Once Upon A Time

 And the Angels were leaving; She was standing near the waterfall and watching them ascending towards the sky.. She watched them till the last sign of their gleaming rays were in her sight. Finally, she sat on that nearby rock and a pair of liquid pearls rolled down on her cheeks. It was a dark, desolate and cold night.  She realized that it is not a feasible option to sit here for a long time, so she started walking; any direction, any path, any route.. She was walking without knowing anything towards nowhere. Suddenly, She heard it. She can now clearly hear it. It was him. him. She could still smell him well, even now she doesn't possess any magical super powers. It was his smell. The sound of his heavy footsteps was coming near to her; the air got heavy. She felt his warm breath. near, very near... at the back of her neck, at her hair. the vapor of his words were in her ears. He whispered, " So finally, you are here;  they left you !!! they kicked you out !!! I am curious, I am really curious !!!." she turned back towards him and looked at him with utmost disgust, a raging fire was in her eyes.... "What do you want now ? Shut your mouth and leave." 

"Ah, angel, you are still behaving like a little kitten, purring and meowing at his master's command". His poisonous laughter echoed in that desolated darkness. He is an Evil and this is how else an evil is supposed to speak and act. Why is she behaving this strange ? Where is she running ?. He took a moment to analyze the situation. 

"Where are you running ? this is Jungle, my dear. You still don't know the pathways of this jungle and

 you won't be able to go far;  Stop. Have you lost your senses ??" 

But she kept on running. And after a short while she almost fell on the ground. 

"I warned you but you don't want to listen." 

"Will you not leave me alone?" 

"You are already Alone !!" 

"No need to remind me of that. I am not asking for your mercy or sympathy."

"I know" His mouth curled up from the right side.

"You pity on me ? It was your plan to disgrace the Heaven and defame the Angel Crown." 

"Why would I do that ? I have my own Crown & reign, hope you remember that." he smiled with an utmost disgust.  

"What do you want now ? Why are you chasing me ? I am not going to fall for your sweet words again."

"I am not chasing you. You are in my Territory and it's my concern to inquire about the  unwanted entries.: he responded in a firm strong voice. 

"Unwanted Entry !!!. I am here, fallen, dejected and my tiara has been withdrawn." She cried in a despair.

"Get up, stop crying, accept yourself." He did not bother to console her.

He turned back to leave but then stopped and looked at her with a glance that was unknown for a demon, " I never anticipated this but even if I had a slightest of an expectation of your this present misery, I would have warned you about such consequences. I might have not let this happen, I would have burnt the "Reign" than seeing you here.  but my Angel !! tell me, tell me; even if I had warned you about those consequences , would you have taken your steps back ??" he whispered in a deep voice that sounds like it is coming out of an unknown person. 

"Yes, I would have. I would have never ever allowed you to tread upon the honor of  Angels."  She cried.

"No, You could have never did this. I Dare You." 

"You don't know how much I can dare ." 

"I truly don't know about how much you can dare, but I Know the limits of Goodness, Grace and Kindness of an Angel."

Suddenly, his eyes sparkled; he was back in his Avatar. 

She stood up and looked at him, her face was dry and she no longer looked like a charming angel. 

"If you need me, then you know where to find me. You know all my places. This beautiful forest is my open Palace and you can be my Guest, Forever. Off course, only if you wish so.." He smirked. 

She looked around and walked away with a hope to finding a way back to Heaven's Fountain.

Once Upon A Time An Angel and A Devil Fell in Love & It Did not End well.

Disclaimer : This Quote "Once Upon A Time An Angel and A Devil fell in Love. It did not End Well" is originally from the Author Laini Taylor from her book Daughter of Smoke & Bone. I read this quote somewhere on Instagram and thought to write a short story based on this quote. My story has no  connection with Laini Taylor's novel and her work.

वनीला कॉफ़ी --- 5 अंतिम भाग

 "ना जाने वक़्त की मर्ज़ी हैं क्या, क्यों हैं मिली ये दूरियां,  ओ मेरी जां "


"अब तुम अचानक से ये बात बता रही हो !!! पहले तो कभी तुमने इसका ज़िक्र भी नहीं किया।  रातों रात तो ये सब होता नहीं। तुम्हें इसका कैसे पता चला ? क्या तुम .... "

"चुप रहो तुम, फालतू के सवाल या कयास लगाने की कोई ज़रूरत नहीं। और मैंने कब कहा कि  रातों रात हुआ।  और तुम्हें कब बताती मैं ? और क्यों बताती ? तुम्हारे पास कौन सा वक़्त था ये सब सुनने का या किसी की मुसीबत को समझने का। "

"अब बिना बताये कैसे पता चल सकता है !!! मैं क्या कोई  अन्तर्यामी  हूँ जिसे अपने आप  भूत भविष्य  पता चल जाए." 

"पता चल भी जाए तो क्या कर लेगा इंसान।"

  "Sunayna, why on earth did you not tell me about this ? Why are you so introverted when it comes to your life and events."
"Introvert!!! you are  calling me an introvert !!!. Do you remember how many times I tried calling you, texting you ? but have you ever bothered to pick my call up ?  That fine early morning, when I called you to enquire about that Ayurvedic national institute and what you said.. you don't have  time to visit there, it was far from your work place and from your residence as well as. do you remember all that ??"
"Sunayna, I was actually busy, I wasn't making any excuses.. and even though you did the same with me a couple of years ago, you were also not picking my calls, not messaging me back; so what i did initially was just normal from my side. and as for that hospital thing, it is actually quite far and you know that cosmo city traffic... it will consume a whole day."
" fine then, Any other excuse do you have ?"
"it is not an excuse!!!"
"well, it is .. from my perspective, it is quite a good one. anyway, I am not asking for an explanation."
"Sunayna..."
"stop calling my name again and again. am I calling your name ?"
"why ? what is wrong in it ?"
"I don't like that. it sounds like you are dragging me in some sort of question answer session."

"ठीक है।" your Iron Curtain... and silent treatments were logical when applied to others but became irrational when others did the same to you. "

"Whatever it is.. it saves me from many uncomfortable situations." 

"Will you now tell me, what exactly happened ? and is this your reason for feeling miserable ?"

"Long story short, it was due to an internal injury, got hit by a vehicle, at first everything was fine, I was fine, minor bruises and cuts and then after a couple of weeks things strated getting bitter and tough. and then this decision was taken."

"and how an ayurvedic treatment was going to help?"

"they could have resolved the internal swellings or any wounds that were causing the ... the problem; at least this is what I was told by some people."

"Okay, let's not detail it. let's deal with it. let's think that it does not exist."

"I don't need any sympathy, it is not me who needs to think like this, it is the rest of the society, will they ever feel like this ? how am I supposed to marry or can have a family of my own?"

"You can adopt, of course with the consent of your ... alright.. I got it. But wait, Sunayana, the world is not that blanck or dull.. I am sure you will find a sensitive person. why do you not hope for good ?"

"because I don't want fake hopes."

"Anyway, next week , I am going back to delhi and then.. i don't know.  I will miss you Sunayna. will you remember me or not...?"

"I don't know... I don't want to keep a track of memories."

Four Months...

"Where are you ? why are you not picking up my calls? is everything ok ? are you alright ?"

"Sunayna, answer my question. this time I am actually asking a question." a message flashed on whatsapp screen and got seen after a couple of hours.

"I am at Dalhousie, it has been fifteen days since I am here. the internet and social media is not much allowed."

"what the hell on earth are you doing there ? and with whom you went there ? Sunayna , you ok ? tell me everything."

"relax, nothing to worry, do you remember, once I talked about visiting a place like Kothi or Sanavar .. a studio cottage .. here it is. It is a resort spa for those who want to heal themselves. and I am alone here, no one accompanied me here, no one brought me here, I came by myself."

"Are you happy ? is this your danube ? that Blue Danube?"

"I am still wandering.. I am looking for answers and lost pieces of the puzzle."

"shall I join you over there for the weekend, I am still in Delhi and not much occupied these days."

"No, I don't want to."

"Why ?"

"we all have our own journeys."

"What is that !!! ehh, can you ever be normal like normal people."

"it is normal, absolutely normal, as normal as playing pool and drinking beer in a pub."

...........................................................................................................................................

"तिशा, वापिस फोन कर रही है, क्या  जवाब दूँ ? तुम कुछ बताओ, उसका ब्वॉयफ़्रेंड तो जर्मनी चला गया बिना शादी किये। और अब मेरी फैमिली को   ऐतराज है।"

"मैं क्या कह सकती हूँ, मैं तो उसे जानती भी नहीं।  और मुझे इन सब मामलों की कोई ख़ास समझ भी नहीं। "

'अच्छा, तो तुम अपना बताओ, उस रिसोर्ट  से आने के बाद  अब आगे क्या ... ?"

"पता नहीं. बस कहानियां लिखने की कोशिश करती हूँ."

" कहानी  लिखने से ज़िंदगी चलेगी ?" 

"तो क्या नहीं लिखने से चल पड़ेगी ? तुम तो नहीं लिखते कहानी पर फिर भी अटके हो।   तुम क्या ढूंढ रहे हो ? तुम तिशा,  रिद्धि या वो हरिता किसी को भी नहीं ढूंढ रहे हो।  तुम अपने  फैसले की वजह ढूंढ रहे हो।  एक सही फैसले  के लिए एक सही और तार्किक वजह। तिशा वापिस आना चाहती है  पर क्या तुम उस मोड़ पर वापिस जाओगे या नहीं जाओगे या अब तुम कहीं और जा चुके हो ?"

"मैं कहीं नहीं जा रहा।  और तिशा से मैं बात नहीं करूँगा। अब इतना सब बखेड़ा करने के बाद उसको क्या चाहिए।"

"अगर ऐसा है तो तुम उसके बारे में मुझसे सलाह क्यों ले रहे हो ? अगर ये क्लोज्ड चैप्टर है तो इस पर विचार क्यों कर रहे हो ? क्योंकि अभी तक तुम इसे एक ओपन opportunity की तरह मान रहे हो ? है ना ?"

"नहीं, ऐसा कुछ नहीं सोच रहा मैं।"

 ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

   

Three Months  .... 

"तो अब आखिर कुछ तो सोचा होगा ना तुमने। कहानी तो पूरी हो गई तुम्हारी।  अब ज़िंदगी की कहानी को आगे बढ़ाओ। सुनयना, तुम सुन  रही हो।"

"हाँ, मैं विएना के म्यूजिक फेस्टिवल का एक वर्चुअल कॉन्सर्ट  देख रही हूँ।  मैं सुन रही हूँ।"

"तुम कुछ नहीं सुन रही।  तुम कहो तो मैं तुम्हें कुछ अच्छा प्रपोजल बताऊँ, यहां मेरे कंपनी के कैंपस के पास वाले सेक्टर में में एक कंपनी में काम करता  ...."

"क्या उसे यह कॉन्सर्ट पसंद आएगा ? यह संगीत जिसकी भाषा अजनबी और शब्द अनोखे से हैं। "

"मैं समझा नहीं ?" 

"वादी के मौसम भी इक दिन तो बदलेंगे"

कहानी श्रृंखला समाप्त। 

Vanilla Coffee--Part 1

वनीला कॉफ़ी - 4

ये वादियां, ये फ़िज़ाएं बुला रहीं हैं तुम्हें ......

Two months since then ...

"I am going to Dalhousie, do you want something from there ? shall I bring some souvenirs ?"

" I will be back in one week. "  a message flashed on whats app screen. 

"I don't want to bother you. I don't want anything." a short  text got typed.

"as you wish."

Four months...

"At least you can respond. such ego is not going to make your point better or superior."  another text flashed on facebook window. 

"I do not have any point anymore. and as you said those vanilla talks are useless, so why are you stretching this ?" 

Six months ...

" तुम आजकल कहाँ बिजी हो ? और वो तुम्हारे हॉलिडे ट्रिप का क्या रहा ?"

"कुछ नहीं, अकेले तो कहीं जा नहीं सकते और हर किसी का ट्रेवल हॉलिडे का अपना अलग mindset  है।  किसी को सस्ता पैकेज चाहिए किसी को ज्यादा दिन का। "

"तुम्हें क्या चाहिए ?" 

"मुझे बस एक कॉटेज या होम स्टे  चाहिए किसी दूर पहाड़ी जगह पर जैसे वो दीप्ति नवल का घर जिस लोकेशन पर है हिमाचल में, वो क्या नाम है !  हाँ, कोठी।  वहाँ से सुन्दर घाटियों के नज़ारे देखते हुए कुछ दिन गुज़ारे।"

" तो तुम्हें जाना  चाहिए। तुम किस  इंतज़ार  में हो ?"

"नहीं, मैं  फ़िलहाल कहीं नहीं जा रही।" 

"ये तुम्हारा हमेशा का जवाब है। "

"  मैं जाना चाहती हूँ  मुझे कोई ले जाने वाला नहीं मिलता। " 

" तो, तुम इस इंतज़ार में बैठी हो कि कोई तुम्हें लेकर जाए उन जगहों पर जो तुम्हारे पसंद मुताबिक हों ? ज़रूरी नहीं होगा कि  वो जगह, वो मौसम  दुसरे के पसंद मुताबिक हो। " 

"फिर ?" 

"फिर अब  मुझे  क्या पता ?" 

" तुम सोलो ट्रैवलर बन जाओ। क्या कहती हो ?"

"मुझे ये सब नहीं बनना, इतना कोई एडवेंचर नहीं करना। "

"तुमको तो डेन्यूब जाना था ? उसका क्या हुआ ?"

"हाँ जाना है। पता है, मैं चाहती हूँ कि  घर के आस पास एक अच्छा सा किचन गार्डन हो जिसमें  मौसमी  सब्ज़ियां और फल उगाये जाएँ, एक रेन हार्वेस्टिंग सिस्टम हो  ओवरआल एक सेल्फ सस्टेनेड घर। "

"पहले तुम खुद तो सेल्फ सस्टेनेड बनो।  और किसी एक बात पर स्टिक रहो, कभी तुम कुछ प्लान करती हो कभी कुछ।  पहले तुमको डेन्यूब जाना था, अब तुमको हिल साइड कॉटेज चाहिए। और ये हार्वेस्टिंग वगैरह तो शायद नया आईडिया है तुम्हारा, पहले तो कभी कहा नहीं तुमने।"

"ऐसे ही सोचा,  ये भी एक तरीका है खुद को अपने आस पास से जोड़ने का। "

"आस पास से जोड़ने का !!!!  मतलब अभी  जुडी  हुई नहीं हो ??  तुम कितना ज्यादा सोचती हो !!!" 

"ये जगह कब ढूंढी तुमने ? कैसे पहुंचे यहां ?" सामने उस आर्टिफीसियल लेक पर नज़रें टिकाये पूछा।  

"ये बात बदल देने का हुनर तुमको गॉड गिफ्ट है ? या तुमने सीखा है , कोई कोर्स  वगैरह ? ऐसे ही एक दिन घूमते  ड्राइव करते इधर निकले तो दिख गया ये रिसोर्ट।  तुमको ऐसी ही जगहें पसंद है , इसलिए .... "

"मेरा काम अब यहां लगभग पूरा हो ही गया है। मुझे और मेरे उस सीनियर खरबूजे को  यहां जिस  नए प्लांट को सेट अप  करने के लिए यहां भेजा था  कंपनी ने, अब वो OPERATIONALIZE हो गया है ।  इसलिए अब नेक्स्ट वीक मैं वापिस जा रहा हूँ। "

"इतनी जल्दी तुम्हारे वापिस जाने का भी टाइम हो गया। कितने महीने हो गए तुम्हें यहां आए ? अभी चार पांच महीने पहले ही तो आये थे तुम ।" 

" चार पांच महीने नहीं, डेढ़ साल हो गया है मुझे यहां आए। अब तुम्हें तो वाकई कुछ याद भी नहीं है।"

"अच्छा, इतना समय हो गया !!! पता ही नहीं चला कब दिन गुज़रे। क्या तुम कुछ वक्त और नहीं  रुक सकोगे ? अब वापिस दिल्ली जाओगे या बैंगलोर ?" 

"फिलहाल तो दिल्ली, अभी एक प्लांट हरियाणा के पास लगा रहे हैं तो शायद वहां भेजेंगे, कुछ पक्का नहीं है।"

"फिर आखिर ज़िन्दगी में पक्का क्या है ?"

"पता नहीं।"

"तुम्हारे पास नहीं है ऐसा कोई प्लान या कोई ड्रीम ज़िन्दगी के लिए ?? या सिर्फ  वीकडेज़ और वीकेंड और इस शहर से उस शहर के बीच ही भाग रहे हो ? तुम किसी एक जगह को क्यों नहीं चुन लेते ?"

"तुम सोचती हो कि इन बड़ी कम्पनीज  में काम करने और कॉस्मो सिटी में रहने के कारण हम सिर्फ इन गिनी चुनी बातों में ही उलझे हैं ? यही लगता है तुम्हें ?"

" ज़िन्दगी के और भी चैलेंजेस हैं।  वर्क स्मार्ट रिटायर अर्ली !! वर्किंग नॉन वर्किंग स्पाउस , कितनी सारी  बातें  हैं।  financial security in old age and handsome savings for those times. I am probably going to Canada for a better career opportunity and a quick financial growth." 

"पर तुम तो अच्छी जॉब में हो और तुम्हें क्या फर्क पड़ेगा वर्किंग या नॉन वर्किंग से ? नॉन वर्किंग हो तो भी तुम्हारा काम तो चल ही जायेगा। " 

"अब तुम सरकारी बाबू के पास  फिक्स सैलरी है और  फिक्स रिटायरमेंट के प्लान हैं।  लेकिन हमको सब सोचना पड़ता है।  समझी तुम !!!  और अब मैं ये अरेंज्ड मैरिज  वाले  सुनहरे सपने में नहीं फंसने वाला।  मैंने घर पर बोल दिया है कि  अब मैं इस कास्ट, लैंग्वेज, स्टेट जैसे किसी क्राइटेरिया को नहीं  देखने वाला। पहले ही इतना सब ड्रामा हो गया अब और कोई मेलोड्रामा नहीं चलेगा। "

"मतलब ?? लव मैरिज ही चाहते हो ना !! इसमें क्या बड़ा मुद्दा है ? यह तो उलटे आसान है, तुम्हें आसानी से कोई भी अच्छी, पसंद की लड़की मिल सकती है। मैंने तो ज्यादातर यही  देखा है कि  जो लोग कॉस्मो सिटीज में नौकरी कर रहे हैं वो ढूंढ  लेते हैं अपनी तरह बढ़िया नौकरी स्टेटस वाला कोई।" 

"जितना लग रहा है उतना है नहीं आसान। और हाँ, तिशा के बाद एक शार्ट हुक अप भी हुआ था,  पर हमारी  आपस में जमी नहीं।  उसको बहुत ज्यादा ही जल्दी थी, कुछ डिसाइड  करो,  फिक्स करो, so many commitments and expectations. तिशा भी यही करती थी, उसके पास हर चीज़ की एक प्लानिंग थी,  कौनसा काम मुझे करना होगा, कौनसी ज़िम्मेदारी उसकी होगी, मेड  का क्या सीन  रहेगा।  शादी के बाद गाडी कौनसी वाली चलाएगी ये तक  डिसाइड कर लिया था उसने लेकिन जो सबसे ज़रूरी बात थी वो उसने मुझे सिर्फ पंद्रह  दिन पहले बताई  शुक्र है कि  मैंने अपने ऑफिस में इनविटेशन कार्ड्स नहीं बांटे थे वर्ना  सेण्टर ऑफ़ तमाशा बन जाता मैं।" 

" and you shouted at me when I asked  about  your dinner date !!! ... anyways,  why don't you want any commitment ? what is wrong with it ? all women want some sort of commitments or responsibilities from their husbands or partners. Am I wrong ??"

"I think I need more time and energy to prepare myself to deal with all this shit again. I will rather prefer to stay single and enjoy life than binding myself in a melodrama again. Many people in my circle are planning for a luxurious old age home stay; they don't want this responsibility of marriage and children and rather ready for a single and easy going no responsibility life. Some are in Live-ins, some others are single and want to live a life of their own choices.  I too am thinking on the same lines.. let see, what is stored in future.. right now, my focus is on good earnings and a luxurious life.. I don't want to compromise on that front."

between,how much YOU know about this relationship and love and marriage thing !!!! how many expectations or responsibilities are you ready to take over ?? you never talk about your personal life, relationships or any Hook up, if any such thing ever happened."

"I ... I want commitments, responsibilities and ... I always wanted to but I may not be able to  fulfill ..."

"तुम इतनी कन्फ्यूज्ड सी क्यों हो गई हो ? क्या है जो तुम्हें इतना उलझा रहा है ?  तुम खुद तो ज़िम्मेदारी उठा नहीं सकती और मुझे समझा रही हो।"

"कुछ भी तो  नहीं है। ज़िम्मेदारी उठाना कोई ऐसी बड़ी  बात नहीं है, जितना तुम सोच रहे हो, पर कभी कभी ज़िन्दगी आपको इज़ाज़त नहीं देती।"

"अब फिर तुमने  फलसफा शुरू कर दिया। "

" ऐसा कुछ नहीं है।"

"तो क्या है ? बोल सकने की हिम्मत है तुम में ?  दूसरों की ज़िन्दगी में झांकना और सलाह देना और कुछ जज करना बेहद आसान है लेकिन अपनी ज़िन्दगी के परदे  खोलना बेहद मुश्किल है ना !!! डेन्यूब जाना आसान है सुनयना, कहानी लिखना भी पर बोल कर बताना मुश्किल है। " 

"क्या मुश्किल मानते हो तुम ?"

" जो तुम कह नहीं पा रही।"

"I may not be able to ... conceive .. may not be able to carry on the pregnancies and ..." 

"What the hell are you talking about !!! Are you in sense ? Sunayna, you okay ??"

"Yes, I am alright, I am all in my sense. you wanted me to raise the curtain, see, I did. I am not a coward; I am not hiding my weakness, I am not covering up my incompetency. I am not giving any goddamn excuse."

"shut up, you are out of your mind. Do you even know what you are saying ?? Are you reading some sort of tragic novels and such stuff ? what is that crap you are reading these days ?" 

"This is no crap, this is the fact, I am talking ... you said, I am judging you, you said I am arrogant and do not know anything about relationships. I do want to know, I do want to experience all that  crap. you shouted at me, when I asked about your dinner date; you said, I have no right to enquire about your personal life.  And now, you are asking me to raise the curtain of life; atleast, I didn't hesitate, I have courage to accept and speak out. I am not escaping from responsibility and commitment; it is just, will anybody be ready to commit with me, to fulfill my expectation ?? Do I even have a right of expectation, when I myself can't fulfill this biggest expectation of  a married life ?"

"Sunayna, why have you never told me about this ? you could have at least .."

"have you ever asked ? Are you even interested in all these miseries of others ? nobody wants to listen to the sorrows and miseries of others."

"You can find an understanding person, these days it is not as  such a big issue, at least to a certain extent ... so many latest technologies are there. You can go for treatments and ..."

"Shutup, Gaurav, it is not a disease nor an illness for which I should sought a treatment. it is a health condition and that's it.  accept or reject. nothing more, nothing less."

To Be Continued... 

Image Courtesy : Google

Part--3

वनीला कॉफ़ी -- 3

"दो सदियों के संगम पर मिलने आये हैं, एक समय लेकिन दो सदियां , दो सदियां ". 

"तुम गाने भी इतने बोरिंग और डिप्रेसिंग किस्म के गाती  हो कि  मेरा मन होता है  कि अभी यहां से भाग जाऊं !!"

"क्यों, इतना अच्छा गाना है।  तुम्हें क्या पसंद है ?"

"कुछ भी, थोड़ा lively, कुछ full  of spirit जैसा। "

"तो हाई स्कूल musicals कैसा रहेगा ? पर मुझे वो गाना नहीं आता। "

"अब मैंने हाई स्कूल musicals  के लिए तो नहीं कहा ना !!"

" खैर, तुम यहां इस छोटे शहर में क्यों आये ?"

"अब ये तुम्हारा छोटा बड़ा शहर बीच में कहाँ से आया ? हम लोग तो कुछ गाने की बात कर रहे थे। "

'लेकिन हम कोई अंताक्षरी नहीं खेल रहे कि  और कोई बात बीच  में नहीं कही जा सकती। "

"ओके, i  Surrender .  मैं यहां डेजर्ट सफारी के लिए आया हूँ, कंपनी ने मुझे पेड हॉलीडेज पर यहां भेज दिया।  मुझे कहा कि  भाई गौरव, तुम हमारे बड़े ही काबिल एम्प्लॉई हो  तो जाओ और ऐश करो। और बस, मैंने कहा कि  मुझे ये सूखा रेगिस्तान और ये पुराने  महल हवेलियां और ये शानदार हेरिटेज होटल्स देखने हैं, घूमने हैं तो उन्होंने मेरे लिए टिकट करवा दी और रहने को कुछ allowance भी  दे दिया।  गाडी मैं अपनी लाया ही हूँ।  " 

"बस इसलिए या और भी कोई  बहाना है तुम्हारे पास ?" 

"बहाना !!!! सुनयना, तुम क्या कोई खास बहाना सुनना चाहती हो ?"

"नहीं, मैं सिर्फ कोशिश कर रही हूँ कि  समझ सकूँ तुम्हारे यहां आने की असली वजह क्या है ? तुम्हारी अच्छी खासी कॉस्मो सिटी लाइफ के बीच ये ट्रैन का छोटा स्टेशन कैसे आ गया ? " 

"ऐसे ही,  यहां से  कुछ नए बड़े रास्ते भी निकल सकते हैं।"

 "आज हम मैरिएट जायेंगे। मैं बोर हो गया तुम्हारे इन हेरिटेज होटल्स का इंटीरियर देख देख कर। "

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''"

"तुम, तुमको याद है कि एक बार तुमने मुझसे कहा था कि, तुम्हारे लिए मसूरी से थोड़ी बर्फ और पहाड़ लेकर आऊं।  पहाड़ का नज़ारा और पता नहीं क्या क्या कबाड़। 

"अब कबाड़ है तो तुम  क्यों याद कर रहे हो ? और मुझे क्यों बता रहे हो ? 

"पर्बतों के पेड़ों पर शाम का बसेरा है, सुरमई उजाला है, चम्पई अँधेरा है।"

"तुम्हारी वो एक्स .. फ्रेंड, रिद्धि   वो अभी वहीँ है या कहीं  दूसरे  शहर शिफ्ट हो गई ?"

"वो एक साल पहले ऑस्ट्रेलिया  चली गई। बात होती है  पर अब वो वहीँ सेटल्ड है  फ़िलहाल के लिए  और मैं  शायद कनाडा जाऊँगा अगले साल।  और कोई जानकारी चाहिए मोहतरमा आपको ? वैसे, आपका क्या चल रहा है, आप का क्या मूड है ? कब तक आप ऐसे कहानी लिखने में और कहानी का थीम ढूंढने में ....? "

"अब तुम अपनी असहजता को मेरी तरफ मोड़ रहे हो। तुम  अब तक चार या पांच  बार डेटिंग एंड मीटिंग एंड कोर्टशिप के किस्से मुझे बता चुके हो  और फिर भी मुझसे पूछ ऐसे रहे हो जैसे  तुमने बड़े  अच्छे ढंग से ..... "

"मैं  तुम्हारी तरह  खुद को दायरों में बिना वजह के क़ैद नहीं रखता।  सुनयना, तुम्हें नहीं  लगता कि  तुम खुद की ही खींची हुई  बॉउंड्रीज़ में बंद हो और बाहर देखना भी नहीं चाहती। "

"तो तुम्हारी तरह इस  टेबल से उस टेबल तक, इस मेनू कार्ड से उस मेनू कार्ड तक एक एंडलेस तलाश में घूमते  रहे ? ये ठीक लगता है तुम्हें ?"

"क्या मेनू कार्ड और कौनसी टेबल ? तुम क्या कहना चाहती हो ? तुम कहना चाहती हो की मैं यूँही टाइम पास कर रहा था और फ़्लर्ट कर रहा था !!!!!! और चार पांच बार कौनसा कैलकुलेशन किया तुमने ?? ज़रा बताओ ? किस किस की बात कर रही हो तुम ? अगर तुम रिद्धि की बात कर रही हो तो उस वक़्त हम लोग सीरियस थे पर उसके पेरेंट्स नहीं माने। जो कोशिश कर सकता था वो की ही थी।  तिशा  अपने बॉयफ्रेंड से शादी करना चाहती थी और ये उसने मुझे बहुत बाद में बताया जब ऑलमोस्ट सब फाइनल हो चुका  था। मैं इस अधूरे मन वाले रिश्ते को ज़िन्दगी भर नहीं झेल सकता था। "

"मुझे तो नहीं लगता कि  रिद्धि के लिए तुमने कोशिश की थी, वर्ना वो ऑस्ट्रेलिया क्यों जाती  और रही बात तिशा की,  तो तुम्हीं ने बताया था कि  उसने अभी तक शादी नहीं की है। "

"तिशा, अपनी ज़िन्दगी में आराम से है, किस से शादी करेगी, नहीं करेगी ये मेरा सिरदर्द नहीं  है। मेरी उस से कभी कभी बात होती है, पार्टीज में, पब में मिलते हैं कभी कभी।  बस। कोई ज़रूरी है कि  हम उसी रास्ते वापिस जाएँ ?" 

"तुमने  तिशा  से  नहीं पूछा, हो सकता है कि ... ?"

"सुनयना, तुम ये ज़रूरत से ज्यादा  ही फ़िल्मी कहानी बनाने की सोच रही हो। "

"मुझे लगता है कि, it was all your fault . And even after those experiences, you are still wandering and roaming around. It doesn't seem that you have learnt anything."

"What learnt, and what fault are you talking about ? what are you trying to say ? and what are those 4-5 times !!! will you please bother to explain ? I am losing my patience, be clear with your words. There is a limit for everything."

"How do I know, last month, you were talking about a dinner date and all ... I guessed you might have found a new girlfriend. am I right ?"

 "dinner date !!! I used to hang out with my friends and colleagues for dinner and parties; how can it be called a Date ?? and even if I am having a new girlfriend then how it is related with my past relationships ? However, Sunayana, I am not having any girlfriend these days. How did you reached to this conclusion of wandering and all ?"

"And if you are trying to blame me for all those things which were out of my control or where I had a little role to manage the situation then it is your own bias, your own judgmental mindset. You have always been rude and harsh with me; you think I am some sort of romeo ... is this what you think about me ??? I do not expect any answer." Anger mounted in his mind and a flow of unexpected thoughts rolled out from his mouth.

"I never wanted to say this, thought it will hurt you and I really never wanted to do that. But I think if you continued this type of behavior;  this being rude and judgmental to other people's lives and giving your half-baked opinion  on their relationship matters, provided that you never had been in any relationship before; how can you even imagine or understand about all this love and romance and emotions that get attached with all these things."

"What do you mean by rude, harsh and judgmental ?? I was trying to understand... why are you venting on  me ? what wrong did I said ? was it so wrong to ask  about your past relationships ?"

"You don't want to understand, you only want baseless allegations and negative points. we better not talk about this, I already said you won't be able to handle it;  but Sunayana, you are not a little kid. And with this arrogance, I fear you will end up destroying your future if ever happened relationships, in fact you will ruin things with your judgmental attitude." 

"I never thought my words are hurting you this much. I bothered you a lot. I was not aware..."

"Yes, it does hurt when you speak such harsh words. And these useless vanilla talks are useless, why the hell did you started it, why are you interested in my relationships." His voice tone was rough.

"I will not bother you from now onward, I want to go home." With a choking voice she spoke. 

"Ok."

"Can't I get a cab or auto ?"

"What cab auto you want !!!! we came here together and I will drop you home. Get in the car. "

"No, I will go myself." Moist eyes yet a firm slow voice.

"Don't create scene here and get in the car." Every word was spoken with a strong tone.

 "Will you not stop crying?" His anger was now turning into frustration and helplessness.

With this question the timid sound of tears stopped. A harsh silence prevailed between them.

She turned her face towards window and set her gaze in a vacuum. The car was running at a faster pace and so does the feelings of heart.

"Say something, Sunayana ...."

"Being quiet and bearing with this was an easy thing." he murmured and stared hard at the road.

finally, the destination arrived. She got out of the car and stepped towards the gate. With a decision of Not Bothering Back.

To Be Continued ...

Part 1

  

Part 2

Parted

He was shouting and screaming; bitterness was in the air. His voice touched the walls. His long and strong bonny fingers were tightened in a fist of anger and disgust.
"You always tried to insult me, you never left a single chance for that."
"You were mocking me all the time,  making me feel inferior and posed yourself some sort of superior person. And you still enjoy this, don't you ??"
"Atleast you should respond; where are all your words ?"

You thought, I am not going to make it, but look now;  I have this wonderful career , handsome salary and yes, I am the most eligible bachelor of Friday night parties."
"Have you ever been to any Friday night or weekend party ?? No, you have never been to any such place loser."
"Yes, this what you are, a loser. After all these years, you are a loser." His fingers flipped in the air. Bitter words were floating in the air.

She was listening to it, every word, every sentence while carefully looking at his face. Now he was standing at the window, his fair face was drained, his warm and angry blood was giving a pinkish hue to his cheeks. She saw the wrinkled patches under his eyes and  a crease on his forehead. His breath was heavy and nerves were tensed.

Years ago,  she met  a charming young man; this man is not him. The warmness and livelyness of that charming young lad was gone.
Where it has gone ? What on earth has caused this bitterness ? She asked and her question reached to the empty walls.

Meanwhile, he left the room in a quick moment without giving a glance to the woman who was still looking at him.

She stood up from the couch, put on her shoes and murmured, ' he broke the aura, his aura,  finally I am free. The magic spell of fairytale is broken, he created and now he broke it into pieces. He did the good thing for me.'

She picked up her handbag and stepped towards the door; before pushing the door outwards, she looked at the room, it was full of various decoratives and emptiness all together.

The Saree Saga .. An old memoir

“What!!! Have you gone nuts?” I asked divi and looked towards mini with confusion. But she was looking in some other direction.

“Miniiiiiiii” I called her loudly, “aumm, what, what  ...She answered as someone has suddenly disturbed her and broke the flow of her “creative thinking”.  I looked her in an irritating mode, “are you listening to what am I saying”?

“Yes, I listened sound and clear,” she replied in a calm manner. I turned back to divi, “do you understand what are you saying you know us very well and still asking this? Mini say something, what are you thinking?”

 Now before you people get more confused, let me introduce you with us, Mini, that is Yamini my best friend and my childhood buddy. I am Sunayana and we were at Divya’s place, divya is our close friend and we were talking about her marriage functions.

Divya’s marriage used to remind me a lot of things which I experienced for the first time in my life. Here I am going to tell you a little bit of those experiences.

 Like all other girls divya was very much excited about her marriage and in that flow of excitement she asked something. Let’s get back to our conversation to know the whole story.

 First she smiled and then started speaking with a very sweet and soft voice, “listen yaar, I want you girls to wear saree on my wedding”. Now that was the moment when I almost jumped from my seat, and expressed in above manner.   While divya continued with her sweet tone, “Oh come on’, its my wedding, and once I will go to my in-law’s house then when I will get a chance to see you people in such a traditional dress-up. There is Mini, who always wear western outfits and you…who always follows her own style”.  With these words of hers’ my eyes and mouth both fall wide open and my eyes filled with so many emotions at a time such as anger, surprise and awfulness.

“.. ..  both of you are my close friends and you have to be with me all the time during the ceremony, so you should look like the maids of honour not just casual friends. Am I expecting too much from you?”  (Now what is this, once again I tried to understand what exactly she was trying to say)

 She made such a cute and innocent face that made it tough to express my confusion and irritation for a few moments. When all this drama was going on Mini was quiet reluctant towards our conversation, as if she has nothing to do with all this. Therefore, I tried to pull her into this matter.

“But divi you know us, we never wore saree and such things, don’t you know that”? How will I manage and how  will I walk?” (If she can do emotional blackmailing, then why can’t I)

 I asked her in a soft and sympathetic voice and looked towards Mini for some kind of support.

Finally, Mini joined the conversation, “look divi, we will not be comfortable in saree and a shalwar suit also gives a traditional look, so do not worry about this casual formal issue.”

However, she did not seem impressed with our weak argument, but she did not make any further conversation on this topic. However, she made such face as if we are disappointing her a lot and making her sad on such an important occasion. Hence, Yamini and I came back to my house.

“Ok, so now what to do?” I asked Yamini.

“I think we should respect her wish, she is right, it’s her wedding and being a good friend we can do this for her”.

“Mini, you too!!!?” I almost screamed with irritation.

 That raised Yamini’s anger, “do not act like as if only you are concerned about it. What do you think I am really happy with this saree drama, you know very well that I don’t like to wear such costumes and all  but we will still do it.”

“I am not going to wear any saree, if you want to do this, go ahead, but do not drag me into this,” I spoke in a cold manner and moved towards kitchen.  She shouted behind me, “come back here and stop eating…”

“I am not eating anything,” I replied in same manner.

“Then what are you doing in the kitchen?” she shouted back on me.

“I want to drink water”, I answered as I opened the door of refrigerator.

“Every time when we are discussing something important, either you want to eat or drink something.”

“Awwwww…” I came back, sat in front of her, and looked into her face. She started speaking in a soft manner, “look, I know you don’t want to do this, even I too do not like to dress up in saree. But every time we cannot think about ourselves only, sometimes we need to think about others too.”

“But I can not carry the saree I will sure fell down. Do you want me to face such embarrassment in front of so many people?”

“Nothing as such will happen, trust me, we have ten days to go for her wedding. All we need to do some preparations.. We will do this all together”

“How much you know about sarees?” I asked her in a teasing manner.

“Well, I have worn saree on a couple of occasions”, she replied with a speedy manner.

“What? When? You never told me.” I was highly surprised on this new information.

“Nothing important as such, at some family function I had to wear.” She tried to cut the conversation, “I am telling you it’s not that much important”. However, her answer did not satisfy me, but I was in no mood to extend this saree conversation so I remain silent. I was not ready to believe that we are actually going to do this. That day we could not reach to any conclusion or decision, but after that conversation I understood whether I like or not, but I have to be a part of all this.

 Mini make me ready to wear saree with a promise that she will help me to do this and of course with abundant number of arguments in favor of saree.

First, we had to choose a saree. I rejected many sarees with dark shades and heavy work.  But Mini found a purple banarsi saree in my mom’s wardrobe. It was looking quite simple yet elegant. After the saree, now it was the time for some other surprises for me. Mini asked me to come with her for some shopping, she told me that her sister in-law kanchan will also accompany us. She did not tell me what exactly we are going to purchase, but soon the curtain rose up, and I found myself selecting choories, bangles, choosing sari broaches and bindees etc.  Though I tried to create a lot of hue and cry like, how can I wear such fancy items, I don’t like this, I am not going to wear them at all and most of all, are you crazy, what do you think of me?…and such things. But nothing affects Mini and kanchan bhabhi as she said, “relax, sonu there is always a first time”. Finally we chose a set of matching purple choories, a purple colored diamond brooch and stone bindies.

After reaching home I thought..Ok its all over now, but no I was wrong, the dress rehearsals were still waiting for me. Mini was really concerned about how I am going to wear the saree and how I will manage my walk with that. Therefore, she asked me to take some trials at home so I would be comfortable on the reception. Obviously all these preparations were not pleasing for me, but there was no escape, after all it was our friend’s wedding, people don’t get marry again and again in their life.

When all these things were going on, my mother who was just calmly watching all these activities of mine, entered in the scene when Mini and I were trying to wrap the saree on me or better I would say I was fighting with that poor clothe. She smiled at me and without saying anything she started tiding saree around me. After wearing it, I stood straight with my hands on my waist and looked at both of them.

“How is it?”

“Pathetic, leave your hands free and let them hang downwards, otherwise in this position you are looking like a house maid,” Mini answered.

Well after that day I wore the saree a couple of times at home and took a walk, everything seemed fine. Finally, the day has come, but before that there was a sangeet night.  Mom gave me a new dress when I was digging my wardrobe for a dress “suitable for the evening”. For a moment I was surprised, when she purchased this!!! It was a royal blue color satin dress with an upper lining of mat cream and grey tissue fabric, an elegant cream colored net dupatta was enhancing its grace.  She asked me, “how is it…pretty isn’t it ?”

“Heavy. Too much glittery”

Obviously mom did not like this response, but she did not express it. Anyway I wore the dress in a hurry and left for Divya’s house. Yamini and I both reached together at her home.

“Hey Sonu your dress is awesome.” Mini liked my dress.

When we entered into the hall, dance and music were on full swing. Divya was sitting at the one side of hall surrounded by her cousins and aunts. Two girls were making mehandi designs on her hand. She saw us and shouted, “hey come, sit here.”

Next moment she noticed my dress and with huge expression of surprise on her face, she said,” Sonu your dress is extremely pretty”. Her cousin sister Susheela also gave me the same remark. Now it was my time to feel a bit shy. Mini and I sat near divya, I was carefully looking at those mehandi girls, and actually they were divi’s cousins.  When diva noticed me watching them, she asked me whether I would like to have mehandi on my palms, but I refused immediately. She did not force me more. Soon they finished their work and Divya stood up and went to greet some of her relatives.

Mini and I were left alone in that corner; I found there some cones of mehandi. I took them, Mini also took one and started making some design on her hand and she made a floral design along with ganpati on her palm. Me too tried to make some design, but realized that it’s not my area of expertise. Suddenly I heard a voice, “may I help you, let me do it”. It was Susheela, with those words she took the cone and made some nice design on my palm. I looked at my palms and felt a very strange feeling; it was the first time when my hands were decorated with mehandi. I did not get much time to enjoy that moment when divi came to us and she astounds with joy, “Sonu you have got mehandi on your hands, I cannot believe this.”

I looked at her, a glow of happiness was on her face, “is it really good?” I asked her.

“It’s amazing, your dress, now this mehandi, Sonu I am very happy today”.

Mini gave me a meaningful look, I did not say anything, I wasn’t assured about what exactly I was feeling, but I was enjoying and trying to indulge myself in this process.

Next day was the wedding, the reception evening for which we were preparing. I wore that purple saree with mom’s help and off course those accessories also which I purchased with Mini. But I have to accept that I was not feeling comfortable with the burden of pleats on my shoulder and my efforts to be comfortable in saree spoiled the fitting and arrangements of saree.

Both of us reached at venue separately, but at same time. I was highly surprised to see Yamini in saree. It was the first time when I saw her in saree, she was looking gorgeous. Her magenta chiffon saree with golden zari border was catching everyone’s attention. Obviously she did not like my saree style. But first we went to meet divya; she was sitting in a separate room inside the marriage hall building. She was looking extremely pretty in the orange-peach bridal costume.  Then, Yamini took me to another room for resetting my saree, according to her it was completely messy or that was I who made it messy. (I don’t know exactly) she rearranged the pallu and put lots of safety pins here and there on saree to make it tight fit. I looked myself in a mirror and felt satisfied.

After that whole night, we ran from one place to other, divya kept us completely occupied with many things as well as standing on our feet.

Early morning at 4:00 am, after her “Vidaai” we took a sigh of relief and sat in a corner of hall. We both were badly tired and exhausted. But I was not in a mood to stay quiet, lots of things were running in my mind, “so, finally I did it, I managed the saree very well, did not slip, nor my feet entangled with saree and most important the saree did not cause any “embarrassment”. Did you see how I was doing everything with an ease, walking, climbing stairs and all..?” I was giggling and talking in a childish manner.

Yamini calmly answered, “Sunayana, you are now a mature and grown up girl you can easily handle these things and many other things as well, there is nothing unusual or extraordinary.” 

“But did you see when I was..” before I complete my sentence Yamini gave me a serious yet bored and indifferent look  and my words remained in my mouth. I turned my face down and muttered “I did it.” My eyes were sparkling with a satisfaction as if I have completed a very tough task. But I couldn’t enjoy the moment for a long as Veeren bhaiya came to us. Veeren is Mini’s elder brother and it was his responsibility to bring us home back if we get late at function.

“Can we go home now?”

“Oh yes, we are very much tired and feeling sleepy”, we both spoke together.

“Thank god you people are tired”, and with this comment he moved towards parking lot and we also followed him. After few moments, in the car I was thinking about wedding function, divya and off course saree, once again my eyes blinked and a smile ran on my face as if I have done a “mature mischief”.

Image Courtesy : Google

You can read the alternate the end of this story Here

Escape to Nowhere

She was running…Speedily...without any pause.. She was just running fast. Why, what was the reason? Don’t know, all she knew that she was running. The way she was running, anyone could reach to a conclusion that she might be in a hurry to reach somewhere, or maybe she was trying to run away from something, but if she wanted to run away then too she was not looking backward. Whatever was it…her speed was quite fast and her breath were also running fast.

That road where she was running was vacant, desolate and quiet. A long and steady road doesn’t know from where it started off and where it will end up.  Her eyes were looking into a distant vacuum (which was extended on that long road), towards a distant and endless path.

The two things that were breaking the silence of that road were, first, the noise of her running and second her heart beat which was beating so fast that it was sounding like an air pump.

Finally, she got tired off, her legs were badly paining, as if someone has squeezed out all their strength. She stopped in the middle of the road, her heart was breathing fast, she knelt down a bit and put hands on the knees, and then again she stood up straight. She looked all around in all possible directions and to that possible extent where her sight could reach. Nothing was there, neither human being nor any other creature nor any green stuff. It was all quiet, empty and sterile.

Then her eyes fell on a big stone, kept on the other side of the road. She walked slowly towards that stone. Her breath was now getting normal. She sat on the stone in a careless position. She locked her hands with each other; her hair were swinging all over her face, neck and shoulders. She then turned down her face; tightly closed her hands that were already tangled with each other and thereafter two drops of tear dropped` from her eyes and flowed down her cheeks....for the  next few moments tears continuously flowed. Then, she suddenly came back in her sense and wiped out the tears and looked around, nobody was there to see her crying. For a moment she felt relaxed.

But on the next moment she couldn't control herself and once again broke up in tears. Her cry was noiseless, eyes were shading tears, but she did not even scream for a single time. A lump of emotions and grief in her chest was trying to come out with a big bellow, but each time she was swallowing it back. She covered her face with hands and closed her lips tightly and folded them inside, but no longer she could keep them in that position; still she succeeded in keeping her tears flowing silent.

She did not know for how long she cried in that manner; all she knows that she cried…. While sitting on that stone.

Finally her tears dried up and she stopped crying. Can’t say whether she gets tired off with crying and she did not have anymore strength to cry or there were no more tears left in her eyes. She stood up and took a sigh and started walking back on the road. She was going back to the way from where she came. However, this time her feet were slow, as if there was no hurry to reach anywhere; she was walking carelessly. This time on the road she came across some people, going on their ways; both sides saw each other and moved on their ways respectively.

She was walking slowly…..and  even more slowly as if she did not want to finish the journey, as if she was not willing to reach the destination. However, she reached there and now she was standing outside the house. She opened the main gate in a very slow manner and then closed it with the same pace, so that nobody can listen or notice her arrival. She then entered into the house and looked here and there. Everything was the same and at its place as she left them. Somebody was reading newspaper, someone was watching TV and she could smell the aroma of food being cooked in the kitchen. Nobody noticed her presence nor saw her. She quietly went into her room and fell down on bed and pretends as if she is sleeping. But before entering the room she felt that perhaps somebody asked her, ”where were you, what were you doing?” but those words disappeared in air as soon as they encountered with her ears.

Once again two drops emerged at the corners of her eyes and flowing through cheeks, fell on pillow.

Her mother came into the room and stood near her bed,” lunch is ready, will you eat now?” she removed her tears quickly and very cleverly also, then she replied in a stable voice, “No, later, I am not hungry.” She said those words without changing her posture on bed side.  Her mother stood there for few moments and then left the room with mumbling some words that she couldn't listen clearly or may be she didn't want to listen.

She came back into her world and again started crying, swallowing own screams and yells, the pillow was getting wet and so her face.

Image Courtesy: Google

P.S. This is an old post, originally written Here
Please bear with the poor English grammar as I haven't checked it with any grammar tool.

A Mouthful of Rajasthan

"Mummy bhookh lagi hai." I spoke while my eyes were still close.

"Pahle bistar se to uth jaa. Neend mein hi khayegi kya?".

I dragged myself out from the bed and headed straight towards the bathroom. 

"so, what was on the menu last night .. In your DREAMS?"  my elder sister Kittoo teased me when I was splashing my face with water.

It is a daily routine thing for me, I am always hungry when I get up from a deep sound sleep. People dream about the things they love and the same goes with me as my dreams are always filled with various flavors, colors and shapes. Yessss !!!!!!!   I dream for Food; eating, cooking and again eating. Good Food Is My Biggest Fantasy; as they say, before eating from the plate, you taste the food through the eyes. Therefore, I always have some room in my little stomach for any sudden invitation of eating or sharing the food,  especially, when it is too attractive to ignore.  

"Aye khaau ladki, get ready; we will be leaving sharp at 11:30 A.M."  

"Ohh, it's the second Saturday again." I chuckled. Every second Saturday is a get-together time for my mother and her close friends and this time it was scheduled at Kukku Aunty's house.

 Kukku aunty is a Food Angel and her home is a holy abode for food lovers like me. She is not just a fabulous cook, but she knows how to present the food. Need not to say, I started dreaming about the MENU. Ok, last time when we were there for a card game she pampered us with home baked cookies and muffins and all those delicacies served in stylish trays. 

Kukku Aunty's House

"Chintu, come here, see this is specially for you." (oh yes, I am waiting for the invitation). 

There it was; sitting in a mini glass plate, gorgeous Raj Kachori .. inviting me to start a journey towards Swadpur. That round shape, crispy golden big brown puffy kachori; It was covered with layers of creamy white yogurt, thick brown Imli ki chatni and green chatni. In fact, kachori was dipped in a little ocean of yogurt, chutnies and the masala. Yellow strands of maheen sev, juicy red pomegranate seeds and green coriander leaves sprinkled over the kachori were appearing as the crown jewels of Raj kachori. At the top of it there was a hole, giving a clear idea of what was stuffed inside the kachori.

Now, it was impossible to control anymore, so my sister and I picked up our tools aka spoons and started digging the Gold Mine.The very first bite was filled with chunks of boiled black grams, boiled potato pieces, dahi-vada, mathri pieces and a rich coating of yogurt-chutni. Next bite was even more yummy, as my tool found many more hidden things in that ocean of yogurt, e.g. strands of beetroot, colorful raita boondi, green chilli, etc. all wrapped up in the crunchy crispy shell of kachori. I was slowly slowly taking the bites form that ocean of colors and then suddenly my sister said, "it is looking like a watercolor painting framed in a glass plate". She pointed towards the mini plate which had an elegantly designed border. I stopped eating and tried to understand of what she was saying. 

Yes she was right, Raj Kachori was now revealing all its treasure. The streams of yogurt, chutnies and  stuffing were creating a mix  pattern of colors and designs. The borders of that shallow transparent glass plate were perfectly holding the delicious painting. After taking the final bite, my eyes fell on a name  that was carved on the bottom of the plate, "BOROSIL".

After the kachori session, we children got busy with some outdoor games and our mothers were  busy with their own games of gossips, etc. After one and half hour , they called us for LUNCH for which I was waiting so eagerly.

I almost rushed to the dinning table, grabbed a chair and took the plate and then I saw those colorful polka dotted plates, bowls and serving dishes.  

The very first dish I noticed was KABULI, that mouth watering authentic Rajasthani rice dish and to increase our hunger it was kept in a transparent deep round glass casserole. All colors of Kabuli were easily visible and it seemed like multicolored gems has been engraved in that shinning glass. Now it was impossible to control, so I took a big serving of Kabuli and put it into my plate. Kabuli is prepared with premium quality Basmati rice and vegetables with a touch of strong whole dry spices. It was decorated with fried bread slices, fried onion rings, generously scattered cashews and raisins, some colorful cherries and of course fluffy paneer cubes. Kabuli is quite different from other vegetable pulav; due to its masala consisting onion-garlic-ginger paste mixed with thick curd and well sauteed in Desi Ghee. Curd gives it a typical sour yet a savoury taste as well as. 

I took a spoonful of rice, every single grain was en-wrapped with the aroma of saffron, curd and ghee. The vegetables and fruits (sliced round potatoes, gram flour Gatta balls, capsicum rings, yam cubes, grapes, pomegranate seeds and apple cubes) were layered with curd masala and thus creating a tangy-sweet-piquant taste. Need not to say that such a big variety of veggies and fruits was not leaving any room for any other curry dish. Fuchsia pink and Indigo blue polka dot design of the plate was matching the Kabuli ingredients. 

"It seems like, the colors of Kabuli and fruits are reflecting on the plate."  I giggled. 

"Don't tell me that you want to eat the plate as well as." Kittoo laughed at me.

"Chintu, have you tried this?" Kukku aunty asked with a mysterious smile and passed on another stunning  round shape glass casserole. I looked at it and my mouth remained open in an awe; golden yellow colored thick curry and light brown color round balls were showing their beauty through the glass walls. 

"I love it. So it is going to be a complete Rajasthani Thali."  I declared while pouring the Gulab Jamun Curry from the casserole into the bowl, while trying to avoid the excess amount of  ghee, which was creating layers within curry and over the jamuns as well.

"Yes, almost." she replied and placed a round glass platter in the middle of the dinning table; that platter had a robust metal stand along with a metal Huck. It was more like a decorative piece rather than a food platter. Square pieces of Malai Ghewar and Soan Papadi  were neatly placed on the platter; both sweets were creating a mesmerizing color contrast on the glittering bright platter. 

Malai ghewar has been an all-time favourite of mine; the crispy orange/brown toast like base structure and smooth khoya cream spread over the base and decorated with pistachio and almond pieces. Sweet and soft topping and a little crunchy base at the same time that is well-capable to take your taste buds to another world. Soan Papdi has a complete different structure, those delicate sheer yellow strands complied in one rectangular shape and small crunches of pistachio sprinkled over the papdi.  It gets melt in your mouth and you don't even get chance to chew it; all you think for one more bite, one more piece.   

"Kukku, is it a new dinner set and new table wares? From where did you buy them?"  My mom asked.

"Yeah, what a stylish platter stand and this melamine is quite lustrous, but anyway after sometime all melamine lose the shine and smoothness." That was Sunita Aunty.

"No Sunita, it is Borosil Melamine, they are stain and fade proof and most of all non-toxic as well as. I chose this BLOOM-FIDENZA collection as I loved the vibrancy and warmth of  this design. I ordered them ONLINE." Kukku aunty replied with a proud smile.

"Borosil !!!  Yeah, I too have heard a lot about it. And, what you saying, bought it online?" Now my mom and Sunita aunty both were awestruck.

Ohh, in this conversation, I forget to tell you about the Gulab Jamun Curry, another unique specialty of Rajasthan. They are not our regular sugar syrup dipped gulab jamuns, which we usually buy from sweet shops, rather those are insipid Gulab Jamuns filled with khoya and cooked with rich cream and spicy curd masala. I took a mouthful bite of gulab jamun curry with chapati. Gulab Jamun curry had a balanced flavour of spices, it was neither too hot nor too dull, it was a perfect rich creamy curry adored with raisins and coconut powder and it seemed that the jamuns has absorbed all the spices and curd flavour in them. The mixed aroma of curd, ghee and coconut powder was creating a relishing environment and of course, it was bringing water into our mouth as well.

"Look, gulab jamuns are also printed on the dinner set as well." Little sonu (Sunita aunty's son) spoke cheerfully.

"They are more like footprints of a small CAT." I laughed.

"These glass wares are also Borosil?" Mom was more curious than hungry.

"Yes, all of them and guess what, they are microwavable and the glass dishes comes with handy grip and lids." 

Awwww, I don't like chatar-patar while eating, so I turned my head towards the other end of the table and found that there are some other dishes, which I haven't touched yet, however, Kittoo has already started with them.    

I took a NARGIS kofta and dipped it into green coriander chutni. Yummm.. It had a fine layer of  besan-rawa outside and inside it had dark pink and green shades of beetroot and green-peas with sweetness of raisins. Koftas and chutni were kept in an elegant round shape glass chips and dip tray;  the dipping bowl was in the middle of it and was surrounded by koftas, fried papad and khakhras. 

Apart from the koftas, there was another melamine serving dish whose lid was half open and some drops of daal were scattered on the edges of dish. I quickly guessesd what it could be... the hallmark DAAL of Kukku Aunty. A combination of three different pulses; split green gram, green gram, split red lentil and split black gram, creating an ambrosial dish. It is a kind of a fusion of north-south style cooking; I took a sip of daal and as I was anticipating, first I felt a strong flavour of sambhar masala along with sourness of kokam-imli and in the next sip onion-garlic masala made their presence in my mouth. 

"Try this Aruna, it has lesser calories." Kukku aunty brought a square glass dish from the kitchen and placed it in front of my mom. I could see that it was a freshly backed dish, some sort of a green vegetable with melted cheese on the top were easily visible and the aroma of cheese and spices were refueling our hunger.  

"Ummm, this sponge gourd is so tasteful; the stuffing is a little crunchy.. what it is.. grounded peanuts ?? and you backed it in the same dish?"

"Yes, I told you naa, Borosil glassware are microwavable."  

"It's looking quite pretty, may I have some..?" Kittoo asked. 

Why Forgetting me, I too want to  taste this backed beauty.

"Emmmm, it is crunchy, creamy and chewy.. where is Turai in it??" I asked while eating a small piece of it.

Finally, we finished the lunch with a chilled glass of Bel Sharbat; I noticed that the glasses have embossed polka dots at the outer surface. Kukku aunty told us that is the Medallion collection of Borosil. For a moment those dots of glass seemed like frozen water drops.  

Not just our stomach, but our hearts were also satiated. It was a celebration of flavours, colours, textures and fragrances.. It was a feast for taste buds and delight for eyes. 

"So, that was My Beautiful Yummy Food Bonanza...  when is the next second Saturday?"  I spoke with utmost innocence in my voice. 

"Next Second Saturday is our turn to cook and host the party, Fat Duck." Kittoo replied.

"Excuse me, Miss thin goat, I am not FAT rather I am a Food Admirer."

This Post has been written for the contest "My Beautiful Food!" sponsored by Bororsil and ocnducted by indiblogger.in

Take a look  Here to explore the world of elegant and delightful products of BOROSIL.

Time Will Bring us Closer

This one is of the Runners-up Entries of the British Airways Contest

The train gave first whistle when the couple boarded the train. They both were heavily panting; after sitting on the vacant seats, they both felt a bit relaxed. Though, the girl was still looking quite scared, she held his hand and her eyes got moist. However, she managed to hide those tears which were eagerly waiting to explore the world out of the eyes. 

“Don’t worry, everything will be all right. We will make it.” The boy tried to consol her, but inside his heart, he was also scared; if anyone would have asked him that what his greatest desire for the present moment is, then he might have answered it in one sentence  ...”am I asking too much!!!!!”

The train was running and a huge noise was being created, she put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. A slide show began ….

“Pyar karma hi tha to apni jaat ka koi dekha hota. Ab kya ham neechi jaat walon se rishta jodenge” A volcano was hitting the walls of the house, she was shivering with fear and looking at her mother, maybe she can help, but her mother also turned her face and left the room.

Somehow she managed to escape from home and went to Varun’s house. His family was not much pleased to see her and there was nothing to blame them for such hostility. Choices were limited.

Varun’s mother tried to stop her dear son, but the couple was still thinking that once the dust will settle down, everything will be fine, as they used to be; but this small city was getting smaller and stranger to find a safe shelter. They decided to leave the town for few days and hide somewhere. Without wasting even a single second they rushed to the Railway station and grabbed the first train which was about to depart from the station.

Sushma’s sleep got disturbed when her cell phone rang up, it was her younger cousin brother who still had some sympathy for her Summi Didi. He informed her that the Panchayat held a meeting and considered the matter as a Blot on the Honor of the Family.

Time was rushing, the SEARCH was ON;

Leave this city and start a new life. Those were the last words of his brother.

The train stopped at a major station and Varun dialed a number from nearby PCO.

“Don’t worry and come to my place, there is always a door opened when all other are closed.”

Vasu is a scientist and working with DRDO’s Gwalior lab; a very own “Rancho” of IIT Khadagpur. His house seemed a safe and peaceful option as he lives alone. After a few hours, they were heading towards Gwalior.

“See, I have a wonderful solution for you guys.  In fact, if you choose this then, you can make history opps, I mean FUTURE.” Vasu’s eyes were sparkling with proud.

“Vasu, I know you are talented and I don’t doubt on your claims, but buddy, I don’t want to make History or Future  ... All we want is to not to become HISTORY.”

“Your seniors know about your Time Machine and have YOU ever traveled with this machine?” Sushma asked.

“Nope, I have never told anyone about my BABY. Yes many a times I have traveled in past and in future as well and it was an amazing experience, you see... let me explain ..”

“Vasu, what we will do in FUTURE. Your Time Machine can take us to a desirable year or time, but tell me, how I will mange there without knowing anyone, without having a job and most of all a completely unknown and alien surrounding  ...” Varun interrupted him, he was worried and scared as well, the uncertainties of life were looming upon his head.

“Ok, as you wish, but I am still on my words; my Time Machine can solve your problem. See, they are behind you, for how long you can hide, one day they will trace you out and then…?” Ok, as you wish, no Time Travel... anyway, take some rest for now.”

Sleep was far from eyes and love was not enough to bring it back to the tired world of brain and heart. Suddenly, an idea blinked in Varun’s mind and he felt relaxed after pondering over all aspects. “Yes, this would be a good option, if everything goes well, then we can do this.”

“Ashish said he can help me to get a decent job in London, thank god I have professional degrees. He will also arrange something for our stay, though we would need to compromise on that front.” Varun spoke while emphasizing on last sentence.

“Oh wait a minute, do you have passports ..?” Vasu asked them.

“Yes, I have mine, I didn’t left home with empty hands. When all this HUNGAMA started, I understood that I may need to leave home so I took all necessary documents and identity cards in a bag with me. My passport was in mummy’s almirah, somehow I got it.”

“I too have my documents and cards.”

“Smart lovers, I must say. Anyway, it will take few days to complete the visa formalities, till then enjoy this beautiful city of Gwalior.” 

After 15 days

“Bye Varun, do let me know whenever you need any kind of help from me. Take care, happy journey.” Varun and Vasu hugged each other.

The British airways flight for London’s Heathrow airport was waiting for them. They boarded the flight and soon the sky of New Delhi was becoming cleaner with the air of happiness, peace and LOVE. The sky was looking bluer than other days. Sushma’s hand was gripped with Varun’s hand and after a long time they were feeling like Free Birds.

In the middle of the flight, there seemed a little uneasiness in the pilot’s cabin. Weather was getting worse, the pilots were wondering that why they didn’t get any weather forecast from the ATC. Suddenly, the rain clouds and fog started getting dense around the plane.

Before the pilots could understand anything, it seemed the plane received a jerk, a blow and in the next moment, the sky was clean, there were no signs of clouds and fog. It all happened in a few minutes. Then the pilots received a radio message from the ground station...

“Welcome to the Birmingham International airport, it is a pleasant evening; the time is 7:30pm.”

“Birmingham! how we reached to Birmingham??” the pilots felt a chill in their spine. The both looked to each other; there was nothing that they can explain to each other.

“Let’s land the plane, after all we are still in UK, it could be a navigation related problem, perhaps a technical error that the GPS guided us to Birmingham rather than London.”

 One of them spoke in a timid voice.

“It would be good if we tell the people that we have reached to wrong place, otherwise...”

After a few moments, the pilots made the announcement regarding landing on Birmingham airport. Passengers became restless after hearing this, but somehow they remained calm. Meanwhile the ground staff started preparations for landing. Soon the plane made a safe landing on the runway.

“Sir, there is some issue with GPS navigation, our flight was en routed to London Heathrow airport... inform the authorities about..” the pilot stopped speaking when his eyes fell on the table digital clock, it was showing date …”5^th August 2075”

“I think your clock is showing the wrong date and year, 2075!!!!”

“ It Is 2075, seems you are very tired, you need to rest and we haven’t received any emergency message from Indian or UK aviation authorities regarding a flight being on wrong path or wrong destination. Though, I am wondering that how British Airways is still using such an old plane for this long journey.”

The pilots got freeze on their seats.

“2075!!!!!! But when we left from New Delhi Airport then it was 2014... Is it some sort of joke you playing with us.” One pilot shouted.

After half an hour

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we request you to stay calm and cooperate with us. We are extremely sorry for the inconvenience, but we need to inform you that our flight has landed up not just in a wrong city but in a wrong Year as well. It seems like a miracle of god that we have reached in the year 2075. Due to some natural phenomenon,  A time portal hit the plane and here we are…”

“Please stay calm, the Birmingham airport authorities have promised us to take care of all the passengers and you all are welcomed to spend some quality time in the First Lounge of British Airways. Enjoy the finest dining and drinking facilities or if you wish you can take a short nap in as well in the lounge cabins. Till then we are trying to find the solution, so we can take you back safely to London.”

“Varun, don’t you think that our destiny has brought us here. Vasu was talking about time travel and see unintentionally we made it.”

“Come on sumi, what silly things you are thinking. I still think it is some sort of practical joke that British Airways is playing with the passengers… Maybe, it is a new way to pamper the passengers or... I don’t know…”

“Varun, it is 2075.” Sushma spoke in a slow yet firm voice.

“Varun, just few hours ago, we were running away from our home, our motherland and most of all form our own families. Why..?? Because we don’t wanted to become a target of hatred, false ego, hypocrisy and most of the false arguments of Honor and Pride.”

“I don’t want to go back in that time, which refuses to recognize true and innocent love; I don’t want to go back in that heartless world that don’t want to accept us. If we have to stay among the strangers than what is bad here?  I Want To Stay Here.”  

After Three Hours

The plane took off from Birmingham International airport with all passenger and crew except two people; Varun and Sushma.

“Welcome to your new life in 2075.” An airport official spoke.

An old song was being played in the lounge bar…” The Silver Street that leads me to the Place I want to be… Show me the way, take me to Love..

The pilots felt another blow hitting the aircraft and saw the lightening among the dark clouds..

“Welcome to the Heathrow airport London.” The ground station greeted the pilots.

“May I know the date?” one pilot asked.

“It is 16^th march 2014.”

Both pilots smiled.

 This post is written for the indiblogger.com contest 

"Go further to get closer"  sponsored by British Airways

Image Courtesy: Google

This story is a pure work of fiction. Names, places and events all are fictitious and has nothing to do with any real life incidents.