Sky-scraping of Metropolitan Life

I read a story about love, marriage and relationship. So I interpreted this story through my imagination and experience and publish on my blog. I hope you will enjoy this interpretation.

                             Sky-scraping of Metropolitan Life

One more month is remaining to come Christmas and New Year. Suddenly Dad announced “You have to go to Bhubaneswar”. “Which Bhubaneswar, I won’t go to Bhubaneswar or anywhere”, I said angrily.

After One month, Sunburn Festival is going to be held in Goa. I have decided to go there on the eve of Christmas and New Year with Sahir. Sahir is my current boy-friend. We have planned for these three months ago. I will pay for flight tickets and Sahir will spend on hotel bills. He has already booked the tickets in advance for the show. And suddenly Dad destroyed my plan and told me to go to Bhubaneswar b’coz “Granny is ill and she needs us”. I was thinking to tell him “You go, she is your mother. I don’t even know her well, why should I go?”But I was speechless b’coz I know about his feelings. He eagerly wants to go back to Bhubaneswar leaving here everything. Two months ago, Granny fell in the bathroom and broke her one leg. Dad hardly got one month leave and immediately went to Bhubaneswar. Bhubaneswar is state capital of ODISHA. Granny stays there. And now it’s impossible for him to get leave from University and also his research is going through peak time. And also within a week he is going to Chicago to attend a conference. From morning to evening all the day he spends in the lab. After Mom married to Rajiv Uncle he made himself busy with work. Sometimes, he never comes home at night. When he is not at home, I call Sahir to spend night with me. Of course, I have to hide that from Dad, b’coz he doesn’t like my friendship with Sahir.Afterall he is an Indian. He is not so open up like Mom. She knows about my plans with Sahir to Goa, but I had lied to Dad.

He doesn’t like Sahir. He never says anything to me. He always asks about Divya and Suhani. Divya from Kolkata and Suhani from Punjab. Divya is now in London and Suhani is busy with her boy-friend. I m still in contact with both. But at this age, girls don’t want to be friends only, afteall we are not lesbians. Dad always takes tension for me about all these things. Actually, Sahir is my 4^th boy-friend. I had also one Oriya boy-friend that was Arvinda. That time my parents were just divorced. Dad was very busy with his work and I was lonely. Dad’s friend Uttam Uncle’s son Arvinda an IT expert came to Delhi and stayed with us. Dad told me to call him bro, but I called him by his name. Dad told that in childhood I tied a rakhi to him. But we could not able to behave like brother and sister. Even we had physical relationship. After sometime, Arvinda forced for marriage. But I haven’t grown up with this mentality that if you have physical relationship, then you have to marry. Dad heard from Uttam Uncle about us and Arvinda wants to marry me. I was so angry and shocked. I packed his bag and told him “we are no more in relationship and get out from my house”. Dad was hurt so much with my behavior. But I was happy and relieved.

Last year, Arvinda married to a girl from Odisha. She is Anita. She is so beautiful like Oriya film heroine “Mahesweta”. She is my Dad’s favorite heroine. Dad had shown me a lot of Oriya films, so I can understand as well as speak little bit Oriya. Dad has lot of Oriya songs in his mobiles. Here people prefer to go pubs or clubs in their free time, but Dad prefers to listen those Oriya songs while sitting in the garden. That time he looks like he lost somewhere else. I know he misses Mom so much. After all he born and brought up in Odisha. Arvinda is also just like him. He doesn’t like my friendship with Anita. I know him afraid of me that some day may be I will tell Anita about our past. But I went there to eat “manda pitha and chakuli” (two most delicious food made by Oriya people).She also taught me how to wear saree. Here, every year RathaJatra festival of Lord Jagannath happens. This year I went with her wearing a saree. Dad was surprised to see me. He came into tears. I don’t understand why in Odisha fathers start crying when they saw their daughters first time in saree and also they starts planning their daughters’ marriage. Uffff……f…ing sentiments. Oh I hate marriage. Each and every time you are in fear whether this relationship is going to work or not. It will destroy your peace, happiness and everything. Sahir is also just like me. He also hates to get marry. His parents are also divorced, but he has no contacts with his father. But my Dad takes a lot of care for me. Sahir always says that I am a lucky girl.

Finally, I succeeded to convince Sahir to take someone else to Goa. He also returned my advance money. But he warned me to come back soon. When I was only six years old I went to Bhubaneswar with both mom and dad. Mom says Bhubaneswar is too hot place, so much dirt, pollution and lots of mosquitoes. We also went to Puri. Whenever Dad goes to Bhubaneswar, he must go to Puri, not for sea beach but to see Lord Jagannath. Granny gave me to wear a locket which is made from sea shell stone (Sankh) having three lords picture: Balabhadra, Subhadra and Jagannath. My friends say it looks trendy and fashionable. But I wear it b’coz of granny’s sentiments.

We had a picture with Granny on the Puri sea beach. The picture frame is hanging in Dad’s bedroom. Many times I have seen Dad watching the picture silently. Earlier Dad went to Odisha alone, but this time he forced me to go there. Sometimes I got irritated. I never interfere in my parent’s life. When they decided to get divorce, I told them “Ok, I have no problem, it’s your life”. Actually I never hate Rajiv Uncle. I felt happy to see that Mom is happy with Rajiv Uncle. Dad was always busy with his work and never gave time to Mom. On my birthday Rajiv Uncle gifted me diamond earrings, but I kept that with Mom b’coz I know Dad will get hurt. Recently, we all met at Ridhima aunt’s anniversary party. Mom came with Rajiv Uncle. Mom said hello to Dad, but b’coz of male ego Dad didn’t utter a single word, even he didn’t enjoy the party. I just don’t understand that can’t he behave like a mature person. He returned home early and started crying looking at the picture. He asked me “Don’t I miss my Mom?” and I replied him that I am a grown up girl and also Mom had taught me to live independently. Suddenly I said “I think you should get marry again”. Dad was shocked and stared at me angrily as if I murdered someone.

When I told him first time to get marry again, he did n’t speak to me about a week. But after that I told him many times. But he said, “If I will get married what will happen to you?” OMG, Indian mentality. What will happen to me yaar? Am I a baby? Do I need someone’s help to change my diaper? Dad said “If I were a child then he will think of marriage again. But he is a father of a grown up girl. He should think about my marriage”. Oh god, whenever I asked about his marriage, he started talking about my marriage. I don’t know how to handle this situation. Only b’coz of him I am unable to move another apartment. My friends teased me “homesick”. They said that I am wasting my time without enjoying my freedom. I know somehow they are right. Christmas and New Year is to enjoy with your BF, but that time I am going to Bhubaneswar.

Delhi to Bhubaneswar. Nobody came to receive me in the airport. Actually, Granny stays alone. So I took taxi and reached Rasulgarh. Ufff….traffic and traffic everywhere. Taxi is going very slowly b’coz someone’s marriage procession is going on the road. On the middle of the road drunken people are dancing madly with high pitch music sound. Oh god, some people are watching them from their balconies as if Prince Harry’s marriage procession is going on. Anyhow I reached Granny’s place. I pushed the ring bell. The maid opened the door. While entering inside, I asked him “Where Granny is and how is she now?” He said “she is not feeling well, so she is sleeping now”. It’s almost 10 pm. So I didn’t disturb her. The maid told me that the doctor is coming two times in a day for checkup. I had dinner in the plane and feeling so tired. So I went straight to my room and decided to meet Granny in the morning.

I saw a weird dream at night. Really unbelievable. I saw that marriage procession is coming for me. The groom is wearing “MUKUTA” (as per Odisha custom) and I am looking like a beautiful bride and sitting in this room at granny’s place. There are lots of friends and relatives in our house. Granny is welcoming everyone. Then she came to my room with her jewellery box. She gave me to wear all her gold bangles, necklace, and anklets. Tears came to her eyes. She told me that she has been buying all these jewellery for me since I was born. I got surprised even in my dream. Then she told me to apply “Alta” in my leg. Seeing that Mom started screaming “Blood……Blood”. Granny told Mom to stop shouting. Then Granny hugged me tightly and said “We get one life to live. We die once. We should get marry once in life. It’s biggest auspicious day of your life. Your marriage day is the best lovely day of your life”. Then she looked at Mom angrily. Mom got angry and left the house. I woke up suddenly. I was in sweat and thought “why did I see such a weird dream?”

I checked my mobile. Eight missed calls and one message from Dad “how is Granny”? I went straight to Granny’s room to meet her. Before going inside, I met the maid in the dining area. He told me that till now Granny has not woke up and usually she does not sleep so late. I got tensed. I called the doctor immediately. The doctor reached and went inside to check up. Till that time I could not able to gather courage to meet Granny, especially after knowing that I am here, it’s impossible that she is sleeping so late. I am so nervous now. The doctor came out from the room and said “Granny is no more”. I don’t know what to do now. Except Dad to whom I will say “Granny is no more”. To Sahir, To Mom or To Arvinda, Anita, Divya, Suhani…..I cannot say anything to Dad that I came so long after so many years, but I saw her dead. The maid told me that Granny asked for a glass of water and some fruits at night. She told him to call me. But he said I was tired and sleeping. So Granny told him not to call me and let me sleep. But when I woke up she is no more. Dad told me that when last time he came, Granny asked him to bring me to Bhubaneswar. She wants to meet me at least once before she died.

Slowly neighbors and relatives started coming to see Granny last time. I decided not to tell Dad anything right now. I am not with him, so he will not able to handle himself and also it’s impossible for him to come immediately from Chicago. Except that I don’t believe in this custom and funeral procession etc. I grew up in such thinking where human life’s value is much more costly than his death. But In India, People believe in another birth after death. Only son can give you fire at your last time. I think Granny also had same thoughts. But Dad is not here. I did that against everyone’s wish and also told them that I am taking her ash to Delhi. Everyone started gossiping about Dad and Mom separation. But I did not care them b’coz I know how much Granny is meant to Dad.

I came to Bhubaneswar with upset mind, but while leaving I am quite and silent. After reaching in Delhi, Dad and I sit quietly in front of Granny’s photo. Dad said” You are lucky; at least you were there with her last time. What she told you?” I can’t able to see Dad. What I will say, I reached at night and went to sleep. But she was no more in the morning. Will Dad able to forgive me?

So I changed the topic and asked him “from how many days Granny was staying alone?”   “From the beginning, when I was 3 months old. My father died in TB. My grandparents were also no more. So she was all alone brought me up.” Again Dad said “you know how much old she was at that time?  20 years old only”. “Only 20 years, so young. Granny did not try to get marry again” I asked. Dad said “Granny believes that when she will die, she will meet my father in heaven”. I was surprised to hear that how one can live entire life with only one person’s memory. “IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA” I said. Dad said again “when your mother got married again, here all my friends and you told me so many times to get married again”. I was so disturbed and could not able to decide what to do. Then I asked to Granny. You know what she told to me. She said” You should marry once whether your marriage is successful or not. You’re a father of a grown up girl, not a kid’s father. If u will get marry then she will become alone”.

I don’t know what happened. Suddenly I felt something hollow inside me. I looked at Granny’s photo. She is smiling while staring at me. I hugged her picture and put a kiss. I told Dad that Granny also told me the same thing in her last time in my dream. I will definitely get married at least once in life.

                                                                   -----------------

Kaas Plateau & Thoseghar Waterfall

If you happen to be in Pune, India, between mid August and early October, I would urge you to take a day off for a colorful trip to Kaas Plateau & Thoseghar - home to a bloom of wild flowers & mighty waterfalls. It will be an amazing walking holiday which entrails much more than just healthy trekking. Hit the road and walk through Kaas Plateau – A best place for nature lover and photographers.

Just about 140 kms from Pune, these locations would rank amongst the best day trips that I have had. To roam freely and shoot pictures without hindrances, I suggest you to avoid weekends.

Satara is indeed a picturesque District in the State of Maharashtra. The town, nestled in a valley, is 120 kms from Pune on the national highway number 4. We touched Satara in about 90 minutes and took a right turn from Powai Naka (a roundabout in the heart of Satara City). Just 20 kms away commences the Kaas Plateau.

The Kaas Plateau also known as the "Kaas Pathar" which is situated in the Western Ghats Sahyadri range in Maharashtra state of India. The name Kaas originates from Kaasa tree (Elaeocarpus glandulosus). Leaves of this tree turns green to red as they mature. It gets white flowers only for 15 days in the month of March. 1,000 hectares of heavenly beauty filled with more than 850 species of flowers and other plants. These flowers bloom on their own and stay for about 2–3 weeks (depending on the monsoon and other weather factors). Recently it has been declared as Biodiversity World heritage site by The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

You can spend hours together at this picturesque location with family and friends or makes it a romantic rendezvous while staring at the pink, purple, yellow, red and blue carpets in full bloom. Magic of nature and peace are guaranteed with the lush green Sahyadris and the Plateau.

Since I am not so good writer, I will let the pictures do the talking.

After spending couple of hours on the plateau we returned back. At the outskirts of Kaas Plateau, we took a right turn and headed for Thoseghar Waterfalls, that's about 25 kms from the valley. Moving ahead, you will see hundreds of wind mills. The region is very windy. After parking; you need to climb down about 100 steps to reach the viewing gallery. Once there, you will be mesmerized by waterfalls.

 We were at the falls for about an hour. It was 5pm. A bite of piping hot sweet corn gave us the energy to be home for dinner. And sadly, to work thereafter. 

Getting There:  Satara is well-connected by rail as well as roadway. From Pune its distance is 140Kms (approx. travel time 2hrs 50 mins). From Mumbai its distance is 284 Kms (approx. travel time 4hrs 20 mins).

Best Time To Visit: This place is best for photographers though sunlight can be an issue, best time to visit is September to October. 

Things to carry for the day are as follows:
1.Dry set of Clothes
2.Rain wear
3.Cap/umbrella
4.Minimum 1.5 liter water bottle
5.Shoes Compulsory

Point To Note: If anyone want to visit Kaas plateau, have to register through website www.kas.ind.in

                              

तुम्ही हो बंधू सखा तुम्ही

I read a story about “FRIENDSHIP”…..

In a class room, student asked”what is friendship”?

The teacher said “Go to field and choose what that appears nice to you”.

The student went to a field and started scanning the field, he has picked many grains that suited his taste and came back to the teacher.

The teacher told him “You looked for one that is just nice for you, and did not look for the best. That is FRIENDSHIP.” 

Today while watching the song “TUMHI HO BANDHU SAKHA TUMHI” from the movie COCKTAIL on a music channel, it was flashing on screen that 4^th August, 2013 is friendship day. So it simply came to my mind instead of only wishing all my friends, I will wish them my gratitude through my blog. In this beautiful world, throughout my life I made many friends. But best of them are very few. When all the unforgettable moments came to my mind, I decided to use permanent marker through my blog to keep you all permanent in my life forever.

Time never build any relation. If feelings are truly from heart, then two people become friends. Like I met my first friend at the age of 5.She was Sheela (aka Nandini). We spent almost 3 years together in Adaspur, Odisha. As a kid no one understands what is friendship….but still we were together, b’coz that made us happy. At that time she was a charming gardener who make me blossom like a beautiful flower.

As per my father’s transferable job I moved to Bhubaneswar. There I went to Saraswati Sishu Mandir School. I made lots of friends. But again after 4 years I had to change my school b’coz of my father’s transfer.

But thanks to Social networking sites, I again get in touch with these friends after a long gap.

Graduation is a time when you got your freedom to live your life on your own terms. For me graduation was an unforgettable trip. I went to study computer engineering in College of Engineering, Bhubaneswar. In this phase, your parent, teachers, siblings may guide you….but mostly you need friends “oh bolte hain na dost hi hote hain jo pass karne ko madad karate hain” (without cheating no one can pass exam)….just kidding guys. Going to college, bunking classes, having fun @canteen, study tour, picnic that 4 years each day was amazing.

Here I got treasure of friendship. I made lots of friends. But some of them became special like Manasi, Madhusmita, Preeti still remain in my heart and they will remain. I remembered we used to go Madhu’s place for group studies. Instead of study we had fun, jokes, going movies on our scooties especially on heavy rainy days. One could find our group easily @ Rupalisquare while enjoying chat and gupchup.

Here I met one girl, Swati Swagatika. I met different kind of people in my life. But still I never met a girl like you. You tolerated my foolishness, my anger, my sorrow and my happiness. Its b’coz of you I understood the responsibility of life. Thanks for coming to my life.

One more girl I don’t wanna miss. It’s Pallabi. In 4 years of college we were just hi...hello friends. But suddenly after marriage our bonding grew and still it’s going on…

Whenever I think of fun, naughty and kind, your name and image instantly come to my mind. Thank you for being so kind especially when I was struggling for my career in Hyderabad. I still remember your words” Never underestimate yourself. With a small step you can change your life. Have faith in god”. It’s you Amit.

Now living in urban city like Pune, where everyone is busy day and night. Sometimes people don’t have time to spend with their family. I got surprised to know from people that they don’t even know who their neighbor is. Here I am lucky to made few friends who understand me. It is said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. Thanks for sharing a cup of tea of friendship, B’coz when we are thirsty, it’s our best choice right ladies (Sukhwinder, Meghna , Gita, Hema, Shilpi)…..

Last but not the least, how can I forget you my dear husband. Thanks for being my best friend.

No need to say anything,b'coz you understand me.

Until through the journey of life, I made lots of friends. Out of which I picked few and I may have missed some, but still they have contributed a lot in my life. I wish all the best to all of you and wish to meet again in future through the journey of life.

Will Shinning India Able To Change Mindset of Patriarchy?

The sensational incident where an obsessive lover studying at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) drank poison and slashed a girl is a proof of patriarchy society on Wednesday (31^st August 2013).This is a shocking incident and the whole India is stunned. It shows the patriarchy that still exists in our society.

Most Young men apparently can't digest the fact that they have been rejected by their lovers. The JNU case just proofed it. It is not that these people are not educated, but the problem is about the perception of some people and what they think about women. Why these educated students do such embarrassing act. These people cannot control their anger whatever be the reason.....They are becoming monsters while doing such crimes.

Take for example the recent outrage about the Delhi gang-rape  while it is true everyone was horrified by the crime and are demanding a change which is very difficult to implement. In a system based on patriarchy, not only the social system is male dominated and the government is male dominated as well. The practical impact of a patriarchal system is that women are frequently considered second-class citizens and often exploited. In a patriarchy, women are often not allowed to hold positions of power.

We right from the birth teach girls to be afraid of men; we need to change this mindset first. Men should be taught that women who dress in a western manner do not actually do it as a way of attracting men but dress that way because they are comfortable in the clothes. Men should be taught that women are of equal value and importance and if given a chance, they can prove it. It might be difficult to change the mindset of older generation since they have been brought up that way, but it still can be done. However we can take up the challenge to change the mindset of next upcoming generation from their birth.

SELFISHNESS

Are we humans instinctively co-operative or are we naturally selfish? This thought is creeping in my mind since long now. I think may be from my childhood. The exact meaning of “Selfishness” is concern with one’s own interests. This does not include a moral evaluation. It does not tell us whether the concern with one’s own interests is good or evil. That is for the individual to decide, whether his decision affects other people.

                                 Our seniors use to say”Progress in your life.  Wherever you go, try to reach at the top”. Isn’t that selfishness? People always want to know your secret to success. If you don’t disclose your secret, people around tag you as a selfish person. I don’t think that is selfishness of you. It is your way of preserving your source. That is “Self-preservation”, not “Selfishness”. Personally I believe that it is ok to strive for your own success, but you have to make sure that you don’t step on other’s foot.

                                 One more thought come to my mind. I always heard this from one of my closed ones that if she had known earlier that her son will go far away to settle in life, she would not allow him to go for higher studies, so that he will stay with her always. So here, who is selfish the mother or the son? I know it’s the mother’s love for her son, but isn’t it ok for him to fulfill his dreams, to become successful and to enjoy his life. Does that mean he is selfish? I think if you are not taking care of your responsibility, then you are selfish. But if you are happy and that does not affect people around you, then it’s not selfishness. Recently I watched one movie ”Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani”. For people it is just an entertainment movie. After watching this movie I am sure no one especially our parents ever thought for a single second, what the film try to teach. In the movie father allowed his son to live his life in his own terms which he never be able to do in his own life. The problem is that society has misinterpreted selfishness as being “Greediness”. Selfishness is unavoidable, but it does not imply greed. It simply means looking for your own self-interest. It is a request to all the parents to change their mindset. They should broaden their thoughts and allow their children to live their life on their own terms.

                                          I believe that if you are happy from inside, then only you can be able to make happy others. Being happy is not selfishness, its necessity.

!!! Live the Life Fullest!!!

I Lost My First Love

A best friend; someone is trustworthy, someone you can tell deep secrets, someone who will always stick with you no matter what you have said or done. Someone who can give you the best hugs in this world! His/her shoulder to cry on, because you know that he truly care about you. And I am no different; I too had a best friend…….My First Love!!!

                      He always encouraged me to reach my full potential. He always told me to try harder and never give up. He listened to me very patiently. I could talk to him about almost anything including my boyfriend. It’s only because of him, now I can spend my life happily with my dream man.

                      He was tall, handsome and intelligent. I always wanted see him wearing a suit. I wished to gift him a suit in my marriage, but that didn't happen because of his illness. So I decided to gift him on next special occasion. But that day never come in my life.

                      Never in my worst mare, I thought I could have seen him in this way. This was first time in my life, I was standing in ICU.My best friend was in front of me and his body revealed what he had gone through the accident. He was covered with white bed sheet and his face had so much injuries. His right chest had a fracture. A feeding pipe ran down his nose and multiple injection tubes piercing different parts of his body. He was surrounded with by a ventilator, heart beat monitor and a oxygen cylinders. I was restless. I couldn't able to stand there and can’t able to control myself and started crying seeing him. One can’t imagine how much pain he was bearing all alone. He was totally unconscious.

                       Next three days passed in prayers, hope and anxiety. On 5^th day he opened his eyes and stared at me. I heard those words through his eyes: “I am so happy to see u….I am gonna all right…nothing will happen to me”. Apollo hospital, Bhubaneswar doctor tried his best to make him well. But his health is getting worse day by day. He again fell unconscious. The anxiety and fear were back in me. Time stood still. Seconds, minutes and hours passed like days. With each passing day, his health is going down. Constantly being on ventilator, his lungs were filled with water and blood. There was internal bleeding also for which he had to take 2-3 units blood daily. After ten days on loosing patience, I asked doctor to take second opinion. The mental burden was too much. There was no good news, only bad news. I was hopeless, helpless and frustrated. Then doctor told to take 2^nd opinion.

                    Moving a serious patient from an ICU was the toughest part. But there was no other option. I had made up my mind. One cannot imagine shifting a patient from one hospital to another there are lot of paper works and that is most important for them more than a serious patient’s life. Every single moment was precious. It was the first time I had been in an ambulance. Standing on the road, watching ambulance is very easy. But seating inside an ambulance was enough to scare you. It was making more scaring with the sound of siren. Within half an hour, he was immediately admitted to ICU, Kalinga hospital.

                    Almost two days had gone. The doctor told he is trying his best. I was waiting to hear some good news. But something strange happened that night. Something which I couldn't believe at first. While I was sleeping, I feel he was sitting beside me. He was smiling and he put his hand on my cheek. And that moment I was speechless. He was looking as usual handsome as earlier.

He asked me”How are you my dear?” But I was shocked and unable to speak anything.

He again said” I came here for you…I was and I will always there for you. I can never away from you”.

I was so happy and I hugged him tightly. After few minutes, he said “promise me you will take care of yourself always”. I could see his love for me through his eyes.

He again said “promise me to take care of yourself and your brother….take care of your mother always…you will never break your promise to me”.

I couldn't understand and asked “why, what happened…why are you saying like this?”

He closed his eyes and said” Let me go peacefully….I will be there with you always”. For few seconds I couldn't able to know what happened in the darkness. Suddenly, my cell started ringing.

It was 6 am morning. Mom was calling. I picked up the phone and said “Hello?”But I didn't get any response from her, but I could hear her breath.

She only said with heavily voice” Dad?” Immediately I rushed to the hospital. In ICU, I was shocked and froze. I didn't remember and recall anything else. I only heard the voice of the doctor telling to my brother” he took his last breath early hours of the dawn. After the formalities we will hand over you the body”.

I was not able to cry. I lost my control and screamed at the doctor “God damn, it’s not body. He is my father”.

                   Yes he is my father, my best friend, my first love of life whom I want to gift a suit to wear. Because of his illness he didn't able to wear a suit, not even able to enjoy my marriage. I thought I will make everything so that he will have full fun at my brother’s marriage. But fate has something else. I will never ever see him again as a person in my life, because he is no more. I cannot tell you how much it hurts to live without the person who means a lot to you more than anything in this world. 

Grilled Chicken with Grape Juice and A Yellow Kurti

                                            Abhay walked into the apartment and turned on the lights. No one is there. Everyone left for disc as its friday night. It had been a long and tiring day for him. To top a difficult day, he had to drive all the way from Kharadi to Kothrud through the heavy traffic, which took him more than an hour to get home, an hour of crawling through urban city like Pune. He just loves this city, not only for its weather but the city had given him a lot, his dream job, an independent life (without ruling by anyone especially his parents).

                   He dialed to “Dominos” and ordered a barbeque pizza with chicken wings. With dinner ordered, he decided to watch the news for a while. Life had become a timetable. Drive to work, get through a day of monotony and get back feeling half-dead. But fortunately, there will be someone after one month, waiting for him eagerly at home. Yes, after 10 days it’s his D-day; his wedding to Saira, his love.

                  He saw the backlit display flashing on his phone. It was Saira. “Hi, how did you remember me now? How is your mehendi night going on, my dear?” he asked smiling to himself.

    “Shut up, Boss (she calls me Boss - never takes my name), so tired? I called you to remember that you have to pack your bags. Tomorrow morning sharp at 7am you have flight to catch”.

      “Yap, I had packed my bags already before leaving office today, just don’t worry. I’ll be there at right time on your wedding, my sweetheart”, I just laughed out loudly.

       “Go to hell!” she said, cutting him short, and hanging upon him. He decided not to call her back. He knew how she was when she got irritated. He sat in the balcony. Closing his eyes, he remembered the first day he met with Saira at his birthday party.

 In Bangalore, 3 years ago.

                    It was not only his birthday but also his best friend Prayas’ birthday. Every year they celebrate their birthday together. Party was in Kebab Magic, BTM Layout. He was in Bangalore for 2 years, but from last 6 months he is in Pune after switching another IT company.

Abhay was walking towards the reception, when he heard a voice behind him.

“So, taking the glass of grape juice for your madam” asked the girl in a blue dress.

“Sorry” Abhay stood there wondering what this was about. She is one of the better looking girls in the party. But he never saw her before.

“Is she your girlfriend?” she asked pointing to Archana.

“No, But somehow closest to having as a girlfriend’, Abhay said immediately.

“Come and sit here for a bit, she isn’t missing you or the grape juice’ she said with a smile, turning to look at Archana. Abhay saw Archana was getting close with another guy.

“Hi, I am Abhay, basically from Bhubaneswar”.

“Nice to meet you, I am Saira. I am also from Bhubaneswar. I am immediate cousin to Prayas, working here in IT. Prayas always talked about you a lot. The reason I called you here because I don’t get it, nice guy like you running behind Archana. Don’t waste your time with her”. She gave him a stern look and then smiled.

Till now, Abhay never understood what made him like her smile. “So, a glass of grape juice please, if you don’t mind” Abhay said.

Both smiled while taking grape juice with grilled chicken. Before leaving, Saira told him “Koi na koi, kahin na kahin jo sirf tumhare liye banayi gayi hogi”. That day he got to know she is a big fan of Shah Rukh khan.

 After that night they became fast friends, after all she saved him wasting his time.They spent lot of time together whenever Abhay was in Bangalore. Going for dinners, shoppings, and movies ofcourse only SRK movies, they grew from fast friends to bestfriends. She found him to be simple and easygoing, while he loved spending time with her.

                                                                         

In Bangalore, A year ago.

Abhay turned on his mobile after coming outside of Bangalore Airport. From last 8 months he was in US for project work. They kept in touch with each other through mail, chat and some times over phone. But it was very less due to hectic work.

“Hey, what are your plans tonight?” he asked smiling to himself.

“I just finished my lunch. Why do you ask? Are you here?” Saire asked.

  “Guess what? I am here only and I’ll be here for next two days”.

“Cool, Superb. I want to meet you. Tell me where? We will have great time. Tomorrow it’s your birthday, na” she said with excitement.

“Ok, meet me at sharp 7pm in PVR, Kormangala’. She smiled at the other end. She was thrilled to have him in Bangalore.

Abhay reached PVR five minutes before the scheduled time. He couldn’t control his excitement to see her. A while later, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around immediately and Saira wrapped her arms around him.

‘So, there you are my Fatsoo”, he said smiling at her. She put on a little bit weight.

She asked “where are we going?”

Let’s have a glass of cold coffee, then we’ll go for dinner afterwards’, he said looking at her. She is looking pretty good.”Great” she said as she followed him.

“I need to talk to you about something important” she said in a tense voice.

“Yes, I am listening”. They almost never had serious conversations before. He wondered if something happened to her, but she is looking pretty well, he thought.

“I am getting married; means next month is my engagement to Raghav. It’s an arrange marriage and our horoscopes have matched. He and I spent sometime together. The wedding will happen in next four months”. She almost blurting out everything she had to say by avoiding eye contact with him.

“What? You are getting married?” Abhay almost stood up from the table in the dining area of the restaurant.

“Don’t ask me to whom? I told you that already” She said.

“No no, yes you did. Well, it’s just a lot of information suddenly. Congratulations!” he said nervously.

“What, are you happy?” Saira asked staring at him. Abhay was looking confuse.

“My parents are happy. Anyway it’s a relief for them, as I am growing old; they want me to settle down with someone. Raghav is a nice guy. Everyone is happy with this marriage” she said with a fake smile.

“Are you coming for the wedding? “Again she asked.

“I don’t know, send me the invitation card, I’ll try. Actually I have lot of work…..”

 “Go to hell! You idiot, I care for you. But you never understood anything” she shouted on him and left him there in the restaurant. Abhay was shocked and he didn’t have the courage to call her back and stop her.

 He twisted and turned, while trying to sleep at Prayas’ apartment. He remembered how happy he was when he first time met her. The moments he spent with her had been the happiest days of his life. The last eight months in US where he was all alone. Something was missing from his life, what he was unable to understand. Now he realized how much he loves her.

 Saira was lying on her bed. Everyone near and dear called her to congratulate her. She should be happy; she is going to marry a nice guy who has six figure salaries, 3-bedroomflat and a car. What more she needs from life. And Abhay what does he think of her? He doesn’t even care for her. She felt all alone. She got out of bed and picked up that yellow kurti he had gifted her on her last birthday. She held it tight and started crying. She couldn’t sleep all the night.

Her phone started ringing. It was Abhay. Today was his birthday. It was almost 6:30pm. She didn’t call him even to wish. Let it ring, after all he kept me up all night. And the phone started vibrating again.

Saira picked up the phone and said angrily “what happened? Why are you calling?”

 “Won’t you give me my best birthday gift today?”  Abhay asked her.

“Means”…

“Come downstairs now. I am standing in front of your apartment gate. We are going to Kebab Magic for dinner and be quick”.

“Ok ok”, she said while putting on that yellow kurti. Within a few minutes they reached at Kebab Magic.

There Abhay said “   let me talk first”.

“Ok”.

“Why didn’t you wish me today? Are you angry with me?”

“Nothing like that. I was upset. Happy birthday”, Saira said with a fake smile.

“Do you love me? Will you marry me instead? “He asked  looking at her with intensity in his eyes.

“What?” now she got shocked and also got that feeling from him which she was looking for from last one    year.

“I meant to ask you earlier. But  I  thought  what if you don’t love me, I don’t want to lose your friendship. I love you, I love you very much my fatsoo” Abhay told everything in a single breath.

“Yes, yes I will and I love you my boss “.She hugged him tightly and kissed him.

For the first time he watched her properly. She is really looking beautiful in that yellow kurti which he had gifted her. Then they enjoyed the dinner of course with grilled chicken and two glasses of grape juice.

                              Now today, he smiled to himself dreaming about his life ahead with the girl in that yellow kurti, his best friend and the woman of his dreams, his love – his fatsoo.