You and Life : By Renuka

“Are you sure? you want to go there?”, asked Archana shockingly.

There is no answer from Kavitha. She seems to be lost in her own world.
Archana asked the same again. Kavitha slowly lowered her eyes and said “Yes”.
“Butt..do you think you can really manage?”, asked Archana wanting her to say NO. But, Kavitha simply nodded her head positively.
Archana is still not convinced & said, “Hmm…No..i fear you may break down there”. This time Kavitha is persistent. She raised her head and said, “Archana…I’m going to go there..and I want you to support me as my good friend”
Yes, Archana is a good friend to Kavitha and she was there supporting her all through. They both work in a Candle making factory as daily labour and they both have different backgrounds. But they share a very good relationship and help each other, as needed. This time, Archana did not want to stop her. She made her mind to be with her friend. She asked slowly, “OK, at what time do you have to be there?”
There is a visible glow in Kavitha’s face. “8:30, 8:30 is the meeting. I will catch 7:45 bus, so I can be there before 10 minutes”.
“OK, are you going to meet me after the meeting”, asked Archana.
“Sure, I will straight come to your house from the meeting”
Archana sighed and started to leave saying, “OK, meet me tomorrow then”.
Kavitha was watching her friend leave; Archana looked back, stopped for a while and came back near to Kavitha. “Take care, don’t loose yourself”, said Archana and left briskly without looking back.


Its 8:15. Kavitha is watching the board to read “Vithanthu Sabha”. There is a distressful smile appeared on her face for a while. She slowly walked in to that building, looked around for a chair to sit. There are about 20-25 women seated there within the age group of 30-45. She made herself seated in a chair nearby.

Its 8:30, and there is an announcement made letting everyone aware of Aparna’s arrival. Aparna, herself is a widow who initiated and organized this meeting. Kavitha looked at her & got some feeling that she already knew her. Aparna seems to be very simple and is around 32yrs. She got prepared to talk on the dias & took the mic into her hands. Everone were eager to listen what Aparna has to say.

“Good morning to everyone. I’m glad that you responded to the advertisement i gave in newspapers and appreciate you coming here. The intention to organize this meeting is not to degrade anyone. But we all must accept that we are cheated by god in our early ages. It is really tough to go through this miserable phase. We have responsibilities to carry ahead and at the same obstructions from the society. We face a lot of difficulties to include “overloaded sympathy”, ”exploitation”, “financial troubles”, “unnecessary & unjustified analysis of our behavior”, “Custom made restrictions”, “loneliness” and so many other things too. Sometimes, we feel to explore ourselves to someone who can understand and support us. But you don’t find any one like that. Sometimes you go into huge depression and conclude ourselves that there is no reason to continue our lives”

“I gathered all of you hoping to give a platform to explore yourselves and share your thoughts with the people who can understand you in the right way. This was the reason i called in for early aged widows. Please share yourselves, give suggestions to others in facing the life positively. Thank you. And, there will be a contribution of 1, 00,000Rs at the end to the person chosen.”

All through her speech, there were no emotions shown on her face. She seemed to be very neutral. Kavitha is in admiration to her.

Aparna started to call participants, and the first happens to be a woman named, “Suvarchala”. Suvarchala slowly walked on to the dais and started to speak.

“I, I do not know where to start and where to end. My life is full of problems since the beginning. My father is very strict to me and never tried to understand my feelings. As a result, I had to get married at the age of 17 discontinuing my studies. After the marriage, I thought all my troubles before the marriage are over. He was very sweet to me and we had two kids aswell. One day, on the way return to home he met with an accident, andd andd he is no more. At that time, my first kid was in 2nd class and the younger one is in UKG. And I have no education to support myself. I do not have any clue about my husband’s financials. Now I am living with my parents. I face a lot of discrimination from society and within home itself. I had to wake up at 4:30 in the morning, do all house chores, take care of not my kids alone, but both of my brother’s kids also. The whole day passes off without even a minute’s relaxation. I was never being called for any functions, more over, I don’t feel like going. The only reason for me to live is my kids. If they would have not been there, I would have ended my life along with my husband”.
And she continued to talk, but Kavitha was staring in blank. She came in to the real world when she heard the weeping of Suvarchala and looked around. Everyone else were also in the same mood as her’s.

Next one to speak is “Ravali”. She started to speak…

“My past life still seems to be a dream for me. My father is a famous business man and my parents got everything I needed. When I am done with my post graduation, I got married with a highly qualified person. He was very good at his heart, used to pamper me as my parents used to. I never knew that 5yrs passed off, until we realized the cancer growing in his body which was in advanced stage already. I was 4months pregnant by that time. We tried all our best to save him. My father insisted me to get aborted, and that’s when I hated him for first time in my life. I was trying to save him in all possible ways, we went to all famous doctors but still we lost him. After two months, I delivered my baby girl who is 4yrs now. Till date, my father keeps asking me to marry the person of his choice to start a new life. But, I’m not convinced. Not sure of the reason, but I am not. This is my story. I find myself complicated.”, Ravali got down from the dais with an abrupt ending.

Kavitha sighed for a while, she knows why. She continued to hear the versions from all the rest of the crowd and slowly drowned into the helpless phase.

“May I please ask Kavitha to come to the dais and share her opinions with us”, Aparna was calling in a soft voice. Kavitha is in her own world.
Aparna repeated, “Kavitha, Could you please come upon and share your views here?”
This time, the woman next to Kavitha tapped on her shoulders and asked, “Are you Kavitha?”
“Yesss, but Why?”, asked kavitha in confusion.
“They are calling you from a very long time, please go”

Kavitha looked around for a while, and recollected where she is and what ‘s happening around. She stood up quickly and walked towards the dais hurriedly, reached Aparna and said “Yes, I am Kavitha”
“OK, Please carry on”, said Aparna handing over the mike. She did observe that Kavitha is trembling. She lowered the voice and said, “Don’t worry, Kavitha. We are all sailing in the same boat”
Kavitha nodded her head slowly and started to speak.

“Good morning, Everyone. After hearing to all the people around me, I feel I am no different. But what I would like to tell you all now is that God knows how to balance things in life. Few of you have money, few have people to care you, few have education and I have courage and hope to live. I became an Orphan when I am 10yrs, due to the road accident. I lost both my parents and stood alone in the middle of the road. I was studying 5th class at that time, and had no option to continue it later. I joined in a candle making factory after surviving several nights in hungry. I’m thankful to the management of factory; otherwise I would have not been alive today. I met my husband 5yrs back in the same factory, and married him with no difficulty because he was also an Orphan. We both were making good life together, but 11months back, one day on the way to work, a heavy loaded lorry hit him, andd…. andd he is dead on the spot. I’m back to my original life. But I’m thankful to the god, because he showed me how beautiful the life would be when am with him."

“I’m fine for the God’s short term blessings. I’m working now, I do not have to be before any one to help me survive. I do have some people with whom I share cordial relationships, though not blood. I do have some people around me trying to exploit me, butt, butt……, I’m never afraid to face them. God has given me the courage to face those tough situations and I learnt to keep myself safe all through these years. I have the sweet memories that are living along with me and will continue to be with me for the rest of the life”

There is silence all around that place. No one is really able to talk.

Aparna slowly walked up to the dais and took the mic from Kavitha, with an appreciation passing through her eyes.

Now it’s the time to announce who to receive the cash contribution of 1,00,000Rs. Everyone was eager to listen who would be receiving that money, making wild guesses within.

To everyone’s surprise, Aparna has announced the name “Kavitha” and called her to the stage to receive the money.

“I know all of you must be wondering why I passed on this money to Kavitha. I also know that you all must be having a word to tell me. Well, how about meeting next month on the same date to share the thoughts that are making rounds in your brains? I’m open to take your views into my consideration and more over with this, we all get another chance to gather & open up ourselves here for sometime”, Paused Aparna waiting to hear the response.

There are few who did not respond, but she could hear “Yes”, coming in low voice from few.

“OK, let us handover this cheque of 1,00,000Rs to kavitha now”, Said Aparna handing over the cheque to Kavitha. Kavitha was speechless. Tears in Kavitha’s eyes did not go unnoticed from Aparna.

After that, all have started to leave for lunch. Aparna took Kavitha’s hand into hers, pressed slowly looking into her eyes. Kavitha’s heart is filled with assurance and she said, “Thanks”.

“Lets go for the lunch”, asked Kavtiha not leaving Aparna’s hand.

“No, actually!. I will need to leave now. I have some work”, said Kavitha in hesistation without knowing how Aparna responds.

“That’s fine, its just for 15-20 minutes”, Aparna compelled.

“No, Aparna. I need to leave. Please…Please understand. I have work”, said Kavitha in pleasing manner.

Aparna could sense the honesty ressembling in Kavitha’s face and said, “OK, please carry on. But I would love to meet you sometime later”

There is a sign of relief on Kavitha’s face, she said “Sure, Sure” in thankful tone and left.

After a month……

Aparna finished picking up the groceries from the supermarket and moved forward to billing counter. While the boy at cash counter is doing the billing, she casually turned her head towards the road, and to her surprise, it is KAVITHA who is walking on the road…..Aparna could not believe her eyes for sometime, there is a difference visible in Kavitha.

She wanted to meet her, but the sales boy handed over the bill to her. She quickly paid the bill, dumped all the groceries into the car, locked the car and started walking to reach Kavitha.

All these while Aparna was thinking about the change visible in Kavitha. She is no more a widow now. Aparna is feeling happy because she started the new life, but at one corner of her heart, she could not believe that Kavitha got married again in this very less time. After all, it’s just a year after Kavitha’s husband had passed away. But, she is anxious to know what had happened.

Aparna followed Kavitha shouting her name loudly, but, Kavitha could not hear her calling. Aparna started to walk fast, but she could see Kavitha entering into a small hut house. Aparna is at relief, she knows her house now, she walked slowly and reached the house. She wants to surprise Kavitha, so, without knocking the door she entered into the house. But she is shocked by looking at what is visible there.

Kavitha is trying to help a person who is on bed to drink water. For a while, she is at confusion. “Is he the person she married now?”, there are a lot of questions running in her mind. Aparna turned her head towards the door, and equally shocked to see Aparna standing there.

“Aparna, you and here???”, asked Kavitha in surprise. She seems to be disturbed with Aparna’s presence there.

“Yes, I saw you near the supermarket and wanted to say “Hi”, but you didn’t look at me, so I followed you and came here”, Said Aparna starring at the person on bed.

“Rajesh, She is Aparna, a kind hearted person who helped us in paying your surgery expenses”, Kavitha introduced to the person on bed.

“Thank you very much, Madam. We can never forget your help in our life time”, Said Rajesh with a sign of gratitude on his face.

Aparna is even more confused now. So, its understood that Aparna used that money to help this person. But who is he? She is an Orphan, so what is the relationship between Rajesh & Kavitha? More over, Kavitha is not looking like a widow now?

Kavitha could guess the feelings of Aparna. She wants to break the ice.

“Rajesh, we will be outside. If you need anything, please call”, Said Aparna and walked out of the house without letting anyone to speak.

Aparna followed Kavitha.

“Aparna, I know you want to ask me something. Rajesh is my husband”

There is no response from Aparna.

“I also know that you want to ask me why I have to marry a person who is in that condition”, Said Kavitha looking at Aparna.

Aparna slowly nodded her head.

“I have to tell you a lot of things now,”, Kavitha continued

“He is Rajesh whom I married 5 years ago. One year back, he met with an accident and his spinal cord got hit. He got admitted into hospital, but doctors had a very little hope of his survival. But, god’s grace is with me. Doctors could save his life, but could not do anything with his broken spinal cord. They suggested for a surgery to handle that, but where do I get money for surgery. I’m happy that he is alive. He cannot get up from the bed and move around, but, I can see him, I can talk to him, I can share my feelings with him. And I am always there to take care of him. If not like my husband, like my kid”, stopped Kavitha trying hard to control herself.

Aparna did not know how to respond.

Kavitha went inside, had a glass of water, checked if everything is fine for Rajesh and came out again.

“But, one month back he was having severe pain in back, we had to rush to the hospital. Doctors did some tests and told me that a surgery needs to happen urgently to handle the infection that got developed around the broken spinal cord. If not, his life is at stake. I do not know what to do, but, I am not ready to loose him. That’s when I saw the column where you invited the early aged widows & got to know about your kind contribution. I know what I was thinking is not correct, but I had no option. He was in hospital that time”

“I have decided myself to give a try there. If I could get it, that will help me to save Rajesh. If not, no harm. And you know what happened there. The money you gave has not only helped to save his life, but to treat his spinal cord as well. Doctors assured me that he can get back to his normal life in one year.”

Aparna is listening to her silently without making any comment.

“I know, you will hate me now. You had a very good intention of helping a widow who is in need. But that has reached into wrong hands and used for a different cause. But, believe me; except that he is alive, everything else was correct from what I spoke. I did face same problems that a widow faces since last one year having him on bed”

Aparna is still continuing her silence. Kavitha is more apprehensive now.

“I’m…I’m really sorry. I cheated on you. I will repay the money that I got from you, please give us sometime. In one year, Rajesh will be alright. We both can work. We will repay your money in small amounts. Please….Please forgive us”, Kavitha crashed herself on Aparna’s legs.

There is no response from Aparna. She quickly turned back and walked towards the supermarket where she parked the car. Kavitha is in deep shock. She started to feel energy less and sat back.

After a week, Kavitha received a letter to the factory she is working in. She could not guess who it is, and started to read.

“Kavitha, This is Aparna. Hope you remember me. You may be wondering why I have to write this letter when I know your house and can meet you. But, I do not want to disturb you again. I apologize for my behavior on that day. I did not know how to respond, so, I returned back with out saying anything. But after coming home and thinking for all these days, I strongly feel what you have done is correct”

“My intention to conduct that meet was to fill in hope among the widows & create the interest in making life. I think it is fulfilled. For the meeting that was conducted yesterday as a follow up to the first one, I heard from majority of women that they have developed the hope and giving the positive gaze at life. They are more confident now. They are accepting the life and making plans for tomorrow. They are not blaming the past. I know, you are the inspiration to them. So, in that aspect you helped me meeting my purpose”

“About the money you want to repay, I cannot accept it. I wanted to give that money to create hope among the widows, which is done by you. More over, I wanted to help a widow, but that money helped you from becoming one among them. I’m very happy about it. Do not be worried to pay the money, please use it for the wonderful kids you are going to get. I wish you all the best for the rest of your life”

“I would definitely want to get in touch with you, I am giving my phone no here. So if you would like to, you can always contact me”

“Once again, All the Very Best & Have a happy life together”

-Aparna
After reading the letter, Kavitha busted into tears which she did not do since the day she lost her parents. Archana is worried and hurriedly took the letter from Kavitha and read. She could not control herself and hugged her friend. Everyone in the factory were starring at both the friends. But, that’s what the life is....

*** THE END ***

Shastri : By Swathi T

Shastri got up as usual sharp at 7 AM in the morning. Changed himself into a track suit and went out for jogging. While jogging Shastri used to observe the world around him.. mothers standing along with their kids waiting for the school bus, milkman going to different houses and delivering milk, men waving hands to their wives while going to work….After an hour of jogging he came back to his empty home….Its been 25yrs since he waved his wife while going to work.

Shastri, 55yr old man, lost his wife Radha while delivering their only daughter. Life has not been same since then for Shastri. Bringing up a daughter alone without mother was a tough job. Shastri didn’t come in terms with his wife’s untimely death for a long long time and often thought he was responsible for her death. Doctors told him that Radha’s pregnancy might have some complication from the very beginning. He wished that Radha would have aborted the child in the beginning itself but Radha wanted the child very badly and Shastri couldn’t say no. Shastri’s daughter Archana almost grew up on her own without much attention from Shastri. Shastri gave enough freedom to his daughter and never restricted her much thinking that she is a child without a mother and left her to the way she was happy. Lot of his friend suggested Shastri to marry again but he was not able to make his heart for another woman and also he was scared about the other woman’s behavior with Archana. He wanted to live his life with memories of Radha and bringing up Archana.

One day after coming back from the work he found a note on his bed. He opened it and started reading

Daddy,
By the time you read this letter, I might have already got married with Ajay. I know you don’t like Ajay but I cant live without him. Please don’t try to search for me. I am 18yrs old and I have got full rights to marry the man I like. Takecare of yourself.
Archana.

Shastri fell down on the bed with the letter. The only reason for his living has gone. Archana expressed her interest in Ajay to him but Shastri wanted her to wait as she was very young for marriage and Ajay didn’t had any job and was still a student. He often thought that had Radha been alive she would have never brought up Archana this way.

Since last 7years Shastri lived alone at his home. He felt that Archana might come back one day realizing her mistake but she never did and he hoped she is happy wherever she was.

After coming home Shastri did his meditation for another half an hour. Then bathed and did his daily Pooja. Later went to kitchen, made himself a toast and ate. Finally at 9:30 AM he left home for work. That was his daily routine.

Shastri had his own printing business. During past 7yrs he often tried to suicide but stopped himself thinking about the life of workers working in his company. They all have been with him since last 30 yrs and he cant snatch their bread and butter from them. In a way his workers have become his family. He often felt at home whenever he was at work. Everybody in his company respected him a lot.

He had the habit of having tea as soon as he reached office. That day Chotu came and kept his glass of tea as usual on his table. Shastri was reading something and while taking his pen from the pen stand his hand stuck the tea glass and spilled on the newspaper. He hurriedly removed the newspaper’s first page and cleaned his desk. Chotu brought one more glass of tea for Shastri. While having tea Shastri’s eyes fell on one of the ad in the matrimonial section of the paper.

It was in bold letters right in the middle of the paper.

Are you looking for a good family?
We can provide you one. Looking for a groom who must be more than 45 years old. Caste No Bar. Widowers or Innocent Divorcees are welcome. Groom should be well mannered and from a respectable family. Contact on 11-23417894.

His eyes were fixated on that ad for a while and the sentence “Are you looking for a good family?” lingered in his mind for a long time. He was also amused at the same time that why does this family looking for aged grooms? What could be reason? For 2-3 weeks that ad came in the newspaper every day and he couldn’t control himself from not looking at the matrimonial section.

One day while having dinner alone at his home he got an urge to call that number in the newspaper. More than the prospect of marriage, he was more attracted to the word marriage. Radha’s memories never left him even for a single day but as he was getting older he wanted some companion someone to look forward while coming back home. Next day in the morning he called up that number.

“Hello “ said Shastri with nervous tone.

“Hello Shankar Rao speaking, May I know whom I am speaking to?” said the voice on the other side of the phone.

“ I am Shastri. I am calling you regarding your ad in newspaper for groom.” Said Shastri.

“oh yes yes. Are you the groom’s father?” asked Shankar Rao.

Shastri became embarrassed with the question and wanted to keep down the phone “no..actually..actually I am the groom.”

“oh ok ok” said Shankar Rao.

“Is it possible for you to come down to my house some day during weekday?” continued Shankar Rao.

Shastri was slightly puzzled that he is directly asking him to come home without knowing his details much. So shastri volunteered himself “Don’t you want to know anything about me?”

“yes ofcourse, that’s why I am asking you to come home so that we can know about each other’s family” said Shankar Rao.

Shastri got relaxed and took the address from the Shankar rao.

He confirmed Shankar Rao that he would visit their house on coming Thursday.

Address was quite far from his home and he reached Shankar Rao’s given address on time. They lived in a decent locality and their’s was a ground floor apartment flat. When he pressed the door bell, after a while an old man around 70yrs old opened the door with a smile.

“Are you Shastri?” asked Shankar Rao.

“yes” Said shastri pleased to see Shanka Rao, who looked jovial even at the age of 70 and had a pleasant face. He was wearing proper tucked in shirt and pant.

“Come in come in” said Shankar Rao after greeting Shastri with hand.

Shastri went inside to look at a beautifully decorated home. He could smell the agarbatti sticks and was soon impressed by the atmosphere at their home. Shatri made himself comfortable in a sofa. At the age of 55 he was bit embarrassed to come all this along to see a bride that too alone.

“Shastri please wait I will bring my wife.” Said Shankar rao and went inside the other room.

Shastri helped with a glass of water kept on the table.

Shankar Rao came to the hall pushing his wife’s wheel chair. Shastri soon stood up looking at Shankar Rao’s wife and bowed "Namaste".

“Shastri this is my wife Suvarna” introduced Shankar Rao. Mrs Suvarna looked around the same age as Shankar Rao and her face almost reminded Shastri of his favourite singer M S Subbalakshmi.

Shankar Rao sat on the chair opposite to Shastri near to his wife’s wheel chair and started..“Shastri before you tell me about yourself, I want to tell you about my family and my daughter. My daughter has gone to office, that’s why I called you today” Said Shankar Rao.

“Oh ok” said shastri slightly intrigued about what he may tell about his family.

“Shastri, I am a retired army officer. I have 3 sons and a single daughter. 3 sons are settled in US. I have total of 6 grandchildren whom we have not seen yet!! My daughter is all we have” Said Shankar rao with sadness. Shastri slowly got clarity of things.

“Now about my daughter Sunita, she is 42 year old but has a mind that of a 10yr old. She is kind and innocent but not intelligent like a matured woman. Frankly we needed some company for my daughter Sunita so that after when we are gone, there would be somebody to look after my daughter. All my property is on my daughter’s name. I want a very responsible person to become my son in laws who would look after my daughter as well we both old people. Shastri, we are looking for a son in the form of Son-in-law. Till now you are the only one who has responded to our ad in the newspaper. You can tell us your opinion without any hesitation” continued Shankar Rao with honesty and sad eyes.

Shastri dint know what to speak. He was totally taken aback by the situation and empathized with Shankar Rao’s situation. Till now he thought he was the only one with whom God did injustice but there are people who are going through worse situation.

“Shankar Rao garu, I don’t know if I would be your good son in law. That is up to you to decide. I am 55yr old man. I have my own printing business. My wife Radha died 25yrs back. I had a daughter Archana, and she eloped with a man she loved 7yrs ago never to return back" Shastri became silent for a while and then again continued "My parents died long time back. Radha’s parents have left contact with us since the time she died. I have no one in my family right now” said Shastri with tears in his eyes making sure it doesn’t fall on his cheeks. He felt at ease to speak about his family to Shankar Rao. Shankar Rao listened intently to whatever Shastri said and kept looking at his face.

“Son, I believe you. Your face tells about your honesty but still I don’t want to keep you in illusion. My daughter needs lot of attention and patience. She luckily got this job as peon in army head quarters due to my recommendation. She does things very slowly and each work has to be explained many times for her to understand” said Shankar Rao.

“I understand sir. Well I don’t have anyone in my family. I came here not with the thought of marrying your daughter but with the thought of becoming a part of a family. I will be more that happy if you accept me as your son-in-law” said Shastri

Suvarna was silently listening to the conversation and finally spoke “ Don’t you want to see my daughter first before making your mind?”

Shastri looked at Mrs Suvarna “No Suvarna garu, that wont be necessary. Looking at both you kind people is enough for me to make my mind.”

But both Shankar Rao and Suvarna insisted him to see their daughter on coming Saturday and Shastri had to reluctantly agree.

After going back home, he felt happy and content. He always used to think that nobody is there to take care of him but was elated to know that now he got chance to take care of others. He never thought that at this stage of his life he would be useful to someone and also he would get someone to call his family. He didn’t keep any notions about the Shankar Rao’s daughter Sunitha and went with an open mind to Shankar Rao’s house on Saturday.

That day Shastri was served with lot of snacks. Shastri felt more at ease this time. After half an hour, Shankar Rao went inside one of the rooms and came back along with his daughter Sunitha.

Sunitha was wearing a red Zari saree which was not neatly worn. She was quite fair complexioned as her parents. She kept her eyes low and was holding her father’s hands tightly. She was wearing big spectacles in her eyes. She was very lean but had a good height as that of her father. Shankar Rao made her sit in opposite chair of Shastri.

Sunitha was no way comparable to Radha but he could see child like innocence in her face. She didn’t lift her eyes even once.

Shastri kept talking to Shankar Rao and showed him some documents related to his business and house. Shankar Rao was very happy with Shastri’s sincere approach.

After a while sunitha broke out “Daddy till when should I lower my head,my neck is aching..can I lift now?”

To that Shastri and Shankar Rao looked at Sunitha and smiled looking at each other.

“Yes now you can lift” said shastri.

“No, I will listen to my daddy” said Sunitha.

“From now on, you should listen to me, I am going to marry you” said Shastri.

Sunitha lifted her face and looked at Shastri innocently and then looked at her father.

“Is it true daddy?” said sunitha

“yes dear” said Shankar Rao.

“yeeeee..that means now, even I will wear mangal sutra and sindur like other ladies” said Sunitha with happiness and started clapping her hands.

Everybody laughed and Shastri felt blessed.
*************************************************

Mrs Subramanyam : By Swathi T

“Stop staring at him” quipped Gazal at Pooja “get back to work now”.

“huh” started Pooja “whats your problem..i am not looking at your boyfriend..okey”

“Instead of gaping at him like that..why don’t you go and express your feelings to Rahul.” Said gazal while staring at her system.

“what..you mean..i should go and propose him..no way…you know how many boys proposed me during college..no way..he should come and propose…that’s what Pooja is” said Pooja finally settling down at her seat.

Gazal rolled her eyes “huh..keep waiting…somebody else will come and take your Rahul away!!”

“hah..thats out of question…I can see he is clearly smitten by me…yesterday he asked me for coffee 2 times you know..unfortunately there were people around otherwise he would have proposed me!” said Pooja smirking her face.

“okey! lets see” said Gazal continuing her work.

Pooja’s half mind was at work and half at the other side of her cabin where Rahul was sitting and doing his work.

Later in the evening.
“Number 55 is coming tomorrow” said Pooja’s brother Rajiv as soon as Pooja returned home from work.

“what do you mean by number 55” questioned Pooja.

“55th groom for you my dear sister. I guess now I can open a marriage bureau ” Said rajiv smiling.

“very funny” said Pooja angrily and went to her parents room.

“I heard you have set up one more show for me tomorrow.” Said Pooja looking at her father.

“yes right..and this is going to be your last show” said Mr Rajanathan, Pooja’s father.

“oh really..thank god” said Pooja tired of all those match-watching!!

“yeah..because we will finalize tomorrow’s match whether you like or not!” said Mr Rajanathan while reading his newspaper.

“whaaat?? How can u do that to me?” yelled Pooja.

“Don’t shout!!! We gave you enough choice. We were ready to marry you off to the man of your choice but you haven’t found anyone yet. Me and your mother are getting old and we are loosing our patience and energy. And Subramanyam’s family is very good.” Said Mr Rajanathan.

“Subramanyam!!! Who is he?” said Pooja annoyed.

“He is the guy who is coming tomorrow to see you.” Said Mr Rajanathan.

“Whaaaaat…his name is Subramanyam….you..you..you.. are planning to marry me off to a man named Subramanyam….i cant believe this” yelled Pooja again.

Rajiv started giggling listening to Pooja’s tantrums.

There was lot of heated argument between Pooja and her dad for a while and Pooja had to finally agree to see the match.

“can you imagine who is coming to see me today?” said Pooja to Gazal next day in office.

“who?” asked Gazal.

“Mr Subramanyam!” said Pooja.
“who is he?” said Gazal.

“the man I am going to marry” said Pooja.

“whaaat!!!!” and Gazal burst into laughter.

“yes yes…please laugh…tomorrow the whole world will laugh after seeing “Pooja weds Subramanyam” printed on marriage cards” sighed Pooja sadly.

“but how r u letting this happen?” said Gazal stopping her laughter with difficulty.

“my dad is the culprit….he is getting old and making me go mad.” Said Pooja.

“but hey you are an adult ..you can take you own decisions.” Said Gazal.

“hmmm..anyway lets see..today I will scare that Subramanyam away” said Pooja giggling and with that Gazal also started laughing again.

Later in the evening Pooja dressed her shabbiest best. She didn’t wear any makeup..wore a pale green saree. She didn’t bother to wash her face after coming back from Office.

By 7:30 in the evening Subramanyam and his father came to Pooja’s house. Pooja was waiting in her room, to be called by her mom. After 15 mins Pooja’s mom came calling Pooja and made her sit right to opposite to Subramanyam. She stared at Subramanyam and almost wanted to puke. He was a total contrast to his dream boy Rahul. He seemed as if he just had his head dipped in a pool of coconut oil. He wore cotton cream color half sleeves shirt which he didn’t tucked it in pant. He was wearing a brown color shoes which were not polished. She almost wanted to shriek when she saw a typical south Indian moustache on his face. She felt sick in her stomach. Subramanyam only looked once directly at Pooja and started listening to conversation between his father and Mr Rajanathan. Pooja was not able to bear the scene and took permission to leave the room. As soon as Pooja came to her room she felt dizzy and was almost chocked to the idea that one day Mr Subramanyam might be her husband. After half an hour Subramanyam’s family left. Both Mr and Mrs Rajanathan were happy with Subramanyam’s family.

“Pooja they have liked you and I feel you are very lucky” said Mr Rajanthan confronting Pooja
“Oh..they liked me..what an honour…!” said Pooja disgustingly.

“what is this..behave yourself Pooja..this is no way to talk” said Mr Rajanathan angrily.

“How on earth can you think that I could marry with some xyz person…have u seen his shoes…he didn’t even bother to polish them..” said Pooja almost helplessly

“those things doesn’t matter Pooja..what matters is his nature…he is a hard working person ..may be doesn’t have that fashion sense..you can make him learn” said Mr Rajanathan comforting Pooja.

“oh hell..i am telling you..i wont marry this person….i just agreed to see him..thats it” said Pooja aggressively.

“There is no choice for you Pooja” said Mr Rajanathan angrily.

“Oh is it..i am going to suicide if you force me to marry him” said Pooja.

“sure go ahead…me and your mom will also follow you the very next day into the heaven” said Mr Rajanathan.

Pooja started sobbing.

Mr Rajanathan started to leave her room but then turned back to give her one last chance. “Pooja , you know I already had 2 heart attacks…one more and I wont live…I gave you almost 2 yrs of time to find the man of your choice…now again I am giving you 2 weeks time…bring me the man of your choice and we will get you married..otherwise you have to marry the person I have selected..plz don’t disappoint me anymore if you want me to see alive” said Mr Rajanathan and he left her room.

“oh no that’s sad” said Gazal next day at the office.

“hmm..my dad had literally black-mailed me” said Pooja sadly.

“I am telling you Pooja..you should go and tell your feelings to Rahul. Don’t delay it. You still have a choice. You and Rahul look made for each other.” Said Gazal lifting Pooja’s spirit.
But somehow luck was not favoring Pooja, Rahul was out of station for few days and didn’t come to office for a week. Gazal persuaded Pooja to call Rahul on his mobile and tell him her feelings but Pooja wanted to wait until Rahul comes and wanted to talk to him face to face. She never imagined that one she would have to propose a man instead of the other way round but now she had no choice. Rahul joined back office next Monday 5 days later. As soon as Pooja saw Rahul in the office, she emailed him to go out during lunch time. Rahul almost immediately responded that he would be happy to have her company. Pooja anxiously waited for the lunch time.

“Hey lets go, we have a meeting now” said Gazal standing up from her place.

“meeting!!!..oh yeah I forgot” said Pooja absent mindedly

“yeah I know, today your heart and brain is somewhere else” said Gazal squinting her eyes at Pooja..

The whole team gathered in war room.

Pooja stared at Rahul as usual. He was looking smart and sexy as ever. She could see that Rahul was in a very happy mood. She felt so impatient and wanted this meeting to be over soon. For half an hour each member of the team gave the gist of their work report to their manager. Pooja was looking at her watch for every 5 mins. Meeting was over just over 5mins before 1pm and everybody started to leave.

“Hey guys…please wait for 5 more minutes” said Pooja’s manager.

Everybody turned back and stopped.

“Today our team-mate Rahul wants to share something” continued Pooja’s manager and looked at Rahul “ go ahead Rahul..make the announcement”.

Rahul was in all smiles and also felt a bit awkward too.

“Well guys..as you all know that I was not in town for past few days, the reason is…I got engaged finally” said Rahul with a grin.
Everybody in the room started congratulating Rahul and wished him good luck. Gazal and Pooja stood there silently not able to believe what they heard. When almost everybody finished wishing Rahul, Pooja moved slowly towards Rahul.

“Congrats Rahul” Said Pooja with a feable smile.

“thank you so much Pooja” said Rahul.

“it almost took 3years for me to make my parents agree” said Rahul with satisfaction.

“3 years??” said Pooja.

“Yeah I and Diya, my fiancée, have been going together since last 3 years. As our religions are different both our parents didn’t agree but atlast they gave in” said Rahul.

“oh that’s nice” said Pooja with a heart broken voice.

“well lets go for lunch now..i will tell you more details” said rahul

“oh..umm..i am sorry Rahul..i just now got a call from home..i have to go..my mom is not feeling well..sorry we will go some other time” said Pooja almost with tears.

“oh I am sorry..shall I drop you” said Rahul with concern.

“no no I am fine..u go ahead” said Pooja and took permission from her manager to take half day leave.
As soon as Pooja came home, she locked herself into her room and started sobbing. She felt as if her whole world came crashing down. One week soon went by and Mr Rajanathan finalized Pooja’s marriage with Subramanyam. Marriage date was fixed for next month itself as Mr Rajanathan didn’t want to take any chances with her daughter. One whole month went by a blink for Pooja. She sulked everytime she saw her marriage card with ‘Pooja weds Subramanyam’ imprinted in it. She hated the name itself, she dreaded how would she adjust with that man. She couldn’t believe she was succumbing to her parent’s pressure. Mr Rajanathan was on top of his world as his major responsibility is finally coming to an end. He was very happy with his choice and had faith that Pooja too would eventually be happy after the marriage.

“Pooja..i cant believe..you are doing this to yourself…you have got every right to say NO” said Gazal on the day of the marriage

“That’s my fate Gazal…I always thought I was the luckiest person Gazal…all that was wrong…anyway…I cant take risk with my dad’s health..if something happens to my dad, I cant face the guilt…this is for him..that I am marrying man of his choice” said Pooja while going towards marriage altar.

2hours later she became Mrs Subramanyam.

After 2 days there was marriage reception held in her place and all of Pooja’s colleagues attended the function including Rahul. Rahul came along with his fiancée and they looked totally in love with each other. Pooja was totally disturbed with his presence and felt a pinch of jealousy towards Rahul’s fiancée.

The very next day everybody went to Tirupati for the blessings and stayed there for 2 days. During this whole time Subramanyam and Pooja hardly talked. She was all the more pissed off cos she had to resign her job and leave to Mumbai where Subramanyam was working. From Tirupati both Pooja and Subramanyam were packed off to Mumbai.
Subramanyam rented a brand new flat for both. As soon as she entered the flat she got the strong smell of coconut oil and almost soon felt dizzy. She was shocked to see minimal furniture in the flat even though Subramanyam has been working since past 5yrs.

“actually I didn’t buy much furniture…thought I will buy everything after you come here” said Subramanyam observing Pooja’s silence.

“ok..no problem..” said Pooja pitying herself for the situation.

“ok..why don’t u go and freshen up..i will make tea for you and bring something to eat” said Subramanyam

“ok” said Pooja and left to the bedroom.

She bathed, changed into a nightgown and fell on the bed.

By the time Subramanyam brought some breakfast from outside and made tea, Pooja was deep in her sleep.

Subramanyam silently finished his tea and took some rest in the bedroom without disturbing Pooja.

In the evening Pooja and Subramanyam both went for shopping. Pooja used to love shopping and on one day she spent nearly 40,000rs for the furniture and other stuff. She also had great taste in interior decoration. Pooja was taken aback when everytime shop keeper looked at the odd pairing of Subramanyam and Pooja. Subramanyam didn’t mind at all with the expenditure. As soon as they reached home, Pooja was feeling tired again and they both went into silent mode again. Pooja insisted that she is tired and slept. Subramanyam didn’t take an offense and slept after a while making sure that he didn’t disturb Pooja.

Next day Subramanyam had to leave office. He got up early, prepared himself breakfast and also prepared a curry for his lunch. Pooja didn’t wake up till the time Subramanyam was almost ready to go. She came to hall with sleepy eyes to see Subramanyam hogging the idlis.
“Sorry ..did you get disturbed?” said Subramanyam.

“No its alright..when do u leave usually?” asked Pooja, didn’t know what else to ask.

“I leave by 8:30” said Subramanyam

“oh ok” said Pooja yawning.

“there are some idlis in cooker, you can eat them after you fresh up.” Said Subramanyam finishing off his last Idli.

Pooja felt disgusted to see how Subramanyam ate. All his five fingers were soaked in sambhar and was licking his fingers in the end.

“umm…I generally eat bread or cereals for breakfast” said Pooja while picking up the newspaper.

“oh ok. There’s bread in the fridge. I will buy cereals in the evening while coming” said Subramanyam and got up to wash his hands.

“ok” said Pooja looking at newspaper.

“I prepared a curry for the lunch. You just have to prepare rice.” Said Subramanyam wearing his shoes.

“oh …you prepared curry too” said Pooja.

“yeah..you mom told me that you don’t know much cooking” said Subramanyam innocently.

“oh is it…what else did my mom told u about me” said Pooja taking offense.
Subramanyam felt bad in revealing this fact and said “ nothing else..actually, I like home cooked food..so I prepared curry for myself..if you want u can taste it” with that he left home.

As soon as Subramanyam left, she went back to bedroom and started crying. She felt as if the whole world is conspiring against her. She got up again around afternoon 12’o clock and then lazily went to freshen up herself. She didn’t touch the idlis prepared by Subramanyam and rather had bread which was kept in fridge. Later in the evening she felt hungry again and helped herself by putting rice in cooker. She had rice with the curry which Subramanyam prepared and she thought it wasn’t that bad. Subramanyam came home around 8pm. He went to bathroom, washed his face and legs and then changed into a lungi and a banyan.
Both Subramanyam and Pooja were silent as if the other person didn’t exist in the home. Subramanyam went into the kitchen and saw cooked rice which would be sufficient to only one person. He started putting one more glass of rice again in cooker when Pooja came in kitchen and said “I already had dinner, was feeling hungry. If that rice is not enough for you then cook rice otherwise don’t count me for dinner”.
Subramanyam didn’t understand what to say and put back the rice which he took out to cook and silently ate the remaining cooked rice with the curry he made in the morning. By the time he finished his dinner, he saw Pooja already in the bedroom with some magazine. For an hour he watched TV in the hall while Pooja was in bedroom reading magazine. By the time he finished watching TV, he went inside bedroom to see Pooja in deep sleep. He also fell on the other side of the bed and slept without disturbing Pooja.

This routine continued for weeks. The only conversation they both had was about food and what to buy for the house. Pooja in a way was happy with the independence.

One day she got a call.

“hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii” shouted gazal from the other side.

“oh hiiiiiiiiiii” thrilled Pooja to hear Gazal’s voice after long time.

“how have u been? After marriage u seem to forgot us” said Gazal.

“I am doing good..sorry for not calling all these days..how r you doing by the way” said Pooja

“I am ok..i miss you yaar…I get so bored without you in office!” said Gazal with honesty.

“me too…I miss everybody…” said Pooja going emotional.

“ok leave all this..how is your mr subbu??” said Gazal with giggle “oops I hope u wont mind calling ur hubby this way”

Pooja too started laughing “no no. its ok.”

“So, how is your married life madam…Hey you promised me u will give me all details..remember!!!” said Gazal.

“details!!! Ahh he didn’t even touch my shadow since marriage!!” said Pooja.
“oh I am sorry Pooja” said Gazal.

“hey don’t be..i am fine with it…infact I am happy…I don’t love this man Gazal…and when there is no love, physical intimacy becomes awkward..thankgod atleast Subramanyam realizes that" said Pooja.

“oh on Pooja…I ..i ..dont know what to say” said Gazal feeling bad to bring out the topic.

“don’t say anything Gazal. That’s my fate. I guess I will be the only married woman in this world who will die virgin” said Pooja giggling.

“anyway tell me how about others in office…does anybody remember me..and and..how is Rahul?” continued Pooja with pain.

“Hey everybody remembers u. Rahul is getting married next month. His fiancé might join our company soon..there are some talks going on” said Gazal “and sudha had baby last week…vinay gave his resignation letter and joining PWC…

Pooja kept listening all the updates and felt happy. Before the call was over Pooja promised that she will keep calling Gazal every once a week.

Pooja rarely called her parents and when they called she talked less. Mr Rajanathan was worried with Pooja’s behavior and prayed that his decision was not wrong.

2 months passed by. Pooja started searching for jobs and kept herself busy attending interviews. Pooja and Subramanyam rarely used to eat together. During those rare times, once Subramanyam asked Pooja “Can I invite a friend tomorrow for dinner? He has been insisting me since a long time to see you.”

“He is your friend. You don’t have to take my permission.” Said Pooja coldly.

“ok.” Said Subramanyam

“what about food? Do you want me to prepare something for him?” asked Pooja.

“no, I will order food from outside.” Said Subramanyam.

“ok” said Pooja.
Next day Subramanyam ordered food on phone and they delivered at home by 6pm. Pooja changed herself into a plain salwar suit and waited while watching TV.
By 8pm door bell rang and she went to open the door. She startled to see Rahul in front of her. But a second later she realized its not Rahul but somebody else. She almost didn’t notice Subramanyam standing aside.

“Hi” said Subramanyam’s Friend.

“hi..please come in” mustered Pooja.

“Pooja this is my friend Sandeep..and Sandeep this is my wife Pooja” introduced subrmanyam to each other.

Pooja went inside kitchen and pinched herself “Why on earth am I dressing like this today..shoooot”.

She brought some drinks from the kitchen and sat with them, all three sitting in three separate seats. Sandeep had the same husky voice as Rahul’s. He neatly tucked in his shirt and was wearing a well polished shoes. His skin was glowing. Pooja wondered if he was married.

“You should have brought ur wife along too.” Said Pooja to know his marital status.

Sandeep smiled “oh no no, I am still a free man” and laughed looking at Subramanyam. Subramanyam smiled back. Even Pooja smiled and rejoiced inside her heart.

After an hour Pooja served food on the table and all three started eating. Sandeep was doing most of the talking about issues like general politics, people in their office, work etc.. Pooja was not able to concentrate on what he was talking but rather was staring at him and Subramanyam and making comparisons.

“that’s a great tasting food i had after a long time.” Said sandeep looking at Pooja.

“uh..oh” stammered Pooja.

“yeah she is a great cook” said Subramanyam quickly.

Pooja felt awkward and for first time felt thankfull to Subramanyam for lying.

“you are one lucky guy Subramanyam” said sandeep

Subramanyam smiled in answer.

“Thanks” said Pooja to Subramanyam once Sandeep left their home.

“For what” said Subramanyam.
“hmm..for lying that I cooked the food” said Pooja embarrassed not knowing how he would react.

“oh that..i had to..because sandeep is close relative to my boss. I had to make an impression” said Subramanyam

Pooja was shocked. Though she didn’t like Subramanyam she never thought he was a kind of man who would try to make impression.

“whaaaaat… he looks like rahul?” said Gazal

“yeah ditto, may be Rahul is bit taller and more fair” said Pooja

“hmm..madam..now you are married..remember that” said Gazal

“uffo…I am not trying to have an affair with him ok..am just telling you” said Pooja angrily.

After a while when Pooja finished talking with Gazal on phone, her phone immediately rang again.

“Hi Mrs Subramanyam” said a voice

“Hi..sorry I didnt recognize you” said Pooja

“I am sandeep , Subramanyam’s colleague, remember the other day I came to your home” said Sandeep

“oh ya ya” said Pooja shocked and surprised that she was just now talking about him with Gazal.

“sorry did I call in wrong time?” said sandeep

“no its ok..but please simply call me Pooja” said Pooja gladly

“haha ok agreed..actually I need a small favor from you Pooja” said Sandeep

“oh whats that?” asked Pooja

“umm..actually one of my cousin sister is applying in wipro in Bangalore. Subramanyam said your brother works there. Is it possible for you to ask your brother to refer my sister?” said sandeep

“oh yeah, why not sure..no problem at all” said Pooja and the conversation continued for an hour.

“Hey…oh my god, its been an hour since we are on phone..i have to go and work otherwise my job is over..” said Sandeep

“ha ha..ok..no problem..keep in touch…” said Pooja hoping he would call again.

“yeah sure..nice talking to you…bye” said Sandeep and disconnected the call.
Pooja went gung-ho with the talk she had with Sandeep. Though they talked about normal things, the way of thinking was same for both. She again cursed her mis-match relationship with Subramanyam.

“Did sandeep called you today?” asked Subramanyam after he came home later that night.

“yes” said Pooja

“ok good. Ask your brother if he can do something..remember I need to make an impression.” Said Subramanyam.

“I will try” said Pooja and she hated the way Subramanyam was trying to make an impression for his position in office. But Pooja did try her best for Sandeep’s sake and his cousin sister got a call from wipro after 3 weeks.

Meanwhile Sandeep kept calling her every once a week and Pooja awaited for the call eagerly.

“Hey Pooja..dont u think its wrong..things may get worse..remember u r married woman..” said Gazal concerned.

“Gazal..now please….stop that…u know there is no love between me and Subramanyam..we are just co-existing..and Subramanyam is not very naïve as I thought he was..and by the way..i am being just friendly with Sandeep..nothing more..dont I have the right to have this much happiness in my life” said Pooja angrily and pouring her heart out.

“Subramanyam is such a lucky man Pooja..to have u as his wife..do you have any younger sister?” asked Sandeep one day on phone.

Pooja blushed and felt very happy with the comment “nope..no sisters”

“huh…poor me..ok why don’t you select a girl for me who has same qualities like you.” Said Sandeep.

“sure..i will try..but you know its difficult to find a girl like me” said Pooja.

“ha ha ya I agree. You are unique.” Said Sandeep and there was a silence between them for a while before they disconnected the phone.
Pooja knew sandeep was attracted to her and so as she to him. She felt an urge to divorce Subramanyam and seek a new life. Days passed by and the three occasionally met for a movie or at a restaurant. Movie plan was always made by Sandeep and Subramanyam readily agreed for it. There were times when Pooja used to sit in the middle of these two guys while watching movie and Pooja cherished those moments when her shoulder rubbed with Sandeep’s. Pooja noticed that sandeep never dared to touch her deliberately and liked him for that. Subramanyam didn’t make any fuss out of all this and in turn asked Pooja if Sandeep has ever spoken about his promotion or revealed any office secrets.

“I have to leave Subramanyam…I have no other choice..i cant live with him anymore” said Pooja to Gazal.

“oh my god Pooja..are you out of your mind..what about your parents? …be practical!” said Gazal.

“I am being practical Gazal…I have had enough…regarding my parents…they never really cared about me..otherwise they would have never married me off to this Subramanyam…” said Pooja in tears.

“But..but…did u tell your feelings to Sandeep..without knowing his response..dont take any step” asked Gazal.

“Leaving Subramanyam is final Gazal..about sandeep…I don’t know…I know that he likes me…ofcourse commitment is a different issue..if his reply is No then there is nothing I can do..but atleast I will be happy alone rather than living a love-less married life.” Said Pooja

After talking to Gazal, Pooja made her firm decision to tell Subramanyam that she wants a divorce and tell Sandeep her feelings.

Later in the afternoon she got call from Subrmanyam.
“Pooja, today Sandeep invited both of us to Hotel Plaza for dinner. I am stuck with some work today. As the hotel is near to our office only. I will come directly to the hotel and Sandeep has said he will come and pick you up as he will leave office early today….is that ok?” Said Subramanyam

“your wish” said Pooja who was delighted to hear that Sandeep will be picking her up.
“ok I will ask him to pick you up at 7pm then.” Said Subramanyam

“ok” said Pooja.

As soon as the call was over. She shouted on top of her voice. “Today is the day.” She thought. She got 4 hours to get ready and she did her best to look attractive. She wore a red georgette saree with sleevless blouse. She let her hair loose and dapped the best perfume she had. Exactly at 7pm her door bell rang and she ran to open it.

“oh my god..you look so beautifull” said Sandeep.

“thanks..” said Pooja who was awaiting for that moments since last 4 hours.

Sandeep ran a soft music in his car and was slowly humming ..often looking at Pooja.
Pooja was getting nervous and remembered the day when in the same way she braced herself to propose Rahul. This time she hoped nothing goes wrong.
After a while Sandeep stopped his car near a deserted road and looked at Pooja.

“I don’t know what I am going to speak now..will make sense or not..but Pooja I have to say I like you..may be like is not the word…but more than that” said Sandeep.

Pooja went numb and couldn’t believe her ears. Before she could say anything, Sandeep made her work easy.
“Pooja..are you ok..i…I ..am sorry..its just that today ” continued Sandeep “when Subramanyam said he has doctor appointment and asked me to pick you up..i know today was the day.”

Pooja startled again and said “Doctor appointment! But he said he had work in office today.”

“Work!! No, we both left office together and he went his way to doctor and I came to pick u up” said Sandeep.

“what!!” said Pooja “but why did he lie to me then.”

“I don’t know!” said Sandeep.

Pooja became silent and started thinking.

“oh..i know why..i never though Subramanyam would stoop down to this level…he actually wanted me to spend time with you for his promotion” said Pooja breaking the silence

“what …I am sorry..i don’t get you..what promotion are you talking?” said Sandeep.

“Well you are close relative to his boss right?” said Pooja

“me..no…I am no way related to his boss...” Said Sandeep honestly.

Pooja was totally taken aback and said “Sandeep tell me one thing. Remember the first time you came to see me, did you insist Subramanyam for seeing me!”

“no I never insisted infact Subramanyam was insisting me to come home.” Said Sandeep.

Pooja’s mind started swinging “ what about those movie plans…didn’t you plan those?”

“No..always Subramanyam planned for the movie and he used to ask me to call you and tell...” Said Sandeep “but…why are you asking me all this?”

“please drop me back home” said Pooja with tears in her eyes.

They were silent thoughout the way.

When they reached her apartment, she saw her flat lights were on.

“Tell me what is all this Pooja.” Said Sandeep.

"Nothing." said Pooja and got down from the car.

"Pooja..wait..listen to me" said Sandeep.

Pooja looked back and said “Call me Mrs Subramanyam” and left towards her home.

*********************************************************************

Na Modati Prema Lekha...: By Sreechandana

Priyamaina Neeku...!!

Elaaa vunnavu, sariggaa tintunnaavaa ledaa.. !! vishaka akka cheppindi akkada chali ekkuva anta kada, nuvu manchu lo tiragaku, malli neeku jalubu cheste oka pattaana taggadu.
Entraa anta duram vellipoyaavu, nuvu na tala meeda motti kaaya vesi nuvu asalu aadapilla ve kaade ani allari gaa titti enni rojulindo telusaa !!

Asalu ninnu live lo chusi enni rojulindo telusaa, eppudoo aa web cam lo chudatame ! enni rojulindo ni juttu nu chilipi gaa cheripi.... enni vaaraalu, enni gantalu, enni nimishaalu , enni secs ayyayo lekka vesi gaani cheppalenu endukante nenu maths lo weak kada !! :(

kaani aakasham lo enni nakshatraalu vuntaayo anni secs ayyi vuntaayi ...

nadi (river) lo enni chepa pillalu vuntaayo anni nimishaalu ayyi vuntaai..

adavi lo enni pakshulu vuntaayo anni gantalu ayyi vuntaai..

okkosaari anipistundi kshanaalu oka yugaalu ante idenemo ani !!

rojoo na kalla mundu vunnatte vuntaavu, kaani ni juttu cherapaalani ninnu pattuko bote maayam ipotaavu...
ento ninni nenu chaalaa miss avutunnanu..

mari nuvvu ??

Neeku duram gaa vundatam chaalaa bhada gaa vundi ra, oh sorry alaa ante nuvu bhada padutaavu.

ledu ledu nenu chaalaa happy gaa vunnanu. enduko telusaa, maniddaram kalisi vunnappudu manam roju maatalaadukone konni gantalu maatrame nuvu na maatallo na talapullo vunde vaadivi .
endukante repu vundi kada ane dhyryam, nuvu eppatiki nannu vadili vellavu ane nischintaa..

ade ippudu , na 24 gantala samayaanni nuvu busy gaa vunchutunnavu..

ippudu naa maatallo,

naa chupullo,

naa talapullo,

naa chirunavvullo,

nuvu naaku roju kanipistunnavu..

Neekokati telusaa..

Monna saaradakka telusu kada, tanaki call cheyabote ni num ne type chestunnai vellu.. avi kudaa neeku maatrame call cheyadaaniki baaga alavaatu padipoyaayi..

Vennela vecha gaa vuntondi, endukante daaniki challa danaanni iche ni chiru navvu naato ledu kada..

Sayam kaalalu chappa gaa vuntunnai, endukante daaniki tiyyadanaanni iche ni chakkili gintalu naato levu kada..

Ento neeto cheri nenu kavitalu cheppestunnaa..

Bangaaru !! telusaa, monna ikkada varssham vachindi.. gurtundaa, varsham vaste maniddaram emi chese vaallamo !! varshapu neeru okari meeda okaram chinna pilla laa posukone vaallam.. aa chiru jallu la madhya okari cheyi okaru pattukoni sayam kaalalu aa pilla gaalu la madhya nadiche vaallam..

" Naaku ni kanureppala godugu padutaanu " ani chilipi gaa cheppe vaadivi .. mana jaama chettu kinda nilabadi okari meeda okaram komma lu vidilinchukoni aadukonevaallam..

"Aadukone vaallam " ante gurutu vachindi, ee madhya andaram kalisi vishaka akka vaalla maamdi thota ki vana bhojanaalaki vellam. manam 1st time kottukunnappudu vunna thota maale ippatiki vunnaadu.. atanu emi chesaado telusaa, andari mundu aa roju manam maamidi pindela tho kottukunna vishayam cheppaadu.. andaru navvaaru telusaa, naaku chaalaa siggesindi..

inaa aa roju manam enni maamidi pindelu tempuntaamo kada, sagam thota khaali chesuntaam, paapam kada, elaa kottukunnamo talachukontene navvu vastondi

Vudayam ite chaalu ninnu chudaali anipistundi...

Andamaina vundayama.. , ni kiranaalla velugu lo tana chilipi kanulu chupinchavaa..

Oh naa vechati madhyaahnamaa, ni vechadam lo tana vechati kougilinta ni ruchi chupinchavaa...

Priya mainaa saayantramaa, ni kammani nirenda lo tana allari chiru navvu naaku andivvavaa..

Na vennela kuriyani raatramma.., tana jola paata tho na raathri lo vennela kuripinchavaa..

Prati roju vudayam nunchi raathri varaku ilaane talachukuntu vunnanu telusaa.. !!

Naako nadi ni kaavalani vundi, appudu ee dooralannintini daati ni daggaraku twaragaa cherukogalanu kada..

naaku pilla gaali ni kaavalani vundi, appudu nuvu peelche gaali lo ajaraamaramai nenu vuntaanu kada..

Ento raa, nuvu eppudu vastaavu ane tapana tho, ni kalala tho ne naa rojulu gadichipotunnai..

Neeko vishayam cheppadam marchipoyaanu, monna ni frn hima intiki vachindi, nuvu naakeppudu love chestunnanu ani cheppaavo cheppamani tega adigindi..
nenu cheppaledu le, adi maniddari madhya secret kada..

Naakishtam inaa Bommarillu movie ki teesukelli, madhya lo nenu edustoo vunte ni hand kee ichi na kallalo kanniru raakundaa jeevitaantam nuvu todu vuntaanu cheppadam marchipogalanaaa...!!

mana kishtamaina maamidi tota lo, neekishtam ina malle poolato karpet vesi, andulo naakishtam ina gulaabi lato nuvu raatrantaa kashtapadi muggulu vesi andulo nenu nadustu vunte ni samksham lo naa jeevitam eppudu poola baate ani nuvu symbolic gaa cheppadam marchcipogalanaa..!!

Mi intiki teesukelli naakishtam ina kheer chesi pettadam kosam nuvu enni saarlu ni chetulu kaalchukunnavo nenu chudaledu anukunnaavaa.. Naa kosam enni bhadalu inaa bharinchagalanu ani aa roju ni kallalo chusina bhavam naa manasu nunchi duram kaagaladaa.. !!

Inaa aa roju gudi lo naa cheyi ni ni cheti lokiteesukoni, prema gaa bujjagistu kobbari mukka to paatu oka letter ni naa chetullo pettav chudu appudu ni kallallo kanipinchina prema nenu eppatiki marchipolenu..

Nannu nuvu premistunnanu ani cheppe maata kosam neeto parichayam ina modati roju nunchi wait chestunnaa telusaa.. neekemo cheppadaaniki 2 years pattindi..

aa letter loni akshraalu inkaa na kalla munde vunnai telusaa..

Saahitya... !!

Layabaddam gaa nartinche na hrudayapu kavaataallo chappudu cheyani mathraa chandassuvi nuvu !!

Jeevita gamanapu rendu sandhya gattulani orisi pravahinche nisbda jhuri vi nuvu !!

Pranayam lo tiyyati sarigama vy na jeevitaanni parinayapu sarihaddula varaku teesuku vachina vipanchi vi nuvu !!

Ni sahacharyam lo naa jeevitaanni vudaya raagam lo rege prathyusha pawanam laa maarchukovaalani anukuntunnanu ...!!

mari neeku ardham avutundaaa...

mmm, enta baaga raasavu, nannu premistunnanu ani raayakundaane naaku ardham kaani telugu poetry lo premistunnanu ani enta baaga cheppaavu..

Inni teepi gnapakaalani nenu evari tho inaa elaa panchugogalanu..

Naalo praana vaayuvu kada ni prema..

Enni rojulindo kada nuvu akkadaki velli..

"Prapancham lo varnaalu anni okkatinanta andam gaa vuntundi nuvu na pakkana vunte !

Prakruti loni aanandam antaa naa arachetullo vuntundi, neeto cheti lo cheyi petti nadustu vunte !

Chandrudu loni vennela antaa na kalleduta vuntundi, ni kallalo kallu petti chustu vunte !! "

Navvukuntunnavaa, ee pilla ki pichi pattindi ani..

nijame ra, neeku chaala cheppalani vundi, kaani cheppalekapotunnaa..

Gurtostunnanaa !!

nenu ni pakkane vunnaa ra.. ni cheyi chudu , ni cheti vellanu na cheti vellato gatti gaa pattuko vunna nenu kanipistaanu..

aakasam lo nakshtraalu chudu , ni kosam navvutu eduru chuse na kallu kanipistaai..

varshinche chinukulanu taaku , prati chinuku neeku na prema nu gurtu chestaai..

Saagaram lo daari teliyani naava laa..

Gaganam lo chandrudu leni taaraka laa..

Kolanu lo todu leni ontari chepa laa..

Prema ane pachadanam leni chettu laa..

neeku duram gaa vunna telusaa... !!

Nuvvante anta prema naaku..

anduke ee prema lekha.. elaa raayalo, emi raayalo teliyadu.. kaani indulo prati pegi neeku na prema nu mosuku vastunnai..

ni manasu emantundo chepputaavu kada...

Priayamaina Rishi ki ,

Prema to ,

ni saahityaa...

Two Friends : By Swathi T

Good Morning Class, Today we have a new student among us, her name is Samyuktha” announced the class teacher “Samyuktha come here, introduce yourself to the class”

Samyuktha a 12 year old girl, with fair complexion skin and a neatly pleated hair on either side of her head was sitting in the one corner of the class. She slowly got up from her seat. Each one of the student in class started staring at her. With all those stares, new faces, new city, new school, she was scared to death. She moved slowly to where her teacher was standing and faced the class with lowered head as if it were a punishment.

“Samyuktha introduce yourself to class. Why are you lowering your head? Stand straight up. Don’t waste the time of the class” said teacher somewhat sternly.

“My name is Samyuktha..I..I…I know no English much..i..i..” said samyuktha with a very feeble voice.
The whole class started giggling and started hush-hushing comments on Samyuktha. The teacher asked Samyuktha to go back to her seat hearing the commotion in the class and asked the class to be quite. Samyuktha almost had tears in her eyes. She was lost in her own world for the rest of the class.

During Interval she sat alone at her desk, looking at her book but not looking at the words but thinking about the world she left back in her small town, Varanasi. “Hi” said a voice. Samyuktha looked up to see a girl standing there. She was slightly dark complexioned, with a smiling face, and had hair exactly like Samyuktha’s.

“I am Prachi, your classmate. Why are you not having lunch?” said prachi.

“a..umm..i not feeling hungry much.” replied Samyuktha.

“Why not? Common I know you felt bad when the class laughed at you. Even I felt bad but don’t care about them. If you don’t eat, you will become sick. Did you bring your lunch box?” said Prachi.

Samyuktha felt a sense of relief after hearing what Prachi said and started feeling hungry too.

“Yes I brought. Will you eat with me?”asked Samyuktha..

“Yes sure. Lets go outside and eat. We will have some fresh air” said prachi and took samyuktha’s hand and went outside the class to a playground. Both sat and started eating together. They shared a bit of each others lunch too.

“so, you miss your old school..isnt it?” asked prachi.

“Yes a lot. I am from Varanasi. Daddy got transfer here. I got no admission here as my English is poor but daddy gave donation and I got admission..i will fail sure” said samyuktha sadly.

“Oh don’t be sad Samyuktha. I will help you. You will learn everything easily. Where is your house?” asked Prachi.

“In Vasant Kunj, Phase-1” said Samyuktha. “hey even I stay in same place!” said Prachi happily.

“Is it.” Said Samyuktha gladly.

“Yes, now don’t worry at all. We both can study together.” Said Prachi assuring Samyuktha.

“Hey can I call you Samyu?” asked prachi..

“Yes sure, my friends in Varanasi call me with same name. I am happy” said Samyuktha with a glitter in her eyes. Thus the friendship between Prachi and Samyuktha started in the 6th standard/grade which grew manifold during the years to come.

Samyuktha had an intelligent mind which needed some shining and polishing whereas Prachi was a creative person. Samyuktha and Prachi became best friends during their first year together itself. They were totally inseparable. Due to them, both the families of Samyuktha and Prachi too became good family friends. Samyuktha just about managed to clear her 6th grade but later with Prachi’s support she became more and more confidant. Prachi used to force Samyuktha to be a flamboyant and aggressive in school activities which boosted Samyuktha’s inner confidence. Samyuktha overcame all her inhibitions within few years. Prachi was very jovial and used to crack jokes which Samyuktha cherished. The whole class used to be jealous of their friendship. Samyuktha and Prachi both excelled with good marks in their 12th standard and both got admission in B.tech in Delhi University.

Through all these years Samyuktha became very outgoing person. She was now no more the person which she was 6years ago. She became a smart, stylish and trendy by the time she turned 18. Prachi on the other hand remained same. Prachi still doted on Samyuktha and was very possessive about her. Samyuktha started drawing lot of attention in college. Due to her looks and attitude, boys went crazy for her on the other hand Prachi was not at all approachable and she hardly cared about her looks. Samyuktha started loving the attention showered on her from her B.tech classmates. She participated in a fashion parade in College’s annual function and with that she became an instant hit through out the college. Prachi always used to pull back Samyuktha to the ground and asked her not to neglect her studies. Other than Prachi, Samyuktha started having her own circle of friends in college. When Prachi and Samyuktha were together, Samyuktha’s friends used to talk to her but didn’t give much attention to Prachi. Samyuktha did try to mingle Prachi with her other friends but Prachi didn’t show much interest. There were lot of times when Samyuktha bunked her classes and Prachi used to make a copy of notes for Samyuktha too. As Samyuktha became more and more involved in other activities of college rather than studies, Prachi became too much involved with her academics and had very few friends or one can say acquaintances other than Samyuktha. During 2nd year of B.tech, Prachi and Samyuktha started having some arguments and fights. Samyuktha wanted to enjoy the college life with fun and being naughty sometimes. Prachi on the other hand didn’t approve with Samyuktha’s thinking.

It was during 3rd year of college when Aakash, the 4th year B.tech student entered Samyuktha’s life. He was supposed to be the most handsome guy of the college. Aakash had the looks of a model with a very sexy voice due to which he used to compere most of the college shows. Aakash came in touch with Samyuktha through some common friends and instantly fell in love with her. Samyuktha, was on top of the world when she came to know about Aakash’s feelings. With Samyuktha and Aakash’s love affair going strong, Prachi distanced more and more from Samyuktha. Prachi hated Aakash to the core and blamed him for ruining the friendship between her and Samyuktha. Samyuktha who was blind in love, didn’t understand the feelings of Prachi. During 3rd and 4th year of college, Samyuktha and Prachi rarely used to spend together. Going to each others homes became almost null. Samyuktha started suspecting Prachi to be jealous of her on the other hand Prachi used to miss Samyuktha and longed for her to be like her old school friend.

One day during the 4th year of her college, Prachi was alone in her room and was crying looking at the old photos and greeting cards which she got from Samyuktha for different occasions.

“Prachi what happened? Why are you crying?” asked Prachi’s mom with worried look.

“Nothing..its just that” said Prachi trying to wipe of the tears from her cheeks.

“Kya hua beta..something wrong in college?” said Prachi’s mom

With that Prachi hugged her mom and started sobbing.

“arey arey..what is this..i never saw you crying this way..tell me what happened..did Samyuktha say something to u?” asked Prachi’s mom. Prachi’s mom observed the growing distance between Prachi and Samyuktha but she never talked about it with Prachi.

“mom..why do people change in college..why do we get old..school days used to be so good” said Prachi between her sobs.

“beta..thats life..there’s a saying “the only thing which remains constant is change”..you are not a small girl now..you should understand this..going to college, getting married, getting career, getting old..all this is part of life..you should learn to accept this..”said Prachi’s mom caressing p’s hair.

“No I will never marry in my life for sure. I cannot accept tha some outsider comes and changes other relationships in life. I will not let that happen to my life” said Prachi strongly.

Prachi’s mom chose not to argue with her at that time and hoped time will change her attitude towards life.

“Mom you know this year Samyu forgot to wish me on my birthday. Since that Aakash came into her life, nothing else is important to her. And tomorrow its her birthday and I don’t feel like wishing her either” said Prachi

“Why not..thats wrong..you should wish her..if you don’t wish her there wont be difference between you and her. May be after u wish she will realize her mistake. You should atleast give a try to revive your old friendship.” Said Prachi’s mom convincing Prachi to call Samyuktha.

When clock struck 12, Prachi decided to call Samyuktha and dialed her mobile number. Her mobile was engaged. She tried calling 3-4 times more but still her line was busy. When it was almost 12:30 A.M she thought of calling her landline but she held back fearing everybody at her home might get disturbed. Prachi knew that Samyuktha might be busy talking with Aakash and hated him more. Next day Samyu didn’t turn up at college either. After college, she went straight to Samyuktha’s house with a greeting card and a small painting which she herself did. Samyuktha was not at home as well, when confronted with her parents..

“Hey Prachi, Samyu is not with you?” asked Samyukhtha’s mom.

“uh…No..Infact I came here to wish her” said Prachi

“She said she will go with you to Aakash’s home. Aakash is leaving to US today. She said she will see him off to the airport and that you will accompany her” said samyuktha’s mother with a angry tone.

“hmm oh, actually I was late to college today..may be that’s why she went alone” said Prachi knowing that Samyuktha would have definetly not taken her along to meet Aakash and that she simply bluffed her parents. “Anyway aunty, once she comes, give her this card and gift” continued Prachi.

On the way back home Prachi felt happy that Aakash is leaving India but at the same time felt bad that she was not able to wish Samyuktha personally.

Next day in the college, Prachi was eagerly waiting for Samyuktha to come. She wanted to see how she reacted for the card and gift. As soon as Samyuktha entered the class, everybody in the class started wishing her belated birthday greetings. Many of them showered gifts to her. She greeted them all with a sad smile. Prachi guessed it must be because Aakash left to US. After that Samyuktha came to Prachi with a serious expression on her face..

“So, you must be very happy now?” said Samyuktha.

Prachi was puzzled, but then she immediately remembered that her parents might have caught her lying to them. “Samyu I had no idea about your plan yesterday” said Prachi with innocent look.

“Oh don’t be so innocent Prachi. The whole class knew I was with Aakash yesterday.

Since last 5 months you never came to my house. Suddenly you came home yesterday to spoil my day. That was your plan” accused samyuktha

Prachi was shocked with Samyuktha’s behavior and was almost in tears “No, what will I gain with this Samyu. You are my only friend. I tried calling you day before yesterday night to wish you at 12 but your line was constantly busy. Yesterday nobody informed me about your plan.”

“C’mon Prachi. I know how much you are jealous of me since I met Aakash. Prachi you should go and get some life. I never thought that you would come down to such cheap tricks. Thanks to you my parents have stopped trusting on me” said Samyuktha and left the class fuming.

Prachi stood there with tears and embarrassed with all the stares towards her in the class. The whole class saw what happened between Prachi and Samyuktha. After that incident almost everybody stopped talking to Prachi. Prachi remained aloof from everybody even outside the college. She remained to her self and kept herself busy with studies. After 6 months, college was over and since then Prachi and Samyuktha never met.

Soon after graduation Prachi started searching for jobs and almost immediately she was placed in TCS, Bangalore. Prachi didn’t knew what happened to Samyuktha and didn’t care to find out. She moved to Bangalore immediately and took an apartment all by for herself. She lived alone. In office she used to talk with others when only it was required for work. She was not friendly with anybody. She used to eat alone in the office canteen. Everybody in the office used to call her with different names like ‘sadist’, ‘psycho’,’poor thing’..etc etc. Life went on.

2 years later, one fine day early in the morning at around 7:00 AM Prachi heard the door bell. She looked at her watch and wondered who would be ringing the bell at this time. She just got up to get ready for the office. She went and opened the door to see a young man standing there with a small bowl in his hand. He was about 6 feet height with curly hair and lean figure and good features. Prachi looked at him with red face.

“Hi..umm..i am Mayank, your new neighbor” said Mayank.

“So….”said Prachi with irritation.

“I am sorry, actually I came to borrow some sugar. I moved in this apartment today morning. I have the habit of drinking tea early in the morning..so if you plz don’t mind can u plz lend some teaspoons of sugar” said mayank with pleading eyes.

“So..for your tea..you disturb other people early in the morning” said Prachi and started closing her door.

‘Plz plz plz don’t close the door..if I don’t have tea in the morning I get sick.. I tried many other doors, but only you opened it..plz ‘ pleaded Mayank once again.
Prachi closed the door on the face of Mayank and he stood there stand still for a minute and started moving to his apartment when he heard the click of the door open from his behind. He looked back to see Prachi standing there with Sugar bottle in her hand.

“Hey..thank u so much..errr…i thought..u got angry…u saved my life..u know” said mayank gladly.

“How many teaspoons do u want?” said Prachi seriously ignoring the excitement of Mayank.

“umm..oh..umm..2 spoons” said Mayank somewhat embarrassed.

Prachi took 2 teaspoons of sugar and poured it in the bowl of Mayank and without a word went back inside the home closing the door behind.

“Thank you” said Mayank to the closed door!

Prachi got ready for the office and left the home exactly at 8.45am as she used to do daily. Her day in the office went on as usual and at one instance while having tea she remembered the early morning incident. She realized she doesn’t even remember the face of the guy clearly.

Back at the home at around 8pm she heard her door bell ringing again. When she opened, she realized it’s the same morning guy standing outside.

“Now what??” said Prachi again irritated.

“Actually I bought the sugar in the afternoon…so thought of giving you back your 2 spoons of sugar which u gave me……” said Mayank with little naughtiness in his eyes.
“Whaaaat” said Prachi with disbelief.

“Here your 2 spoons of sugar” said mayank again bringing the small bowl in his hand towards her.

“Godddd..wait…here” said Prachi and closed the door. She went back inside the home to her kitchen and came back with Sugar bottle. When she opened the door, Mayank was still standing there waiting for her.

“Here now put that sugar inside this bottle” said Prachi handing over the bottle to Mayank.

Mayank pours down the sugar in the bottle.

“Ok..Anything else?” Said Prachi with an angry tone.

“Nope..thats it..thank you for lending me sugar in the morning..otherwise I would have been dead by now” grinned Mayank

“Its ok. Goodnight!” said Prachi somewhat mellowing down and closed the door.
Prachi felt amused by the behavior of Mayank and the fact that he came to return back the two spoons of sugar.

“Was he trying to impress me” thought Prachi…“Anyway good, I didn’t give him any kind of that impression..now he will never approach me again”

Next day after coming back from work, again her door bell rang. Prachi somehow suspected it must be Mayank again and she was right.

“What??” Said Prachi hardly opening the door enough.

“umm..i am sorry…umm..to disturb u again..actually I need to make an urgent call to my parents in Bombay. I don’t know why but my mobile is not activated yet. So, can I please make a call from your phone?” asked Mayank.

“Good lord..there are thousand PCO’s outside this apartment..why don’t u go and call from there?” said Prachi annoyed.

“Actually there’s only one PCO nearby and today that is closed due to ID festival..i went and enquired and the next one is 3kms from here..well it was urgent..otherwise I am sorry I wouldn’t have disturbed you” said Mayank with pleading eyes again.

“huh..wait I will bring my mobile..” said prachi and closed the door behind , again to come back with her mobile.

Mayank takes the fone and moves little far away from her. Prachi stands there for a while and then goes back inside the home, with door almost closed. After a short while she hears a knock on her door.

“Thank you so much..i cant tell you..how grateful I am today..had it been not your Mobile..i would have not known that in khichdi I need to add 3 glasses of water for 1 cup of rice..” said mayank happily

“Whaatttttt…your urgent call was about khichdi???” said Prachi somewhat angrily.

“umm..yaa…u know..i love the khichdi which my mom makes..so..anyway..here take this 10rs for the STD call” said mayank handing over a 10 rupee note to Prachi.
Prachi takes 10Rs note without a word and hopes not to create any good image of herself in front of him.

“Hey thanks a lot..for everything Prachi” said Mayank

“How do you know my name?” said Prachi with surprise.

“Well you wrote Prachi on your Mobile’s screen” smiled Mayank.

“Ok..goodnight” said Prachi and closed the door.

“There is something peculiar with this man…” thought Prachi again. Through out that day and next day Prachi kept thinking about Mayank and felt bad that he was coming again and again in her thoughts. She tried her best to remind herself that she should not fall into any kind of distractions in her life. There is no place for a man in her life.

Till next couple of days she never met Mayank but he never went out of her mind. She was angry that she was thinking about him how much ever she tried avoiding. One day again in the evening she heard her door bell. She was in kitchen cooking dinner for herself and when the door bell rang, she ran into the bathroom to comb her hair neatly and then went to open the door .

“Hi” said Mayank with his ever charming smile.

Prachi making sure that she is not pleased seeing him asked him with monotonous tone “ yes, what do u want now?”

“nothing..today I came to give you something?” said Mayank.

“well you have given me money for the call you made from my fone last time..now what?” said Prachi

“not that..today I made gajar ka halwa and it came out really well..so came here to share with you some” said Mayank bringing his hand forward from behind with a box.
Gajar ka halwa was Prachi’s favourite sweet dish but she resisted from showing any kind of positive emotion.

“see mayank..i don’t know what you think about me..but I don’t like such gestures from anybody..i hardly know you..as a neighbor I helped you ..thats all..dont expect anything else…do u understand that?..now you can leave..” said Prachi fighting back her inner emotions.

Mayank stood there like a rock for a minute .

“sorry Prachi..i don’t consider you just as a neighbor but as a friend in need..but ..but..i respect your privacy..today is my birthday…I don’t know anybody else in this city..so thought to share this halwa with the first person I came to know in this city..anyway I wont disturb you again” said Mayank and started to leave.

After hearing that its his birthday, Prachi felt a guilt pang and stopped him “hello..wait..umm..i am sorry..i didn’t know its your birthday..Happy Birthday” said Prachi loudly.

“Thank you” said Mayank turning back to look at her.

“Well, can I taste your Halwa..ofcourse if you are not mad at me” said Prachi with a smile for the first time.

Mayank was surprised to look at her beautiful smiling face for the first time and was smitten.

“Heyyy..no..not at all..” said Mayank and gave her the box he brought.

Prachi opened the box and tried some with her hand.

“ummm..it tastes great” said Prachi licking her fingers “can I keep whole of this box.”

“oh sure.. that was for you anyway..” said Mayank “I guess I should be leaving now”.

“Ok..will return the box tomorrow..by the way happy birthday again” said Prachi.

“umm..u know what..i was lying..its not my birthday” said Mayank and before Prachi could say anything, he ran back upstairs to his apartment.

Prachi stood there in disbelief but later smiled at herself thinking how easily she got fooled. She somehow didn’t feel mad at Mayank later and relished the halwa.

As usual Mayank’s magic lingered on Prachi for that day and next day. When it was time to return the box to Mayank, Prachi questioned herself whether to go or not to go to his house to return the box. Finally she decided to listen to her heart and braced herself to go to Mayank’s house.

She pressed the door bell of Mayank’s house and waited for few seconds when Mayank opened the door.

He had a big cutlery spoon in one hand and was wearing an apron.

“Hey, what a correct timing..can u plz taste my rajma curry and let me know if everything is ok?” saying this Mayank left her at the door went towards his kitchen.

Prachi was standing at the door steps unable to decide whether to go in or not. “Prachi…come in..where are you” shouted Mayank from his Kitchen.

Prachi stepped in the house and realized that this was the first time since she came to Bangalore did she stepped into anybody’s house. She noticed, the house was clean and neat, had decent furniture and she could listen some soft soothing music from the speakers somewhere. Prachi walked slowly towards the kitchen. Mayank was ready with some rajma in a small bowl and asked her to taste it.

“ummm..its nice…everything is ok…” said Prachi after tasting the Rajma

“oh good…see my mom doesn’t believe that I am good cook..i will have to make you talk to her one day…then only she might believe” said Mayank feeling satisfied.

“Ok, I will leave now” said Prachi.

“Why?..i have prepared dinner for both of us.” Said Mayank.

“What….?” Said prachi.

“Well I knew you would come home to return my box today and obviously you will come little early..and also I am sure you would not have got time to cook dinner by now” said Mayank while putting plates on the dining table.

“How were you so sure that I would come?” asked Prachi amused.

“Well I can read People’s mind..after all I am a Psychiatrist” said Mayank

“Psychiatrist!!” exclaimed Prachi.

“ya why?..cant handsome men become psychiatrists?” said Mayank naughtily.

“aha..i didn’t mean that” smiled Prachi “I don’t know if you are lying or telling truth..yesterday you were saying it was your birthday..now today you are saying you are a Psychiatrist!”

“no..seriously..i am a Psychiatrist..i don’t lie on Wednesdays..u know” said Mayank.

“uh..u r impossible..anyway what made u believe that I will have dinner with you” asked Prachi

“Well, today is my birthday..and I knew you wont be able to say no” said Mayank.

“What..plz..you think I can be fooled twice?” said Prachi

“ha ha..see I was born on 6th aug and today its 6th nov ..so its my monthly birthday” said Mayank showing her the seat to sit.

Prachi and Mayank laughed together and started having dinner together. Mayank was indeed a good cook and Prachi liked everything prepared by him..no not only the food..but she realized she liked Mayank’s charming nature.

“So, what made you come to Bangalore?” asked Prachi having her sweet dish.

“I saw that this city had lot of scope for doctors like me..so I choose this place for my practice” said Mayank.

“Scope!” exclaimed Prachi

“yeah..you see..Bangalore is a software hub for India..and hence more patients for me” said Mayank with a naughty smile again.

“aha..so you mean software engineers are mad people?..Mister..Even I am a software engineer..remember that!” said Prachi.

“Oh..is it..i never knew that beautiful gals too are becoming software engineers” said Mayank flirtingly.

Prachi wanted to reply him back and suddenly realized that Mayank was complementing her and gave him a smile.

“thanks” said Prachi blushing.

“thank god..you understood that” said Mayank with a twinkle in his eyes.

While Prachi was about to leave his house after dinner. Mayank asked “So at what time should I come for dinner tomorrow at your house?”

“what?” said prachi and stared at him questioningly.

“yeah..you are a self-respect girl right..i know you will return my dinner!!” said Mayank again with his flirting smile.

Prachi couldn’t stop smiling and said “hmmm..smart..haan..come at 8pm..dinner will be ready.”

After coming home , thoughts of Mayank and whatever they talked lingered in Prachi’s mind. She looked herself in mirror a thousand times. All her life never did any guy talked to her the way, Mayank talked. She realized she smiled and laughed so many times on that single day. Mayank did some magic on her.

Next day she was not able to concentrate in her office work too. She was too busy thinking what she should prepare for dinner and what all she need to buy to prepare food. She even tried searching some recipes on the internet.

She left office early at 5 pm and went to grocery store to buy all vegetables and groceries to prepare dinner. She decided to make Jeera rice, Palak Paneer, Cabbaga kofta, rotis, fruit salad and lassi. She finished off everything by 7:30 and cleaned the kitchen and dining hall. She realized she never cooked so fast earlier. She dressed herself in one of her best casual salwar suits and waited for him. Exactly at 8pm her door bell rang. She wanted to run and open the door but she resisted and took some time to open.

Mayank looked handsome as ever. He wore a short kurti and jeans and looked cute.
“Wow you look wonderful” said Mayank.

“Thanks. Come in.” Said Prachi blushing.

Mayank stepped into her house for first time and was soon impressed.

“You did all those paintings?” asked mayank looking at big canvas paintings in her hall.

“Hmm..yeah..i do it for my timepass” said Prachi.

“Oh man…they don’t look like timepass paintings Prachi..these are master pieces!!” said Mayank who kept gazing at those beautiful paintings.

“Oh please…I am not a trained painter..thanks anyway..come lets have dinner” said Prachi.

When Mayank saw what all she prepared, he said “sorry for giving you trouble!”

“No its fine. Cooking for one person extra is not a trouble” said Prachi while serving food in his plate.
“Don’t say that otherwise I might come everyday” said Mayank.

Prachi wanted that to happen everyday. She never felt so happy after a long time. Throughout the dinner, Mayank kept on praising her food and she got more and more attracted to Mayank’s charm. After dinner they talked for long time. Mayank kept making jokes and Prachi laughed non-stop. Prachi never realized when it was already 11:30pm.

Mayank suddenly looked at his watch and realized it was late. “Hey ..sorry..its late..i should leave..you have to get up early to the office again tomorrow” said mayank and got up to leave.

Prachi didn’t want him to leave and wanted to stop him for some more time.

“yeah..it was …it was nice having you here today” stammered Prachi.

“really?” said Mayank

“yeah…u know..i never smiled and laughed this much before Mayank. You brought something back which I lost long time ago.” Said prachi, her eyes were almost in tears.

Mayank kept looking at her for sometime.

“so where is my fees?” said mayank.

“Fees??” questioned Prachi.

“yeah for bringing back what u lost!” said Mayank.

“aha..so I am your first patient it seems…tell me whats ur fees, I will give you” said Prachi with a smile.

“ummm…lets see..umm” said mayank making a thinking gesture “how about one more dinner, this time somewhere outside”

“done” said prachi almost immediately.

“wow…that’s an improvement ..i thought you would me hit” said Mayank laughing.

And then for coming weeks they were inseparable. They met almost everyday for dinner. Mayank and Prachi were madly in love with each other but never expressed it to each other. Prachi started smiling more and more and became more communicative in office with colleagues. All her colleagues were surprised to see the change in her behavior. She even started taking care on what she was wearing and how she looked.

One day in a restaurant, Mayank seemed little restless.

“What happened to you today?” asked Prachi.

“Actually I wanted to tell you something..dont know how you will react!” confessed Mayank.

Prachi suspected that he might propose her and felt little nervous deep beneath her heart but was still waiting for this moment since long.

“Its ok Mayank..tell me…since when did u get so nervous in front of me?” said Prachi.

“hmm..its not nervousness but..i don’t want you to hate me after what I will tell you” said Mayank.

“Now…plz..dont keep me in suspense!!” requested Prachi not able to keep bear the excitement.

“Actually, few days back I read a article in a newspaper. There is going to be a painting exhibition for new talents in Mumbai. That’s going to be conducted by Tina Ambani, wife of Anil Ambani of Reliance Industries. Without your permission I sent your name and one of the photos of your painting. Today I got a reply from Tina Ambani herself and she is pleased with your painting and want that to be exhibited. I know you are going to be mad at me now but Prachi I want the whole world to know your talent” said Mayank holding one of the hands of Prachi.

Prachi listened to all with complete silence. She didn’t knew how to react. She was expecting something else. She was in love with Mayank but with what Mayank told her, she could not hold back her tears. Tears rolled over her cheeks and she couldn’t speak.

“uh..oh..sorry Prachi..i dreaded this..i didn’t want to hurt you..Your paintings were so impressive, that I felt it should not confine just within four walls of your home. I guess I should have asked you before. I am sorry again” said Mayank with guilty.

“uh..no no..dont say sorry Mayank..its just that..i never thought you cared about me so much..i never realized that you felt my paintings were worth sending to an exhibition…i..i..am surprised …but I don’t think I am worth it….i do it for my own pleasure..” said Prachi with chocking voice.

Mayank holding her hand tight “I already told you this before..your painting are master pieces and now the response from Tina Ambani herself tells you what you are worth of. Prachi you should learn to be proud of your own talent..you really don’t know what you are worth of…”

After a 2 minutes of silence. “I don’t know Mayank..how to thank you for all this…how will I be able to return the favour” said Prachi.

“The fact that you are not mad at mr after hearing this, is itself a big favor” said Mayank smiling “And the by the way, there would be competition too in that exhibition and whoever wins, will get a sum of Rs 5lakhs and a contract to do the painting of Reliance’s New office in Mumbai.”

“oh is it…that sounds interesting..i hope you wont ask 5lakhs in return of favour” said Prachi teasingly.

“ha ha..may be” said Mayank.

Mayank took care of logistics of sending Paintings to Mumbai. All 5 of her paintings were selected for exhibition. Prachi and Mayank both went to Mumbai together on the day of the opening of the exhibition. There were total of 25 paintings altogether. Prachi was nervous to talk to Tina Ambani but Mayank stood beside her and gave his support. Prachi and Mayank could notice that Prachi’s painting caught most of the attention from viewers. Prachi and Mayank spent that day in Mumbai doing shopping and sight-seeing. She couldn’t believe she was with Mayank for whole day. They were hardly in their hotel rooms and were roaming around till 2 am midnight. When they came back to their hotel, they were both tired and dozed of almost immediately in their respective rooms. They returned back to Bangalore next day by early morning flight. Exhibition was held for 2 more weeks and results were out the last day. As expected Prachi’s paintings won the first place.

Mayank was ecstatic with the news and Prachi was more pleased to see Mayank happy than winning the actual award. Calls didn’t stop pouring in Prachi’s phone that day. Her office was proud of her after hearing the news. Prachi’s parents were both surprised and felt on top of the world.

While they both were on flight to Mumbai to receive the award.. Mayank whispered in Prachi’s ears “Prachi when we will go back to Bangalore, I will ask you to return my favour”

Prachi looked surprised and said “I will be pleased”

The award ceremony went on very well. Prachi had to speak few words on the stage after receiving the award and she was very nervous about it but one look at Mayank and words flew from her mouth smoothely. She became a celebrity overnight. It was one of the memorable days ever for Prachi and now Prachi was looking forward to what Mayank would ask her after returning to Bangalore.

Mayank asked her to come home for dinner the day they returned. Prachi was on cloud 9 and she was sure that Mayank would propose her. She looked forward for the evening and got ready on time. She looked in the mirror some 100 times before making sure she looked perfect. Sharp at 8pm she went to Mayank’s home and rang the bell.

Mayank opened the door and stared at her.

“Oh my god..dont do this to me!” said Mayank.

“What did I do?” said Prachi surprised.

“You look ravishing..what if I get heartattack? I am just a psychiatrist not a cardiologist” said Mayank again with his flirting smile.

Prachi blushed and felt shy.

Mayank took her hand and made her sit on the sofa. Mayank sat on the small chair beside her still holding her hand.

Mayank stared at her for a minute and said “actually I have two things to ask from you Prachi”

“And what are those?” said Prachi, her hands going numb.

Mayank took a deep breath.

“Prachi I want you to forgive Samyu..i mean Samyuktha” said Mayank.

Prachi didn’t understand what was Mayank talking about for a second and later got shocked.

“Yes your friend Samyuktha, Prachi” said Mayank.

Prachi took back her hand which Mayank was holding and stared at him with thousand questions in her mind. Mayank looked away from her and stared behind her. Prachi didn’t understand where he was looking and turned to the direction where he was looking. Samyuktha was standing there behind her. Prachi got shocked looking at her after all these years.

“Prachi..hi…how are you?....” said Samyuktha slowly.

Prachi looked back at Mayank.. “So you knew me from before hand..and all this was one big drama?” said Prachi with anger.

“See Prachi..yes I knew you ..but all this is not a drama…don’t get me wrong…i…” said Mayank when Prachi cut him in mid-sentence and left his home in rage without looking back.

Mayank ran for her but Prachi didn’t let him in her house. She closed the doors and went to her bedroom weeping. Mayank tried calling her mobile, but she kept it off. Mayank tried knocking her door many times but she didn’t budge from her bedroom. The whole night Prachi kept reeling back to the time she met Mayank for first time, how she spent time with Mayank and felt sad that all that was a drama. He did it all for Samyuktha not because he liked her. She hated Samyuktha for coming back in her life again. Everything was so beautiful till yesterday. She ruined everything again.

She slept sobbing in her bedroom and didnt know when it was already 9am in the morning. She realized she had headache and called her office to tell she will be on leave. She noticed a letter near her main door. She knew it must be from Mayank and didn’t touch it for long but kept looking at it. After few hours passed she decided to read it. It was not from Mayank but from Samyuktha.

Dear Prachi,

I know you are still very angry with me. And I know I deserved it. Prachi I cam here all the way from US just for you. After leaving college, I soon went to US for higher studies and later married Aakash. Life was rosy for few years but I realized I lost all my friends. Even after marriage Aakash kept in touch with his old school friends but I didn’t had any genuine friends. The one genuine friend I had, I broke her heart. I wanted to get in touch with you again but was afraid of your reaction. I tried contacting your parents in delhi and they said you left Bangalore. They told me how much you have changed and distanced yourself from everybody even with your own parents. Then I realized I am the reason behind it. Prachi when I was in college I was naïve and was drawn to all attentions. I didn’t understand what was right or wrong. When I was in school, you helped me to come out of my shell and later you went into the same cocoon because of me. You don’t know how bad I felt later when I realized my mistake. I wanted to repent for everything I did and wanted to bring back that old charming Prachi.

Mayank is school friend of Aakash. I met him when i visited India last time and became good friends. When Mayank decided that he wanted to go to Bangalore for his medical practice, I told him about you. I asked him if its possible for him to get in touch with you. I took your address from your parents and luckily Mayank got a flat for rent in your apartment. Mayank kept telling me about you whenever he met you. I realized you have changed a lot and felt guilty. Mayank and I decided to tell you about me when the right time comes. Prachi, Mayank likes and respects you a lot. Being a psychiatrist he knew you are not the person you were projecting. He wanted to bring out real you and I was happy that what I couldn’t do, atleast he can do that and did that.

Prachi I am leaving to Delhi today by 5pm flight. I want to say sorry to you again in person though its ok if you don’t forgive me. And one more thing, if you want to hate me still, its ok, but don’t hate Mayank. Whatever he did was not because I asked him to do but he himself wanted it to do. I primarily wanted to be in touch with you through Mayank, nothing else. I am not sure if you will forgive me or not but I want to say Sorry for one last time.

Love
Samyu.

Prachi read that letter for 10 times and tear swelled from her eyes. At 4’o clock she decided to go to Airport. She reached airport by 4:30 and saw Samyu there. Samyu was overwhelmed with joy when she saw prachi. As Prachi came near she swung and hugged her with tears.

“I knew..i knew you would come” said Samyuktha

“How wouldn’t I ..i wanted to hear a sorry from you” said Prachi with tears.

“I am so so so so sorry Prachi..you don’t know how happy and relieved I am after all these years…” said Samyuktha.

“Me too…and…I want to say thank you!” said prachi

“Thank you?” puzzled Samyuktha

“Yeah..thank you for sending Mayank in my life” said Prachi

“I guess that was fate Prachi…I didn’t send him..but it was a co-incidence that you happened to be my friend…err…aren’t we friends”

“Yes..yes..now again don’t make me cry..cried a lot since yesterday” said prachi with a smile.

“ha ha ok ok..” said Samyuktha.

“That’s bad, you friends are having good time and forgot about me” said Mayank from behind.

Prachi looked back with surprise and became happy to see him there.

“Mayank, you wanted to ask one more thing to Prachi yesterday night right..why don’t you ask that?” said Samyuktha looking at Mayank.

“May I madam?” asked Mayank looking at Prachi.

Mayank bent down on his knees and took out a small box from his pocket.

“Will you make tea for me early in the morning everyday , will you cook dinner for me every day, listen to my bak-bak everyday, sleep with me in my bed, ….be my better half for rest of my life” said Mayank showing the ring to her.

“Yes” said Prachi smiling but with tears “ you guys are making me cry like anything”.

“I hope you will not cry for rest of your life” said Mayank and hugged Prachi.

It was time Samyuktha to leave and she once again hugged and congratulated Prachi. Then congratulated Mayank and thanked him for everything.