MORAL STORY

                                                    "STREET SWEEPER"

The direction in which education starts a man will determine his future in life.” Plato

If you wake up early in the morning, you can see the street sweepers. These are the people who sweep the streets before you wake up from your early morning sleep. They sweep as you sleep.

They are not lazy. They never look here and there while working. They are mostly work oriented. Their job is sweeping. They have intent expression on their face and they clutch the brooms in their hands, they sweep the streets clean. They try to make the streets look like clean mirrors.

William is working in the city college. He came from England on deputation to India and he likes to see and understand the people here.

William uses to get up before sun gets up. He comes out of his house for early morning wind. It blows smoothly touching his face. Some times it reverberates.
There are clouds in the sky roaring heavily.  Rain drops are trickling on his face.

He stood on the patio. He is looking down in to the street. The boy, the street sweeper, is there doing his job, as usual.

William saw that boy and it is as if usual. William is getting, some how, attracted towards him day by day.

The street sweeper is in neat uniform and he sweeps the street as usual, with great care. This is his usual job.

He is an untouchable boy of around thirteen or fourteen. The broom is in his hand, if not William will think him to be one of his students.

William read that more than 160 million people in India are considered Untouchables tainted by their birth into a caste system that deems them impure and untouchable.

Once, they were not allowed to drink from the same wells, attend the same temples, wear shoes in the presence of an upper caste, or drink from the same cups in tea stalls. They are called untouchables. Walking through an upper-caste neighborhood is a life-threatening offense for them in those days.

William liked this boy. He came down from the terrace and stood at the main gate. While the boy is sweeping the road before his house, William looked at him. The boy is busy in his work. He did not pay attention towards William.

“May I know your name?” William asked him.

There is a little bewilderment in the eyes of the astonished boy as he suddenly saw William talking to him.

“Sir! Ramdeen…” The boy replied.

Ramdeen has no disorderly hair. It is thick, black and well combed. He looked like a smart and intelligent student. William saw a bright future for him ahead.

Ramdeen gazed in wonder in to William’s face. Nobody likes to talk with him, so it is a wonder for him.

William asked something about the boy’s family. He answered with great obedience and he gave a brief description of his family.

Ramdeen’s father, grandfather and grand grand father.. all of them are sweepers. This profession is ancestral to him. He has one sister by name Rupali. She has stopped her studies by elementary school and they are looking for a suitable boy to wed her. He is not unhappy for the job he is doing.

“This is the bread and butter giver for my family sir” Ramdeen said.

****
William likes India very much. He likes to do something before he returns to England . It should be something that can be good for the society. He knows that the roots of education may be bitter, but the fruits are very sweet it gives.

“I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. Some people unable to go to school were more educated and more intelligent than college professors” says Maya Angelou. This may be true. But, we need total guidance which is available from education only.

William convinced Ramdeen. It all happened in the early mornings while Ramdeen comes to sweep the street and William tries to sweep his mind.

“I cannot leave this profession. This is the means of living for us.”

William knows that Ramdeen is right and he should not be disturbed from his profession.

“I know. You must work and earn. Do you know, what people think about you?”

He looked in to Williams eyes sharply.

“I know sir. You don’t think, what they all think. We need not care for everyone around us. If we wish peaceful living, stop caring all you hear. We cannot get transformed as every one wishes. So I stopped caring the comments coming from every side.”

“How many days or months or years, you will be like this?”

“As long as I live sir, because, it is hard to bear harsh things in the beginning, not always. When we are used to it, nothing will be harsh or hard.”

William was happy. He started his mission.

Ramdeen slowly got the intense desire, ardent affection,  enthusiasm towards education. William gave all the needed support to Ramdeen.

William sowed the seeds and the plants grew and getting growing up to touch the sky.

Ramdeen wondered that anyone can be educated without going to school or college. It is the great ease and he felt it thinking “grow up” at once immediately.

William is the force behind  Ramdeen and he is getting refined and climbing steps up to reach the heights.

The gem is getting polished. We know gems, not bothering who polishes and presents it in to light.

William’s main interest is India and its people is getting shape. He wanted to show that what a teacher can do to society. He showed it before he goes back to England.

****

Time has come. William is going back to England in few weeks. His departure from India is with great happiness.

He saw his dream fulfilled. He made a gem unearthing from the people around him in India.

It is the street boy who became IAS officer. The competition is open for riches to rags, if only you are ardent dreamer of silky future like bed of roses.

Nobody knows that Ramdeen who stood first in IAS this year is..a street sweeper.

This news is not hidden or unknown from the notice of the principal of the college where William is working on deputation from a college in England.

The college arranged a farewell party to William before one day he is leaving India. The principal made his own arrangements.

“It is great pleasure for our college to have Mr William’s services. The other side of the services of Mr Williams is not uncommon. He did a great job. I am introducing a gem called Ramdeen, a street sweeper cum IAS winner who is polished by Mr William. Ramdeen is once happy as a street sweeper boy. Now, Mr William is happy to see a street sweeper to sweep the society instead of just roads of the streets.. I am happy to see this boy is IAS  first ranked brilliancy in our state and he is our william’s new-found excellency.”

The principal introduced Ramdeen with a stunning silence in the college students gazing Ramdeen.

Students and lecturers wondered to know that an ordinary sweeper is now IAS officer.  They applauded with their clapping the hands together.

We are always students, not masters. We have to keep moving forward with getting enlightenment.
__END__

                                                                                                     SOURCE BY-BR RAKSUN

PUBLISHED BY-OURHELLO.COM

SHORT STORY

             "THE MYSTERY OF THE DIAMOND ROBBERY"

Chapter 1

The diamonds are robbed!

It was 11:30 pm when Nicole and Rahul’s neighbor, Mrs. White, came home from the jewelers.

With her she had a set of diamonds!

Her husband had given her the money to buy them from goodness knows where. He hardly went to work but had almost all the riches in the world!

“Look at these beautiful glittering diamonds.” said Mrs. White.

“Really lovely.” said Mr. White. Suddenly the lights went off!

“Nobody is to touch me.” cried Mrs. White.

When the lights came on she found that the diamonds were gone!

Chapter 2

What a mystery!

The next morning Nicole woke up with a happy feeling. It was the first day of the summer holidays and all their cousins were staying with them for three months!

Nicole jumped out of bed and then woke Rahul up. He too cried with delight.

“1st March. Three, long sunny months ahead of us. Why we might even get a chance to be the five cousins and dog again.”

“I was thinking the same thing before I woke you up. Won’t it be lovely?” said his sister laughing.

Ethan, Sophia and Sean were cousins from their dad’s side. They had more on their mother’s side but they were now out-of-station.

An hour later they went to their grandparents’ house which was connected to theirs.

The others were already there and were having their breakfast. Their aunt Yasmine had a parcel for Nicole’s next door neighbors-Mr. and Mrs. White.

After breakfast Nicole and her brother went to ask their parents if they could go and deliver the parcel with the others. The answer was ‘yes’ and the five children were soon walking down the road to their neighbor’s house.

They were surprised to see Mrs. White in tear-stained cheeks and red eyes looking cautiously out of the window before opening the brightly polished door.

“Oh! It’s you kids. Come on in.”She said in a choked voice from which one could make out she had been crying for a long time.

“Mum’s sent this parcel for you” said Ethan in an alarmed voice.

“Thanks. I’ve been robbed of the best diamonds in the world, that’s why I’m so worried.”She said. “Now, out you all go. It’s been nice to see you all again.”

Chapter 3

A meeting is called.

“Let us have a meeting.” said Nicole as soon as they were out of Mrs. White’s hearing.

“Oh do let’s” said everyone.

“It’s a matter for the five cousins and dog to look into. The mystery of the diamond robbery.” Said Rahul so solemnly that they all had to laugh.

As soon as they reached home they went to the old shed, which had now become their meeting place.

“Now let’s start on something before that Mr. Columbus, the police man gets to even hear of the robbery.” said Nicole, decidedly.

“What should we do?” asked Sean.

“Let’s get back and get some more Info……Info…..” said Sophia.

“Information” completed Ethan.

“Yes let’s go” said Rahul.

Chapter 4

Collecting Information.

So they went to Mrs. Whites’ house and knocked at the door. Mrs. White opened it.

“Oh it’s you again. Come on in. What do you want?” She said.

“Mrs. White, you know that we like solving mysteries and have solved one before.” began Sean.

“And we wondered whether you could give us some information about the robbery that took place last night.” completed Ethan.

“Well, the robbery took place at around 11:35 pm last night and the lights went out as they were being robbed.” said Mrs. White.

Chapter 5

Sophia’s fall

As she was talking, somebody knocked or rather rapped at the door.

Mrs. White went to open it. It was Mr. Columbus the village policeman! What a shock for him when he saw the children standing just behind Mrs. White and grinning at him.

“What are you kids doing here?” roared Mr. Columbus, quite forgetting that Mrs. White was in front of him. “Get out of here at once I say. What are you a-doing?”

“All we’re a-doing at the moment is we’re getting out” said Rahul grinning. It would not be surprising if the policeman clapped them into jail for a day or two without even bread or water, he disliked them so much.

They trooped out and suddenly Mr. Columbus took it to his head to chase them to their house.

He roared and chased them . Sophia ran so fast that she didn’t look where she was going, tripped on a stone and fell face down on the road.

This made the boys go flaming red with anger and Rahul opened the gate leading to their house. Out shot duke their Labrador. He gave Sophia a quick lick on the face and chased Mr. Columbus round and round in circles!

“Mr. Columbus how does it feel to be chased?” asked Nicole laughing till tears came to her eyes. The other including Sophia shouted-“Yes how does it feel?”

Chapter 6

Under the coconut trees.

The children and their dog went inside all helping the limping Sophia. Then while Sean and Ethan went to explain the fall to Sally, Sophia and Sean’s mother, Nicole and Rahul helped their mother, Betty, who was a doctor, to bathe Sophia’s wound.

As Sophia didn’t want to do anything and begged her cousins and brother not to do anything without her they all went to Mrs. White’s house and asked her whether they could sit under the coconut trees near the river they owned.

Mrs. White said that they could.

“I will come with you, and call a coconut plucker to pluck coconuts for you all”, she said.

So the children went first leaving Mrs. White to telephone the coconut plucker. After fifteen minutes she came with the coconut plucker. He started to climb one tree. The children watched fascinated. Rahul was the most fascinated. He had always had a liking for trees.

Chapter 7

A key to the mystery.

That very moment Mr. White appeared. He saw the man climbing the tree and he yelled:

“Hey you! What are you doing climbing trees in my garden! Plucking fruit in my property without my permission! And you children get out! Rachel, how dare you give them permission without asking me first?!”

Rachel was Mrs. White’s first name.

The coconut plucker disappeared and Mrs. White went with the children looking sad and hurt.

Suddenly Nicole asked “Mrs. White, has Mr. White ever behaved like that before? I mean did he ever shout at you for plucking fruit from his trees?”

“No” said Mrs. White “Many a time I have given my nieces and nephews coconuts and mangoes and different types of fruit from our trees and he has never objected.”

“When was the last time he never objected?” asked Nicole.

“Before last night” answered Mrs. White at once.

“Before last night-the night of the robbery –oh bother that’s our dinner call.” said Nicole, “See you tomorrow Mrs. White.”

Chapter 8

A call to the Inspector.

The next morning the children had a hurried breakfast. They were all very excited as Nicole had told them that she had solved the mystery.

They went to Mrs. White’s house and were relieved to find that Mr. White had already left to work.

“Mrs. White” said Nicole urgently “you’ll have to call the police Inspector with a group of police and some of the police dogs! Rahul you go and fetch Duke. Mind that you bring him on his longest and strongest lead.”

The police Inspector lost no time in coming with his troop and soon they were all sitting in Mr. White’s big study. Nicole told them the whole story swiftly missing out no detail. The robbery, Mr. Columbus, the two chases, the fall everything.

“And now one of us must climb the coconut trees and see what’s inside the coconuts” she said.

Light was beginning to dawn on everyone. Of course Mr. White had stolen the diamonds and hidden them in the coconuts!

Chapter 9

On the track.

One of the police officers climbed the coconut trees and plucked a coconut. It was empty.

“That means that Mr. White has taken the diamonds” said Nicole to the Inspector.

“Mrs. White call up your husband’s office and see if he is there” said Nicole

Mrs. White who had been very quiet during the whole while nodded.

After 5 minutes she came back looking worried.

“No” she said “My husband is not at his office!”

Chapter 10

An exciting end to an exciting mystery.

“Just as I suspected!” said Nicole. “We must use the dogs to track him and his gang out.”

“Good old Nicole” yelled all the children together, except Nicole of course.

So Mrs. White gave all the dogs a sniff of one of Mr. White’s shirts.

Soon they were on the trail. After walking for a mile or so they heard Mr. White’s voice. Then a volley of laughter and somebody else’s voice saying-“Well! White you’ve done well.”

Then Mr. White spoke-“Thank you boss!”

Suddenly the Inspector drew his gun took a step forward and said-“Hands up! The cobra gang?!”

“Whew. Congratulations to the five cousins and their dog. You’ve helped to catch the cleverest gang in the world!!! They’re going to jail and there they are going to stay for a long long time.”

“What about Mrs. White?” asked Ethan.

“Don’t worry about me dear I am going to stay with my parents once I get my diamonds back.”

Then they all (except the robbers of course) laughed a hearty laugh.

__END__

                                                                                          SOURCE BY-NICOLE TRAVASSO

PUBLISHED BY-OURHELLO.COM

LOVE STORY

                                                 "IF ONLY"

I  finally met him (Abhay),  how could I ever forget that voice?  His every words are crystal clear to me. Those memories are fresh and alive.

I use to come home as early as I could  from my job  just to meet him on line. Chatting with him was my favorite job through out the day. He was funny, short tempered but most of all a charmer who use to play with his words so perfectly. Any sad days I had, he would cheer me up with his silly jokes and songs and no matter  how sad I use to be I use to smile and laugh. We exchanged our no. Seeing him live was the only option left for me now. I was staying in Calcutta and he was from Mumbai. There was this distance between us that was killing both of us. He was a mass communication student pursuing his masters. I met him on Orkut which now doesn’t exist. It was almost 1 years that I knew him. Our conversation started up with a lie which was quite funny. Well! I was the one who lied.

It was an open chat room were I first met him and I lied at first by saying that I am a model from Punjab. He actually believed my story but afterwards he requested me for my orkut  id and I got caught because I don’t look like a Punjabi at all. I am a north eastern girl. I thought may be he might get pissed now but to my surprise he was even more impressed to see that I belong to that region.

Our chat became regular after that and with moving days our bonding got stronger. We were in love and it was kind of funny that though I being a very practical person how silly of me to fall for some one behind that internet! at first I use to deny it for it was too true be a love but I fell really hard in his love. I was completely webbed. He would always ask me to come over to Mumbai and if not possible he offered to be there in Calcutta. I always denied,You know why? Because I was too scared to break this illusion of being in love, I use to think  that may be after I meet him he might not like me at all.What if he is a complete jerk.

He was a very good lucking guy and I was average looking girl. Though people say that look doesn’t matter well it does to some extend. Specially with the strangers whom you get close to by just seeing his picture which might have been photo shopped or edited in a best way they can. You create your own vision about that person, you picture them the way you like and when you encounter them in  reality and if  the picture  doesn’t match you will feel bad or rather ran off. Its a truth a bitter truth. I could see his rich friend circle and most of the time they would be with him. His group was very important to him and I use to feel uncomfortable thinking about them, meeting them was just beyond my imagination. I was from a middle class family where I was allowed just small pocket money, till class 10th I use to wear whatever my mother would buy. My expenses was limited.

After coming to Calcutta I was doing a job and taking my expenses on my own which made me hard to think of going to Mumbai which is of course  expensive city. He would offer me to visit there and use to tell me  not to worry about anything but I being a self independent girl I will never except that. So, I would always asked his to wait for some time.This all discussions  was making hard for both of us to carry on smoothly.Everyday he would force me to meet him and I use to again deny and one day what I always feared  happened, I lose him to someone else. He fell in love with someone else and I being far from him I couldn’t protect my love.

It was the last time he called me –

All broken and shattered I asked him-

What about me then?

I heard his sad voice from the other side which was sounding as if he was tired of me denying-

Baby! I loved you a lot and I still do but this is not going to work.Its been a year now and I haven’t seen you once. You never want to see me and I want to be with someone whom I can be with. I can’t wait no more. I am going with her. Is there anything else you want to say? Say it please!

I wanted to shout and scream at him but I thought I should let him go. ”If he had ever loved me he wouldn’t  have fall in love with someone else but he did which means he never loved me” that was a cliche girl thinking.

No, I have nothing to say. I do understand you completely and you are right you should be with someone who is near to you. I am happy for you. Be happy forever. Goodbye!! and I hung up the call.

I lost him that day like I never knew him. After that day he never called me and I never called him back ( ego my friend). No messages at all. He blocked me from all the link that I can be in touch with him so did I.

It took me couple of years to think about him a little less then I use to think about him each and everyday. No matter how hard I tried to forget him there always would be something or the other that reminded of him.He was alive somewhere inside me.

After 3 years, I shifted to Mumbai. I was suppose to be happy but I wasn’t at all.  By then he had become a complete stranger and I even didn’t tried to look for him though I was in his city, because I use to think that he ditched me. My depression and obsession had turned into an anger by then and I became bitter human being  from inside. I almost boycott guys out of my life.

Until, I met Rishi and I don’t know how I fell in love with him but somehow I fell. The reason was  I saw Abhay  in him. He was more like him in many ways. I started seeing him and I was completely happy with him. One day he took me to a party, it was some friend’s birthday party. I was standing with couple of girls while Abhay was busy with his friends. I heard this known voice.

Wait! I have talked with this person and it can’t be him.I turned back and very close to me was this guy standing . He was facing the other side but that voice I remember clearly. I moved towards that gentle man and I pat him on his shoulder. He turned around and yes! it was him. He was even more shocked then me. I didn’t knew how to react at all I could feel was a warm water falling from my eyes ‘ droplet of tears”. For a moment I felt like I am dreaming. Those flash back of him started coming into my mind. It was just like yesterday I was in love with him or may be I am still in love with him.

He held my hand and-

God! I could not believe my eyes, its you!

Yes! its me. You look the same.

Long time huh?

Yes! 5 years.

Yea!! How did you recognized me?

Your voice! how could I forget it. It has made a home inside my heart. So,where is your girlfriend?

He was about to say something Rishi came in-

Hey baby I was looking for you. Oh! hey buddy …how are you?

Gosh! Rishi knew him.

I am good Rishi. How have you been?

I am fine and by the way she is Jasmine, my girlfriend!

Abhay looked at me all surprise or maybe he was shocked.

I know her!

Oh wow! that is strange. How do you know each other?  That is so cool.

Well! Not exactly I know her, I use to know someone like her so I approached her but later I realize its not her . I am really sorry to bump on your girlfriend dude.

Its OK! She is a nice person. She wont mind.

Within that conversation between us I was quite and confused. What is happening? What am I suppose to say? I was very happy to meet him finally but definitely I never imagine to meet him this way ever.

Rishi suddenly got a call from his  home so he went outside to talk leaving me and Abhay behind. That was a time when I thought to clear the air but before I could say anything he burst out-

So, Rishi huh! you finally met your Mr perfect. . Do you remember our last conversation? After that day you never called me up. You know I waited for your call. I blocked you from everything except my phone no. Do you know why because I was waiting for you to say that” Abhay I am coming there to be with you or maybe Abhay come down here to meet me”. I can’t wait to see you. But you never called back ever. I tried calling you but your number was changed, My heart got shattered, my ego was hurt. It was proven that you moved away from me or maybe I was not your priority. There was no one I fell in love with I lied. I lied!! (he almost screamed) to be with you and because of that lie I  lose you. I am happy for you that you actually fell in love with someone who is in front of you. You can see his pain, you can see him being troubled you could see him missing you badly when you are not around.Your decision is correct, be happy ! U looked pretty in your picture but you are far prettier in the reality. I got to see you finally and this is the best part of my life, I have a perfect picture of you now. Goodbye!

He walked out, almost ran off. I was standing there numb and shattered. He was gone. In those years that I thought him to cheat on me and hurt me was actually in so much of love with me.He waited for me but my dignity, my self independence never allowed me to realize that. Sometimes people’s ego can ruin the life” What if I would have called him just once and what if he would have text  me once”. Life could have been different.

All those years which I spend hating him and torturing myself, thinking he was gone! but now when he actually walked out on me I couldn’t stopped him this time I lose him entirely and may be for forever.

__END__

                                                                                                                SOURCE BY-JINI

PUBLISHED BY-OURHELLO.COM

LOVE STORY

                               "THE MAN I ALWAYS WANTED"

I met a guy yall, a guy that is for me . Designed for me. It was written for me to end up with him and no one else. He is not just a guy or any guy for that fact, but a man. This man ummm. He has charm , he is smart and so handsome. When I see him he gives me chills. He is a God souled man who sinned all his life til now. Since he changed his life he now he wants a wife , a family , a future and with me and my child . I prayed for this man all my days.

Since I was 13 I wanted a man like this yet could never find him anywhere. Not at home, not at school, not at work, not on the block. No where. Till I got my divorce and gave my life to God and began going to church with my son faithfully every Sunday. I loved Sundays. Sundays I heard the word of God from a preacher that I swore spoke to me only.

He once said God blesses a woman who is scorned. The good Lord knows I have been scorned time and time again. I have been used , cheated on. I have been forced to be a prostitute, I have had men who slept with my friends, I have had men who will say they love me and hurt me with fists and words in the same minute. I have been called every name in the book by a man. Well I shouldn’t describe any of my ex’s as men they are nothing, but childish boys who God will deal with in his own way in his own time.

I wish no harm on anyone who did me wrong. The Lord knows my heart. Through my cries, my pain, my depression , my heartache, my sorrow, my lost, the backstabbing I endured. I never wish harm on these people. I know the best revenge is to live well. Though they may say this new God souled love may hurt me. Only God knows. I rather take my chances on a man of God then with a man of the devil.

It took many many years for me to realize it was time to walk out on my last so called love. The one who I thought was the one and whom I wanted to marry , have kids and spend the rest of my life with. I don’t question God. I know he puts people in our lives for a reason and many times I said why these ex’s came in my life and hurt me instead of some many others out there. I know that is not a way to think. Blessed indeed I am they did enter my world with out them I would never knew what real love feels like. A man can buy me things, cook for me and it means nothing if they can not treat a woman the way she wants to be treated.

This God souled handsome man calls me every day, texts me and asks how my day is going. He tells me Im gorgeous even though my past relationship broke me to the point I had no self esteem and made me feel I was nothing with out him. This new love is fresh and we can hold hands and walk together. He brags about me and dislike men who hit or hurt women. Don’t get me wrong we have plently of disagreements. There is also things about eachother we don’t like. When it comes to communication though we both talk in soft voices and listen to the other and wait til the other is finished to get our point across. We tell each other nicely what we need to work on and we compliment each other and encourage each other every day. The best part is he loves my son.

I am not at all in a rush for my son to call him dad. I am however in a rush to start my family with him. It feels as if I was missing him my whole life. I need this. I haven’t cried , no headaches, no stress, not worried about other women , and not worried about him putting his hands on me. I need this life of peace and content. My friends and family love him. My son loves him. All I needed was the strength to walk away from the past to gain the best future. I should have been left that old life. Sometimes things need time to fall into place and it finally falling into place for me.

I love my guys ..my son and my man my God souled man. It’s us forever . Praise the Lord and thank you Father God. Amen.

__END__

                                                                                  SOURCE BY-TAMMYCHAMBLISS

PUBLISHED BY-OURHELLO.COM

ROMANTIC STORY

         "STONE PAPER SCISSORS AND OUR LOVE -2"

Scissors

“The number you are trying to connect is unreachable. “Echoed back the recorded voice for the seventh time.

“Manish!!! Where are you?” I almost wondered out loud. My mother’s description about the guy who was to come and see me this weekend bellowed in my head.

“He is the perfect husband material. You are going to love him. Am so glad we got this alliance before others. You don’t know how jealous Leila Aunty got when she heard about this. This is like a wish come true…”I had not listened to the rest of our words and had vanished into my room thinking hard on how to stop my mother from hurrying me in to these ”Engagement talks”.

I knew none of the reasons I had could make her change her mind. She could be armed with an equally valuable reason to hurry the engagement.

1. I had just started on my dream job.
She would reply, “You can continue it after the marriage too. If we let this go, then somebody else might get him. “

2. I have a boyfriend.

“Boyfriend!!! Since when… How do you know him? How much does he earn? Does he belong to our community? You do know that Grandpa does not like these things.”

I would reply, “Well. His name is Manish. I know him through facebook. He has a temporary job now. And, no, he does not belong to our community or caste.”

BOOM. Culture Shock for my mother. And maybe heart attack for my frail and traditional Grandpa.

Who the hell was that prospective material? Why should I marry him now? And why was my boyfriend who could always make my inbox full with his ‘Gud Morn, Gud Nite, Wazzup’ messages suddenly unreachable.

“Gaw” I sighed out heavily frustrated. I got up and put down the heavy files onto the table. It upset the scissors beside it. The scissor flew out of the table into the window and out of the building falling to the ground floor from the 12th floor.

I looked at Alisha’s apologetically.

“Those were the only gift I had ever received from my sister-in-law for my birthday. Seriously Hansa you have lost it. I already told you I don’t know Manish personally. Yeah I am facebook friends with his brother, but that dude has not come online since ages. I will try to contact him as soon as he comes online. Now would you please…? I have to prepare for the dinner tonight. My whole husband’s family is coming. And do bring the scissors. “Said Alisha in an exasperated voice busily kneading the dough.

“Okay. I am sorry. It’s just my mom is so excited about this prospect and I don’t know how to face her. This ‘Prospective Material’ thing is driving me nuts.” I said making way to the door.

I made my way for the lift. I got in. Wish Manish could spring up by magic in that lift. I was really stumped by the situation.

“Hansa?” said a voice. I turned around and noticed a six foot frame that I had not seen in a long time.

“Divyanth.” I almost yelled back in surprise.

“Wow. Never thought I could see you like this.”

“Yeah…” I said staring at him trying to push back the memory of our hug that was causing me to slowly blush.

The lift stopped. We stepped out.

“What are you doing here?” he asked looking at me unblinking.

“My friend lives here.” I said.

“Oh… Hey am in hurry actually. Why don’t you give me your mobile number and I will message you mine. We will meet up later.” He said, taking out his cell phone. I gave him my number. He hurried off to a waiting car at the gate. I walked out and started looking for the scissors in a dazed manner.

Sh*t. Why should I meet him in a situation like this? After that encounter I had imagined lots of situations for our next meeting. Situations in which I could be cool and confident. But now… WHY? WHY? WHY? Is the fox being reduced to a clumsy chicken while the grapes were turning out to be the one of the tastiest, desirable and successful?

The rest of my day passed in the same daze as I tried to find my boyfriend. At the end I was afraid to go back home where I was sure my mother could resume the conversation about the alliance. So I decided to spend the night at the company’s guest room.

I browsed through the contacts. I had called most of my 220 friends. Then why had no one been able to give me comfort? Then why was I still feeling insecure? Then why was I still feeling so worthless and alone?

Divyanth…I stopped scrolling. I had not contacted him. I had got his contact only today. What he was to me? Friend or acquaintance or still the irritating mortal enemy? I had not even added his number to any of the groups in my phone- Friends, Acquaintance, Miscellaneous. Yet in the middle of the night lying in the hard bed in the guest room, I dialled his number.

He picked up the phone at the third ring.

“Hello. Hans.”

I replied back “Hello.” I had thought a lot as to whether I should call him or not, yet I had not thought of what to say to him once he attended my call.

“Long time…” he continued. And through the night we talked about our locality, our college. We argued, we laughed, we shared memories, and we made the other notice the things they had missed. When I woke up the next morning I was feeling very fresh and did not remember Manish till a call came from my mother enquiring when I would be returning.

I tried to call Manish again but he did not pick up. I hurried off to Alisha’s place. But when I reached her building I did not go to her apartment but instead went straight to Divyanth’s apartment .With bated breath I knocked on the door. Divyanth opened the door looking very sleepy.

“Hansa. What a surprise just now woke up. What’s the prob? “He asked looking at my worried face.

“Hmm. Actually…” For the next half hour I had poured almost all of my problems except my mother’s prejudice for him.
“Okay… So you don’t want to get married now, but your mother wants you to…”summed up Divyanth at the end of my outburst.

“Yeah…”

“Instead of talking to your mother or your BF that is unreachable at the moment why don’t you talk to the prospective alliance guy and explain it to him…” he volunteered.

“That’s actually nice. In fact very nice. Why had not it occurred to me before? I will go and talk to him right now. Thanks a lot. Why don’t we meet up for dinner the following weekend? My treat. ” I gave him my best smile and hurried off.

I messaged a trusted cousin of mine to send the contact details of my “Alliance Guy”. I then went to catch up on some office work. Finally after buying some fruits I was heading off to Alisha’s in high spirits. My phone rang.

“Hello. Divyanth.” I said picking it up…

“NO. This is Manish. Listen sweetheart, just now got your voicemail. Been busy. Am coming soon.” He almost yelled into the phone. Then the line went dead again.

Surprisingly the voice I had been yearning for the past two weeks did not make me happy. But rather left me disappointed. Why had not Divyanth called? OMG! Was I also being mesmerised by the spell cast by Divyanth. It had only been two weeks that I had not seen Manish but the excitement, the “Love Feeling” was no longer making my heart race. The six hour talk with Divyanth had made my six month relationship lacklustre. I was experiencing a gradient of emotions with Divyanth- from dislike to hate after the stone incident, from hate to awkwardness at the paper incident, from awkwardness to extreme comfortableness after the scissors incident. I was feeling confused and mixed up as the images of Manish and Divyanth swam in my mind’s eye.

“What happened Hansa?” Called out Alisha holding a ladle in one hand.

“Nothing…” I said absent minded.

“Don’t worry. Manish will surely contact you. He must have become stuck with something important. It will all turn out to be okay. Even if you can’t do anything about your mother right now. Am sure once he comes back you two can figure it all out. Do you remember how once he solved your “big presentation thing” mishap?”she said patting me reassuringly.

Yeah! That’s right Manish had always been there for me. He loves me. I was just getting mixed up by seeing Divyanth suddenly.

“I know. He called. He said he is coming soon.”

“See I told you “said Alisha sighing dramatically,” Now you just have to stall the engagement party.” She said looking concerned at my still appalled face.

“Is this really about Manish or someone else?” she enquired.

Something snapped in my brain. And I replied a tad too excited, “Of Course who else could it be? I was just so glad that I went in to a shock”

“I get it. You were just shocked when your mother began to control the next step in your life. I can understand. That’s why you were not able to figure out a solution. You were ranting on and off about the problem when the solution was just right on front of your nose.”

“Actually I did not think of the solution Divyanth did.”

“Divyanth. You mean Charu’s ex-boyfriend” whispered Alisha.

“Yeah. The same empty-headed junior who acted as though she was just so in love with Divyanth. MAN!!! She was such a pain. She asked me to help her in the breaking up process. But was already looking for her next boyfriend by playing the sympathetic game to every contact in her phone. She was so good at sucking up to others, acting all so pleasant….” I was saying with a new surge of excitement and feel goodedness which you feel while backbiting people

“I was what …” came a voice from the figure that had just emerged at the door leading to the bathroom.

I looked baffled. Alisha cleared her throat and said in a falsely cheerful voice,” Hansa. You do remember our delightful junior-Charu. You know she is one of my husband’s second cousins. She came here to help me today with the lunch.”

I now realised why Alisha had whispered Charu’s name. I tried to manage this weird situation.

“Hi. Charu.Oh!!You have grown taller. I did not know that was possible. I was just talking about our little break up mission back during our College. And how you clearly ended your things with your last boyfriend. You are one of the rare people who can call a spade a spade and speak directly without beating around the bush.”I said fervently hoping she bought in my story.

“Am I?” she asked still not convinced.

“Yes. Of course you are.” Took over Alisha. She did not want to start on the wrong foot with her husband’s second cousin.” You seriously have a clear mind and thinking when it comes to these kinds of situation. You are not at all confused like Hansa here. You know she is now muddled in a problem of hers. “

She then went on to paint a picture of me being so nervous and distraught about my coming engagement. She made me look like a girl from the 2nd century who could not talk to boy or a gentleman with her head held up. I was according to her not at all in a situation to solve the problem. So could the clear headed girl aka Charu help to solve it? So (I still don’t know how the conversation lead to this) Charu was now calling to the number that I had taken form my mother’s Sticky note labelled-“Hansa’s hubby”.

I looked as she sweetly spoke to my would-have-been hubby. She portrayed herself as Hansa who was so in love with her soul mate, Manish. And who due to ardent respect for her mother and family could not confront them regarding her undying love in case they felt wronged. So could he please please cancel the engagement from his side? And she would be grateful for such a kindness on his part.

Crick. That was the sound of my engagement being broken as my would- have-been hubby conceded. I left after chatting for some time about our evergreen college memories.

I left with a big smile as I hoped this could be the last of my crazy problems . My smile turned even broader when I read the text from Divyanth.

‘Free for dinner tonite???’

I replied-“K”

Two weeks later Divyanth was no longer an unlisted contact in my mobile but the most dialled one. He became this friend who teased me all the time. And one who chatted about nonsense funny things . And one who brushed off our frequent debuts that were turning to the furiuous arguments by saying “Let’s do Stone Paper Scissors”. And who could pull up irritated kiddish jokes which now was becoming a habit for both of us.

“No the sequel was hardly anywhere near the original. You boys just care about the HD quality and not the storyline.”I said not giving up our debate we had started as soon as we had come from the theatre after the movie. We made a beeline for the food counter in our favourite mall

“The sequel is better. You just don’t like it because you had already read the book.” He said taking up the chair opposite me. He handed me the menu card in front of him.

“The book was better. The movie was so predictable.” I said screening the menu.

“See. It was predictable because you had read the book.” He said calling for the waiter.

“One Coke and One lemon juice please. Followed by Hakka noodles and vegetable sandwich.” He read out.
I glared at him. He asked,” What?”

“Why did you give me the menu card when you were going to eat whatever you wanted.”

“Am sure you were going to order the same thing . You always order the same thing whenever we go out.”

“No. I do not.”

“Common…” He said . And I knew he was speaking the truth.

“Yes.” I said slowly.”But I was going to order only the lemon juice. I am meeting up with Manish for dinner. SO you eat the sandwich yourself.”

“Manish. Oh!! Your BF. By the way how did you meet him?”He asked putting his hands in the table in an interrogative manner.

“ Facebook.” I said still scanning the menu. For some reason I did not want to talk about Manish to him.

“ Facebook. Nobody in the real world wanted you …?So you picked up the “Right Guy” from the virtual world.”

“No. A lot of people here as well as in the virtual world wanted me. FYI most of the guys whom I have met proposed me at one point.”

“ Well…I have not. Anyways how did you embark this romantic journey with Manish leaving behind other competent mates?”

“I thought you hated hearing love stories. You could not listen to the story of my friend Alisha and how their love of two days ended in marriage. Oh God!!! Alisha is so lucky. The doctor has said the baby could be due next month. You are coming right? For the naming ceremony of the baby. We can catch up on some of our old college mates. Am sure they would be coming.” I steered the conversation away from Manish whom I was going to see after whole two months .

We parted on a heated argument about elephants and promised to meet up next day to decide who was right by Stone Paper Scissors. I was getting good at it. I had won the last three duals.

For some reason Manish cancelled out on our appointment at the last minute. But promise to meet up the next day at my bus stop. He was not aware that I had stopped taking buses and was hitching rides from Divyanth.

The next day I met Manish in our usual nook at the broken down shop. We chatted for a few minutes. He complained that he was facing lots of stress at work and was not at all up to the mark according to his seniors. I pretended to be understanding but in truth I was bored. He left after giving a swift kiss on my forehead.

I came out of the shadows only to look at the figure of my mother who had come from the adjacent vegetable shop. She glared at me and motioned me to follow her.

“What were you doing?” she asked.

“He is just a friend.” I began lamely.

CHAK. My mother’s fingers made their imprint on my cheek.

“Is this how I brought you up? You have nothing been but a disgrace…” She began her usual branding of me as a cursed possession of hers ever since I had been born.

“Mother. Stop it. I have not done anything disgraceful. He is my boyfriend and I can do whatever I want with him. You don’t have any right on my romantic life.” I said and stormed out.

That was the first time I had stood up and talked back to my mother.

I retold the story to Alisha when I stopped at her home to see her. She commended me and said I should have done it a long time back. Maybe that could have lessened the pain in my mother’s hurtful comments. May be that could have fostered a better and an open relationship between us. Maybe that could have lessened her prejudice for a boy child?? Maybe…But why did I do it now…?

My cell beeped.

Wru? Lunch?

A message came from Divyanth. I suddenly started missing him even though I had just called him in the morning.
Divyanth came as usual half hour late. I hopped onto his car and we made for our favourite lunch spot. We parked our car and were just making our way out off the parking lot. Two figures dashed out from the shadows. The girl pushing away the boy playfully while the boy pulled her back.

“Stop it Manish. Not here…” said the girly voice. I watched the guy for whom I had fought with my mother trying to smooch the girl. I stopped startled. Manish saw me and said,”Err…”lamely still holding the girl in his arms.

My brain stopped functioning the moment I saw his hands around another girl. I had no memory of slapping him hard across the face or of continuing the conversation with Divyanth about the inflation and obesity or of hurrying out in the middle of order in the pretext of withdrawing money from ATM

I was now crying silently in the ATM. I don’t know how long I was standing like that but the door suddenly opened. I raised my hands to cover my tears but before that Divyanth said,”Hansa…..”

I don’t know whether his tone was concerned or worried or inquisitive but I broke down in front of him.

“I can’t believe, I can’t believe…. I fought for that creep. Now what’s going to happen….? Why did I ever stand up to my mother? She is right…. Maybe I am a disgrace….” I started blabbering in between my tears…

“Maybe I should never have been born…. I ……” but before I could complete the sentence, Divyanth had pushed me up against the wall. He grabbed my shoulders and I was looking into his brown eyes burning with hurt.

“Don’t ever say that again….”Then his lips pressed against mine. I was baffled as I tried to fight off his grab. He seemed to have no intention of giving up as he found and kissed my lips every time I moved away from his. Then maybe due to the sexual attraction or due to the animalistic mating instinct or due to love for my first enemy I started kissing him back. I don’t know how long I was in his embrace forgetting all the problems that had ever existed in my life. No time or place or memory ever existed for me at that moment. It was as though my life had started now with this kiss.

SNAP… What was I doing?? I pushed him away. He dashed into the opposite wall. For the second time that day my fingers made another imprint on the cheek of the opposite gender. I stormed off. I did not know whether to laugh or cry. I reached home. My mother had complained to my father about how unruly I had become. I should be married off soon or kept locked till then. I tried not to listen to either of my parents. I locked myself up in my room.

The next day I woke up after dreaming many confusing dreams of myself, Manish and Divyanth. The contents of which I did not want to remember. I rushed off to work despite my mother literally trying to lock me in my room and refusing me breakfast.

The rest of the week I was mindlessly hurrying through my work, ignoring my mother’s screamings, guiltily listening my father’s gentle disapprovals and brushing off the infrequent counsellings by my many relatives.

My whole mind was becoming tired by the tornado of thoughts that had hit it. I missed Divyanth so much but I was still appalled at the boldness of his moves. Surprisingly Manish never crossed my mind even once. Even when I went to meet Alisha at the hospital and she enquired about Manish. I replied with a frigid face,” We broke up” she patted my hand in a supporting manner,” He was never good enough for you. I am glad. Just leave him. You will meet someone else. “

I just nodded silently. Weeks turned into months. Alisha’s baby was born. They invited me for her naming ceremony.

The couple had invited most of our college mates. I did not want to meet Divyanth in such an awkward atmosphere so I messaged.
“STONE PAPER SCISSORS.”

So we met up at our usual place in the park where we used to solve our intense arguments with ‘Stone Paper Scissors’.
He came half hour late as usual.

“Okay. Whoever wins apologises and we move on…” I said not quite meeting his eyes.

“How about whoever wins confesses their love ….” he said staring me down.

I did not say anything but just put one of my hands behind my back.

“STONE. PAPER.SCISSORS.”

I put up scissors.

He put up stone.

His stone crashed my scissors.

All the wavering thoughts that I had been having the past week gave me a clear vision of what exactly I was feeling.

“Yeah… You are right… I love you. I had always loved you . Maybe it started from the moment my mother began to say your name more than mine… I wanted to beat you… And then I understood that it was not possible… I was discouraged, I could never shine like the son my mother wanted me to be. So I transferred all the disappointment in to blind hatred for you… But then I realised why this stupid competition. You are talented in your way and so am I. Do you know I developed this self confidence when I was with you? In spite of the blind hatred I had for you I felt most comfortable around you. Even though we argued I knew you listened to my opinions. Even though you teased me and messed with me I wanted to look beautiful in front of you. I never ever thought I could let a stupid game settle a fight that started because of your frivolous nature . But here I am telling you …I love you Divyanth. “I said looking up into his eyes at last. A small smile was beginning to appear in the corner of his lips.

I pushed him hard into a dumpster nearby.

“You are such a …. I can’t even think of a suitable word to swear. I wish I had never ever met you…”

It must have been a week since the incident. My mother asked me to dress up in a sari one evening I came back from home. She said something about having fixed up and repaired my broken off engagement. I sullenly carried the coffee tray to the balcony where my would -have -been hubby was waiting for me…

I placed the coffee tray and looked up. The small smile that was appearing at the corner of Divyanth’s mouth one week back was now completed. He was looking at me with a huge grin.

“What are you doing here?”

“Hoping to lose a game of ’Stone Paper Scissors’ I really wanted to lose the last time and confess my love for you.”

“Are you flirting with me just like you did with all your girlfriends at college?”

“No only with you. You know…I play Stone Paper Scissors only with you. You are so bad at it. I really did want to let you win sometimes. But could not because I wanted to make you angry. You don’t know how beautiful you are when you are angry. I got addicted to it.”

“Do you always kiss girls randomly?”

“I just wanted to stop your crying. I really don’t understand why you have to cry when you are with me…”

“Were you my would have been husband? Why did you make me break off that engagement?”

“You wanted to break free at that time. And then I started slowly falling in love with you…And because the world is round finally you have come back to me…..”. He winked at me. We hugged…

Destiny had already chosen this guy for me. I was the only one running away from it, twisting it and complicating it. But now I am not going to fight it anymore.

__END__

                                                                                  SOURCE BY-SHARMILEEVETRIVEL

PUBLISHED BY-OURHELLO.COM