"GARGI"

"GARGI"

'BECAUSE IT'S NOT OVER YET'

Hello! I am Gargi. You might have heard me a lot through one person – that’s BISHU!!!

Yes! We are inseparable. We are destined together. We are one.

But the journey to this was not that easy, because the journey was tested and we were pushed to the polarities of truth, awareness and patience.

The girl (Gargi) that you now know was a simple girl, a dedicated daughter, a beloved sister and a nurturing and caring friend who was always there for all her friends from all the age groups!

Oh! Did I just said, the girl “was”...???

Well! That’s because, it was her old self that used to be like the one that I mentioned above. But post the awakening phase followed by the healing phase, her persona completely changed – and transformations looked good! But, the one who sheds off the old self and transmutes to the new one – knows exactly how many times she has broken, fallen, devastated and denied....

Before you know the CURRENT GARGI... let me take to you the glimpses of the Gargi that she used to be...

 *trigger warning* - The story has some heart wrenching facts about this girl's life...only if you are comfortable reading, please go ahead.

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So here is what Gargi has to say about her part of the story...

 

I still remember clearly, it was 2015 and one of my best friends Miraj introduced me to a wonderful course called “The craft of screenplay writing”, I was jobless then, so I thought let me take this opportunity, there will be surely something to learn from it. And then I took training for the same from a very profound writer, and Associate Director. I still remember, it was my first day in the class and before I stepped in, I was full of confidence, from nowhere, I was in an entirely blessed vibe. And then there was no looking back!

They say when a major thing is going to happen with you, you are blessed with positive miracles and vibes just before the same so that you accept and receive the positive changes in your life with your arms opened and a smiling face.

The miracle that I was talking here was a new job. Yes! For a jobless person it’s not less than a miracle. I was all smiles. New people, new location, new job, new job title, new atmosphere and new friends – I was super happy!

And guess what, these new vibes brought with it a once in a lifetime encounter. Some miracles are truly godsend to the extent that it changes the entire thought process and takes you to the route of your higher callings. One such experience was joining a dating app, that was a new talk of the town. I enrolled myself there, just to let my parents know that I can choose someone for myself. And I was proved wrong. I mean, it was not I who joined that app, but later after so many years, when I now look back – it makes sense and meaning that the entire process was being pre written by the Universe! I was, just a part of that process!

So, yes a week post my joining that new joining, I met someone on that app. His name was Bishwajeet. And you know what, some meetings are so fated and destined, that after meeting that person, you come to know that this is the one for you! Your search ends here. I was all smiles...and all blushes...after all, I was in love!

Coming back to my new job, which is now a bit old considering my joining date, I started taking keen interests in the new things, new learnings and even unlearning some old habits. It was all fun, managing my love life, my office life together, till one day, when I came to know about the dirty office politics that I used to go through all these days and months. I was falling prey to the situations that used to surround me. When you are too good, or very honest people take undue advantage of your good nature! I was made aware of this...things started becoming sour and sour with each passing day. Each experience brought me closer to the feeling of demeaning myself. Each day, was just passing by as if I had no control over my own self. I was used (mentally), tortured, and being laughed at and even cheated on some occasions...

They say, when life starts testing you, you are left with nothing to cherish, but the wounds...and those days were so bad that at times I literally had nightmares. Each day, I used to motivate myself that I would be smiling and spending a good day, but, NO...each day the dirty politics ate me up and spoiled me, devastated me more and more to that extent that I feared to go the job the next day.

When I look back, I wondered how can be people so selfish and so easily backstab you.

“And as they say, what you project in your reaction is just a reflection of what you hold within yourself...”

This even strained my and Bishu’s relationship. It was during this time that I was so tired of fighting mentally with the outside situations as well as facing the hard and dark realities of relationships, both at the same time. The battle looked so huge and unending to me...and I started developing the bad habit of co-dependency! I started fearing more and more. My only hope in this crises situation was Bishu! But, sometimes as they say...it’s not the right timing! And literally it was the case! One and half year of loving him so deeply, once gave me the strength, also made me hollow from within as I started looking for validations from outside. This made me attract more and more negativity in my life.

I wonder what you would say about this situation. And to make the situation even worse, the testing times began again, this time, Bishu left from my life...

I had no courage left, no imaginations, no passion, no motivation to live; I was completely devastated and dried up! Though I don’t hold him responsible for all this – he too had his side and his story to tell – I believed!

Sometimes, the person you love the most, when suddenly leaves you without telling you anything, it just leaves you in a spot of anxiety, darkness and depression. You start questioning your existence all of a sudden!

But you know what! His leaving me was had my biggest learning hidden in it! The Universe wanted to teach me – which you are the Universe within yourself, you DONT require any EXTERNAL VALIDATIONS....

I agree, life had some best lessons for me, but the best lessons often come in hard packages... the one’s that encourages and compels you to change yourself rather than ruin yourself...

I left that job, and was again – jobless...but this time something helped me. When I was home, not doing anything, I started watching the Mahabharata series...again...it was not me who was doing this, this too was a part of the journey I was living.

With each passing story of this great epic, I started to learn the biggest lessons of my life, there came a reasoning to everything that happened with me till date – I didn’t realise then, but now I know – it was my HEALING PHASE! And none other than, Shri Krishna himself came to my rescue...through his life changing GEETA UPDESHA’s...No wonder I love him...with each passing day...

Now that I was healing, and the Universe bestowed its soft touch and blessings on me, I started getting my confidence back, I started believing in myself again!

This was truly a victory moment for me!

But, this was not the only win...The next test awaited me...

My sister got married to whom I was so very attached to. She was in her new journey and I was again left alone – by myself. She was the one who used to bluntly ask me to take my decisions, be myself, do what I loved the most to do, not be co-dependent etc... and as they truly say, you don’t realise the worth of yourself and the people around you, till they are gone! This was again when I learnt to be on my toes...

It was difficult, yes! Very difficult...to be the decision maker, to be financially independent and to voice my feelings....After Bishu left, I completely ignored my passion, my writing, music everything...I just used to sit in front of the Krishna’s idol and question him often – where did I go wrong, what if he still be a part of my life? Why did you take away him from my life....

But, all these questions were just questions then...because even Krishna wanted me to be independent and full of life, in all the areas of my life and as they say, everything has a proper timing! So, I just was left with one option and that was MOVING ON in my life...

But, moving on is not that easy for the heartbroken ones! Isn’t it?

Later, when I again started to built up for myself and gained confidence, I found my new self altogether...I started purchasing my own clothes, started watching the movies alone (without any fear or anxiety), started believing in my dreams and passion for writing again...these independent gestures, helped me survive the tough times of my life...it boosted my confidence and life stared smiling again!

BUT I WILL BE HONEST HERE, I MISSED BISHU ALL THESE YEARS, I MISSED HIS PRESENCE IN MY LIFE, AND LIFE REMINDED ME OF HIM EVERY MOMENT!!!

Amid this, I got a new job, again a new location, a new vibe, some new friends and a lot of innocence this time... and yes, this time I got a chance to be a part of dramatics also which groomed me completely, the otherwise shy me, who used to hide herself from showing up, the one who was ok to be an audience, the one who guarded herself from all the new experiences – started discovering a new change within her.

I started enjoying the spot light on me when I stood myself on the stage performing. My voice this time was much confident and clear. My emotions were beautifully expressed without any bottlenecks, I started loving myself and this time helped me heal faster as I started taking up some creative projects and writing content for some firms as well as scripts for some short films...

During this phase of my life, I came to know new people made new friends but, BISHU never left me... he was always present within me encouraging me...allowing me to be myself...

Life was going good and I started taking up life a bit more seriously, fulfilling my responsibilities as a daughter to my parents... “gharse office and office se ghar...and bich mein kuch dino ka behtareen theatre” was the new vibe for me. Again, this became my routine, and I started closing off again to the parties, social functions etc...this time – it was the burden of responsibilities that cut me off from my social gatherings, I didn’t show up for any birthday or other social gatherings... and this time the lesson to be learnt was – being in BALANCE with myself...the more I pushed myself towards fulfilling the expectations of my family, my surroundings, my office work – the more I started digging a big hole for myself that took me away from myself...and again...the fear, loneliness and anxiety started creeping within me! I used to cry the whole night seeking for answers!

I used to stare at the temple in my home and with those staring eyes, used to question to the almighty, was there anything else in stored for me? What was the route he is taking me towards? Where am I going to land? Will this loneliness be ever done with? – All my questions were echoed within my head and I was on the crossroads, again!

No matter, how much darker and dangerous this looked like all, the Universe always has an upper hand in surprising you by lighting a spark at the end of every dark tunnel!

This time, all my questions were answered...by the UNIVERSE itself!

The tunnel was dark, lonely and scary, but the Universe made it possible for me to cross it and not only this, but it held my hand all through these tough moments.

And....just when I completely surrendered to the Universe, a life changing EPHIPHANY happened to me last year!

A sudden moment, a drastic and life changing realisation about my life purpose hit me hard – I was made aware of my life, about my patterns, about the way my life unfolded to me – about my soul mission and learning of birth cycles. All of a sudden everything started making sense to me!

And that was the moment when I was reminded of Bishwajeet again! All My questions were answered by the Universe. It guided me to look beyond the routines, helped me become an awakened individual and on the same time helped me deal with all my shadow work, the inner child wounds and inner demons that I dealt with, there was a constant learning and healing that I went through this one year and I am so happy to know that Me and Bishu both are a part of this journey now! Everything suddenly started making meaning as the Universe started highlighting the moments that were closed till date!

With each passing day, I started loving myself some more and that’s how I started loving him more and more! The understanding and love for him was never faded, on the contrary it grew some more and I started loving him more, believing in us! This journey in which we both are – is truly bliss!

 

The Universe guides us both as we both are moving towards our mission !!!

Oh! You know what! you must read the part of Bishu’s story too, because the next part of it will have US in it together, as destined by the UNIVERSE!

Link of Bishu’s part of story...is mentioned below 

(CLICK TO VIEW) 👇

"WE" - STORY OF BISHU & GARGI

 

WARD #14 BY ZELAM TAMBE

 

WARD NO. 14

 

    Current Day...

Dr. Raj Krishnan, please tell us something about this wonderful building. A journalist asked me in an interview. It’s not just a building, it’s a dream, I said confidently. I was living for myself all these years, but now I shall live for others, I said addressing the conference. It was a dream of my late mother Mrs. Meera Krishnan, whose selfless love and sacrifices enlightened my life. It would give me rapture happiness to serve the society. I learned the blissful art of giving from her. I owe everything to her, I said with moist eyes. The conference hall was covered by applauds. Flashes of lights started pouring in the conference hall as I finished my speech.

 

As the conference was adjourned, I went back to my cabin. I sat on my chair and took out a piece of paper from my pocket, it was the letter handed over to me by my mother, my only family. Memories started flashing again and again in my mind. I was lost in her thoughts. Things came alive again…

 

Two years back...

 

Dr. Raj, somebody shouted from behind. I turned to see who it was? Doctor there is an emergency, the ward boy screamed as he ran towards me. What makes you scream so loud Bhaskar? I questioned. Doctor, please hurry up the patient in the ward no. 14 has encountered a severe heart attack. “Patient no. 14”. It alarmed me. My hands were trembling as I started to proceed towards the ward. My steps were brisk alike my heart beats. I could feel a high intensity of tension and anxiety within me as I ran past through the wards, ward no. 10,11,12,13...and as I was approaching the ward no.14, I started feeling very numb and pale. My conscience began to give me some negative intuitions as if something wrong was about to happen. Please come fast, a voice came from inside the ward. It was Dr. Rahul, in action, all prepared for the big surgery. I began to move slowly towards the bed where the patient was lying. With every step approaching close to the patient, my heart sank and guilt started oozing in swiftly. I saw the patient’s face and waited for doctor Rahul to comment, God I was running short of words.

 

Every passing moment brought with it a whack of nervousness in me. A strange fear followed my thoughts. I came to a standstill. A surgery required immediately Dr. Raj, said Dr. Rahul rubbing his forehead with his handkerchief. Bhaskar, manage for the stretcher quickly.

 

Sister, bring her to the operation theatre fast without wasting any further time. Everything was happening at a faster pace inside the ward that left me reluctant to move any further. Dr. Raj, I have gone through the medical reports of the patient, he said. I am scared, we need to call the family members of the patient without wasting a minute, he finished saying all in one breathe. I was taken aback.

 

“The family members!” These words kept haunting me as I came closer to the patient’s bed. I was in trauma. Without any clue to react further, I decided to walk outside the ward for some fresh air. For the first time the atmosphere in the Ward made me uneasy though I was used to it being a doctor, but today was something different. I started turning back when suddenly I could feel a warm grip on my palm. It was the patient’s trembling hand that was trying to stop me. Her soft wrinkled hand touched me with motherly warmth. I could feel the warmth in my hand and realised how cold my body became while experiencing the unexpected distress of facing the patient. A sudden gush of panic ran through my body.

 

I turned around slowly. Gathering a lot of courage, I lifted my eye lashes to see her face, though I was unable to see directly in her eyes. Tears rolled down her cheek as she saw me looking at her. My fingers wanted to wipe her tears, but my guilt never gave me the opportunity to do so. I kept looking at her emotionless. “Beta” she said with a soft smile on her face, as she looked at me, still in tears. Please sit here, I wanted to give you something. I knew what it must be. My intuitions were warning me terribly and that very moment I wanted to escape and run away, so just trying to avoid further conversation, I asked her not to speak, as a doctor I took the charge in this moment. “You are not supposed to speak, please take rest.” We shall talk after your operation, I said hastily without making any eye contact with her. I need to take you to the operation theatre soon. And I literally avoided speaking to her, but this time it was out of concern. “Sister”, I shouted and looked around for the help.

 

“Beta”, consider it as my last wish, and please listen to me first, for I know I am not going to live now, she requested fastening the grip of her fingers around my palm. Perhaps this is my last conversation, she said in a weak still confident voice. A sudden shock ran through my face. My throat became dry and I was frozen for a moment, this time I dared myself to look in her eyes straight, the request that she just said, was clearly seen in her weak eyes that were full of tears now, as it met mine.

 

“Doctor that patient is breathing her last, she won’t survive”. I overheard the ward boy saying this to the anaesthetist while they walked past the passage area. We need to check the blood pressure, said the anaesthetist as they both walked inside the ward. Dr. Raj, are you ok, inquired the anaesthetist, looking at me. “Hmm.. I am ok”, I said assuring myself. “Dr., we have made all the necessary arrangements in the operation theatre and I have brought the stretcher to take the patient for the surgery”, said the ward boy Bhaskar in a plain voice. “Hurry! Up said the anaesthetist and started walking towards the patient”.

 

“Waaiiiiitttt!” I literary shouted aloud at him in a reflex. “I am aware of the emergency that has arisen here, but before taking the patient to the operation theatre there is an important step left to be undertaken still”. I said, this time lowering my voice keeping into consideration the shocked expressions of both of them. I asked them to leave the room soon and wait outside for some time; “I shall call you once this important task is undertaken”, I confirmed. Please leave me alone for just a few minutes...

 

Amassing a lot of courage, I approached her and sat beside her, still numb. She took my hand in hers while her eyes still glued on my face. I was nervous. She caressed my hand as if assuring me not to worry. I have mentioned in it some important facts of my life, she said handing me a piece of paper. It startled me. “Had it not been related to you, I would have never handed this letter to you”, she explained in a firm voice.

 

I want you to read it and decide yourself about the deal. ‘The deal’, I recollected in my mind these words again and again. She placed her hand on my head and said, “Please forgive me, beta”, if it’s possible for you to do after reading this letter. Curiosity caught me amidst of the situation and I stated unfolding the letter with a blank mind.

 

 To my Dearest Son,

My only family...

 

“Raj you came in my life with a new ray of hope. You brought a lot of joy in my life. My world always surrounded you till your father; Mr. Mohan Krishnan took you away from me. Yes, it is indeed true. I am lying on a dead bed, so would never lie in front of you my child.

 

Your birth was not as fortunate as any other children. However, for me your birth is a divine accomplishment that made me complete. You were the only treasure of my life which I looked upon, to live my meaningless life. I would always remain grateful to God for having given me my life’s biggest strength, my only family in form of you. Alike any other mother, I too had certain dreams stored in for you. You brought into me a lot of courage to fight with the world. Amidst every odd that came my way, I decided to make you a good person. You were and always be my aspiration to live my dear Raj.

 

But, like they say, “When you have your best laugh, watch out for the danger awaiting you at the other end….” It’s the cycle of life, “After the thunder, the rains must come.”

 

I decided to leave the state and locate somewhere else, keeping your safety as a prime motive in my mind. But, I was helpless and trapped in the circle of life again. That day when I was standing at the bus stop for leaving this town, I heard someone calling me from behind. As I turned back to see who it was, I found your father, Mr. Krishnan standing with folded hands and begging in front of me. He asked me to hand over you to him. He was standing helpless in front of me. I need your help Meera, he said in a low voice. Please give me my son back. I need him in my life.

 

He is my only hope to live in this world, I said in an agitated voice. Where were you when he was born? Did you ever bother to know about both of us ever? You were busy enjoying your life with your wife. I questioned him angrily. You have no right to claim his custody because you ran away like a timid when it came to face the world. But, I won’t forgive you so easily, and shall never give Raj to you, I said firmly.

 

 

Please Meera, give me my child, for I have promised my dear wife to look after him all through my life, he said, this time with tears in his eyes. He held my hand and said my wife passed away two years back, on the same date when Raj was born. On her death bed, during her last breath, I confessed in front of her about our relationship and our son, Raj. I asked her to forgive me, but all in vain. But, few minutes before her death, she asked me to promise her that I would bring Raj home and look after him all through my life as repentance. It was her last wish, she said and died. I thought that this was the only way to repent through my life. So I decided to come to you and request you to give me Raj again in my life.

 

He said this and was shattered. I took pity on him and asked why I need to sacrifice all the time? To which he said, I won’t let you down this time, I would raise him as good as ever. Shall fulfil all his needs and shall bestow on him love and care, both as a father as well as a mother. I promise Meera. He said assuring me.

 

I thought for a while and said, though I dreamt of all the pleasures and good fortunes for you all my life, I won’t be able to match to, what Mr. Mohan can give you. He was a rich man after all, everything that money can buy, he would give you and everything that money can’t buy he would deal for it.

 

Years back, it was our relationship that served as a deal for him to marry your mom and now it was you who were dealt against my motherhood.

 

Raj, don’t be ashamed of me when you come to know about my identity beta. I have always prayed for your betterment and good luck from my heart. Today, when I see you successful in your life I thank God for your wellbeing and somewhere to Mr. Mohan too, whom I owe my motherhood to after all, he was your father beta. He loved you the most in this world. He was there for you always, whenever you needed him. He may be not the best for me, but undoubtedly he was the best for you, and trust me I have zero grudges for him now, I have forgiven him long back...all my heartbroken moments were healed the day I heard about your upbringing and your success. I am proud of you beta. Whatever I dreamt for you, he fulfilled and you were living it. I wonder, what would I have done, had I been in his place for your upbringing? After all, I was a prostitute. “A prostitute by profession, but a mother by heart” God bless you my child. Please forgive me, if you take me as a person who gave you birth.”

The letter might have ended, but my emotions and tears didn’t know where to end!

“Where is Bhaskar?” A loud voice fell into my ears bringing me back into the situation. It was Dr. Rahul instructing someone outside the ward.  “We need some more blood, the patient is sinking, said Dr. Rahul as he progressed towards the operation theatre”. Dr. Raj, common we need to operate her soon as possible. I was standing motionless again. Didn’t know how to react? “Somebody please call the relatives”, we need the blood.

 

Leaving her behind in the room, “Dr. Rahul...”, I said walking down the passage. “Oh! Dr. Raj...”, he said and tapped on my shoulder. “Doctor...”, I began in a low voice, “please take my blood to operate”. “Are you running out of your mind”? Dr. Rahul said surprisingly. You are coming inside the operation theatre to operate the patient. Common hurry up, fast, he ordered. “Bhaskar, just inform the family members that we need B+ve urgently”, Dr. Rahul commanded this time.

 

“Bhaskar wait!” I said. “Take my blood, it’s matching with her blood group...” after all “I am the only family member, this patient has”. I said, more to myself. I am her only hope to live... her only family...her Son (I murmured with tears in my eye)

"FOR THE FIRST TIME, I LOOKED ABOVE AND PRAYED FOR HER NOT AS A PATIENT, BUT A MOTHER THIS TIME”

 - ZELAM TAMBE

HERE I COME....A SHORT STORY BY ZELAM

This story is primarily inspired from: ROMANCE OF A BUSY BROKER BY O’Henry!

"HERE I COME...."

A SHORT STORY BY ZELAM

I was running and running fast, in the streets of Mumbai, people from my family were after me, police was after me. Not sure whether I would find him in the church or not. I just crossed two churches but I am sure he must not have been here, we both decided to meet at the meeting point, the place of our first meet. Oh God! I am losing my breath, but can’t stop now till I see him.

I have to befool the police so I took a long way to reach at my destination. In befooling them, I completely forgot that I chose a path that I walked before with him from our first date till yesterday when he proposed me for our marriage. Yes, we decided our marriage to be held on a valentine day.

Oh no!.. Mr. Rao... God! I have to hide myself, looking him approaching me I took a sharp turn and landed myself in a gift shop, for a while I had to behave as if I am one of the potential customers there, I loved to shop for him but Poor Me! I am running short of money... In a hustle I forgot to take my purse too. Hello Ma’am, how may I help you said one of the girls in the shop, hmmmm. Actually I will buy this, pointing out at one of the Hats I told her, sure ma’am, she said and brought to me that hat, how much for this?, I inquired with confidence, hmmmm..200/- ma’am..ok Just wait I shall pay you, I just turned and I found that she got busy with another customer, so I hurried and rushed towards the door and ran from the shop, the owner of the shop followed me for some time but I was, so swift and fast that if I had a competition that day, I would have left the Legendary P.T.Usha behind.

Meanwhile, just across the corner of a street, I saw a flower vendor; I hurriedly went on there and took a beautiful bouquet of flowers, these are his favourite, white lilies. Oh! Madam, dedson (150/-) rupayon ka hain yeh..mangta kya?? I gave him a thoughtful look, aree haan yehi chahiye.. lekin shaadi main dena hain so pack it and give me, I demanded him. Ruko pack karke deta hu, and he started seeking for the gift wrapper, slowly I started moving back and when he was fully lost in the gift wrapping, I just threw this hat in his direction and shouted, ye rakhlo, doso ki hain (it’s worth 200/-)..pachaas rupaye tip samajhna...apni badi didi ki taraf se)...and I rushed...from streets to streets..The police and family members now disappeared, still I can’t ease, I have to reach the destination, and he must be waiting for me.

As I was running, I crossed the beautiful Marine Drive, all the beautiful memories stared flooding in and I found tears coming down my cheeks, when I saw a couple holding hands and laughing with each other, thought how happy they are, I too wanna be happy like they are now, so I marched forward wiping my tears...oh! shit...auunnttyyyyy...side please....I screamed out louder to an aunty who was just about to collide me...god I saved myself from falling; as she was a fatso....

Hussshhhh...There...The church...I unclipped my hair, relaxed; and moved further, but in haste. I was fully drenched up in sweat and looked so tired even the kaamwali baai will look good in front of me this moment, I thought to myself, when I happened to have a quick look at the mirror in the corridor of the church.

There he was, waiting for me, ohho! Where were you? I have been waiting for you since too long honey! Saying this, he literary dragged me inside the church. I tried to explain with broken breath, you know I had to run a marathon to come here; he gave me a frustrated look and said, Who told you to do that, I already gave you the option of a traditional marriage..But look at you..!! An adamant fool!! The one who wanted an adventurous Wedding!! He mocked and laughed out louder...

Father was waiting for us!

Come my child, father led us to the stage where he had his preparations ready, he asked us (particularly me, to settle down) still was confused. He handed us two garlands and we exchanged those, and took vows in front of the lord.

Now please exchange the rings!! I was shocked to hear this, and looking at my expressions he said, now what?? Raj... “I FORGOT THE RING”....he was angry now... I looked up to explain...Father I was running, I mean people were after me, I mean I forgot everything, I mean this is the biggest day of my life, I ...I....

Jasmine!! Jasmine!! ...someone shook me...and my reverie was broken... It’s me Raj, he said. Oh yes! Raj...what are we doing here, where is the father gone? Father? He said...You forgot? How can you forget, today is our marriage dear...the day we awaited for too long...I shouted at him.

Calm down honey, he consoled and handed me a photograph, it was our wedding picture; he hugged me and said, Sweetheart,” WE MARRIED LAST YEAR ONLY”. And now we are a HAPPILY MARRIED COUPLE, as you always dreamt of...

Hmm. I see...I was upset and lost somewhere again; when Raj’s mobile rang, Hello, he said. Mr. Raj, I have checked all the reports, I am sorry to say but your WIFE is a MENTAL PATIENT, suffering from Alzheimer and she NEEDS TREATMENT, the psychiatrist said and hung the phone.

Raj came and sat beside & consoled me; took my hand in his, kissed on my forehead and said, “So tell me sweetheart, WILL YOU MARRY ME AGAIN? THIS YEAR!!! “I smiled and looked into his eyes and said, but this time even MORE ADVENTUROUS haan... “BOLLYWOOD STYLE”......

He smiled with tears in his eyes, and said, 

“ja simran jee le apni zindagi”.....

 

KRISSHU

 

“KRISHU”

“Krishhhhuuuu !!!”   I heard it aloud. I turned back to see who was screaming. I found an old woman in white cotton wrinkled saree. Her fair skin and wrinkled face complimented with her wrinkled saree that looked as if it was not washed for ages. She was looking for someone called Krishu. I was in complete defocus or maybe you can say that she completely ignored me while she was busy searching for Krishu. Her fair skin and weak poster compelled me to move ahead and offer her some help, but poor me! She didn’t even notice me standing on a one hand distance from her. She stretched her hand in the front direction as if trying to stop Krishu. Tears cornered her eyes. I felt sad and pity on her. Without thinking much, I took a step closer to her and held her hand. It was soft, it was wrinkled, it had thin green veins which were clearly seen due to her thin and fair skin, and her palm was cold when I held it. She was close to tears, she continued to stare in the direction she was looking at since a few minutes ago.

I wrapped my other hand over her shoulder while comforted her gently.  She realised my presence. She turned and looked at me with teary eyes. I offered her my white handkerchief and asked her softly “Daadi, whom are you searching? Who is krishu?” She gave me a questioned look. I realised, we are new to each other. I took my hand from her shoulder and politely introduced myself. “Daadi, I am Keshav. “Keshav Mishra. I am an architect by profession, ghar banata hu, I added. My office is there, I said pointing out at a multi-storeyed tall building that stood in front of us.” She shifted her gaze from me to the place I was pointing out at. Then she looked at me, as if wanting to know something more. I added further, “Today, I finished off early and was going this way towards shanti Niketan, so thought of waiting for a moment and ordering a cup of masala tea at your tea stall I simply love your hand made – adrak ki chaii, hence I stopped by daadi.” We ordered tea and coffee from your tea stall quiet often hence, before I could finish my line, she intervened and said, “I was looking for my grandson, who is missing since last three days. His name is Krishu. Before you walked in, I saw a group of young teenagers passing by, I thought my Krishu was there so I ran after them, leaving everything behind as it is”

I was taken aback to learn this. She looked at me and said, Krishu is in standard 7 right now. He is very intelligent, very helpful and hardworking, before she could say anything further; I looked at the empty road that lay ahead of us. It was dark and had just one dim light blinking. Then I looked at her helpless face. Her pale face and teary eyes made me heartbroken. Suddenly, I felt a strong urge to help her in finding her grandchild. I looked at her and said, “daadi, aapne FIR nahi likhwayi? apka pota missing hone ki?” Looking at me she said, “beta FIR is registered for those who are alive”

A cold perspiration rushed down my spine. I was frozen. I was emotionless, I was speechless. I was hurt, but she looked calm, composed, as if she accepted this bitter condition of her life. I went near her and hugged her. Her soft hands caressed me and held me firm in her arms. I felt so warm and blessed in her embrace that I could never express in words.

She looked at me and said, “The only reason behind me opening a tea stall here was to connect with the kids who study at the nearby Shanti Niketan school. I feel my Krishu in these school going kids. I cook for them poha and upma in the morning as breakfast and they love to eat sheera that I cook for them on every Ekadashi. She looked at me and said, tomorrow is Ekadashi, but the school is having a summer vacation, so no child would turn up tomorrow for the sheera.”  Tears rolled down her eyes. I wiped off her tears and said, daadi – “kal aap sheera jarur banana please” I said and left the place.

The next morning as she was busy preparing the sheera, a white car stopped by her tea stall and a small boy of 7 years jumped out of the car and ran towards her tea stall counter. She was engrossed in making the final garnishing work for her sheera, when a cute voice fell on her ears, “daadiiii mujhe sheera khana hain” She looked up with a surprise and saw a cute little kid standing near her platform eager to taste the first spoon of the sheera in his mouth. She was amazed by his charm and cuteness. She left the vessel at once and extended her hand towards the little boy in enormous love and affection. Putting her soft wrinkled palm on his cheek, she asked, “beta aap kon ho, kya naam hain apka,?” Krishav, my son looked at me innocently as if needed a prompt response from me!

I entered the tea stall and clearing my voice, I uttered – “Daadi ka krishu”

Leaving the platform, daadi went near him and kissed on his forehead with an abundant affection and care, I literally had goose bumps while I watched them both.

I received a message on my phone – It was a reminder alert! – The message highlighted today’s date – 16^th October with a note added to it that read – “EKADASHI TODAY!”

I looked at the screen of my phone and smiled.

Thank you for reading my story. Hope you liked it! Please comment and let me know and stay tuned for my next story - next Friday.

THE PARTING GIFT...

The Parting Gift....

It was the last day of college and we all decided to have a formal group photo. I still remember the moment that I hated the most.... I was asked to stand next to the girl I hated the most all through my life!!

Renu, my biggest enemy, was standing beside me during the photo session, why? Because she was the topper in the class;

All these years, it was me who won the BEST STUDENT AWARD, and now all of a sudden it was her! I cannot forget this insult and so I decided to plan a conspiracy against her. The day I chose was today’s, the last day of college, but I shall make sure that she remembers this day as the WORST day of her life! I hate her! I simply hate her!!

She was standing beside me after the photo session got over, waiting for her chance to come to address the gathering. I stood forward, held the mic in my hand and spoke with an air of arrogance and attitude!

“So Ms. Renu, we all know that you are the topper of the college, but please share what is the main source of your motivation behind the success?”  I sarcastically mentioned loud in the mic, what is your motivation to get the highest marks, baby? Or friends should I guess? I uttered in the mic, Renu was frozen in her place, she stood standstill wearing zero expressions on her face! Yes! Come forward Renu and share with us, what was the source of your inspiration to study and secure marks? My arrogance was at its peak when I decided to punish her publicly, so I went near her, dragged her by her hand and made her stood in front of the mic.

Looking at her I once again prompted loudly in the mic, so tell us dear, what sacrifices you have to make for securing such good marks in the final year! What was the source of your inspiration? I mentioned this and soon started giving the examples, tell me dear, was it the books, notes, perfumes, wallets, costly dresses, unique watches...etc. etc,...tell us, my dearest ENEMY, we are all waiting to hear you!

She sobbed quietly in her place. When Prof, Sharma chipped in and stood beside her side; will you please stop all this nonsense, rashi? Do you know what are you saying? Are you in your senses? He mentioned all this in a very harsh tone, loud enough to make the place fall silent and calm...Everybody was stunned to see this. Prof. Sharma was Renu’s subject guide and he always took pride in her success and always praised her hard work. 

So, Rashi! He roared in the mic, you want to know what made her succeed all these years in college. He asked looking straight in my eyes and with anger and aggression in his voice, he said, “You can never match up to her standard of living because you are born rich, my dear child! I was taken aback to hear that. Prof. Sharma was a very calm and composed man, very enthusiastic and lovable when it came to be with the students, but today everyone gathered in the assembly room was shocked to see a different Prof. Sharma, silence was wrapped around the whole assembly hall!

Why should you understand what means to be the topper of the class for all the three consecutive years? For you all I am sure what matters is those luxurious cars, those exorbitant parties and gifts, fancy watches and what not. Ask this girl, what is her source of inspiration and you will come to know what does hard work mean? What is the real inspiration for this girl?

Everybody including Rashi was taken aback by Prof. Sharma’s comments; she felt bad and buried herself with shame.

Poor child, Renu, he pointed at her, taking the mic in his hand, he waved at Renu and said, “THE ONLY INSPIRATION that this POOR girl had was the 2 TIME FREE MEAL THAT WAS SERVED HERE IN THIS COLLEGE” ...I hope now, one and all present here in the assembly got the ANSWER! Or should I place it on the notice board tomorrow morning? He stared at Rashi and walked away.

Renu cried heavily and ran towards the door... I was standing alone on the stage, still unmoved when I felt a palm on my shoulder, It was Prof. Sharma. My dear child, he said, “Your lost a good competitor today, but it’s my humble request to you, please DONT LOSE A GENUINE FRIEND in form of RENU!

“Money isn’t always that give you happiness, remember in life”! he said, and pated me on my back and went away.

Prof. Sharma’s words echoed my ears when I saw someone wiping my tears off, it was Renu! I was shocked to see her standing beside me and consoling me, I am sooo...rrryyy words struggled to come out of my mouth, when she placed her hand on my mouth and whispered in my ears, lets, make this day, the LAST DAY OF OUR ENOMICITY AND FIRST DAY OF OUR NEW FREIDNSHIP!

Will you be my best friend? She forwarded her hand and I grabbed it and hugged her, NOT JUST FRIEND, but FRIENDS FOREVER!!

*****

Thank you for reading and appreaciation my stories! 
PLEASE BE THERE FOR THIS OCTOBER AS MANY SUCH STORIES ARE COMING UP ON FRIDAYS...

NEXT FRIDAY- 16.10.20. A SPECIAL DAY!!! 

A SPECIAL STORY AWAITS YOU!!! - STAY TUNED!!!

 

DIVINELY MATCHED

It always happens, when we often lose all our hopes and stop at a point, when we have no option but to choose. The choice may not be that difficult though, however, the very thinking and conception of it does take a toll of us, right from its initial stage till the time its closure is decided, we have a constant frame of mind, that is into a juggling, a duel that sets the pendulum of our mind and heart swinging from “YES’ to ‘NO”, from “Right” to “Wrong”, “should I” to “should I not”.  It is a funny lane on which we start walking. We find various new faces in our journey. New expeditions all together are encountered. 

Today, was this expedition day for me – “meri ungliyaan baar baar google playstore par jakar DM type karti aur, mera mann chetavni deta – decide karlo pehle app download karna hain ki nahi ?”; But, finally my mind was quick and spontaneous to respond to the situation – “aisa hi toh hota haina – jis baat ki ijajat dil naa de, ussi ko sabse pehle karna hota hain dimaag ko”

A whole family of W’s - “what, why, how, where, who”, starts loitering around us from within. Novice experiences start bothering us from, new fears, to new surprises, to new hopes, dreams and fascinations and fantasies.

Oops! I forgot to introduce myself! Hello. I am sonu! (Female, 31) and currently working in an MNC in Gujarat. “Bas aajke liye itna hi kaafi hain”  “Filhaal main work ke saath ek aur chiz bhi kar rahi hu – meri best friend ne mujhe bataya tha iske bare main” Now, why to waste time in knowing kyu, kahan, kaise?, instead just join me in my journey of DM! (pata chal jayega DM kya hain don’t worry)

 

“It all started with DM”, a new application that connects people socially through a social media app. “Aam language main isko dating app, aisa kehte hain!” The purpose of joining this, was to get connected to the person who we think, we can connect to well.

 

I was busy shuffling the photos of various prospective grooms on DM when suddenly 3 profiles caught my attention; out of which two were from Ahmadabad and one from Bangalore. Isn’t it quite a weird thing to keep on visiting a certain profile in a day, strange but true? I did that the whole day, kept on reading those profiles that I selected. I liked these profiles in one go and I hit a click button on it. Further in a childish curiosity, when I clicked on the message icon mentioned there above in the toolbar menu, I was taken aback to see a message flashed on my mobile screen.

 

“The person you liked, should like you too for taking talks ahead; patience my dear patience”....

 

I just widened my eyes and read that twice. OMG, how foolish I was to do that. But, it was not my fault at all. We are always in a hurry to watch out for the next step. And I am no exception to this rule! The moment I liked the status and profiles, I hit a “LIKE” button and further, as this was done, my over smart mind questioned me “WHAT NEXT”...; to this my impatient heart answered let’s get started with a conversation “IMMEDIATELY”.

 

Well, nothing happens immediately, I consoled my heart and logged out of the application. A new day that was, I reached office early, and was busy finishing off with the targets in hand. Suddenly, a buzz fell on my ears; my phone got a message, the icon of DM popped up as a notification on my mobile screen. Bas fir kya tha, “yehi toh chahiye tha na mujhe”... within a moment, I just pushed aside the huge box file in front of me, closing all the windows on my PC one by one, cleared my office desk, flipped some stationery from here and there, just  to locate my phone.

 

Hassh! Finally! Gotcha!, (with a ear to ear wali smile),I grabbed it firmly, unplugged the charger, watched out for my surroundings quickly,(arree bhai! – jab hum apne aap main magna hote hain, tabhi puri duniya ko apne saare kaam chodkar ye jaana hota hain, ki hum aakhir kyu itne magna hain?)”, after all its psychological na!

 

So I looked around to see, who is looking at me, who is staring at me, rather! who is observing me, what exactly my CEO is doing at the moment... “Uff! Bechari main!”

 

I finished all these difficult tasks and quickly unlocked my mobile lock  and straightaway chose to open the DM message, leaving behind 137 unread messages on whatsapp, 10 notifications on my FB page, 2 text messages in my mobile, 4 missed calls. Now this is what I call, “Competition at its level best!” What to choose over what??? (Immediately, my rational mind recalled the economics – theory of demand, in particularly, the problem of choice!)”...I shook my head and told myself – shhhh... FOCUS karo FOCUS! But, out of all the notifications, DM –came out victorious in it.

 

There were 2 notifications, both from Ahmadabad. “Widening my eyes, I just checked on those messages”, I read both from both the members, oops! Prospective candidates... I must say na! Oho! I m blushing now! Aree bhai apke saath bhi aisa hua hoga! Ismain konsi nayi baat hain!

 

While, I got engrossed in reading those messages from both the profiles, I just overheard my name from a girl sitting next to me. My eyes are still glued to the mobile screen and I was busy trying to open the messages; I mean I was juggling actually, ki pehle kiska message padhu? The girl sitting next tapped on my shoulder this time, and Irritated to it, I jittered, aagey bolna kya hua ruchi?

 

Ruchi gave me a ‘whatever wala look’ and said, “abhi toh kuch nahi hua, but agey pakka hoga!” CEO ma’am, bula rahi hain tujhe unke cabin main!”...My fingers froze for a moment, leaving behind all the fantasies, I was brought brutly to the world of realities! In a few minutes, I reacted foolishly looking at her and screamed, kya? Kab? Kyun? ...too many questions in one go, and she calmly responded, Haan! pichle 10 mins se! AGM ki meeting ke liye! She replied to all my questions in the sequence, I asked her!

 

My jaws dropped down. “Oh! NO!” I just gasped and put my mobile aside and walked inside the CEO’s cabin shamelessly without carrying any diary or pen with me. (Shhh... haso mat...nervousness issiko kehte hain aakhir, haina?”) Aur isi ke saath, economics ka ek aur term mujhe instantly yaad aa gaya! “Opportunity Cost”!

(“Pata nahi kyu, lekin jab meri buri tarah se lagne wali hoti hain, tabhi mujhe economics ke har kisse gin gin ke yaad aane lagte hain!”)

 

Khair! To Opportunity cost is – to choose the next best alternative! And at this moment - I was supposed to choose the next best alternative for me given the range of limited resources at my disposal. You know what next best alternative was awaiting me? – “meri aur meri CEO se urgent meeting!”

(I never knew that Economics loved me too!)

 

A choice was to be made, between the assignments that I and ruchi, were assigned; only 2 hours were allotted to us! Sometimes, life really plays rude games in form of a hyper BOSS! I mean like, I was already amidst situation where I was to choose my Mr. FUTURE PERFECT, and now this new assignment, all of a sudden? Like a googly ball from my khadus While, I left my CEO’s cabin, she smiled at me and said, “ek ghante main reports submit kardena haan!” staring at me from the CEO’s cabin! Closing the door of her cabin, I cursed her and planted a fake smile on my face!

 

God must be smiling from above, he exactly knew which area of life, I need to work upon well! “Lekin – duniya main hum aaye hain to jeena padega! (I reminded myself!)”

 

Ruchi ke saath thoda sar khapakar aur meetings ki minutes banakar...Alas! I had to listen to my heart for sure now, so I just excused myself from RUCHI and the office crowd, (aree wohi purana bahana – main zara washroom jakar aati hu!)” and before they could say anything, I was literally, gaayab from the cabin. I smartly slipped my phone under my cotton dupatta so that “Log mujhe toke nahi – ki washroom main mobile kyu leka jana hain and all those foolish stuffs” I  finally, isolated myself for secret reading about the messages sent by those two candidates. (God!...messages padhne ke liye washroom main aana padta hai!” tapping my forehead I murmered.

 

“Hey! How are you?” one of the messages said, I am fine and you?” I replied quickly.  One of them was very quick in replying tough, so he just shared his mobile number with me and asked me to drop a message on his whatsapp. Itni bhi jaldi kya hain! I murmured! I was surprised to learn this! No clue at all how to react to this? So I logged off from the DM app soon. The very next moment I realised, that I was still to check the message from the other candidate from Ahmadabad. Oops! I completely forgot..., so again I logged in hurriedly and opened the other candidates profile to check what he had inboxed me? But, it was a smiley! Actually, it was a reply he gave me to my question on – did he like movies? And what kinda movies he liked watching? How am I going to know from a smiley? – “Ye boys – to the point kyu nahi bol pate?” I thought to myself.

 

For few hours work caught me up, but suddenly the evening tea came up with a surprise. I got a message, yes again on DM. This time from the person whose message I was waiting for since MORNING; the guy from Bangalore.  An ear to ear smile carved on my face when I saw his message. It said, “Hey! I too was a part of such campaigns at work; it was fun, enjoyed and had a good time too”. He actually shared this when I mentioned in my previous message, about what are my hobbies and that I loved writing fiction stories, poems and scripts theatre and plays!

 

I was happy to know our hobbies matched. He was kind enough to mention that, BOTHERATION should not be a word at all! This was when I saw him go offline soon when I messaged him inquiring whether I am intruding him with posting messages on his DM account. As usual, I had to wait again for the whole day to get his answer. Meanwhile, I just checked out some more profiles, but the thought of that Bangalore Boy never left me alone even for a while! And I said to myself, “Welcome to the world of DREAMS”.

 

Impatience as they say is too bad to handle…. So I straight away listened to my heart and texted him my mobile number with a message, to buzz me on my whatsapp. Cool na, isn’t it?

 

Sometimes we surprise life and most of the times, life surprises us! That day, waiting for the whole day for his message on my whatsapp, I thought life is really funny, it doesn’t fetch you what you want that easily! But then yes, it has its own way of surprising us too. At 11:55pm I thought let me go to sleep, let’s not wait now, and the moment I headed towards my room, and a sweet surprise unveiled at 12:00am sharp” I mean, WOW!! See the timing, man!! The B’lore guy, was here! I could not resist my eyes reading his name that I saved in my mobile. Still couldn’t believe - it was him who messaged me! I smiled and blushed together. Something happened that moment. I can’t explain what it was – but I loved being that phase – as of now! I felt.

 

“Hey!… Jeet here”  (crisp, short and to the point message), I thought to myself. There was a cute smiling SMILEY! Icon followed after his message.

“Yes I know”, I replied.

“So tell me, how are you?” (I know this line is cliché, but “yaar conversation start karne ke liye kuch toh ho!”)

“I am good and you?” He inquired politely. (yaar, yeh itna hi bolta hain?) I thought to myself then replied to his message.

“I am good, just going to sleep as its 12:00am.”

 

Now this is what we call “WE GIVING SURPRISE TO LIFE”. Isn’t it true? “When it has to offer us the goodness, we keep ourselves away, fearing that this may SLIP AWAY soon, so we wanna preserve it for tomorrow, and forget what today holds for us!” and in this hustle, we often forget to enjoy the moments in hand…

 

So like a foolish, I messaged him, “great! Can we talk tomorrow I am feeling sleepy now!”

And like a gentleman he replied, “Ok, no problem, we shall talk tomorrow!”

I hit a back button and was about to shut my phone when a message from him popped up again.

“Good Night… “

and again a Sweet SMILEY followed! (This time with a start twinkling in its eyes)

 

“A SMILEY OF UNDERSTANDING AND CARE”...

 

The next morning came with yet another surprise, someone from DM posted a message for me! Hi, sahil here. This is my number, can we talk over whatsapp, I am not that frequent on DM now. As usual I was amongst work, so I didn’t respond over his message. But later in the lunch break, when I opened my DM again, I messaged sahil back that I am sorry, I can’t reciprocate to his request. And then I decided to close my DM account forever now!  I have FINALLY DECIDED….!!!

 

Do I need to mention why I chose to do so? Aree baba my search was over now!!!

 

With this I closed my DM and the application reminded me “ARE YOU SURE”? …I said yes and now no looking back!.

 

Opened my whatsapp and messaged Jeet around 2:45pm, so “how are you?“ “How is your day going?” This initiated a conversation between us…finally and I was happy to make the decision of quitting the DM…app.

I messaged him – “I logged out of DM forever – I think my search was over finally!” and sent with a smiley of hearts in the eyes!

 

So amongst all these twists, turns and surprises, “I WAS HAPPY!  LOVE WAS IN THE AIR…..”

 

 ****** 

 

 

 

“End of STORY 1, but SOON WE SHALL MEET AGAIN WITH A NEW STORY ON NEXT FRIDAY!”…. TILL THEN STAY TUNED....