Series called Life - first episode

Life had been treating him very well. He'd bought himself a Wii console a couple of weeks ago and a whole suite of games too. Amazing how the game brought forth his inner childhood. But like a reality check, his parents had been asking him about his wedding plans very now and then for a few months now, ever since they found out about the girl. He just had to to give them a date for the wedding. They are ready to take off and fly like rockets once he gave the 'Go'. But he wouldn't , not so easily.

About two months ago, he went on a backpacking trip with her to Havasu Falls in Grand Canyon area. They camped alongside a creek, not too far from the turquoise Havasupai falls. They were cozy inside the tent in spite of it being a fairly cold evening. The place was quite dark except for the moonlight shimmering slightly through the tent. After few minutes of chatting and laughing about some random stuff, he casually took a small box out of his pocket and opened it.

With his usual smile, he told her that he loved her more than anything in this world and asked her if she would like to marry him. He had a ring in his hands. She did not expect it. She was surprised, shocked and slowly smiled, only to nod her head and say 'Yes'.

To him, it all seemed very matter of fact, like asking her to go to Burger King and get some fries. More than the very act of asking her, the preparation that went into the whole proposal seemed big to him. He had to surprise her, which meant hiding a lot of information from her. He had to buy the ring, pack it in a way that she wouldn't find it, have it safe in the pockets of his Cargo pants, which he planned to wear for the 10-mile hike to get to the falls. Quite a lot of meticulous planning went into it, he gave himself a pat on his shoulder.

All the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place slowly. He looked at all his single friends and mocked them in his own style. He was almost always seen as a happy person. For a committment phobe like him, getting ready for a serious relationship seemed strange! Very much unlike himself, he thought. And then one fine day, he was bored at work. And blogged the story.

Second episode here.

Doppelgänger - III

Continued from here.

Carl did not know it was going to be the longest night he has ever seen in his life. 

He climbed down the stairs as fast as he could and when he reached Aunt Natasha's room, he stopped. The living room to his left looked eerily silent and unperturbed. So did the hallway. Absolute Silence. He held his breath for a moment and he could hear nothing but his pounding heart beat. He was not sure if he should knock the door. 

He heard something behind him in the stairs. In the spur of the moment, he pushed open Aunt Natasha's room and stormed inside. Aunt Natasha was not there in her bed. 

Utterly panicked, he looked around the room. Finding no movement but for the swinging ghostly drapes, he thoughtfully made his move. He knocked the door to the bathroom and called out for Aunt Natasha in his shaken voice. Receiving no response, he slowly opened the door. The lights were ON, but he did not see what he half-expected. The bathroom was as tidy as it could be.

He quickly turned around and walked towards the closet. He examined the closet doors one by one, when he noticed the third closet door left slightly ajar.

Scared and bewildered, he opened the closet door as slowly as he could. He saw her there. Aunt Natasha looked pale and her eyes were wide open. Her hair was awfully disheveled and blood was still oozing out of her head on the right side. Aunt Natasha was dead. Carl screamed and felt his head spinning. 

He ran to the living room and lifted the phone to call his mom. He heard somebody walking down the stairs. Carl slowly kept the phone receiver down and remained silent. In a moment, he saw his own image walking down the stairs slowly looking directly at him. The image increased its pace and hurried towards Carl. 

His senses urged him to run, but he could not respond. His legs refused to cooperate. His brain was numb. He knew he would be killed. He was out of tears. He realized he was totally helpless. 

The image kept walking towards Carl. 

The next 10 seconds seemed unceasing. The image took every step cautiously. There was no mercy left in it. No sign of love. No smile. Carl suddenly thought of his piano, his only obsession and desire in life. He wished he played his piano one last time before dying. He could not figure out why he thought so. The image almost neared him. Carl hated the image, oblivious of the fact that it’s his own. 

In seconds, the image came close enough to touch Carl, but stopped. Carl closed his eyes. He waited. He waited for pain. He waited for death to beckon. But nothing happened. 

Carl opened his eyes and saw the image still standing at the same position. He raised his eye-brows. So did the image. He raised his hands. So did the image. He smiled slowly. So did the image. 

He suddenly heard his mom shouting "What the hell are you doing at the bathroom for so long?! It’s getting late for school!"

 

The author, being inspired by Manoj 'Night' Shyamalan attempts (vainly) at writing horror stories. And dreams of being called Arun 'Day' Sundar. 

Doppelgänger - II

Continued from here.

Carl thought he saw something moving at the last moment, but he was too scared to turn back. Instead, he started running. Suddenly, something held his legs and he tripped. He fell flat on the floor. His nose hurt. He couldn't breathe with ease. With the heart rate refusing to go below 120 bpm, he looked back at what made him trip and fall.

The carpet edges were worn off and were folded up. Could the carpet have tripped him? He wasn't sure. He quickly got to his foot and raced towards Rachel's room. He switched on the lights and almost called her out, but only to find she wasn't there in the bed. Puzzled and confused, he looked around in the big room. The room was silent and untroubled - he was not sure what he is to do next.

Rachel must have gone to the restroom, he said to himself. Someone touched him at his shoulder. He jerked heavily and almost screamed. But out of reflex, he turned back. Deep inside, he was expecting Rachel. But he was aghast at the sight he saw. It wasn’t her. He choked for a moment and his body started shivering tremendously. What he saw made him gasp for breath. He saw was his own image staring right at him, quite diabolically. He couldn’t believe he is seeing himself standing right in front of him.

He cried out for help, but words wouldn’t come out. He was trembling and the tears were already rolling out of his eyes. He couldn’t process any thoughts. As he was shaking, he felt one more touch at his shoulder from behind. He turned back and this time, it was Rachel. Carl turned back once again, but the image was gone. Rachel asked "Carl, what are you doing here? I thought you were asleep. And why are you crying?" with all concern and mild panic. Carl talked for the first time in the last couple of hours. He said "I'm scared Rach…"

Rachel was about to say something and Aunt Natasha came. "Aren't you kids supposed to be sleeping now? Carl, what happened? Why do you look so pale?" Rachel pitched in "No Aunt Natasha, he was going to the restroom and he tripped. I heard the noise and came to see him. He is ok". Aunt Natasha wasn't convinced, she looked at Carl, who was still trembling "Carl, are you alright?" "I...I should be ok", Carl said. "Ok kids, go back to sleep. This is close to midnight and it’s not healthy to be up!" After Aunt Natasha went, Rachel looked inquiringly yet empathetically at Carl. Carl slowly asked "Can I sleep in your room today?" Rachel nodded without second thought.

Rachel had the reading lights on. Carl could not sleep. He could not understand. Fear was more apparent than anything else. In about 20 minutes, Rachel dozed off. Carl still couldn't sleep. As much as he tried to shut the thought of the image out, he couldn't. He still heard the crackling of the glass windows. He rolled over to lie on his chest, his face buried tight inside the pillows. He heard nothing for 10 seconds. Silence. This is better, he thought.

Suddenly, he felt someone jerking his legs in one fast motion.

He quickly turned over to saw all the lights switched on. Windows and doors were wide open. Not being able to understand a single bit of what's happening, he turned his face to Rachel. Rachel was lying in a pool of blood with her neck split open. There was not a sign of motion. There was no sound. His heart stopped for a moment. He felt like screaming at the top of his voice, but his senses did not cooperate. He felt numb.

He shook and got up from the bed to run towards Aunt Natasha's room. The image appeared behind him, smiled and followed.

Carl did not know it was going to be the longest night he has ever had in his life.

Continued here

Doppelgänger

Carl did not want to go on a vacation. He preferred staying at home, when kids of his age were perfectly relishing the summer by playing around, visiting places, more than all, forgetting totally about school. Carl secretly wished the school starts soon. He hated stepping outside and playing in the park. He would love if he is never asked to go out in the sun. But if he said this to someone, they would confirm him to be crazy. He would rather stay home and play piano all day- the only activity that gave him perfect solace. He wasn't sure if he really is a different kid, as others claim him to be. But he was beyond being bothered by what other kids say.

One afternoon, his mom told him he has to go visit his aunt in Cleveland. Arrangements were already made and his elder sister Rachel is to accompany. His parents called it vacation. Carl hated the very term. He hated Cleveland as much as any place in this world. And he hated his aunt too. And her big house. But he could never refuse to his mom. He looked at the Piano, the only companion he might miss for the next 3 weeks. The kids were about to leave the next morning.

Amtrak left the station at 6.10am sharp. Carl was sitting by the window and Rachel in the aisle. Carl kept staring outside, as the train picked up speed. Rachel sank in to a whole different world her iPod created for her. Carl took his PSP and started playing 'Silent hill origins'. He imbibed himself in the game and before he could realize, they were nearing Cleveland. Carl looked out thru the window and the land was so beautifully covered with snow. Carl has never seen anything even remotely beautiful like this white spread of snow. His attention wholly shifted from the game to the snowfield. The sight made him happy and the very experience of happiness was something he felt for the first time. As he was delighting the sight, he saw a hazy white figure traveling alongside the train.

Unable to figure out what it must be, he was about to ask Rachel, but she was already fast asleep. He looked outside again and the figure started gaining a definitive shape slowly. For a moment, it appeared to him like a flying refrigerator and seconds later, it seemed like a swimming crocodile. In moments, it hazed up again. Carl wasn’t sure if he should continue looking. He was confused, scared and thrilled all at the same time. As he kept looking at the figure, something like eyes appeared in the figure. Carl's heartbeat paced up and suddenly, the figure opened its eyes and looked directly at Carl.

Uncontrollably, Carl almost twitched and that woke Rachel up. She asked if everything is ok. Carl looked outside and the figure wasn't there anymore. He was hesitant to tell Rachel anything, as he was scared that she might think of him as an abnormal kid like everybody else too. He recomposed himself and seemed as if everything is normal. For the rest of the train journey, Carl tried to sit in a skewed position and not to look outside the window. His curiosity still made him look outside every while and then. But he found nothing but vast land of snow-laden meadows.

The train arrived at Cleveland. Their aunt Natasha was already at the station. She received them flaunting her happiness and drove them for an hour to reach her house. Carl did not speak a single sentence in the car journey and he restricted himself to one-word answers to all his aunt's enquiring questions. When they reached the house, the sun was nowhere to be seen. Aunt Natasha's house was an otherwise beautiful one, but the harsh weather and the foggy daylight made it look a little eerie. Or at least Carl felt so. After dinner, Aunt Natasha tucked Carl in and left for her room after a good night kiss.
Carl was too tired to sleep. He was a little scared too. His already existent hatred to vacations was increasing manifold. He got out of the bed and slowly walked to Rachel’s room. He has to pass thru the hallway to reach Rachel’s room.

As he walked, he suddenly heard noise of glass crackling from one of the windows. He stopped to look back, only to find all the windows intact. He waited for a second before proceeding. Uneasy silence prevailed. He started walking and he heard the noise again, this time a couple of notches louder. He stopped. He was sweating already. He looked back and the hallway was as dark as before. No change in the windows or the drapes. The eerie silence continued. He turned and continued walking faster towards Rachel’s room. He thought he saw something moving at the last moment, but he was too scared to turn back and he started running. Suddenly, something held his legs and he tripped...

Continued here…

A Simple Tale - contd!

Continued from here.

The evening quickly passes. Party ends. Everybody leaves. It is just the two of us now.

My jubilance is unfathomable even to describe in words. I look at the epitome of beauty in her. I wonder if I would need anything else at all from this world. I float in the happiness I have never rejoiced before. A satisfaction I have never felt before. A feel of fulfillment that I have never beleived in. I was going to say something and she starts. She looks a little serious though. I couldn’t make anything out of that look of hers. I get a weird feeling and I ask her if everything’s ok. She suddenly spurts out with all seriousness “What the hell did you think you did today?” With all shock and dismay I ask “what?” I was totally flabbergasted for a moment at her display of anger and her raging countenance. I thought I did something that’s the best I have ever done in my entire life. She continues “You were so confident that I’d agree if you propose in front of everybody, didn’t you?” That left me totally confounded. I thought it all had a happy ending. I pitch in, “Hey, no Priya. It’s not what you think. I have been thinking about this for long and thought I couldn’t find a better day for this than your birthday”. She retaliates, “Don’t be stupid. Do you even have any idea of how embarrassing it was for me? Had it not been you, I’d have said something harsh that the guy would never forget in his life”. She wasn’t aware she told something harsh right then that I can never forget in my life.

I try to keep my heart-rate under control that was already pacing alarmingly for the second time in the day. I compose myself and take my time. I conceive and try to accept the fact as-is. Gaining equanimity, I slowly tell her “Ok Priya. I’m sorry. Maybe I should have discussed with you once in private before doing such a thing” She fires back “What are you sorry for? No point in saying sorry. I cannot believe you did such a thing to me. I thought we were the best friends God has ever created in this planet” I should say it is all too much to hear for me. I don’t have the brain-power to ask her any questions or to agree to what she says. All said and done, she is definitely not happy with what I did. I screwed up big time. That pains. I say “Sorry again Priya” I turn around and walk towards the door.

I would accept if it was anybody else. But not my Priya, I tell myself. I thought I knew and understood her totally. 5 years is still not enough to understand women, I cursed. I honestly thought she liked me too. I never expected her to hit me back this way. Thoughts were raping me mercilessly. Trying hard to keep myself composed, I walk towards my car. I open the car door. And there was a heavy roar of laughter from behind the car. Completely confused, I look beyond the car. There were 5 of Priya’s friends totally laughing out of control. They walk towards me and say almost in unison “Sorry again Priya!” in the tone I just talked to Priya and continue their laughter. As confused as I was, I turn back and I see Priya standing there near the door. She smiles and slowly walks towards me. And she says, ‘Sorry da. You gave me the biggest surprise of my life time during the party. I have never been so happy in my life and I would cherish that moment like a treasure. But then, I wanted to give you a similar unforgettable feeling too. I was discussing with my friends and they gave me this stupid idea. Initially, I wasn’t ok with making you feel bad, but later I thought if I don’t play with you, who else would?!” And she stops. Maybe she expects me to say something.

I take a deep breathe. I see myself being in a state where beleiving anything anymore is a little hard. I for sure know that I can’t take any more emotional roller-coaster ride in a single day. So I slowly start to speak and she immediately interjects “And I love you a lot!”. That apparently brings a blushing smile on to my face. Posing a false anger, I say “Naotanki Saali”(Drama queen) as I usually do and walk inside together with smile on both our faces. As we walk in, I also tell her "And you better get rid of such friends!" And she laughs out. I felt the best moments in my life, twice in a single day.

Not many are as luck as I am!

A Simple Tale!

6pm. It is a little late. I know I should be there by then. Damn these signal lights. I hate being late. Everybody would have come. Priya would be expecting me. The light turned green. I press the pedal a little hard. In exactly 5 minutes, I pull over her driveway. I carefully carry the big gift box and walk towards the door. I casually straighten the tucked shirt in. I normally don't tuck shirts for birthday parties, but she likes me this way. I press the door bell. A cute little girl comes and opens the door. I smile at her and step in. I see a decent crowd of people, most of them happy and with glasses in their hands. My eyes casually scan the room for Priya. I see her with her friends on the other side of the room. The room dazzles with her beauty. A nice large cake poses itself right in front of her.

She looks at me and lifts her hands with heavy, yet controlled enthusiasm. I reciprocate and wink. She offers an inviting smile. I slowly walk towards her. I near her and greet with genuine happiness “Happy Birthday Priya!” The most impatient and a naughty creature she is, she immediately asks me what present did I get her. I smile, extend a handshake, a pound hug and give her the present. Opening the gift wrap with bright eyes, she curiously asks “Should I guess?” I say “You may…” And she goes mixed with laughter “Is it the iPod touch I have been asking for long?” I smile. And I casually deny. She continues opening the box. Then she asks “Is it a book or something?” I said “Hmmmm…No”. She then suddenly exclaims “Oh my God! I got it! It should be the Kindle!” I said with a smile, “Nope. Not even close!” She is out of options already. She thoughtfully opens the box and finds a smaller box inside. She takes the box in her hands and looks at me doubtfully. As she examines the box, I swiftly grab it from her hands. By now, almost every eye in the party is on us. I slowly make my move. I open the box, kneel and say “I love you Priya. I would like to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?!”

The room is drop-dead silent. She keeps looking at me. I try to keep my cool in spite of my heart thumping like a thousand drums. Everything freezes for those few seconds. I look at her with all the love in this world. She takes her time. A moment later, she slowly smiles, nods and extends her arms towards mine. She keeps looking at my eyes. I can never forget that wonderful moment. Everything else in this world seemed nothing. After 5 years of friendship, I never thought I’ll do this to her. Her parents have been talking about her wedding for 6 months now. I was not ok with that. Involuntarily, my mind started praying her parents shouldn’t find the right guy for her. Strangely enough, I later found something telling me that maybe I was the guy. After swallowing such thoughts for long enough now and having reached a point where I could no longer handle, I wanted to make it clear this day. And that’s why this whole proposal episode; that too, on her birthday. And as surprising as it was for me, she agrees. By nodding her head, in one second, she made the whole universe seem miniscule.

The evening quickly passes. Party ends. Everybody leaves. It is just the two of us now....

Continued here…

Indian population minus one!

Ramesh wanted to adopt and make Swathi an elder sister
Meera concorded and elders in the family agreed
A baby boy was adopted and Ramesh/Meera were extremely happy
For they contributed to one less number in the Indian population!

25 years of head-banging fun!

One starts a software life totally excited,
Does work and slogs completely satisfied,
Mental fatigue and confusion pitches in uninvited,
Retirement mixed with weariness invites earlier than expected!

Elderly Morons...

They desired the astro'logic'ical prediction to acquiesce and the caste be in sync
He knew it wouldn't work out that way
She did not have a choice but to listen to them
He/She parted with pain, they wallowed in their shallow triumph!

Day-Night Conversations...

Daily, as I watch the sun go down and as the night sky cover, I get a strong feeling that Day and Night are just like passionate lovers. I sincerely feel that they share a special relationship among themselves. But everyday, they get only two chances to meet up with each other, once during dusk and once during dawn. And that’s precisely less than hour. Do they really get to talk during that one hour? If they do, what would they converse?? Right from my childhood, I’ve been wondering if the Day and Night get to interact during the twilight. And if they did, maybe this is what would happen.

(Note: Please make a conscious effort not to let your knowledge of science take over, as this is my complete imagination!)

One evening,

Day: Hey, whats up?

Night: Things are good, how bout u?

Day: Yaa, am fine too. But its been a long day for me..

Night: Oh yaa, I know – this is summer. No wonder! Days are supposed to be longer..

Day: Hmmm….So, u all set for u’r turn of work?

Night: Yaa, am all fresh and ready.

Day: Good. Have a great time!

And the Night continues to maintain the darkness to the world for over 9 hours and then by dawn, gets to meet the Day once again.

Day: Hey, Howz u??

Night: I’m good.

Day: How was u’r work?

Night: Not too bad. The world slept. I watched.

Day: I bet you had a good night!

Night: So, u ready for u’r day?

Day: Oh yaa. Am waiting to shower light!

Night: Ok, u have a great time! Its time I go..

Day: Sure, see ya in the evening.

Night: Bye.

So, this way Day and night continued their schedule for millions of years. But they never got a chance to meet for more than an hour and express themselves, until one dusk..

Day: Hey, you are a bit early today.

Night: I know, its winter and days are supposed to be shorter.

Day: You are right and its good for me!

Night: I’m tired. But this meeting of ours makes me feel good.

Day: I feel the same too.

Night: I spend all my night, waiting to see you in the morning. And I wait again to see you in the evening. I can’t imagine what would happen, if we don’t meet up one day.

Day: Ohh, I can’t even think about it.

Night: Maybe this world would come to a stand still.

Day: Very true. Whatever, I’m sure this world wouldn’t take that.

Night: We hafta meet each other daily and that’s how we are made to be.

Day: Yaa, I like this though!.

Night: And am sure, we both are absolutely made for each other.

Day: I agree.

Night: Ok, its high time you go.

Day: Bye.

The next day morning,

Night: You are baaacckkkk!!

Day: Good to see you.

Night: So, how are things?

Day: I couldn’t get sleep. I have been thinking about you.

Night: Oh really?

Day: We weren’t like this before.

Night: Maybe, we like each other a lot more than we thought we did!

Day: Yaa, I think I like you a lot. You are my only relief after every long day.

Night: And I love you..

Day: What?? You love me? Oh, you are fast!

Night: C’mon – its been eons, we have been meeting this way, doing nothing.

Day: What do you expect us to do?

Night: Can we kiss?

Day: Oh my God! You have gone absolutely crazy!

Night: No, I’m not.

Day: You better be going. My brother SUN is out and if he knows, he’s gonna scorch you out.

Night: Yaa, I can see that you are getting brighter...

Day: You better leave then.

Night: Ok, Cya in the evening..

Day : B’bye.

The same evening,

Day: You are coming earlier nowadays.

Night: yaa, I wanna meet you.

Day: Don’t try to flatter me.

Night: No really.

Day: So, how long do we have today?

Night: Not long. So, how did things go?

Day: Kind of ok. Your thoughts again!

Night: And that’s it! You are in love for sure.

Day: Don’t be stupid.

Night: No, I’m sure this is it! This is love..

Day: How are you so sure?

Night: I know about love better than you do.

Day: How can you say that?

Night: I’m destined to be. That’s why most of this world think about love in the nights, when I’m up.

Day: Oh no, you can’t be right.

Night: Yes, I am.

Day: How??

Night: All things related to Love are meant to happen in the nights – Romantic dinner, Dreams, Parties and of course, Sex.

Day: Ohh yaa, maybe you are right!

Night: So, can we kiss now?

Day: Are you kidding?

Night: I’m really serious. Please.

Day: Don’t be silly! Your sister Moon is already out there in the corner, watching us.

Night: Oh, not again. She is the most impatient celestial creation I’ve ever seen.

Day: Don’t blame your sister. She’s just doing her job.

Night: Hell with her job! Who asked her to come so early?

Day: And don’t forget those birds returning to their nests and animals, returning to their home and humans too, returning from work. They all are watching us. We can’t kiss like this in public!

Night: Oh my! So, can I never kiss you?

Day: Maybe, there’ll be a day, where it’ll be only you and me. I shall kiss you then!

Night: Are you sure such a moment would come?

Day: I am very sure.

Night: Now the same question to you. How can you be so sure?

Day: The same answer. Because I’m destined to be smarter than you.

Night: Oh no, stop this!

Day: You wouldn’t believe, would you? The whole world is active only in the days, when I’m up.

Night: Does that make you any smarter than I am?

Day: It sure does. And don’t forget more than 90% of humans work in days, 95% of Animals hunt in the days and people don’t do “Sleep Talking” in days. That means most of the world is smart in the days. Aint it?

Night: Ok, I agree. You are smarter! Can we kiss now?

Day: Did you forget that I just told you about that special day? We shall kiss for sure then!

Night: So, what till then?? I have to sit back and wait?

Day: Absolutely! Night: hmmmm…..let me think...but whats so special about that special day??…

Day: Ohh, I can explain that! On that special day, there’ll be no humans or no living creatures, watching us. No Sun or No moon. No stars either. And no disturbances via Airplanes. No rain, no thunder, no wind too. Its gonna be you and me. Just you and me!. It’ll just be one moment and that’ll suffice, wouldn’t it??

Night: Yaa, when I imagine, I understand it. It is so nice. But how are you so sure that’d happen?

Day: I know it’d happen. Maybe in a year, a decade or even more than that. But it’d happen for sure. Don’t you love me so much to wait?

Night: Of course, I do.

Day: Then lets wait. Night: Ok.

Day: It’s getting late. Shouldn’t I be going by now?

Night: Yaa, take care and I’ll wait till morning to see you.

Day: Sure. And don’t forget about that special day! Night: I will not. I’ll forget only if I don’t think about it and I cant stop thinking about it.

Day: Ok, b’bye.

Night: Love u.

Day: Love u too!

The Night never stopped thinking about that special day and hence he never forgot.

The Day joined the Night, in their wait.

From that day on, Day and Night have been waiting for that special day.

And they are still waiting, I imagine!

Private Number...Calling...

After a strenuous day of work, I crashed at 1am. Within moments, I heard my mobile phone rocking the whole room. Cursing my mobile as it made Susmita Sen disappear immediately in the fog, I slowly opened my eyes. I looked at my mobile and it said "Private Number...calling..." I saw my watch, it showed 3am. I thought it was only minutes since I had slept. With a completely sleepy tone even a baby could understand, I said "Hello-o-o-..." And the voice on the other end enthusiastically said "Hey Ramesh, it’s me Pujitha. I know you'd have reached by now. So, how was the journey?? How is US?!" I was totally perplexed and I slowly said "Excuse me?!" And the voice immediately said "Oops...I'm sorry, I must have got the wrong number!" and she hung up immediately.

I sighed heavily and went back to sleep, hoping I'll meet Susmita at the same place again. I didn't even tell her 'bye' before I left her last time. All because of this wrong number. Damn! I almost slept and the mobile rang again. I opened my eyes. I looked at my phone and it read a number from Chennai, India. Brushing away the thoughts it might be the same darn Pujitha, I picked the call and said "Hello". The voice said "Hi, it's me…the same person who called a couple of minutes ago. Listen…my brother has travelled to US for the first time. I got a little over-enthusiastic wanting to be the first person to call him after he lands there. Once I found it wasn't his voice, I hung up immediately. Then I realized I did not even say a 'sorry' to you. I'm really very sorry". I blinked twice. Susmita had gone beyond my reach now. I then said "Oh…k. I understand. And it's alright. If you may excuse me, I'll go sleep". And she said "Oh yeah sure. Sorry again” I said “I already said it’s alright” And she smiled and continued “My brother has gone to New York. Is that where you live too?" I had completely lost my sleep by now. I replied "Yup. I do. And if you don't know, it is 3.15am now and this is the time people normally sleep". I sounded a little harsh there. Maybe it triggered her. She said "Alright Mr.whatever. I just called to say a 'Sorry'. I'm aware it's time people sleep. And for all you know, it is sort of fun to wake somebody in the middle of the night. It indeed made me happy to have spoilt your sleep!" She hung up with a thud.

For a second, I wondered how crazy people can be. Then I went to bed. The next day, I was thinking about the call and Pujitha. It all appeared like a dream to me. I looked at my mobile and there the number was in the 'received calls' list. It wasn't a dream after all. Mid-day at work, an idea struck and I took my mobile to call Pujitha. I knew it would be 3am in Chennai. I went to the call history and called her. Somebody picked up and the voice was very much like what I thought I heard last night. I hurriedly said "Hola dear, where did you go? I have been trying to reach you all day. I miss you here so badly. Why don’t you come here? Trust me Sweta I really love you so much!" The voice in the other end slowly and sleep fully said "Sweta? Who do you think you are talking to? You must have got the wrong number". I viciously smiled at my own triumph. I then said "Oh yeah? Now I understand it is in fact fun to wake somebody in the middle of the night!" She understood. She said "Oh, it is you. I just can't believe somebody would do such a thing. You are insane!" She hung up immediately. Maybe she has the habit of not developing conversations with strangers. I walked towards my desk and continued my work. I somehow felt completely satisfied that day.

That night as I hit the bed, it occurred to me that she might call me in the middle of the night. She appeared to me like she belonged to the 'return-the-insult-promptly' cult. I set my alarm at 3am and I promptly woke up. I looked at my mobile. No missed calls. I waited for a min. Then two. Then five. No calls from her. I looked a little stupid to myself. Maybe I'm over-acting I thought. I should better sleep now I decided. I switched off my lights. And Alas! The phone rang. It read "private number...calling..." That brought a big smile on my face. 'Here we go' I said to myself. After making sure that my voice is not even close to sleepy, I picked up the call and said "Hello..." She sensed that I aint asleep. She said "Halo, you are not asleep?" The unexpectedness in her voice made me feel greatly victorious. I replied "No. Somehow I felt you'd call me back. I had set an alarm at 3am!" She did not show her reaction. I waited. She then she said "Ohhhh..ok. It actually irritates me a lot right now. But at the same time, I'm amazed people would be this crazy to even set an alarm and wake up in the night, just to prove a damn point!". She felt irritated. That made me all the more victorious and the whole situation sort of funny. I replied with a smile "Yup. And I'm equally amazed how women behave exactly as men expect them to!" She replied "You are absolutely stupid. Aren't you?" I said "Oh yeah, I become stupid in the middle of the nights here. What about you? You are crazy even in the day!" I heard her smile. We spoke for around 10 minutes. The conversation ended with "Take care, bye".

The next day, I called her at 3am Chennai time. And no prize for guessing - she was up. And we spoke for 20 minutes. And this continued for a week. Then we slowly changed our timing to something comfortable to both of us. And that continued for months. By then, we had liked each other. Then I travelled back to India for good. I met her. We both liked each other's by looks too. I asked her with a diamond ring in "Rang de Basanti" style and she nodded with smile. We got married the same month. Days after our wedding, one night I received a call in my mobile at 2am. We both were already tired because you-all-know-why. We were fast asleep. The mobile jerked me up. I got up and looked around. She wasn’t there next to me. The room looked a lot more familiar than I saw it before. I looked at my mobile.

The mobile read "Private number...calling..."

Letting go! Again!

You may want to read this before you proceed:


Three years went by.

Today, I somehow couldn't sleep. Something was disturbing. Maybe the last night's "Banana Payasam" tried by my wife for the first time. Or maybe the movie that we watched together last night. Or maybe the thoughts of the customer-presentation that is scheduled for today. Whatever is the reason, it hindered me from sleeping strongly. I got up, had a glass of water and came back to my bed. I looked to my side. She was sleeping like a baby. I smiled and I looked up the ceiling. Thoughts ran across my mind.

I heard somebody asking hurriedly "Excuse me, has the flight BA035 departed?" Just then, I was cursing myself at the London Airport as my connecting flight was delayed by 3 hours. I sighed and looked up and started "No...The flight is dela..." and I stopped. It was the look of the princess. C'mon it just can’t happen again. I was kind of awestruck and before I could think of saying anything, she said "Oh Ramji! What a surprise?" I was still blinking, as she continued "I never expected to see you again!" I took a deep breath and slowly said "Sandhya!!...I never expected too". She smiled. The same smile of the princess. That reminded me of the previous times I died because of her smile. She told "I just can't believe we are meeting yet another time in just 6 months". I smiled and tried to look outside thru the glass at the runway and she asked again "Did you say the flight is delayed?" I tried to remain casual and said "Yes. For 3 hours they say. Some technical snag it seems". She said "This is crazy. In one Information display, it says the 'Flight Departed’; another says 'Flight Delayed'. I had to rush, as my previous flight was delayed. I thought I almost missed the Chennai flight. Thank God, it was delayed. Maybe it was delayed for me only ". She winked and laughed heartily at her own joke. I couldn't appreciate or even say if it was a joke. But I smiled too in accordance.

She then continued "I presume you going to Chennai too". I said "Yes. I am". She asked "So, Coming back from US?" I said "Yup. And you?" She replied "Yeah, me too. I'm coming from Philadelphia. Where did u fly in from?" I said "New York". She asked "Hmmm...So, where is your wife?" Damn! She remembers. That was the question I was hoping wouldn't come. After all, how can she forget? I thought for a while and slowly replied "No. She is at Chennai. I'm going to meet her". She smiled and said "So, you happy to go and see her?" I smiled dryly. After a few minutes of silence, I asked "So, what are you up to in Chennai?" She replied "I'm going to meet a guy that my parents were talking about for sometime now. They say he is too good. I had a couple of chats with him and he looks like a nice guy. If everything works out well, we'll have our wedding in a month's time". That settled like an arrow straight into my heart. It shattered me. I felt as if I would never forget those words from her. My mind was completely blank. I cursed myself yet another time. And I felt damned as to why should our roads cross at all.

I thought moving on in life was simple. But it wasn't. Her thoughts were disturbing me for nights together after I met her last time. And now I get a chance to meet her, but only to find out that she's going away from me. I felt stupid. I opened the book I was reading and tried to see thru the sentences. I felt like Dharsheel from ‘Taare Zameen Par’ movie for the words in the book were literally dancing in front of me. Maybe i caught up with some temp dyslexia or something. She was listening to music in her iPod. I occasionally looked at her thru the corner of my eyes. She appeared normal. I simply couldn't understand that. I closed my eyes and thought for a while. It all slowly occurred to me: How can I ever expect her to wait for me, and that too after blurting out such an idiotic lie last time? Even if she had liked me, even if she had fell in love for me, even if she had waited for me, how can she ever continue to do that after hearing from me that I already got married. It would have shattered her too. I had a lot to tell her but nothing did I tell her. We both did not talk, except for occasional glances and fake smiles.

We heard the flight announcement. She casually asked "What’s your seat number?" I bumbled for the boarding pass, located it in my shirt-pocket and told her "35A". "Oh okay, mine is 19C. Looks like we are separated enough!" What? Is that some kind of a symbolic movie-kind-of moment? I sighed. Then she got up and said "Ok Ramji, I'm tired and I am gonna sleep well in the flight. Maybe I'll see u in Chennai before I say final bye to you!". She walked away after offering that final smile. That killed me for the millionth time. There I was, looking at her go once again in my lifetime. I wondered if it would become a habit for me.

In-flight, I sat down in my seat and looked outside thru the window. The day was sunny and bright. The pilot announced that the flight will be taking off in a few minutes. I tried to catch a glance of Sandhya from my seat. There she was adjusting her hair, the pillow and getting ready to get some sleep. The flight took off. Unlike normal days, I couldn’t enjoy the flight gaining altitude. Rather I was looking outside like a loser and at the Sun directing rays at me. The sun rays were shooting at me, asking what am I doing to myself in life. One ray happened to ask me "should a single lie decide your whole life?" Another one asked me "Is there not a way you can undo this?" Another one replied "There are a lot of ways to get over this. Opening out the mind and talking would solve everything". One more ray asked "Are you gonna let her go again and seek solitude. There is still time to save yourself!" I looked at her, she was already asleep. The talks of rays continued. I said "No, thanks" to the flight attendant, when she came with breakfast. Then when she came with lunch. Then when she came with the snacks. I didn't feel like eating and all that I was thinking was "Should I let her go?" The pilot announced that we'll be on our descent shortly. I couldn’t believe 10 hours passed by. My hearts raced, my pulse paced and I stood up. I walked straight towards seat 19D.

She was up by then, sipping a cup of coffee. She looked at me and said "Hii...how was the journey for you? I slept so well I didn't even know I skipped food. Now am starving". I grimly told her "Hey Sandhya, I need to talk to u". She sensed the seriousness in my voice and asked "Hey, what happened?? Is everything ok?" I said "Hey listen. There are a lot of things I need to tell you" And I started from the school play, our last meet, the after-effects of that meet, about the thoughts I had during this flight and finally the stupid lie. I couldn’t believe I looked at her eyes and spoke for over 5 minutes in one-shot. If it was a movie, I would have got applause from the crowd. I was breathing heavily when I ended my flow with a hush-voiced "I love you". Her face was reaction less. She looked at me. She then slowly said "Well Ramji! It took you over 15 years to tell me that you love me, huh? You know something? After we met last time, I couldn’t believe you. I went home and called a few of our school-mates I am still in touch with. Nobody was aware of your wedding. Then from a few of your other friends, I confirmed you were single. I had a look at your Orkut profile too. From your friends, I also found that you liked me. I was going to get in touch with you anyways, but God played the game a little differently than I had thought and made us meet today. And on my part, I lied about that guy my parents had seen for me". I was completely flabbergasted and struck with awe. I couldn’t say a single word. I swallowed and asked slowly "So, you are not getting married to that guy your parents told?" She smiled and calmly said "There is no such guy you silly fellow!" She added "And by the way, I love you too!" I would have hugged her so tight she would struggle for breath, if it wasn't for the Air-hostess who asked me to get to my seat as the flight is about to land. I danced on my way back to my seat and from that day on, there was no looking back.

I looked at Sandhya. She was still sleeping like a baby. I slowly said to her ears "I love you". She moaned something sweetly and she went back to sleep. I don't know why all of a sudden I thought about that flight incident today. But it only made me love her more now. I kept looking at her.

Given a chance, I would keep looking at her that way all my life.

Are you with me?

He : "Its ok, lets go for it."

She: "C'mon, I am not with you. I know where you are heading towards?"

He : "Oh, you don't have to be bothered."

She: "Are you nuts?

He : "Hey, there's nothing to be scared of. This is what people do!”

She: “I know. Guys are always like this” *sighs*

He : “Hey dear, please…”

She: “You don’t have to beg like this. Just think about it once”

He : “Yaa, I did think. It is perfectly fine"

She: "Did u even forget that I'm elder to you?"

He: "I'm sure its ok"

She: "How can it be ok?? What would the world talk about it? That too on the christmas eve"

He : "Why do you have to think about the world. It always talks"

She: "No way, I am not doing it"

He : "Hey, I'm sure it'll remain a secret between us"

She: "Secret. How come? Somebody in the house would definitely see us"

He : "Nope. I'll make sure that nobody sees. You don't have to think this much"

She: "How can I not think?"

He : "Just look at me once. It is me who's asking"

She: "That’s what is making me think"

He : "Please…"

She: "Are u sure it'll be only once?"

He : "I swear to God, it'll be only once"

She: "You sure we'll not get into any trouble later?

He : "No, not at all. I'll even forget that we did something like this"

She: "Ok then. Just this once. Lets do it"

He : "Yes!!!"


And the kids arranged the stool and started stealing the christmas candies from atop the fridge.

I still cry...

He makes funny faces like he is crazy.

He speaks like he is still learning to speak.

He points at the moon and he sings and dances.

All this to make me laugh And I still persist to cry..

[If I have a 6-month old baby author a 4-line story, guess this is what he might write!]

AI - Artificial Intelligence or Apprehension Imminent!

As I had nothing to do this Saturday, I sat down in front of the TV and was browsing thru the channels. I heard somebody ringing the calling bell. Since my room-mates were out, I opened the door. Two handsome men (in their mid 40’s) dressed up in suits and nice coolers were standing there. They then asked me if I’m Neo, the software programmer. I nodded and they handcuffed me and took me with them. In less than a minute, it all happened. I was completely flabbergasted by their actions, as they neither did answer my questions nor did they treat me like a human. Since they looked more powerful, I didn’t resist. As we neared the parking lot, a lady in black attire approached in a fast-bike and even before I could see her completely, she shot the two men down and they died instantly. She then aimed the gun at me. I was sh*t-scared for a second and after all, I wasn’t prepared to die at that moment. I closed my eyes-tight and she pulled the trigger, without any mercy. The bullet tore up the shackles and knocked off my handcuff. I couldn’t believe my eyes. She came near me and told in my ears “Hey Neo, I’m Trinity. We both have to save this world together. Those two men are not humans, they are AI machines!” My eyes went wide open. I enthusiastically said “Oh, I’ll be happy to save this world!. So, what is our next plan of action” I waited for her reply. “Oh! You want to save the world now? Wake up and have some coffee you dumbo! After all, you have started speaking in your sleep too nowadays! Are you Keanu Reeves??” this was my room-mate. Pppppuuffff, it was all a dream!!


I had my coffee and I was thinking about the movie “The matrix”, I watched this noon. Though I had seen it twice already, this third time somehow made me think. And it made me believe that something like that is quite sure to happen to this world and to humans. I just couldn’t digest the fact that I may not get a chance to see the world, as late as 2199. That gave me a weird feeling and an urge to imagine that world today. Maybe that’s what caused my dream. Looking at the way the technology grows in today’s world, we may not be surprised if Artificial Intelligence rules the world, much before 2199. Movies like iRobot, Island, Matrix etc, make me look like a believer in all these concepts. It would certainly be nice, if we have machines living with us/helping us. But just when these movies show how the world goes astray, with over-utilization of technology, a chill runs down my spine. Involuntarily, I start worrying about my grand-kids and their grand-kids. It is for sure they’ll undergo all that they show in these movies, yet uncertain as to how and when. As much as I love Technology, I tend to hate it.

The calling bell rang again. I went to get it and I saw two men in suits, not very handsome this time. I still prepared myself to say "No", in case they asked me, if I'm a computer programmer. Of course, dreams play that kind of a trivial role in my mind all the time. They introduced themselves as the new security folks for our apartment building. I smiled and thought to myself that it is no era of Artificial Intelligence yet! I'm so happy that I live with humans!

Year 2055...

I think of my fav food - I get it.
I think of my fav place - I'm there.
I think of love.
I keep thinking.

Mafia - Impact!

Another one...

The telephone at the Cop's house rang.
He was busy thinking about the mafia case.
He picked up the receiver, which exploded and split his brain.
The brain stopped thinking.


[I'm reading the book "The Godfather" and the effect of it I guess!]

UFO...

Another one of my 4-liners:

He thought he saw an UFO speed past above him.
He wondered and took pictures.
The UFO exploded, killing him instantly and the camera.
"Oh my God!", his sleep-scream woke his wife up.

Four-Line Stories...

I have read here and here about 55-word stories. The concept of writing short stories with exactly 55 words. I was kind of attracted towards that idea. But two things stopped me - firstly, I did not want to copy the same idea and secondly, I'm too impatient to count the words of my stories to be 55 words exactly! So, I thought about writing stories in exactly 4 lines. This is my first attempt in writing such short stories and I'm planning to write a few more, atleast till I find this idea boring(for you and for me!).

Here we go - my first one:

Confused IT guy:

He waited to go onsite.
He was sent on a short trip.
He spent the first day, missed home food, friends and family.
He waited to go offshore.

My second one:
Confused IT guy - 2nd part:

He waited to go offshore.
He was sent back.
He spent the first day, missed the cool climate, easy commute and the work culture.
He waited to go onsite.

Letting go!!

That look was just enough. Thoughts raced deep within. At that very moment, if somebody heard my heart, this is what they would have said: "Oops…You are too young for such a thought! You silly brat!” Or something close to that. I wouldn't have cared anyways. I just kept looking at her. She looked at me. I can never forget that look. I played the prince. She played the princess. I couldn't turn away from her. My teacher hushed from the side of the stage and showed me signs to look at the audience. I kept looking at the princess. The lengthy dialog ends with me saying, "I'd fight anybody in this world. Would you marry me?" She blushed, smiled and ran away to the back stage. That instant act of hers was not because of shyness, but that’s what the script said. Our teacher had asked her to. She did as our teacher asked her. She was always so. She was the class-topper. I never spoke a word to her, other than this dialog from the English play. This play was a forced attempt of my English teacher, complaining that something has to be done from 5th standard class. I have always liked Sandhya and I very much wanted to be with her. But I neither had the courage nor the thought-process to materialize my precocious thoughts. We had our annual exams and next year, she shifted school. Her parents wanted her to study in a better school. I thought my first love (more of a crush, if u say so) ended right there.

Years passed by. There I was waiting at the transit airport for my next flight, which was delayed. I got a coffee, opened my laptop. Somebody asked "Excuse me, is this seat taken?" I looked up, to see a guy, neatly dressed, wearing specs and standing, with a bag in his hands. I moved my backpack from my next seat to the floor. He said "Thank you". I smiled back. He didn't notice my smile. Rather he was busy, looking around and then waved his hands towards somebody. A nice-looking lady, with a baby-stroller was walking towards him. After she came, he said to the lady "You sit here, let me go and check out the duty-free shop. Uncle loves perfumes!” She sat down. I sighed and continued with what I was trying to do. I didn't think about looking at the lady. 5 minutes went by. Then I slowly turned towards the baby and the lady looked at me. A familiar face. She recognized me and smiled very slowly. That look of her, the same look of the princess. I was shocked. I took my time and smiled.

She: "Hey, You are.......sorry, i don’t remember your name".
I: "I'm Ramji".
She: "Oh yaa yaa, I remember now. How have you been?".
I: "I’m doing well. I didn't expect to see you, leave alone remembering!".
She: "That is true. At times, I sit back and wonder how small is this world "
*I have thought about Sandhya many a time, but I never dreamed that I would meet her, yet another time in my life!*
I: "The baby is so cute."
She: "Thanks. His name is Shanswik. So, what do you do Ramji? Back in school, I remember you used to rank second in the class, next to me".
*She winked*
I: "I am into software"
She: "Oh good, So is Prakash"
*she looked towards the duty-free shop. Prakash must be her husband. Damn that lucky guy!*
I: "Oh, good to know that. So, where are you headed towards?"
She: "To my uncle's place, he lives in Chicago. How about you"
I: "New York. I'm on a business trip"

*I made conscious effort, not to show any of my emotions*
She: "Oh good, so u married?"
I: "Yaa, last year"
*I was instantaneous. She lost the brightness in her face, all of a sudden*
She: "Oh ok. Congrats by the way"
*Just then, the guy with the specs came*
She: "Hey Ramji, meet Prakash - my elder brother. He did his schooling in Delhi. So, you wouldn't have seen him before"
*Shucks! How can I think assume things like that. How silly of myself? I hated myself for a second. *
I: "And Shanswik??"
She: "He is my brother's son. My sister-in-law is coming by tomorrow's flight"
I: "So, you are not married yet?"
*I was as blunt as any idiot can ever be*
She: "No Ramji. Only if you are not married....”
*I was completely taken back. She looked at me. The same look of the princess.*

I: "what?"
She: "I was just kidding, maybe this year I'll get married"

*I was about to say something and the flight announcement took over, without mercy.*

She: "Ok Ramji, it's time for my flight. Nice talking to you"
I: "Ok, you take care"

*She did not ask my contact details. She somehow did not want to keep in touch*

I watched her going. She faded slowly. And then she disappeared. It appeared to me on the second thought, as if she was still following the script of the same play, as we did in school. I simply cursed myself and my assumption about her wedding. And one assumption led me to a spur of thoughts. And some lack of it too! I wondered how the spur of thoughts made me lie to her that I got married. I lost her, yet another time in my life.

I heard the announcement for my flight. Time to keep moving...I moved on, for my flight and in my life.

To be continued....here!