its headband and just like the other,pink cheeks and a dreamy smile.

Perplexed he looked up at her. All she offered was a smile. But it was different, she was beaming. He too knew the eye-talk by now and tried to ask "what is it?" and he read her eyes to interpret "What do think it is".

He blinked and blinked, pleading for her to say what it was. Finally she pinched his cheeks and whispered "Daddy".

The evening was special indeed.

Dog-father Part I.. Every dog has its day!!!

He was deep in slumber. Phat!! a stone nicked his butt. With a painful Yelp! he got up, hit his head, dazed and confused, he bent over and ran for cover. His feet took him right but a pair of legs stood there, so he made a quick dash to the opposite side.

 "Naai tholla thaangala" (troublesome dogs) muttered the human.

After reaching a safe distance, he turned to look. The face was odd, not like that of the human who had given him curd rice the other day. He did not like him. Casting one last glance at the white car that had been his shelter for the night, he walked away slowly, searching for another comfortable spot.

The memory of the white car lingered. It was his, he had marked it so. As night arrived, the temptation to go back HOME won over.

His feet, light as ever, carried him gently to the very spot where the car stood now. Sniffing around for another animal/human, he cautiously maneuvered his small body beneath the car. Once under, sleep caught him quickly as if he had been sleepless for many nights. The early morning sun, smoothly snuck in and woke him up gently. He wanted to sleep more and lazily stretched his paws and yawned as wide as he could.

"EY CHI THU NAAYE...ODU IGENDHU" (Get out of here you DOG). Phat!!! a stone was hurled at him. Hit him right on his neck, sharp and painful. Yelping, he ran for cover. His whimpers did not stop for a while, the stone had hit him hard.

As the day stretched out, he wandered around his area keeping out of trouble. A good lunch from a dustbin satiated him and his siesta spot was waiting at the park. The later part of the evening was spent being chased by the watchman, running after two-wheeler/autos, wandering around his area, scavenging other dustbins, pissing on HIS pavements and the occasional bark to show-off.

As he pawed his neck, lazily, he nicked the wound from the morning. The bitter memory convinced him to make good use of his pavement tonight. It was colder and damper than what he was getting used to. But it would suffice.

"Appada, ozhindhuju naai" (What a relief, dog is gone), muttered the human as he washed his car.

It was always spotless white and that is why he loved it. He stood afar and watched the cleaning progress. Suddenly, he was alert. Head up, ears sharp, legs ready to run at the speed of lightning.

He dipped his head low, looked around the perimeter and then tip-toed and sneaked behind the car. The human was still busy cleaning and was now at the hood. He could see the feet moving, white as always, but they were still at the front. NOW!! Inside his head he felt it. Gingerly he moved to his left. The left rear wheel was at his mercy.

He lifted his leg slowly, taking in the moment, it was his now. The freshly washed, shining and clean, Tyre and therefor the car, were now MARKED as his, FOREVER.

His head held high in pride, he walked away, rejoicing in his conquest of what was HIS.

Dreams...

Her eyes were moving fast as she lay sprawled on her bed dreaming. The linen was soft, columns in olive running up and down, white vines twisted around and lilac blossoms opening here and there. The golden rays of the morning sun were slowly filling the room through the sheer curtained windows. The lights reflected a golden yellow on the big mirror that stood at the opposite end and lit up the room with tender care. The calm reflected off the blue green walls and in the centre of it all lay the figure, asleep yet restless and dreaming.

Ever since Pooja had moved into her new apartment she had been blessed with a slew of dreams. Every morning, she would wake from some crazy dream or the other and she would lay awake wondering what they meant. Though they were always pleasant, she would always end up feeling lonely at the end of them. She had selected the flat for the panoramic view, the peace and calm it promised and the guarantee that she would be able to enjoy it all alone. Work had made her move out of her parents' home five years ago and to her own surprise she adapted to her independent life very soon. Taking care of herself, cooking, bills and laundry gave her the fulfillment and the same reflected in the confidence with which she moved ahead at work. Till date she never had to regret any of her choices and knew well that she had not missed anything that was worth her life. She had never felt lonely in life before and that recurring feeling now disturbed her.

The packing and shifting had been tiring and the dreams were making her feel worse, so she decided to take a break and head home. She hoped that the change would help her relax.

Home had not changed much since she had left, except for her room that looked a little deserted despite being spotless. She had surprised her parents by her sudden arrival, and they were left wondering why she had turned up at their doorstep after having invited them over for a stay at her new flat. They knew her well enough to not point out the obvious and chose to just display the joy of having her at home again.

Home had never appealed to her this much ever before, it surprised her as to how much she had missed it. Slowly she unwound in the magic of her sacred space, her now antique dressing table, her closet still carrying some of her favourite clothes and the little music player with some of the CDs she had left behind. It felt like rewind, somehow that felt strange, strange because she had visited home many times since moving and this was the first time she had felt this desperation to return home.

She could work from home, that was a boon. Her boss and co-workers were some of her closest friends and they would stretch to any limits to accommodate her. With a reduced work load and a lot of free time, all she wanted to do was unwind. She sat out on the balcony and wondered what was so special here. Both were busy cities, Chennai and Bangalore, not very different, maybe Bangalore was more young and hip, she had a lot of company there and could do the very same things she did here, sometimes even more and better. Yet she wondered.

The lazy afternoons dragged her to her closet, she hadn't touched her old stuff since ages and suddenly for lack of anything else felt the curiosity to explore its treasures. The things you could accumulate during your lifetime amused her, well not a lifetime but definitely a lot had been accumulated in the 20 odd years she had spent collecting them. Faded memories resurfaced as she flipped through her college autographs and school group pictures. Some old clippings from papers of her favourite stars, few peacock feathers, old pencils gifted by her grandfather that she had preserved in his memory. Nostalgia flooded over her. Then she shifted her gaze to the letters.

It had seemed to be a fun thing that time, writing letters to yourself. She had written a couple of them before feeling foolish and stashing them away. But reading them now didn't feel that foolish. There was some strange enthusiasm in those letters that she felt were now somewhere lost in her. Obviously there is a difference between being a carefree adolescent and a mature adult. Cutting short her self evaluation she continued her reading, the letters were long, detailing the few major things that had happened, the people who very nice and the ones who had to mend their ways, the few crazy things that she had done and dreams.

Dreams, she recollected, strangely the frequency had reduced since she had come home. Dreams, she read those letters again, there were many. She realised that they were the things she had wanted to do. The little doodles and sketches at the bottom of the letters, she had wanted to be a painter, she had also wanted to be a singer, a poet, a writer and even a dancer. The evidence of her ambitions lay scattered in her now messy treasure box. A little mental rewind helped her remember that she had been fairly good at them, she in fact tried each and every one of them satisfactorily. Feeling a little proud, she collected her artifacts and packed the box again.

That evening she spent her time piecing together the puzzle that had been her favourite all those years back and still continued to engross her as much. Images of her summer holidays with her friends playing hopscotch, hide and seek, snake and ladder, business relayed on her mind. 'Pleasant memories', she recalled. The stroll through her quiet neighbourhood, the long chats with her parents, hot samosas in the evening, her display of culinary expertise, marathon television, a family visit to the temple and all those small things she had been familiar while growing up, filled her days and nights.

Her generous friends were missing her now, her benevolent boss was becoming impatient, work was work. She had known all along that this was only a holiday and cannot be her daily way of life, after all she had chosen her line of work. The holiday had rejuvenated her and she had never realised that she had needed one.

The time had come to return to routine or life as it had been. But then she realised, life had been the same all along, only she had changed. She had forgotten the simple things in life that were a part of her. She had forgotten that 'growing up' is a continuous process and doesn't mean leaving everything and moving on. Rather it is treasuring your experiences inside like in her little treasure box. They would always be with her.

The olive bed welcomed her, and she felt happy to curl up into its warmth. She had missed her soft bed, the sheer curtains, the blue green walls and everything about her new flat. The sun was yet to set, but she was already fast asleep and everything was now filled in peace.

Golden rays filled the room, the figure was still sprawled across in bed, the eyes were moving rapidly, she was dreaming again. This time she looked peaceful, a smile on her lips, a serenity prevailed on her face. She slowly opened her eyes to the yellow rays, he had been talking to her, eye to eye, something sweet, something innocent, something that had her blushing and her heart racing. With dream filled eyes she planted her feet to the ground, she liked this feeling, awaking to the feel of LOVE.

The Walls of This House...

Sindu liked doing things on her own and had always asked for help only as a last resort. With that resolve backing her, she could not bring herself to ask help to set right her new home. It had been a quick decision that left no time to catch a breath. A plum offer from the company landed on her doorstep a day after her interview. Swiftly a plan of action of shifting to a new city was made. The head rush in planning all these things in a short time gave her a high that she enjoyed thoroughly. But today while unpacking, she slowly began to realize that fatigue is a big dampener of spirits. As she picked up her phone to call home, she really wished that her mom had been nearby making her hot crisp dosas.

With only half work done, she slumped on the mattress, now unfurled and quickly drifted off to sleep without realizing that all lights were still on. It was close to 4am, she was breathing hard, a strange feeling, it was not a dream but still the uneasiness did not seem to cease, she struggled to break free and open her eyes. When she opened her eyes, it was well past 8o’clock. She figured that she had been too stressed out for a peaceful night. Breakfast at a hotel nearby and the strong coffee prepared her for further unpacking blues.

The house had been easy to find, all she had to do was to dial for a real estate agent (broker) in that area and the lease agreement was ready for signature as soon as she arrived. She had boiled milk as is customary once u enter a new house and shared the same with her neighbours. A neat way of getting to know people around you, she felt. A very chatty neighbor, Prema aunty had filled her in all about the residents in the neighbourhood. The juiciest bit was about the couple who had previously rented her house. It seemed the wife was having an extra-marital affair and the husband had grown suspicious. One fine day the lady eloped with her lover and the husband vacated the house immediately to get over the humiliation.

Strange, she felt, as she walked through her house. She pictured the woman lovingly sending off her husband to work and then immediately getting ready for her clandestine lover. The walls seemed to know so much and still remain so quiet, something that Prema aunty would never do.

That night the strange feeling returned, this time she felt trapped behind the walls. Staying at home all day was taking its toll, she thought. She stepped out for her shopping and after complete shopping exhaustion she returned back home. Unpacking was nearly done and what remained was to put away her books. It was to be in a cupboard, the only piece of furniture left behind by the previous tenants. As she started cleaning the wooden furniture a brown dossier caught her eye. In the bottom draw, hidden away like a secret document, the file lay abandoned. Very genuinely she opened it up to know if she could trace the owner, but then some pictures fell down from them.

The young lady in the picture was talking to someone, the background a busy traffic scene. The next picture was similar, she was in a car and seated next to her was a man and the next was of her dining at some restaurant. She suddenly got a sense of what was coming ahead and despite being invasive of someone’s privacy she looked into the sheets of paper it held. As she had guessed it was a detective agency’s report on the ‘Cheating wife’. It turned out that there seemed to be nothing to indicate that an affair was on, the lady had genuinely met people during normal course of her work and none of them seemed to constitute what one would call as an affair. The clandestine lover did not exist.

This night was destined for dreams, dreams about the woman whose husband suspected her. The discomfort returned as her dream continued in which the husband and wife were arguing. He was waving the brown file at her and screaming something that she couldn’t understand clearly. Suddenly he was dressed like superman and held the wooden cupboard above his head and looked at her with angry, demented eyes.

A new day had dawned and she had to visit her HR that day. She had abandoned the book-shelving operation earlier and resumed to do that in the time that remained at hand. The dream replayed itself in her mind and the sight of the airborne cupboard gave her a shiver. It was something she had to try now, whether she could lift it up or atleast make it move an inch. It was going to be a test of her might and after much pushing and nudging the stubborn cupboard finally gave way. But what it revealed startled her, a hidden door.

The ambulance siren was louder than the police van’s. The mystery door had prompted her call for help. As all the people crowded her doorway, Prema aunty rushed over with excitement written all over her face. She froze still as she saw the panicked look on Sindu’s face and the nearly lifeless body on the stretcher. A young woman, starved and dehydrated, discovered barely alive in the room behind the door.

The entire story emerged, the over suspicious husband, not convinced even by the detective’s report, plotted a punishment for his wife. One fine day, he tied her up and shut her in the little store room and blocked the door with his favourite furniture and made away saying that she had eloped.

As the dust settled on the day, Sindhu could only wonder how it had all come to be. She had held the hand of the figure she had discovered and felt a knowing grip, she felt as if the lady had whispered “thank you” into her ears. She tried to figure out her strange dreams and lay wondering how she rightly moved the cupboard and managed to rescue a woman abandoned there for almost 3weeks.

That night she dreamt of herself lying asleep. She saw the cupboard, the hidden door and then the woman behind it. Her lips were moving like she was chanting something. She could hear the words now "Help me". Suddenly her sleeping figure started dreaming and the strange uneasiness set in to her again. But this time it felt distant and unconnected, like it was happening only in the dream.

After a restless night she knew she had to visit the woman at the hospital for some consolation. Standing close to the bed, she held the frail hand and just watched. The fingers closed around her hand slowly and the woman opened her eyes. She expected her to say something and maybe clear all her doubts. Just then the woman, with a frail smile, said to her “I knew you would find me”.

Baby in the cradle..

It was her first pregnancy. And looking at her face it was obvious that it had been a mistake. The face of a 17 year old but pregnant and single. A failed love affair which had left her with a broken heart and a baby in the way.

The pregnancy had reached point of no return before she had the guts to tell her parents and that left her with the little choice in life. The solution they sought was simple. Move away to a foreign country to avoid the shame, wait for the delivery and give away the baby soon after. Life would never be the same. But then someone would adopt the child and their daughter can move on and she can live a life that her society would approve of. The chapter was closed.

Savithri held her latest pregnancy test in her hand. The look on her face said it all; it was negative, once again. Married for 7 years, they had postponed children for the first 2, and ever since regretted the decision. The last 5 years had been a painful ordeal, trying to conceive. She had been healthy all her life and even the doctor felt so. But her uterus was a little weak after the 3 miscarriages she had suffered. And ever since, anxious to have a child, every effort had been made.

Temples, medicines and advice from elders came in the hundreds. The anxiety was the villain the doctor opined. But then nothing would cure her of that. Vikram, her husband, supportive and understanding, bore on. He did certainly want a child of his own, they loved each other and it seemed perfect to have a child that would bear witness to their commitment to one another.

The decision was not easy, but was finally made, adopt a child. Vikram's uncle had suggested it. Her friends thought it was a good idea, her family felt otherwise, her husband wanted time to think. They thought of all the reasons they could not have one of their own. Present day and science had all the solutions, but they didn't appeal to her as the right thing to do. The rationale was simple, "Lets give a child a loving home". That helped her make up her mind.

The procedure was long, they had to register with only one children's home, multi-registration was not allowed. For a new-born baby they'd have to wait and it may take over a year, a waiting list would now include their name also. The income criterion was not a problem, as Vikram enjoyed a successful career and Savithri herself was making good money as a computer instructor at a nearby IT institute. Another requirement was for a minimum 5 year long, childless marriage. That was easily accomplished as it was the very reason that had brought them there.

The waiting began.

The young 17-year old, just celebrated her 18th birthday. It was not a very happy celebration as she was due for delivery in another couple of months. Something had changed in her. Repenting the folly of her thoughtless act and wondering about what lay ahead of her, wondering whether what she was going to do was right.

Her parents had been supportive, lucky girl. But they wore the scars of heartbreak and shame. Life as she had known had turned upside down. Her new school was good. People did not ostracise her nor did they stare at her. Her student counselor had ensured that she did not feel left out. Life was looking brighter than ever.

The cramps had started. The baby was not yet due and with a few weeks left, she had taken the chance to picnic with her new friends. It was shocking, not like any pain she had felt before. Her friends panicked but soon gathered nerves and called for an ambulance. The next few hours were the fastest, the speeding ambulance, the rush to the operation theatre, the decision for a C-section and the crying baby.

Savithri had been waiting for a call. The waiting list had been long and she had hoped that a baby boom would shorten her wait and end her anxiety. Her routine had changed; the doom and desperation she had felt had also vanished. Though at times she pondered about her fate, the thought of a baby cheered her up. After all, the idea of giving a good life to a child appealed to her as the right thing to do. And a child would giving meaning and purpose to her life. A mutually beneficial arrangement.

Neetha was recovering from her anesthesia. Her hands immediately traced her flat stomach and scanned the bed for the baby. When she opened her eyes, it was her mother looking down at her with concern. The baby was in the incubator as it was 3 weeks premature and underweight. It was a boy.

The next few days she spent on her bed being told that the child was still in critical care and cannot be disturbed. She yearned to see her new born, but the tubes and monitors she was herself attached to, refrained her from doing so. It was only after a few more days that she realised what had happened.

The phone call that came stirred up the anxieties in her. It was from the children's home. A child was available for adoption, a one year old infant girl. Cold feet was something Savithri had not even felt on her wedding day, but today she experienced the icy chills running down her spine. The idea of adopting a child and the hustle and bustle associated with it had kept her in high spirits all this while. But with the d'day staring at her, second thoughts felt unavoidable.

Vikram was driving rather slow, and that gave more mileage to her thoughts. The preoccupation was something that cannot be missed easily. She wanted to turn back and head home, adoption was out of her league, she was just a regular lady, and she cannot love another's child as her own. But by the time she could talk Vikram to make the u-turn; they were already inside the children's home.

The administrator had worn a skeptical look the whole time; last minute change of mind was not unusual. Despite wanting the children to get adopted, they wanted to also ensure that the children reach the right homes. In-decisive parents would only hamper the child's progress. The year long wait also served as a test for the parents.

Savithri held the picture of the toddler in her hand, the bright eyes and rosy lips and cherubic face would appeal to anyone. Her hands trembled as she passed it on to Vikram, the turmoil in her mind could be easily read by him. He had secretly visited the sleeping child the previous day. The decision from his side had already been made.

The baby was gone; her parents had given it away while she was still unconscious. The anger she felt coupled with her helplessness allowed her to react only with an angst filled scream. Her world crumbled, she had been denied even the joy of seeing the face of her dear one. Life had been unfair to her and had been mean too. She lunged at her parents and wanted to tear them apart. Her weak body wouldn't co-operate and she fell on the floor in a huddle.

The crying of the child woke her up, it was right beside her. It had been a dream, her baby boy lay screaming beside her. A normal child, kicking and wailing while he waited for his mother to wake from her anesthesia. Her fears had become monsters in her imagination. Her parents stood beside her bed as she stirred up, they had been waiting by her side all the while. The tears didn't need any prompting to form; she was filled with some remorse for doubting them and joy at the sound of the child.

They were now a family of four. Neetha had decided to keep the baby; she would live up to the challenge of being a single mother. She could not punish the child for her mistakes. As she left for college, her parents waved goodbye holding their grandson in their hands. He was now the joy of all their lives. A happy ending to a bitter experience.

Savithri was busier than ever, the cradle had been decorated and all the guests had arrived. It was merely for fulfillment of her whim that she wanted to put the toddler in the cradle. Even at just one, Ananya was a handful and putting her in a cradle and keeping her there for a few minutes was a mammoth task. The initial few days with her had been difficult, but as the days wore by she accepted the two new people as her parents. Ananya, unique as she was, completed the puzzle to a home and the happy family celebrated her arrival in the company of all friends and relatives. The cheers and laughter rang through the walls of their home, their hearts now filled with joy. Savithri was beaming joyously as she held Ananya in her arms.

A Dark Dream..

Waking up is something normal. But not for me. I woke up from a coma they said. I remembered nothing.

"Anita you will have to stop being so silent. I know that this has been a very traumatic experience for you and that it all feels so unfair. Are you listening to me? Why are you so keen on wasting your second chance." Dr. Rekha was my therapist. Ever since i woke from my coma, she had been counselling me. The depression that set on me after realising that i had lost all memories, drove me insane. It was only through her that sanity was restored. "Anita", she went on,"listen dear, life is lying ahead of you, you have such loving parents and a caring husband. Atleast for them you will have to move on. Old memories are great. But life is full of new ones. Get out there and start living. Start creating new memories for yourself. Don't waste this second chance. Do you know how lucky you are?"

There was a lot of truth in what she had said. It was extremely painful to be unable to recognise your loved ones. My parents had broken down when they saw that i could not recognise them. My husband was more strong at heart and reacted in a more matter of fact way. I had fallen from the stair case at home and hurt my head. I had remained unconscious ever since only to wake up after two months with a clean slate for a brain. It wasn't entirely clean though. I remembered my languages, sights, sounds, whatever was required for normal life. Except the most important thing, all memories of the people i Love.

The house seemed so strange and new despite all the photos i had seen of it. Sanjay had taken all steps to ensure that i would not be surprised by anything or anyone. It was a crash course of who is who in the family. No memories does not mean that the people i forgot are out of my life also. Nothing had changed, except for me.

He was my husband, but i couldn't feel it. But yet we shared the same bed, for i did not want to burden others for my fault. It was my carelessness that i tripped off and rolled down the stairs. Everyone had suffered enough and i wanted to be the Anita that they all knew and loved. Tyring to be myself without even knowing who i was. The thought haunted me.

After spending almost a week with me at home, Sanjay finally left for work. I was home alone, not frightened but thrilled. I could finally explore the house that i had lived in and maybe find something about myself in turn. All i heard so far was that I was a sweet person, always helping and forgiving and liked to be quiet and enjoyed being at home. A wonderful cook and a perfect wife. I still felt that wasn't the answer i wanted. More than the roles i played and how i played them, i wanted to know how i thought and felt about the things i felt. And that's when i started searching myself.

The kitchen was the first fort, i scanned and scourged and ended up tidying the place. Apart from finding money hidden away in cookie jars, i could find nothing. The living room and bedroom too yielded nothing. I had noticed that my wardrobe was neatly stacked, maybe i had a penchant for neatness, as even in this search i couldn't resist cleaning the kitchen.

Finally i reached the attic, the darkest and most neglected place of the house. With a light at one end, i had to use a torch light to rummage through the things there. In contrast to my cleaning abilities, this was a mess. I was now confused. Who was I?

There in the corner i noticed, a small space hidden behind some stacked cardboard boxes. Felt like entering a cave that showed signs that early man once lived there. I had signs that someone had been there before. A reading light lying there stood proof to that. I felt i was edging on something.

Sitting in that corner gave me some peace, a rush of emotions seemed to surge from within. I turned on the reading light. There lay strewn on the floor some doodles and torn bits of papers. Then it caught my eye. Tucked in the corner between the wall and a box was a black book. I knew it was something that belonged to me.

The first few pages were all dreamy, it was me as a 17 year old penning some words on love and friendship. Then there was a break. Then there was a note about first day in college. A few erratic notes on how boring the lectures are and about the bad canteen food and the spicey pani puri that had upset my stomach. Again a break, a leap in time. It was a note on the grand engagement and how Sanjay was the best man on earth. It was all hunky dory.

But deep inside my heart was troubled. A bad feeling about reading the book kept devouring me. Suddenly i realised that it was late, time to stop reading and get moving. Instinctively i put the book back to that same corner and re-traced my steps back, leaving no clue as to where the sanctuary existed. For a strange reason i felt that it had to remain a secret.

That night at dinner he noticed the change in my face. I had to explain that I was trying to remember things. He took my hands in his, looked into my eyes and said in a soothing voice, "You don't have to be so hard on yourself. The past is past. Lets make a new start. Stop trying to remember." That is where i noticed. His voice was soothing but his eyes looked mean. I didn't know what to think of it and resorted to small talk till dinner got over. That night he held me tight in his arms till i slept off.

The next day was a frantic rush, a rush to be alone and be able to read through the pages of my journal. It was sweet, it was a poem that Sanjay had written for me while on our honeymoon. It was stuck to my journal for it was love. Some entries were scored out and some incomplete, they were the usual stuff of how the day went and how speaking to an old friend had been fun. Then i noticed the change. My handwriting had changed and so also the nature of things i wrote and then the page had a few wrinkly spots. It was dried tears.

I was shocked, what i read i could not believe. He has been the sweetest and most supportive husband and yet my journal said that he was a monster. As i read on, it became evident that i was fooled once again by his demeanor. The guy was just faking it, being nice and sweet to hide the viciousness he hid inside.

"Jan 15, 2010. Today Sanjay slapped me for no reason at all. He was watching TV and i called him for dinner. The rage in his eyes frightened me. This is not the man i married. He has changed so much. Every day the torment increases. I don't know why i am unable to stand up to him. I hope this ends soon. But why is he so violent. Mom and dad will be very upset if they know this. But how long do i go on so? I don't know what to do. I am scared. He is scary."

It was now very confusing. Why had i been such a coward? Why did i not stand up to him? The pieces started falling into place. Maybe i didn't fall accidentally off the stairs, maybe i was pushed. Had i been bolder this day would never have come. I could have had all my memories and my life back. Not like this, with no memory of a past, with no identity.

"Mar 23, 2010. I have had enough. I can't take his slurs and insults anymore. I am a good girl. I deserve a life better than this. I am leaving him. I have decided. I am going to MY HOME tomorrow. Goodbye Sanjay. Hope the devil takes you. I hate you. Rot in hell."

Guess what, Mar 24 i was admitted into the hospital, unconscious. Piecing the puzzle together was not difficult. Surely he was there when i fell down. He sure was capable of it.

Maybe i was a coward then to stand up to him. But then today i was a stronger woman and I had no intention of wasting my second chance. I had made up my mind. There was no looking back and no postponing. It was time to put an end.

It was not difficult to locate the nearest police station. The journal did all the talking. The rage in his eyes was evident when he was being taken away by the police. I had nothing to say to him. All i could say was "Rest in Peace Anita".

Finding her!!!

Blink and miss. He saw her now and the next minute she was gone. It was in a restaurant, at the wash basin. Her face on the mirror. He had never seen eyes like those, her face so luminous, the lips that he could picture uttering sweet words. He looked around, looked over the entire place, but could never see her again.

His nights were now filled with dreams. He could feel her, laughing and talking to her friends, her laughter ringing in his ears. He woke up suddenly, he had to see her again. He decided that he will find her. With no name and with only a barely had glimpse of her face, he set out to the very restaurant he had first seen her. He ordered a coffee and waited. He ordered lunch and waited. After two long days of waiting for her, he realised that she may not come there again.

That night, he dreamed again. He could hear her voice, he heard her planning for going to a coffee shop with her friends, even discussing the red tee she is going to wear. He woke up startled. The dreams were so vivid. Was he psychic? Would she really visit the coffee that he dreamed about? He had to find out. He figured out a plan. He decided to write her a note, a note to the girl in the red tee, telling that he wanted to be-friend her. A note that contained his number. "I would really like to be friends with you", he had written and added his number below. Nervously hoping that she would respond and not spur him.

He had arranged for a little boy to deliver the note when that girl comes and then waited for her call on his phone. No new messages or calls. He knew it wouldn't be so easy.

His dreams about her increased, and every time he heard her voice. Her laughter filled his mind. He was slowly getting worried cause she was occupying every waking thought of his and he could not concentrate on anything else. Even when asleep he would dream of her. That is when one night, he heard a name. It was her name, he knew it instantly.

He started looking up for her details on the internet, scanning all profiles on all networking sites. Her name was on his lips always. His anxiety grew each time he opened a profile bearing that name, but then on seeing the picture in it he would be left disheartened. He started question hi sanity, how could he believe that the name he heard in his dream could be hers. Before he could raise more questions about how absurd everything was, he hit upon it. It was the profile, the one that he was searching for. It was the very girl. The same luminous face and pretty eyes. The face that eluded him for so long. It was her.

Her mail address was available on her profile. He immediately mailed her and couldn't believe his eyes when she had replied. He decided to mail her often and not rush to meet her. His e-mails to her were promptly replied to, but always remained blank. But just the fact she was reading them, gave him happiness. And finally after a week of mailing, he asked for her number and address. To this also the reply was a blank.

He didn't know where things were going and with every blank mail, that once livened him up, he could feel the dread setting in. Unable to bear the silence, the maddening thoughts, he wanted to be rid of the pain inside. He found a knife and slit his wrists.

The ambulance sirens were roaring loud. The patient was unconscious due to loss of blood. The doctor assured the anxious parents that things will be alright. They realised where it had all gone wrong and could not stop lamenting that they should have known that something was wrong.

It had started when their daughter received an anonymous note from someone who wanted to talk to her. From that day she had complained that she felt like she was being stalked. Her fears came through when the she started receiving mails from that same unknown, professing his love for her. She never knew how he knew so much about her, and that worried her the most. Every night after that was pure nightmare and she could be heard talking in sleep, sometimes laughing and sometimes sad.

In an act of desperation, she had finally slit her wrists.

Suddenly from his trance he awoke. The pain in his wrists was now unbearable. He realised he was in a hospital, surrounded by equipment and blinding lights. He wanted out of his agony and yet he found himself in greater pain now. A nurse near him noticed that he was awake. She immediately rushed to the doctor that the patient was now conscious.

Within minutes the room was filled with anxious faces. Wading through the crowd the doctored moved in. He enquired how he was feeling. But something was not right cause the doctor was using a different name. The name of THAT GIRL.

He protested, saying he was not who they thought he was. Mistaken identity he claimed. Suddenly a lady in the crowd ran towards him, crying and calling him. Again with that girl's name. the pressure was too much for him. He fell unconscious again.

When he woke up the doctor was with him. He was talking to him gently asking him his name. And then he showed him the girl's picture. He recognised her and told the entire story to the doctor.

The doctor was now convinced. He gave him a mirror in his hand and told him that being in the hospital has paled him. Unassumingly he looked in. To his shock, the girl was looking at him. He looked around but couldn't find her. He looked again, afraid of what he might see.

It was her again.

His world started spinning around. He cried out in pain. Something was very wrong.

The doctor calmed him down and gave him a shot in his arm. The medicine worked quickly and he soon drifted off to sleep.

As he lost consciousness he heard the doctor's voice announce, "It's a classic case of Split Personality".

Inspired by the story of Narcissus..

Eating the Apple Pie....

"Okay now here you go" she said...laying out the cutlery and crockery before little Jenny.. "Do you see the difference between this fork and that?? Can you tell me why??".. without giving her time to respond she continued, "it is for the different foods that you will eat"..pointing to each she started "this is the salad fork.. this dinner fork and this one is the dessert fork.. that knife is the dinner knife and the two spoons are the tea spoon and soup spoon... remember no clanking of the cuttlery.. and no slurping noises...no elbows on the table... and chew with your mouth closed"..

it was her grooming session before the big dinner the British family next door was hosting... Jenny's mom wanted to impress their hosts and show that they too possess enough class and culture and are good enough as anybody else in the upper class neighbourhood they had just moved into...

Jenny's sky blue dress was all ready...her hair was combed into a neat pony and held by a pretty bow...her mom took great care and pride in dressing her up as a proper little girl... she herself was dressed in a Lilac dress running up to half way her toned and waxed legs... it was a formal dinner and she didn't want to look out of place... after all it was looks that mattered most... to look proper and well presented... she didn't spare her husband too, who was now grudgingly stepping into his freshly dry-cleaned black suit...

The hosts, Mr and Mrs Taylor wore a warm smile and pleasant look and welcomed Jenny and her parents... the gathering held around 50 guests... all living next to each other... the dinner was just an excuse for the Taylor's to show off their wealth and the other reason for holding it that day was to announce that they would be moving away shortly... ofcourse to a bigger and better place...far more swanky than at present...

all her ettiquette lessons clashed in her head..but she was mindful that her cutlery didn't clash... she sat quietly and ate what was served to her... the Taylor's had arranged for butler service too... the food was accompanied with fine wine...

Jenny had successfully sailed through the dinner... her mom's approving face smiling down at her stood proof of the fact.... it was now time for the desserts... her most anticipated moment as the dinner had been a boring affair for the little child...

dessert was served... it was apple pie.. topped with cream... a delicacy that anyone would find hard to resist....

she didn't attack her plate... but rather approached it with pure childish excitement.. and in no less that two minutes it had vanished down her throat.... her hand quickly shot up asking for one more....all her etiquette lessons forgotten..

some stared at the little girl...some amused and some appalled... she was simply enjoying her pie... her mother was too embarrassed to react...all she could do was to look into her plate and timidly fork pieces of her pie and nibble at it...

dinner was officially done... all guests thanked the hosts and left... Jenny was quiet as she knew that her mother was not happy... they said their "good byes" to the host who had made their announcement..

as she waked back home.. her mother stayed silent... finally on reaching their doorstep she spoke to her mom... " i am sorry mommy... the pie was so delicious... after all they had invited us for dinner... and dinners are meant for eating... and i only ate what i liked a lot.... sorry for embarassing you"...

Realising the folly she had committed, she looked at the child with remorse showing on her well made up face... she got down on her knees and hugged the child... and gently whispered "I am sorry baby" and kissed the child...

Jenny's dad finally managed to find the keys after fumbling through his wife's purse...he unlocked the door and the happy family walked in to their home sweet home...

Love Story..

Arun was late. Late to the railway station. A friend from his hometown was arriving today and he had to pick that guy up. Try as he might, his bike wouldn't transform into a Jet and neither would the sea of locomotives split up if he like Moses would pray and put his bike on top gear...

He had the perfect excuse all figured out. He would simply say that he was lost. But after 5 years in the city no one would believe him if he said that. But then again he had really been lost. Lost in his girl friend's eyes. Corny, as it may sound, it still is not entirely false. He had met her for lunch and just lost track of time.

It had become a habit to turn up late. And this habit had got him in trouble with Sonia, his girlfriend. He promised to meet her for dinner and arrived fifteen minutes late. She was a sucker for punctuality and was very angry with him that she waited for him and marched off the moment he entered the restaurant. It was 3 days efforts of non-stop calling, messaging and apologising that finally won him a lunch today. And he did not want to commit the folly of cutting it short before she said it was time to leave.

The race through traffic finally ended and now he got on foot and started racing towards the platform where the train had arrived. Frantically he scanned through the crowd that thronged the station.

Kumar was coming to the city for the first time. He was a naive small town guy who finally managed to get a job in the big city. Moving to an unknown city had greatly upset him. Not for the fact that he would be away from home, but rather that he would be in a new place with no one he knew. That is when his father reminded him of his schoolmate Arun.

Kumar was a typical timid loner and had not made many friends in school except for Arun. Arun was on the contrary a very outgoing guy and took interest in Kumar, knowing that he was shy and had no friends. He would always stand up for him. That was in school days. And once again now, out of school and college years, Arun took upon himself to help Kumar.

His nervousness on finding no familiar face in the crowd had resulted in huge sweat drops on his forehead. Being a typical worrier, he was now frantically scanning the crowd for the friend who would pick him up. That is when he saw him Arun. With the same solid face, changed yet unchanged since all those years. With those sincere, penetrating eyes, scanning the crowd and searching for his friend, searching for him. His heart now was pounding with joy.

Arun greeted him with a warm hug. It was good to see an old friend after many years. The ride back to his room was filled with stories from days that were long gone. It was a happy reunion and he was feeling very happy to see that Kumar had turned out fine. They spent the whole day talking and finally stepped out for some late dinner and then to a peaceful slumber.

Kumar was enjoying his days in the city. The freedom he enjoyed away from home left him feeling euphoric. For the first time in life he had been out of his father's shadow. His workplace was fine, his work was suited to his tastes and best of all Arun was just great. He was too smart, knowing everything. He had taught him everything about the city, about the pickpockets in the bus and the fleecing auto drivers and even about where to get your cheap pirated stuff.

Sonia was curious. She knew that Arun had a new roommate, but she was curious because he would often talk about him and remark how naive he was. She wanted to meet the guy who was her boyfriend's childhood friend. And so finally a sunday lunch was planned.

Kumar was not informed about the guest. He had slept well the previous night. They had gone for a walk on the Marina and he had really enjoyed the walk that he and Arun had shared. The few moments where they were only the two people walking on the face of earth. He had never been to a beach before and he really loved the splashing of the waves and the cool breeze. But wherever he looked, he found many couples cuddling and cooing. That somehow he didn't enjoy much. This distasteful thought finally woke him up.

It was Sunday and it was laundry day. Arun was already at it, washing his clothes. Kumar sat up in bed and watched his friend toiling away with the clothes. There was a strong feeling growing inside him. A feeling which he did not realise and therefore was easily ignored.

They were getting ready. Sunday used to be cook and eat day. But today Arun had said that they had plans. So he put on his new jeans and the t-shirt he had got based on his buddy's insistence. He preferred to spend the day indoors but then had to go out. It didn't seem to be his best Sunday so far.

Sonia was already there waiting. Arun was late as usual. He knew that he would be treated to an irate face, but knew that since Kumar was with him, she would behave better. And finally they met.

Kumar didn't realise it at once, but then he saw that Arun sat next to her and then he introduced her as his girlfriend. This time the feelings inside Kumar were strong and he noticed that pang of jealousy pit in his stomach. Every minute he sat there was excruciating for him. He realised that Arun was not his, but of Sonia's.

It was his first time alone on the beach, the second ever time he was visiting it. He needed to think about what had happened. He needed to think sitting alone. He could not understand anything, he could not gather why he was jealous of her. Watching the waves, the hours flew. He still had no answer. Thats when he heard Arun's voice. He had come searching for him. That is when he knew. He was in love, in love with Arun.

The days that followed the realisation were the hardest in his life. Seeing Arun's face every day, he got constantly reminded of the fact that his love would always remain one sided and can never consummate. He knew that the time for taking a decision has arrived. A choice had to be made, to stay and suffer or to leave and move on. Atleast Arun would remain his friend. He made up his mind.

Within a month, his employer had offered to depute him in another state. An opportunity that seemed like a blessing in disguise. He packed his bags.

Arun was concerned, how his friend would manage alone outside. But then his mind was made and he only assured him that he had learned enough from his stay with him, to manage by himself outside.

The airport was not very far from where they stayed. Arun insisted on dropping him there and so he refused the company cab. A final ride together he thought. Seated behind the bike, he really wanted to steal a hug, but realised it would be futile and hugged his bag rather. After an eternity, the airport arrived.

A parting hug, a few exchange of 'stay in touch' and 'take care'. His heart was heavy. He knew that he would never see Arun again, he didn't want to betray his feelings and break his friends heart. Hoping that the distance and solitude would mend his heart, he stepped into the airport. Waving one final 'goodbye' he walked off past security.

Arun never realised what was amiss. But felt sad that his defenceless friend had to leave so early. He hoped that he would fare well. His worry lines were deepening when Sonia offered a word of comfort and told him that Kumar will be fine. Praying for his friend he drove back, all the while talking to her and telling her the stories of the poor guy whom he had just sent off. A good guy who was just too shy and timid.

Kumar, looked down from his flight. His maiden journey, a journey into the future, leaving the past behind, leaving his Arun behind. He said a small prayer for Arun, and wished for his good life with Sonia, and then one for himself so that his acing heart would find peace someday. And watched in awe as the clouds covered in orange sunlight spread out across the sky and how far he has come in just a short time. He laid back in his seat and drifted to sleep with this thought lingering on his mind.

Allura...

"Beep beep" beeped his phone.. a sms from someone unknown. "I am sorry", it said... He felt obliged to reply, to tell the sender that the apology had not reached the person it was meant for... He replied..

It was day 3 of messages.. She had told that she was apologising to her boyfriend and mistyped the number... She had told everything that had happened before and poured out her anxieties over the calls that went unanswered... He read every message patiently, wondering who she was and why he was getting involved so much... He did not even know her name, he never asked, she never gave...

And then one morning there was the missed call... it was her... she had called him in the middle of the night.. he called her back... there was no response... then there came a message saying she was Shy to talk to him now and would rather message... and he patiently continued...

His days had been going as usual.. mundane things.. the usual work.. usual friends and the usual flirts.. nothing new... and suddenly an apology put the verve back on...

The messages were exchanged day and night... she was concerned about her lover... the guy who never called back.. the one with whom she had been in love with for almost 4 years.. her first love.. a handsome man.. college love.. sweet words and promises.. the crumbling of the world around her...

And then she called.. it was midnight.. he answered in his sleep.. and the meek voice on the other side said "Hi its me".. He didn't know what to say and didn't know what to talk... but talk they did for 2 long hours... she sobbed and sniffed, telling that she was sad... Henry had left her for good.. he had left the city making the end very clear.. she sobbed harder telling that Henry was the love of her life and that she was now broken and dead on the inside..

He listened patiently, lending her his shoulders to cry upon... he wanted to comfort her.. to pat her head and say "it will be alright".. the urge to see her started growing inside..

"I want to meet you", he said... she suddenly became all quiet.. she gave some excuse and shortly cut the call...

Confused was not the only word to define his emotions... he was now angry too.. his life was happy the way it was but why did he have to message some unknown girl day and night... was he that desperate in life that he needed an unknown person to make him feel important and wanted... he had questions and all were only for himself... and he had no answer..

A whole week passed with no messages.. his eyes would glance to his silent phone.. and then he would chide himself for his obsession... he exercised utmost restraint.. he kept himself busy with work, friends, movies and parties... but found himself peering into his phone time to time.. he was angry with his helplessness to overcome the need to message that unknown girl...

It was sunday night.. the beep went off frantically... messages galore.. apologies.. request to answer calls.. inviting for coffee to meet.. and then came the call... She sobbed.. said she had been confused.. apologised and asked to meet him for real.. He listened patiently and finally relented.. the date was fixed... Saturday night at 8...

Messages rained through the days.. about crushes, love, kisses and more.. she kept calling every night just to kiss him goodnight.. Their date kept nearing and their distances kept fading.. he was completely lost, her sweet cooing had blown him away.. It had all happened so fast that he forgot he still didn't know her name..

It was a sexy saturday.. she had spoken to him all through the night... a dozen kisses in between..lovers talk one could say.. she had promised to dress up for him in her very best..and just before day break she said she was in love again...

The table was set.. the Wine was ready.. candles were lit... he was there.. watching the people dining and the crowd that kept coming and going... wide eyed he waited.. searching for her.. it was not yet time, he was early and so he waited.. Every time the door opened, his heart skipped a beat... whenever a young lady walked in his eyes grew wide.. but then they would droop seeing their companion following behind...

The minutes slipped away into an hour... he messaged her... his nervousness grew.. she was nowhere in sight... no replies to his messages and no response to his calls... she must be on the way he thought... but couldn't stop from perspiring in nervous thought... finally he realised he had waited too long...

She was gone.. completely gone.. her number was no longer valid... the girl with no name..who caught his fancy and filled his time... he realised that it was the same girl who had now made a fool of him... fooling him with her fake tears and by acting shy.. her sweet talk and tender kisses... fooled him for God knows what... maybe he was a toy...maybe she found it to be a sport... a sport where the loser is left ashamed and scorned.... "Why me?" he thought..

He had a silent dinner and walked home, head down.... this day would soon get buried in the past... but then he would never forget how he had fallen for this Allura...

image courtesy google www.layoutsparks.com

Reonciliation... Love story...

A lonely cry in the dark,
sob after sob, followed by a whimper.
There she sat in the corner,
curled up, shrivelled and dishevelled.

There he was, that fool
who broke two hearts at one go.
One of that gentle flower he loved
and the other of his own.

She was his Goddess, he adored and worshipped
yet he had been bitter and rude
He toiled all day to keep her happy
But unhappy is what he made them both.

She cried, not for her sorrow, but for him
he tried hard, she knew, for her happiness
but she didnt want no diamonds,
but the luxury of his arms and delicacies of his words.

The sun was setting, and a full moon rising,
the strange light filled the room.
He looked at her, she looked at him
He said not a word, but she heard everything.

her eyes were flooded, like dew drops they fell.
he held her close to his heart, his warmth she felt.
the bliss of the moment, filled their hearts,
Happiness finally he felt.

Baby Boo....

Now Baby Boo was all but 21months old...a toddler toddling all day long...he was the cutest, chubbiest and timidest that one could see... mewing and cooing.. trying to talk... sometimes running... sometimes falling..following his mother around the house...

his mother was a sweet lady... at times cursing the Stork when Boo did something wrong...afterall he would take everything down when he had a fall... He would cry and cry and cry till he falls asleep feeling weak and tired....

as a baby too... Boo had lots of trouble coming his way... once when out shopping, he was sleeping in his baby sling.... suddenly baby Boo had turned Blue... his mom cried in shock and rushed him to a doctor.. he had suffocated inside that ghastly thing..

as he ran around the house... the telephone caught his eye... he picked up the phone, like his dad does..and started pressing the buttons... again and again... again and again... bored he moved to the pen stand... thud!!! it fell the next moment... it was made of wood and every part of it fell apart...

Boo wasnt naughty..but just a regular kid.. curious to touch.. curious about every new thing he sees...

one day Boo spilt milk all over, the next he threw food all around... he cried for his baths and cried to dress up... he cried and cried and his mother did not know what had gone wrong...

to the doctor they took him..the worried mom and dad..Boo was crying and whimpering all the while... The bespectacled doc lady, examined him with care... and diagnosed that his tummy was in despair... "Tummy ache" she announced... a case of in-digestion.... "what did u feed him?" she asked...

It was Noodles... noodles all the while... curly and wiggly... yummy and tiggly.. he loved it every time... his mom made it for almost evrey snack time... something that he would eat without a fuss... and it had become his staple food thus...

"No more Noodles" the doctor said..."give him food that is good for his health"...

From that day on... he never cried for his supper again...neither for bath or for a dress...Baby Boo had become his usual cute, chubby, timid self again....