Yap yap yap...:)

I have not stepped out of the boundaries of propriety in any of my posts so far. But this one , tests it just a wee bit ... :) . But its something that has been swirling in my mind for a while. I tried sleeping on it for a few days ( no pun intended). But the story just wouldn't go away. So here goes.

Sajan looked down at the girl in his arms and smiled. She continued chattering about her day while his mind chattered about the days gone by . This bubbly girl had always taken the first step. She had walked up to him one day and said 'Hi' followed by a 'Coffee?' and just like that , they had become friends, despite the age difference or because of it. She was still in college when they had first met and he was already a manager at a MNC. He had no doubts that she would follow his footsteps into the IT industry.

He loved listening to her. About her day at college, her worries before the exams, the hunks at college , the latest movies, feminism even Mao was not spared. She had dragged him to college on the day of the results. He had been hugged fiercely , the day she cam running out after her first job interview. The first job and she was floating on a tiny cloud. She had so many questions that day - would they like me , am I too emotional, how do I succeed, would I make friends and many more. He had answered all of them , patiently and then she had hugged him again. And he had let emotions be his guide that day.

And he was lost. Her eyes, her hair, her endearing lisp. He was lost over and over again.

That was a few months ago. Something about a guy's name brought him back to Ammu's present. She was talking about a guy .. 'Oh I love him...he does not know yet... Oh Sajjan, you have to tell me .. How do I tell him ?..' He looked down at Ammu, the beautiful Ammu in his arms. She looked at him and tugged his cheek .. Tell me , how do I tell him ?.

A tear rolled down his cheek, unnoticed ... while she continued chattering...

P.S... :)... ok Am out of the mush mode now...

221b Baker Street

And yet another friend request on Orkut. Another ghost from the past. However this one was a pleasant surprise. 15 years, a receding hairline and a prominent paunch later, it was still dear old Yudi. It was the first time somebody from the City of Joy had got in touch with me. I took my cup of coffee and stepped out my room onto the terrace and a few decades back in time.

I think it was in class 8 that I saw Yudi for the first time. Yudi, the class entertainer and the sidekick of the most handsome guy around. My first crush, well technically the second. I was one of those confused teens who had a thing for a 40 yr old man. A man who lived in Baker street. Sigh, not something I can explain. I guess the charm of intellect was irresistible. I had recovered soon enough to fall for looks though! And Dilwale style, the guy was called Raj. And this Raj could sing too. I still remember his version of ‘Is pyar se meri taraf na dekho…. pyar ho jaayega’. Although I do not remember pursuing the crush, I think I did moon over him for a year.

For a year, until the entry of Aradhana in Class 9. Ethereal was the word to describe Aradhana. At least that is how all the boys described her. For me it was ‘best friends for life’ time. A shy, introvert, mini geek and the pretty, restless and often loud Aradhana. She was the first person who introduced me to the world of trinkets, shopping, achar outside the school and bread cutlets in Gariahat. Perhaps, I was a project for her. But I did change. And unlike most friendships where there is some competition, this one was fun. Each had their own worlds, even satisfied in them, he only time they ventured into the other’s side of life was when they were together. I must admit I was a stubborn child, most only kids are. But there were never any disagreements with Aradhana. I am not sure if the friendship was perfect or if time has erased the imperfections of the reality of a long time ago. But whatever the case, there were no grudges, there still aren't. Even the fact that my crush fell for her and ignored me for the rest of my time in school didn't mar the friendship. Who can blame her? The whole school and half the world seemed to be in love with her.

What about her? She fell for the dancer – Jay. Jay was one of the most popular guys in the school's history. He had already passed out by the time we were in class 9 but often performed in school annual functions on public demand. My memory of incidents after that are vague, the mini geek in me had taken over my soul for the next few years. Friendships of the time are blurred images now. But the affair and the gossip about it floated around for a few years after that and then time and distance relegated her memory to a frame in my past.

My coffee had gone cold while I watched the traffic go by. Even though I had stepped back to the present, I was still gripping a fragment of the past – Yudi’s friend request. Hmm.. I think I would accept this one. I would love to know the rest of the story…

A Love story...

Was walking down Brigades on the way back from Blossom's with P, and there was this old sweet couple walking in front of us. Old - 70ish and sweet - they were holding hands. Yes it was an 'awwww' moment. And I think P said something on the lines of 'this is what I want, to walk down Brigades when I am old with my hubby, free, happy and in love'. Completely agree with you P. And this story has been lingering in my mind ever since. Not really a story. Some bit of it is real... :)

Arundhati waited for him with a glass of milk when he was back from his long walk. He smiled his thanks and walked towards the study, newspaper in hand and switching on the laptop whiled he gulped the milk. He had not forgotten the date . It was the 20th of April. He knew he would have mail today, announcing the venue of the meeting. And sure enough, the promised info was waiting in his inbox. He read the mail quickly. It contained nothing else, just the name of the restaurant where the meeting was arranged and nothing else. He closed his laptop, lost in thoughts. There was still time before he needed to leave home again. He had already packed everything that he would need.

He wandered into the kitchen chatting with Arundhati, cutting onions, adding dhaniya patta into the sabji until Arundhati chased him out of the kitchen, telling him it was time to get 'hygienic'. He laughed and said , he was not going to challenge her monopoly after all these years.

He left home after breakfast. He had not been to Cicero's in years. It looked different now. But the crowd was still a good mix of youngsters and the old. The deep red sofas looked familiar and it definitely felt familiar. He smiled. He ordered coffee and looked around while he waited.

He didn't want to think about the meeting. He read the snippets about coffee on the wall in front - 'It is legal for a wife to divorce a husband if he did not provide her with a daily cup of coffee' . He had to smile at that one. He has always been a 'tea' man. So he could afford to sympathize with the coffee husbands.

And then he watched the lady in white walk towards his table. Age had not diminished the power of her smile . It was still impish. She sank into the sofa opposite to him and continued smiling. He said ' So how have you been'. ' Beautiful, as ever' . And she laughed. That was always the answer. He had to smile . That answer set the tone for the evening. They talked about old times. Happy, sad ones. They talked and just talked. It was almost nine and it was almost time to leave when he asked ' Have you found happiness?' . The reply was 'Yes, and peace'. He had to ask. He looked at her one more time and then it was time to leave. She got up and they walked out of the cafe together. She touched his arm and asked ' So until the next decade?' . He smiled and waved as he walked away.

He walked back home and Arundhathi was waiting for dinner this time. As he ate , he watched his wife of 30 years. Arundhati looked up at him, with a raised brow. He smiled and said ' you look beautiful tonite!'.

P.S. I didn't to end it on a sappy note., But hey I had given a fair warning. It is supposed to be a love story ..:)

The flag..

Ahana toiled valiantly , she had already skinned both her knees from the fall a few mins ago. But she could not stop even if she wanted to. The crest of the hill looked down at her, mockingly. Ahana, wiped an impatient hand over her face, pulling her hair, now slick with perspiration, out of her eyes gulped some more water and started again. So intent was she on reaching the top that she scarcely looked back at Maddy who like her, wouldn't have been able to stay away if Ahana had insisted. Maddy for his part let her climb alone.

She looked around to see if the temple was visible at the other end of the hill. The saffron flag flew over the tiny temple. She had almost reached the tip of the hill. The stone factory seems to have closed down. All the sounds associated with it- the siren, the dynamite exploding, and the hustle and bustle of the workers were absent. She waited for a few minutes, remembering the giant craters which used to get filled with water during the rainy season. She smiled faintly. Preeti had shown her 'back strokes' in one of those craters.

Maddy waited and watched Ahana forcing herself away from the sight of the crater towards right. There was no path anymore. Shrubs and creepers had swallowed the old ones. But Ahana picked her way through it. She didn't seem to stop even when the sleeve of her top tore from forcing herself through the plants.

He wanted to cut a path for her, but he knew, Ahana was only just about aware of his presence. He had to let her continue. Ahana continued to stumble forward until she came to a standstill

near a tree. He didn't know if it was the place. It didn't look much different the everything that they had crossed so far. But he knew, Ahana couldn't be wrong.

She continued staring at the ground where thick shrubs grew blocking the view from the other side. Maddy moved away, giving her time , but he knew without looking that , her breathing was getting heavy and tears were flowing. He wanted to be near Ahana . But it was not time yet. She had to let it out . He turned around and waited. Ahana was silent. But Maddy was restless. It was heartbreaking to know that she was hurting. Ahana turned to see if the flag was still visible. Maddy saw that the shrubs hid everything. He didn't wait any longer. He moved silently and laid a hand over her shoulder and Ahana flinched, the way she did every time a man touched, no matter how innocently, the way she always had ever since he knew her. But he let his hand stay, he didn't move away, waiting , watching Ahana trying to forget. From where Maddy was standing, he got a glimpse of saffron.

Perhaps there was hope yet.

A girl....

She has always loved water, and this place was special. Nikitasha was back at the beach after a very long time. She looked at the huge splash of blue - content and relaxed. She looked across towards the edge of water where her husband was holding their child's hand while the child jumped into every incoming wave. She smiled. It certainly looked like the love for water has been passed on to the next generation. She wanted to join in but right now she was content to watch them.

Her thoughts flew back to the last time she was here . It was a few months after she had got her job after college. She had to smile again . They were out for the last time as a bunch of singles, love had found two people from her group and the wedding bells were ringing fast and loud. They had all spent the whole evening playing on the beach , water, sand, Frisbee , catch ball, chit chatting and of course embarrassing the new couple. They had even forced one of the beach astrologers to forecast the future of the blushing bride to be. It was 10 rupees worth of comedy. Then the astrologer had turned towards Nikitasha and in the spirit of the game she had asked the lady to tell her about what was in store for her. The usual - a great husband , a big house and a baby girl. And in the spirit of the the industry that they were all in, the prediction was copied and pasted for the entire group. Looked like the whole bunch was going to have identical futures. She remembered the cheers and hoots that had erupted after the last one had got his results from the happy astrologer who had by now collected enough for an evening in the snazzy restaurant at the beach!

She laughed, remembering that evening 5 years ago.

She looked around to watch the tourists haggling with the kids selling trinkets. The sun was setting and it was almost time to go. She was about to get up to move towards the sea when a hand touched her elbow. She turned to see an old lady. She knew it was another beach astrologers. She smiled and was about to move away when the lady said 'Five minutes, beti'. She looked back at her husband and decided, another five minutes wouldn't matter. And it would help her relive that evening 5 years ago. Would it be another 'copy, paste' of the last prediction. She almost giggled at the thought. The astrologer uncurled the fingers of her left hand, forehead furrowed in concentration. Nikki watched her, a smile on her face silently predicting what the astrologer would say. And then it was the moment of truth - ' You are happy, a successful job and married'. Nikki nodded, gently allowing the lady to continue. 'And you have a child - a girl'. This time the bubbling laughter erupted - a loud happy laughter. The old lady frowned at Nikki. Nikki stopped for a moment and pointed towards Ashwin who was walking back towards her , their son in his arms.

Nikki looked back at the astro scholar and continued laughing..... :)

The End.

Alternate Ending

=============

The astrologer struggled on to her feet . She watched the father and son and then at Nikki who was still looking at her and laughing. This time she looked down from Nikki's face, lower , back up and smiled . Ashwin reached Nikki and held out a hand for her to get up, puzzled at the reason for her laughter. Nikki got to her feet and watched the departing figure and ran a hand over her flat stomach. It was her turn to wonder....

P.S. : Was not able to choose between the flippant one and the other one. Hence posted both of them.

The Midnight Visitor.

The thundering knocks woke him, he could see the door vibrating from the shock. He waited, hoping it is a dream. They cannot be back. Not so soon. His mind wandered around his broken home. Battered beyond recognition. He did not have to look. He knew. His home.

The knocks had not stopped. But they had become feeble. Or was reluctance playing games with his mind? He waited. They would not stop. He got up from his bed and staggered to the door. With a final sigh , he unlocked he door.

He waited for the ear splitting aggression, the noise, the colors , the pain. Nothing. Only silence. Yet, it was not nothing. He gave way for his visitor to enter, although it was not whom he expected. His earlier inertia gave way to an urgency to shut the door and the world outside.

When he turned around, his visitor was still standing staring at the destruction. He was the only thing in one piece. Barely.

He nodded towards his bed and the midnight visitor sat down. They looked at each other. There was nothing to say . They could hear the sounds outside. The sounds that they knew so well . Yet it was far away. There was time.

The leaned on the wall beside the bed each lost in thoughts of what was and what could have been . They would look at each other as if they were conversing, or their thoughts were. The sounds outside were getting closer as their thoughts grew closer to the present.

And then the door shattered. And then the familiar noise and silence.

The destruction was complete.

P.S. Trying a hand at writing a small piece after a very long time. And it was mush that I wanted to write. Look where it got me though!

Breathless

One of the topics of discussion at the long lunch with P was when was the last time someone took your breath away? I mean literally - heart thudding against the ribs, the glazed look , perspiration on the forehead, stammering and a general woozy feeling - that is what I call taking your breath away. So when was the last time ?

I think I can answer that question honestly but what is funny is that I do not remember the face now. The answer ? Last week, near the lift at work, had a cup of tea in one hand (and my eyes which were threatening to fall out in the other!) and for a moment , I forgot where I was . Time stopped. It was almost like I was wearing blinkers, I couldn't see anything else, hear anything else. And I am not head over heels in anything. Like I said , I do not even remember the face now , just the feeling! So does anyone else remember and is brave enough to admit ? *wink*

And no, ET, I have not got my brains scrambled from all that mush that I have gobbling up. I know what is coming.

It's not me!

In a bit of a fix. A ghost from the past has sent me a friend request and like a coward I have been steadfastly ignoring it for the past 2 days. The 'it' here is the request. As if ignoring it would make it magically disappear and I would not have to do anything about it . But no such luck. Checked in the morning and it's still there .Sigh!

Now, I do not want to accept the request and let the ghost know about the current me and well, declining is - rude! And mommy says being rude is not ladylike!

Why oh god .. Why ? and yeah the awesome request comes with an equally delightful message 'finally managed to track you down' .. Yayy .. Hurray .. Jump up and down and sideways too.

Anyways , the ostrich mode continues ..for now.. Yeah yeah go ahead and snicker. Check what's waiting for you today!