Subhasis Das's Blog

She wasn’t willing to wake up at all, she was half sleep when her Mom told her that she saw Riya coming from the balcony. She reluctantly opened her eyes and the light hurt her, she quickly hid herself under the quilt. Nah! She isn’t that lazy but then she had been waking till late night answering calls, replying messages and of course chatting with him. It was Nikita’s birthday.

‘Happy Birthday! Sweet Heart!’ Riya jumped into her.

‘Mottie!! Get off me. You want to crush me on my birthday.’ Nikita moaned.

‘Dare you call me that again?’ Riya hailed at her.

‘Ok! Ok! I’m sorry. Now please get off, I’m seriously dying.’

Riya stepped down the bed and checked the stuffs on the dressing table.

‘So, Sidharth is here.’ Riya asked.

‘Yeah! And he must be waiting for me already.’ Nikita laughed.

‘You’re so cruel! He loves you a lot.’

‘But I don’t.’

‘Then why you talk to him? Why are you going to meet him on your birthday?’

‘Call it courtesy. Yeah! I do respect his love but I don’t feel differently for him. Call me selfish for that, I don’t mind. C’mon, he just a friend, that’s it.’

‘Don’t understand your logic but I do feel bad for him.’

‘I feel bad for him too but then there is no way out. I won’t love him back ever.’

‘May be because he is with you and you’re not understanding his worth.’ Riya argued.

‘Riya!!! This is my birthday and you’re my friend not his.’ Nikita was fuming now.

Nikita had always been cynical for her best friend’s liking towards her stalker. Yeah! Nikita called her that for him when she was angry. Just for the sake of humanity, she was talking to him, she would justify herself. She was never interested in him. She was probably one of the hottest girl in town and everyday some or other guy would propose her but that didn’t mean that she would say ‘yes’ to everyone. He was anyway not her type, she desired an army man and he was a struggling musician. Strike one.

Yet she was getting ready to meet him because she knew he was awesome from heart and she did love his surprises, which girl don’t like? Most importantly, she felt safe with him. He wasn’t a pervert, he loved her truly but then somehow, she could not feel those bells in her mind ringing when she saw him. Moreover, he was bit nagging and irritating at times. Strike two.

As she had said, he would be already waiting for her and he was actually standing at the lobby with a huge plastic bag. That almost skipped her heart beat. What was he up to? She hoped he didn’t created a scene once again. Embarrassments were big turn offs for her and he somehow managed to do it every time. Strike three.

‘Hi! Nikita!’ He greeted. ‘Happy Birthday, babes.’

She forced a smile. She didn’t like him calling babes though he would always call her by the same name only but Riya’s presence was hurting her. Riya would now have another point against him- ‘he calls you babes, how cute!’ Anyway, she had decided this time that she would cool and not be fighting with him at least on her birthday.

He was insisting her to go to some cool hangout outside the city but she refused since she had to return home early as guests were coming at her home for her birthday. They finally decided to celebrate at a little restaurant nearby. He had brought a cake, candles, a crown, bouquet and little keychain imprinting her photo. If that was not enough, he just walked to centre of the restaurant with his guitar. And then…

 

It’s said that everyone gets lucky,

Once in a while,

Happened with me when I saw

An angel with the most beautiful smile,

 

She looked at me,

Through those almond shaped eyes,

And I felt as if I was floating on

The boundary less skies,

 

It seems that God sends winds just for her

So that on her face, she could get those flicks,

Her beauty in removing them is so,

That even the clock forgets to tick.

 

You know when I was touched

By the world’s happiest beam,

It was when she came in my life

As my most beautiful dream!

 

When he had completed the song almost everyone in the restaurant where on their feet, clapping and applauding that marvellous effort he had put on to express his love for Nikita. As he walked back to her, the speculation grew among everyone. He took a rose from the bouquet, bent on his knees and proposed her.

‘I love you, Nikita.’

That was seriously the last thing she wanted to happen ever. How could he? She just wanted to throw that rose on his face and run away from there but then she didn’t want to insult him. She took the rose and twitched her lips. He hugged her and everyone clapped. If she was fuming earlier, she was now suffocating there. She seriously regretting coming, it all seemed like a trap to her. Might be even Riya was part of it.

She silently ate her lunch while both Riya and Siddharth had understood her discomfort but knew she would soon get over it. However, people smiling at them, congratulating her and talking about them was only adding fuel to her rage. She quickly finished her food and rushed outside, she didn’t wait for Siddharth to pay the bill. Riya and Siddharth both looked at each other cluelessly. They walked anxiously towards the parking. She was standing near her car.

‘Babes! Are you fine?’

‘Dare you call me that again, I will slap you.’ Nikita blasted.

‘Nikita! Is it way to talk?’ Riya intervened.

‘You stay out of this.’ Nikita warned.

‘Yes! Riya! You stay out of it. It’s between me and her.’

‘I’m telling you again, there is nothing between you and me.’

‘C’mon Nikita! I have heard that many times.’

‘Why don’t you accept that?’

‘What should I accept? How could you break all the strings between us just like that?’

‘There wasn’t anything ever. We were just friends.’

‘Now you would deny everything. How could you be so damn…?’ He trailed off.

‘Bitch!!! That’s what you wanted to call me. Ok! Fine. I’m bitch. But you will still not get me anyway. I just hate you. I’m going. Thanks for the amazing birthday treat.’ She sped away with Riya.

No matter how hard he had tried but they had always ended up fighting. He trudged home slowly, little tears found their way down his cheeks. Big boys generally don’t cry but when they do, they are not just hurt, they are actually broken. He called her many times, left messages for her but she didn’t respond to any. She had a party back at home and she hoped the bad day didn’t reflect on her face.

Rest of the night was usual, a lot of guests had come. Riya actually came to know that Nikita’s dad got a job in New Zealand and they were all leaving next week. Riya did feel bad that her best friend had hidden such a big fact from her but then Nikita had always been secretive. She had told about Siddharth only after situations went beyond her control and this if she didn’t attend the party God knows Nikita would have ever told her about this too.

‘I’m sorry Riya for that.’ Nikita apologized.

‘It’s ok.’

‘I know you’re hurt but then to be frank, things were not final till yesterday. Dad was to go alone but yesterday, he came to know that he can bring his family and also they will get me an admission in some college there.’

‘That’s great.’

‘Yeah! It is a great opportunity and I couldn’t say no it.’

‘Actually, you took the right call for the first time in your life.’

And they hugged.

‘So you’re going to tell Siddharth about this?’ Riya popped the question anxiously.

‘No. I actually wanted to tell him but then I know he will overreact and not let me go. Anyway, I see this a very good chance for both of us to move on. I’m sure, he will forget me once he doesn’t see me. May be, he will be hurt but then time is the biggest healer. And promise me, Riya you will never ever tell him about my whereabouts.’

‘Aren’t you asking too much from me? Nikita! I’m still saying. Someday you will regret losing him.’

‘C’mon Riya. I won’t.’

‘It’s just a bloody ego for yours. You see, I will tell you one story-

Once there was an island where all the feelings lived together. One day there was a storm in the sea and the island was about to drown. Every Feeling were scared but Love made a boat to escape. All the feelings jumped in the boat except for one feeling. Love got down to see who it was and it was Ego!!Love tried & tried but Ego didn’t move. Everyone asked Love to leave Ego & come in the boat but Love was meant to Love and it remained with Ego. All other feelings were left alive but Love died because of Ego.’

‘This seriously the most stupid thing you ever told me.’ Nikita laughed. ‘I will definitely find love there, so many white cute guys there.’

‘Nikita, you will never change.’ Riya gave her a high five.

***

Two years later…

Riya got this message on her phone, Nikita’s plane had landed. Riya was damn excited to see her best friend back. Past two years, she had heard new stories of New Zealand every day and was truly fascinated about them. She couldn’t wait any longer to see Nikita and hug her. She had missed her all while. Nikita might be very arrogant but within she was very nice and a true friend. And when she saw Nikita walking through the gate, she ran hard at her and hugged her tightly.

‘I missed you, dear.’ Riya said.

‘You came alone?’ Nikita asked.

‘Who else you were expecting?’

‘No one.’ She shook her head. ‘Let’s go to some restaurant. I am damn hungry.’

Riya drove her to a restaurant nearby but Nikita insisted on her favourite restaurant. Riya was confused since she never knew Nikita had a favourite restaurant in the city. Anyway, she asked for the route and as expected Nikita took her to same restaurant she was thinking off. Though, she had guessed the uneasy in Nikita since few days but Nikita never wanted to talk about. However, this particular restaurant cleared her all doubts. It was the same restaurant where Siddharth had taken her on her birthday.

‘A lot of things have changed here.’ Nikita said as she looked around.

‘It’s been two years girl.’

‘I know.’ She smiled.

‘So what’s up with our hero?’

‘You mean Siddharth?’

She nodded.

‘Well, he has actually become a hero. He finally succeeded making big in music world. He is now a very popular rock star.’

‘Really? You never told me this.’

‘Girl! You never asked me about him. Anyway, why you even care? How is Brain?’

‘We broke up.’ Nikita sighed.

‘And you didn’t tell me even this.’

‘I don’t know it was important or not. I mean, it wasn’t working.’

‘Why wasn’t it working? I mean he was a white right?

‘He didn’t love me that much.’

‘As if you cared for love ever.’ Riya smirked.

‘Will you stop taunting?’ Nikita protested.

‘I am just saying the fact.’ Riya argued.

‘Whatever. I want to meet Siddharth.’

‘But why?’

‘He loves me. I think I should give him a chance.’

‘Is it important? I mean you hate him.’

‘Riya! This is going nowhere.’

‘Nikita! At least now accept it. You’re regretting losing. Just get out of your ego.’

‘Uff!! What’s wrong with you?’

‘Nikita! Two years is long time. You don’t have an idea what happened to him. You just went away without even telling him. He used to wait for you every day in canteen and then finally, he came to know that you were gone. He came to me but I didn’t tell him about you as I had promised. He broke. He left studies and went into depression. He would lock himself in his room for days and just cry. His parents took him to Mumbai for his treatment and then after one year this Sid- came up. You were right, time is biggest healer.’

‘Stop it!!!’ Nikita sobbed. ‘Why didn’t you tell me all this before?’

‘You wouldn’t have understood.’

She kept weeping at the table and finally, even Riya felt bad for her. Mistakes do happen by everyone and moreover, Nikita was her best friend. Riya decided that she will take Nikita to Siddharth but she wouldn’t speak for her friend. After all, she did wrong to him and he had every right to take his decision. Riya drove her to a concert where Siddharth was to perform. Nikita was amazed to see how big star he had become. There were his posters all over the city, the stadium was jam packed and people have even crowded outside to get his glimpse.

‘Listen! I am his old friend, we just want to meet him.’ Riya tried to reason with the security guy.

‘Ma’am! Since you’re an old friend, he must have given you a pass for the concert.’ The security guy smirked.

Riya seemed disappointed but then Nikita got an idea. ‘Tell Siddharth that Nikita wants to meet him.’

Though the security guy refused earlier but on much persistence, he finally went inside the green room to give Siddharth the message and he actually came with a big smile.

‘Sorry Ma’am! You can go inside. The green room is at the right. He is waiting for you.’

She blushed and walked with her usual attitude. Riya waited outside hoping that things go well and she finally see both of them getting together. They seriously looked amazing as couple. It should have happened years ago but anyway late is better than never. She was anxiously peering at the gate towards the green room.

***

Nikita knocked the door.

‘Yes! Come in.’ Siddharth said.

Nikita felt butterflies in her stomach as she stepped inside and there he was leaning on the wall and smoking.

‘I never knew you smoke.’

‘Excuse me! I have been smoking always.’

‘Really?’ She blushed. ‘But the Siddharth, I knew refrained all bad habits.’

‘Siddharth? Who the hell he is? I am Sid.’

‘Yeah, I know! You’re the great rock star Sid. But I am Nikita and I want to say that I love you.’

‘Really? That’s good to hear.’ He pulled the window. ‘You see that crowd outside. Most of them are girls and all of them love me, so what’s the big deal in you that I should accept you’re proposal.’

‘Siddharth! What you’re talking?’

‘Dear lady, Siddharth is no more. He is dead and buried two years back.’

‘It’s not funny anymore.’

‘I am not a clown even. I am a rock star. What you see funny here.’

‘So much arrogance! Siddharth you’ve changed.’

‘May be. That is what you always wanted and most importantly, I have moved on. It was stupid to chase a girl who gave a fuck to my existence and see the times changing, there are thousands like you who are dying to see me.’

‘Siddharth!!’ She cried.

‘Told you, he died rather murdered ruthlessly by a girl whom he loved so much.’

‘Shut up! I am sorry what I did to you. I have realized my mistake and have come back to you.’

‘You’ve not come back to Siddharth. You never cared for him. You came to Sid and you are actually not his type. I’m sorry but I’ve to go.’

Sid picked his guitar and walked towards the stage. Nikita wept and cursed herself in despair. It was actually not their fault but then ego killed love once again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I guess it was over between that night itself, we didn’t talk to each other at all. Of course, she was upset for my before and I couldn’t approach her as I was embarrassed by my stupid behavior. If she was really a vampire what actually had stopped her from not killing me that night, she had the best opportunity. I could just blame myself for thinking like that. C’mon, I’m a mechanical engineer and was soon to be a management aspirant, what did I really learn from my education?

‘We were wrong I guess.’ My friend had visited. ‘My colleague confirmed that her ex actually went to US. He got job in Google.’

Wow! I dumped a girl who chose me over a Google job guy. ‘I told you, she is normal.’

‘We just wanted to be sure.’

‘Fine! We are sure now but then at what cost? She left.’

There was a silence in my room after that. Well, I took my first step towards Sunayana and called her, she didn’t pick my call. I tried again, she didn’t pick. I messaged her but there was no reply. I lost her.

Next day when I went to college, I came to know there was a party at Sunayana’s place and everyone was invited except me. So, now it was sure that she had a home too. She is not a Vampire, I screamed within me. I had tears in my eyes as I missed my babes so much. I was broken once again and this time, it was all because of me. The college seemed empty without her. My college mates were now strangers for me. I was lost.

‘Hey! Ankur.’ One of my college mate met me outside campus.

‘Hi!’ What’s up?’

‘I’m fine. I just wanted to ask when you’re leaving for Sunayana’s place.’

How do I tell him that I wasn’t even invited? ‘Well, I have other plans. I might not come; I had to meet an old friend.’

‘Ankur! She is your girlfriend. How can you skip that?’

‘Well…’ I had no answer. However, I made my mind that I would go to meet her for sure. At the most she will insult me and throw me out but I seriously can’t let her go this way. I know I was being shameless but then it was better than being a moron who believed in Vampires.

She had given her address to my college mates and as I drove to her place in the evening traffic, I came to know why she left so early for me. It took us almost an hour to go that little distance of 15 kms.

I sheepishly put my steps as we walked through her lawn to her door step. My friends pushed me towards her the door. I rung the bell and stood there waiting for her.

‘Hi!’ She said as she opened the door.

‘Hello!’ I smiled.

She completely ignored me for rest of the time in the party. I looked around the place, it was great house but then I wasn’t there to see her place. I walked to her and said.

‘Sunayana! I want to talk.’

‘Yes!’

‘Alone!’

‘Wohooo.’ Everyone cheered.

I gave them a blank look but she did come with me.

‘Say!’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘For what?’

‘Calling you vampire.’

‘So now you’re convinced that I am human.’

‘Yes.’ I looked down at the floor.

‘What made you think so?’

‘I told you already and when my friend saw that Twilight series book, she suspected.’

‘C’mon Ankur! You’re Batman fan; does it mean that you’re Bruce Wayne?’

‘Can we not talk about it further? I said sorry for that.’

‘Hmmm…’

We didn’t talk much after that. She had a party at her place and she had to give time to her guests. I didn’t know if the misunderstandings between us were cleared but she didn’t seem much happy either. Soon, the party ended and we all moved to go out.

‘Wait.’ She stopped me. ‘Give your car keys to them. You’re staying back.’

‘Why?’

‘I have an unfinished job with you. My parents are not home either.’

We both smiled looking at each other. I quickly went to my friends and gave them the car keys. They understood and left. I ran back to Sunayana, she was in her sexy Avatar once again. I hugged her and then we kissed, we kissed more until we went breathless.

‘Phew! I missed you.’ I said.

‘I missed you too.’ She said and then showed me a diary. ‘See, the rose you gave me on our first date, I still have it. I kept it in my diary.’

‘You write diary?’

‘I do. Everyday.’ She kissed me on my forehead. ‘Give me a minute. I have a surprise.’ She walked out of the room.

I strolled around and went to the shelves, there were many diaries. I picked one and opened it. I was shocked to see the date. It was back to seventies. I was still trying to investigate further when I got a call from my friend.

‘Dude!’ He said. ‘Where are you?’

‘With Sunayana.’

‘My colleague called me and said her ex did get a job in Google but he never joined. Perhaps, he is missing since then. I checked his FB, the last post is of four years back.’

I skipped a heart beat as I heard that. My senses were going blank by now. The phone dropped from my hand.

‘Baby! I’m back.’ Sunayana whispered in my ears.

‘I think I need to talk.’

‘Ssh…’ She put her finger on my lips. ‘Tonight, I’m going to eat you up.’

‘Is this for me?’ I asked as Sunayana handed me a packet.

‘Open it.’

I quickly unwrapped the gift paper. ‘Wow! Babes! It’s a jacket. I wanted this since long. How did you know I wanted one?’

‘Well… I can read your mind right?’ She smiled and I took her in my arms.

My life changed completely after I and Sunayana got together. She had been very different from other girls I have known. She never cared if I worked for Volkswagen or was a university topper. She would never complain if had no six packs abs and was not even planning to get them. When we made plans, she always considered us; it was never I or she. There was never any expectation from her side; she let me do what I wanted. She loved me for what I am and trust me, I am not exaggerating but such girls do exist, though very rare.

I was now relaxed. I now stopped hating being in Symbiosis. Perhaps, I thanked god that I reached there because that’s where I met Sunayana. I started realizing that my Symbiosis days were to be my best in life. If earlier I had a hurry to complete the course now I wished it never came to an end. Those mock up acts suddenly seemed interesting as I and Sunayana acted in them together. All the time that I was in college, I spend with Sunayana. The only thing that I didn’t like about her is that she would always leave for home before dark. I missed her as I had to wait till next day to see her but then hostel was cool too, back to counter strike days. I was still good at it and there were very few in the hostel who could put me down. When I was with Alisha, I hardly had time for friends as most of the time after office, I went out with her. Hence, I hardly stayed in touch with my college mates but now with Sunayana, my life was more balanced. She gave me ample space to re-unite with my old friends, she even joined me when I met my friends and the best thing about her was that she would never call me or ask me to meet when there was a Barcelona match on TV. A perfect life wasn’t a myth.

‘You are so happy these days, dude! I like this new Ankur.’ My friends said.

‘All credits goes to my pretty girlfriend.’ I beamed.

‘Oh yeah! Where is she?’

‘She won’t be joining us today. She said I should go for an all guys party.’

‘Whoa! Are you serious?’

‘Yep!’ I nodded.

‘And on the top that dude, she is so pretty.’

‘Hmmm…’ I could just smile.

‘Who’s that noble lady? I wish I could meet her.’ One of my friends had brought his office colleague.

‘Well, maybe next time she is around. I’ll give you a call.’

‘For now, just show him her photo and make him jealous.’ He pulled my phone.

‘C’mon! Don’t be silly. Just give me back my phone.’ I protested.

‘Look she is calling.’

Sunayana was actually calling.

‘Babes!’ I picked the call and there is was this loud cheer behind me as I said that. I looked at my friends furiously.

‘I guess I called on the wrong time. I am sorry. Call me when you get time. Take care.’ She hung up.

‘Guys! Behave yourself.’ I scolded my friends.

‘What did she say?’

‘Well… She said that she called on wrong time and kept the phone.’

‘That’s it!’

‘She said sorry.’

‘Really?’ My friend was shocked.

‘What’s so surprising in that?’

‘Don’t you think there is something fishy in it?’

‘Like what?’

‘How come she could be so nice? She doesn’t behave like girl?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘The other day, I saw her paying your bill.’

‘Yeah! She does that sometimes. She says she is an independent girl.’

‘C’mon dude! Even Priyanka Chopra doesn’t pay on date and she is Sunayana Verma. Don’t tell me, she gives you gifts too.’

‘Yeah! She does. She gave me this jacket then one key chain, a costly pen and also few books.’

‘This is unbelievable. Dude! There is something really wrong.’

‘Excuse me!’ My friend’s colleague cut in. ‘May I see which Sunayana, you’re talking about? I mean I know one.’

I showed her Sunayana’s picture.

‘Hey! I know her. She is a sweet girl.’

I heaved a sigh of relief. ‘How do you know her?’

‘I was with her in college.’

‘Oh! Wow! See, you people were on unnecessarily sensationalizing the matter’

‘I have her picture too.’ He now showed an old college picture of his classmates.

‘Ankur! Doesn’t she look same as she did five years back?’

‘Well… She should advertise for Santoor.’

‘Fuck man! You don’t get my point. Anyway do you know anything else about her?’ My friend asked his colleague.

‘She wasn’t that social in college but she had one boyfriend.’ He bit his tongue.

‘Oh! That’s ok! Sunayana had told me about him. Even I had a girlfriend not a big deal. Let’s have a drink.’ I shrugged off the topic.

Even though my friend wanted to investigate further, I insisted that we watch the match after all you don’t see Barcelona taking on Man U every day. Perhaps, there were other friends too who were now getting bored.

***

The match ended well before 3 am yet we were awake even one hour after that, we were tired and sloshed after drinking like pig. We had already finished four bottles among six of us yet we didn’t want to sleep and we continued to lounge in my place while my friend went around.

‘Ankur! What’s this?’

‘It’s a book, dude!’

‘You read it?’

‘No. Sunayana gifted me.’

‘Ankur! This is Twilight series, stories of Vampires.’

‘So? She likes them. She fanatically follows Vampire Diaries too.’

‘I knew it. Hey! Can you just tell me where the guy Sunayana dated in college is?’ My friend pestered his colleague again.

‘I don’t know. I never heard of him after college.’

‘How will you hear about if he is not alive anymore?’

‘What do you mean?’ I was now getting frustrated due to his constant questioning about her.

‘Ankur! Don’t you get it? She is not a human, she is a Vampire.’

‘What? No. Are you mad? What are you talking?’

‘Didn’t you see? She doesn’t age. She is too caring. Nobody knows her where about and her ex boyfriend is probably dead.’

‘Fuck you damn! How can you believe such thing? Vampires are myth.’

‘How do I explain you? Wait… Vampires don’t sleep. Give her a call, if she is not Vampire, she won’t pick the call as she would be sleeping.’

‘I’m not doing that.’ I refused.

‘C’mon dude! Please. Do it. We will be confirmed at least.’

‘I love Sunayana.’

‘Yeah! But we don’t know much about her. You know her for just few weeks.’

‘OK! Fine! I am calling her.’

I dialled her number and anxiously waited for her to pick. I so much prayed that our all notion come false and I was heard. She didn’t pick. I called her again, she didn’t pick again.

‘Dial once again.’

‘Enough! I can’t tolerate further against my girlfriend.’

‘Ankur! I’m just a caring friend.’ He justified.

‘Oh! Just fuck off!’ I bawled at him.

There was a silence for a moment in my room after my raised voice. It turned ugly with my friends and I so much didn’t want that to happen that night. My friend too realized it and just when he was about to say sorry. My phone rang.

Sunayana calling.

My fingers trembled as I reached for the slide on my phone to pick the call.

‘Hello!’ I said.

‘Hi Baby! You called.’

‘Yes! I did. I was missing you.’

‘Aww! Baby, I miss you too. I missed your call. I was in another room.’

This was actually stupid thing to think that Sunayana was vampire but then facts don’t lie. I and my friend investigated more about her and there were two things we had zeroed to prod further. First was that I had to know if she had a family or not and why does she leave for home exactly at same time every day. Second thing was that where was her ex boyfriend. Moreover, I also wanted to know why was her name Sunayana. Wasn’t this name too old for this age? One of my grandma’s friend’s name was that. I searched google but then there was no proof whatsoever and no consistent criteria of being a vampire. Even though, it was a torture, I watched the whole twilight series to know more and I did come up with few contradicts. Sunayana ate normal food which vampires don’t as per the series. Sunayana is not even scared of Sun, she didn’t shine in Sun either. Perhaps, she was eagerly waiting for us to go to Alibaug so that she can take a sunbath. The similarities to the facts were of course the one my friend said earlier, she did have prominent dark circles around her eyes and they were deep and hypnotizing, the perfect design for a Vampire.

‘I will leave then.’ She pecked on my cheeks.

‘Can’t you wait more?’ I asked.

‘No.’

‘Sunayana! I want to meet your parents. Did you tell them?’

‘No. Don’t you think it’s too early?’

‘I thought you love me.’

‘Yes, I do but I want we know each other more.’

‘I guess you trust me that’s why you me.’

‘I love you, baby. Why you’re behaving so strange?’

‘What did I say? I just want to meet your parents. Are you not confident that it will work between us?’ I hailed at her.

‘Ankur! What you’re saying? Are you nuts?’

‘I said I want to meet your parents. Stop behaving like Alisha.’

‘Shut up Ankur! Don’t you dare to compare me with that bitch. My parents are not in town.’

‘Then why you want to go home so early.’

‘I’m tired, that’s why!’

‘Fine, then take me with you. I want to see your place.’

‘Ankur! What’s wrong with you? I’m scared now.’

‘Why can’t you take me to you place?’

‘I know what you’re thinking. It’s not happening so soon.’

‘Why not? You love me right?’

‘But there is a difference, this not love. I am not ready for it now.’

‘I knew it, you would refuse.’

‘Oh God! Let’s go. If you want it so much, let’s do it.’

She agreed that easily. Whoa! Wasn’t that too quick? She wanted me to come to her place all alone. Then what? Her so called parents who are out of town will appear, maybe there would be few more of them and they will feast on me. I crumbled inside as I thought about it. I was going nowhere with her.

‘Ok! Fine. I didn’t mean that.’

‘Why you’re backing out now. C’mon let’s go.’ She insisted.

‘I said no. I am not coming. You go home.’

I almost ran from the scene leaving her behind. She called me in the evening but I ignored. When I met her in college, I made sure I don’t meet her alone. I thought to get over my doubts then only take forward the relationship.

‘Ankur! You’ve changed.’

‘I am not. Just I am bit tensed about my future.’

‘Hmmm…’

‘Why you’re so cold about my future?’

‘I said nothing about it.’

‘Exactly! Why don’t you say something about it?’

‘Ankur! Get normal first, I guess then we can talk.’

‘I’m normal. Ok! Fine. You don’t want to talk about future then let’s talk about your past then.’

‘I guess I already told you.’

‘Where is your ex boyfriend now? He is alive?’

‘What?’

‘Where is he?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘You said you loved him.’

‘Yes! I did. That was long back. Now I love you. I fucking don’t know what’s my ex is doing. I am not in touch with him. I don’t care where he is, alive or dead. Anything else?’ She put her hands on her hips as she completed.

‘I didn’t mean that.’

‘Anyway, I am pissed off. I need a break. You only call me when you get normal. I will be waiting for the Ankur for him I fell head over heels.’ She said and walked from there.

I didn’t stop her either. I was back avoiding her and this time even she didn’t come back to me. Meanwhile my friend and his colleague used their resources to find her ex boyfriend but they weren’t successful. In between all these chaos, days passed and soon it was the time for Alibaug trip. I had kept my college friends away from this and hence they too added me and Sunayana to the plans. Perhaps, for them, the bet was still on. Sunayana met me a day before and I asked her if she was done with her break. She hugged and said she didn’t want a break. She just wanted me.

***

I had a simple plan in my mind as I stepped in Alibaug, I would not be with her alone at any cost. Where ever we went that I just followed the group. Sunayana complained a few times but I just didn’t pay any heed. But then at night I got the scare of my life. I and Sunayana were given a separate room. Since, my college friends were unaware of all the happenings, they wouldn’t believe if I told them that I doubted that Sunayana was a Vampire.

I called my friend and told him everything.

‘Dude! You need to be alert.’

‘I will jump from the balcony and run away.’

‘You better do that. You see, it’s new moon today.’

Fuck! I was dead. This was happening so true. I didn’t want to go to Sunayana anymore. I tried to run but my friends caught and pushed me to the room. I tried to tell them about it but they wouldn’t listen at all. Perhaps, they offered to give me double if I managed a blow job. I was finally pushed in the room with that Vampire.

‘Hi Baby!’ She said.

‘Hi!’ I looked at her. She was wearing a very short top and hot pants. She looked damn sexy that for moment I didn’t mind being killed by her.

‘So finally it’s going to happen.’

‘What??’

‘Love. You and me. This is what you wanted, right?’

‘But you said that you were not ready for this.’

‘I guess I am ready now.’ She walked to me and then pushed me to the wall. She started to unbutton me. ‘I love you.’

She then pulled me towards her and shocked with a passionate kiss. For moment, it completely hypnotized me. I forgot my fears. I held her tight and kissed fervently. She turned wild and bit my lips hard.

‘Ouch!’ I cried and pushed her away.

She came towards. I was bleeding, she was looking at me like a hungry lioness and then she pounced on me.

‘I am bleeding.’

‘It’s ok. A little pain is ok.’

‘Why you’re doing this?’

‘Doing what?’

‘Why you want to kill you? I love you so much.’

‘Kill you? What you’re saying?’

‘I know. You’re a Vampire.’

‘What?’ She looked at me. ‘Are you drunk?’

‘C’mon, I investigated about you.’

‘And what you found?’

‘You don’t sleep at night. I had called you at four and you picked.’

‘Because I wake up at four to do yoga.’

‘Why don’t you age?’

‘I thought you would be happy about it. Anyway, the secret is I take care of myself well.’

‘Why you go home early?’

‘Because I want to avoid rush hour traffic, I feel suffocated in traffics.’

‘Where is your boyfriend?’

‘I guess that’s you.’

‘I mean ex.’

‘I don’t know. I am not in touch. Last I heard of him, he went to America.’

‘Are you seriously not vampire?’

‘Fuck off!’ She showed me middle finger. She dressed up and left the room.

I wasn’t sure if I was doing something wrong but then last night my roommates put across a bet rather a challenge for me that I had to take this Sunayana to the Alibaug trip next month and I actually agreed. Since, it was a challenge; no way was I backing out. Moreover, it was actually my first shot to think beyond Alisha. Anyway, if she really had some interest in me, I had to be a real stud. I mean, she was like that poster girl you see in Diarymilk ads; cuteness overloaded in one word. Her big eyes were a clouded hazel, and her thinly plucked eyebrows were shaped into a deceivingly perfect arch that followed the slight curve of her eye. A long nose hooked over continually pursed lips, which were painted a bright red in an unsuccessful effort to mask their natural thinness. Not very long but she had dense hair which reached little beyond her shoulders which bounced as she walked. She was tall and very slim, she had a body which many girls envied and most boys desired. She walked in long strides, her shoulders back and face held forward, wearing tall stiletto heels.

‘Hi!’ I greeted.

She was sitting at the canteen reading a novel. She didn’t even look at me.

‘I’m sorry for yesterday.’ I said.

‘Hmmm…’ She was still engrossed in her novel.

It only meant fuck off for me and seriously there was no point hanging in there. I drew my steps backward but as I looked across the canteen, my friends were standing at a corner gaping at me. They had already presumed my situation in front and I could see the disappointment in their expressions. To be frank, it had been always difficult for me to accept defeat and that also this early seemed really heartbreaking. Anyway, I had nothing to lose and thought to do something out of box. I was yet not over my corporate ways.

‘Hey girl!’ I pulled her novel. ‘I’m talking to you.’

She glared at me furiously. ‘So? I’m not interested.’

‘I am not asking you to date but then I do wish we go for a coffee at least.’

‘And why do you think, I should go with you.’

‘Well… I understood Interstellar.’

I doubt whether you will believe if I say that she actually smiled and went to a nearby CCD after that. We talked over four hours there and only left when she received an urgent call from home but then before that not only did she give me her number but also asked if she could be my date for the next month Alibag trip which my class was planning.

***

‘Bro! How did you do that? Give us some tips.’ One of my roommates asked me excitedly. I had actually turned into a hero that day and we were celebrating in my room.

Frankly speaking even I didn’t have an idea, how it actually happened. I mean did I just beguile the most desired girl of the college on a single shot. You see, picking up a girl is an art and it can’t be learnt. Men who picked up girls so easily and master this art are called ‘Pick-up artists’. Perhaps, I was the Picasso of that art.

Even though I had her number, I didn’t call her or messaged her. I didn’t want her to realize that I was craving for her attention which let her take me for granted just like Alisha. I wanted to play it safe, the ball was her court now and she did fall for it.

Sunayana calling…

‘Hi!’ She said.

‘Hello.’

‘I thought you would call me.’

‘Were you actually expecting my call?’

‘Kind of… I mean I thought you seriously wanted to date me.’

‘I may like you but that doesn’t mean I’m desperate.’

‘You’re not? Well, where is the fun then.’

I was aware where this was heading now. I and Alisha did it almost every night, phone sex. But then wasn’t everything happening too quickly or maybe I was just thinking way too much. I mean she was just talking about fun and unlike boys, for girls fun wasn’t limited to sex. You see, she wasn’t just smart but was bit slick too. She had her different class, I realized as we continued talking and what I really liked about her was she showed and immense interest in me and my lifestyle which was a welcome feeling. I hardly had such lovely moments with Alisha. The only time she had pleased is when she went down towards my leg while on bed. Anyway, my curiosity towards Sunayana grew and I couldn’t control myself from asking her why did she show interest in me?

‘I told you before, I find you cool. Moreover, I feel isolated among these kids. My thinking doesn’t match with them.’

‘How come?’

‘I don’t belong to them. I’m older. I am 25.’

‘What?’ I asked.

‘It’s simple, I prefer being with someone from my age group and moreover, I appreciate that you understood Interstellar.’

***

And I was all right about Alisha’s vacation, my all fears had come to true. She actually got hitched in Luncknow with some IIM guy there. She didn’t care to let me know about it. Perhaps, I came to know about the proceedings from her What’s app DP. Seriously, bitch seemed an understatement. How it could be that easy for her to marry some other guy after sleeping with me for six years. The above line is actually the first instance that I had ever abused her; I had been always caring and loving to her. Moreover, I wonder what else I could have done more to keep her. I would have been not that hurt if she had at least told me about this once. Was I that worthless to her that it had to end with a DP? Was my love not enough? Whatelse? I had money with me even and only reason, she left me because I went to an ordinary college. Was she a human or a mere job opportunity where you need a hefty resume to fit in? Perhaps, the phone through which she was flaunting the photograph was gifted to her on her last birthday. I had flown from Germany just to celebrate her birthday which I so strictly did ever since we were together. I never thought that would be the last birthday together.

Isn’t it funny how the memories you cherish before a breakup can become your worst enemies afterwards? The thoughts you loved to think about, the memories you wanted to hold up to the light and view from every angle; it suddenly seems a lot safer to lock them in a box, far from the light of day and throw away the key. It’s not act of bitterness. It’s an act of self-preservation. It’s not always a bad idea to stay behind the window and look out at life instead, is it?

I got into a shell, stopped talking to everyone. I didn’t even pick calls from home. I locked myself in my hostel room mourning about Alisha, it’s not that easy to delete six years of your life but it seemed so for her. Alisha blocked me from everywhere as if it was me who was cheating. Suddenly, this Symbiosis thing seemed so meaningless as it reminded me of her. The only way to get rid of the pain was to get a job somewhere out of India where no one knew me.

I told my decision to my friends in college and nobody actually protested. Everyone knew how much I was hurt. I had already mailed to my seniors in Volkswagen and they were more than happy to take me back. I thought to treat everyone before I leave and hence organized a small party. I invited Sunayana too.

‘So you’re leaving?’ Sunayana asked me.

‘Yes! I’m.’

‘Can something stop you from going?’ She held my hand.

I drifted her immediately. ‘Sunayana! Don’t get me wrong but this is not happening. I just had a break up and she was the love of my life.’

‘So what now? The love is gone, now what to do with your life? End it?’

‘This is not funny.’

‘I know isn’t and this is not depressing either. Look at the brighter side; you finally came to know the real face of her. Be happy, move on and start a new life.’

‘Alone?’

‘Who said? Am I not there with you?’

‘You do. Thanks for being there. But then are you not angry with me. I lied to you. I was playing with you.’

‘Well not really rather I am happy that she’s gone. I can now play with you, time for revenge.’

She smiled.

We kissed.

Some six years after that first date, we were out yet again on another date and I was as excited as I was on our first date. Every moment spend with Alisha was special for me, I had been that over loving and over caring always. May be that’s why Alisha had always taken me for granted, she knew no matter what I was going nowhere and most importantly, she knew I can do anything to make her stay.

‘This time, it won’t work.’ She retorted.

‘Did you tell your parents about me?’ I asked.

‘They know about you and our relationship since the time, you picked up that call from dad on my phone at 1.30 am.’

‘It was a mistake; I thought it was my phone.’

‘Anyway, I don’t think my parents want us to get married.’

‘I know that since long, you just tell me what you want?’

‘I think it’s time I should get married to someone, I have some criteria though.’

‘Rich and?’

She glared at me for a moment and then came up with her weird parameter. ‘I want someone who is highly intellectual.’

‘Am I not? God damn! I’m the youngest project manager at Volkswagen.’

‘And graduated from where? Yet another college of Engineering!’

‘C’mon Alisha! You too studied there.’

‘Exactly my point! If I could make it there then it’s not that big deal at all.’

‘Didn’t you just insult yourself by saying that?’

‘I just said the fact. Anyway, my husband should be at least from Symbiosis if not from some IIM or IIT and better take that seriously because I am planning to get married in a year.’

‘Are you freaking mad? A MBA course will take at least two years to complete.’

‘You see we are meeting again only when you learn to talk to me with respect.’ She rose and walked outside the restaurant with the same elegance as she had walked in.

I paid the bill and then dropped her home. She didn’t say word all the way, I too didn’t pester her. I very well knew she was not to budge from her demands even though they were unrealistic and cruel, always. But then, I was in love and fully committed to save the relationship because at the end, the crave to impress her had always taken me to new levels. I stopped my car at a book store.

‘Do you have any good book for SNAP preparation?’

***

One year has passed since then and I had only managed to take admission in Symbiosis. But then that was actually the hardest of the task towards my target. All I had to do now was to clear four semesters and also pray that Alisha didn’t find her IITian meanwhile. You see this is what these big institutes have been doing since ages, helping nerds get the hottest girls around.

I found my first class and quietly sat at a front bench, I was on to my purpose from day one rather hour one. The professor came in the class and started with short introductions from everyone there. I soon realized almost all of them where in school when I had started working. Anyway, I wasn’t there to socialize, I was on a mission.

‘Hello everyone! I am Ankur Mehra. I am a mechanical Engineer graduated in 2009. I had worked for Volkswagen for five years as a project engineer before joining this institute.’

Everyone looked at me with curious expression, there was a pin drop silence after I completed. That was more like a Professor’s introduction; I rather doubt the one standing in front of me had better merits than that. Anyway, I said thank you and took my seat.

***

A few weeks in Symbiosis and I started to jell with my classmates not because I was just friendly but I had way too much money for a college life. If not rich my job at Volkswagen job had made me half rich, by Alisha’s standard I was quarter rich. Moreover, I wasn’t just good handling the bills but I was good with assignments too. I don’t know what love does to others but it had surely made me intelligent. Perhaps, a bit more advanced for my class.

‘So class, today we will demonstrate how actual deals happen in corporate. I need few volunteers who would acts as the parties…’ My professor had been doing these stupid gimmicks since a week now. Sometimes, I actually wondered whether I had enrolled for MBA or some acting class.

‘Ma’am!’ I raised my hand.

‘Yes, Ankur! You want to volunteer?’

‘Well… No. Actually, I wanted to say, can we just move on.’

‘What?’

‘Can you teach something else?’

‘Well… If you’re that disinterested with my class, you’re free to move out.’

‘I didn’t mean that. I was just putting up a suggestion.’

‘In that I suggest you to get out.’

Slowly, I was becoming the Munnabhai of my class. I was yet to get over my corporate ways and understand that it was a class and not some project meeting which we try to wrap as early as possible. Two years seemed way too much for me, even though I was popular but was an outcast too. I wondered how I would explain them that I was actually on a mad rush. I seriously didn’t care for anything else except that degree but if it continued that way, I would have same fate of Munnabhai and my Chinky was not at all understanding.

I headed to the library which in today’s age of internet was a mere isolated sitting area. I took a seat at a corner table and tried to relax.

‘Hi!’

I looked up, a hot and sexy girl was smiling at me but then I was committed. I ignored her.

‘Ankur, I’m your classmate.’ She said.

‘Which assignment do you want?’

‘I don’t want your assignments. I just came to talk to you. You’re so cool.’

Girls these days, I tell you. ‘I have a girlfriend, pretty lady.’

‘How rude was that? I said that I want to be your friend not here to sleep with you. I thought you must be low after been thrown out of class and just for sake of generosity thought to talk to you but you seem to be a psychic.’ She stormed out of the library.

I soon regretted for being so rude to her but then I had a very bad day. Alisha had messaged me that she was going on a vacation to Lucknow with her parents. Who goes to vacation to Lucknow that also with parents? I was kind of sure that they were probably going to meet some suitor there. Moreover, the fact that there was an IIM in the city was giving me more tension. But then as much as I had known Alisha over the years, she wouldn’t think twice for leaving me if she finds a guy with her parameters. She was that blunt and cruel yet I don’t know why I loved her so much. You see, guys are always casual about relationships initially but once they get committed, they are in for life.

I spend the rest of the day waiting for her call and when she didn’t I drove to a pub in ABC farms, I took my roommates too for company and as I had earlier, I can’t stop myself blabbering about Alisha. Though I had pledged that I would keep my secrets away from these kids but after few drinks, you hardly have control on your tongue. So, the whole story of mine with Alisha from kiss to blow job was now known to my roommates all in details.

‘You’re stud!’ They cheered.

‘I love her.’

‘Ankur! Why do you even care now? You had already rammed her so many times. You’re so successful in life, just fuck that bitch and move on.’

‘C’mon dude! It’s not that easy. I am not young anymore to get a hot chick. Moreover, I hadn’t known a more pretty girl than Alisha. I don’t want to downgrade now.’

‘Bro! What you’re saying? Didn’t just notice Sunayana?’

‘Now who is she?’

‘The girl you just pissed off today. She had to be the prettiest girl in our college. Whole college is talking about her and you’re the only she had ever shown interest into.’

‘Really? But she said she just wanted to friends with me.’

‘She said that to just you. Now you know what I mean?’

 

‘Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies.’ I read that board firmly, I finally made it. A year of preparations, two different coaching classes, six hours of practice every day after a full time job, make it eighteen hours for weekends, fifty mock tests, all for a stupid exams called CAT and at the end, your name that is – ‘Ankur Mehra’ appears on a list leaving behind over fifty thousand applicants.

I took a long breath and walked inside the gate. There was a sudden adrenaline rush in my body, I was actually back to college after working as a Mechanical engineer for five years. I still remember the day when I had written the last paper of my engineering. When my friends waited at the college grounds congratulating and celebrating the occasion, I had ran straight to my hostel room, took out my all notes from the study table and burnt them. Yeah! I didn’t burnt books only to sell them in the evening to buy a bottle of Blender’s Pride. I had been cynical about my studies to that level but then what actually kept me going over the years? Well… that’s not a secret anyway. Perhaps the biggest truth of my life- Alisha Singh.

Anybody who knew me for more than an hour would have known her, she was all over me. She was my first crush … well no… that was Divya Bharti, I guess. Anyway, moving on. Alisha was my first crush in college, then my first girlfriend, my first love, my first true love, my first kiss, well my first smooch to be precise, my first sex and lastly my first and only blowjob of my life. I met on the first day of her college, I was a year senior to her though I flunked in maths that semester and became her batch mate. However we never actually ended up in the same class ever.

Even though, she was admitted to Mechanical engineer but then she soon realized that she would be the only in the class from next year. Hence, she just changed her stream to IT at the end of first year and my all planning to be her first friend in new class were shattered. Yet, I didn’t lose any hope and after a wait of another one and half year, I finally took her for a date and how did I manage do that was itself a heroic feat which not only me but my whole Mechanical department is proud of.

You see, after few unsuccessful attempts in the third semester of her college, I came to know that she was already dating the topper of IT. So when, when they broke up after next semester after her boyfriend CGPA fell to some 8.9, he thought to concentrate on studies. Anyway, Alisha was always high on maintenance. I didn’t wait a moment after the news of her break up reached my ears, I headed straight to her class and after the lecture when she came outside, I proposed her.

‘Alisha!’ I called her name as she passed me.

She didn’t notice me.

‘Alisha!’ I called harder and this time not only she but her whole class turned at me.

‘What?’ She asked.

‘I want to say something.’ I said.

‘You see, I generally don’t talk to wannabes but then looking at your desperate face, I know I am to be proposed once again. So, in order to save embarrassments for both of us, I will just make it clear that I either date a rich or a topper, no compromise.’

I was taken aback on her point blank reply. I wondered what to say her, I hadn’t paid my three months hostel bills and you already know about my academics. Anyway, she too didn’t wait for my reply and started walking with her gang. A hysterical laugh floated among the onlookers there as she was leaving. Well, I wasn’t just embarrassed but felt simply ashamed of what just happened.

‘Alisha, what if I top next semester?’ I screamed at her.

She stopped and snapped at me. ‘Dude! We will kiss on our first date then.’

***

Six months later, there was a huge crowd outside the mechanical department as the result was to be declared and the only thing the crowd wanted to know that if Ankur Mehra was at the top of the list. And yes! It was there. I made history not by topping the class but for the first ever, a mechanical guy was going on a date and that also with the hottest girl in the college.

I would be lying if I say, it was all my efforts. Perhaps, my whole department contributed in my success. That day outside that IT classroom, it wasn’t just a Mechanical was insulted but the shame came to our whole department and hence, everyone took part in the challenge to prove that Mechanical students are not meant to be fucked by those lathe machines in our workshop but we can to have the fuck in reality too. Every person in my department helped, the first benchers shared their notes while the last benchers gave me their books which was anyway never touched. When it was a tradition in hostel that juniors wrote seniors’ assignments, my seniors had completed most my assignments. Even the guy at the stationery store of our college finished the binding of my sheets first even if they reached last. I never had to worry for my attendance in class, if I missed any class, my class mates happily gave proxy so that I don’t miss on term work marks based on attendance. Even the lab assistant took a special care that my workshop job was beyond perfect. Lastly, how can I forget the special class of Thermodynamics just a day before the exam by my professor since I was weak in that subject? Though I am not sure about this fact but then some say that the previous topper of my class purposely left two question just in case…

Anyway, Alisha kept her words. I didn’t even have to reach her. I soon received message on my cell about the details of the venue of our date.

Lakhme Rose Cherry lip gloss taste like neither rose nor cherry.

Long long ago, there was a prosperous kingdom ruled by an ambitious King. Everyone in that kingdom respected the King and equally feared him. He had a little Prince with him who was to succeed him in future and a beautiful princess was given the responsibility to take care of the little Prince. With years to come by the Prince became Princess’s whole world killing all the desires in her but somewhere inside she was always curious to explore the world out of the Castle.

One day, the King went for a war in the neighboring state with all his powerful army leaving only handful soldier to guard the Castle. So one noon, the Princess decided to go on an adventure. After the Prince slept, she with her couple of private guards went outside the Castle. The Princess always had the fascination towards the woods. She had always heard the stories of beautiful birds and amazing animals there; the careless wild lily there is several times better than the best rose from the royal garden.

She was enamored by the nature’s beauty, as she strolled around the woods. At some time when she realized that it was actually getting late, she found that her guards were missing and she was deep in the woods. She was lost. She was scared, if she had heard all the good things of wood, she had also known the bad facts- the wild and cruel animals, the darkness and the wood warriors. She was helpless and gave up on hopes of finding the way out after failing many times. She sat under a tree and cried. Her little tears rolled down her pink cheeks and tinkled like a pearl in the evening sun. She was so tired that with the sun setting down she felt her eyes being dropped, forever.

It was almost dark when she woke; she still felt clumsy and drowsy but the melodious sound coming from far away gave her some hope. The Princess followed the sound and reached a perch where under a tree, a young man was sitting and playing a mandolin. The music was so soothing that it even attracted the birds and animals which seemed dazed at the young man’s feat. The Princess sat nearby and listened to it merrily.

Once he was done, he stood up and bowed at his little audience. The Princess just couldn’t control herself for applauding him and started clapping. The young man glared at her angrily; of course the Princess wasn’t a person to be welcomed there. The young guy was one those wood warriors who were protecting the wood from the King and his strong army. The Royals were always treated as enemies in the woods and were to be killed immediately. The Wood Warrior pulled his sword and hurled at the Princess. The Princess begged for mercy as the little Prince back at the Castle will die without her.

The Warriors instincts wanted him to knock the Princess’s head down but his heart stopped him. The beauty of Princess was divine; the warrior was charmed by those big eyes, golden hair long hair, small nose and low lips. He put his sword back and offered the Princess to help. The Princess rode his horse while the warrior walked ahead playing his magical mandolin. The Princess was so impressed by his humble and mystic persona that she promised him that she would meet him every night after the Little Prince sleeps.

The Princess came to the terrace of the Castle every night and called the name of the Warrior looking at the woods. He would appear in no time and then sitting at a rock by the river, he would play her the Mandolin. It happened that way for next few months and slowly, the Warrior started to love the Princess with his life. The Princess on her part couldn’t express her feelings to Warrior for the sake of her responsibilities.

Soon, the King returned and the Castle had its tight security back. The Princess now couldn’t come to meet the Warrior but he waited for her every night at the rock. Days passed by, the love inside the Warrior was growing in desperation and he couldn’t stay any longer away from the Princess. He would get inside the Kingdom and inquire about the Princess which created many rumors in the town that a mad lover of Princess is moving around which actually made the Princess very upset. Might be she loved the Warrior but she knew she could never go to him and by seeing all these crazy acts by the Warrior; she started to regret their love. She would lock herself in her room for hours crying.

The King came to know about the Princess’s sadness and he ordered his ministry to do something about it. The ministry hired four courtiers who tried to mend the loneliness of the Princess. They praised her all time, told her tales of different countries, sang for her and played with her all time. Might be the Princess didn’t understand all these were fake, for the fact that the courtiers were being paid for it but gradually, the Princess started to move on.

The Castle saw a celebrations every night and the Warrior watched them from the rocks, his little Mandolin could no longer reach the Princess and the Warrior started to think that he was about to lose his Love forever. One day, the Warrior in the desire to see the Princess, slipped in the Castle. He searched all over the place and finally reached the court where the Princess was sitting with everyone. The Princess was astonished to see the Warrior, might be she feared the King or just cared for the little Prince too much that she refused to recognize the Warrior. The Warrior begged to her but she ran from the court crying. The King ordered his soldiers to catch the Warrior and kill him. However, the Warrior was too swift for the soldiers. He jumped over the wall and disappeared in the woods. The Soldiers hunted for him far long but couldn’t find him.

Next morning, the river passing through the Kingdom mysteriously turned red. The soldiers came in to find out the reason. They searched along the river but didn’t find anything except the broken Mandolin on the rocks.

Nobody ever heard about the Warrior again. He just vanished forever. It has been centuries after that. The King’s splendid Castle is now in ruins. But the legend says if ever a girl goes up to the terrace and calls the Warrior’s name; the magical Mandolin is still heard.

 

‘Good Morning Sir!’ I greet my boss as I enter his cabin.

‘Good Morning.’ He welcomes me with a warm smile.

‘Sir, I have been waiting for you since morning.’ I say.

‘Oh! I see.’ He answers coldly.

‘Is everything Ok?’ I ask.

‘Yes! Boy.’ He says. ‘You’re a very nice guy, I must say. You work very hard.’

His tone is very different. You don’t give a good news that way rather console someone. I become anxious. ‘Sir, is there a problem?’

‘Well not really. Perhaps, I have two news for you. One good or bad.’

I frown by this time. I can feel a big lump in my throat already. My eyes become teary. ‘Don’t tell me sir that I am not going to US.’ I cry.

He looks at me with a sad expression and then nods.

‘No Sir. It can’t be. Say you’re just kidding.’ I glare at him with a hope but he looks away. Tears now roll down my cheeks.

‘C’mon! It’s not a big deal. We will send you next time.’

‘You’re wrong, Sir. It was never a deal. It was about my life.’ I bawled at him.

‘Makhija!’ He shouts at me. ‘Behave yourself. We wanted you to go but then your name didn’t come in Visa lottery.’

Now you know why I hate my surname. Anyways, that’s not important right now what’s important and perhaps disastrous is that my dreams are shattered due to some stupid lottery. Destiny! You’re an asshole. No US, No gym, no salad, no money, no home, no car and finally no Reema. I have only felt this bad when I had lost my mother.

‘Makhija!’ My boss shakes me as I am lost in my own tragedy. God can’t be that cruel.

‘Yes Sir!’ I wipe my tears.

‘I told you there is a good news too.’ He adds but then as if I care. Even if he says that Sachin is coming back from retirement, it can’t fill up for my loss.

‘Hmm…’ I grunt.

‘We have acknowledged your performance and have given you a bonus of 1 lakh. By the time you reach home, the money shall be deposited in your account.’

‘Thank you, sir.’ I take a leave.

I rush to washroom. I can’t control my tears anymore. Perhaps, when I reach and I burst in tears. Boys who say that they don’t cry actually have never seen dreams because when those dreams break, the pain is enormous. It just not breaks your heart but breaks your soul too. I am moaning like a cow inside the washroom. The warm tears had dried up and I am feeling thirsty now. I come outside the loo and find couple of guys standing there. I look at them in sheer embarrassment, they had all heard me crying inside. I try to sneak way.

‘Pankaj Sir!’ Someone calls me.

I turn to find the office boy. ‘Yes!’

‘HR madam ne bola hai ki apko Santa Claus banna hai.’

I snap at him but then he was just a poor fellow doing his job and there was no point that I take out my frustration over him, after all I am a nice guy. Perhaps, it wasn’t anyone’s fault. May be God has some better plans for me, I console myself. It was actually better if I accept my destiny and move on. I have always believed that no matter what job you’ve been given, you must always give your best. Perchance, it seemed the best way to get over my pain.

I take the dress with me and wear it. Some other people from the HR team comes to help me with the make-up. I smile and co-operate with them. In some time, I am ready in my new role as Santa.

I stroll around the office ringing the bell and shouting ‘Ho Ho! Merry Christmas.’ I distribute chocolates and gifts to the employees. Two girls from HR had accompanied as Santa’s helper. Everyone is happy to see which makes me feel very important for the occasion. They call me, they greet me, they ask me for gifts and finally take selfies with me. I happily pose with them. I feel like a celebrity. I didn’t know that being Santa was so cool. I think I do this job every year.

But then there is an announcement for everyone to gather in lobby. Everyone reaches there. One guy from network is ready with his guitar. Once everyone is settled, he starts strumming the strings and begins singing ‘Chura liya.’ Girls awe for him as he continues singing. Perhaps they cheer for him and want him to sing more. Suddenly, people forget about me. They don’t want to take selfies with me anymore.

I frown again. Actually, all that applause wasn’t for me but for my dress and the occasion. I realize, I am still the same loser behind the mask. I seriously wonder if just having a good heart and being nice is enough in this world. May be not. A human mind desires more. Can a guy like me ever find love?

***

Office ends soon. Everyone leaves for home, so do I. But before going home, I had to visit this studio, to return the Santa dress. The HR bitch handed it to me as the studio was near my place. Anyway, I already had a bad day. I laugh as I realize that it was supposed to be my greatest day. I shake my head and walk to the station. I am actually upset, very upset.

I board my regular train but suddenly that trains seems more packed, more noisy and more rude. I notice people are staring at me weirdly as if everyone hate me. They don’t give me way rather shout at me if I mistakenly touched them. I wonder, they all had known about my failures. How can I really make someone around me like me. I don’t know.

I finally get a seat. I sit there yet I feel a strange discomfort around me. The train seemed to have slowed down automatically. The way to home seems never ending. I suffocate there. I hid my face in my palms. I pray that I reach home as soon as possible.

‘Bhaiya! Merry Christmas.’

I look up to find a small kid selling Santa key chains. I smile. He smiles back. I take a Key chain and ask him the price, he says Rs. 20. I pay him. He seems so happy. I ask him where he stays, he says Ambedkar Ashram. It is an orphanage near my home. I feel bad about him. I buy ten more key chains. He becomes so happy. He even invites me to come with to their orphanage, this year they are actually celebrating Christmas as some has donated a huge cake.

I don’t know why but I accompany him. And when I reach there, I see so many kids like him there. All were dressed to their best clothes. There was a minimal decoration around yet the kids were so excited. I even see two torn socks hanging. Probably for Santa. I am been introduced to the manager there, she too welcomes me. The kid who brought me there tells her that I bought ten key chains. She thanks me.

We all gather in the main hall, the cake is brought. It is not big rather not even sufficient for all but then it isn’t about eat the cake, it is about celebrating the festival which these kids know so well. I never thought that a little cake can do wonders. As a little girl cuts the cake everyone cheer for her. She seems so happy. I give her one chocolate from my office.

‘Are you Santa?’ She asks.

I shake my head.

‘I wish he was here. I wanted some gifts.’

‘What you want.’ I ask.

‘I would have asked for new clothes for everyone. These clothes are all old.’

‘Don’t you want anything for yourself?’

She shakes her head. ‘This frock was just given to me in Diwali.’ She smiles.

I am moved. She must be hardly six year old yet she was so generous to wish for everyone and there was I, selfish moron who was upset because he could not go to US. That little girl was happy for a frock which was given to her in Diwali. She is happy with what she has and now she wants something for friend. What great lesson she taught me!

I so wish I could do something for her, I prayed. And God just heard me. My phone beeped and there was a SMS from bank that one lakh rupees has been deposited to my account as performance bonus.

And one hour later….

‘Ho ho! Merry Christmas.’ The Santa Claus has arrived.

***

I return just before dinner after returning my Christmas costume in the studio. The greatest day in my life was just coming to an end. I never thought that buying few gifts for those orphan kids will probably give me so much of love. I still can’t get over the peck that the little girl gave me and said – ‘I love you Santa. You’re the best.’ It gave a sense of happiness which I think even US ticket wouldn’t have given. I have realized my mistake. I should stop complaining and get on with my life with a faith in God. He has plans for everyone.

I give a key chain to my nephew. He is so happy to get it.

‘Mama, you know I have put these stockings on the balcony for Santa.’ He tells me.

‘Really? Show me.’

‘Wait! Let me see where is dad? If he sees us, he will get angry. He says there is nothing called Santa. No one has ever seen him. He doesn’t exist.’

‘Well… He doesn’t know then. If he says like that next time ask if he has seen god ever. If no, then why he prays to God daily. If Santa doesn’t exist then so do Gods.’

He returns me a blank look. Anyway, he ignores and shows me the stalking. We talk a lot that day. I even give him my mobile to play. He sleeps playing games. I cover him with bed sheet and then go to balcony to keep a gift in the hanged stockings.

‘So this is how Santa looks.’ Didi teases me. She might have heard me talking to her son before.

‘Well… Didi, it’s not about the God vs Santa. It’s about hope vs desires. Greed vs faith.’

‘Oh god! When did you turn a philosopher?’

‘C’mon Didi! All I want to say that if having a faith on Santa and God can make people happy then let them be. What is God to you, it is Santa to me and these kids. You see, he has plans for everyone, you just need to have faith on him.’

‘Oh really? Then what Santa is planning for you?’

‘I really wonder if she will fit in the bag with Santa carries.’ I pause to see Didi. She looks baffled. ‘Anyway, merry Christmas.’

 

 

 

 

It is 12 am, mid night but the greatest day of my life has already began. However, the moment which would make this day as the greatest is still at least another ten hours away. Of course, the wait is killing me, forget about sleeping, I can’t even close eyes for a second. I keep checking phone then the wall clock, my wrist watch and finally the clock in my laptop but they all move with the same pace as if they all have conspired not to move ahead. Nevertheless, I do sleep that night but in stages because even though my mind isn’t but my body is heavily tired because of the hectic day. Anyway, I still don’t remember how, when and where did I sleep. Each time, I woke up at new place. Finally, in the morning, I find myself in the bathtub.



The first thing that I do after waking each time is to check the time. Perhaps, it is other way round I woke each time to check time and get disappointed every time as there is hours left for me to leave for office. Yes! You read it right. I am excited to go to office. No matter how unbelievable it seemed but that is true. You see, I am not just waiting for this day since weeks, months or years. I had waited for this all my life. The loser’s life that I had been living was to change forever. Anyway, all this time while I am talking to you, I completely forget that last time I had checked time, I was already late and if I continue narrating my story, I might miss my chance to see Reema. Yeah! She is my crush, squeeze, bae, love of life, what else? She is everything that I ever wished for. I secretly call her babe.

‘Panku! Come out fast. The breakfast is ready.’ That’s my sister calling out from the dining table. By the way my name is Pankaj and I prefer being called by that because you seriously can’t get me a good nickname derived from my original name. Pankaj sounds a lot better than Panku, Panks, Panky, etc. Yeah! Better don’t ask me my surname. I hate it anyway.

Of course, it is expected that I should shout at my sister for calling by such stupid name and like every brother and sister we will fight but I can’t do that. I have to be polite and nice to her no matter what and that’s not because I love or respect her but for the fact that I stay in her house. Well, it was not that way till couple of year back when my parents met a road accident and died. ‘Take care of your brother.’ Those were my mother’s last words and with that I lost everything I had with me.

My Didi took me with her and made me stay with her three year old kid in his room. He’s actually cute until he asks for my mobile or laptop to play games and he kind of does that every time, he sees me. Yeah! My laptop has no hidden folders anymore. Evidently, I had thought to move back to my parents’ flat many times but then few months back Jiju asked me for the flat’s keys for some reason and never really gave back. I have even lost hope by now that I am getting it back ever again.

I get ready, pack my stuff and walk to the dining table only to find aloo gobi once again. I hate aloo gobi more than my surname. I put the lid of the vessel back and pretend I got a call from office.

‘Oh yeah! I’ll be there, right now.’ I say on phone and pick my bag to leave.

‘Panku! You’re not going anywhere without having breakfast.’ Didi stops me.

‘Didi! I have to go. There is this urgent call, you saw right.’ I explain to Didi.

‘Yes! I saw you made see how urgently you have to leave.’ Didi smiles. ‘I know you don’t like Aloo Gobi, give me a minute, I will make omelette for you.’

‘Priya! Isn’t it Thursday today? We don’t eat non-veg on Thursday.’ That rude man is my Jiju. After all the sins he did all his life, he expects God to give him heaven for not eating an omelette on Thursday.

‘It’s alright! Panku doesn’t like Aloo Gobi.’

‘I think he should behave like a grown up and stop throwing these unnecessary tantrums.’ Jiju shouts and the regular argument begins.

I have been so used to this melodrama now that I completely ignore and move out of the house. The funny part is that they don’t even notice that the person, they are fighting for, has left. Anyway, that’s their daily routine, they can’t really begin their days without shouting on each other, I have better things to do in.
I walk faster to reach the station but then I realize that I am already late and I may miss the 8:45 am ladies special local train. Well, let me correct, I am not taking the train but that’s Reema’s regular train to office and perhaps, the only time I get to see her. I don’t even know where she lives or works. Since, almost a year now, I see her there standing at the platform no. 2 waiting for the ladies special train to CST. I couldn’t figure out much about her, all I had noticed is that she is shy and loves music because that’s what she does every morning, listens to loud music at full volume. I haven’t seen her talking to anyone ever but seen her swag, a lot. She doesn’t have long hair but just few some inches below her shoulders but she has these different styles of hairdos for almost every day. She sports read streak of hair right through the middle. She is tall and slim with big kohl eyes and bright smile. She’s a mess of gorgeous chaos and you can see it in her eyes. Am I sounding like a stalker? I am not. I just love her, way too much may be.

I rather take an auto if I don’t want to miss the chance to her but then it is easier to spot a leopard than an empty auto in Borivali at the peak hours. But as I said that it is the greatest day of my life, I finally find one at the other end of the road. I call for it and the auto driver looks at me. He slows down and stops at a corner. I rush to the other side of the road ignoring the traffic, locals and autos are worth risking your life in Mumbai. But when I reach there, I see already two elderly persons standing near it. They ask the auto driver to take them to hospital but the auto driver refuses as he says that I called first. He is actually not being honest there but for the fact that at this peak time going to hospital is like a loss as you don’t get any commuters back this early. But I am nice, I ask the auto driver to take them to hospital. I can manage my way to station. The auto driver frowns at me, I know he is abusing me but the elderly aunty smiles at me and says- thank you.

‘Bus dua mein yaad rakhna.’ I reply.

***

Once upon a time, there was a Devil who ruled over the Hell with his fellow monstrous Demons. They were so powerful and invincible that even the angels feared them. So, they now aimed to conquer the Heaven. Their this desire was no secret to the Angels and they were very well aware that they stand nowhere to the destructive forces of Demons. However, it was then suggested to the Angels that they seek the help of the Emperor of Earth in the war since to reach the Heaven, the Demons had to pass through Earth.

The Emperor was rather overwhelmed to help the Angels and maintain the peace in Universe. He picked the bravest of the Generals from his army to lead the war. The chosen one was called Dark Knight for he was as dark as the night sky. He was tall enough to be not considered as human. He was strong like a bull and brave like a tiger. He was sharp as an eagle and cruel like a crocodile. His eyes screamed terror and his mighty sword got rusted due to blood stains. He was trained to kill, mercilessly. He had no emotions, nobody ever had seen him smile or even cry when in pain. They say, he had a heart of rock.

The Dark Knight lived up to the expectations and successfully led the war. The Demons were not only stagnated but were bruised, brutally. Forget about Heaven, they could not even stand on the Earth and they ran away in all directions. There was peace all over and it was the time for celebration. God was so happy with Dark Knight’s feat that God invited him to heaven to be part of the celebration. There in Heaven, the Dark Knight was honored for his valor and bravery. For the first time ever, he was seen smiling.

After he returned to Earth, he always felt that someone was following him all over. He knew in his whole life, he has seen more enemies than the bright Sun. He stayed alert and one night when he pretended to be sleeping, he actually noticed that it was a mysterious light that was after him. He wasn’t though scared but became more cautious about it and when one noon when he again pretended to be sleeping, the light came too close to him, he hurled his sword to it. Though he missed but he heard a loud cry and before the light could escape, Dark Knight threatened that this time he wouldn’t miss if it doesn’t tells its identity. The light immediately turned into a beautiful Angel which was actually its true identity. Dark Knight was mesmerized by the sight of Angel but still couldn’t understand the feeling going in him.

The Angel told him that she saw him in the celebrations in Heaven and was so impressed by his tale that she couldn’t stop herself being attracted towards him. The Dark Knight had never heard of such good things or had seen such beauty. Since then, they met every day and had their romance going on. Might be that thing called LOVE was something new and confusing to Dark Knight but he loved being that way. Slowly and steadily, the Angel imbued all kind of emotions in him.

Everybody now noticed the sudden changes in Dark Knight, he now smiled and laughed, even sang often and cried when Angel didn’t turn up to see him. They were curious about it and the Dark Knight being innocent as a child from heart would narrate about their romance, something the Angel didn’t appreciate since it was forbidden for an angel to even talk to a human forget about love. So, the Angel warned Dark Knight to stop talking about her or else she would stop coming to him but the Dark Knight wouldn’t listen as he enjoyed boasting about the Angel with his friends. Moreover, Dark Knight started to pester her not to return to Heaven and stay with him forever which was actually something impossible.

Angel was just fed up with this guy and stopped coming down to him which broke Dark Knight from inside, he cried for her everyday but the Angel didn’t budge, she was damn stubborn. The depressed Dark Knight started to stay aloof thinking of the days with Angel and a way to win her back.

The Devil had actually kept an eye on Dark Knight ever since he was defeated by Dark Knight. He had now finally found the weakness in Dark Knight, the only obstacles between him and the Heaven. He thought for a way to get rid from his biggest enemy and then conquer his dream.

He went to the Dark Knight in the disguise of a Saint and asked him why he was so upset. The Dark Knight readily shared his story with the Saint and the Saint agreed to help him since he was touched by the Dark Knight’s story. He asked him why he didn’t hold her back when she used to come to him. The Dark Knight said that whenever he tried to insist her on staying back, she would get angry and fly away.

The Saint thought for a while and suggested Dark Knight to call her for one last and try to convince her, if even then she refuses then cut her wings so that she couldn’t fly back to heaven. The Dark Knight freaked out, he refused to do so since that will give her a lot of pain and even might take her life. The Saint now assured that he had few divine powers with him which would take all the pain from her. Unwillingly, the Dark Knight agreed to the Saint for his greediness to get his love back.

He went to the rocks where they usually met and called her name many times. The Angel appeared sighting that his voice may reach to God and also made up her mind that this was actually their last meet, seeing the craziness in him, she regretted falling for him.

As usual, the Dark Knight cried to her insisting her to stay back on Earth with but the Angel simply refused. Their disagreement soon rose to an argument and the Angel thought to return which only provoked the Dark knight, he took his sword and slashed it against the Angel’s wings. It tore apart the wings and she collapsed. She died craving in pain and the Dark Knight could do nothing about it. He searched for the Saint but he was gone, so was the Angel. The Dark Knight’s world just came to an end after the end of Angel. He ran to some forest repenting on his sins.

Meanwhile, The Devil saw the golden opportunity under the circumstances to complete his dream. He prepared his demons and marched towards Heaven, tramping everything that came in their way. They seemed unstoppable as they crushed all the forces which dared to challenge them. Heaven was soon near and the only man who could stop them was not reachable.

God had to intervene.

God went to the Dark Knight and ordered him to join his army immediately and fight against the demons. The Dark Knight said that he already lost everything and had nothing to fight for. God then promised that he would make the Angel alive again if the Dark Knight agreed to fight. There was no way, he would say no but God had his own conditions. God cursed Dark Knight for being cruel and selfish, killing his love with his own hands that he would never ever get his love again. Though the Dark Knight broke her trust but the God feared that if not trust, the Dark knight could easily win her heart back. Moreover, the Angel too deserved to be punished too for breaking the rules of Heaven and loving a human. In her new life, she was not given a heart so that she could not fall in love with anyone again. God also told Dark Knight about how he was crooked by the Devil and how he had destroyed his love on Devil’s insistence.

The Dark Knight romped to the war in full rage and this time he not only defeated the demons but also killed the Devil as a revenge of making him destroy his love on his own.

Peace was back again in the Universe and this time it was forever. It was time for celebration again. The Dark knight was honored again and this time God asked to make a wish to him. As expected he wished for the Angel’s love.

God smiled and said that he was already cursed. God could not take his curse back but the Dark Knight still insisted. God thought on it and said that he didn’t want to lose such a brave warrior either. So, he transformed the Dark Knight into a beautiful Unicorn and ordered him to guard the doors of heaven till eternity. He was made into a Unicorn so that even when the Angel sees him, she could not recognize him. The sword which depicted cruelty was transformed and thus came the famous horn of Unicorn which heels all the pain.