dear friends ,
Here are a collection of seven of my short stories ,which i am planning to make in to a book ...i would like your valued opinion before i do that ..i have named my story collection..RAINBOW.
hope you would enjoy reading them ..
thanks and regards
sheela



THE CLIMAX

That day started like any other day. Still It was a different day. Because that was a day when Nitin got an idea in to his barren mind. An idea about his close friend ,who had lost every thing material and that mattered ,to a series of gambling . Gopal was his name. Nitin had wanted to help him financially, each time catastrophe happened. But unfortunately that desire remained just a desire. For Nitin too was a very ordinary man financially .Nitin had an ability .he could write stories and poems. He used to in his younger days .But marriage and family life had distracted the writer in him .hence that chapter he thought was closed …until that day …that day he got a story idea in his mind. He decided to make Gopal its hero.Nitin was sure it would create waves in the literary world. The writer in him was coming out of his hibernation!Thus he planned to save his best friend …….
The story had all the trimmings to please all and sundry. It had tragedy ,love ,fisticuffs ,love and sex. A tailor made theme for a mega serial.Nitin dreamed for himself too.. A welfare brought to him and his friend with his own ability. Thinking about it all itself made him feel rich and happy.
Next day Nitin went to temple and made necessary offerings to god .he always did thus before he started any auspicious deed. He came back home and settled to write his pet story. the story started thus ..”Ramu was a man who had wanted to win the world in no span of time …
‘So it went on and on …the semblance of the hero to his friend Gopal was irrefutable and as clear as day light .and that was exactly what Nitin had wanted too. But he kept all these a secret from his friend..as he did not want him to have any kinds of anticipations for the better .What if the story misfired and drowned all hopes ..that would be suicidal to his friend who was already neck deep in problems ..
Days flew past. The story reached an important stage. A stage where Nitin had to find or fabricate a fitting climax. What should it be ?this thought started to gnaw his mind. Should he give a happy ever after”finaleor a tragic one .Since it was about a person who is living, he has to be careful about not hurting his feelings or senses. But Nitin was so taken away by his creation and it’s impact on his readers that he threw caution and feelings to wind. That was but natural. The creation becomes the creators dream. He was now more concerned about his story’s climax .
Gopal ,on the other hand was put to so many excruciating experiences due to his lack of finance. Some cut throat financiers started to visit his house and started to pester him and even threaten him with dire consequences. Even his family life had started to swing from one end to the other .His wife was unable to take in more .So she fell ill.Gopal‘s daughter too had to discard her ambition to become a doctor. She started to throng the employment exchange office …a total blankness and helplessness crept in to Gopal’s life .
Nitin was unaware of all the turbulent happenings in his friend’s life although he was just a stone throw distance from his house .He was busy trying to find a fitting climax for his story .Sentiments had no place there what so ever.!! He did not know whether to make it a tragedy or a comedy. He knew Kerala women preferred tragedy. But personally speaking he had wanted a happy ending for his story .As it was about his own dear friend .Now Nitin was totally confused. But his confusion was short –lived……!
It was a Friday.Nitin got up early to brood over his story’s climax. Then he heard a boy calling out to him frantically. It was his neighborhood boy ,Raju.”What is it, Raju? Why are you shouting for me so early?”Raju was trying to gather his breath when he said “Sir, didn’t you know?’ Our Gopal sir committed suicide in his bedroom fan yesterday night .there’s big crowd already there.”Nitin felt nauseous. But how was it possible? He was preparing to find a solution for all his financial problems why didn’t he wait?or was his heart break so great that he did not want to even discuss it with his best friend “?..Nitin was feeling very guilty ..and inconsolable .
Days dragged by…the funeral ,the ranting and the goodbyes were all over .Nitin was back at his creation, after a pause of few weeks. Now he did not have to burn his brain over the climax .So he finished the story fast With not much difficulty he found a publisher to publish his work. It was a tribute to his dear dead friend.
The success of the book was instaneous. There was no looking back for Nitin after that .Media praised him. Congratulations poured in. Women drooled over him. Some producers were willing to make it a serial at all cost .There was a queue of sponsors too for it .Nitin was feeling so heady with the sudden success. Probably Gopal, his dead friend was helping him from heavens!!
Success brought along with it all the luxuries to Nitin. In the middle of all those affluence he did not forget to help Gopal’s family financially .Now Nitin shifted from his rented house to a beautiful flat of his own .his motor cycle gave way to a brand new Maruthi car. His story was now the current craze in Television serials.
Nitin‘s brain started to tick again. Why not write story about Raja. yes the same boy who had brought him the news about Gopal’s demise? Nitin knew Raja very well. His parents had abandoned him when he was a little baby. He was brought up by a scheduled caste lady,Arya.
It was indeed a classic plot for a tear-jerking story…About a poor boy growing up against all odds to become rich and a cynic.Nitin called raja one day to his side and told him about this idea. Raja was thrilled. He told Nitin that he would narrate to him all the little hurts and happenings of growing up as an orphan..And later with a foster mother -the mockery called life..Nitin was very happy. He actually wanted to write a story soon. Because his publishers were already pressing him for more .They were pushing him to a corner for another blockbuster story.
Nitin told about this idea to his wife .She too liked it instantly. But she had a better idea in her mind. Why not add her story too to it and make it a double bonaza,rolled in to one ? she told about her interest to her husband “Nitin ,we can make it more colorful and interesting ,if my story too is added into it ..You can merge the two and make it in to one..that way it would have some love and sweet moments .Raja’s life so far is devoid of it isn’t it?” she paused to see how her husband was taking it all. “excellent”!Nitin explained.so it started .The colorful life of his lovely wife Meghana and the dreary life of raja were merged in to one to make it a very good reading material. he wrote with many sweet memories crowding him ..he did not know the time flying..Hehad so much to put forth .As a part of it was about his own sweet wife…It was forming in to a very heart renting work..Nitin was exulting at his own ability..
It was an October evening ,Nights were long and days shorter.Meghana had wanted to go for her friend’s house warming ceremony in the morning .But Nitin was in no mood for an outing. So he asked her to go with Raja in the evening .Nitin was in the middle of finding a fitting climax for his new story .A story with his wife and Raja as the inspiration..
Meghana and Raja started their journey to her friend’s house in an auto rickshaw. The evening traffic was dull. So the auto driver started to drive quite fast. Even on repeated bantering that sot of a driver paid no heed. The auto raced through a sharp hair pin turning and banged head on with an oncoming lorry. The collision was so hard and high, that it killed the passengers in the auto instantly! But not the auto driver .By some strange luck or destiny, he was thrown out ..Meghana and raja took the entire brunt ..and succumbed to their wounds..
The bodies of Meghana and Raja were taken in an ambulance to their respective homes…
Nitin now stood looking down at his beloved’s lifeless body with baited breath. He did not know what to do or say. Tears failed to flow…he felt choked.
His thoughts ran down to the past years…how he had refused marriage as Meghana‘s parents were against their love .She was a north Indian settled here in south ,and he a south Indian staying near her house .To make matter worse ,he was just an ordinary school teacher .
There was also a gaping age difference between them .But inspite of all the barriers their love bloomed in to wed lock. She was at present expecting their first offspring .How fast the cruel fate snatched away all his glory! So easily his life got a shroud like gloom. Now why does he need all the power and fame ? for whom and/or what ???he started to cry ..Unending flow of all the pent-up sorrow .He cried for his love ,his life ,their could- have- been joy……every thing was snuffed out ……………
Nitin did not sleep. The clocked chimed two. An owl was hooting some where..A slow rumble of the thunder was heard. It was going to rain. It was nature’s way of washing away the heated atmosphere..his beloved’s soul too would merge with the rain drops. and reach heaven ..yes rain was auspicious for the dead…
Suddenly he sat upright. A lightning flashed.Nitin started to shiver with a shocking realization…All the three dead were dearest to him.Gopal.meghana .Raja…THEY ALL DIED WHEN HE STARTED TO WRITE ABOUT THEM!!!!When he fumbled for a fitting CLIMAX they all died and showed him a way…..so He was a “doomed” writer!!!He realized it all so late .So in a way he killed them all with his pen……..
Nitin started to weep uncontrollably for an emotion he himself did not know..
The clock now struck three in the morning .Nitin was awake and decided. An uncanny calmness swept over him. He wanted to atone for the sins he unknowingly committed. Slowly he put on the light and took his pen and a clean white paper…Then he said a silent prayer and slowly started to write ….A STORY ABOUT HIM SELF…!

*




THE BOND OF LOVE

Sunil was my only son...But that doesn’t mean that he was spoiled by me...no I did not pet him more than necessary .so he grew up to be a very obedient and good boy .May be that was in his genes .to tell about his genealogy ,I would have to go a bit down the memory lane ..As his dad was dead since ten years. I was the only parent for him since then .But those were the days when I was able to relax and at the same time be alert .I had a full family .I was the house wife...with all the responsibilities of a dutiful wife and a doting mother .life was full of hopes and happiness then .rajan was the a perfect person .He had no short comings to be noted .May be he was as little careless with finance .but that was not a big fault (little did I know then that that was the major fault that did all the problems to us after a time .)
Raja died a broken man when he was just settling down ,with less burdens and lesser financial problems .God had some thing else for me in store .My son grew amidst all the these problems and tribulations .but saw to it that he was brought up well. He went to lofty heights career wise. I was the proud mother to his well being .Things moved slowly but surely .Life was starting to look glorious and wonderful .Sunil was a very well established business man .He was working for a multinational company with all the prospective of making it big in international markets .Sunil was indeed a keen business man .every other day he had a very interesting incident to tell me about his achievements and ambitions .He was well loved by his boss as well as the subordinates .what more could a mother ask for .to see one’s son prosper with all the love intact is the one good grace any mother could get in any state of mind .so that was exactly what was happening to me too …
Years rolled by with happiness and merry making .every thing took the shape as we both wished .then Sunil fell in love .she was his secretary .not exactly his secretary but an ubiquitous figure ,who was there at every one’s beck‘n‘call .That was one quality about the girl that Sunil got attracted .she never tired .that was what he told me first .. ‘Mom, you should see her effervescence ...She brings life in to that dull atmosphere.” I knew then that my son was falling in love .but I kept quite .that would have been like rushing his own emotions .He was in a state ,when he himself was not able to name the emotion he was feeling towards her .Of course he was indeed very impressed with her .”What is her name “? I asked him one day .He was getting ready for the office .but he immediately replied “Sneha” the reply was so spontaneous that I started feeling guilty at not having asked him the same a few days before .now all my doubts were cleared. he was indeed falling in love with sneha .because how come he answered so aptly, when I asked for a name .it could have been a query for any name .how did he come in to the conclusion that I was indeed asking for the same girl’s name ? That was the first sign that the chemistry called love has started acting on him. Now as a mother my duty was to find out whether it was mutual. /…So that was exactly what I did too .I did not want to waste time beating around the bush .so one evening ,as soon as Sunil reached home from office l confronted him with the question .”Sunil. are you in love with sneha ..I have a feeling you are conflicting too much with your self to find an exact answer .why do you fear the inevitable ? There is no need ..it is only but quite natural..” Sunil was dumb struck by my out burst..he must have wondered how well I could read his mind ..I waited for my queries to sink in then I was again at it .but this time Sunil was the first one to talk..” Yes mom ...I am in love with her .i have a feeling that it is mutual. because I can get the chemistry as a very favorable one” “ then what are you waiting for .If I had not asked about this ,what would you have done .Sunil this is not the proper way to tackle such delicate situations …you would have to be more upright “ I stopped for a breath .Sunil was laughing to himself. I knew why he was .because the situation was very funny and strange .it was that of a mother trying to bring out the love chemistry hidden in her son’s mind …but in our case it was not at all a strange situation. As such was the rapport we shared …
The next few days were all very charged with excitements and anticipations .but it was all so nice..
Sneha ‘s parents proved to be the best couples I have ever come across .they were so overwhelmed with happiness .because every one would welcome Sunil as their son in law. /he was a gem of a boy both in looks as well as character .we were not very rich...Of course I had a house of my own..that was what I had inherited from my family .the major share of the family wealth had flown to me as I was the most downtrodden financially .my other two sisters were very comfortable financially as well as emotionally .as they both had a very settled married life .fate did not allow my husband to live long enough to keep me company and also to see his son prosper.
The wedding was a simple affair with little pomp and pleasure .Sneha lived in the same state as that of ours/so she was not in the proverbial tears when coming to our house..Thank god for that .other wise I would have felt quite guilty. I wonder why ..I know the heart burns of leaving one’s parents to become a parent oneself .an entirely new ambience and life style..So I decided to take special care of my daughter in law till she started to feel at home here near me ..
Days and months rolled by …Sneha didn’t leave the job, although I had insisted .she was of opinion that two earning members are always better than one. I knew how right she was .so I kept quite …
Seasons rolled past with break neck speed …. Sneha was now 6 months pregnant. I was in cloud nine with excitement..But my excitement had an untimely death ,as Sunil came with the news that he had to be away ..The company was posting him in USA..!!!! It was indeed a very good news..But it came to the wrong place and person .Sunil too was in mixed feeling and emotions ...”Mom’. he started .i know it is very difficult to arrange to take you along with me ..Because they are letting only one family member with me..Either the wife or the parents “..I didn’t allow him to complete the sentence ...’Sunil” I intrepted”where is the problem? I did not know that the company was allowing one of the family members to travel with you .so that means you are going to be away for a long period…so why think twice? Sneha is of course coming with you ….don’t bother about me..I can find a way out ..Shall ask nani amma to come and sleep here..” with that note the subject was closed for that day ..
The preparations for the trip abroad was going about in full swing ..I felt a kind of tight knot in my chest .yes after 28 years of being with him now he is leaving me for a foreign land and its wide opportunities..Nothing can stop the course of actions .My son …who was and still is my world was about to go away from my horizon. I have to contain it all...as he was leaving me for a good cause..but I was not able to stop the stream of tears that were being uncontrollably disobedient… The lump in my throat and chest was growing in to a life sized one and I felt I would burst at any moment .No nothing of that sort happened ..Because some where inside my heart a soft and soothing voice soothed me...it was for a good cause he was going. his life would change for better ..Besides he is not alone. He would be having his dear wife too with him .so as a mother it is my duty to keep calm and not loose my composure...the role I had played in his life was indeed taking a back seat ..And that is called LIFE..
Sunil too looked a bit woebegone..But nothing compared to the trauma I was feeling from inside..he was excited too ..Visiting a foreign land and being there for the next few years is not a thing to be taken lightly .I remember now that he was always so very positive about going abroad, earning more living a hep life ..Yes that exactly were his words since teenage..
The departure day dawned with a pluvial look .may be the nature was also being emphatic. it looked as if the nature was also crying. I was finding it difficult to cover my tears ..
The plane to USA took off with the swiftness of a smooth fly. There airborne was my dearest son with his wife. I looked up till the plane disappeared from my vicinity. There some where beyond my vicinity lives my son .now airborne..Later in USA. Still later……………????
Coming back to my house was the most excruciating pain..a home that had so fast become a house that consisted of bricks and cement and some dull furtintures..Every thing had lost its meaning .every thing..My son was not here then how can they retain the glow .life seemed to have ebbed out of my house .a”OH! God..why are you giving me so much pain ..! why did all these things happen ..? I know it is a good thing for Sunil. But I was opting to be selfish instead .his happiness away from me was becoming a matter of concern for me...I had wanted him to employed here in India itself ..may be in a better financial position…but what is the need of thinking it all up and still getting in to more and more heart burns ..
I had asked an old maid to come and sleep in my house she was all the more willing .
Sunil phoned me as soon as he reached his three room company guest house...Soon he would be moving in to a place of his own ..The company would arrange all those for him. He was there in a very prestigious post. My mind said a silent prayer for him and his dear wife . I had already started to await for the day when he would be taking me too to his place. It was near to impossible to be here all by myself...Come to think of it ,I missed him more than my loneliness ..I could tackle loneliness. But cannot be away from him. It was silly .but that was how I was .I preferred being silly..
Days scrawled by...More than once I sent Sunil a mail, asking about his health and well being. Sunil was fine .he was equally excited too as he was to be a father in a matter of 2 months..
Sneha gave birth to a bonnie baby in June .they named her Shwetha.i was ready to go to him. But things did not move favorably as there was a problem availing Visa. but I was willing to wait .
Sunil had a plan to settle down in Singapore as their company was opening a branch there, and he was the first option for independent charge there, Sunil was more than willing. so there was a chance that he would settle in Singapore ..And it was quite easy to get a visa too there…
Morning s lacked the vim and vigor. It was on one such morning that a little bird came and perched on my widow sill. it was shivering as if it was winter ..i did not know why ,but some sympathy crept in to me and I went near the tiny bird ..it was a robin but it was writhing in some pain ..i slowly took him in my hand ..Surprisingly the bird did not flinch. May be it’s pain was more than the fright ..I did not know what to do ..i called to my maid ..she came running in ..”What is the mater madam” she enquired .”.I think this little bird is in pain ..see it is not even flinching when I took him .don’t you think it is surprising?” I was very surprised …”let us take it to some doctor ...” “But do you know any, Madam? “then let us find out “so for the next several minutes I was engaged ..I found one doctor .I was in a hurry ..A poor little life was ebbing..I did not want that to happen…Doctor examined the bird and told me not to worry as it was a little chill due to last night’s rain ..”Why Mrs. Kumar? Are you going to worry about this little wayward bird .let him be ..just don’t bother ..it would rectify all by itself …”the doctor ended the talk with a silly remark..
Yes it was a little wayward bird..but it did come to me didn’t it? That was surely not it’s way wardiness..but I did not say such thoughts to the doctor ..he had done his duty well .
A few hours past this incident, the robin was up on it’s wings .chirping it flew away ..
I forgot the entire incident..but little did I knew then that I was to remember it the very next day ..or rather robin was to become a part and parcel of my lonely life ..
Sun streaks were filtering in to my room ,as I opened my eyes ..and the phone was ringing endlessly .it must be Sunil .so I gathered myself and ran to take the call .it was Sunil ,with a very happy sound ..He was telling me how fast he is trying to get the visa to take me too to Singapore ..As I was listening to him I saw that same tiny little robin flying in to perch on my window sill ..SO I told Sunil about the entire incident ..Sunil thought I was really being silly ..May be I was ….as soon as the call ended ..i ran to the window sill .robin sat there looking at me with it’s cute bead like eyes. it looked as he was trying to say thanks ..i slowly extended my hands to him ..He sat there unflinced .so that was it..I had a company now .may he too had a story to tell about his loneliness .may be he too is in need for a company ..but why me ? ..i did not ponder much on that .instead I went inside and took some grains and fed the bird ..i did not know what to give him still he looked complacent with whatever little I had to offer him. But I wanted to give him some thing that would really please him..So I rummaged my brain..Yes birds love fruits .and so that was exactly what I was going to give him .i fed him with milk and fruits..Some where inside my mind, I was feeling a little strange about the behaviour of this tiny little bird..it was not a common sight to see such unnamed birds getting friendly with human beings ..Still I was enjoying this friendship..it looked as if he really enjoyed being with me ..The feeling strangely was mutual .robin flew away after the sumptuous meal and made a sweet sound as he flew away...It must have been a “thank you”! .I went about my household chores, nani amma would come back only in the evening..because she was working else where too .and she had a family to look after …
I did not mind being alone now ..i was anxious to see the little bird ..but robin did not fly back that evening ..i was worried ..what ever was happening to me ..by 6 in the evening I gave up hope ..i closed all windows and doors ..and took my prayer book and went to light the lamp. did I hear that familiar chirp? Yes it was robin out side …I ran to the door opened and there he was sitting pretty on the window sill ..I ran inside and took a banana and gave a little from it to him ..he started nibbling it from my palm. I felt a kind of oneness with that tiny bird ….a very strange and pleasant relation ship was developing …………
Days passed by..Robin and me became best of friends ..he would often come and sit perched on the window sill .I even made a cozy cage and bed for him ..Not that he was interested in staying there .At times he did come inside the cage ..robin was almost like a human being in most of his behaviour .he knew my moods so well ..he would stop chirping when the telephone bell rang ..he listened when I talked in to the phone .some times I would prattle to him ..at times I would tell him about my Sunil and his wife ..how he was desperately making arrangements to take me ..i felt as if robin listened ardently…on such a day once ..while I was telling about my son to robin, the phone rang ..It was Sunil ..i knew the why he was calling even before he said it ..”Mamma ..I am coming over.and you know what ..this time when I go back you too are coming with me ..Every thing has got finally settled ..now you would never ever have to be lonely .I can’t just wait to be with you So next Friday I reach there and Sunday we are taking off to Singapore .!!1”wow wow !I was not able to believe my good fortune. the wait was over ..finally we are going to be together again ..i have to decide about so many things and there were just a few days more left ..My main concern was about the disposing off the house ..I would have to ask nani amma‘s son to take care of that ..He was infact in to real estate too .so many thoughts were crowding in to me at the same time .I felt dizzy both with excitement and ecstasy…..In all the excitement I had completely forgotten about the tiny little robin ..he was sitting there reviewing every thing. I ran to him …and said “robin my wait is over ..Sunil is at last coming to take me with him ..well, isn’t that a good news?” Robin just listened ..and chirped just once and flew away …I felt very uneasy ..was it tears that were glistening in his tiny eyes ?how silly I was being ..as if birds could cry!!!but I was sure I saw tears in robin’s eyes. even other wise he was indeed a strange bird …so stranger things can happen .
That night I was unable to sleep ..i turned and tossed in my bed ..My mind was wandering. It was not about my impending trip ..but it was about Robin what would happen after I left him ..will he able to survive. poor little robin ..i am sure he would find a way .with that consoling thoughts I slept and dreamt of robin ..Robin was sad even in my dreams ..and he was trying to tell me some thing ..
I woke with a nagging headache ..but nani amma came home early ..there were so many preparations to be done and so much has to be settled ..that was why I had asked nani amma to be with me always for another week till I set off ..
Friday was the happiest day in my life since Sunil’s departure to America..there he was now with a smile on his face ..he had put on some weight ..but it did not in any way take away his handsome looks ..Marriage was doing him good it did suit him ..Sunil was also so happy ..he was anxious to see the strange bird called robin .one way he felt a kind of affinity towards robin ..because he played a crucial part in taking away his mom’s loneliness to some extent .but robin did not turn up that day ..i felt a kind of lump in my throat…”Mom ..what is the matter with you “? Sunil noticed my dullness ..”no ..nothing son .it is just that I am sad robin has not yet turned up .””So? what is the matter with you ?”don’t be foolish .After all a bird is a bird…”Sunil stopped and looked my way ..he did not want to elaborate his view point then…because robin was more than a bird to me ..”Sunil ..shall we take him too with us? .” “what do you mean mom…robin won’t be able to survive in that place ..as he is a local bird ..he belongs here ..it is strange that he got so close to you ..’ ‘ what is so strange about it “? I was getting annoyed. not because Sunil made any bad comments ..what ever he was telling me was just the right thing .but I was getting very irritated because robin has not yet turned up ….
But by after noon he was there. and I was happy ..i told him that I would be gone by Sunday morning …
Sunday morning dawned and we were about to take off to the airport ..nani amma had come with her son ..I had entrusted the entire responsibilities of the house to her son shiva .and when some very good bid came for the house I had even given permission to do all the sale procedures accordingly ..even while I was discussing all these ,my eyes went wandering up to the window sill .where s robin?. The taxi came and my luggage was taken in to the taxi slowly..With some good byes I got in to the back seat of the car..and slowly .ever so slowly I turned my eyes to the upper window sill …and what did I see there …perched on the window sill was little robin ..I saw a kind of pleading in his eyes .or did I feel so? I felt as if i was leaving behind some thing precious ..and I knew I did not want to do that ..OH God ..what will I do now ‘ I could not help crying ..i was not able to leave my little robin ,,what would he do with out me ..Sunil had his wife and child ..whom did robin have ..no one ..i knew that…Yes he needed me as much as I needed him ..that was what that little beady eyes were trying to relate ……..i made my decision then and there ..I turned to Sunil who was already getting in to the car ..”Sunil ..i am not going any where ..i have to be here,,,robin needs me ..”You carryon son..I shall surely be in touch telephonically…Sneha, I am sure, would take care of you well..but who would look after my little robin? He needs me more now ..he was the one who took away all my loneliness when you were away ..now I think it is unjust to leave him alone ,when he doesn’t want to be left alone …” saying thus I climbed out..sunil‘s cajoling and pleading fell on my deaf ears …I slowly turned and opened the door and went upstairs and to the window sill ..took robin in my hand and kissed him to myheart‘s content ..”I am not leaving you dear ..how can I ‘?...........
I looked at the trail of the fading taxi….But this time I was not feeling sad…

*


A PET DREAM…...

The rain sloshed up on the muddy ground and made a mess of the pedestrians plight to and fro….Sunanda got out of her office and walked towards her car anticipating a very heavy rain .Yes she was right .The rain poured down again in full fury….just as she entered the dry and warm comfort of her maruthi 800.She drove slowly through the slow and wet traffic…….
Sunanda was a self made woman of 32,strikingly beautiful with an hour glass shape to boast it ….She lacked for nothing in life .She had health ,wealth and good looks …but she was lonely She had so many companions .But none to keep her company when she needed it the most. Very often she felt so bad about that thought itself …….‘Why wasn‘t there a male company there for me ‘wasn‘t there a man whom she could call as her own ..may be every one could not get every thing always,,,hers was a typical example of it……
Sunanda had a father,a mother and a little sister 8 years back…..the year she got the job as a bank officer ,she had lost them .As if God was waiting for her to stand on her own feet ,before He snatched away her dear ones from her…Or else what humanly possible explanation could she attach to the cruelty of such a timing ……Her father was the one who was very particular about her getting in to a job. he used to say that in the modern age, with the prices of every thing going up, jobs for the husband and wife were the only possible solution for a happy family life .Sunanda understood him so well and hence studied for securing a good job. So she had put in all her energy and concentration for getting accolades in the interviews. And the competitive tests Yes indeed, job played an important role in a happy family life .Sunanda had overcome the first obstacle in the path for a happy life, according to her father. That was the securing of a good job. But where was the main thing??????..The family life itself…So far it had not happened. May be it was just around the corner, and Sunanda just seemed to be reaching out always. However, never reaching it actually………………..
Sunanda belonged to a staunch Hindu familly, where doing rituals and chanting hymns in praise of lord were the order of the day. Her father had a lot of belief in horoscope too. Unfortunately for him ,there was a bad cliché in Sunanda‘s horoscope .that was the presence of mars in the seventh house of her horoscope .That was a supposedly bad sign .As it showed widowhood .but it could be rectified by tallying the horoscope well with the opposite horoscope which they were planning to consider. So the search for such a horoscope went on in full swing .At times, it did tally with a boy here or a boy there .But Sunanda never okayed them .As she attached a lot of importance to looks She wanted her man to be tall dark well built and healthy..In addition, of course well placed too professionally. Who was there around with so many good qualities and the mars tallying with hers well? Almost none .Or else if at all there was one with all such good qualities,he was definitely not happening her way…Sunanda‘s father V.P.K Nair was a very docile and good natured gentle man .SO was her mother-Subhadra.Since VPK doted on his first daughter a lot ,he had not wanted ever to force his daughter in to a matrimony ,nilly willy.thus that auspicious event never materialized for Sunanda. Yes marriages were indeed made in heaven. Probably Sunanda was in the waiting list there That was why she was still in waiting for her dream man !!!! on tandem with her parents‘ numerous futile attempts to see her off in marriage ,she had passed her masters in commerce ,with flying colours.she was in the process of attempting so many interviews and bank tests. Because bank jobs were a dream area of working. It was mostly because she had come from a family of bankers. Her father and her grand father were bankers. Although her grand father was the owner of a private bank, it was as good as a public sector owned one ,if not better. Both her father and grand father were able to instill confidence and good will in their customers‘ hearts ,with their sincerity and hard work.Similarily ,Sunanda too had wanted to prove her mettle as a bank officer …..
She did not have to wait long.because on her 24th year,she was a bank probation officer. God had indeed heard her professionally ambitious call after all…………
But her life still had to have a companion…even at the age of 32..Her new job had really been very heart warming and enterprising .Sunanda was slowly starting to forget her failures, to get a companion, when the inevitable had struck .VPK and his wife were traveling to Chennai with their second daughter,to attend the wedding of his best friend’s daughter.Sunanda had opted out as she had just joined duty ,and had not wanted to take leave . the inefficiency of the driver of her father’s car or the carelessness of the truck driver ,what ever be the reason the worst had occurred to her dear ones .the head on collapse had snatched away her dear ones from her for ever…Sunanda was the worst hit by the tragedy ..she had not known what to do or say ..Yes she had not laughed for more than 3 years since that tragedy. But time was the best healer It ,healed her nerves too ,in due course ...life went in to a set pattern for Sunanda.There was some family wealth ,.A house of her own and some landed property attached to it.. .but where was that particular some thing that would have made up for all the wealth and houses? The peace of mind and mental happiness….Now eight long years had passed since that tragic incident. but it was all so vivid and alive and sore in her tender and lonely heart..Sunanda at present was in Bangalore. She was now in the level of an assistant manager. quite often her job had taken her away from her birth place and sore memories. The new place and the crowded activities at the bank had left her with little or no room to be reminiscent .In one sense that was a blessing in disguise for Sunanda.AS she had little or no good memories .Of course her days with her father mother and sister were the best any girl could have asked for .But the tragedy that followed there after was enough to give sleepless nights and forget her sweet memories. It was so ominous as to smolder the entire happiness that had once been………..
She had in due course rented out her house to a far relation of her father’s .He was a man with no issues, Just he and his wife comprised his family. Since the tragedy ,they considered Sunanda as their own child. They lived in her house and took care of the property attached to it too .they were willing to help her look after her property, till she got herself time to do so . Now she was in a rented house in Bangalore with just a maid to keep her company. though things looked so much in place for Sunanda ,from an outsider’s angle ,she was in effect lost and lonely .she wanted a man of her choice and in her life . A man to own and hold her through thick and thin…through joys and sorrows ..to father her child ,to dream and flourish with her ……a man whom she can call as her husband and world…..some one who loved her as much as she loved him. a handsome and vivacious man who was also well employed ..But by God ! Where was this handsome guy who would ravish and cherish Sunanda?
Sunanda often used to discuss this pet dream to herewith her best friend at the bank. Her name was Sandra. She was a very modern and hep woman. She had traveled far wide and was from an affluent family .Job to her was one of her fascinations. She had married a man of her choice..She had found him through internet Chatting .yes a particular soft ware which gave one free access to meet so many types and kinds of people..One would enter a different arena through that chat .a place where, if you are lucky , you would meet the person of your dreams ..All your pet dreams about friend ship .love etc could materialize ,if you are lucky .and Sandra was lucky .she met her man through chatting .And he also proved to be worthy of her. Hearing Sandra talk endlessly about the pros and cons of chatting .Sunanda became enchanted and curious .she was so optimistic that she decided she would meet her man thus..and..That was how she met Alok…
Sunanda installed the chat messenger and registered in to it with her name as ID .only difference being that she had to add a number too to her ID .that was because there were other people already registered in to it with the same name as hers…so she was Sunanda 123 in chat messenger …Thus she started to chat in the general way noting nothing in particular ..Just talking with all and sundry…on a particular site .then one ID with the name Zeus singled her out and wished her as“ Hi Sunu.’’and she liked him instantaneously…besides the name of that particular Id was also very fascinating ..a name of the Greek god ..a very handsome and powerful god ….so she answered him with another ‘hi’ ..after the first formalities ,she came to know that Zeus was after all a He and that his name was Alok.He was a north Indian aged 36,currently working as soft ware engineer in a very well established company at Singapore…he too had entered the chat to look out for a woman of his liking .Sunanda was really excited ..so it was after all happening …They were two of a kind…
Sunanda too revealed her identity and the parapharnelias...Honestly.Alok instantly liked her frankness. They chatted for a long time about every thing...like love .life career loneliness ….it felt as if she had a lot to tell him as if they were just waiting for the first opportunity to get together .on most of the subjects they agreed ..She found Alok a very interesting person..Thus, it went on and on ….
So many days flew past with both of them not knowing it …they were so enthralled by the news both of them had to impart to each other they had so much to talk about..
Then on one such days they came to the subject on choosing the life partners..and Sunanda told him about the importance she attached to a person’s looks .she was of opinion that looks.. That too good looks did matter a lot for the success of a happy love life …Alok was finding it difficult to support her justifications.According to him, looks had the least importance …So one day during the conversation he had asked her for her picture .she obliged him immediately as she was so very confident about her good looks.Alok received her picture immediately. Looking at her picture, he was mesmerised..She was indeed the most beautiful woman he had ever come across. Her lovely black and large eyes were so beautiful and expressive that he could have sunk in to its depth. her nose was so straight and aristocratic and her lips were so full and pouting like a rose flower..Alok could have gone on eulogizing her looks unendingly.such was the exquisiteness of her looks. So he concluded that there was no wonder that she was on the look out for a good looking guy.Alok‘s looks,he knew very well that ,could do full justice to her demands. He slowly got up from the chair and looked at himself in the dressing bureau mirror. The image that stared back at him was that of a perfection of male good looks …tall, lean dark and muscular with powerful and deep probing eyes…pointed nose full lips and a perfect gait..Infact Alok was physical perfection personified.he was happy .He would indeed make Sunanda a perfect match, from her point of view. but Alok‘s nature was different .So different from that of sunanda‘s .He attached no importance to looks as far as matters of heart was concerned. he fully believed too that he was right ,Of course he loved sunanda.But that had happened much before he even had set eyes on her picture. He fell in love with her because of her frankness, simplicity and smartness. He wanted to make her believe that looks .whether good or bad were not important in love …he vowed to himself do so . As he wanted her so badly. he wanted her to climb down from her ivory tower where she existed ,believing that looks had so much prominence ..And that too good looks .how wrong she was !He would free her of that myth and then would show himself in front of her.. Till then he decided to keep his real self a secret from her .what a moment it would be !she would then love him for his looks ,with which he would have conversed with her till then .That he decided would be that of an ugly man .Then when she sees his real self she would naturally accept him with good looks …as by then he would have won her heart ..so much he would love her and prove it too. that was his plan .then he was sure that she would believe that after all looks were not all that important ,when the heart calls .
So he planned to send her a different picture, a picture of an ugly man .Let that be the “Alok” she sees for the time being …he scanned a picture of an ugly man in to the PC and then later send it to her . …
Sunanda had home early the next day. she was not able to contain the excitement she was feeling about the prospective vision of Alok‘s pic..Because he had promised to send his snap the very next day. She was not even able to concentrate on any thing at the bank. She was constantly thinking about how Alok would look like .She prayed that he would be handsome because she was feeling very comfortable with him other wise. She could tell him all her worries and anxieties and he would always be there like a panacea ,he would be there with consoling or soothing lines. And if he was a looker .then she would sincerely contemplate a life with him .After all ,according to her ,looks and that too good looks had an important role in making a marriage success..
She got home early and then ran to her PC .then opened her inbox…There he was staring back at her ..A very ‘ugly looking man .He was healthy looking .But there ended his semblance to any thing humane. He had close set small eyes. A large and broken looking nose .He had very stern and thin upper lip and a square face.On the whole, he looked very threatening and just out of a boxing ring!. She hated the sight of his looks. But ……..how could she hate him. When he had given her so much support and happiness on line .It was as if she had some anchor, with which she could row above all obstacles.Sunanda left it at that ..She was not yet prepared to accept him; even in spite of his good nature .but she wanted him there, as a friend and guide….
The very next day to seeing each other ‘s photos,Alok came on line and proposed to her…He specially pointed out that he had wanted to marry her not because of her good looks ..But because of her frankness and simplicity. Her good looks were only and added bonus ..Alok vowed to keep her happy and secure and loved…but Sunanda was not ready yet……Because Alok was not a looker ….she was in a dilemma .she actually was not able to come to a conclusion …she had pined all her aspirations on looks .and here was a man ,whom she actually liked very much ,but for his looks .and she did not know whether she wanted to marry him or not ……looks do count still…..
Days and months flew by with both of them keeping quite about the question of marriage …Both Alok and Sunanda went their ways in every aspects of life .But Alok kept it as a must to come online every night and chat with her for a few minutes .Sunanda too answered him often and told him about all the things that were happening to her life .she had taken a liking for him for reasons even alien to her.. .He was that good a man .why didn’t god give him good looks too to match his nature..Sunanda was trying every possible ways to make herself come in terms with his bad looks..That was how much a part he had become of her other wise …now good looks were indeed acting as a villain in her life . a feeling of getting sore at the throat. Suffering was the only possible way out …she had indeed found a good and reliable friend in Alok….Although not a lover..not yet ….
Alok on the other hand was willing to wait ….Because he knew love would succeed .That much he loved her. And his love was sincere to the core …..He believed that true love would be well rewarded..
But he wanted her as his own only after proving to her that looks took a back seat, in the matters regarding the heart.Alok wanted to change her biased attitude .before he appeared in front of her and showed her his killer woman looks ..How happy she would be then! He thought fondly….Because she would have found real love and a good-looking man as well. Both to her choice .so to her looks too would be won as a bonus ….just as he had got her and her good looks …… Looks won’t be an all important factor ..looks are skin deep …that was the message he had wanted to relay to her .so he was willing to wait for that good cause…When once she changed her obstinacy for looks she would definitely be able to love freely and with out any restrictions….
Sunanda, in the due course received a marriage proposal from a common friend’s brother ..He was an average looking man .His name was Sathish..He had wanted to marry Sunanda ..so he sounded his interest to her friend.,arathi…so Arathi went to her house once with Sathish..He .Sunanda was getting ready to go out for shopping .But she invited them both in to her house . And Arathi came to the point straight away.Sathish was a construction engineer. And he told her that since his office was so very near to her bank ,he had seen her often and was instantly attracted to her ‘So Looks do matter’..Sunanda thought to herself amusedly….. Sunand looked at Sathish and found him to be a good looking guy….But she felt no stirrings for him …her thought kept wandering to one ugly face ,she knew so well…..Yes Alok‘s picture in her Pc.so she coyly and manner fully refused the proposal. After the perfunctory trivialities, Sathish..he and Arathi left…..
Sunanda kept thinking…why. what made her refuse Sathish‘s proposal……He was quite handsome ..and well behaved too. he had also admitted that he was impressed with her …then what was the block ?yes she knew it ..She knew the reason as clear as day light now ..Realization dawned on her like a bolt from the blue….She was in love …SHE WAS IN LOVE WITH AN UGLY MAN..And that man’s name was ALOK…she tried initially to deny her realizations..She told to herself repeatedly..That it can’t possibly be true ..that he was not good looking …but there it was ..she was not able to run away from her heart‘s consent .she loved him ardently, sincerely..In addition, of course passionately too. She was even willing to overlook his looks, because he was so good nutured,so very free to be with and so very understanding and supportive ..What more can a woman look for in her future husband.yes Alok was right ..Looks …that too good looks were just a bonus in love and matters relating to heart… …Alok proved it to her by his own person…So she decided to ask him to meet her ..She wanted to see him so badly. she wanted to admit her love for him on his face in reality and not through net. Still she had decided on giving him an hint about her feelings for him..Otherwise he would not come all the way from Singapore …..
So that night while he came online for her .she told him about the entire incidents that had happened to her that day ..about how Sathish‘s proposal had made her realize that it not a handsome man she was now on the look out for..and that she knew, just like Alok, that good looks were only a bonus in love and marriage . Then she told him that she wanted to meet him in person..As she felt that she was in love with him…..to Alok those words were ambrosia to his thoughts and mind and body and soul..Yes the moment he was waiting for had arrived….Sunanda loved him and not his looks….So when she saw him in person, and saw his good looks..She would swoon..And then she would thank god for having given her the best of every thing …………….yes ,the wait was worth it …..Alok promised her that he would come over to Bangalore on the 12th of the very next month ,July…he needed that much time just to avail tickets and also some leave …so much to prepare for ..most probably .he would be returning with Sunanda back to Singapore…-Mrs. Sunanda Alok and Mr happy –go- lucky Alok….His heart did a somersault with those happy thought…she had indeed changed her biased attitude towards good looks. And Sunanda was going to be awarded with a bonus. As alok was so handsome …just fifteen days more to go and then he would have the world in his pocket…no heaven inhis pocket …Sunanda was his heaven on earth!!!!!
Days couldn’t have gone fast enough …Sunanda was in a dream world..Going through all the daily routines in a dreamy state….She was jittery and she was apprehensive, in turns, about her impending rendezvous with Alok…She knew that she was in love with him and that she wanted no other man other than Alok as her husband…But..from some where deep down in her heart a dormant doubt cropped up.Alok was not at all good looking …not in the least like any body whom she had visualized in her dreams… but she wanted to accept his bad looks too now …as she loved him so much ..Infact his looks had got etched in her mind….she was so surprised at the change love had brought in her…
July 12th.the day they were to meet arrived…She dressed in the most fitting way possible for the great occasion ..then she went to the temple ..said a prayer, came back home and had a light break fast ..By 10‘o‘clock ,she got in to her car and drove straight to Taj residency Hotel..Alok had promised her that he would be at the lounge of that hotel at the strike of 11..She reached Taj by 10.30 am .and parked her car at the car park. Locked the car and went straight to the lounge..She told the receptionist that she was waiting for some one there .the receptionist showed her to a comfortable sofa.Alok would come to her ..she looked at the picture she had of Alok…then she looked around..ther wasn‘t many people there at the lounge …Just a couple of Europeans. It was five minutes to 11…Sunanda felt her heart beating fast and loud. The excitement was brimming out of her …..
Alok came out of his room and took a lift down to the lounge. He had sunanda‘s photo intact with him in his wallet…her face was etched in his memory. Then he saw her ..There she was sitting screwed up with excitement in a very cushy sofa…Perfection of womanly charms at its peak…She looked at him once and then she looked away .how could she recognize him...she was waiting for that horrible looking face …Alok smiled to himself while he walked towards her…he came right in front of her and stopped and said ‘Hi Sunanda….I am Alok’and then he extended his hand …Sunanda slowly got up..A kind of uncanny look came in to her eyes. As if she was being cheated unaware…..and was being pulled deep down in to a treacherous game of deception. She stood erect in front of him ,then took a look at the picture she had of her ugly looking ,golden hearted Alok….THE ALOK she had loved and cherished and adored…the man for whom she had waited on ends all these years ..the man who taught her the values and importance of Love…..but who was this handsome stranger, who was claiming to be Alok..it can’t be ..it should not be …She slowly shook herself off her reverie. Then looked at that handsome face and said slowly but clearly’ But Mr.. You are not My Alok….”and walked away swiftly, with out even giving him a backward glance……
Alok looked on, unable to even utter a single word. His world was collapsing around him and his Love was fading away from him forever…

*


. NEXT TO MY HEART
I was a loner. Not by chance .But by choice. However, I was enjoying every single moment of it …The world looked more spacious and more accommodative to me .and I had a very comfortable life style too. So many things to encounter and so many things to explore …the niftiness of the nature .yes! I found the world a playground, where I could play the game of my choice…
However, things were not thus a few years back... I was never the master of my world then. Now I was a woman of 35, nubile, youthful looking and unmarried. my friends often praised my beauty. Therefore, I think I was beauty in the conventional sense of the word. Above all I had a very interesting job as a free lance journalist to the magazine Decca Blitz .It was also a leading magazine .I used to cover the scoops and the latest news that circled in the south Indian film industry...
Being in Bangalore had its own advantages too. Here the vista of our professional horizon could spread its wings far and wide …...You had to just look around to see an opportunity knocking .That was one of the reasons why I had chosen to stay in this garden city. I have been here since my twenty fifth year. However, the first and the foremost reason why I was here was to be far away from my native place, in the northern part karalla. A small and old-fashioned village blessed with Mother Nature’s whims and fancies. A sedate village with sedentary crowd. Every one relaxed there, as every one seemed happy with what little they did or earned. There rivers flowed, birds sang always and the wind smiled .the people enjoyed the bounty of nature as much as they enjoyed their life .!!
It as in such a peace atmosphere that my fathered made his empire …an empire in which he was the uncrowned king .He was a very influential person and a politician by profession.His name was venue gopal. People there used to say that Venue gopal was the ‘brain” behind all the political decisions .He had a nick name too...---CHANAKYA….Venugopal could change the course of the political climate of kea with, snap of his fingers…he was indeed a veer shrewd man...
My father had a very resourceful back ground. Being the only so of his parents, he had inherited a all the wealth of my grand parents . Although all those inherited money was of decent origin, it was getting spent for the most vile full acts and deeds and purposes…! Venus gopal was ruthless and recklessand spend thrift. He threw more money to reap more and more .Inshore he had the ball in his court always .!1with the money he owned he bought power. His physical appearance matched his ability. Women were easy baits for him. My mother had no other choice other than to dance to his tunes.
I had a brother who rebelled a lot against my father .Still he loved under his roof as he had no guts to forsake all the extravaganzas of the Venugopal house hold .so in turn he decided to overlook his ill will towards his father .I watched in silence the noxious escapades of my father .He ordered things about .My mother was just a glorified servant ……
One night I sat with my mother late on to the night. As my anther was away on some ruthless assignment, or to be with one of his concubines…Mother just worshipped him .or that was the picture she presented to us . I used to wonder whether my mother was aware of all the bad activities of her husband .his sexual escapades were an open secret of that village. So I was sure mother too knew about it al .so that night I asked her a very adult question .I was twenty two years old .so tether wasn‘t any harm in asking her ‘Mom, are you aware of dad’s loose moraled way of living ? He is having so many women friends...Whey don’t you ask him at least once what he is up to ..”? …My nether heard me out .then slowly...Very slowly..She raised her eyes and looked at me...I saw many emotions flickering past there in those large and expressive eyes. the most predominant of them was sorrow ,that was pent up in her …I knew then that she was quite aware of the private hell she was trapped in .forever and always …she was indeed like a bird trapped in a gold cage ..
She had all the material comforts...But peace of mind was a stranger in her life..My mother d sobbing softly...inbetweenher sobs ,she told me “Saul know every thing what your father is doing .your father married me solely because he knew very well that I would never ever be an impediment in hiss each for sexual pleasures out side marriage .i cat afford to be.Asyou very well know ,I belong to a mediocre family .My father was a very sick person .so when your father’s proposal came in thru a common friend ,it was more than welcome. We had so many financial obligations too at that time...Because my mother’s disease and the medical expenses and later her demise ,every thigh made dad fiscally and morally defeated person …Besides he had another more daughter .So on the whole ,your father’s proposal was like breath of fresh air in to our household’. My mother heaved a sigh of relief and then continued” we never knew about the negative side of your father ,at the time of my marriage to him.But by and by I started to get wind of his high libido and the perfidious nature .twice or thrice I questioned him. However, a scorching glare was all that I had got in return. I knew I was help less. But since I was from a poor back ground ,I chose to suffer in silence .there was nothing that I could go back to “mother started sobbing softly in self pity….I cursed myself for broaching upthe subject with her …I went to bed that night with a heavy heart ……….
My mother was not the same after that day’s incident .She behaved as if she was finding it difficult to conceal her anguish and distress. She hated eye contacts with me even.
Days scrawled by ……….i graduated in literature with flying colours,and immediately tried for a job of some sort. That was how I had landed up with Jaya….
Jaya was running a very successful magazine called “Decca Blitz”. Her sister was my classmate in school. It was at a temple festival near our house that I chanced to meet her.
We exchanged trivialities and then slowly, my disparity to .stand on my feet financially ,cropped up. Jay promised to help me some how. Therefore, from that day onwardsI started working my mind towards my one goal –how to abscond from my father’s vicinity before he got me married to some good for nothing oaf-.
That was how I came to the world of working women. It was so different..So refreshing ….As if you have touched the heaven..!!Youbecame the master of your conscience...In this material world money was power-The Money Power- I had that power now..It made me feel so elated...
My new job required me to be away from my house. That was how I came to live in Bangalore .My fathered disagreed at the beginning . Later he obliged after a lot of cajoling from my part. May it was not my pleading that did the unexpected. It was rumored that he was undergoing certain political strains and also that he was openly living with one of his concubines. What ever it was, I got the green signal to go ahead . Thus I went to the garden city to relish my freedom…..
I knew I would get many opportunities to study further and to soar high in professional fields. So many opportunities were there in the garden city .Life took a roller coaster ride with me..With myriad activates to keep me occupied, outside my job hours. Unlike the village, where elite slumbers at the strike of 10‘o‘ clock, Bangalore never slept….In fact it