Short story series. Silk scarf.

The Silk Scarf.

     It was a cold evening. The weather chilly and romantic.  She was dressing up to go for an evening party. Her black dress with its sheer flowing fabric and perfect cut clung to her beautiful figure.  The mirror opposite her held the image of a 5.6 ft. tall, lean lady, with awe.  She looked simply gorgeous and poised.  It was her signature style to put around different colored scarves with each outfit to perk up her looks. That day she chose a pale blue silk scarf, very trendy and chic. She loved what saw in the mirror and gave a smile.

     The doorbell rang at 7 pm. sharp. She was excited and anxious to meet her fiancé and spend the rest of the evening with him. It had been a year now since she had started dating him. Her family back home was unaware of her affair and she needed some more time to disclose it to them.  She opened the door eagerly, and to her surprise the person at the door was a stranger. He looked at her quizzically and then in a deep voice said, “Madam, the car is here for you.”            She was perplexed not knowing the person.  “Madam, Mr. Oberoi has sent the car for you, he will catch up later. He has sent his apology for not being able to come personally to pick you up.”  His words convinced her a bit. Though a bit offended and hesitant, she agreed to go with him.  She locked her door, put the keys in her handbag and went and sat in the luxurious black Mercedes. 

     After driving some distance, the stranger tried to initiate some conversation, but she preferred to keep quiet. Unperturbed, the man kept on trying to converse with her. She found it very annoying and also a bit fishy. Why did this person try to talk to her when he was just a driver? How could he even think of such behavior and talk unabashedly? Questions were welling up in her mind but she kept mum.  After she calmed down a bit, she suddenly thought of calling up her fiancé. Quietly she messaged him with a gloomy, unhappy emoticon, expressing her annoyance on not being attended to personally by him. Within no time he responded, with a message asking her where she was. He had been ringing her doorbell since last 10 minutes. She was aghast and unable to think, but she became alert and did not show any reaction to him. She messaged her fiancé once again and informed him that she was half way down the road to the place they were to meet, with some stranger whom he had sent with his car.

 And Oh! What was that? He had not sent anybody!!

 He said he had the car!!

Then who was the person at the wheel and whose car was it?

She kept silent, not revealing her thoughts, her suspicion to him.

He had been continuously watching her in the rear view mirror, noticing her facial expressions he turned around and saw her messaging. In a quick moment he snatched the mobile from her and threw it under the front seat next to him. She tried to get it back but he pushed her on her seat. The alarm bells were now ringing in her mind, suspecting something very serious.  She started shouting for help, but the car door was locked and the side glasses up. Also it was a deserted area so no one was around to hear her screams. She was scared, not knowing what to do.

     The driver took the car towards a by lane. She was trembling with fear now. What was about to come she did not know. She struggled to get out of the car but in vain. She began to search for something to hit the driver so that he may stop the car. He was unweavered and calm and kept on driving as if nothing at all was wrong. As if he knew what exactly was he up to. She was trembling, perspiration welling up on her forehead and slender neck, she was losing control of herself. Her scarf slipped off from her neck and slide down the side of the seat corner near the door. She quietly stretched her hand to pick up the scarf.  And she panicked. Something cold touched her fingers. Tactfully she tried to pull out the object.

     The car was now slowing down. As if he was going to stop. Her fear was mounting. What would be next? What was his intention? Tears were rolling down her cheeks. The man was watching her constantly in the rear view mirror. Keeping a note of her every move. She was shouting for help, crying, struggling to open the door, telling him to stop the car, but he was placid. He did not care to answer any of her questions, instead drove away fearlessly.

     Her fingers tried to inspect the object under the seat tactfully, so that he might not know about it. Slowly she pulled it out from under the seat, along with her scarf. It was a pointed knife with a beautiful white marble engraved handle.  She hid it under her scarf. Now she needed some courage and strength to attack him. But she needed to be alert and tactful.  He noticed the change in her expression and turned around to check what was she up to. She remained still and acted to be crying with the palm of one hand on her eyes and the other holding the scarf.

     A little further away on the road was a sharp turn. She waited, planning an attack in her mind. As the turn was approaching, she gathered courage to hit him.  The car was in full speed. As the turn came he slowed down to take a blind turn. There was a steep valley on the other side of the road. As he took the turn, concentrating fully on the wheel,   she struck him on the neck with the knife. He lost control of the wheel, fumbled a little and fell unconscious. The car bumped into the barrier on the side of the road and stopped with a bang.

     She jumped to the seat next to him, opened the car door and pushed him down the valley. She could not think of anything. She tried to start the car and luckily it started after some noise.  In a mad haze she drove away, scared, terrified, and forgetting that the blood stained knife was still in the car. She could have thrown it away but in her terror she forgot to do so. She crazily sped the car to reach wherever she could away from that man.  Further down the road she saw a hotel. She stopped, freshened up and called her fiancé, telling him about the incident. To her dismay his response was cold, as if nothing untoward had at all occurred. Her mind was in a haze.

     What actually was going on?  Why did her fiancé respond so coldly? Didn’t the incident bother him? Or did he not care for her?  It really disturbed her. What must she do now, she thought. Questions were constantly coming up in her mind. She tried to calm down and think sensibly. After taking a few deep breaths and controlling her agitation, she called her fiancé once again and asked him to meet her at the Starbucks Hotel, down town after about an hour.

     On the way she was thinking about the incident, trying to analyze the whole thing. Something suspicious was coming up in her mind. She was not clear about it. She could not afford to take any chances now. She called the nearest police station and described the entire incident and requested the police to be present at the Hotel with her, but in disguise. They agreed to do so.

     It was 9 pm. She entered the café after bracing herself up, brushing her dishelved hair and smudged face. She looked presentable and beautiful now. Her handbag on her arm. She sat at a corner table, facing the main entrance of the café. The huge glass windows overlooked the bustling city and its colorful lights. She ordered a cup of coffee to pep up her mood. The rich aroma and taste of the coffee helped her a bit. She sat in the Starbucks café, sipping her coffee and starring out of the window. The blood stained knife lay next to her handbag, covered with her blue silk scarf. She brought it along to show it to her fiancé and then to decide what to do about it. In her terror she could not think of anything herself.  For a moment she thought of handing over the knife to the police, but then changed her mind. As she did not want her fiancé to know that she had taken police protection and that she was suspecting something about him.

     The knife and her story would assure him that she was depending on him for further action. More than an hour had passed since she had called him. She was getting restless now. Why hadn’t he turned up yet?  Desperately she glanced around at the people in the café enjoying themselves. And the door of the café opened. In the dimly lit hall, she saw two figures at the entrance, proceeding slowly towards her. Her heart skipped a beat. Who were they?  Why were they coming towards her? As the overhead lamp lit up their shadowy faces, she was terrified. It was her fiancé with the same stranger who had driven her away. He was walking unsteadily by his side. He was alive? And that too along with her fiancé?   She fainted with fear.

     Who could it be? What was the suspense? Was he her fiancé’s friend, or was her fiancé trying to kill or kidnap her? Was it some prank played on her? What was it?  She was thinking to herself on the hospital bed. The policemen just then entered the room and informed her that they had planned to kidnap her for some ransom from her millionaire father. And that her fiancé was a famous gangster, the driver his partner. And they also expressed their surprise at her being totally unaware of these facts.  They warned her to keep away from such people for her own safety.

The blue silk scarf was on her bedside, but the knife was in police custody.

 It was a rare antique knife which was stolen from the city museum. It had a white engraved marble handle defining   its value, said the policeman. She could not believe what she heard. But it was a bitter fact. 

Short story series. Invitation.

The Invitation.

It was late January. The day was cloudy, gloomy, with slight drizzle. The unseasonal rain brought about a strange drowsiness. I was stretched out on my favorite armchair by the window in my house. I was lazy and sleepy.  The weather outside and my lethargy made me feel low and woebegone. My gloomy mind was oscillating back and forth, bringing back some past memories of my college days.

We were a rocking team of four friends. Fun loving and yet creative. Two girls from my batch, Neha and Ria, my childhood friend Tapan and myself.  We were a great company, always together in good and bad times. It was as if we could not live without our team. Today old memories were haunting me.

With the sight of the drizzle, the memories of my first crush in college emerged. She was a new entrant from Pune. Beautiful, tall, long flowing hair, gait and charm, she was irresistible. Everything in her that any man could fall for. With my charming ways and good academic record, I easily impressed her. With passing days she became our team member. She was intelligent, bold, very honest and straightforward. She could not tolerate cheats. As if she had some personal grudge for cheats.  What was the reason nobody knew. With the passing days we came to know more of each other and unknowingly I fell in love with her.

Initially, I kept our friendship going steady but then I realized that she was something more than that. I could not think of anything else accept her. My days and nights were filled with her thoughts.

‘Tara’, I called out to her one evening after class. She stopped and turned around. Her long hair flowing as she turned. A questioning look in those deep blue eyes, a faint smile on her dimpled face, her emerald green dress clung softly to her beautiful body. Her dignified look mesmerized me. And I just kept on staring at her. Silent. Speechless.  I forgot that she was waiting for me to speak.

She came closer, with Neha and Ria. Ria poked at my arm, teasing me. ‘Hey! Are you there?’  She said. And they all burst into peals of laughter.  ‘Hello! Ajit! Where are you?’ Neha said.

I suddenly came back to my senses, feeling embarrassed at my behavior. I blushed with a smile.

Just then my wife walked into the room. Hello Ajit! Where are you? I have been calling you from the kitchen. Where are you lost? The phone is ringing since long. What are you thinking so deeply? And look at you. What is that blush and smile for? What is going on in your dirty mind? She went on, when I realized that I was blushing and smiling with my memories, when I had lost myself to Tara. My wife checked the phone and went back to the kitchen.

I was still in that trance, in my memories.

‘Tara!! Hi! I was thinking if you could help me with my notes and project work. Is it ok with you?’  Finally, I spoke to Tara.

‘Sure,’ she said. ‘Let me know whenever you wish to do so. We can sit in the Library and do the work’

The next day we met in the Library. I approached her directly, because I could no longer play games with myself. I gathered all the courage and decided to talk to her. I told her that I was falling in love with her, that I wished to have a permanent relationship with her, that I was willing to do anything for her, and that the notes and project work were an excuse to spend time with her. I went on and on, pouring my heart out to her and she was there just sitting quietly, staring at me, listening to all that I had to say. After a while I felt silent, I was disturbed by her blank look. As if she was in a stance. She did not budge. No words. No response. I stopped talking. There was a strange silence between us. The silence that was becoming unbearable for me.

‘Tara! What is it? Why are you not responding?’ I could not stop myself asking.                                              ‘Tara! Please say something. I have poured out my heart to you. I love you. I am waiting for your answer. What do you think about me? Do you have something in your mind? Please answer me.’                                     She was silent. Her silence was making me restless now.                                                                                            ‘Tara, please say something!’  I was getting on my nerves now.

A sudden thud of a book falling from the next table brought her to her senses.                                                        ‘Tara! Are you OK?’ I inquired.

The look in her eyes at that moment, still stirs something deep down inside me.  Was it a look of despair or a look  of fear,  I could not understand, but it surely sent a chill down my spine. The innocence, the mirth in them was gone. Instead they looked like balls of ice. Cold and lifeless.        

She nodded in the negative, responding to me after more than ten minutes of my rumbling before her.  ‘No, No, it’s not possible.’  Her words were drenched in fear, a strange uncertainty and suspense in her voice, which was difficult for me to understand.                                                                                                       ‘Why? What’s the matter? Tara!! What are you scared of?  Please tell me. What is it?’ I inquired. I was getting restless, losing control over myself. Her cold, behavior was frustrating me.

‘No Ajit, it’s not possible.’ She said.

‘Why? Why is it not possible? Don’t you trust me?’

‘No. That’s not the matter.’ She paused for a while and then hesitantly said, ‘I am already married.’

The words fell on my ears like lightening, as if my entire world collapsed. I fell numb. I was speechless. No more words.  I could not face the situation. My head whirling, my knees trembling, I felt I would faint. She sat there. Opposite to me. Quiet, lost in her thoughts. After some time, she began to talk.

Suddenly, the door bell rang. I went to the door.  It was a courier from my friend. A wedding invitation. I read it and kept it on the side table. I was happy to receive it. I stretched out again. Unwilling to come out of my memories.

She went on. She was already married, but she had not even seen her husband. Another shock for me.  Her husband had left her on the wedding day. Later she came to know that he did not wish to get married but did so only to hide his identity. He did not ever care to contact her or inquire about her after that day. It had been three years she was married. She had faced innumerable problems. Society made her feel as if she was a curse on earth. Her parents died due to the shock. She had no one to fall back on. She had no siblings, no relatives.

I was speechless. She paused, a tear rolling down her cheek, she said, ‘I have come here in search of my husband. I have got information that he has been residing in this city.’

‘Can I help you in anyway?’ the words fell out formally, without my being aware of it. Not knowing what else to say.

‘Yes,’ she said, ‘Only you can help.’  My heart skipped a beat.

And I was surprised, something more to come.  A huge question mark in my mind.   

 ‘How is that?’ I asked anxiously.                                                                                                                

 ‘What is your full name?’ she asked.                                                                                                                           ‘Why? It is Ajit Sarkar. What has my name to do with your search for your husband?’ I couldn’t stop myself asking.  

Slowly, in a quizzical tone she went on, ‘And who is Ronit Sarkar? He was a  Navy captain, who had murdered one of his colleagues on the ship and had fled.’  She paused for my response but I did not answer, then she continued, ‘He had lived in my town near Pune for eight months in disguise, as a businessman. He made a plan to marry me as my father was a rich businessman and it would be easy for him to hide his identity. He fled on the marriage night without even informing me or my parents, as he was traced. He spoilt my life and left me orphaned.  I am here to take my revenge, to ask him why he did this to me. I want to kill him.’ Her eyes were now balls of fire.

My heart was sinking. Ronit was my elder brother.

She was trembling with anger and just collapsed.  Ria and Neha, who were sitting two tables away from us, immediately came to her help. They took her out of the Library.

No one spoke to me from that day onwards as I was considered a murderer’s brother. Our group broke up.  We were like strangers after that day.  It had been a long time; we had all parted after that last year of graduation. But we parted with grief, with a strange feeling. My brother’s issue had taken away my best friends from me.

I felt glad to receive a marriage invitation from a friend after that time of seperation. It sparked a ray of hope, to meet Ria, Neha and Tapan. A chance to tell them that Ronit was in prison. That I had no relation with him, that I was still their friend. About Tara, I did not know anything. What had happened with her after college.  I had stopped all my approaches towards her after learning her story.

My wife’s call for lunch brought me back into my present.

I decided to go for my friend’s wedding. My wife had some other engagements, so she dropped the idea of joining me.  My ticket was booked for Delhi- Bengaluru flight a day before the wedding.  I was excited to meet old friends and also holding a secret desire to see Tara once more.

Finally, it was the day I long awaited.                                                                

It was still dawn when I stepped out of the cab and walked towards the entry gate of the Delhi Airport. The early morning February air was pleasantly cold.

I was travelling to Bengaluru to attend a college friend’s wedding. It had been four years since we graduated from the same college. This wedding was also going to be a reunion of our batchmates. But what I didn’t know was that the reunion would begin much ahead of time; right in the queue in front of the airline counter.

I was almost sure it was she. Same height! Same long hair! Same complexion! Curiosity had my eyes glued to her. And then about 60 seconds later, when she turned, she proved me right. My ex-girlfriend stood two places ahead of me in that queue. We had never met after the college farewell.

My heart was beating fast.  Tara was right in front of me. I wished to reach out to her, to hold her, to caress her long beautiful hair. As she turned she saw me. And to my great surprise, she immediately looked away, as if looking out for someone. My mind was racing, should I call her? Should I talk to her? Should I make an attempt to clear the doubts she had regarding me? I was unable to decide.

Just then my cell phone whirred. It was my wife, inquiring about my whereabouts. I answered her and turned around.

A chill went down my spine.                                  

My brother Ronit was with her. I had seen him after such a long time. What was he doing here? He was supposed to be in prison. He had changed his appearance, with a beard, moustache and spectacles. A cigar in his hand. And before I could guess anything or approach them or make any assumptions, the duo was taken away to the Custom Officer’s cabin. 

While waiting to check into the flight, with a heavy heart and a confused mind, I came to know that they had been into the business of drug smuggling since last three to four years. That they were husband and wife. That they travelled to different parts of the country for smuggling drugs. Another shock wave for me.  This time it was a bit too hard to swallow.

What was Tara doing at the University campus then?  Why did she make up the story of Ronit and herself? Why did she say she wanted to kill Ronit? Why was she with him now? How could Ronit become such a criminal? We were from a decent family. Well-bred and well off. There was no such need to do this.

 Questions, questions, questions. My mind was racing, my heart thudding.

Tara!! It said, I wish you would be mine. But Alas!!

It was now I knew that Tara was a puzzle.   A Jigsaw puzzle that I could never solve.                                                                                

  Later, at my friend’s wedding I came to know that the entire story made up by Tara was fake. That she was in the University to set up a drug business, to influence the youth in the campus. And she had all the assets to conquer young hearts, and out of it one was of course mine. 

My questions about her were never answered. My love for her never died. I could not make her mine. And yet to this day I sat in the armchair thinking only about her.

It is said that Love is blind. But my love was also deaf, dumb and selfless. It did not expect anything from her but just felt like touching her In spirit and soul. 

Short story series. The Holiday.

The Holiday.

Kiara and Rishaan were married for 3 years. It was a normal arranged marriage with family tie-ups and social circles. Both liked each other and were into a peaceful relationship.  Kiara was quite modern, yet a family oriented lady fully dedicated to her work and family. She lived for love and relationships. Working as an HR professional was her own choice and Rishaan never objected to it.

Rishaan was a good husband, fulfilling all his duties and responsibilities with ease, giving his best to wife and family. He was a CEO in his IT firm and was dedicated to his work. He loved his life, but ………..

Diya was Kiara’s old friend. She was brilliant and beautiful.  She had recently joined Rishaan’s firm as HR head. She loved to work for social purpose as well, besides her 9 to 5 job. A warm, loving, friendly person. A joy to be with.

It was the time of Christmas Holidays. Rishaan was overworked and decided to take a break from his hectic life. He along with Kiara planned a weeklong holiday in Goa. Their all time favorite destination would be awesome in winter. Kiara just loved it for its beautiful beaches and lush greenery. Everything was planned and they were to leave the following Saturday.

Diya often visited Kiara at her home or office, for some light moments and some fun. They had been good friends since years. They laughed over old memories and enjoyed private jokes whenever they met. Their closeness was not deterred by Kiara’s marriage or Diya’s divorce. They remained the same for each other. True friends.

Rishaan was well aware of their friendship and never objected to it. Diya was a pleasant person to be with. He liked her and always had a second thought for her. But Diya’s simplicity and innocence did not give him a chance to approach her with his intentions. He was too busy a person to linger on to such thoughts.

That day Diya dropped in to Kiara’s office for a cup of coffee and a chat. Within moments they had planned their holiday together. Kiara knew Rishaan would not mind it. All was set for the threesome to travel to Goa for a weeklong holiday.

Kiara and Diya were chatting all the way to the airport. They took the evening flight.  The entire day’s work, packing and rushing to the airport had exhausted Kiara, she needed some rest. She slowly fell asleep with Rishaan and Diya on her either side. Diya was quiet, lost in her own thoughts, but very excited for the break she badly needed. She was going to Goa for the first time. Rishaan was awake and aware of Diya’s presence.

In the middle of the flight, Kiara woke up to go to the washroom. When she returned, she was too lazy to push her way into the middle seat. And with Rishaan readily offering to shift seats, the sitting arrangement changed.  With 20 min. still remaining for the flight to land, a sleep starved Kiara took another power nap, this time holding Rishaan’s right hand more firmly. Rishaan’s other hand, though, nervously moved to touch Diya’s. Her heart skipped a beat. Diya pulled her hand away. But a defiant Rishaan held her wrist again, this time firmly and more reassuringly. The changing behavioral dynamics between the three perhaps gave out a foreboding of what was to come in Goa.

When the flight landed at the Dabolim Airport, Rishaan felt uncanny _ _ _ _ _ his excitement seemed replaced by an unknown fear that he found very difficult to decipher.

Was it the fear of being a unfaithful husband, or was it the fear of falling prey to his sensual desires, or was it the fear of losing his status and being unjust to a dear friend. He could not fathom it. 

They reached  Panaji, checked into the Hotel and retired for the night. Next morning they were fresh and excited to explore the lovely serene beaches and lush greenery of Goa. All three of them looked stunningly different in their holiday wear, which was so different from the formals they needed to wear as Professionals. They were in a joyful mood, anxious to take in the enjoyment every moment of the week.

Kiara was so happy being with Rishaan at her favorite destination and with Diya, her dearest friend.  Diya was still in a state of shock after Rishaan’s strange behavior on the flight. She could not digest the thought. It was still disturbing her. Why did Rishaan hold her hand so firmly, what was his intention? The thought kept coming to her mind, but she tried not to allow it to disturb her present moments. She did not want to spoil their holiday. They roamed around Goa, the beaches, the flea markets, beautiful churches, and the seafood. Each day brought a new adventure.

On the fourth day, they were to go on a ferry boat across Mandovi River. It is most exciting for tourist to sail across the deep waters.  The huge boats with in-house DJ music, Portuguese dance, live band, etc. It brings the effect of true Portuguese culture. They were sitting on the deck, the music and dance were in full swing, and the night was beautiful and starry. Rishaan was a bit high with his three pegs of whisky.  They were enjoying every moment of it. Rishaan came and suddenly put his arms around Diya trying to kiss and caress her. Diya jumped with a start, totally aghast. She was sitting in the back row and Kiara had moved to the front row enjoying the Portuguese dance and music. Diya did not go with her as it was very crowded. She preferred to watch from her back row. And Rishaan’s sudden gesture made her jump up.

Kiara suddenly turned around and saw what had happened. Diya freed herself from Rishaan and moved away. Kiara rushed to the spot and pulled Rishaan away. “Hey!! What are you doing? Rishaan!!” her tone was high and annoyed.

“What are you upto? And Diya how dare you!?!” Kiara blurted out just about anything that came to her mind, in a state of shock. Diya clearly said that she was unaware of what had happened. She was enjoying the dance, when Rishaan suddenly came about from behind and hugged her. When she turned around to see who dared to do so, he tried to kiss her.

 Kiara was furious. “Rishaan you are drunk. You better behave yourself. How dare you touch Diya and treat her like that?” Kiara had known Diya for years. She was confident that Diya would not have any such intentions. Her shouting and anger brought Rishaan to his senses. He apologized saying that he had mistaken Diya for Kiara, as they both were wearing same outfits. He tried all he could to calm down the issue.

The next day, Rishaan was well aware of the blunder he had committed and tried to cover up by giving special gifts. The day passed by on a lighter note. They enjoyed the seafood, wine and delicacies on the beach shacks. It was a great experience. Bebinca was served for dessert. It was a real feast for the taste buds. Its soft melting texture and layer upon layer of sweet ecstasy was awesome. After dinner they sat on the white sand under the starry sky, the sound of soft waves, it was quite a romantic atmosphere. But each one lost in their own thoughts. Something had created a barrier amongst them. An unseen barrier that had broken the threesome.

Kiara changed the mood by being playful and break the silence. She had forgotten the previous day’s incident and forgiven Rishaan for it. Considering him to be under the influence of alcohol. She was not the type to keep grudges for long. Diya though, was disturbed and had become conscious of Rishaan’s penetrating looks and gestures.

Rishaan was a dedicated husband, responsible and happy, but _ _ _ _, that flame of excitement, of venturing into forbidden areas, always raises the mercury level in men. He loved Kiara, cared for her, was completely dedicated to her and his work. But still, that spark was missing. Kiara was a successful wife and businesswoman, but for Rishaan, she lacked to be the adventurous, flaunting, bubbly, sexy, temptous lady. Rishaan was always attracted to such females. Diya though did not match to his fantasy, but still something about her light hearted attitude, her innocence and simplicity attracted him.

Next morning Diya found herself in bed with Rishaan. She woke up with a sudden sound of the door. It was Rishaan with her in the room. They had been together all night, breaking all barriers of society. She could not remember anything and felt a bit dizzy. The hangover of the local Kaju fenny had taken its toll. They were out for a local Portuguese cuisine at The Florentine’s. She along with Kiara was tempted to try the local fenny, just for fun. She remembered she had more than two pegs, though it choked her initially. Then she had lost control on herself. They had Chicken Caferial, a sumptuous dish and had retired early to their hotel rooms.

Kiara was completely out of control so Rishaan took her to their room and put her to bed. He then came to see Diya off safely to her room as she too was quite high with the drink. Once they entered Diya’s room, Rishaan’s intentions changed. He had since long been trying to come closer to Diya, but she had evaded him every time. The influence of the drink and close proximity to Rishaan, invoked the flame in Diya as well. Her beautiful body had always attracted Rishaan and this was the moment that they both could not resist. The drink and lust gave in to momentous pleasure and they spent the night together. Rishaan in his full senses and Diya totally under the effect of the drink.

As she sat up in bed, she realized all that had happened and was dumbfounded, shocked and unable to accept it.  Kiara’s thought terrified her. Rishaan tried to console her, but she quietly jerked his hand away and went away to the washroom.

Just then Kiara knocked at the door. Unperturbed, Rishaan opened the door. She was furious. She shouted and screamed at him, calling out Diya for clarification. Diya did not reply. She remained inside for some time, till all the noise subsided. Then she came out and saw Kiara bundled up in the corner of the room sobbing and lamenting over her fate. She could face any challenges in life, but not the betrayal from her husband and her closest friend. Diya had no words to apologize. No justifications to give. She came out, walked past the room to the huge window of the room and flung herself down from the 11^th floor.

Short story series. Strangers.

STRANGERS IN A HOME.

     It was a dusky evening with dark clouds and dreary lightening. A scarry environment for a young girl of 13 years, all by herself in a strange city, standing under a huge tree at the far end of the road.  She was thinking about how she had fled from her village by the local bus, that passed once a day through the village. She was harassed and tortured by her only aunt with whom she lived. She could not tolerate it anymore and so had taken such a bold step to walk out of her home and village. Her parents had died before she came to her senses and she was left at the mercy of her aunt.  She had completed her 10^th class and now her aunt was not interested in spending on her education. She insisted that she should get married or do some domestic work in people’s homes to earn a livelihood.

     Standing there alone in the entire world, on a rainy evening, in an unknown place, she felt lost. She did not know anybody in the city or anywhere else. She stood there praying to God for help.

     A car came and stood in front of her. She stepped back, scared. Suddenly a man in his late 40s, bald, with a smile on his face popped his head out and said, ‘Hi!!  Want lift?’

She did not answer and just kept on looking at him uncertain of what to say or do.

He went on, ‘Who are you? Are you waiting for someone to pick you up?’   She did not reply as she was scared to talk to strangers and also quite confused with this man’s unexpected friendly behavior. Still she kept quiet.  He went on, ‘Hello dear, don’t be afraid. I can help you. I will drop you wherever you want to go. You seem to have lost your way.’

She was still silent. Staring at him constantly. He could sense her fear and uneasiness. He softened his voice and said, ‘Don’t be scared of me. You are like my daughter. I saw you and remembered her, so I stopped my car. I will be pleased if I could be of any help. I won’t force you.’

His last words and the soft approach made the right impact. Slowly, fearfully, she said,’ I am new to this city. I don’t know anybody here. I don’t know where to go. Can you help me find a place to stay? My name is Sarita.’

He could sense her helplessness and did not probe further. He spoke to her again in a soft concerned voice, ‘You can come with me. You will be safe. Trust me.’ Something in his voice and his sincerity made her trust him. He took her to his house, where he lived alone with only a full time maid to help him. It was a lovely cottage with two bedrooms, and a garden in the front.  Sarita liked the peaceful cozy house she came to and the man who brought her there. He seemed to be a decent, dignified man. His name was Akhilesh Sinha, as mentioned on the brass plate at the entrance.

     Gradually, consciously he made a place in her heart, where she had trust and confidence. It was difficult for her initially, but his behavior, his mannerism made way for her to trust him. She grew under his guidance. Though he had not adopted her but still they exchanged thoughts and memories like a father and daughter. A long time after she came to that house, she learnt from the maid that he had lost his entire family in a car accident. His mother, wife and two daughters, whom he loved immensely. The maid said that she saw a great difference in his moods and behavior after Sarita came to the house, he saw his daughters in her. It made Sarita feel good. She continued her studies, under his guidance and counseling.  He did all that he could to help her get a good job and status in society.

     He is an angel, she thought. How can someone be so good to a stranger, in this world of evil and selfish people? Years passed by, she grew up to be a beautiful young woman. She remembered how in some of their lonely moments, he would be attracted towards her beauty and youth, and how the animal instinct in him arose, and how he graciously killed it and let his human instinct win. They were both alone, no family, no friends, no social acquaintances.  She too would get attracted to him as she had only him around her. But she saw a father figure in him and he fulfilled that void in her life. They kept away from society to avoid interferences and preferred living a peaceful, meaningful life, in their cozy little home.

     Life was simple and contented. They were both happy in each other’s company. The old maid all along with them. They made a lovely threesome. All strangers, all unrelated to each other, yet under the same roof.  They made a family that was unconnected but bonded with a strange bond. A bond of humanity.

     She had just completed her first term in the job he found for her. She was so happy and excited with the work she was doing. That fine morning, she noticed that he looked very upset. As if under some mental pressure. She was concerned and tried to find out. What could it be? She thought. She asked him again but he did not reveal anything and went to his room saying that he needed some rest. She had an off in the office that day so she too was at home. By 11 am the phone rang. She picked up the phone as he was resting in his room. Some unknown person was on the line. He said he was speaking from the bank and that some financial fraud had taken place in Mr. Sinha’s company. That Sinha’s investments were all lost and he was in complete debt and he hung up the phone.

     Sarita was shocked. What was happening? He never mentioned anything to her, about the company, about his investments, absolutely nothing about his professional life. And why would he, she thought. Who was she to him? What was their relationship and what right did she have to know his personal life. Questions were clouding her mind but she tried to calm her mind as she was more concerned about his health. He came out of his room for lunch. She informed him about the phone call but he ignored it or rather was indifferent to it. She was perplexed but did not probe further. He surely looked unwell and Sarita guessed something was really wrong. She just prayed to God for help.

     In the evening they went out to the small garden in front of the house. Watering and tending to plants was their favorite pass time. They would often do it together at weekends, for hours together. Discussing over various topics. It gave them immense pleasure and made them feel relaxed and rejuvenated. The garden too responded well to their care and company. Lovely flowers and fruit trees blossomed under their tender care.

     After dinner, they went to their individual rooms. Around 11 pm she heard a strange, loud sound from the other end of the house, where his bedroom was. She could not make out the noise. It was something like a pistol shot, but she was not sure. She rushed out of the room. The maid was also rushing towards the sound. They both together opened Sinha’s room and screamed out loud. Sinha was lying in a pool of blood, a pistol in his hand. He had shot himself in the head. Sarita went blank. She just could not fathom what was happening. She felt week in the knees and collapsed.  The maid helped her rise and took her to the sitting room. Sarita’s world collapsed once more. She did not know what to do. Whatever had happened was totally unexpected, unimagined. She had known him to be a very wise and peace loving person. How could he do such a thing and why? Her head was whirling.

     The police were informed and the formalities followed. Post mortem, Investigations, questions, all went on for few days. It was only Sarita and the maid in the house now. As the man on the phone had said, the bank was to seal the house for auction and recover their amount. Sarita had no say in the matter. She was given a month’s time to complete the legal procedures and hand over the house.

     It was her last night in the house. She felt exhausted over the proceedings. She had never faced such situations in life. Akhilesh Sinha, a name that made her life. A relationship that had no name. A bond that could not be described and yet a sense of belonging that could not be erased. She felt lost. What was she to do now? She fell asleep with a disturbed mind.

    The next morning, it was the first thought that came to her as she woke up. He was gone. And soon, this bedroom, the house in whose eastern corner it sat, and the tiny garden outside with its gnarled old red hibiscus and the half-grown mango tree they had planted together, all those would be gone as well. It was the strangest feeling ever.

     She remembered that first day in the city, when she was standing at the end of the road on a wet cloudy day, all alone and scared. Today, she felt the same, after 15 years, as she moved out of Sinha’s house with her luggage. That day she had fled from her village, from her own house, today she was forced to go out of the house which was never hers. She felt herself to be on the same uncertain, unknown juncture of life. Lonely and lost.

     Going out of the gate, she turned back to take a last glimpse at the tiny heaven she had lived in for 15 years. It gave her love, care, respect and comfort. She felt so attached to it as if she always belonged there.  Tears rolled down her cheeks, unaware, she turned away and walked out with a heavy heart.

     Questions after questions clouding her mind. Who was he? Why was she brought here? Why was she given a safe haven for 15 years, if only she had to leave it in this way? Why was it snatched away from her? What did destiny have in store for her? She knew not what it was. The maid helped her carry the luggage to the nearest bus stop and went away. She stood there. Where was she to go now? She knew not where. She was once again at the crossroads of her life, she did not know which way to go.

     Just then an unknown person came to her and handed her a sealed envelope. She opened it to find a letter. It read,   

Dear Sarita,

     I know I have been a good companion to you. May it be as a friend, father or a guardian. It does not matter. You have created a soft corner in my heart and I love you as my own daughter. I have passed many years without them and your appearance in my life consoled me and healed my wounds.

     Thank you for all the good times we spent together. I know the recent proceedings have disturbed you. I did not wish to hurt you in any way, but the business transactions went wrong and there was nothing I could do about it. But still, I know that if it would have been my own daughter I would not have surrendered to circumstances so easily.  But I want to make up for it. I am hereby making you the legal heir of my only property that will be left after the debts will be cleared. And that is my ancestral home in Banaras. You may go there and take custody and ownership of the house. I have completed all the legal formalities so that you don’t have to face any hassle. I wish you a happy life ahead.

   Together we created a world of peace and happiness, though we were strangers. Now it is for you to live your way.   May God bless you with best of health, wealth and prosperity. 

The address of the house is on the other side of the page. Please turn over.

                                                                                                                                                                  Yours affectionately,

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Akhilesh Sinha.

Sarita turned over the page mechanically, not able to take in the happenings in her life.  It read,

 Chandni Villa,                                                                                                                                            off Bangali Tola,                                                                                                                                         Old Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.       

 

Sarita froze.

 It was the house she lived in with her aunt. aunt.                                                                                                    

Who was Akhilesh Sinha? 

Short story series. Lost friend.

MY LOST FRIEND

     It was last summer when he had visited me in my country home. I was pleasantly surprised to see him after so many years. He was my childhood friend.  Though the environment in the countryside was very pleasant and peaceful, he appeared to be lost in some deep disturbing thought, but he kept it to himself.

     My intuition kept telling me that something was terribly wrong with him, but I did not want to intrude his privacy. He stayed with me for four days, and in those four days I had that bickering feeling that he wanted to tell me something but was hesitant.  Nor could I initiate it. Then he left suddenly, leaving me confused and concerned.

     I returned to the city for my job as the mini vacation was over, leaving my parents at the country home.   They loved to stay there. I would pick them up later in the month.  But the thought of my friend kept recurring in my mind. What could be so important that he had to come to meet me at the country home where I had gone just for few days?  Why did he not wait for me to return to the city where we both lived? I could find no answer.

     Life went by, days, months, years. But there was no sign of him. I kept thinking about him. But that’s all I could do. He had not left any information for me.  He was out of touch. I just waited. I was in a way deeply concerned because he was my closest childhood friend. We grew up together, went to college together and then parted for our respective careers, with jobs in different cities.

     After few months, I received a sealed envelope. On opening it, to my surprise I found one letter and one photograph. The letter was written by my friend, signed by his signature style. He had very beautiful handwriting, which I had always admired. It read “SUDHIR S.” in his distinctive writing style.

     The letter was short and just mentioned that he wanted to meet me and talk about something important. He could not write about it in the letter. It was really urgent and essential to talk. The photograph was of him, his wife and two children, whom I had never met.  What sense did it make? Why had he sent his family picture to me?  I was unable to come to any conclusion.    

      I remembered the days he had visited me at the country home. Even at that time I had that strange intuitive feeling that something was really wrong with him. That was four years back and now suddenly this letter!  I left my thought to that, closed the envelope and kept it carefully in my handbag. Later in the evening I opened the letter again and noticed that he had not mentioned any place or time for meeting, nor did I know how to contact him. He had not even sent a contact number to me. Once again I was left baffled. It was in a way building up a strange tension in my mind, but I was helpless. I had no clue of what actually was happening between him and me.

      Later that month, he called me and gave me an address and told me to be present on a particular day at the given time at the place mentioned, without fail. Or else it would be too late.  He said that it was his last chance to clarify the matter and that he could not talk further on the phone. Without any choice, I agreed to be there. After all he was my dearest friend. Though not in touch for long time, we still shared a strong emotional bond.

      I reached the place he had mentioned, on time. It was a Sunday morning around 8 am. To my astonishment the place was a prison, which he did not mention earlier. Anyway, I had to meet him. I inquired with the officials, ‘Sudhir Sharma’ I said and the jailer in charge led me to a visiting cell. I had noticed a strange look on the official’s faces. Quite quizzical and curious, but I could not understand the reason for that look.

      He came to the room, dressed in the prisoner’s clothes. He looked pale and sick, his deep set eyes were lost in distant thought. I went weak in the knees. What was going on?  He was not the happy, charming, mischievous Sudhir I had always admired, but a strange person in my friend’s garb. He came and sat beside me, noticing the expression of shock and concern on my face. I was hesitant to even talk to him after seeing his condition and the look in his eyes. It was a bit scary. We sat silently for a while. Questions and thoughts were rummaging in my mind like some boxer’s blows, one after the other.

      I did not know what to talk and he did not know how to say it. My mind was whirling, how do I ask him the reason for him being into a prison. I decided to keep quiet.  After a few restless breaths, he said in a low lost voice. He sounded as if he was at some place far away.  I kept quiet, a bit anxious now.

“I am being hanged.                                                                                                                                                                                     I have been given a death sentence.                                                                                                                                                              At 9.30 am. exactly one hour from now.”  

 He said looking at the clock on the wall opposite us.  Silence. Only silence filled the room.                                                         I was dumbfounded. Where had the words gone?  I could not even inquire about the facts related to the situation. The visuals of our carefree youthful days just floated in front of my eyes. I could not stand this anymore. I felt dizzy. 

He kept quiet after that one long sentence. Silence gripped us.

 He was being sentenced to death??? Why??   I asked myself. It took me some time to recover from the shock, while he just sat there gazing at nothing.  Then slowly, hesitantly he began to talk. I listened.

     Life had been very good to him. He said.

     Since our youthful days I had known him to be a Happy-go-lucky type of person. Enjoying each moment in his stride. Always friendly, compassionate and caring towards others. Intelligent and inventive in his academics. After college he had been successful, well settled and prosperous. I had not attended his wedding as I was abroad on a business tour. And therefore, never met his wife or family.

      He went on, ‘You know I married according to my parent’s wish. I was initially hesitant as I believed in love marriage and wished to marry my girlfriend, Sheila. You know her, she was our classmate.’ I nodded affirming the fact.      He said, “But, I gave in to my parent’s wish. I compromised with my emotions. Accepted life as it came. Tried to live and give the best to my wife. Time passed by.  Two beautiful daughters were born to us, a gift from God. I was very happy. I fell in love with my lovely daughters. They were my life and breath. Business was flourishing. I had all the material comforts and luxuries I needed. Nothing seemed to be missing in my life. I was on top of the world.” He fell silent. As if he was trying to relive those lovely days and moments he had cherished.

      He went on, ‘Then one day I received a phone call when I was in my office. The voice was of my past flame, my girlfriend. It was Sheila. I was surprised to hear her voice after a long long time. But more than the voice, I was surprised or rather shocked to hear what she was saying. It was a voice that I always loved to hear. It was the voice that made me happy. But that day the same voice brought a storm in my life. My entire world collapsed in those few moments.  She sounded calm and composed, but her stern statements disturbed me beyond words and expectation. She said she had not married yet. That she had been waiting for me all along. She had no regrets in life. That she was successful in her life and was living it peacefully. She then said that she wanted to share something with me. I just kept quiet as I could not take in so much at a time.  She went on, she had gone to my native village for some social visit, and that she met my aunt by chance. She was informed that my parents were no more. She had known my entire family all along. Then slowly, hesitantly, she added, that my parents had convinced me to marry a girl, who was a landlord’s daughter in our village. And they did not know anything about her. That the jamindaar had forced them to marry his daughter to me in return of the money they had taken from him for my education. That girl was in love with the Collector’s son who lived in the nearby village. My parents, unaware of her whereabouts had hastily agreed and arranged for my marriage, to free themselves from the debt and thinking that it was a good match. I was not even consulted and straightaway let to marriage. That she was still in relationship with him and had twin daughters by him. I went blank. How could it be possible? My wife was living with me in the city and we were happy. I argued that maybe it was her past for which I need not bother in the present.  She agreed to my point but also added that the twin daughters were not mine and that they were of that person, who had been visiting my home whenever I had been out of station.                                                                       I was shocked. My entire world collapsed in those few moments.                                                                                                       Lastly, she reminded me how I had ignored her and given in to this marriage. I had no words to defend myself.                                   After the phone call, I decided to verify the facts she had revealed. That evening I informed my wife that I would be leaving for a business trip the next morning, and that it might take about a week to return.

      Now I noticed that always on the mention of my every such trip, she would never question the whereabouts. Where was I going, why was I going, nothing. Because I realized now that at the back of her mind, my departure was desperately awaited, for her to have immediate plans for herself. Next morning, I left as per the decided timing for the airport. But this time I went to a friend’s house. Stayed there till evening and then returned to my colony and went to another friend’s place nearby my house. And from where my house was clearly visible. I kept a watch on my house. And to my dismay, as I had never expected, I saw my wife coming out of the house with a strange person, beautifully dressed and in a gay mood. They went in his car. My daughters were left behind with the maid. After 3 hours they returned, went up to my house. More than an hour had passed, but that man had still not left my home. My temper was mounting. I could not take it any longer. I walked past the compound, up to my house and opened the door with the master key. To my surprise, my daughters were locked away in the bedroom with the maid and the two lovebirds were having a gala time. My wife was shocked to see me. She came towards me and was about to ask questions, but before that I hit her hard and she fell down. I attacked the man and banged his head as hard as I could against the wall. He fell unconscious. My wife tried to get up and balance herself, but I hit her hard on her head with a lampshade nearby and she fell flat. I had lost control of my senses and in my anger I did not know what I was doing. Suddenly there was complete silence.

      Neighbors came running as there was beating and screaming and things falling. The noise had created a scene. The police was called, I was arrested and taken to custody, the procedures followed.  Questioning sessions, court case, and hearings. My wife and her lover were declared dead. None of it affected me. I was out of my mind. I had lost everything. That one phone call, the information it gave me shattered my whole world. My two twin daughters were truly not mine. The DNA tests confirmed the other person to be their father. Bringing an end to my last ray of hope.

     I lived for the three of them and see now I am here sharing my woes with you.  A helpless millionaire awaiting execution  in the next hour. Tell me who is to be blamed?”

     I was speechless. What could I say? What did he expect from me? Why had he called me here, now? I just kept quiet.

     He went on, he had accumulated wealth in shares, properties and other assets. He said he had made it legal and safe. There was nothing to worry about. Only he wanted that his wealth should fall in safe hands and should be used meaningfully because it was his hard earned wealth.  And so he had called me. He had made all the legal documents and transferred all the wealth in the name of a trust. And he wanted me to be the caretaker of the trust. He handed me the documents in the presence of the prison officials. I was speechless. Had he left any space for me to utter even a word?  He stood up to leave. “Take Sheila’s help if you need, she is into social work can guide you.”   “Sheila Raina?” I muttered.

‘NO, Sheila Sharma, she had taken to my surname since we parted. And inform her about me as well. I won’t be able to tell her.’ Another blow for me.

He came closer to me, gave me a hug. I went cold and numb. My senses stopped responding. He turned away to go.  Stopped little further, turned towards me and his last words to me were,         

    “Never give in to other’s wishes, believe in your own inner voice. Only that can give you real life, rest all is fake.”

     I observed him carefully as he walked to the door. I knew that time was running out but suppressed the urge to check my watch. I took a deep breath and started counting in reverse under my breath.  “Ten, nine, eight, seven…”                        Because I knew that in the next quarter of this hour, he would be down the gallows. And I will be left without a dear friend.

                                                                                                                                           

short story series. Maya.

Maya’s Woes.

       It was a lazy afternoon. Maya was sitting in her balcony with a cup of coffee. Alone, thoughtful, feeling bit low.  Her children had gone to a neighbor’s house to play with their kids. It had been quite a few months since Maya had started having these feeling of loneliness and depression.  Maybe because she had noticed the change in her husband’s strange behavior.  He appeared to be lost in his own thoughts now and then. Not interacting with her as he previously did. He was absent minded and detached most of the time. Initially, she overlooked it, considering it to be a workload or some distraction in the office, as he had said that his new boss was quite a pain in the neck. Sudhir had been working in that office since five years but he had never faced such hard times, he said. Maya did not want to disturb him further and so kept mum. Compromising over every situation and overlooking his faults.

     But now things seemed to be going from bad to worse. Sudhir had been to several business trips, which were not arranged by his firm. Maya came to know about them later. When she questioned Sudhir, he tactfully lied to her and tried to convince her somehow. Day by day his attitude towards his children also became indifferent and hostile. He would get angry and shout at them over trivial matters. He worked late hours and returned home only after 9 pm. Dinner would be a silent affair, with children already in bed.  Maya’s queries would irritate him. She was getting impatient now with these regular escapades and Sudhir’s attitude.

     What could it be?  Was he harassed by his boss? Was Sudhir under some financial crisis? Was he hiding something from her? Was she over reacting and imagining things? Did he have some health problem? Maya’s mind was playing havoc. She just could not come to any conclusion. That evening she decided to talk straight to Sudhir about it, come what may. She needed to sort this out. It was affecting her health and mental peace and the children were also under pressure.  She could not let this go on any further, living in a cold, indifferent environment at home, day after day.

      Luckily, that afternoon, Sudhir’s friend Sanjay dropped in to their house as it was a holiday. He had always been his closest friend and confidante. They always shared their joys and sorrows with each other. Maya was surprised to know that Sanjay had not met Sudhir since about a year.  That he had just returned a week ago from Dubai, where he stayed for more than eight months working on a project. His Mumbai firm had sent him there. They were in touch on phone for a short chat and that was it. Whereas Sudhir had been continuously telling Maya on numerous occasions that he was going out or partying with Sanjay.  So Maya talked over to Sanjay, informing him about all that was going on in her home and between her and Sudhir.

‘Who is his new boss?’ she asked Sanjay.                                                                                                                                                     ‘Oh! It is Neha madam, from Bengaluru. She is very intelligent and good looking and demanding as well. She is a spoilt brat. I had heard about some of her passing affairs when I was here.  She had just taken over Sudhir’s firm as his boss.  But since I was abroad I am out of touch with my group and am trying to make up for it now.   I do not know much about her proceedings.’ Sanjay said honestly.    ‘By the way where has Sudhir gone today?’  he asked.                                          ‘As if he is to tell me the truth. He said he had some office work and off he went.’  pat came Maya’s reply.

 Sanjay please call him right now and just inquire where he is.’  She said in a disturbed tone.                                                                                                                   Sanjay called Sudhir but he did not receive the call. Sanjay immediately dialed another number of Sudhir’s office secretary just to inquire his whereabouts. He was an old acquaintance of Sanjay and was glad to hear from Sanjay after a long time. They had a friendly chat for about ten minutes, during which he mentioned about the hottest news in his office. The most happening affair between his boss and Sudhir. Sanjay went cold. He immediately ended the conversation. Maya was watching him closely. She noticed the sudden change in Sanjay’s expressions.                                       ‘What is it Sanjay? Could you get any information? Where is Sudhir?” her questions shot out one after the other.             Sanjay was hesitant. Maya could guess something fishy.                                   

‘For God’s sake Sanjay speak up, is everything Ok with Sudhir? Has something happened to him, anything wrong?

She was getting on her nerves now, bit jittery. She went on, ‘Sudhir looked upset since few months. I am worried please tell me Sanjay. Who was on the phone? What did you hear that made you go pale in the face?’ her questions were running haywire. She was losing her temper, but Sanjay could not speak up, as he himself was in a shock. He had never thought Sudhir to be the straying type of person, that too with two beautiful kids. His thoughts went back and forth to the days they had spent together.                                                                                

‘Sanjay!!  Please speak up I am asking you something. Where are you lost? What is it?’

‘It is Neha.’ He said.

‘Who Neha?  Who is she? What about her? I am asking you to inquire about Sudhir.’ She said disappointed.                              ‘It is about Neha and Sudhir,’ he was hesitant as he spoke. ‘They are out together, the…, the…, his…, Neha’s secretary told me.’ Sudhir was fumbling for words. Maya went cold for a minute, she stood speechless. Then suddenly she said,

‘What the hell is going on between my husband and that bitch?’ Maya’s patience was at its lowest ebb and she was ready to burst.

Sanjay knew she was serious. ‘Look, Maya. There is nothing going on between the two of them. Just a little bit of healthy flirting, I’d say.’

‘Flirting? Healthy flirting? Really Sanjay…….’ She rolled her eyes in disgust. ‘That’s what you men call it? There is nothing healthy about flirting, Sanjay, not for a married man.                                                                                                                                  Healthy flirting is a term introduced by perverted men who want to lend legitimacy to their extramarital dalliances. Flirting invariably has a sexual connotation to it.’ She got up from her seat and walked around the room gesticulating and muttering something to herself. Suddenly she stopped, turned back, looked at Sanjay and asked, ‘Did my husband sleep with her? You are his friend. Did he ever tell you anything about it?’

‘Maya, Maya, please calm down. I told you I was abroad since many months. We just had formal chats. How would I know anything at all unless he tells me about it?’  He was trying his best to calm her down.   

 ‘If it was a healthy flirting as you say, he need not lie to me. If it was a healthy relationship they need not go out alone every weekends and every holiday with the excuse of office work. I knew, I knew something was going on at the back of his mind, I could sense it. He was hiding something from me. He was not his real self with us at all.’ Maya went on.

Just then the doorbell rang. She opened the door and in walked Sudhir and Neha hand in hand, in a happy mood.

How could he! Sanjay thought, but kept quiet.

Maya was aghast, glaring at them. Sudhir brushed passed her and entered the room with Neha. Maya felt a daze, but immediately controlled herself and came to her senses.

‘What the hell is going on? Who is she and how dare you walk in with her like this in front of me? ‘

Sudhir and Maya exchanged sweet glances, smiled, unabashed, as if nothing had mattered at all.                                                                 ‘Maya, she is my new boss,’ he paused then continued, ‘My new boss at the office and at home as well.’                                              ‘What do you mean? Mind you, get the hell out of here you shameless bitch.’ Maya was furious.                                                   Sudhir’s attitude changed suddenly, glaring at Maya he said, ‘You better mind your language. She is my new business and live-in partner. We have decided to stay together forever. At the office and home as well. Isn’t it dear Neha? That is why I have brought her here.’ Neha gave him that enchanting look and a graceful nod.

 Maya could not believe her ears. She sat down on the sofa. Sudhir went on, ‘I am fed up of you and your children.’

‘My children?  Are they not your children as well?’ Maya could not say anything further, she felt choked.                                         ‘You all are a continuous nuisance to me, I have decided I cannot stay with you all anymore. I need peace and freedom.’

Maya’s world was collapsing before her eyes. Sanjay was in a fix. He was cursing the moment he came to meet Sudhir. He could not speak to either of them. He did not know what to do.   

 Sudhir continued, ‘I have brought Neha with me to sort things out. I am fed up of playing games with you all. I want to get this sorted. Now you decide how you are going to deal with this. Are you ready to leave the house with the kids or should I leave and go to Neha’s house. Because very shortly I am going to file a divorce. I don’t want any further delays from you.’

Sanjay was standing in the corner. Is it Sudhir speaking?  Was he out of his mind? What about his children, did he not think about their future?  How can he be so ruthless? Questions were welling up in his mind. The past year had brought about a drastic change in Sudhir, he thought.

Maya got up from the sofa in anger and pulled Neha out of the chair.                                                                                             ‘How dare you come to my home? Get out right now. This is my home and I will not leave it. This is the home of my two children and they are not going anywhere, not for their father’s foolishness.’  Looking at Sudhir she went on,’ yes, a fool. You are a fool to ignore your own family and run after this bitch. You have forgotten that you are a father of two children. Shame on you.  If you do not want to stay with me then better get out of here. I will manage my life and take good care of my children. We don’t need any help or sympathy from you.’ She said furiously.

Sudhir was taken aback. Never had he seen Maya in this form. Never had she spoken in this way. Her outburst shocked him. He had considered her to be a meek, submissive weakling, living in fear. He had always victimized her with his dominant and rigid ways.

‘Out you go with her right now.’ Maya’s voice brought him to his senses.                                                                                                      She looked at Sanjay and said, ‘Do you see this! I told you there can never be a healthy flirting for a married man. It is his shameless affair with this shameless lady that had caused all the tension and problems in my life since last few months. And you were trying to justify his behavior. Do you have anything to say now?’  Sanjay had nothing to say.

Sudhir and Neha were dumbfounded. They had come over with a different planning.                                                        Neha had thought that Maya being a submissive housewife, would fall prey to her husband’s orders and get scared and leave the home. She would not have the courage to face the situation. That she would fear losing her husband and would agree to whatever he said. And that she would easily be able to live in with Sudhir. 

Sudhir felt that he had fooled and cheated Maya several times and that she was dumb. She had never known any of his escapades. She was just a foolish housewife, lost in her home and children. That she had no idea about anything else.

But to their astonishment, the dices fell on the wrong side.                                                                                                                          Maya said,’ Don’t you think that I am a dumb housewife. That I do not know what you have been doing behind my back. That I am unaware of your silly affairs, and that I am a fool. I knew about your flirtations but kept quiet thinking that it was not anything so serious. Thinking that there was no point in abusing and confronting in front of the children. It would set a bad example for them. Thinking that you would improve your ways and stop all that, and be a responsible husband and father some day. That you would value our relationship. But, NO. You are not of the changing types. It was my mistake that I trusted you, and kept on hoping for a better future and a happy family. But I was so wrong, I don’t need you anymore in my life.’ She went on, tears rolling down her pretty cheeks.

 The confrontations and accusations went on. Sanjay quietly left his best friend’s house, assuring himself never to visit them again. Hearing the voices till he reached the end of the corridor, he entered the lift on the tenth floor of Crystal towers, at Kemp’s corner.

Later that month, he got the news of divorce filed by Sudhir. And by the end of the year, Neha had kicked him out of her flat. He was fired from his job as well and was now living in a cheap hostel nearby searching for a decent job and accomodation. He had tried to patch up with his wife. But Maya had been adamant and did not want to tolerate such a person who never valued relationships, who was a selfish and self centered. Though she was a simple housewife, she knew very well that the world may change, lifestyles change but some people never change.

And Sudhir was one of them. A rigid stone in the arid desert.

Short story series. Love Jihad.

Love Jihad.

     Bengaluru was at its climatic best in November. The pleasant climate was just the right time to go around romancing for the twosome.

     Syed and Gayatri.

     Syed was a Muslim migrant from Kashmir Valley, who had settled down in Bengaluru, since he was 10 years of age. His parents chose the place as it had good climate and living conditions. They had a family business of carving wooden furniture and artifacts. Syed had learnt the art from his father. He was educated as well with a graduate degree, but he could not find a good job. So he took to his family business. A staunch Muslim, he went for his prayers 5 times to the nearby Mosque.

     Gayatri was a South Indian Shaivite Hindu girl, deeply engrossed into the Literature World. She enjoyed the poetic Sangams her father recited and the Carnatic music her mother played. She was a graduate with a Major in English Literature. She enjoyed being with friends and often went out with them. Though she was from a conservative family, she was a modern, bold and carefree girl.

     That day she was waiting for her best friend at their favorite Café. Café 42, a rooftop café in Indiranagar. It had been their favorite spot with friends since their college days. She enjoyed the Poetry Recitations held there. She was anxiously waiting for Renisha, her closest friend. Sitting there in the ambience of Art and Literature, she went down memory lane. It had been 5 years since she last visited the place.

     She remembered the day when Renisha had introduced her to Syed, who was Renisha’s friend. Tall, handsome, well mannered, a personality difficult to resist. As he entered, their eyes exchanged glances and something clicked. Initially, they had formal introductions that slowly bloomed into intimacy and love with time. They were serious about their relationship. They wanted to legalize it with marriage, but the geographical divide had created a barrier between them. He a North Indian and she a South Indian.

    She remembered the day which was just like this day, when she was waiting for Sonia.                                                         “Hi Gayatri! Nice to see you.” said Sonia.

“Hi Sonia! I have been waiting for you since an hour. What kept you so long? How are you? It’s a pleasure to see you after a long time.” Said Gayatri.

“Oh yes dear. My boss is a rogue. He took away my one hour. Sorry dear.” Sonia apologized.

They sat together chatting for a while. Sonia felt some uneasiness in Gayatri’s talk. She asked straightaway,                       “Gayatri, what is the matter? You sound confused and quizzical. Can I help you in anyway?”

“It’s just that I am unable to convince my parents about Syed. You know how it is. Our caste, our religions are poles apart. I do understand my parent’s situation, but still, I cannot live without Syed. He is my life. I have called him here as well. So that we can sit and find some solution. That is the reason I called you here.” Gayatri replied thoughtfully.

Sonia was a practicing lawyer and also a very practical and down to earth person. She could find solutions to problems very easily. Gayatri always admired her for it and so she chose to seek her advice.

Syed and Gayatri didn’t mean to fall in love. But love happens when you least expect it. It creeps up suddenly. When someone needs attention, care, conversation, laughter and maybe even intimacy. Love doesn’t look at logic, or at backgrounds and least of all, religion.

Gayatri was from a very conservative South Indian family and went to a temple every Saturday. Syed bought goats for his family every Eid. That said it all. Their paths would never have crossed if it hadn’t been for that fateful day. That day when he walked into the coffee shop. Gayatri wondered if destiny chose our loved ones for us. Did we have any role to play at all?

She looked at her watch. Syed was late. They met every Thursday at five pm to catch up. Their conversation lasted for hours. Sometimes at the café, sometimes in his car, sometimes in places that she could never tell her friends about. They would never understand. And yet Syed made her happy.

Suddenly her phone beeped. He had sent a message. “On my way. Have something important to tell you.”

Gayatri stared at it and realized she had knots in her stomach. Thoughts flooded her mind. What did he want to tell her?

Here she was waiting for him to discuss matters with Sonia and now he had something to tell her. ‘What could it be?’ She thought. She had till then given Sonia the complete picture of their relationship, of their parent’s reactions, their decisions, their problems, everything.

Sonia felt that Gayatri was getting impatient and insecure about the relationship. The constant social pressure and her own emotions were playing havoc with her. She could feel her inner turmoil. She wanted to help her in coming out of the situation. At a certain point Gayatri broke down. Among deep sobs she said, “Sonia I am feeling so helpless. I don’t know what to do. One side is my love and on the other side are my parents. I do not want to hurt or leave either of them. How can I do that? My parents have made me what I am today and Syed has given me the love and care that any girl would yearn for but few could find it.  He loves me truly, selflessly. I am unable to find any faults in him till now. He also respects my parents. Then why this barrier of religion and caste? He is not even asking me to adopt his religion. Why can’t we live a secular life? My mother always keeps on saying that they are descendents of the Aryan race and we are the Dravidians. They eat a lot of meat and wheat as their staple food and we eat fish, coconut and rice. Now you tell me, is that a reason to part from the love of your life? So absurd.  I just don’t understand what to do.” Gayatri was getting hysterical.

Sonia replied in a concerned tone, “It’s Ok Gayatri, control yourself. We will think it out and find a solution. Let Syed come.” Gayatri went on, “Syed is also facing the same situation in his family. He is educated, skilled, intelligent, running his family business successfully, then too he is helpless where his family comes. We are trying to convince them in whatever way we possibly can, but to no avail. It’s been four years, we are in a relationship. I am 26 now and he is 28. We are close to the age for marriage, but still we can’t get married. Syed often goes to Delhi for his business trips. He asks me to join him, but how can I go for days together when just one weekly meeting with him has become difficult. I am fed up with this kind of life now. I just can’t carry on like this. There has to be a solution. Sonia please help me.”

Just then Syed entered the Café. All smiles. Gayatri was confused and disappointed. What was making him smile when she was in such a chaotic state of mind? Syed came and sat beside her. He gave her a quick hug and smiled. Sonia was amused to see him in a good mood. Gayatri looked at him quizzically, “What is it Syed? Here I am in such a bad state of mind and you are smiling? What is it?”

Syed took her hand in his and said looking towards Sonia, “We have found a solution we don’t have to worry about anything anymore. I have received a very good business proposal to start my business abroad in Canada. I have convinced my parents for our marriage. They have agreed to it that we go abroad and settle there. They were against the marriage due to social constraints. You know how it is in our Muslim society. Once we are there they won’t have to answer people’s absurd questions.” He looked at Gayatri lovingly. She was dumbfounded. She could not believe her ears. Sonia jerked at her hand and said, “Congrats, see!! I told you. There is always a solution for every problem. Now stop getting jittery and rejoice.”

Gayatri came to her senses and felt very happy. Now it was her parents whom she had to convince. She took Sonia’s help for doing so. After a month they were at the International Airport, awaiting their flight, with both the families to see them off.

She suddenly realized, it had been five years to that day. She was back in India for a short visit now. Syed had stayed back in Canada due to his business engagements. They were well off and happy. Renisha was her closest friend and she was meeting her that day to greet her and to celebrate, as both of them had got married on the same date. She in Canada and Renisha in Bengaluru. They were meeting for the first time after marriage. Just then Renisha entered the café, with a cute baby in her arms. Renisha was glad to see Gayatri and her baby boy fast asleep in a cradle beside her chair.

They enjoyed the entire evening, talking, laughing, gossiping and exchanging their views of married life. Renisha’s was an arranged marriage and Gayatri’s a love marriage. So they had ample to talk about and they did not want to miss out on anything. And they both agreed at the end of the day that Love had no boundaries, geographical, political or religious.

Love was only love. Pure, Divine, unblemished.

Gayatri told Renisha what she had once heard Syed saying, that Love and Jihad were the two opposite poles. The word Jihad had lost its real meaning, which was to fight against the evil that rests within our own self and not outside,  towards other human beings. People and politics had made Jihad a weapon to fight against humanity and against countries in the name of religion. They enjoyed the evening and bade good bye to each other as Gayatri was flying back to Canada the next day, with her heart filled with love and more love for Syed. He had taught her such a good lesson of life. To understand and love humanity.