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…
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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......
…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......
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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….
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….
Saturday, September 13, 2008
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…
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…
Friday, September 12, 2008
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….
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….
Thursday, September 11, 2008
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….
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….
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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….
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….
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
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….
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….
Saturday, September 6, 2008
From summer to Spring....-Part 9
Part-9
…..to Winter.
A new day. A new Start. With some new hopes. It was THE Day, when CAT results were announced. Shabnam was very nervous since previous night. Finally MAPS made the plan to have a night out at Mann’s room. Mann was OK. Abhi was OK. Pri too was Ok as she was staying in hostel. Shabnam was not so OK, as she was living with her family. Her family was quite conservative and would never allow her to stay out with some guys… Finally MAPS made one plan. Pri went to Shabnam’s place with her in the evening.
“Hello Aunty”
“Hello…”Shabnam’s mom welcomed her.
“Aunty I’m Priyanka, Shabnam’s batch mate in CAT preparation.”
“OK”. Shabnam was listening to the conversation between her mother and Priyanka
“Actually aunty…. As you know… tomorrow is the result day….and I’m very nervous…. I know that I won’t be able to sleep tonight alone. So I was just wondering if you allow Shabnam to stay with me tonight at my home.”
“I can understand your nervousness my child. But her Abbu is quite strict. Why don’t you stay here tonight in Shabnam’s room?”
Shabnam felt like their dreams of night out was breaking.
“I would love to do that aunty…. And even I decided the same earlier, but since my dad and mom are not in town, my home would be empty and I have a dog too. Shanbnam told me once that you don’t like dogs so I can’t bring it with me here.” Priyanka handled the situation. She was proud of herself to make an instant excuse and using the Dog thing at the right point, which Shabnam told them long back when they saw two dogs fighting on a street.
“That’s true, I hate them.” Shabnam’s Mom replied with tensed face.
“That’s what aunty. That’s why I’m asking you to give permission for one day. I won’t be able to sleep alone in home, especially when my result are about to be announced next day.”
“I wonder how your family left you alone.”
“Not alone Aunty, Nattu is there…”
“Nattu….” Her mom was puzzled
“My dog’s name…..and actually it was a sudden plan.”
“Hmmm… OK, Shabnam can stay with you tonight…..but sleep well and don’t take much tension… have faith on Allah…..”
“Yes Aunty, Thank you Aunty.”
Shabnam packed her bag and both ran towards the auto stand to take an auto to Mann’s place where Abhi and Mann must have been waiting for them.
Priyanka entered alone in Mann’s room and told that Shabnam’s Mom didn’t allow her. Abhi and Mann were disappointed. They told her, that she should have emotionally pressurized Shabnam’s Mom. She said she did that but unfortunately she failed. When Mann and Abhi realized that nothing could be done. They both were disheartened. At the same point Shabnam entered in the room, who was listening to the conversation from door side. They both were shocked as they saw a ghost while Priyanka was laughing like hell….”3 months advance April Fool” she commented.
MAPS had fun that evening. Though all were nervous for Shabnam, but no one let it show on their face. Shabnam said once that she was not comfortable being there in the room as she came lied to her parents. All agreed. But all agreed on the point that they are doing nothing wrong or offensive which will let her parents down. It was just a get together. Mann had enough stock of beer for the night. He opened it and started pouring in glasses. Priyanka took it reluctantly as she always like whiskey more than anything. Mann had playing cards, initially they decided to play cards but lately changed the plan as they wanted to talk to each other….just talk…. which was most satisfying thing to do.
It was 2:30 am when Abhi realized that all four beers were finished. He concluded that he should have bought something more. None of them was in the mood to sleep. Shabnam went to the kitchen to make some black coffee for them. Everyone agreed to have a cup. Abhi accompanied Shabnam while Mann and Priyanka stood in went out of the room and started looking at sky.
Priyanka looked at the sky, the moon, the stars…. And she looked at her boyfriend who was smiling at her. She smiled back. He tried putting his hand on her shoulder and she didn’t deny it. She rested her head on Mann’s strong shoulder. She knew that she has found someone with whom she could spend her life happily ever after. He knew the same. Wind was cold but there was enough warmth between them to keep them strong enough to stand there and allow the moon and stars as a proof of their life. Their love…. That was the moment when he kissed her first time. She kissed back and they again started staring at sky….targeting nothing….
In the kitchen, Abhi and Shabnam were playing treasure hunt. A typical bachelor’s kitchen. It took them five minutes to find sugar and coffee powder. Shabnam lighted the stove and put the pan with water for coffee. Then she asked Abhi to give her the coffee powder. Abhi picked the jar to give her. The moment she tried to get it, Abhi moved his hand back. Both laughed. Abhi gave her the jar; Shabnam put some coffee powder in a cup to whip and some sugar in the pan.
“Seems like you make good coffee.” Abhi started the conversation.
“I had many, while preparing for CAT.”
He smiled. She smiled back and turned back.
“I know that you’re tensed for the result.” Abhi said
“As you and those two love birds are not equally tensed.”
“Yeah… we’re… but don’t worry, everything will be OK”
“I Know Mann call you Paulo Coelho. Don’t start the same with me.”
“I’m not…. I just said what I felt….. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Nobody knows. But whatever will happen. We have to accept.”
“I know….”Shabs said…”But Abhi…. I literally have lots of hope and that’s why I’m afraid.”
“Hey, don’t be tensed. Whatever will happen, it will happen for your good.” He pressed her one shoulder.
“Yeah… right…”
“Now don’t ruin the mood and the night. Smile… and now can we have coffee.”
“Yeah….” She mixed the whipped coffee in the pan and poured it in four mugs after 3 minutes.
“Love Birds, can you come in…coffee is eagerly waiting for you...” Shabnam said with a smile on her face. A fake smile….
Next morning they got up at 12’o clock noon as they all slept around 5 am. They got up and Abhi opened his laptop. He connected the internet through data card while Mann got coffee for all. He opened the website for the results and entered Shabnam’s roll no. in requirement field. They prayed to all the lords for her to get at least 99 percentile. Once they prayed enough they clicked on the Submit button to see the result.
The result window appeared.
Shabnam and everyone saw the result.
She got 97.54 percentile.
It had a meaning. No more IIM dream .No more IIMB….. Shabnam thought the MAPS would change into MAP as she might not be the part of group anymore.
Everyone could feel a cold wave within them. A real winter where nights were long and they’re waiting for the day. Even a small day. A hope. A wish to be together…..
To Be Continued……
…..to Winter.
A new day. A new Start. With some new hopes. It was THE Day, when CAT results were announced. Shabnam was very nervous since previous night. Finally MAPS made the plan to have a night out at Mann’s room. Mann was OK. Abhi was OK. Pri too was Ok as she was staying in hostel. Shabnam was not so OK, as she was living with her family. Her family was quite conservative and would never allow her to stay out with some guys… Finally MAPS made one plan. Pri went to Shabnam’s place with her in the evening.
“Hello Aunty”
“Hello…”Shabnam’s mom welcomed her.
“Aunty I’m Priyanka, Shabnam’s batch mate in CAT preparation.”
“OK”. Shabnam was listening to the conversation between her mother and Priyanka
“Actually aunty…. As you know… tomorrow is the result day….and I’m very nervous…. I know that I won’t be able to sleep tonight alone. So I was just wondering if you allow Shabnam to stay with me tonight at my home.”
“I can understand your nervousness my child. But her Abbu is quite strict. Why don’t you stay here tonight in Shabnam’s room?”
Shabnam felt like their dreams of night out was breaking.
“I would love to do that aunty…. And even I decided the same earlier, but since my dad and mom are not in town, my home would be empty and I have a dog too. Shanbnam told me once that you don’t like dogs so I can’t bring it with me here.” Priyanka handled the situation. She was proud of herself to make an instant excuse and using the Dog thing at the right point, which Shabnam told them long back when they saw two dogs fighting on a street.
“That’s true, I hate them.” Shabnam’s Mom replied with tensed face.
“That’s what aunty. That’s why I’m asking you to give permission for one day. I won’t be able to sleep alone in home, especially when my result are about to be announced next day.”
“I wonder how your family left you alone.”
“Not alone Aunty, Nattu is there…”
“Nattu….” Her mom was puzzled
“My dog’s name…..and actually it was a sudden plan.”
“Hmmm… OK, Shabnam can stay with you tonight…..but sleep well and don’t take much tension… have faith on Allah…..”
“Yes Aunty, Thank you Aunty.”
Shabnam packed her bag and both ran towards the auto stand to take an auto to Mann’s place where Abhi and Mann must have been waiting for them.
Priyanka entered alone in Mann’s room and told that Shabnam’s Mom didn’t allow her. Abhi and Mann were disappointed. They told her, that she should have emotionally pressurized Shabnam’s Mom. She said she did that but unfortunately she failed. When Mann and Abhi realized that nothing could be done. They both were disheartened. At the same point Shabnam entered in the room, who was listening to the conversation from door side. They both were shocked as they saw a ghost while Priyanka was laughing like hell….”3 months advance April Fool” she commented.
MAPS had fun that evening. Though all were nervous for Shabnam, but no one let it show on their face. Shabnam said once that she was not comfortable being there in the room as she came lied to her parents. All agreed. But all agreed on the point that they are doing nothing wrong or offensive which will let her parents down. It was just a get together. Mann had enough stock of beer for the night. He opened it and started pouring in glasses. Priyanka took it reluctantly as she always like whiskey more than anything. Mann had playing cards, initially they decided to play cards but lately changed the plan as they wanted to talk to each other….just talk…. which was most satisfying thing to do.
It was 2:30 am when Abhi realized that all four beers were finished. He concluded that he should have bought something more. None of them was in the mood to sleep. Shabnam went to the kitchen to make some black coffee for them. Everyone agreed to have a cup. Abhi accompanied Shabnam while Mann and Priyanka stood in went out of the room and started looking at sky.
Priyanka looked at the sky, the moon, the stars…. And she looked at her boyfriend who was smiling at her. She smiled back. He tried putting his hand on her shoulder and she didn’t deny it. She rested her head on Mann’s strong shoulder. She knew that she has found someone with whom she could spend her life happily ever after. He knew the same. Wind was cold but there was enough warmth between them to keep them strong enough to stand there and allow the moon and stars as a proof of their life. Their love…. That was the moment when he kissed her first time. She kissed back and they again started staring at sky….targeting nothing….
In the kitchen, Abhi and Shabnam were playing treasure hunt. A typical bachelor’s kitchen. It took them five minutes to find sugar and coffee powder. Shabnam lighted the stove and put the pan with water for coffee. Then she asked Abhi to give her the coffee powder. Abhi picked the jar to give her. The moment she tried to get it, Abhi moved his hand back. Both laughed. Abhi gave her the jar; Shabnam put some coffee powder in a cup to whip and some sugar in the pan.
“Seems like you make good coffee.” Abhi started the conversation.
“I had many, while preparing for CAT.”
He smiled. She smiled back and turned back.
“I know that you’re tensed for the result.” Abhi said
“As you and those two love birds are not equally tensed.”
“Yeah… we’re… but don’t worry, everything will be OK”
“I Know Mann call you Paulo Coelho. Don’t start the same with me.”
“I’m not…. I just said what I felt….. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Nobody knows. But whatever will happen. We have to accept.”
“I know….”Shabs said…”But Abhi…. I literally have lots of hope and that’s why I’m afraid.”
“Hey, don’t be tensed. Whatever will happen, it will happen for your good.” He pressed her one shoulder.
“Yeah… right…”
“Now don’t ruin the mood and the night. Smile… and now can we have coffee.”
“Yeah….” She mixed the whipped coffee in the pan and poured it in four mugs after 3 minutes.
“Love Birds, can you come in…coffee is eagerly waiting for you...” Shabnam said with a smile on her face. A fake smile….
Next morning they got up at 12’o clock noon as they all slept around 5 am. They got up and Abhi opened his laptop. He connected the internet through data card while Mann got coffee for all. He opened the website for the results and entered Shabnam’s roll no. in requirement field. They prayed to all the lords for her to get at least 99 percentile. Once they prayed enough they clicked on the Submit button to see the result.
The result window appeared.
Shabnam and everyone saw the result.
She got 97.54 percentile.
It had a meaning. No more IIM dream .No more IIMB….. Shabnam thought the MAPS would change into MAP as she might not be the part of group anymore.
Everyone could feel a cold wave within them. A real winter where nights were long and they’re waiting for the day. Even a small day. A hope. A wish to be together…..
To Be Continued……
Friday, September 5, 2008
From summer to Spring....-Part 8
Part-8
Mann agreed to work in Delhi on the condition that he would be preferred in case of any transfer to Bangalore. At the same time, without telling other people of MAPS, he started searching for jobs off campus. After opting for the software firm in Delhi he wasn’t eligible for appearing in any other interview in campus unless all students got the job, which was next to impossible considering past records.
Abhi and Pri too were tensed for being there in Bangalore without Mann but they discussed this only when Shabnam and Mann were not with them. Mann was already tensed and Shabnam had started going to every temple and church along with her namaaz, which increased from two to four times in a day. In that case Abhi and Pri decided to pretend as cool and composed as they could be whenever Mann or/and Shabnam would be there with them.
Shabnam never showed anyone her nervousness as she didn’t want anyone to get tensed for her. She was the girl who made her carrier on her own. She belonged to the family who always pressurized her to stop studying but she was…. Energetic, arrogant, adventurous, yet calm, pre-determined and highly optimistic. Abhi complimented her once for her maturity.
“You know what is the good thing about you, that you deal situation with maturity. You behave differently with different people in different conditions. I always wanted to learn that, but failed.”
“Aha….. and what else is good about me.” Shabnam asked him on the day when they were sitting in Nik’s Coffee Lounge when Mann and Pri couldn’t join them. Mann had an off campus interview but he told to them that he’s going to his home and Pri had a party with her batch mates.
“Hmmm… let me think…” Abhi started seeing the ceiling. There was a nice chandelier hanging above their heads.
“Stop behaving like a nut Abhi.”
“If I’m a nut, then you are a peanut.” Abhi laughed and Shabnam hit him with her beg.
“What now?? Abhi defended.
“I asked you one simple thing, can’t I expect a better and to the point answer.”
“u can… but are you sure that the answer should come from my mouth only? That to, when you want to the point…” Abhi gave a confused look.
“Yes I do”
“aha… so someone is trying to flirt with me….eh??”
“Flirting, that too with you, go and see mirror once and then tell me the same thing….. I’m not peanut so far dude.”
“I see mirror all the time and you know what, I think I’m the best.” Mr. Proud said.
“You’re a typical SOP”
“SOP…?? Did you mean soap??”
“No Dumbo, I meant SOP only…. Self obsessed Person” Shabnam explained.
“What to do yaar, can’t help….”
“Ok, now will you tell me about me for a change? What you like about me apart from the mature level…..as I’ve given you enough time to think.” Shabnam Demanded
“Girls are demanding.”
“Yeah, now please tell.” Shabnam almost pleaded.
“Actually I thought a lot, but unfortunately, nothing else is special about you…. you’re just like another girl”
“What??”
“What ‘what’ ….truth of life… you also have all the characteristics what a girl has” Abhi said
“Go to hell”
“Ok Shabs, sorry…… don’t get irritated, let me try to explain. You’re beautiful.”
“I know”
“You’re mature”
“I know that too” Shabnam made the face.
“So let me say something else…..You have guts to speak with anyone. I still remember the first meeting in Cinema theatre, I really thought that I’m gonna get a slap from you.”
“Believe me, I really thought to do that.”
“Rubbish…. Not possible…”
“I’m saying Abhi, I can…”
“Naah….. no girl slaps a stranger. I tell you theory behind that. When someone tries to tease a girl and especially when the girl is alone, she doesn’t know how powerful guy is or how many people are there with that guy. Therefore to avoid getting into trouble, they ignore him and move away….but in case they slap, there is a risk that the guy might be ruder towards her.” Abhi delivered his lecture session.
“A bit of true, but not all girls are same. Some girls can really slap without even thinking anything. And for your information, we met in Cinema, you were with a Pri, so I could take the benefit of doubt that you won’t create any trouble for me: plus I was there with two girls and there was decent crowd. So I could have easily slapped you.” Shabnam countered.
“Point noted Madam Ji.”
“Good now mug up this point and don’t be pre-judgmental”
“I know.”
“That’s my dialogue….”
“Do I need to pay royalty for it?”
“No, for the time being, just pay the bill.” Shabnam smiled.
“Sure, can I have your credit card?”
“That’s not required you can do the honors, with your card.”
“Thanks Ma’am, what do I need to do for that?”
“Give me the options.” Shabnam gave him a blank look.
“How about being a prime minister or should I buy you a plane.”
“I’m not interested in politics and I don’t know how to fly neither want to hire a pilot…… so think for other options….”
“Hmmmmm…”
“What ‘hmmmmm….’”
“Nothing grandma, shall we proceed to pay the bill.”
“Sure honey”
Abhi liked the way she countered him and the word ‘honey’. He always preferred to be a single boy without any commitment. He was not sure if he’s required to change his mind after meeting with Shabnam but he was pretty sure that his companionship with Shabnam was going to be for long….. One good competitor, what else one guy like Abhi wants….
Abhi and Shabnam both left the lounge, without giving a single clue to each other that they both were tensed as it was January mid and result would be announced soon. Shabnam was preparing for Group discussions and Personal interview that would be after getting short listed and Abhi was pretty sure that she will beat anyone in those rounds after seeing her instant replies in lounge…. Both were thinking whether ‘that meeting’ could be called as a DATE….
To Be Continued....
Mann agreed to work in Delhi on the condition that he would be preferred in case of any transfer to Bangalore. At the same time, without telling other people of MAPS, he started searching for jobs off campus. After opting for the software firm in Delhi he wasn’t eligible for appearing in any other interview in campus unless all students got the job, which was next to impossible considering past records.
Abhi and Pri too were tensed for being there in Bangalore without Mann but they discussed this only when Shabnam and Mann were not with them. Mann was already tensed and Shabnam had started going to every temple and church along with her namaaz, which increased from two to four times in a day. In that case Abhi and Pri decided to pretend as cool and composed as they could be whenever Mann or/and Shabnam would be there with them.
Shabnam never showed anyone her nervousness as she didn’t want anyone to get tensed for her. She was the girl who made her carrier on her own. She belonged to the family who always pressurized her to stop studying but she was…. Energetic, arrogant, adventurous, yet calm, pre-determined and highly optimistic. Abhi complimented her once for her maturity.
“You know what is the good thing about you, that you deal situation with maturity. You behave differently with different people in different conditions. I always wanted to learn that, but failed.”
“Aha….. and what else is good about me.” Shabnam asked him on the day when they were sitting in Nik’s Coffee Lounge when Mann and Pri couldn’t join them. Mann had an off campus interview but he told to them that he’s going to his home and Pri had a party with her batch mates.
“Hmmm… let me think…” Abhi started seeing the ceiling. There was a nice chandelier hanging above their heads.
“Stop behaving like a nut Abhi.”
“If I’m a nut, then you are a peanut.” Abhi laughed and Shabnam hit him with her beg.
“What now?? Abhi defended.
“I asked you one simple thing, can’t I expect a better and to the point answer.”
“u can… but are you sure that the answer should come from my mouth only? That to, when you want to the point…” Abhi gave a confused look.
“Yes I do”
“aha… so someone is trying to flirt with me….eh??”
“Flirting, that too with you, go and see mirror once and then tell me the same thing….. I’m not peanut so far dude.”
“I see mirror all the time and you know what, I think I’m the best.” Mr. Proud said.
“You’re a typical SOP”
“SOP…?? Did you mean soap??”
“No Dumbo, I meant SOP only…. Self obsessed Person” Shabnam explained.
“What to do yaar, can’t help….”
“Ok, now will you tell me about me for a change? What you like about me apart from the mature level…..as I’ve given you enough time to think.” Shabnam Demanded
“Girls are demanding.”
“Yeah, now please tell.” Shabnam almost pleaded.
“Actually I thought a lot, but unfortunately, nothing else is special about you…. you’re just like another girl”
“What??”
“What ‘what’ ….truth of life… you also have all the characteristics what a girl has” Abhi said
“Go to hell”
“Ok Shabs, sorry…… don’t get irritated, let me try to explain. You’re beautiful.”
“I know”
“You’re mature”
“I know that too” Shabnam made the face.
“So let me say something else…..You have guts to speak with anyone. I still remember the first meeting in Cinema theatre, I really thought that I’m gonna get a slap from you.”
“Believe me, I really thought to do that.”
“Rubbish…. Not possible…”
“I’m saying Abhi, I can…”
“Naah….. no girl slaps a stranger. I tell you theory behind that. When someone tries to tease a girl and especially when the girl is alone, she doesn’t know how powerful guy is or how many people are there with that guy. Therefore to avoid getting into trouble, they ignore him and move away….but in case they slap, there is a risk that the guy might be ruder towards her.” Abhi delivered his lecture session.
“A bit of true, but not all girls are same. Some girls can really slap without even thinking anything. And for your information, we met in Cinema, you were with a Pri, so I could take the benefit of doubt that you won’t create any trouble for me: plus I was there with two girls and there was decent crowd. So I could have easily slapped you.” Shabnam countered.
“Point noted Madam Ji.”
“Good now mug up this point and don’t be pre-judgmental”
“I know.”
“That’s my dialogue….”
“Do I need to pay royalty for it?”
“No, for the time being, just pay the bill.” Shabnam smiled.
“Sure, can I have your credit card?”
“That’s not required you can do the honors, with your card.”
“Thanks Ma’am, what do I need to do for that?”
“Give me the options.” Shabnam gave him a blank look.
“How about being a prime minister or should I buy you a plane.”
“I’m not interested in politics and I don’t know how to fly neither want to hire a pilot…… so think for other options….”
“Hmmmmm…”
“What ‘hmmmmm….’”
“Nothing grandma, shall we proceed to pay the bill.”
“Sure honey”
Abhi liked the way she countered him and the word ‘honey’. He always preferred to be a single boy without any commitment. He was not sure if he’s required to change his mind after meeting with Shabnam but he was pretty sure that his companionship with Shabnam was going to be for long….. One good competitor, what else one guy like Abhi wants….
Abhi and Shabnam both left the lounge, without giving a single clue to each other that they both were tensed as it was January mid and result would be announced soon. Shabnam was preparing for Group discussions and Personal interview that would be after getting short listed and Abhi was pretty sure that she will beat anyone in those rounds after seeing her instant replies in lounge…. Both were thinking whether ‘that meeting’ could be called as a DATE….
To Be Continued....
Thursday, September 4, 2008
From summer to Spring....-Part 7
Part-7
Mann, Abhi, Priyanka and Shabnam called themselves as MAPS which formed with the first letter of their names. they have started drawing their life maps without thinking of future. Mann and Pri decided to get married after their studies and Abhi and Shabnam were still good friends, they wanted to give themselves some more time before reaching to any conclusion. Shabnam had done her B.Com. and was preparing for CAT examination for MBA Entrance.
It had become ritual to all of them to meet every weekend and celebrate as they didn’t want Mann and Shabnam to compromise their studies at any cost. Some times only Abhi and Priyanka meet for lunch and discuss Mann and Shabnam for long….and whenever all four clubbed together, they used to make fun of each other. They are enjoying their College life plus pulling the leg of each other. They wished time to get froze stop at that point , but time never stops for anyone…
In Abhi, Mann and Pri’s college, Companies had started coming for recruitment. Meanwhile Shabnam’s Mock Cat started and they all moved into preparation. Shabnam wanted to get the admission in IIMB, so other three use to shortlist all the companies based in Bangalore only so that they will be together. Mann’s sister in law use to interfere in his studies. Finally Mann took a room for rent near to College as he was earning decent amount through tuitions. Whenever his dad asked him to come back to home, he made an excuse that college is near to home so he could study more. Mann was happy by shifting at that place because of two reasons . first, he could easily study without listening to his bhabhi. Secondly, Priyanka was living in hostel within college campus and now Mann can meet her anytime plus sometime Priyanka joined Abhi and Mann for group study at Mann’s place Shabnam also joined the three sometimes at Mann’s place where they had beer together some time.. Priyanka felt comfortable enough to go to Mann’s place anytime as she had complete trust on Mann and Mann never breached the same. Love birds in true sense.
Campus Interview had started and all three started preparing for interview. Everyone was assured but Mann, that he would get job. First time when he go for the interview he took Abhi too together. Though Abhi was sure enough that he could not get selected in any interview if Mann is there too giving him competition They was quite excited since the job location was Bangalore.. Interview started with Group discussion followed by personal interview. Though Abhi’s knowledge was far behind of Mann’s, but he was well versed in the communication skills. No one stood with him in group discussion. He was the highest scorer in that round. After some time Personal Interview round started. Mann went first and came out after around 30minutes. Abhi looked at him and hugged him. He congratulated him as he was pretty sure that Mann will get the job, unfortunately Mann couldn’t get through in PI session and surprisingly company chose five guys including Abhi.
Abhi was shocked when he heard the results. he told Mann that he’s going to withdraw his name as he won’t work alone in Bangalore in the company without Mann. Mann convinced him that it’d be hard for Abhi to get another job in Bangalore as he’s not very good with studies but he’d get surely. if not in same company than at least they would be in same city. But if Abhi withdrew his name now than he’d be required to search and appear for another interview in Bangalore. Abhi was afraid since if he said Yes to that company, he will be disqualified for any other interview. Mann assured him that he also would get a job in Bangalore with Priyanka. Shabnam would confident enough to get into IIMB and than they could rejoice again…
November past and everyone was busy with their tasks. Shabnam had written CAT and waiting for result in the Cozy month of December. Abhi already got selected in a Bangalore based Company. Priyanka too got a job in Bangalore as she was about to complete her engineering in Mechanical Branch and for everyone’s surprise Mann didn’t got any job. His morale was getting down but simultaneously his two good friends, Abhi and Shabnam; and his love, Pri were with him together. So far he had given interview in four companies as there’re very few companies coming from Bangalore Location.
One day finally Mann got the placed but his euphoria was just like momentum as he had been assigned Delhi Location. He was shocked with the news. He asked recruiter to give him Bangalore Location but recruiter denied for the time being, though they assured him that after six months he will be eligible to take an internal transfer in Bangalore.
“Don’t be Mad Mann, you know that this company is really good for you.” Priyanka told him
“I know Pri, but I can’t live without you for six months.” Mann was tensed
Abhi and Shabnam too were sitting in Mann’s room silently. Shabnam thought not to interfere and she asked Abhi to be quiet for some time as now Pri had the biggest right on Mann.
“C’mon Mann, six months will pass very soon.” Pri explained.
“No Pri, I deny to accept this company and start interviewing for another company.”
Shabnam was looking across the room as she didn’t want to interfere in the conversation. There was a single bad on which Mann was sitting on one end and Pri was in middle assuring him. Shabnam was on other end while Abhi was sitting in the chair next to her. one table was next to the chair with a pile of books and an emergency light. And there were some cloths hanging on the other chair. Just next to the table Mann had pasted Sachin’s and Bret Lee’s poster, his favorite Cricketers.
“Don’t be fool Maneesh. You already know how much time it took you for getting one job. Rather than quitting this job, better stick to this and go to Delhi. After six months if you get transfer than great, otherwise start searching a job in another company afterwards. You’ll be having some work experience by than not as fresher like you are right now.” Abhi finally spoke as he was getting hyper for him.
“I know that Abhi but why don’t you understand that I don’t want to leave you all. I can’t live without you all.”
“Don’t behave like a jerk pal. You were living before you met with all of us too. We all are human beings and the best qualities in us that we can live in any circumstances, in any situation, whether it’s favorable or not. You also will leave in this way only….. and why don’t you think it as a challenge to your love with Pri. You’ve the opportunity to prove yourself that how much you two love each other. Distance doesn’t matter for you two at all.”
“Mann smiled, “How many time I have to tell you not to pretend like Sir Paulo Coelho. I have already read enough of his books like The Alchemist, Veronika Desires to Die, Eleven Minutes and the Zaheer.”
“then start working on it Pal. You’re joining in Delhi, and it’s final. Now smile.” Abhi ordered with his love towards his friend.
Mann smiled and forward his arms, which was sufficient enough to capture Pri, Abhi and Shabnam together. Shabnam was happy that she didn’t involve since she was quite confident that Abhi and Pri will handle the situation. She was satisfied that her verdict was true and they all were happy once again…..together…..
To Be Continued….
Mann, Abhi, Priyanka and Shabnam called themselves as MAPS which formed with the first letter of their names. they have started drawing their life maps without thinking of future. Mann and Pri decided to get married after their studies and Abhi and Shabnam were still good friends, they wanted to give themselves some more time before reaching to any conclusion. Shabnam had done her B.Com. and was preparing for CAT examination for MBA Entrance.
It had become ritual to all of them to meet every weekend and celebrate as they didn’t want Mann and Shabnam to compromise their studies at any cost. Some times only Abhi and Priyanka meet for lunch and discuss Mann and Shabnam for long….and whenever all four clubbed together, they used to make fun of each other. They are enjoying their College life plus pulling the leg of each other. They wished time to get froze stop at that point , but time never stops for anyone…
In Abhi, Mann and Pri’s college, Companies had started coming for recruitment. Meanwhile Shabnam’s Mock Cat started and they all moved into preparation. Shabnam wanted to get the admission in IIMB, so other three use to shortlist all the companies based in Bangalore only so that they will be together. Mann’s sister in law use to interfere in his studies. Finally Mann took a room for rent near to College as he was earning decent amount through tuitions. Whenever his dad asked him to come back to home, he made an excuse that college is near to home so he could study more. Mann was happy by shifting at that place because of two reasons . first, he could easily study without listening to his bhabhi. Secondly, Priyanka was living in hostel within college campus and now Mann can meet her anytime plus sometime Priyanka joined Abhi and Mann for group study at Mann’s place Shabnam also joined the three sometimes at Mann’s place where they had beer together some time.. Priyanka felt comfortable enough to go to Mann’s place anytime as she had complete trust on Mann and Mann never breached the same. Love birds in true sense.
Campus Interview had started and all three started preparing for interview. Everyone was assured but Mann, that he would get job. First time when he go for the interview he took Abhi too together. Though Abhi was sure enough that he could not get selected in any interview if Mann is there too giving him competition They was quite excited since the job location was Bangalore.. Interview started with Group discussion followed by personal interview. Though Abhi’s knowledge was far behind of Mann’s, but he was well versed in the communication skills. No one stood with him in group discussion. He was the highest scorer in that round. After some time Personal Interview round started. Mann went first and came out after around 30minutes. Abhi looked at him and hugged him. He congratulated him as he was pretty sure that Mann will get the job, unfortunately Mann couldn’t get through in PI session and surprisingly company chose five guys including Abhi.
Abhi was shocked when he heard the results. he told Mann that he’s going to withdraw his name as he won’t work alone in Bangalore in the company without Mann. Mann convinced him that it’d be hard for Abhi to get another job in Bangalore as he’s not very good with studies but he’d get surely. if not in same company than at least they would be in same city. But if Abhi withdrew his name now than he’d be required to search and appear for another interview in Bangalore. Abhi was afraid since if he said Yes to that company, he will be disqualified for any other interview. Mann assured him that he also would get a job in Bangalore with Priyanka. Shabnam would confident enough to get into IIMB and than they could rejoice again…
November past and everyone was busy with their tasks. Shabnam had written CAT and waiting for result in the Cozy month of December. Abhi already got selected in a Bangalore based Company. Priyanka too got a job in Bangalore as she was about to complete her engineering in Mechanical Branch and for everyone’s surprise Mann didn’t got any job. His morale was getting down but simultaneously his two good friends, Abhi and Shabnam; and his love, Pri were with him together. So far he had given interview in four companies as there’re very few companies coming from Bangalore Location.
One day finally Mann got the placed but his euphoria was just like momentum as he had been assigned Delhi Location. He was shocked with the news. He asked recruiter to give him Bangalore Location but recruiter denied for the time being, though they assured him that after six months he will be eligible to take an internal transfer in Bangalore.
“Don’t be Mad Mann, you know that this company is really good for you.” Priyanka told him
“I know Pri, but I can’t live without you for six months.” Mann was tensed
Abhi and Shabnam too were sitting in Mann’s room silently. Shabnam thought not to interfere and she asked Abhi to be quiet for some time as now Pri had the biggest right on Mann.
“C’mon Mann, six months will pass very soon.” Pri explained.
“No Pri, I deny to accept this company and start interviewing for another company.”
Shabnam was looking across the room as she didn’t want to interfere in the conversation. There was a single bad on which Mann was sitting on one end and Pri was in middle assuring him. Shabnam was on other end while Abhi was sitting in the chair next to her. one table was next to the chair with a pile of books and an emergency light. And there were some cloths hanging on the other chair. Just next to the table Mann had pasted Sachin’s and Bret Lee’s poster, his favorite Cricketers.
“Don’t be fool Maneesh. You already know how much time it took you for getting one job. Rather than quitting this job, better stick to this and go to Delhi. After six months if you get transfer than great, otherwise start searching a job in another company afterwards. You’ll be having some work experience by than not as fresher like you are right now.” Abhi finally spoke as he was getting hyper for him.
“I know that Abhi but why don’t you understand that I don’t want to leave you all. I can’t live without you all.”
“Don’t behave like a jerk pal. You were living before you met with all of us too. We all are human beings and the best qualities in us that we can live in any circumstances, in any situation, whether it’s favorable or not. You also will leave in this way only….. and why don’t you think it as a challenge to your love with Pri. You’ve the opportunity to prove yourself that how much you two love each other. Distance doesn’t matter for you two at all.”
“Mann smiled, “How many time I have to tell you not to pretend like Sir Paulo Coelho. I have already read enough of his books like The Alchemist, Veronika Desires to Die, Eleven Minutes and the Zaheer.”
“then start working on it Pal. You’re joining in Delhi, and it’s final. Now smile.” Abhi ordered with his love towards his friend.
Mann smiled and forward his arms, which was sufficient enough to capture Pri, Abhi and Shabnam together. Shabnam was happy that she didn’t involve since she was quite confident that Abhi and Pri will handle the situation. She was satisfied that her verdict was true and they all were happy once again…..together…..
To Be Continued….
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
From summer to Spring....-Part 6
Part-6
…..To Monsoon..
It was already 4:02 pm and movie was supposed to start by 4:00 pm, yet people were settling down in their seats and screen was blank as Abhi’s mind at that time. Abhi noticed that the same girl with her friend got up from her seat and came towards him. He got scared a bit but girls passed by them. Abhi realized that the seats he booked for himself, Mann and Priyanka were D1, D2 and D3 and the girls were sitting in D8, D9 and D10, so when girls were passing by, Abhi thought they are coming towards him. He looked at their seat when the third girl was still sitting looking at the screen.
5 minutes later when Forthcoming Movies’ trailer started, Abhi saw those 2 girls coming back. Abhi was in D1. When they reached at the starting of the row, Abhi forced himself to look at screen only and behaved like nothing happened.
“Excuse me” one girl said
“Sure” Abhi closed his legs to give those ladies proper space to pass by, yet the girls were standing.
“You should be careful while walking.” There was anger in her voice, perhaps she is the same girls on which some tea might have spilled.
“I’m sorry” Abhi said.
“You did it just like that. Can you imagine how much it’s hurting” anger was increasing in her voice.
“I know that’s why I’m saying sorry to you.”
“Just a word sorry will clear everything? What do you think?”
“I know that lady and that’s why I’m apologizing and saying sorry to you. It was completely unintentional. Please forgive me.”
She didn’t reply, instead gave him a disgusting look and passed the seats. Her friend followed her without saying anything. Abhi looked at Mann and Priyanka; there was a big question mark on their faces.
“Nothing yaar, while entering the hall, unintentionally some tea got spilled on that girl.”
That’s bad” Priyanka Said
“Dud, now you will get a big time slap.” Mann laughed and looked at those girls.
“Not a single girl slaps to any stranger Mann” Abhi said while thinking why movie has not started yet.
“Now you will have Abhi. Mann laughed again and again and looked at those girls.
Abhi also thought to check whether the girl’s anger had diminished. When he turned to see them that girl’s friend, who was sitting next to her, shouted, “There is nothing to laugh OK.”
I’m not laughing.” Abhi replied and started looking at screen. Mann kept on laughing and Priyanka was silent at this time.
“You’re not saying anything Pri??” Abhi whispered as Priyanka was sitting in seat no. D2
“Whatever happened Abhi, intentionally or unintentionally…… the fact is tea felled on her back. It must have hurt her plus her t-shirt also must be having a spot of tea….and what I think is perhaps those girls are thinking that you didn’t apologies seriously and now making fun of them, which is not good.” Priyanka had a valid point.
“I know that Pri…. I will apologies again, but in intermission, not now…. right now they are quite angry and its better that I speak to them after one and half hour. The plus point is movie is comedy, so it will favor me….”
“Whatever Abhi, your call”
None of them said anything after that as the movie had started and Abhi also wanted to give himself sometime to get relaxed and prepare himslef to talk to those girls again…
Intermission was after one hour twenty minutes. Movie was quite humorous. Now Abhi looked at those girls. They were whispering. Abhi got up.
“Hey Abhi, one popcorn for me also plz.” Mann said
“I’m not going out dude. I’m going to those ladies to apologies.”
“Are you serious” Priyanka asked
“Very much.” Abhi smiled
“You might get slap pal.” Mann told.
“No matter what happens Mann, I’m going.”
“Ok then, best of Luck…..” Mann said and started laughing.
Abhi smiled back and started moving towards the ladies…. While walking he looked at the girls and realized that they also had seen him coming there, so now there is no way to back out. Abhi reached there and finally spoke, “Excuse me.”
Girls looked at him, silently…
“I came here just to say sorry” Abhi told to the girl, who was injured.”…Look, it was not at all intentional….and I can imagine how much it would be paining.”
“And despite of that, you didn’t even bother to say sorry to me at the entrance. You kept on talking to your friends. She commented.
“It’s not the same thing. Actually when I hit you, I didn’t realize that some tea had fallen on you but still I said sorry to you and started speaking with my friends again. Even I felt very strange when you called me Stupid at the entrance, but I didn’t bother and when I got settled in my seat then only I realized that tea’s volume had been reduced.” Abhi explained.
“I didn’t hear your sorry and after that you were laughing at us some time, it was very bad.”
“I said sorry but perhaps you didn’t hear and my friends were not laughing at you, they were laughing at me that I will get a slap from you.” Abhi again explained
“I was thinking to do that only” Girl said. The other two were listening to the conversation quietly.
“Naah… not possible. Not a single girl slaps a strange guy” Abhi confidently said
“I slapped” the girl said
“I also slapped” one of her friend said.
“See out of you three only two are saying that you’ve slapped. Yet I don’t believe.” Abhi replied back
“Oh really, you want to see the example right now??” The girl said but Abhi could feel that anger had gone.
“Sure why not…. Please do it here only…. but to a strange person, not to me, as now you know a bit of me. Abhi said and started laughing and he saw smile on girl’s face also.
“By the way, I’m Abhi.
“I’m Shabnam” the victim girl said.
“I’m Neelam and she is Leela” another girl introduced herself and the third one.
“Hi, it’s great meeting with you all. Now let me say you Sorry again Shabnam, and if you are convinced now, can I go back to my friends. We have been chatting since last ten minutes.”
Shabnam smiled and allowed him to leave. Abhi went to his seat with a victorious smile on his face while Mann and Priyanka were confused how Abhi was able to speak to those girls so easily.
Movie ended and Abhi caught Shabnam and Co. at the Exit door and asked her to meet sometime for tea by giving her option that at the tea meeting she could get chance to pore whole tea on Abhi’s head. Shabnam laughed and agreed. They exchanged their nos. and met the same day in evening at the same Nik’s Coffee Lounge with Mann and Priyanka. They introduced themselves to each other, they talked, they laughed and they decided that it would be good bounding of four of them and they could enjoy like anything now onwards…… life was a roller coaster and they are enjoying it to the most…..
To Be Continued….
…..To Monsoon..
It was already 4:02 pm and movie was supposed to start by 4:00 pm, yet people were settling down in their seats and screen was blank as Abhi’s mind at that time. Abhi noticed that the same girl with her friend got up from her seat and came towards him. He got scared a bit but girls passed by them. Abhi realized that the seats he booked for himself, Mann and Priyanka were D1, D2 and D3 and the girls were sitting in D8, D9 and D10, so when girls were passing by, Abhi thought they are coming towards him. He looked at their seat when the third girl was still sitting looking at the screen.
5 minutes later when Forthcoming Movies’ trailer started, Abhi saw those 2 girls coming back. Abhi was in D1. When they reached at the starting of the row, Abhi forced himself to look at screen only and behaved like nothing happened.
“Excuse me” one girl said
“Sure” Abhi closed his legs to give those ladies proper space to pass by, yet the girls were standing.
“You should be careful while walking.” There was anger in her voice, perhaps she is the same girls on which some tea might have spilled.
“I’m sorry” Abhi said.
“You did it just like that. Can you imagine how much it’s hurting” anger was increasing in her voice.
“I know that’s why I’m saying sorry to you.”
“Just a word sorry will clear everything? What do you think?”
“I know that lady and that’s why I’m apologizing and saying sorry to you. It was completely unintentional. Please forgive me.”
She didn’t reply, instead gave him a disgusting look and passed the seats. Her friend followed her without saying anything. Abhi looked at Mann and Priyanka; there was a big question mark on their faces.
“Nothing yaar, while entering the hall, unintentionally some tea got spilled on that girl.”
That’s bad” Priyanka Said
“Dud, now you will get a big time slap.” Mann laughed and looked at those girls.
“Not a single girl slaps to any stranger Mann” Abhi said while thinking why movie has not started yet.
“Now you will have Abhi. Mann laughed again and again and looked at those girls.
Abhi also thought to check whether the girl’s anger had diminished. When he turned to see them that girl’s friend, who was sitting next to her, shouted, “There is nothing to laugh OK.”
I’m not laughing.” Abhi replied and started looking at screen. Mann kept on laughing and Priyanka was silent at this time.
“You’re not saying anything Pri??” Abhi whispered as Priyanka was sitting in seat no. D2
“Whatever happened Abhi, intentionally or unintentionally…… the fact is tea felled on her back. It must have hurt her plus her t-shirt also must be having a spot of tea….and what I think is perhaps those girls are thinking that you didn’t apologies seriously and now making fun of them, which is not good.” Priyanka had a valid point.
“I know that Pri…. I will apologies again, but in intermission, not now…. right now they are quite angry and its better that I speak to them after one and half hour. The plus point is movie is comedy, so it will favor me….”
“Whatever Abhi, your call”
None of them said anything after that as the movie had started and Abhi also wanted to give himself sometime to get relaxed and prepare himslef to talk to those girls again…
Intermission was after one hour twenty minutes. Movie was quite humorous. Now Abhi looked at those girls. They were whispering. Abhi got up.
“Hey Abhi, one popcorn for me also plz.” Mann said
“I’m not going out dude. I’m going to those ladies to apologies.”
“Are you serious” Priyanka asked
“Very much.” Abhi smiled
“You might get slap pal.” Mann told.
“No matter what happens Mann, I’m going.”
“Ok then, best of Luck…..” Mann said and started laughing.
Abhi smiled back and started moving towards the ladies…. While walking he looked at the girls and realized that they also had seen him coming there, so now there is no way to back out. Abhi reached there and finally spoke, “Excuse me.”
Girls looked at him, silently…
“I came here just to say sorry” Abhi told to the girl, who was injured.”…Look, it was not at all intentional….and I can imagine how much it would be paining.”
“And despite of that, you didn’t even bother to say sorry to me at the entrance. You kept on talking to your friends. She commented.
“It’s not the same thing. Actually when I hit you, I didn’t realize that some tea had fallen on you but still I said sorry to you and started speaking with my friends again. Even I felt very strange when you called me Stupid at the entrance, but I didn’t bother and when I got settled in my seat then only I realized that tea’s volume had been reduced.” Abhi explained.
“I didn’t hear your sorry and after that you were laughing at us some time, it was very bad.”
“I said sorry but perhaps you didn’t hear and my friends were not laughing at you, they were laughing at me that I will get a slap from you.” Abhi again explained
“I was thinking to do that only” Girl said. The other two were listening to the conversation quietly.
“Naah… not possible. Not a single girl slaps a strange guy” Abhi confidently said
“I slapped” the girl said
“I also slapped” one of her friend said.
“See out of you three only two are saying that you’ve slapped. Yet I don’t believe.” Abhi replied back
“Oh really, you want to see the example right now??” The girl said but Abhi could feel that anger had gone.
“Sure why not…. Please do it here only…. but to a strange person, not to me, as now you know a bit of me. Abhi said and started laughing and he saw smile on girl’s face also.
“By the way, I’m Abhi.
“I’m Shabnam” the victim girl said.
“I’m Neelam and she is Leela” another girl introduced herself and the third one.
“Hi, it’s great meeting with you all. Now let me say you Sorry again Shabnam, and if you are convinced now, can I go back to my friends. We have been chatting since last ten minutes.”
Shabnam smiled and allowed him to leave. Abhi went to his seat with a victorious smile on his face while Mann and Priyanka were confused how Abhi was able to speak to those girls so easily.
Movie ended and Abhi caught Shabnam and Co. at the Exit door and asked her to meet sometime for tea by giving her option that at the tea meeting she could get chance to pore whole tea on Abhi’s head. Shabnam laughed and agreed. They exchanged their nos. and met the same day in evening at the same Nik’s Coffee Lounge with Mann and Priyanka. They introduced themselves to each other, they talked, they laughed and they decided that it would be good bounding of four of them and they could enjoy like anything now onwards…… life was a roller coaster and they are enjoying it to the most…..
To Be Continued….
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