Quarter Centure Of My Life...

Complete 25years of my life last evening by 21:40 IST.... feeling something different, want to do something new...

Five Strangers.... A Car Pool Story- Part-4( Final One)

One month passed since the day we started car pooling. But it felt like it is the beginning. Once strangers have became friends now... for a good cause.

Last Saturday we were in Shimla. Hitender’s wedding got fixed and we were invited for the engagement in Shimla. Since it was weekend - Rabbi, Jasmeet and Frappi too agreed to go. And as I was highly impressed by the idea of car pooling, I asked them for weekend car pool – using just one car to travel for the engagement. As expected, everyone agreed and all four of us went together. The celebration was awesome, and I recalled Yash Chopra’s DDLJ.

Everyone was dancing there except Frappi.

“Hey Frappi, you’re not dancing? Are you afraid to burn some calories?” I teased.
“Nope, I want to give you some chance. Look at you, big tummy.” She replied with a smile.
“Tummy….huh?? Where?” I said while making a big effort to hide my fat by releasing my breath and she laughed.
“You two started again.” I heard Jasmeet. She was dancing in the group some time ago and now she was holding an ice cream bowl and Rabbi was behind her.
“Tell me something new Jass, they’re used to it. Haven’t you seen them fighting in car.” Rabbi teased us. I preferred not to make any comment on his statement.
“Forget it, let’s dance. I said and ran to the dance floor. Rabbi and Jass also followed though Frappi didn’t come. Later, I came to know that she was having some pain in her right leg.

Rahul’s birthday followed immediately after Hitender’s engagement. Amit and I decided to pretend that we had forgotten his birthday as we planned to give him a surprise at 5pm.

Rahul joined us for tea and lunch. At tea time he was quite happy and was expecting to hear the two words ‘Happy Birthday’ from us, but went back to his seat rather disappointed. During lunch he was quite aloof and upset. We knew the reason but we didn’t let on that we knew it was his birthday. After lunch, we went to attend a session on CSR., where we were told to make efforts towards a safe and clean environment. I was happy that I was doing my bit with car pooling, since it helps the environment by reducing pollution and consumption of petrol. Our session ended and we reached our workplace @ 2 pm.

Rahul was quite upset by now but I convinced him to join us for tea. He reached after ten minutes and was surprised to see me, Amit, Rabbi, Jasmeet, Hitender and Frappi together with a cake.

“What’s this VOYci?” he asked.
“Happy Birthday Rahul! VOYci planned everything for you and ordered snacks too! He is giving you the treat.” Amit explained.

“But why is he treating others on my behalf?” Rahul asked.

“Because you introduced me to car pooling from which I benefited! Since we’re five people who travel together and we split the amount, my conveyance expenses have come down to one fifth of what I was already paying. I will be saving some money even after this treat!” I explained.

“Can we cut the cake now - I’m feeling sleepy after the speech,” Frappi pretended to yawn and everyone laughed. We celebrated his birthday by cakes, snacks and singing birthday songs.

I got introduced to the Car pool concept about a month ago and this brought a lot of new experiences into my life.

Benefits of Car Pool

1. Cost saving and benefits to the environment
2. Made new friends! Five strangers became good friends and
3. Time Management

So do try it out too – You never know what experiences this new concept can hold for you!

Five Strangers.... A Car Pool Story- Part-3

Friday went and soon Monday came knocking, heralding the arrival of another new week. It was the 5th day since I started car pooling.

Around noon I realized that I didn’t have company for lunch as Rahul was busy with a project and Amit was on leave. So I pinged Frappi for lunch.

“With you?” she replied.
“Yeah…” I said.
“OK, in that case I’ll give you the opportunity to treat me,” she teased.

I said OK and we met at the cafeteria. It took us an hour to complete our lunch as I was commenting on her tomboyish look and she on my try-to-be-perfect gestures… I was happy to have some fun and make some good friends through Car Pooling.

I pinged all my friends in the evening to leave as today I had brought my car. In our group Hitender, Jasmeet and I had cars – the rest car pool by sharing the fuel amount. Rabbi wanted to spend some time at Sukhna Lake in the evening and everyone got ready. Infact we all were looking for a break as we were tired of taking the same route everyday, Madhya Marg and wanted to explore the shortcuts from Kishangarh. We decided to leave by 5:45 pm. I had to skip my gym first time, still I was happy since I also like to sit at lakeside.

We reached the lake around 6 pm. We got down from car and proceeded towards the lake with famous Dal Chana which Hitender bought from the roadside vendor. Frappi as usual irritated with me sat behind me. I made a face on her comment and Jasmeet laughed at our friendly argument.

We sat there for almost twenty minutes when Frappi asked Rabbi that why he was not speaking, while it had been his idea to sit there. He said nothing and when Jasmeet insisted he finally said that he got a call from Passport Office saying that there is some problem and they have asked him to come to office next day. He also told us that he was afraid of going there with some pre-conceived notions. I laughed and told him that I’d accompany him to the office as I was used to it. I assured him that there is nothing to worry. Deep inside I was happy to be a part of Pooling Group. Like Rabbi shared his problem with us, I might too get stressed sometime and might lean on my car pooling group to share my problem.

The next day, Jasmeet got her Maruti Swift, she picked us up and reached the office by 7:15 am. We all planned to leave at 4:30 pm so that we could reach the Passport Office at Sector 34 before 5 pm. It was actually a normal background verification call. We finished it soon and we asked Rabbi to give us a treat. After 15 minutes we were at McDonalds in Sector 35 having burgers. I was happy with the feeling that I helped someone who needed some help.

To Be Continued…The Final Part...

Five Strangers.... A Car Pool Story- Part-2

My first day of car pooling… terrible Tuesday. Terrible, since I had to wake up at 7 AM, thanks to a phone call from Rahul’s friend. Rahul had warned him that I might get up late, which wasn’t far from the truth really. I slept at 1 AM the previous night (after watching a movie) and was surely not in the mood to say hello to the morning so early. But I couldn’t really make any excuse I realized (as I had said ‘YES’ to Rahul for car pooling plus it was Rahul’s friend who was coming to pick me up plus I couldn’t create a bad impression on this guy the first meeting itselfJ).

So, fast forward to Hitender, who comes in his white Honda City (quite luxurious compared to my Maruti Zen) to pick me up for the car pool. We get chatting and Hitender tells that he has been car pooling with the others for the past five months. And it began quite simply with his post on the BB asking if anyone was interested to car pool. I realized from the way he spoke that these people – strangers not so long ago are friends now!
So we head to Phase 9 where Jasmeet and Rabbi are waiting for us. They are Infoscions too although I am meeting them for the first time. They make themselves comfortable in the back seat and Hitender starts the ignition again. I am puzzled as he is going in the opposite direction and because I was under the impression that there were four people in the car pool. Hitender smiles and says that there is one more person. And who happens to be a late comer like me. Hmmmmmmm, better to keep quiet I thought.

After a five minute wait, she arrives – Frappi. Well, I am quite surprised to see her…again. The first (and the last time so far), when I met her was at the induction. We joined Infy together. I could recall her even now since I liked her attitude and we had a good argument about something. I am happy to see her again and we all greet each other and I am not surprised to find out that she doesn’t recognize me. I want to tell her about the induction and the argument, but maybe later…

We make it to the parking lot in good time and it’s a happy feeling – one of the best reasons for car pooling has got to be the escape from parking headaches. I’m in my cubicle and check my watch to see its only 8:15 AM! Quite unusual for me… I am the first person to enter the cubicle today. While I am logging in, my manager arrives, stops at my seat and asks me to which direction sun rose today! I laugh with him and he tells me he is happy to see me at work at this time. He tells me that he likes my work but not my late coming. Now I’m happy to see him happy and decide to dive into car pooling. So car pooling may even help me get a better appraisal .

Amit came and he almost dropped his bag. I smiled on his shocked look by seeing me at my desk at that time. He asked me if he’s dreaming and I told him to treat me for breakfast to show him such a nice dream. He said in that case it’s a nightmare.

I met Rahul for lunch and told him what my boss said about my timely arrival in office and escaped from the parking problem. Rahul said he knew that and he said it’s just a beginning. There are several benefits of Car Pooling which I’d learn soon.

It’s 5:30 PM and Hitender pings me over communicator to pack up. I am surprised to see that I am done with my work earlier than usual. We even manage to go work out at the gym head home by 7pm. Wow, that’s another reason to car pool - I have invested one hour for myself by coming early and I get home with some time to spare.

Thanks to Rahul for introducing me to Hitender and group…

To Be Continued…

Five Strangers.... A Car Pool Story- Part-1

The one which i wrote for Infosys Chandigarh on request of Voice Five Of Youth- Chandigarh Infosys (the charector VOYci)
____________________________________________

"Hey, whazzup??" I put my bag on my desk and in meantime greeted my team mate.
"You're again late VOYci," Amit replied.
"Really?" "Just look at the time."I checked my watch and wished if it was out of order. Amit looked at my sad face and smiled.
"Chill VOYci, we're quite used seeing you at 9.30 am. I think the day you come on time, our team may require the Infy doctor."
I smiled back and sat on my chair. Amit is a nice guy. I remember the number of times he helped me escape my manager's fury when he enquired about my whereabouts. Amit always finished the urgent work on time.. He would also tell the manager that I stayed back late in the office to complete my assignment.

I opened my Outlook to check on urgent mail. Fortunately there was no mail from my manager stating an issue with the project which I submitted the day before. I guess I did the work perfectly. I need a hike.

It's a regular Monday morning, when you are wondering how Sunday went past so soon. When I was replying to the last unread mail, Amit asked me to join him for tea. I told him that I'll join him in another ten minutes. I finished drafting the mail and pressed ALT+S. I locked my system and headed towards the cafeteria.

My Group was waiting for me.
"Hey VOYci, you're late again for tea" Rahul, my team mate said as I reached.
"What can I do? I was late getting to office and got stuck with some urgent work."
"It's usual for him now Rahul. We're used to it," Amit added.
"But why do you always come late. You live in Mohali, and it's hardly 18 kms from office. It should not take more than 20-25 minutes."
"I love to watch TV till late as I can't get up early morning unless I've something very urgent to do," I say in my defense.
"Whatever it is, I think I can do something for you," said Rahul as we finished our tea and we disbursed.

I came back to my seat and started working. After around an hour, Rahul pinged me.
"I was just wondering if you really want to come to office on time?" Rahul enquired.
"Yes, I do!" I said in my most convinced voice.
"I have a plan by which you can come on time," Rahul replied. That raises my curiosity.
"Car pool!" said Rahul.
"Car what…?" I thought Rahul had made some kind of a mistake. "Pool" in my dictionary was some kind of water body!! I had no idea if someone put his car at some bridge and I could come on time.

But he then went on to say that he would take more about it at the cafeteria around 12.30 during lunch. We met for lunch.

He told me the actual meaning of that word which he used, "Pool" is an English word which means 'An organization of people or resources that can be shared' and Car Pool means sharing a car with people who share the same route as you.

Some people who have vehicles/ don't have vehicles get together and come or go together in the same vehicle and that's how they share the expenses. Apart from sharing the expenses they do well for the society too by saving fuel and not spreading much pollution. At the same time it helps as a stress buster, in time management, social networking etc. I listened from one ear and it unfortunately went out from another. I never believed in theory but since this concept seemed quite interesting I agreed to Car Pool. Rahul's friends lived in the same place so he asked one of them to pick me from my home at sharp 7:50 am. He warned me to get ready on time.

To Be Continued…

Golmaal of my life..

Based on true Incident….
_______________________________________

“Where are you??” I snapped!
“I’m Here” She responded.
“Where?” I persisted.
“In Auto, will be there in 10minutes.” She replied
“What the heck? I was expecting you 5minutes ago. It’s irritating to stand here out of my house stupefy… waiting for you.”
“Don’t stand stupefy sweetie.” She attempted to soothe.
“HA HA….Poor Joke” I lamented.
“OK, will be there in 5minutes, for sure.” She replied curtly.

I disconnected the phone as this was a regular occurrence.

It was her b’day and she was treating me. Thus I decided to remain quiet.

She reached my home @ 7:15 to pick me up and we headed towards the movie theatre. We reached PVR by around 7:25.
“which movie?” She enquired
“Golmaal Returns, as you said.” I mentioned.
“where are the tickets?” She asked
“Over the counter.” I confessed.
“You Booked online?” She verified, with a smile.
“Nope, I didn’t book so far…” I replied calmly.
“Whatttt!! Idiot, I asked you to book.” She was getting angry.
“Let's have an adventure, we’ll get cancelled tickets.” I suggested.
She murmured something, which I ignored and went to the counter to ask the usher, if any cancelled tickets were available. He told me that the guy, who was standing next to the ticket kiosk had two.
I checked with this guy and he indeed did have two tickets. I wanted to pay him 400bucks for the ticket when I realized that I had no cash. I asked her, but she too didn’t have money with her. I asked her to stay put and ran downstairs to pick up the money from the HSBC ATM Card dashed upstairs. Meanwhile it was already 7:40pm.
“Let’s run, we’re already 40minutes late.” I told her while paying to the ticket owner.
“Relax Nik, the show time is 7:45pm.” She mentioned.
“How come?” I asked puzzled.
“I guess another Audi.” She remarked.
“Amah…” I sighed

We entered in the theatre, got our popcorn and sat in our seats. I started praising myself about this adventure and she was making a face.

Movie started with a Car chase. We were amused seeing some good stunt scenes in the Comedy movie. Later on, I sensed that I even knew the actor. I asked her to check the name and here we were actually watching … ‘Quantum Of Solace’.
“It’s your mistake Nik.” She shouted.
“Relax, sometime it happens while we are in an adventure…and anyways this movie seems to be good.” I tried to suggest.
“Yeah right…. But you don’t feel like watching a english movie with your brains on, when you planned to watch a brainless hindi comedy movie…” I bet she didn’t measure her tempreture. Thermometer would have broken.
“Relax baby, now we don’t have any other option, let’s watch the movie.” I stated.

Post the movie, we headed to dinner and she paid for dinner only (as she was quite angry about the movie fiasco. I didn’t ask her to pay for that).

I dropped her at her place around 11:45pm.
“So, you liked the adventure?” I tried to provoke her smilingly,.
“Yeah, let’s do it again.” She reassured.
“when?” I asked taken aback.
“Nest Saturday is your birthday no NIk, 15th of November?” She had a glint of mischief.
“Yeah….” I nodded.
“So you don’t do anything. I will plan to take you to Dostana Movie and get the tickets of a regional language, you wouldn’t understand.” She kissed on my cheek, smiled and moved into her flat…. And all I could do was watch her … the her who just made plans to ruin my b’day….

Happy Deepawali.... All Kidding, No Offence..

Hello Folks (Fork without any noodles :P, kidding),

Before going some instructionsà
1. Don’t crack crackers without the presence of some senior citizen (not sure about your maturity so far… am I too rude??)
2. Don’t eat much sweets, else you have to loose your pockets and time in Gymming.
3. Don’t throw crackers on someone’s head… some can do this with you too as return…
4. If you’re going home, don’t forget to bring sweets for me.
5. If you want me to celebrate on your behalf too, I can do the honors, just transfer the amount in my account no. 0002 0159 9012.
6. Wish me on my mobile no. ***** *****. scratch here to know my no. as i can't publisize my no. you know...(don’t talk for long…. I’ll be on roaming :P)
7. Don’t expect sweets from my side as I’m gonna eat all. :P

Enough for now… will give you some more gyan, if you’ll call me…. Tata and Happy Deepawali :):)

(Story) The Kidnap

I was in the airport wearing my new red shirt and light grey shorts when I heard some noise. When I turned back, I saw the man with pistol on one girl’s head asking to get move. The girl was crying and the crowd was running here and there as that guy shot one fire in air.

I could sense only one thing….A real kidnap!!

The attendant of the flight, to whom I showed my ticket print out, was trying to remove sweat from her face with tissue paper. I gave her another one as one was not enough. She looked at me with Look-at-that expression and here I was looking at her. Though she was not pretty but something forced me to stick my eyes on her.
“Can I’ve my boarding pass??” I suggested her that her job is defined to do the same.
She looked at me in the disgust like I smelled of some rat. The next moment, she was with her trained smile.
“Any special preference for seat, Sir?”
I was wondering what she was doing here rather than trying her luck in playback singing. “yeah, gimme window seat.”
“OK Sir, here is your boarding pass, seat no. 2F, please go for security check.”
Her job was done.

I looked behind to see what’s happening in the kidnap thing. Luckily, they’re still there and I could enjoy the scene. By that time, crowed was still unsettled though they had stopped at one place rather than running around. I moved ahead and no one objected me to cross them. I wondered if the same thing could have happened in some live concert too. For my surprise, in just 2 minutes I could see myself among the front row standers for the real movie.

The guy…sorry…the man was wearing a cap; must have stolen from the famous singer to pay some karzzz (loan) and he was hiding his mouth by one scarf. I saw so many people, especially girls with scarf on, but at the road, when they wear that stuff to save themselves from sun tan, but in airport? C’mon, it’s an air conditioned place.

And there was the heroine of the movie, girl with tomboy look, a blue jeans and red t-shirt on with open short hairs, like she reached there by mistaken rather than in a modeling agency. She was crying, but her that voice too I didn’t like. She should learn something from the flight attendant.

And hero?? Well, I couldn’t see any mark of spider-man so far. So now what? Will the guy take the girl….?? Easily?? No ways, I have chance to be hero, to impress someone even I’m in my 30s and little bit bulky. I thought to jump on the villain, that would be sufficient enough for him and the girl would be in my arms. But….I’m married and committed too, so I thought to leave the idea and went ahead and made myself comfortable in seat. They’re generally not easily available but that day almost all were empty.

I sat in the chair and opened the laptop to do some surfing. The girl was still shouting and the security personnel still not allowing him to move out so I wasn’t able to concentrate on my work. I plugged in my mp3 player to get relief from the noise which was coming from outside. It worked for 2minutes and the killer, that son of a……., he fired one more shot in public and one person died. Public got scattered again…..Man, it’s very hard to get a peaceful place, I will take the next flight to Himalaya to move out from all this.

The Killer also started shouting that he wants this girl. He will teach her father a big time lesson and get a ransom.
RANSOM…
RANSOM…

The word was echoing in my mind. How can I forget that someone kidnapped my son and then asked for the ransom? And when we’re unable to provide that, he killed him step-by-step. Step-by-step as in he firstly cut his hands and then legs and then inserted a deep knife in heart. I can’t forget that most scary body and I was so helpless as I couldn’t even kill the kidnapper, he had been already shot in some shootout organized by police before I could reach him.

But then on, I had decided that I won’t let one more kidnap to happen for ransom.

Earlier I thought that he was some psycho lover but ransom…?? I got up, removed the shot gun from my bag, which I always carry to handle this situation. Went towards the crowd, moved in first row and short the target. Bull’s eye… no more noise and I preferred not to take same flight. I might get caught from security personnel. It took some time for them to come into action after the shock and was enough for me to move out.

Next day it was on front page of the newspaper. I was happy on my social service, though police thinks that it’s wrong. Now her father wouldn’t get the same trouble. I read the headline in high volume, “Girl was murdered by some unknown person while getting kidnapped, Kidnapper is behind the locker and not able to identify the psycho murderer...”

(Story) Re-Union

“I’m sorry, but I believe it’s the right thing.”
I still could hear those words he told me while we’re getting separated. I felt like slapping Rakesh but somehow I was not able to. Perhaps because I love him a lot. It sounds cliché, but perhaps I loved him more than me and will continue till my last breath.
We met first time in the hospital near to my home. I still can recall the moment first time our eyes clashed. Automatically one smile came on my face. I felt like holding him in my hand forever and ever….His eyes were so cute.
We’re together for almost 25 years. I was with him and he was with me in good and bad times. I’m not sure if he always wanted to be with me or just for my comfort he felt like being with me. I was happy to have him in my life and always be thankful to him.
Things were going well till that day.

It was my 55th Birthday when he gave me a watch as birthday gift.
“ohh… Nik must have given you this watch.”
“Who??” he was shocked as I said something about some chemistry formula.
“Nik, who else Rakesh… he met me 5 days back in market.”
“Are you sure? How could you meet him? ”
“Even I was shocked when I saw him baby…. He told me that he was war prisoner in the neighboring country for fifteen years. He and his some friends from army tried to get released. But finally when our government managed to reach an agreement with our neighboring country to release war prisoners, they got released from the small world called jail.”
“Are you serious?” He confirmed.
“Yes Dear, I told him to come home. He said that he’d love to come but after 5 days on my Birthday. He had some pending work to finish first. I asked him not to forget the present as I recognized him even after 15 years. He laughed and told that he will try to get the time back as
gift and this watch could be the perfect one.”
“I don’t believe it.”
“Even I didn’t. But after seeing NIk and getting his gift nothing else needs to be confirmed.”
“But I bought this gift for you.”
“Ohh... where he is then??” I asked.
“I don’t know where he is.”

I was disappointed and decided to have fight with NIk whenever he would meet me. Though I didn’t express anything, I could feel some tension in Rakesh’s face when he heard of Nik.


Some days after my birthday, I was sitting in the garden on my favorite white chair. I was relaxing while looking at the lawn, when someone closed my eyes.
“what are you doing Rakesh?” I laughed.
Still the hands were on my eyes.
“Who is it?”
Silence….
“Nik…??”
And he removed his hands from my eyes. All I could see was his lovely face. He was looking bit old. But still his white hair were giving compliment to his look with the rimless frame glasses. He has grown thin moustache. He was in blue sweater and white trouser. On that evening, I was living in past….with all the memories…all the time we spent together…. I pretended to be angry with him for not coming on my birthday. I asked him why he didn’t come on my birthday. He said he really wanted to come but couldn’t make it.
I couldn’t pretend anymore and we started chatting. So many things to talk about, so much to share. We chatted for so long that we couldn’t notice when sun set and it was dark. I was feeling little cold in that month of November. My maid came and asked me to come inside. I asked Nik for tea, he said that he will complete some work and then come back at dinner time.

I asked my maid to prepare royal food as Nik was coming home after a long time. when Rakesh came, and I told him about the incident. He looked at me. I was surprised by seeing his strange behavior. How could he deny maid to prepare food and how could he tell me that Nik will never come. I asked him for explanation if something has happened between those two, but he didn’t reply and locked the door.
Nik didn’t come….


The next day, when I was on terrace, NIk hold me from back. I turned in shock to see who it was. I asked him the reason why he didn’t come
yesterday, he kept quiet. I asked him again and he looked at me.
“You really want to know Maaya?”
“Yes I do…. And tell me fast. I cannot bear suspense at this age.” I demanded.
“Then listen….” he comforted himself in the bark chair next to me, removed his specs and tugged it in his coat pocket.
Then after a pause he started, “Rakesh hates me”
“What crap? Don’t joke.”
“It’s fact Maaya. The other day when we met in market, Rakesh saw us and he followed me till my guest house. He warned me not to come near to you. Then I couldn’t control and came to meet you on the other day when you invited me for dinner, Rakesh came home. he told me that you’ve told him that I was coming and he warned me that if he will ever see me with you. he will kill me.” Nik explained and I didn’t want to
believe even a single word.
“But why Rakesh will do that?”
“I don’t know Maaya. Perhaps he wants to kill you so that he will be the only sole owner of this property; and when he saw me, he might have got frightened.”
“Rakesh can do that??” I was surprised. “Then why did you come today?”
“I just saw Rakesh leaving for office so came to tell you. I don’t care for myself Maaya, but beware of Rakesh.”
I was so frightened that time. I hold Nik’s hand and rested my head on his strong shoulder.



We’re sitting together for long time and couldn’t realize the time. we didn’t even sensed when Rakesh came back and came towards us. He came near to me and put his hand on my shoulder. I just stood instantly and moved away.

“Don’t you dare to touch me. You want to kill me.” I was frightened.
“What happened?” he asked.
“I know about you. you want to kill me. Nik just told me.”
“Now where you met him again?” Rakesh crossed his hands.
“He is here only, can’t you see.? He is sitting at this chair.” I pointed towards the chair.
“No one is there.”
Nik was shocked, “I’m afraid from him Maaya. Forgive me, but I have to be alive till I complete some work. “he said and started leaving.
“Nik don’t leave me alone.”
“There is no one.” Rakesh shouted.
“Nik is going and can’t you see.”
“There is no one MOM.”Rakesh hugged me tightly and started crying.


Next day Rakesh took me to some psychiatrist. He must have paid some money to her or the doctor was mad that he said I’m having some disease called Schizophrenia.
She said that Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disease. Approximately 1 percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime. People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Available treatments can relieve many symptoms, but most people with schizophrenia continue to suffer some symptoms throughout their lives.

After having discussion with doctor Rakesh asked me to live in asylum only for sometime. I pleaded Rakesh to give me Nik, in return he can have the money. But he kept on telling “Try to understand Mom, DAD IS DEAD. He and his army team got killed in the border war 15 years back.”

He was lying, I know that. Since still Nik is with me, when I was writing this incident. we’re together in this asylum. First time he met me in the market before 5 days of my birthday, was our 30th wedding anniversary.

I love you Nik and I love you too my son.

(Story) Internet

I was seraching on internet. I required blood but the blood which I wanted was not available in the blood bank at the hospital nearby.


“Hello” I heard the voice from other side of phone I dialed.

“Hello, is that Mr. Sunil Jaiswal??”

“That’s right.” He confirmed.

“Hi sir, this is Maaya Raghavan.

“Maaya what?”

“Maaya Raghavan sir. I got your no. from the blood donor site where you nominated yourself as volunteer blood donor.” I said

“That’s right.”

“Mr. Jaiswal, if I’m not mistaken, your blood group is ‘O -ve’.

“Yup, again you’re right Maaya”


“Great, actually my sister is in need of blood. She is a Thalassemia Patient and because of this disease she needs to get blood transfusions every week. It is supposed to be changed every Saturday. We went to the hospital also, but this blood group blood unit was not available. I tried in some other blood banks too, but it was not available.”

“OK, but today is Sunday.” Jaiswal said.

“Exactly Mr. Jaiswal and we are still in need of the same. I got this site’s address yesterday only. I have a request if you can please donate your blood.”

“Ok…. But can I come by tomorrow evening. I have to go to office in morning.”

“Perfectly fine Mr. Jaiswal. I understand. I will call you by tomorrow afternoon.”

Next day since morning I was thinking to call him as I was really in need of blood. Finally I called him @ 2pm.

“Hello Sunil….. I mean Mr. Jaiswal, Maaya here, just wanted to confirm if you’re coming.”

“Yes Maaya I’ll be there and your sister will be fine.” I sensed a smile in his voice.

“Cool Mr. Jais… I mean Sunil. So what time you can come over?”

“I will start from office by 6 pm. Tell me the hospital’s name.” he replied.

“Sorry for the trouble, but since my sister is late in getting RBCs by 2-3 days, she is not in a condition to go to hospital. She is very weak. I will be calling nurse and doctor at home only with do all necessary arrangements. I’m sure that won’t be problem for you.”

“Not at all. Give me your address.”

I dictated him the address and disconnected the line. I was happy to see that still there are many people who are so co-operative and helpful.




Ding Dong.

I opened the door at 7 pm and saw one good looking guy standing in front of me in formal attire. I wondered if the salesmen have started coming after 5 pm also. I was about to tell him to come next day when I saw his ID card.


“Hi Sunil.” I greeted him.

“Maaya?”

“Yeah..”

“How did you recognize me?”

I pointed towards his Office ID Card and he smiled. I asked him to come in. He entered and then I locked the door. I asked him to sit in living room and went to kitchen. Two minutes later, I was back with a glass of water.

“So how’s your sister now.”

“Not well. She is sleeping upstairs. I am just waiting for the doctor. They will be here in 20-30 minutes after that we can start the process. I hope you’re not getting late.”

“Not really… and I won’t mind getting company of a beautiful girl.” I could feel the flirting voice and I blushed.

“Why the lights are so dim?” he asked.

“I didn’t want her, Nisha to get up by any light.” I said and smiled and he smiled back.

In the meantime I told him that Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood diseases that vary widely in severity involving decreased and defective production of hemoglobin, a molecule that's found inside all red blood cells and is necessary to transport oxygen throughout the body. Fortunately I’m not suffered from that.

I went to the kitchen again, took out the beer bottle from fridge. I poured two glasses and offered him one. He accepted with a smile. I sat next to him. I told him that my parents are in New York for another 15 days and that’s why I had to take care of Nisha. He seemed pretty much interested in me, which I really liked.

After finishing the beer, he asked me to show the way to rest room. I showed him the way to the rest room which was on first floor. We started moving together towards the stairs. By that time we’re comfortable with each other and started cracking jokes I asked him to lower his voice as Nisha might get up. We were half way, I asked him if he is ready to give blood.

“Take as much as you want ma’Am.” he said and we laughed; I liked his attitude. I told him that I am always in search of some good donors like him.


We reached the rest room and I stopped. He headed towards the door and suddenly he felled down. I took him to the room where I told him Nisha was sleeping. I somehow managed to put him on the bed. My Special Beer worked on him.



After half an hour, his blood has been taken. And now I was required to find another donor for more blood. I searched the internet website and dialed a number.
“Hello is that Mr. Rashid Khan. I’m Maaya Raghavan. I was searching for the “AB +ve” blood as my sister, Nisha is having Thalassemia disease and she requires blood transfusions every week. The blood for this group in not available in the blood bank. I got your no. from the blood donor website. Can you please donate your blood tomorrow?

I put down the receiver after Rashid confirm.


Technology Rocks!! It’s always good to contact blood donors for some lazy Vampires like me rather than hunting every place. I required blood everyday of any group for my Nisha (night).

I, Proud to be myself....

Here is one speech, which I presented in y’day’s Toastmaster Club ion humorous speech contest…
______________________________________________
Life was miserable. Life was awkward and life was pathetic. It’s not mine; I’m talking about the people around me who were living just for the sake of living before they met me.

You might think that I’m self obsessed person. You might think I’m proud guy. So let me tell you that you’re correct. The truth is I’m in love….with….myself…

Let me enlighten you with a incidence of my life. It was a nice sunny morning of winter season, a perfect time to open all the windows and let in some fresh pollution
I chose not to welcome and therefore I went to one coffee shop near to my home. This was not as good as my favorite coffee shop. But I chose to go there, so that I won’t be required to have a fight with the auto driver.
I went there and hopped to a great corner seat, from where I could feel the sunshine while strangers were passing by the road.
Waiter came, “Sir, would you like to have something.”
I replied calmly, “if you allow me to sit here without placing any order, I would like to have nothing.”
He was confused…”Ahhh, sorry sir… I couldn’t understand.”
I don’t know why people never understand a simple statement.
“Leave it, you won’t be able to understand, can you please get one cup of cappuccino and some chocolate cookies.”

He nodded and left.

10minutes later I got my cookies and coffee mug and I could felt the aroma of cookies and I was again with my sunshine and my thoughts. ‘C’mon Nitesh, you are going to deliver a speech in Toastmaster club that to humorous… and you can’t allow someone else take the prize except you. You have to be the best as usual…think pal….’
“Excuse me” someone interrupted me which I never like while thinking something.
I turned, and I was stunned, clean bold.
She was very beautiful. Very pretty. Her white T-shirt was complimenting her Red Skirt and her earrings were so cute.
“Yeah…Ma’am … how can I help you?” I was behaving like the waiter.
“If you don’t mind can I sit here? There is no other seat where I can sit in sun”.
One inner voice said,’ dude,don’t allow her… how dare she interrupted you while thinking.’ Another one said’ just look at her dude, she is giving you company, allow her, what’s require there in thinking about Toastmaster’s speech… you’re intelligent enough to say anything without even thinking.’
No awards in guessing what I replied her.

Now I and she were sitting in front of each other. She had already ordered for her coffee. I offered her some cookies which she reluctantly accepted.
I looked at her… she looked at me…I smiled…she smiled…. God she was also copying me… why people always follow me and copy….

Now I thought to break the ice “Hello Lady, I’m Nitesh”
“Hi Nitesh, I am Maaya…”
Wooh… what a name, McDonalds rhyme started in my ear “I’m loving it…”
“So Nitesh, what you do.”I guessed she was so inspired that already started admiring me.
“Ahm… I’m a writer, what you do Maaya??”
“Nothing special, “I run my own shop.
“Wow, that’s cool Maaya. Your boyfriend or husband must be quite lucky to have a confident girl like you”
“Wish he would, but so far I don’t have anyone special in my life.” She said and a smile came to my face. I wanted to say,
I’m single too but I didn’t. it was too early to say that.

She spoke first again. I like the girls who take initiatives,” what do you write Nitesh”
“Stories, mostly fictions…”
“Great so any published yet?”
,“Yeah…Some like… Murder @ 13th floor, the suicide, A passionate love and city of humans… have you read any??”
“I’m sorry Nitesh, but I haven’t “
I was like OK…. But in deep inside, I knew her answer…the truth is, I’m not a writer and I myself never heard those titles, I just picked those names randomly to carry on the lie that I write. How smart I was.

She started the conversation once again.“So, you often come here for coffee?” she asked me another question.
A tricky question she asked. I thought if I would say YES, she might think I go to middle class restaurants and she probably think I can’t afford high class.
“Naah… I came here first time. I usually go to other one down the street. But today didn’t feel like walking” I replied calmly.
She looked at me, “So Nitesh, did you like the place?”
“Not much Maaya, it’s not upto the mark. I’m considering not to come here afterwards…”
“Whats wrong here??” She asked.
“Floor is not woden you know.”
“Ok and…”
“and lights are very bright, it should be dimmed in the coffee shops, you know..”
“Ok…”
“And the coffee…it seems like home made coffee.”
“So is it a Compliment, right ??” Maaya asked me
“Not at all, if you want to have home made coffee, whats the need to come here, you can have the same at your home too…”

In the meantime, waiter got the bill and I paid the money.
For a change I thought to start the conversation “by the way Maaya, you seemed to be quite interested in this shop. Do you like the place and you come here often??”
She looked at me, not with smiling face and said, “yes, I do all three as I run this shop. I’m the owner”

I can’t tell you what I felt that time, I just…somehow managed to say,”Oh Good….listen, I’m getting late…see you some other time “and I left the shop.

So far I haven’t been to that place. So I couldn’t meet Maaya after that. A love story ended before it started.

So my dear friends, I’ve a suggestion for you. I was over confident and I’m since I can’t help it….but if you can…just be confident…. love yourself, but don’t ignore other’s effort too...

It's raining... Memories ....

It was raining outside. I came outside to the balcony to sit on the chair with a cup of hot ginger tea, some kids were playing on the road in mud and water, which brought back all her memories. Our first rain dance together. The moments were alive in front of my eyes and I got drowned in them…..

It was a typical Monsoon day in Bangalore and I was coming back home. As I reached the door. I saw her looking at the sky. She was looking very beautiful, just like a princess in her white dress. She looked at me. I smiled at her, she smiled back. She came to me and asked about my day and if I missed her. I told her that the day was awesome and I pretended that I didn’t miss her, which was enough to make her angry. Now it was my turn to show her that I missed her a lot by giving her favorite chocolate, which I just bought from outside. I told her that I love her and she told me she did that too. I got a bigggg teddy bear hug in return of the chocolate.

We both came out in the open when she told me that she loved rain. When I told her that I also liked rain , she asked me if we could go on the road and play for some time. I refused as I was tired, but she insisted. I told that she might get a cold, but she again insisted….. I told her that her mom will see us playing in rain and we both would get a hard time, yet she insisted. and finally I gave up. Anything for her one single smile. I left my bag at the side and in a minute we were in the rain. She was rejoicing at every single drop coming to her face and I was enjoying seeing her enjoying in rain. Holding hands, we went along the street. It was quite muddy out there! She jumped, some mud came on my trouser and I asked her to stop. She laughed and jumped again and some more mud kissed my trouser. It was quite enough to provoke me. I started jumping too and some mud went to her also. Surprisingly we both were enjoying rather than getting angry at each other. The shower from open sky, mud in the road and we’re in between. The time was awesome, which was unforgettable.

After about ten minutes there we got tired and went somewhere ahead where we saw an ice-cream parlor. She insisted on having her favorite mango dolly. I tried to convince her not to have ice cream as she might catch a cold. But she was not in the mood to listen me and she grabbed an ice candy from the parlor ordering me to pay the bill. I looked at her angrily and she kissed me when saw my concern.

Half an hour in rain with mud and water and when finally rain stopped we decided to go back home. though both of us were afraid about her Mom. As we neared home, her mom's eye caught us and we were in for a tough time. Her mom took a sound class of her and the focus shifted to me, “Nik, how can you do this. She is young and immature but I thought you were mature enough. You both might get cold. You know it’s not good to be in heavy rain, don’t you.” while her mom was shouting on me, she made the most of it and escaped into the house .

That was our first rain and those memories are so afresh that I could imagine us dancing,looking at the kids on the street
“what happened Nik??” Maaya interrupted me.
“Nothing happened my dearest wife”
“Are you sure, Nothing??”wives can catch every emotions of yours, even if you want to hide.
“Naah… I just went in past. The first time, me and Lekha spend time in rain together.” I could feel moisture in my eyes when my wife hugged me.
“C’mon Nik. If you break, how will I sustain with the fact that our daughter left us two years back in a road accident.”


The truth, which I never wanted to accept was that Lekha has left her Papa in this world with just memories….. Monsoon… the season of celebration and love, brought her love back within me…. I love you Lekha and I wish to have a daughter like you in every birth…

From Summer To Spring....-Part-16 (FINAL PART)

Part-16….
…To Spring?



It has been long since we met first time, when MAPS started finding their maps, when everything was so good. Four people were together, happy, very happy… who never thought to get separated. Now also they are together but there are some differences between them now since the day I got associated with them. Hi everyone, this is the story of me and my friends and I am Shabnam.

I never thought that I’d ever write a diary. I never felt this thing, especially since the day I read Abhijeet’s diary. I always had the fear what if someone else read it without my permission. But when I thought about writing this story… Story about MAPS which started with friendship between Maneesh and Abhijeet and then Priyanka walked into their lives with her smile and later on Abhijeet invited me in the world of friendship with the warmth of tea in Cinema Hall’s dark. I would love to share the same with everyone.

I heard somewhere ‘Life itself is a perfect story’…. Now only I can say the same with personal experience we had….

So, let me get back to you at the point I stopped writing my diary and never got appropriate words to describe the drama after that. Perhaps I’m very poor in words and I never thought to hire any writer to express my feelings…

When Maneesh called me with full enthusiasm that Abhijeet and Priyanka had landed I sensed a mix feeling with in myself. I was very happy imagining seeing both of them after three months but at the same time I was afraid. For how long I could be normal to everyone and hide from Abhijeet that I knew that he used to put his diary at Maneesh’s drawer.


Maneesh and I went to receive them. Maneesh was happy like anything and there was big reason for that. He would be seeing both his lover and the best pal after a long time. I knew that Maneesh is quite emotional and this was completely expected from him.

Plane landed 30 minutes later to the scheduled time and in the mean time Maneesh cursed air traffic for more then 300 times. He was getting very irritated and that moron’s irritation was irritating me too.

Thankfully flight landed and I thanked god for saving me from Maneesh’s desperation. They both landed and we started the game ‘lets-hug-each-other’. When the game got over finally, we left the airport. Maneesh dropped Priyanka and me at a hotel near to his place and he took Abhijeet to his place along with his luggage. One hour later, Priyanka and I left for Maneesh’s place. I was pretty much aware with his home since I had been to his place some 2-3 times for lunch.

We reached there and found Abhijeet roaming around in towel. That was the most hilarious moment. I and Priyanka made fun of him like hell as only Maneesh and Abhi were there at home. Maneesh was quite as he loved every single word that came out from Priyanka’ s mouth, but Abhijeet looked at us “I will see you too.”
“When and where??” Priyanka replied.
“What do you mean by when and where Priyanka, can’t you think that he will not see us till the time he is there with Maneesh.” I replied and we both started laughing again.
Abhi went to change while Maneesh and Priyanka started looking at each other and started their wordless conversation. I thought to leave them and went to the balcony. It was my favorite place in Maneesh’s place.


When I heard some sounds from the back I came back and I found that Abhijeet was ready to go out. We four started to hang around in streets and reviving the moments we spent together….earlier….

We came back Maneesh’s home by late evening and started acting in the same way as 4 months back in our town. We chatted and discussed on the topics which had no meaning, we gossiped and we laughed as we were laughing last time. Lately we decided to stay back at Maneesh’s place only and we hopped to our assigned beds.

Even after half an hour I was not able to sleep; I got up and went to kitchen to have some water. I poured one glass and thought to sit in balcony for a while. I took the glass in my hand and started moving towards balcony. As I reached nearer, I sensed someone’s presence there. At one point I was about to shout as I thought he’d be a thief, but thief cannot stand calmly outside. Perhaps that would be a ghost, I warned myself. Naah… ghost too never relax. They haunt people and no one gets scared if they saw some ghost in the balcony. I was pretty sure that it can’t be Bat Man too as the flat was only on 2nd floor and Bat Man cannot keep a watch in a place like Delhi from this height.

Finally I thought to move ahead, I slide the door of balcony which was enough for the stranger to turn back. The stranger was no more with his anonymousness as I could recognize him, as my very great friend…. as Abhijeet.

Abhijeet looked at me and smiled and I gave him one in return. Now we two were standing next to each other without any conversation. I was pretty sure that it was not because since morning we’re chatting and now we have nothing to sure. It was not because we’re too tired to chat…..it was because I felt like talking about his diary but afraid and I’m pretty sure that he was also thinking the same which was written in the diary.


“Hi” Finally he started.
“Hi….” I smiled
“Not sleeping?? “He questioned
“Naah,…. Not feel like sleeping…what about you?”
“Same here Shab”
There was a pause.
“So what are you doing in the balcony Abhi?”
“Trying to count stars”
“PJ”
“I know” he replied calmly.
“Cut the crap dude.”
“What” he asked.
“I asked, what you’re doing here….alone”
“I've no reason… perhaps I knew that you’d be giving me company soon.” He joked.
I thought, this would be the best time to tell him…. “There are some other things too, which you don’t know…. At least so far…”
“ohk…. As in….” he was very calm, pretty much unaware what I was talking about.
I gathered the courage….”Ok Abhi, now I can’t hide it anymore. I know that interfering in someone else’s life without even his permission is wrong but I couldn’t help it out of curiosity and believe me, if I had any idea about it earlier, I wouldn’t have done that”
“What you’re talking about Shabnam.” Abhijeet was serious now.
I took a deep breath, “I READ YOUR DIARY”
“WHAT??” he was shocked…. I was expecting the same response… but I was not able to hide it anymore. “How can you do this Shabnam?? And where did you find it??”

“At Maneesh’s drawer…. I read it some days before your exams”
“And you didn’t tell me since then??”
“I was not able to…. But how can you put that in Maneesh’s drawer?”
“I didn’t want to put at my home as I was afraid if someone will read and I took the promise from Maneesh that he won’t read it… and I have trust on him more than myself…but how you could….”
All I could say was…“I’m very sorry Abhijeet…” and thereafter a silence a long silence…. I could feel what was going on in Abhijeet’s mind…..

After five minutes break finally I put my hand on his shoulder. I thought not to say anything and perhaps I was right.
“Are you going to do something about it??” I asked
“Nope…”
“But…”
“No Shab…. Let it be….”he interrupted me in between…
“Ok… I won’t tell anything…. Let’s do one thing, tomorrow we behave like nothing happened and I will chat with you after you’ll reach Bangalore.”
He didn’t say anything just closed his eyes.
After sometime I suggested him to sleep. He agreed and headed towards Maneesh’s room and I moved to Priyanka’s… I lied down but the sleep had gone somewhere very far from me… I guess Abhi was also not able to sleep that night.

Another day started and we started enjoying again including me and Abhijeet. We pretended like nothing happened. I must say, we’re great actors. Lately Maneesh and I went to airport with Abhi and Pri…and once they left Maneesh dropped me to my institute in Gurgaon and now we’re back to our lives.


Two days after they left from Delhi Abhi called me up. He was very silent and calm unlike the same Abhijeet I knew since long. We started from usual chat but we both knew what we wanted to talk. Finally I started the topic. I asked him not to hide anything inside him. But he had decided what to do. I told him to tell at least to Maneesh, but he was not ready at all….. Finally when I learned that nothing can happen I wished him best for his future and I disconnected the phone. I don’t know why he was doing that but I couldn’t help anymore.

For Abhijeet, Maneesh was everything, more than a best friend. He loved him so much that he decided to sacrifice his love for him. He never told anyone that he too loved Priyanka as very first day he found out that Maneesh was interested in her and that’s how he decided not to talk anything to anyone, not even to himself. He tried to put Priyanka’s imagination out of his mind, but somehow, he had always had a corner in his heart for Priyanka.

Perhaps life is like that only…. different shapes of friendship, different shapes of relationship and different shapes of love….. Everyone wants to feel different seasons of life, they get summer, they get monsoon, and they get winter too….. But very few could get the chance to welcome spring in their life with full of joy……


Epilogue

I sense moisture in my eyes whenever I think about MAPS. I got the friendship of 3 people, who are very important in my life.

After one and half year I got placement in a company in Hyderabad. Abhijeet also got the transfer there and Priyanka got a job in Delhi itself.

I completed my MBA and it was 2 months to go to join the company. In the meantime MAPS gathered again. Occasion was the wedding…wedding of Maneesh and Priyanka. Abhijeet danced the most. I was actually surprised to see him like that. In the night time when Phere was going on, I took him outside for a walk. He was silent. I put my hand on his shoulder; I could feel like something is breaking in his heart. I asked him if he’s OK. That was the time when I saw him crying like anything. I was so scared that time, never seen a guy crying like this. Somehow after 10 minutes he arranged himself back into a solid man and laughed….. A sad laughter….

2 years have gone since Maneesh and Priyanka’s marriage and here I am….telling you the story. Maneesh and Priyanka got a baby girl and they gave her the name Roshni. Abhijeet got stuck in his work. I met him when he said that he has almost forgotten Priyanka now in that way, but still she lives in a small corner of his heart. And I ….. I got engaged to Peter, my office colleague. Now we’re MAPPSS from MAPS as peter also joined the club and Abhijeet got married to Sania….we are together. we’re enjoying our Spring season….but somehow something was not very correct for me as I knew…what Abhijeet must be feeling…


Author’s Column

Hello Dear Reader…. Thanks to bear me till 16th part. I just wanted to live a college life through this story, which I never did as I had to undergo three years practical training in an office for my Chartered Accountancy course…but finally I lived it… and I’m very happy to live that…

Well this story is dedicated to a very good friend, or day agony friend of mine Maneesh Goyal(
maneesh_goyal@yahoo.com), who is a great man indeed. Some years back we met through chat when I was searching a girl to chat with J….and now he is a great friend, (though I’m not Abhijeet J)…. Do let me know how you found it.

Compliments are appreciated but criticisms are most welcome......

From Summer To Spring....-Part-15

Part-15

Two months later, everyone was settled in their lives.
Mann joined the company in Delhi and he was enjoying the office atmosphere. He was living in a PG.
Abhi and Priyanka were living in Bangalore. Though they were working in different companies but they were living near to each other’s place. Abhi joined his office and made some friends very quickly. Out of those friends, he moved in to one person’s flat. Priyanka shifted to his friend’s girlfriend’s flat.
Shabnam joined MDI, Gurgaon and shifted in hostel. She was quite excited about the ragging but she was disappointed when she heard that ragging has been banned in MDI. She was happy that she was in non-sharing room. Everyone used to try to get hooked up with Shabnam as she was the perfect blend of beauty and the brain but she never gave anyone that much importance as she didn’t find any of them worth of it. She preferred to be with MAPS Group only. Though still sometimes she felt like speaking to Abhi about the diary but something always stopped her.
It was a daily routine for MAPS to make a conference call everyday for 10 minutes and chat together.

Priyanka went to her home as she promised to her family. She stayed there for one week, which was enough for her family to get bored from her all gossips of hostel life, MAPS and new job. Off course she didn’t tell them about Maneesh. She knew that it was not the right time to tell as her family will ask her thousand question and both, Maneesh and she were not yet prepared to get tied in the knot….


She came back and after that they all four thought to meet at one point. Shabnam showed her in convince to come down to Bangalore as she was not having enough money for flights and she didn’t want to take any loan from her friends. She denied to meet at her home town too as she knew that now whenever she would go home, her family would be prepared with some guys and she wanted to escape from this wedding business as long as possible, finally Abhi and Priyanka decided to come down to Delhi to meet and celebrated.

MAPS met at Delhi. Abhi was living in Mann’s flat. Priyanka and Shabnam shifted to a hotel near to Mann’s place. The very first day when they met again for dinner, they had so many things to talk about. The dinner went for 3 hours.

Once the hotel manager warned them to move out from restaurant or he had to throw them out, they left the place @ 12’o clock midnight. Delhi, or any other place couldn’t be safe at this odd time but they were cool as they were four. They left for Mann’s place.

Though Mann was living with one guy, fortunately he was not in Delhi at that time and that’s how it was the best suitable place to celebrate MAPS reunion with some beers…. They all started sharing their experiences from the day they left each other. Though they used to chat with each other and knew everything, still they preferred to tell again and all other people loved to listen to the incidences again and again… Mann said that his office was full of politics and he was pretty sure that he wouldn’t be able to get the transfer to Bangalore branch of the same company, so now he had to search for a new job. Others told him that it’s not the right time as he was having just 2 months experience. Abhi asked him to forward his CV after 3 months, so that Abhi could submit the same in his company plus send to other companies, where his friends were working.

Shabnam told that she was enjoying the time like anything in the campus. She was happy to live the hostel life as she always felt jealous when Priyanka used to tell her about the life. She told that every day she used to do different things with studies to be in good list of professors. She told them that some guys have started approaching her. Abhi commented
“No Big Deal…. You’re capable to attract everyone…” and everyone laughed.

Priyanka and Abhi too told them about their experience in a new city which they faced together and how they faced all the problems. They were quite happy with their offices. They made some friends in their offices. Priyanka told Maneesh that she still loves him the most and will do the same till her last breath….. Everyone was enjoying her filmy dialogues…

They chatted for long and long. They gulped some cups of coffee to keep them awake for long as none of them wanted to sleep early. Finally when they realized that their watch is showing time as 3 a.m. and when they confirmed from wall clock that their watches are right. They decided to sleep. They had already made some plans for next day as Abhi and Priyanka were leaving back for Bangalore on the same night. They couldn’t make it more than a week to be in Delhi.

Mann and Abhi suggested ladies to stay back as this was not the safe time to leave the place and go. Girls had faith on their friends and they finally agreed….Mann showed Priyanka and Shabnam their room and he and Abhi went to another room...

After some time, Shabnam checked the watch; it was 3:30 am. 30 minutes had past but sleep was far away from her. She met her friends after long time. She heard Priyanka’s small snores. She got up and went to the balcony to feel some fresh air. When she reached there, she sensed someone was already standing here. She knew that ghosts are in stories only and thieves will never come to any house to stand in the balcony.

She moved ahead, that was Abhi.
Abhi, what’re you doing here??” She asked.
Abhi turned back. He was shocked as he was not expecting someone to interrupt him at this odd time.
“Nothing Shab, was not able to sleep…. what you’re doing?”
“Even I couldn’t sleep. Maneesh slept?”
“Yes, and Priyanka??”
“Yeah she too slept.” Shabnam confirmed. She went ahead and stood next to Abhijeet. They both started looking at the sky. They themselves didn’t know what actually their eyes were searching. They were together without saying any word and they’re enjoying this way. Abhijeet knew that Shabnam like to be quiet sometime and he preferred not to interrupt her.

Shabnam was actually not able to see anything. Her mind was running. She wanted to talk about the diary this time, though she didn’t know how to start. She knew whatever will happen by that time or next day, she’d be ready to see the implications of what will happen after that…..





++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



I closed my diary as after that there were only blank papers. I never felt like putting something more after that in words. Sometimes, it’s simply better to feel rather than writing something. I still remember that day in Delhi, when MAPS celebrated their reunion, which happened to be the last page of my diary, which I gave a name…..’MAPS… together…. Definitely….May be….’

I closed my eyes and let me feel that as it’s happening now… I still remember the time when I called him…..
“You know it’s wrong, don’t you” I demanded
I don’t know anything and I don’t even want to know”
“you surely know and remember one thing, you-can-run-but-you-can’t- hide;” I replied calmly
“Don’t you start with the same thing pal? I have told you that I don’t want to talk on this anymore.” He said, almost requested….
“Don’t do it friend” I almost pleaded.
There was a pause for one minute finally he spoke “I’ve decided that and I’m sure about it.”
I never expected that he will deny me. “So, is it your final decision??” I asked.
”Yes, and it’s not going to change….” He replied.
“Ok then best of luck for your life” I said and replaced the receiver….

To Be Continued….

From Summer To Spring....-Part-14

Part-14

Those were the precious moments….which they want to stop forever and ever…but time stops for no one.
Shabnam left the city in the night on the same day when they met for last time. All MAPS came to bus stop to see her off with her parents. Every one had water in their eyes. MAPS were separating in the hope of MAPS reunion.

The day, when Shabnam left, Abhi and Priyanka stayed back at Mann’s place.
“Life just goes on and on and on…” Abhi broke the silence.
“And we go with it like some puppets…” Priyanka gave him company.
“What’s going on…?? Take it easy?” Mann consoled.
“Look who’s talking Priyanka. Mr. Maneesh Talwaar is getting mature now.” Abhi commented
“C’mon Abhi, don’t behave like that. Even we are concerned. Shab was our good friend too.” Priyanka said.
“She was….??No Priyanka she is…. And it impacted me most as we used to give each other good company when you two love birds went into your dreams.” Abhi replied.
“So do you mean to say that I and Priyanka should not have involved or you want to say that you’re missing Shabnam like you love her?” Mann asked.
“I’m not saying anything pal…. I just replied that’s it.” Mann and Priyanka could feel the irritation in Abhi’s voice and they preferred to be quite for some time.
Five Minutes later Abhijeet started again, “I’m sorry guys, I got bit emotional.”
“That’s OK Abhi, it was good to see you getting emotional. I used to think you’re toooooo practical.” Priyanka stretched ‘too’ intentionally.
Abhi smiled, a fake smile….”You haven’t seen me Priyanka. Sometimes I feel like I have different aspects in me, different feeling altogether with in me. I wish I could show you all what I’m from outside and what I’m inside.”
“Paulo Coelho started again.” Mann said.
“C’mon Abhi, don’t be serious, it’s life buddy. Mann will also leave early…and thereafter we two too….” Priyanka said as she gave him a hug.
Abhi never thought that in his wildest dream that the same girl on whom he dropped some tea and thereafter he thought of flirting in theatre would become such a special friend for him, for whom he can cry.

15 days past and it was time for Mann’s to leave for Delhi, as expected Abhi and Priyanka went to station to see him off along with his brother and father. Mann’s Bhabhi was missing and according to his brother, she was not feeling well but she sent good wishes through his brother. Everyone knew what the reality was. Mann was not affected by that.

Mann also didn’t feel like leaving them, but when Abhi and Priyanka convinced him that they will be touch in the same way as they were in touch with Shabnam from past fifteen days. They told him if Shabnam could go alone being a girl who never left her family earlier, it should not be any problem for Maneesh. Maneesh was well aware that Abhi and Priyanka were correct and he was supposed to leave for the betterment of his carrier…..and finally left….

Maneesh went in the train and now Abhi and Priyanka were left alone. They stared at the train till it disappeared. They preferred to see the train track for another five minutes while Mann’s family left back to their home. Finally Abhi left with Priyanka from the railway station. He dropped her at her hostel.
“Now I can feel Abhi, why you were so depressed when Shabnam left. We all were good friends but I and Mann were quite close and that’s how you missed her…like the way I’m missing Mann right now.”
“You might miss Mann more than I missed Shabnam. She is just a great friend of mine, while Mann was your boyfriend. I said bye to my friend, but you said to your life.”
Priyanka smiled, “must say Abhi, you talk really nice.”
“Yeah Pri, mushy stuff is my specialty.” He smiled.
“And what about that outside Abhi and Inside Abhi, you’re talking that day when Shabnam left.” She questioned.
“Oh that, forget it…. I said anything just like that…..just simple forget it.”
“Forgot it…” she smiled.
He smiled back and left to his home.

Abhi and Priyanka started doing their packing… as next day they had to leave for Bangalore. Priyanka did her full packing, since she wanted to be with Mann as long as possible. She didn’t go to her house before leaving to Bangalore. She told her family that she had to complete some formalities and she assured them that she will visit home within 2 months of joining in Bangalore. She had to vacate her hostel one day prior to the leaving date. Abhi asked her to stay at his place, but she denied as she was not sure how Abhi’s family will react. She called to one of her batch mate, told her the situation and asked if she could stay with her for one day. The batch mate agreed and Priyanka got a place for spending a night to have a sleep of 8 hours….sorry, she slept only for 6 hours…as for 2 hrs she was on call with Maneesh….

Abhi also did his packing. He was bit careless and now when he was doing his packing and finding problem in searching some things, he realized why his mom used to ask him to put things at right place. His two days were gone in buying some usual stuff and packing only. Even after his opposition, his mother put some hangers with soaps and shampoos in his suitcase.” Mom, I’m going to Bangalore, not to a village” he tried convincing her but failed. He made sure to keep his Guitar and when he was confident that no one is watching, he put his secret diary in his suitcase with MAPS picture. He used to keep it in Mann’s room. Abhi’s father gifted it to him but he was always scared if his mother will read something he wants to keep private. He had taken a promise from Mann that he would never open his diary and then he started putting it at Mann’s place only. He had full faith on his best friend.

The final day had arrived. They wished if Shabnam and Mann had come to airport as they two were there with them, but they knew that it wouldn’t be possible. So they chose the alternate plan and called those two fellows. Priyanka called Mann and Abhi called Shabnam. They talked for two minutes and after that they swapped the phone and after two minutes they swapped the phone again. They were thinking to swap the phone once again when air hostess asked them to switch off the phones. They said bye to their friends and Priyanka exchanged one ‘umhaaaaaaaaah” with Maneesh… she dropped the phone and Abhi laughed. Priyanka asked him the reason and he said ‘love is blind, but thankfully it has ears to listen the phone kisses.” And Priyanka sensed a smile in her face…..




To Be Continued…

From Summer To Spring....-Part-13

Part-13

Time went on….and three months past by. Abhi, Priyanka and Mann wrote their papers and got the results. Mann as usual was one of the highest scorers. Abhi was too happy as he got 70% marks. He got Guitar as gift from his family as he was planning to learn that. Priyanka too did well. Shabnam was pretty much sure that she would easily get decent marks in M.Com and so she did…

Now everyone was aware that it’s going to be separation time. They all knew that they’d be leaving to different places very soon and thereafter it’d be very hard to celebrate MAPS reunion every now and then….

Abhi and Priyanka planned to go together as they both were reporting to their offices on the same day. They planned to leave 3-4days before the joining date so they could find some flat or PG to live. Shabnam said once in joking way that Abhi and Priyanka could live together too in one flat if they couldn’t get two separate flats and laughed. Mann gave her a ‘don’t you dare’ look on which Priyanka teased Mann,” Why Mann, don’t you trust me??”
“It’s not about trust Pri, I said it as it is be better that you two live nearby, but in different houses.”
“That’s heights Maneesh, you don’t trust me.” Abhi replied, though his tone was very normal.
“No Man, I’m saying as people will start different stories. “Mann safeguarded himself.
“And since when we started thinking about other people. We’re MAPS and that only does matter for us, remember??” Priyanka said.
“I do remember Pri, I was saying as I don’t want you to be in trouble in some other city, where I wouldn’t with you. Still if you think that I’m behaving in conservative manner, you two can live together; I have no problem at all…”
“C’mon Maneesh, can’t you see that these two fellows are just teasing you. They both are not at all angry or something. They’re just having fun right now. They two are mature enough to think about their good.” Shabnam took the charge finally.
Abhi laughed and Priyanka hugged Mann and she looked at Shabnam, “What Shab, it was fun to tease him…anyways, I must say. You’re full on agony aunty.”
“No doubt in that.” Abhi certified Priyanka statement.

Mann’s father was bit sad as Mann was leaving for Delhi. Although he was living in another place since last couple of months, but still he was in town only. Now it’d bit hard to meet Mann frequently. Mann assured his father that he’d be calling him every night before sleeping. They could feel moisture in each other’s eyes.
Mann’s sister-in-law was quite happy to see that finally he was going out of town and now she only would be having significance in Mann’s father and brother’s life and now she could do anything without any fear that Mann would interrupt.

Shabnam was the person, who had to leave before all of them. When she joined CAT preparation institute, her Abbu agreed as he was confident enough about hurdles he was thinking to create in her studies, but he forgot that Shabnam was his daughter and she was as determinant as he was. Now she was having one institution ready for her welcome. Her Abbu objected about her going to another city and pursue MBA according to him girls should not leave their town no matter what happens. “We’d be having problem to get a good guy for her” he said this to her Ammi once, which convinced her and she too tried to convincing Shabnam to stop. They suggested her to do MBA from some local institute from the town only, but she made up her mind and she decided not to change her plan. Finally her parents gave up, though they never supported her.

MAPS went to travel agent together where Shabnam booked her bus ticket to Gurgaon while Mann booked his train ticket for Delhi 15 days after Shabnam’s travel date. Priyanka was quite excited about her first air trip. When Abhi asked travel agent to book two flight tickets to Bangalore, Priyanka insisted that she wanted to sit in window seat only. She wanted to feel the height she wanted to reach. Abhi gave her ‘girl-are-mysterious’ look and agreed to that.

Now MAPS knew the days when everyone was going to welcome their new life. At first Shabnam had to leave and 15 days later, it was Mann’s turn. 2 days later Abhi and Priyanka‘d be leaving for Bangalore. They knew that they would be together for 10 days only till Shabnam was there in town. Priyanka was big time actress Kajol fan and she took one dialogue from her film and suggested everyone, “Let’s have some ice cream…they say that it’s better to have ice cream before you get separated, the memories will be sweet forever.” Everyone agreed and left to the ice cream parlor.

The D day came, when Shabnam was saying BYE to rest of MAPS members. She was very disturbed that day and Abhi was most surprise as he found her the strongest girl he ever met. He only went to pick Shabnam for the farewell party which they organized for her. But in between when he sensed that Shabnam was very quiet that day, he stopped the bike in a corner and asked her. Shabnam just got down from the bike and told Abhi that she would not be able to join for the farewell. He asked why and she denied telling. He again asked and she denied again….and finally Abhi saw some tears in her eyes. He put bike on stand and held her. He tried to clean her eyes by his fingers when she started crying.

Abhi supported her and asked what happened. Shabnam was not listening to him. She was just crying, more n more… after five minutes, she controlled herself and said that she won’t be able to get a see off from her best friends. Abhi smiled and assured her that they’re not getting separated for lifetime. This is just testing time for them and soon there would be spring in their life when they all four will meet again. She said that she doesn’t want to leave them and Abhi asked her to be herself, the same strong girl.

After some time, when Shabnam revived her lost confidence, she smiled. She smiled and washed her face. She was happy that she always carried one water bottle which helped her today to wash her face. She felt like telling to Abhijeet that she had read his diary at Mann’s place but she controlled her emotions. This was not the time for her to tell this to him. She wanted to have some more time to speak with Abhi regarding the diary. She was unsure when the spring will come and whether they four would celebrate their reunion.

After fifteen minutes she and Abhi joined Priyanka and Mann @ Ink’s Coffee Lounge, Priyanka’s favorite place. They shared some coffee, brownies and the feelings which was associated to every one of them and which they never wanted to leave. At least by that time…..



To Be Continued….

From Summer To Spring....-Part-12

Part-12


Shabnam was still sitting on the bed, trying to understand why she lied to Priyanka. Was she doing something wrong? She knew that she is checking Mann’s personal belonging without his permission but it’s not a crime and even if she had told Priyanka that she is at Maneesh’s place, no one would have her counter questioned.

When she concluded that she is unable to understand her own behavior, she dropped to think more. She looked at the diary. It was similar to notebook size. She was unsure whether she should read it. Her one inner voice was pressurizing her to read it while another one was ordering her to place it back. She reluctantly flipped its pages to see how much pages Mann has written so far. At the same moment some pics fell out of the diary. She gathered those pics and started looking at them.

Every picture she looked, she smiled more…. Those were pics of MAPS. Her own MAPS. She looked at one picture in which Mann was turning Abhi’s ears and Abhi was trying to close Mann’s eyes. She recalled that she and Pri were suggesting them to click a picture in which Mann try to teach a lesson to Abhi for his mischievous pranks where Abhi wanted to tell Mann not to read so much. Abhi warned Priyanka, that Mann might get married with Books rather than her.

She saw another one where both Mann and Abhi were proposing Priyanka with their knees down and she was glaring Brad Pitt’s poster ignoring those two. Shabnam laughed at that picture. It was her favorite picture. She recalled that Priyanka gave her compliment for taking this picture and commented,”Good One Shabs, these guys anyways are good for nothing.” And in return Abhi and Mann started with their Oohhhhhed and aahhhhhed…..

She checked another picture in which she and Priyanka were wearing same pink Suit and sitting in the way as it’s a mirror image. She remembered the dress they both bought from the same shop as they both liked it a lot. When Mann and Abhi looked at them, they remarked, “No one can understand Girls. You could have borrowed with one another and that’s how you could save one dress’ money.” Now who will teach them that the dress was so good, they can’t help it.

She saw the last picture where they four were having slice together at the same time from the same pizza. She remembered the day when Abhi insisted everyone to take a group picture. Mann denied as they all were at Mann’s place and he didn’t want to leave his books. Abhi’s camera had auto clicking facility. Then debate started on how to take the group picture. Priyanka suggested if they prepare some coffee and all four will drink it at the same time from the cattle only with the help of straws. Abhi and Shab were ok, but Mann simply denied as he was having the title of Mr. Hygienic with Mr. Nerd. Then Shab suggested ordering Dominos pizza and having slice together sitting on the same table. Everyone liked the idea and Mann immediately called for a small olive jalapeño pizza. And after a long discussion who will sit where, they finally succeeded to get a picture which everyone had with them.

She checked that there were only four pictures. She was surprised to see that Mann didn’t have a single picture where only he and Priyanka were sitting alone. He had all group pictures.

Shabnam opened the first page of Diary. She saw some couple of words written in stylish way, ‘To you….my love….to….my diary’ she smiled and next moment she was surprised to see something written down‘----From your lover, Abhijeet…’

She was now able to understand why there was not a single couple picture in the diary. The reason was clear. It was Abhi’s diary, who thinks about everyone in similar way. She was quite desperate to read it now and she finally opened the first page of it….
“To My diary….
It’s your first page and it’s my first time to write something…. I know that I never feel like writing anything…. But this time I want to write something….
Things are changing ever since I met Mann…earlier too my life was smooth and good going but now I had a good friend….”

Shabnam didn’t prefer to read the whole senti Para and flipped some pages. …
“I don’t know when people will understand me….or perhaps when I would be able to tell what I really want to have…. From them… from life….
I always pretend to be very practical, very humorous and people think that I’m the same….they forgotten that I’m also a human being, who has emotions…who wants to have something according to him too…
Sometimes I really felt like crying hard…. But I only created this Hippocratic life for me… something else from outside or something from inside….”
Even Shabnam was not aware with Abhi’s this side. She always considered him to be full of life that has no worries, no sorrow in life …. And that’s what exactly attracted her so much in him…but she just encountered with another Abhi.

She turned some pages and read carefully. She was amazed if she is reading same Abhi’s diary…. She had read some pages and every page introduced a new Abhi to her… Shabnam could feel one shiver in her.

She checked the time. Already 35 minutes had gone since the time she called Priyanka. She knew that she also need to have some time to behave normally. She inserted those pics in the diary and put the diary in the 4th drawer as it was. She closed the drawer and reconfirmed if nothing was left outside. She wondered as how Abhi has put his diary at Mann’s place, but then realized that perhaps since Abhi is studying at Mann’s place for quite some time, he might have put that there only. Anyone can have faith on Mann not to interfere in anyone’s personal life, no matter how close he or she would be to Mann’s life. Once she got assured. She moved towards bathroom.

She splashed some water on her face. That was not enough. She splashed some more for some more time. She searched for a hanky in her bag and cleaned her face.

She knew that Mann, Priyanka were about to come with Abhi. She knew that she had to pretend very normally as nothing happened and she just reached Mann’s place. She lighted the stove and started preparing some coffee for all of them. She knew that they all would be tired and some good coffee could help them to get a kick start for their study, which they required.

Coffee was ready and at the same time doorbell rang. She opened the door with a big fake smile on her face and everyone greeted her back. She told that she had already prepared some coffee for them and they all started,’ Long Live Shabnam’. Shabnam smiled and offered them their mugs.

In between she glared at Abhi’s gestures. Abhi was still behaving like he is a Happy-go-lucky guy. She cursed herself to read the diary as now she was not feeling very comfortable.

After spending two hours with them, Shabnam started back to her house. She was having something in her deep, which she decided not to discuss with anyone…..



To Be Continued….

From summer to Spring....-Part 11

Part-11

Two months past and every one were in their life. Priyanka, Abhi and Mann were busy with their final exams while Shabnam enrolled herself for MDI. She was a practical girl. She knew what to do. Sometimes she used to sit with other MAPS member to accompany them. She used to prepare some coffee while they all studied together. She generally carried one business magazine with her so that she too could study with them. This was how MAPS continued with to swear to live life long….

One fine day Shabnam went to Maneesh’s room and pressed the door bell. No one replied. Everyone in MAPS were having one spare key to Mann’s place as it had became a adda or a meeting joint for them. But she preferred to wait for a while before inserting the key. She pressed the doorbell again and realized that it was not ringing. Perhaps electricity was not there. She knocked the door…harder… no reply. Later on she recalled that Mann and Abhi are having extra session as exams were approaching and they would pick Priyanka from the campus while coming.

She preferred not to wait there. She inserted the key and turned it. Door opened with a small voice. She entered the room. She took the key from Door Lock and put it back to her purse. She switched on the light and looked at the time. She realized that she has one hour alone in the room before she could welcome everyone. She looked at the room again. She always loved the room. Ever since the day when they all gathered to convince Mann to join a company in Delhi, she couldn’t forget the lovely Bret lee’s poster next to Sachin’s, just near to study table. Mann, emotional fool she thought and smiled. She switched on fan and went near to the poster. She liked Brett’s eyes. She found them deep.

She returned to the study table where some books were there. She opened one drawer. She knew that she should not have interfered in someone’s privacy, but they were close friends. While opening the drawer, she was bit hesitant as it was a bachelor’s drawer. She still preferred to check rather than sitting at a corner waiting for them.

She opened the first drawer and there were some more books and notes. She laughed. Mann was a complete nerd. He can’t avoid his book. She checked all books; they were about some different software term. As she was commerce graduate and not very aware with software things, it didn’t interest her. She placed them back.

She looked into second drawer and opened it. Again some notes. She laughed and put those back as she did earlier. She loved to play the role as she was on some secret mission.

She argued herself whether she should check the third drawer and welcome some more books. Finally her secret mission agent part forced her to open the drawer. Surprisingly there were no study books. There was some liquor as Mann never placed it in kitchen. He was always afraid if one fine day his dad or Brother visits his place…. There were some CDs with not very decent cover and some reading material which was unexpected to be present at Mann’s place. She was quite sure that this drawer belongs to Abhi. She took one Magazine. Flapped the pages, laughed and placed it back as she had read enough in her college life. It doesn’t interest her anymore. Every person is same at this age, she learned.

She opened the forth draw. It was empty. It thrilled her. How come Mann or Abhi has nothing in one drawer specially when there was not much storage unit in the room except one open shelve, which was full of books and one small wardrobe. She didn’t want to check the wardrobe as it would be very personal. She inserted her hand in 4th drawer to check if there was something. Mission accomplished. She got something. She didn’t know what but it felt like some pieces of paper.

She allowed her hand to take the material she could grab. She found some newspaper cuttings. She checked that it was cuttings with some circles in some ads. She checked carefully one ad. It was asking some software professional in Bangalore. She checked another. It was also the same.

She was intelligent enough to guess that Mann was desperate to go to Bangalore as his Love and his pal, his best pal would be there. She remembered that once she felt jealous from Mann as he was having someone in his life. Someone who cares for him like a brother and there is another one, who loves him more than herself. She smiled. She was happy. She was happy for the day when Abhi dropped some tea on her back. She was happy that she had a fight with Abhi that day and thereafter he came to console. She remembered that after the movie he asked for her no. ‘what a jerk…want my no, in first meeting??’ She thought that time but still she could feel some comfort level and she took the chance. She gave him the number and she was happy that’s how she became part of MAPS.

She checked if something else was there in that drawer. She was lucky enough to get something more. She found a diary. She had a fight with herself. She knew that it’s wrong to read someone else’s diary. It might contain his feelings, something which could be very personal or which she had no rights to read. She placed the diary on the chair and checked if something else is there in the drawer. There was nothing else.

Now she knew that the last drawer was not empty. It was actually full….more than any other drawer in his table. His secret about searching another job as Mann never told to her that he’s searching one and she had enough faith to judge that Abhi and Priyanka too were unaware with that. She placed the newspaper cutting back. She took the diary and put it back in the drawer. Next moment she got so curious that she took it back. She left the drawer half open and approached the only single bed, Mann had.

She checked the time. She still had 30 minutes alone at the room. She adjusted herself comfortably in the bed with the help of some pillows. She was sitting at the corner from where she could see the road from where other Maps member could come. She could feel that traffic was very less and this was the best place for readers. No doubt, why Mann choose this place for his studies.

“Hi Priyanka where are you??” Shabnam called Priyanka to confirm how much time those people will take more.
“Hey Shab, me too waiting for both nuts in my hostel room.”
“What they haven’t come so far??”
“No yaar, I called Maneesh some time back. He said it’ll take another half an hour for them to come.”
“Ohh…”
“Where are you?” Priyanka asked
“I’m near Maneesh’s place, about to reach. Thought to call you to check.” Shabnam didn’t know why she lied to Priyanka.
“Ok, why not you just get in. you would be having the keys, right??” Priyanka suggested.
“Yeah, probably I will do the same.”
“Or do you want me to come down. It will be 15 minutes walk from my hostel to the Mann’s room.”
“Naah…. I’ll be ok.”
“You sure.”
“Yeah Priyanka”
“OK Shabnam, see you in 45 minutes times…. “
“Cool, see you then. She greeted and disconnected the phone. She couldn’t believe that she lied to Priyanka. She could have told her that she’s at Mann’s place since last half an hour….. But she guessed something, doesn’t have answer…..



To Be Continued….

From summer to Spring....-Part 10

Part-10

And Life goes on…Shabnam was a strong and mature girl. She knew also how to be practical and look forward to future rather than simply sitting and crying forever. She started filling forms for other institutes, FMS, MDI, GIM, ICFAI, Symbiosis etc.

Other MAPS members were with her whenever her moral got down to cheer her up, to give her a hope. She was happy to be a part of MAPS. She felt like putting this as achievement in her CV but lately she thought that Interviewer might get jealous of her and reject. So she preferred not to add one more line in her CV.

She wrote some more exams like ICFAI and Symbiosis as other institutes take CAT percentiles for selection process. Both times, Abhi dropped her to the examination centre and picked her up to drop back home. They used to stop at any coffee shop on the way and discuss about the paper. She told him that she had least expectation with Symbiosis but she is quite happy with ICFAI and was looking forward to get in it, since ICFAI, Hyderabad would be nearer to Bangalore so they could meet up frequently. Shabnam was aware that Abhi had no idea what she was talking about but she loved the way Abhi used to listen. She never asked Abhi to repeat what she said as she knew Abhi can’t repeat.

Whenever MAPS met, they use to discuss about their lives, dreams and future. They knew that now they are together but no one knows about future as Mann was going to Delhi, Abhi and Priyanka in Bangalore and Shabnam herself wasn’t sure where she would be going to complete her course.

MBA results started coming out. Shabnam couldn’t make it in Symbiosis. She got shortlisted in ICFAI for GD. In other CAT allied institute only MDI, Gurgaon selected her.

Now Abhi took charge for her GD preparation. Abhi forced Shabnam to join Toastmaster club for enhancing her public speaking capabilities as he didn’t want her to fail. Shabnam told him once that her family won’t allow her to drop a year and write CAT again. Rather they will start searching and get her fixed with a jerk that would be her husband and her life would get restricted to kitchen and house, which she never wanted to be. Abhi convinced her and sometimes he asked her to prepare on some special subjects.

Mann, Abhi and Pri were quite aware of the devotion of Shabnam towards her studies and sometimes they gifted her some useful magazine or whatever they got for her choice. Sometimes MAPS used to sit together and start some dummy Group Discussion. They pointed out the weaknesses of Shabnam on which she was required to work upon. No gifts to guess whose performance has used to be worst in GD. Mann always got involved in Priyanka, her confident sitting posture, her knowledge about the topics and her lips while she spoke. Sometimes Priyanka turned towards him and he just used to smile. Priyanka knew the fact and she enjoyed that feeling to get admired.

Shabnam went for Group Discussions and Personal Interviews and started waiting for the result. Results came shortly. She got selected for MDI, Gurgaon. She was happy that now she could complete her MBA and she was not required to sit at home. Though she was waiting for ICFAI’s result, which came out in couple of days. She was happy to see that she got selected in it. But when she checked that she got ICFAI, Gurgaon, not Hyderabad she was shattered,

MAPS had an emergency meeting on the same evening when Shabnam called all of them saying that she had to go to Gurgaon, not to Hyderabad.
“Shit Man, it sucks…”Abhi said.
“What to do.” Mann replied
“What do you mean by what to do? Firstly you have to leave for Delhi and now Shabs will be in Gurgaon. What the heck is going on with our life? Why the heck God doesn’t allow living together peacefully. “Abhi had anger in his voice.
“It’s OK Abhi” Shabnam said
“It’s not Ok Shabs. Mann can join us after six months but you can’t move out from institute before two years.”Abhi said.
Shabnam hold his hand.
“So where have you decided to go Shabnam.” Priyanka asked.
“I’m thinking to go to MDI, as ICFAI Gurgaon is not as good. At the same time, when both the institutes are in Gurgaon and not in Hyderabad or Bangalore, so no point to go for ICFAI.
“Hey Guys, let’s try this, Mann already will be in Delhi and Shabs in Gurgaon. So why not I and Priyanka look for a job in Gurgaon or Delhi rather than being in Bangalore.”Abhi suggested.
“Dude, you might have forgotten that I’m a software engineer and so you’re and it will be very hard to get a job for you in Gurgaon or Delhi. Anyways, you can always try.” Mann advised
“Can you try out with your parents and write CAT again, perhaps you get your favorite IIMB…? “Priyanka suggested
“You have been to my home Pri. You know that my Abbu won’t allow to do that. This is the last opportunity for me to move out from home and live my life. You’ll get married with Mann who loves you a lot but I want to live my dreams before getting fixed with a stupid.”
“What do you mean Shabnam? I thought you were going to marry Abhi.” Mann said.
Priyanka also had a question mark on her face while Abhi and Shabnam looked at each other and smiled. Mann and Priyanka got more confused.
“What?” Mann asked again.
“It’s nothing like what you are thinking Maneesh. Abhi and me are just good. We don’t love each other and he also knows that. Right Abhi…?” Shabnam asked Abhi,
“Very true Shabs.” Abhi said.”…and Mann, there is nothing between us. We’re just good friends, I care for her as much as I do for you and Priyanka. But perhaps you and Priyanka didn’t notice the same since you two were there with each other all the time. Since I’m a guy, Shab is a girl and we both are good friends and so far single it doesn’t mean that we should get married with each other.” Abhi clarified.
“He’s right guys. Though we have decided to get married with each other if we won’t get anyone for us by the time we’ll be 32.” Shabnam laughed. Abhi gave her accompany.
Mann and Priyanka smiled. Looked at each other and exchanged a puzzle look about Abhi and Shabnam’s relation, they had been just proven wrong. They’re shocked.

Shabnam finally decided that she’s going to join MDI Gurgaon. She knew that she have to be there for two years but she knew that one should be practical and it’s for her good. Abhi, Mann and Priyanka already convinced her that they four will always be the best pal…. Forever for the life….they will be always near to each other’s heart irrespective to the geographical difference. Especially when phone calls and internet are available for cheap rates, distance really doesn’t matter for connecting hearts…..



To Be Continued….