To Be or Not be .... Guilty ?

For the first time in her  life Rhea had to bear the brunt of her ego. Least did her ego let her think even for a second IF she could handle his problem or even provide some concrete solution for him..Writing couple of love stories and fantasy stories gave her the thought she could surpass anyone's problem.. How ridiculous she was !

Kaju as he is fondly called by all his friends called upon Rhea at office one day stating he needed a solution for his problem.
Kaju was her colleague at office . Kaju had read the love stories  Rhea had written in her blog and felt that she could help him best.

 Least did Rhea expect the gravity of the story nor that her decision would be vital in changing his perception .

Kaju walked upto Rhea and said "Madam I have an appointment with you for today's lunch and I pray hope to have you for the whole one hour.. You are always too busy!!"

Rhea  said " Heyy com'on.. I'm not busy ...  What have you brought for  lunch ?..I've got.. "
Kaju interrupted " Ahem.. no lunch no food... just you me and my problem... Please know that your not eating whilst I speak... I might break down Rhea.. so .."
Rhea could hear her tummy giving all possible remixes on hearing "no lunch" but she chose to honour Kaju's wishes and dint eat whilst he spoke.

"It all started when I was in my tenth grade! I have never had any  interest in women other than my own. I have a wonderful mom and three sisters. To me they were the best , out of this world until the day she came by.
She was in fifth grade".

Rhea giggled instantly because she thought this was more like from a film that is very famous . Kaju dint like her reaction and she stopped giggling after a while.

" I'm not like you "city-bred" people. I hail from a village in Karnataka - Adagodi in Shimoga district.. My girl- She had participated in a dance contest and she had won the first place . She  had won my heart too.I had a fondness for her from that day. Maybe infatuation as you may call it but it was more than that. I knew this feeling was for keeps. I used to sleep at  night dreaming of her. I guess they were the best part of my young adulthood.....
My dad is a farmer and he always believed that one day I would make him proud. I don't know IF I can ever...."

Rhea interrupted "Heyy Kaju relax .. take a deep breath and start over .. I feel we're at a miss somewhere..what happened to your fifth grade lover ?"

"I cherished her in my mind  and dreamt of life with her all the time. There was no dating, meeting stuff but my feelings for her were true. When I completed my PG I got a decent job and approached my dad seeking his permission for my marriage with her.
My dad readily agreed. I was overwhelmed and the initial talks began. My dad went to their house and asked her hand for me. IT was almost like a fairy tale! "

My eyes widened when he said "fairy-tale" and I eagerly listened on.
"Her dad and mom rejected the offer but! "
He paused for almost ten minutes before Rhea could get him to talk.
"It was not the end .... When her mother asked my dad to suggest other prospective grooms for their daughter, my dad felt ashamed in his life for the first time for being my dad . Yet , my dad being the good-man he is promised to tell them if 

When my dad broke the news to me I realized that my desires was never going to be fulfilled and I was heart broken. I took to smoking and it in a way seemed to burn  my already burnt heart."


Rhea rebuked him " Kaju this is no excuse for you to smoke .. Quit it baba ... and I've been telling you to do so for the past three years !! "

"I just wish I could Rhea... You can never understand how hard I try to . I now stand in front of you as someone who is way beyond in his control. My life is ruined!"

"I never expected my otherwise love story to take such a strange twist of fate . In one of my cousin's wedding I once again had the chance to see her and I was bowled over again . She was amazing . My cousin told that she favoured my feelings too.
I was in cloud nine. I realised that a better work , better lifestyle could always get her . I worked harder. I became the leader for my team in my earlier firm . Her thoughts drove me to become the best. I accepted only the best part of me and I no longer accepted "the average me "
There came a day when her dad  came to my home seeking his daughter's groom in me. The best day of my life it was! "

Rhea freaked " Wow that s soo nice Kaju.. saying no first and yes next time must have got u in cloud nine , ten and eleven right ?"
Kaju continued " I was speechless Rhea. I just got everything I needed but ...."
Kaju went mute for almost half hour and Rhea realised that it was very tough to handle men who go silent when in pain.

"It all fell in place if not for that Dayan! That F**** B****.. Allahhhhhhh  !!! ... There was this lady who is our neighbour . I just wish she went dumb for that one day. 
She told my parents that my girl has an affair with someone and  spoilt it all.. It may sound stupid but it did Rhea.. and the life that I dreamt went to waters.
I have no clue as to why  she spun  such a story ..... my girl's name was shamed at my home... .. The whole world changed that day Rhea.. I ....

My dad rebuked me for choosing such a woman and my explanations were useless . He would never agree that my girl's heart was only mine . The devil had played his cards well and I stood testimony for his game.. Many months of convincing, talks and threats bear no use. There came a day when I had to make a choice
A tough one - either my family or her. I had to ...To the whole world my dad seemed villain and to me my hero trying to protect me.... I regret that day till this moment.. The  story of my dad working hard day in and day out ran like a movie in my mind and I had decided it as a NO to her... I gave up on her.. I ..."

He paused before correcting himself " I dint give up but  told her to move on as I realized my dad would never be happy with her at home . She would suffer if she was mine.. I had to give in.. I ... I did it for her.. I never got to see her ever.. I'm sure she will never know of this nor understand me... She is happy now.. She married someone else after 2 years of painful wait .... She is happy but me ??? the guilt.. the feeling in the gut kills me Rhea! Just kills me.. I did all I could to ...forget.. but the eerie nights just remind me that I had spent one more day without her.."


Kaju wanted to know IF he was ever wrong in his actions and questioned Rhea almost fifteen times "Am i wrong Rhea ?" . Rhea couldn't answer  but just shook her head stating  " You are a great son .. you will be a great father..." 

Salt N Pepper~ Chapter 4

                                       Read the Chapter3 here 

Chapter~4~

Krishna often favoured visiting the Durga Mandir near his university.

On one such visit he saw Varsabhanavi  and this time he hesitated to talk to her but to his surprise Varsabhanavi  smiled at him and spoke to him.

Varsabhanavi : Heyy.... Hi Krishna.. Think of the devil and.....guess the world's a small place!!!... We seem to be running into the other so often!

Krishna(hesistantly) : Oh ...Hi... Ya... i thought so too... Well ...err.. I gotta go...Bfn

Varsabhanavi  was seemingly upset that Krishna had to leave but gathered herself and said

Varsabhanavi :OH... OK .. no problem... Would you like to come over for my birthday party...?

Krishna(shocked):Well ... Ummm.. Yaa... fine ...when is it...? Sorry am bad with dates...

(Varsabhanavi  took a while to digest the fact that the guy who had ideas with her had no idea when she was born!!!! )

Varsabhanavi  : Its tonite! Today is my birthday and I wanted to visit some Durga temple so came here.. It’s been a hectic travel.. An hour or so….

Krishna:Oh.. tonite.. I don’t think it’s possible.. You live at the other end.. West End Avenue right... (Blurting)I mean i saw that in face book....

Varsabhanavi (shocked ):Ya... I live at the 84th street West End Avenue...

Krishna :Oh.. BTW... Happy Birthday... I mean... (Laughs)

Varsabhanavi  : thankyou Krishna... Do drop in home 

sometime... I'll be leaving soon...And hey do give me your number..

Krishna: My number is XXXXXXXXXX ....... Bye...

It was almost a week when Krishna received a text from Varsabhanavi  and he responded as politely as he could. Krishna realized that there was no point in trying to be his casual self as his simple remarks would spoil his reputation with the hot-tempered woman.

Varsabhanavi  could sense the difference in tone and voice in the texts but felt assure that Krishna wasn’t upto any mischief.

Varsabhanavi  invited Krishna on the following Sunday on pretext of her belated birthday and Krishna gladly agreed to meet her. They met at Café Lalo and Krishna gifted her watch and they both talked for almost for two hours .Krishna realized that Varsabhanavi  was still the same woman he had wanted for his life and wished she would be more loving, she would be more forthcoming and understand his feelings for her… He was running in his mind how it would be to just ….If he could play with her cheeks and take her in his arms… Krishna thought that it would never happen and almost after another half hour they both departed.

Krishna thanked Varsabhanavi  for the invite and started home. Varsabhanavi  was glad she could spend her time with someone she knew was trustworthy.

Varsabhanavi : Bye Krishna.. It was lovely to have you over... Thanks for the watch too. It’s lovely J

Krishna: Ya.... anytime Varsabhanavi .. It’s nice to meet you over cup of coffee. And if it’s not much... It was never infatuation...! Byee

Krishna left a ever-pondering Varsabhanavi  behind...

Varsabhanavi  would spend hours thinking about Krishna , his actions and words and wonder WHAT IF she had said an "YES" when he first proposed...

She was not sure if the feelings she had for Krishna were ever "more than friendship".

                                                 

                                                          Chapter 5 (Click to read)...

A Differential love story

When I decided to write a love story and discussed the thought of one with my best friend at work, she almost jerked with coffee spilling ,all over. She was too sure I would never be able to write one. I couldn't figure  any reason why she quirked that way but nevertheless my feeble attempt only bought about this.

For long she was expecting true love and well IT did happen to her too. Like million other girls, she felt a complete stranger to her selves now. She felt distant from everyone around her. There was a marked difference in her behaviour and it was evident that she was feeling pure happiness after a long time.

She never knew how or when or why it had to happen but the inevitable had happened. There was no escape from the very feeling that left her sleepless at nights and dreaming during the days.

She found herself lost even whilst travelling in an ever crowded metro.  She felt happy at the very mention of him and even a slight thought of him made her blush.

At times she used to stand in front of the mirror and iterate the dialogue she would say to him during their first meet. She was too sure she would utter "I love you” in a low soft voice holding his hands and looking into his deep dreamy sleepy eyes.

 Her dreams for him were too many that at times there would be a riot in her brain. She would even contemplate HOW could she be so confident about him? What gave her the immense faith and belief in him .Time would fly by as she tried to answer her questions . At times all that mattered to her was his smile and at times she would frown for his non -responsiveness. She ridiculed the fact that he would be so unresponsive and snobbish on days when she would chirp her heart out like a parrot.

Sometimes she would look deep into her eyes and wonder if she was right in what she was doing too.

Months flew by and she looked at the mirror and saw that she had gained few pounds all over her body symmetrically. There wasn't much change in her diet except that she had now taken to less salty foods. Her added pounds actually made her happy now. She was no longer the high school teen who would crib at every dollop of added fat. Times had changed and the intermittent weather had got on her too.

The people around her understood her little tantrums and sometimes got annoyed with the adamant Taurean nature. It made people frown and smile alike as her unconditional love for the would-be was evident.

"Would it be love at first sight, what colour would suit us both, what would I do to make his birthday better?"- So many thoughts and more. Every day passed by and her long wait was to get over soon.

One evening she stood by the window sill of the hospital and looked outside to see a little boy plucking flowers for his sister and a funny smile grew over her. She looked at the dainty clock on the wall and knew that, few more hours and her wait was to get over.

The clock now stuck 4 and it was early morning hours on the cool spring morning and she woke up as if from a dream. There was pain all over her and she remembered the struggle she had been through the early hours of dawn. It was almost a nightmare, screams, shouts and pain. Yet she gained strength to ask her husband her little bundle of joy.

There he was, carefully tied up in pristine Pink towel with tiny fingers and legs jutting out and a face that looked like a cherub, her little boy. Overcome with emotions she bent and kissed the little guy and uttered "I love you”. To her utterance all he did was to yawn deeply, smiled a little and fell asleep again. She knew it was his way of saying “Me too :)“.

I'm done with my love story and true to my friend’s expectations I don’t know IF I could ever write one ;)

PS:She was pregnant and expecting her first child... 

The Break-Up

Sitting in a melancholic mood Niya seemed too sure of what she was about to say and had rehearsed her words more than once.

She sat at the coffee bar waiting patiently and sighed a sign of relief when she saw Raghu.

"Raghu" - a name she was never to forget nor forgive.

Not realizing what was in store for him, Raghu smiled innocently but Niya simply frowned.

Niya cleared her throat and said “I wish to end this. This is no longer going to work between us. You’re completely not what I want. If I’ve ever hurt you, Sorry. Pl don’t trouble sending any text or calling me .It’s over. Bye. Am leaving."

 Raghu was visibly shocked and left the coffee bar only after an hour .He wondered IF he was dreaming.

Niya walked out and swiftly reached her home, fell on the bed and cried her heart out.

Niya recollected every memory of Raghu before falling asleep.

The Meet

Raghu was a civil engineer and Niya, an architect. Niya's first project was the restoration work of a church. Raghu was the junior engineer and the one appointed to look over the architect's designs .He dismissed the designs stating "A childish affair, look at the structures and too many lines. This kid needs to learn at least one more year at architecture school I guess"

Niya was upset that her debut design was a failure.

Amidst all tears she wanted to meet the over-paid, over-proud engineer once before accepting for a design change.

Raghu was not aware the architect was indeed a woman and it was Niya.

Niya brushed aside Raghu's flirting eyes and asked sternly "May I have the reasons for the dismissal of my design".

Raghu took few seconds before he realized he was indeed facing the architect he had brushed off as "childish".

Raghu said "I think you’re ...ummm...well..."

"Niya... I had sent you my designs for the restoration of the church...which I believe you have dismissed..."

Raghu continued beamingly "This is our first meet and I'm glad to have met you Niyaaa(he smiled  trying to pronounce her name perfectly)"

Niya glared at him and Raghu continued "The design you have given represents the monolithic age of churches while we are restoring a Catholic church which only uses gothic structures!"

 Niya interrupted "Ah so you have not read the complete history of the church engineer! Pl do me a favor of reading the complete history of the Church .I would meet you tomorrow”

It was love at first sight for Raghu. He updated his status in social networking site as "Cupid shoots his arrows at unprecedented time, place and upon people who are absolutely clueless of his naughtiness." To him the very name of Niya seemed attractive and used to call out to her with so much love.

Niya whisked and Raghu spent the rest of the day scanning, reading googgling the entire history of the church.

Raghu was indeed shocked that Niya had built the entire sketch in lieu of the church that existed as early as 52 A.D. Niya had done a thorough job.

Next day Raghu drove across the city, reached the office where Niya worked and spoke to her apologetically and said the design was moved for further processing to the other engineers.

Niya did not greet nor cherish the engineer's coming but simply said "Thanks!"

Three weeks later Raghu found that the lady whom he fell for instantly walked right up to him at his office and greeted him cheerfully "Hi Raghu, I have got the approval from your team and I'm in . I'm looking forward to working with you"

                                Opposites Attract

Raghu and Niya spent hours discussing every detail of the church .Over coffee-breaks, lunch, meetings their friendship grew.

Niya was a good planner, strict and disciplined. Raghu was like any other guy at 23 -carefree, reckless and happy. His boyish charm and tantrums always attracted Niya and kept her interested in him.

They would spend many evenings arguing over supremacy of architects over engineers and Niya always won.

One day Raghu remarked “I could never draw much, guess that's why I chose engineering. Had I known you before I would have fairly chosen architecture .You make even the hardest things in life light for me!”

Niya simply chirped "Ha ha ha  ... You’re drooling!! “And she winked at Raghu.

Raghu proposed to Niya on July 2010 and she took a week to decide if Raghu was the guy for her life. She could sense that they were soul mates but was weary that Raghu was indeed a striking opposite to her.

The saying "opposites attract" seemed to keep running in her mind all the time.

Niya knew Raghu was a man of her dreams but slightly clichéd!

Six months passed and the project was going steadfast and so was their relationship.

Raghu tried to change a lot for Niya and she would always acknowledge his efforts.

She was very comfortable with Raghu's caring but domineering nature and respected his tastes.

Niya knew Raghu's otherwise friendly nature always brought other friends which included women too. She would grow jealous of his friends and at times they would fight incessantly.

They would quarrel endlessly for hours and patch up within minutes.

Raghu was very fond of Niya and knew that she was the best for him. He would go every length to make sure Niya was happy - in short his love for her was unconditional.

Gifts, hang-outs, gossips, seamless roaming, and aimless talks - the love between the duo grew like the cherry blossoms after winter.

The Change       

Two years rolled by. All was fine until Niya realized she could no longer take the carelessness of Raghu. Raghu would forget, lose and haplessly regret.

Niya was shocked when Raghu coolly said he had lost the pendant she had given him.

When questioned by Niya he said "Niya...you have me dear... Is the pendant more important? I lost it while roaming the other day at night"

Niya frowned and sulkily replied "the pendant was more important".

That was the first time Raghu realized Niya was a serious person and to fall prey of her tongue was the most stinging experience.

Raghu had forgetfully shredded papers that Niya had specifically asked to be kept safe and when Niya found this she was over raged.

Niya was patient in the beginning but soon realized she could no longer take Raghu’s boyish charms and would scream at him incessantly.

Raghu would often dream about the happy days he had spent with Niya and wished hard she would be more forgiving.

"Change thy name is woman would suit Niya the best", Raghu would often cry to his close friends.

 Niya controlled her anger after continuous plea from Raghu and swore never to hurt him if he promised to be more careful in times to come.

All hell broke loose when Raghu for the nth time lost the gift Niya had got him.

Niya was never the same woman Raghu knew before. Her phone calls were stern, her messages lacked cheerfulness.

The bitterness between them only carved a boulevard between their loving hearts.

Niya could no longer forgive Raghu and he was losing his interest in being the ideal man for his woman.

One fine night Niya decided to call it quits and called Raghu to the coffee shop the next day.

All this and some painful memories, Niya fell asleep with eyes puffed with tears.

Niya wished she could have Raghu back but she no longer had the strength to hurt her selves more.  

                               Sammy’s Wedding                     

Three months had passed and Niya was still recovering from her break up. Raghu tried to call and patch at least thirty times but Niya wouldn't relent.

 Niya's best friend Sammy was getting married the next week and Niya decided to stay at Sammy's place that was in Egmore.

On the evening before the wedding there was a grand party arranged for Sammy's best friends.

Niya was more than relieved to see her best friends from school and there was lots of cheers and laughter all around her. She felt happy.

Suddenly Rishi, Niya's best friend pulled her aside from others and exclaimed “Your my best friend Niya and its high time I told you my plans with Rithika, our juniour at college.. We plan to tie the knot soon"

Niya patted Rithika friendly and said "Lovely to know that Rishi..Am happy for you guys. Do tie the knot soon ;) “.

Rishi continued "I'm yet to tell others. Will do so soon so keep the cat in the bag for a while Niyaaa!"

Niya assured "Sure Rishi... Will do so and all the best for you guys."

Niya chirped "In the end you too got hooked - Rishi! Happy for you man"

Rishi sensed that Niya was visibly disturbed and though concerned he did not bother to probe more as he knew Niya wouldn’t like unnecessary interference in her life.

After almost all the guests had left the gals planned to chat all night when Niya suddenly felt she wanted some time alone.

Niya left in a haste informing Sammy that she would be nearby garden.

                  The Love-Garden   

                                                      

Niya loved Egmore for more than one reason. To her the area around Christ College was the best as it had well planned roads and houses.

She had taken Raghu many a times and showed him and explained him every single construction and design.

To Raghu all the buildings looked simple but to see his lady-love blush and speak volumes was worth the painstaking, boring drive to the place.

Niya was a child at heart and Raghu loved to listen to her talks.

Niya knew the area well and walked on the lonely road still clad in the heavy zardozi sari in middle of the night.

She did not feel scared because she knew she would be safe because and nothing could be colder than the coldness in her heart.

She sat on a bench in the garden for a long time sobbing and thinking of Raghu.

She wished for him beside her!  She wished she was more forgiving and....

The Love Birds                                                        

Niya sobbed with her hands covering her face. She had turned pink and her face looked paler.  Niya suddenly heard footsteps and got up to leave.

At a distance she could see a silhouette of a six foot man.  Niya was visibly shocked when she heard the man call out "Niya".

Niya knew it was Raghu and she got up and turned away in anger.

"Raghu, I'm leaving. I don’t know your business here but I need to go"

"Niya hold on a minute. I need you. Why don’t you see me eye to eye and speak! I aint your enemy"

Niya turned and to look at his lady in moonlight was so exciting for him but seeing her pink cheeks and nose meant that she had cried and Raghu wished he could comfort her.

Niya continued "What brings you here at this hour! Are you mad! Don’t you feel scared! Go home now; it’s bitterly cold out here."

Raghu calmed her saying "Don’t you feel cold and I'm here because this place though boring used to be my gals dream... She always wanted a house here...You look at that building Its made of rock solid stones brought from Peru... And the road that your standing is made from not the usual stones... And...The red sand is actually oxide form of.. "

Niya was overwhelmed and she pulled Raghu close to her and bit his cheeks hard.

Raghu hugged Niya and whispered in her ears proudly “See I do remember and I love you"

Niya recovered from her happiness and amidst tears screamed "I love you too... but... The building there doesn’t have stones from Peru, the one behind you does.. It’s tough for you to remember, isn’t it....? I'm happy you at least remember that it’s my dream to have a house here ...!"

Niya nudged Raghu to walk with her and they walked round the place till dawn. Though Raghu never favored walking as he was a lazy guy he did it for his love of the woman beside him.

Joking, teasing and after a loads of push-play the couple left the place happily.

Mahi's Way - My Way or No way ;-)

The year read 2043 and Mahi knew what she was doing -boarding the cross Atlantic flight to her hometown Chennai.
She closed her eyes and prayed for strength to pull through the VERY short trip.
After checking her tickets for the Nth time she boarded with a heavy sigh. She knew it was a long journey and she had only one goal in mind.
She sat in the window seat and looked out at the towering heights of her lovely home-NewYork!
Mahi for the first time in twenty years gave the thought she had brushed aside -Rajiv.
If there was  a reason she needed to smile without a reason-it was Rajiv, her best buddy from workplace, where her stint was short lived.
Rajiv- the single name gave her spur of energy as well as a silent tear to her eyes. She thought how wonderful life would have been IF .....
Mahi urged the air-hostess not to disturb as she preferred to sleep the remainder of the journey.
The flight landed and Mahi woke up and found that she was the last one to get down from the flight. She looked at the city she had fled years back .

Mahi stepped out of the huge Boeing with just the handbag she had bought .Near the entrance of the airport she saw a family and instantly recognized Chandu. She ran to Chandu , who was taken aback at Mahi's calling "Chandooooooooooo"
Mahi dint stop at that  but continued "Heyy Chandoo, wow Gita(seeing the woman with chandu) lovely to see you !!! ". Mahi saw that the couple had three kids and exclaimed "Lovely children !!!"
Mahi saw the doubtful glances from both and rushed off with just the words "Ahhhh!! its getting late .Catch you later guys.. Lovely meeting you... Aweesome family guys!!!"
Mahi whisked at a speed which made Chandoo and Gita exchange doubtful glances.
Chandu was Rajiv's best buddy but never had Mahi met Chandu in person but only seen him in pictures. Chandu had never known Mahi or Rajiv's interest in her.
Mahi reflected on the moments spent with Rajiv. To Mahi , Rajiv was a man of difference .His lethargic slumbersome attitude bore a serious persona inside.
Rajiv was just as much as any other guy at office but what made him attractive to Mahi was his caring and loving nature.
He would joke at the worst moments and always had some whims and fancies which Mahi would clearly brush as "Keep it for the next Balance Sheet Rajiv" , thereby meaning his desires would never become real.
Mahi was more earthy and counted on real time results while Rajiv was more adventurous by nature. This basic difference gave way to many a arguments that gave Mahi better ideas for life.
It was Rajiv's attitude to plan at the eleventh hour and Mahi's was a ardent careful planner. Mahi and Rajiv were more like opposites and still the attraction only grew day by day.
In short they complimented each other perfectly until the day ...
Reflecting on these and more during the drive to the Hilton she saw all the changes that had happened to India.
India now looked like a role-model for the rest of the nations - towering skyscrapers, neatly maintained road, corruption -free and disciplined people.
She felt she was living every Indian's utopian dream.
Mahi checked into Hilton and explained to the receptionist that her stay was ONLY for a day and she intended to leave by the next day early morning flight.
The receptionist glanced at Mahi and friendly chirped "Enjoy your stay here mam!!! " .
Mahi checked into the executive room and yelped  "The whole room is for meeeee - I love myself " .After thirty minutes Mahiwalked out of the hotel wearing a business-suite .
She took a cab to the IIFR building -the financial HQ .
She called for some Rao from her mob-app and there came a guy running down the steps to receive her. The guy was Tivli , who was 5' 11'' and was in his mid twenties and blushing to receive Mahi.
Mahi asked for some details and Tivli was more than glad to give them to her. Tivli was still overcome with joy of seeing a woman in forties to come to help the dwindling finances of his firm.
Mahi looked at all the documents that Tivli presented her with.Mahi then projected her presentations and documents using her mob-app.
Mahi and Tivli argued and discussed with lot of presentations and graphs for almost two hours.
In the end Mahi said "I've looked at the copy of these documents and I feel this is the only plausible way! I do agree this is the worst times for your company but I've given you the best idea and I've always won" .
Tivli looked at Mahi now with distress as he felt her ideas were more likely to create a downfall for him firm.
Tivli cursed his boss who had left him with this no-nonsense woman who was paid for every hour to revamp the financial crisis but was only suggesting a death trap.
He replied calmly"Mahi can you put forward your ideas to my boss , I'm not sure if this would work.. I'm still having doubts.. He isnt IN today, but i can arrange for a live chat via v-call."
Mahi's brow went up and with a sigh and said "Give me an hour more, I will rackle my brains and see IF I get better ideas!" . Tivli was relieved and promised Mahi he would wait for one more hour before he called his boss.
Tivli's boss was on leave due to excessive strain he faced to manage the financial cacaphony. Mahi logged into the systems and she was looking once again at all the accounts and file statements.
 She knew her idea was the best and IF it failed her company (which was a financial expertise firm) had to pay for the losses. Mahi had researched for three weeks and only then hit upon this plan and she was sure her work and analysis never failed her. Meticulous planning, hard-work and keen psychology was what she relied upon at this unearthly hour.
She knew she took up this assignment for only one reason -"a journey back to her first love" and promised to give her best.
Mahi let her mind wander for the one hour as she knew exactly what she was about to do.Mahi thought of the days with Rajiv. They were just made for each other except for the love for the States.
Mahi always dreamt of a life in the US but Rajiv wouldnt leave his beloved country.
Mahi and Rajiv had done all like a young couple in love -roam ,talk and fight endlessly. They both knew how much one loved the other .
She remembered how she loved walking down the gardens near her place of stay in Chennai.
While Rajiv found it difficult to led his long slender legs to walk almost 5 km , Mahi loved to tugg at him and her simple smile gave him the enthusiasm to walk beside his lady-love.
Mahi was more than glad to let her mind wander as she knew what had to be done and how.

On the other end , Tivli was more than confident that Mahi could do nothing more than see the documents that had been displayed for her. He knew Mahi was using his boss's system but her knoweledge was not good enought to access the market prices that she was targetting now.
Tivli himself was not aware of the system which helped his boss quote the prices .
Mahi had just one thought "I need this back on the run, people bet only on the running horse and the fastest".
It was more than hour and not hearing a word from Mahi , Tivli barged into his boss's room where Mahi sat hitting her forehead with a pen.
 Mahi exclaimed "Tivli , lovely to see you . Now that you've come . I guess my one hour is over and I just have one question for you -YES or NO"
Tivli was perplexed and said "What is your question that I need to answer to you with a Yes or NO"
Mahi said "Yes or No!!" . Tivli dint want to anger the crazy five footed woman and said "No".Mahi immediately exclaimed "Yes ,it is then" Saying this Mahi just pressed the ENTER button .
Tivli shivered as he heard the background noises saying "Share price change:Alert Alert Alert". Tivli spoke with utmost fear "Mahi Tiwari , this is no way to behave  ,your insane .. you've hacked the systems which is unethical "
Tivli was in utter shock.
Mahi heard all the screams and silently sat back in the chair "My lovely boy , wish you knew the psycology of people better. I m here for the next two hours, even if you want me behind bars .
Have patience for some half hour more, I wish to see the market experts call you"
Tivli walked across the room contemplating how he was to break this bad news to his boss who would spare nothing at this hour of trouble.
In some twently minutes Tivli got call from his boss's friend -Chandu. Tivli exclaimed after disconnecting the call "The call was from a guy named Chandu, my boss' best friend . He says our market looks better by 0.1 % from yesterday. But I 'm still shocked!!"
Mahi smiled angellically and stated "Now if you will excuse me , I need to go. Some old unfinished business. If need be call me ."Mahi walked out of the office with a triumphant smile leaving behind a ever confused Tivli.
Mahi got a box of dark chocolates of her favorite brand and took a cab to an apartment at Besant Nagar. She pressed the button that read "P" in the lift indicating the penthouse and got down after taking a deep breath.
She walked as though she was returning to her home after a long day at work.
She knocked the door and it was answered by a pretty woman -taller than her and a lovely mother. Mahi introduced herselves and asked for the master of the house.
Mahi knew this was the only time she was visiting this home and looked at everything possible with utmost interest . A home well built , crafted with great taste and resounding with pictures of a beautiful family of three- a man , his wife and his lovely son.
As she waited hastily she looked through the French window- a man standing tall at six feet talking in a deep serious tone to his son.
Mahi looked at the guy with the same interest she had twenty years back and exclaimed to herself "Rajiv hasnt changed an iota , whatta lovely son he has "
Rajiv was taken aback when he saw Mahi and asked the purpose for her visit. Mahi thoughtfully put her words " I m here on business and just gottu  guys chocolates. I hope your fine ?"
Rajiv cut her short asking  "So its WORK that brings you down all the way from US! and guess those guys pay you really well"
Mahi felt a little embarassed that Rajiv had never forgiven her for whatever she had done and got up to leave .
Rajiv looked at her with utmost disgust and Mahi stood at the door and spoke in a soft voice "I hope you have better times and really a lovely year ahead .My best wishes to you and your family." She added "Lovely son you have , I hope he plays football with you as much as you had desired !"
Mahi left with a hurried rush when Rajiv's wife informed him of a call from his workplace. Rajiv called back and on the other side heard Tivli exclaim "Boss, I m well. . I called you to tell we are back with 0.8% increase now, pl check the markets.
 A woman from "The Walts and Detts ", the firm we had hired for financial rebuild came and reset everything -our prices are lower by 2% but there is market pickup by 0.8% in just few hours after price drop... If this trend goes on we will be back in few weeks boss.. I m just dazed and shocked and only recovering now.. Sorry i called you late.. I was feeling too scared..."
Rajiv recovered from the pleasant surprise and just managed to ask "Wasnt it one Mr.Simon whom we were expecting next week who was to help the rebuild?"
Tivli exclaimed "Yes but there was a freelancer who was ready to take up our case -one Ms.Tiwari and she was one crazy woman. I only wish I was a little more intelligent ... She was just amazing...I m still in shock . I wish you be back soon .How is your health now Rajiv?"
Rajiv dropped at the very mention of the name and clarified "Tivli , what did you say was her name ?"
Tivli replied "Mahi Tiwari!" .Tears rolled down from Rajiv's eyes and he thought "She was here just for me! Just like her !Forgive me Mahii!"
Mahi during check-out gave the receptionist a make-up kit and said "Your one of the sweetest receptionist and my compliments for you. All the best . Bye . Chow :-)" .
Mahi left with a lighter heart and slept well in her return journey.

 

Yuan- Yang

The Mandarin Ducks

"Idiot, How more dumb can you get, Useless brained , Foolish.. You shouldn't have forayed into unknown grounds..People rightly call you DUCK! " I felt miserable standing in front of the mirror and  on purpose banged my head on it.

It was Friday morning!All the mess I created happened on Wednesday .. My old school friend had a wager and I miserably lost in it.
I truly felt ashamed as the deal was  to have lunch with him if I lost the wager.
Now that I lost I knew the inevitable had to happen -to do whatever Bala demanded from me.
Bala is a friend for close to two decades but a guy whom I avoid for various reasons.
Its strange that we studied in the same school and also the same college. Just Imagine! I know him for so long but the very sight of him would make me take to my heels.
I had no dislike to him as a friend but its just that I dint much get along with his UBER cool gang.
Bala was like any other normal guy, above average in studies, excellent in sports and best known for his extra curricular activities.

I would talk to him now and then but never has our conversation lasted more than 5 minutes. At school my only concern was his attendance as I happened to be the class pupil leader and at college his marks .
The only incident I remember speaking to him was during our school annual day celebrations and college debate club where I always felt he was more panicky than ever.
I told Bala to make eye contact with  people and not the  floor while he gave his speeches and not to twitch his fingers after he reached his PANIC mode while on stage.
I often assumed that my suggestions would help people and till date I continue to do so.
 After college I hardly heard of him and I was thankful in a way because I never much liked him. The plaintive reason was at school he always looked clumsy and lazy and at college he would wear the same dress for two days.
In short I dint much care for Bala. Despite all his drawbacks I knew he was a great guy  with a large heart and many girls always eyed him with much awe.

So when the same guy rang me up and said "Dude your going to write me a story. That's the deal for the bet " I only frowned in dismay . I wondered why he chose me amongst the people he knew. I tried my best in convincing him and stated
"My writing is real mess. Don trust me , I don't think I can ever write a STORY!!!"
Bala calmly replied " Your on it  and BTW we are gonna meet for lunch this Friday! We 'go Dutch  at your  office FOOD COURT . Its all fixed and done !Chow little girl -you will be my author :-)" and he slammed the call.

It was Friday and I was in terrible state myself that I could hardly think of anything and in a hopeless fear started off to the ground floor of my office where the food court was. I dint want to be rude to Bala but I was too sure I was not in good state to write something.


I waited patiently for my friend to come and meanwhile started looking at all the counters and the one recent addition I loved the most was the MOMOS counter. Soft , white creamy momos filled with vegetables made an awesome combo with the green and red sauces they served.
I was in dream of munching into one when I was rudely interrupted by my friend "Heyy Mahi!!! SO long so good ... How have you been. ??? You have grown a little fluffier .. truly happy to see you "
For some strange reason I was too happy to meet him, All my despair had now gone and I felt happy for he called my fluffy and NOT FAT.


I just greeted him formally and I was about to say I dint have much time to spare when he cordially asked me "What would you like to have ?" .
"I have bought my lunch already , get what you want and well we have time only for your story but I must admit - I'm no good a writer"
He brushed away my words and  continued "I ll get you momos as they seem to catch your attention the most"
I was awestruck - Bala had only entered the place couple of minutes ago and how did he ever know of  it ? . Before I could answer I found a hot plate of the soft dish on the table and I continued "Thank you so much I truly appreciate your chivalry and I hope you got what you wanted"
And please tell me your story . I don't have much time Bala" 

There was deep silence as we continued to eat and it gave me loads of time to look at the stupendous changes that had come upon him .
 He placed his Iphone away from food and also tucked his Coolers away at a safe distance .Bala was dressed in branded stuff from top to toe. 

From the rugged , clumsy Bala I saw a different man now -the very demeanour in him had changed  . The lazy moronic attitude now had been replaced with a more poised outlook and I wondered what had happened to him in the two years after graduation.

He started his story " Like everyone of us with high dreams and aspirations I joined the my FIRST company .The very first day , there was only introduction and certain managerial stuff done. I had plenty of time to look around when I spotted her. It took me only three days to realise I was head over heels in love with her. I truly was smitten for the first time in my life.
A woman whose very name gave me butterflies and fireflies alike . I have met loads of women and interacted with many but feelings for her were special."
I interrupted hesitantly "So your gonna tell me a love story ?" He nodded and in utter shock I scowled "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO . I'm hopeless in writing such stuff ..Never will it happen. Please forgive me I think I better run!!!"
Bala calmly said " I know you don't respect me much , You may never even understand the feelings I express  but your honest in your work . I trust that honesty! And spare me a post from your blog. It can do no harm"

 I gulped down my food in sheer dismay as Bala continued " There is this special feeling Mahi and it can happen only once in a man's life. I felt very special , I felt that I was born for her, I did everything possible to attract her attention- I used to wait upon her too"
The world seemed so blessed and happy whenever she was around.  I wanted to  make her mine and it would be the best thing that has ever happened to me. I was just three days old in the IT industry and I ran to my beloved Ria and said " I love you, Will you be mine always ?".
 I blurted  "Just three days !You must be kidding me man! "
 Bala "Yes three days were more than enough for me Mahi. It was definitely not infatuation as she dismissed me THEN but genuine true feelings for her."
It took seven weeks before she too realised that the air was indeed more lovely when both of us were together. It was so crazy and magical . The very presence of her made me happy . We did everything like a young couple in love-movies , restaurants,beaches & late night calls.
We enjoyed each others company the most.
There existed an unknown strange happiness that was delectable, tangible and most romantic. She understood me perfectly and I matched her man of dreams."
I used to pick her up for work everyday morning and the ride by the beach road which was the most perfect start of the day. I would ride more cautiously as my fiery sports bike now carried a gentle angel! 
Those were the best moments I have known in my life. There was happiness, smile and warmth  of a woman that I had enjoyed never before and I may never after too.
Almost every single evening our dinner was by the beach as we always finished work early and pushed off to the beach. It was more like a page from a romantic novel.
Holding her hands and walking a mile never seemed enough and talking and texting to her all night never seemed boring ! Love drives you crazy and that is what it exactly did to me.
I promised to marry her at the very church we used to pass by everyday.  The most special feeling to be perfectly understood by her and to be appreciative for understanding her was the very basis of our relationship. 
It was the  most beautiful part of my life.

I once again interrupted "you mean to say you guys never fought? A gal never fought with you ??Its next to impossible ! "
There were silly  fights but we usually made up with the other in a jiffy . We never truly fought for more than a day! Neither of us could stand the other at rage!

I only quipped "Nice! "

"She made me the man who I am today. I owe my life to her - this change and the changes that are yet to come. She changed me completely . I'm more refined , peace loving and better than before. I did things just because she told me and if it were anyone else I would have given a F*** D*** to them!"

I enjoyed every meal , coffee and dinner that I had with her. There was nothing special about the food or ambience but special because she was with me.We shared a chemistry that is inexplicable I feel.
The air , people and everything around seemed magical. It was bliss in one word!
She made my days lighter and her smile gave me the energy to better at every downfall."
Bala paused for long and I dint know how to urge him to continue.
He choked with sadness and said "And today, the hardest days I have spent in my life were the ones trying to move on with the thought she is no longer mine! She is no more with me . I dint or well it never....My life is hell now and I'm just trying to forget every bad memory"

I stopped Bala at this moment and said " I have known you for close to 2 decades and such tremendous change can never have happened if not for  her. Never ever call her memories BAD. They are there to cherish "

Bala gathered himself together and said " I don't deny the best thing that is ever happened in my life is Ria and her memories will make me surge ahead of anything and anyone! My love for her was true and it would exist till I die! ...Love is the craziest feeling that one can deal with "

Bala finshed his lunch and left without much ado but I sat there long after he left with tears in my eyes as his last words kept ringing in my ears "Its not the food/gift/song/dress or place that  is special but its the person who made it special for you :-)" 

PS: The first image of ducks are those of Mandarin ducks- symbol of eternal love as they find a mate for life.Their story inspired me to write this post. To read more 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarin_Duck