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

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.

With Love, Towards the Infinity ...

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

Year 3045

The roller costar ride was creating waves of excitement and screams. The air of Cloud Nine Resort was full of warmth and extreme cheerfulness.

“Zenia, that guy is continuously looking at you only. In fact he is chasing us from sometime.” Miraya whispered in her ears.

“Who is that, I didn’t take notice? Anyway, let’s go for a drink, I am tired and need a break.”

“Hi, may I join you?” that same guy was now standing next to Zenia’s chair.

“Umm, ok, sit. Who are you and why chasing us?”

“I am Tishomo. Can we become friends?”

“From where do you belong, didn’t see you nearby  ...”

“Ohh, I am from Branza, Mestic Solar System, and Whirlpool Galaxy. And you must be from Earth. Only Earth girls have such beautiful eyes and skin color.” He explained everything in one single breath.

“I see, Branza, I heard about this planet. It is known for diamonds and other precious metal reserves. And you seems more impressed by my physical traits... am I right gentleman?”

“Err... ummm... no, no, please don’t take me wrong... I was just appreciating you... Earth is the only planet in the whole universe that has unique races of humans… no other intention...”

“Hey, this resort is the second best after the Sky Roll resort of Ursa Major... have you ever been to there?” Tishomo tried to turn the conversation to another direction.

Soon the young birds found many interesting things to talk about. The holiday trip became much more pleasant and delightful. Love was in the air and it was blooming like a fresh Red Rose.

Finally the vacations got over and it was time to get back to HOME.

“Don’t worry; I would be coming for the inter-planetary convention on mineral exploration and development. I am a member of the engineer’s team. We will meet there... ok??”  Tishomo asked her.

“Ok, I am also part of the space geology team. See you there.”

They both bid goodbye to each other. Zenia chose British Airways Spacecraft Airbus S480 to go home. Yes, British Airways was continuing its Glorious tradition of One World “Be Universal, Be One” with flights across various galaxies and solar systems.

The Airbus S480 Spacecraft was taking Zenia back to Earth, but her heart was flying far towards Branza. And the same was the situation with Tishomo, he was also going home, but his heart was left far away.

Though, their homes were hundreds and millions of light year away from each other, but there were many options to stay connected. There was space net communication system to connect various planets and their citizens. Most of all now traveling to other planets, natural satellites and space holiday stations is a common thing, so frequent meetings are not a big deal, especially when you are in LOVE. Love always finds its way amidst all the barriers and troubles and so Zenia and Tishomo also found their way.

After an Year

“Will you Marry me Zenia?” Tishomo proposed her in a complete Earth style with roses and a ring.

Though, marriage was not a custom or institution in Branza, but this was the best way to reduce the barriers of civilizations, races, culture, distance and time. Moreover, on Earth, marriage was still a pious and strong institution. As the population was decreasing on Earth (due to various reasons) the government was doing its best to encourage marriages.

“Only on one condition, if the marriage will be conducted according to Earth’s traditions and customs.” She replied shyly.

“Obviously, we can get married only with Earth’s traditions, there is no other option.” Tishomo laughed.

“Dad I love him and he loves me. We are living in an ultra modern age, this is twenty second century and people are still thinking like this.”

“I agree with you, but sweetie in the 22^nd century we have some problems of our own. This issue is no more a personal matter; aren’t you aware of this fact?”

“Dad, our love won’t bring thunderstorm in the galaxy. In fact it can become a symbol of harmony … many inter-planetary relationships and such marriages have taken place in past years than why not now?”  

 “Ok, inter-planetary relations... can you remember one single such relation/marriage in past three decades. Furthermore, at present we are fighting to secure the future of human race. When our population is decreasing, the quality of human DNA is also going down, and then do you think that “Union Government” will allow this inter-galactic or inter planetary relation... especially when you want to marry him. It means your kids would neither be human nor Branzanian.”

“Dad, it’s my Life, can’t I take decisions for myself. What the hell government has to do with It.?”

“Don’t be silly, you know that under the present laws you can’t marry him. You need prior approval of Council and you both have to go through various medical tests. Council will never permit it and the tests will fail that Branzanian. He won’t get citizenship of Earth and I am afraid that you too won’t be able to get the same in Branza”  

“Dad... I love him and I already have given the application to the family welfare department.” Zenia’s voice was low.

“Honey, at least you could have told me this earlier. You have no idea what blunder this application will create. Branza is a hostile planet, Earth don’t have good relations with them. Their government is not much open towards other planets and galaxies. I am worried for your future, even if I believe that Tishomo is a nice and trustworthy guy, and then too I can’t trust Branza.” Her dad shook his head.

“Zena, situation is same here. The Council of Rulers has rejected my application of migrating to the Earth; nor will they allow you to come and stay here in our planet. I am feeling like hell…” Tishomo was angry and frustrate.

“Would there be any future of our love? Tishomo, I am afraid... there is news from state department that they are thinking to disconnect the communication channels between Earth and Branza till the matter doesn’t get solved.”

“It is because our love story has now become latest breaking news on space- cyber communication channels. It is affecting the policies of Planet governments and their rules regarding foreigners and so called Aliens. Therefore to prevent further turbulence, Branza Government is also thinking on same lines.”

A simple and innocent love has now become a reason of diplomatic and political tension between two planets. A debate started off among the various sections of society; whether such inter-species, inter-races relations and marriages should be allowed when the mankind is going through a hard phase of their existence. Humans are now one of the most precious resources on Earth. Will this type of marriages help us or make our existence more vulnerable??? Questions were many and so the answers, some were in favor and some others were negative.

In Branza, question was a little different; they had their own apprehensions and a proud of being a unique civilization and race in the whole universe. They don’t want to encourage any such step that can challenge their uniqueness.

“Are you sure, this is the best option?” Zenia was a little worried.

“Well, not the best, but in present circumstances, this is the most viable option. Maybe, after some time things would be better and of course, there is no such law or rule in this universe which was never got amended or repealed.” Tishomo smiled.

“Meet me at Cloud Nine resort and don’t forget that our movement is under surveillance so use the proxy identities to clear the departure and arrival gates.” Tishomo was ready with his plan.

At Resort

“You know what; it’s not that tough to fool the artificial intelligence and ultra advance technology because with the technical advancement we are also getting smart.” Zenia giggled.

“Ok, ok, I know you are smart, but in Branza it wasn’t that easy, I almost skipped the trap. Anyway... we are leaving in next couple of hours. I have left message for my family... what about you..?”

“Yeah, I too left a letter for dad... hope he will understand and  ...” Zenia was sad.

“Anyway, which ship have you chosen?” she asked.

“After comparing many ships and crafts, I chose Dreamliner Cosmic Yacht is the best private spaceship. Though, it is little costly, but it worth so.  It has self sustainable fuel system, auto generating green house and other necessary life sustaining equipments for multi racial crew like us...” (Tishomo winked).

“If it so costly, then how did you get it... we don’t have that much money to afford it.” Zenia got anxious.

“Well, as you would know that there are some giant corporate groups conducting research projects about space and its resource exploration. I had received many such offers in past, but never gave them a thought, but now I felt this is the right time to accept them. Apart from other perks, their offer consist a private space yacht as well, so I made my choice regarding the ship.”

“I think, we can stay and travel in this ship for years in the infinite space; far from the boundaries of our planets, without giving them any headache and saving ourselves at the same time. We may get citizenship of any neutral planet as well as…” Tishomo explained.

Zenia was extremely surprised and that very moment she felt that she is the luckiest woman in this universe.

Soon the Dreamliner was on its way to explore the space with its two lovely passengers.

This post is written for the indiblogger.com  contest 

"Go further to get closer" Sponsored by British Airways

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Till The End of the World

Present day

“Dharti ke aakhri chhor tak tumhare sath … tumhara hath thaamkar chaloongi, is duniya ke aakhiri kone tak ..”

These lines were reverberating in his mind when he was calling on a phone number again and again; no one picked the call and finally he left for immigration process. Soon the British Airways flight took off from New Delhi Airport to its destination.

She was sitting in her room, gazing at the cell phone screen. Her face was emotionless; fingers were tightly crossed in each other with a firm grip on knees. The cell phone was not ringing anymore. He is gone… she assumed and picked the cell; twenty five missed calls it showed. Tears rolled out from her eyes and she fell on the bed, soon her pillow got wet; can’t say when she falls asleep, but she had a deep, dreamless sleep.

Flash Back

“I don’t want to discuss this matter further, are you mad, how you can even think about it?”

“Saari duniya mein wo Penguins aur Polar Bears ka chowkidar hi mila, family ki responsibility sambhaal sakega?”

“Mom, Abhay is a scientist and...” sentence remained incomplete.

“A chowkidar who is Half Christian and Half South Indian, hey Preeti   this is an amazing combination of Cake and Idly Sambhar…hehehhehe.” Suresh bhaiyaa laughed.

“Ours is a traditional family, we have some respect in the society, what we will tell the people that we couldn’t find a suitable guy in our own community, therefore our daughter got married to a guy from another religion and community.”

“Mix breed community.” Suresh chuckled.

“Shut up bhai.” Preeti shouted.

“He is four years younger than you, and his Madrasi mother doesn’t like Us because we are vegetarian Jains. And he is always away from home for field research work. No, Preet, not possible at all.” Suresh spoke in such a way as if he is giving final verdict on this issue.

 After Three Months

“Days, weeks and now months... time is flying... the last message he sent was a month ago...”   though she never responded back to his messages, but always waited for every single text or mail that he used to send her since the day he left for UK.

“Preet, zaraa gamlon mein paani de, dekh phool murjhaa rahe hain  ...” it was her mother, worried for the beautiful creations of nature... ”so our love will also get withered and die...” she couldn’t think further and pour the flower pots with lot of water.

Little she knew about his present address in UK, all she knew that he is working in a joint environment and global warming related project of Indo-British Governments under the Scottish Environmental Research Center of Glasgow.

Finally, she was writing a letter,

“Mom, Papa and Bhaiya,

I love you a lot, but I love him as well. Please don’t force me to marry with anyone else.

I tried hard, but can’t forget him. I am going, don’t worry, I will be fine. I am sorry, please accept our love.

Preeti.”

P.S.  I have used our household account of Avios for flight, hotel and car rental bookings, hope you will forgive me for that as well as.

When her brother was reading the above note, she was sitting in the British Airways business/club class cabin. The plane was taking her to London. Her mind was not at peace, a thunder storm of thoughts was creating noises in her mind. She was questioning herself; whether the decision is right or wrong, will mom and papa ever forgive me for this?”

Maybe her face was expressing her inner thoughts, therefore, an airhostess came to her and asked politely, “Mam, do you need anything, may I help you.”

“Umm… a cup of cappuccino.”

“Sure, would you like to eat something?”

“Umm, ok yes, I would like to have Jain meal.”

“Sure Ma'am.”

After eating the delicious food and the coffee she felt relaxed. The comfy stretchable chair that turned into a flat bed and the cozy quilted blanket soon embraced her in a sound sleep. When she woke up and was having some tea, the same airhostess again came to her and asked, “Mam, wouldn’t you like to use the items of luxury amenity kit.” She spoke while pointing towards the kit. Preeti remembered that every passenger of business class got this kit when they board the plane.

“Umm, ok, yeah, I will use it later.” 

Finally the plane landed up at Heathrow Airport, however, it was not the end of her journey; the destination was still a little far. Her flight for Glasgow was already booked. Soon she was sitting and eating some light meal in the arrival lounge of Heathrow’s terminal 3. The peaceful and elegant surroundings of the lounge calmed her stressed nerves to some extent. She remembered the last holiday trip with family when they stopped at London for a couple of hours and how she enjoyed the beauty treatments of Elemis Spa. However, today, the situation was entirely different; the only thing she was able to think about was Abhay...

The waiting ended up and she took the fight for Glasgow and in less than two hours she was there. The rental car was running speedily to the University Research Center and her heart was beating fast, happiness, nervousness, jitteriness... so many feelings...god has filled all this in our one little heart.

“Mister Abhay has been shifted to another Project in Geneva by the Indian Government. It has been more than a month since he left.”

This was the answer she got after running and inquiring from one corner to another of this huge campus. For a moment, her heart skipped a beat; she felt everything is getting darker in front of her eyes. Anger, helplessness, loneliness, fear...these were the emotions that were making their way from her eyes to her cheeks.

However, things didn’t turn any worse. After knowing her story, the staff of research center’s administration section provided the new address and contact numbers of Abhay.

She tried the phone number many times, but it was not reachable.

“Now what to do... shall I go back or shall I Go Further… jab yahaan tak aa hi gai hai to ek baar aur khud ko aur apne pyar ko aazma ke dekh le.” someone inside her heart spoke in a loud and firm voice.

She knew what to do... and now she was again waiting on the Heathrow airport for her British Airways flight to Geneva, though, this time she was traveling through the economy class.

In Geneva

“Abhay…” finally, the phone number worked, her body was shivering with anxiety.

“Preet.... “

“Abhay, I am here in Geneva...” somehow she spoke.

“What are you saying, what you are doing here, why you didn’t inform me that you are coming to Switzerland. Why you didn’t responded back to any of my mails and calls. Preet  ...”

“Abhay, I am all alone here, I left home to meet you, went to Glasgow and then came to know that you are  ...”

“Gosh Preet…. You are mad... god only can understand you ..; at least you could have messaged me... I am feeling like to... ok, tell me, where are you right now, at some hotel or  ...”

“At the airport.”

“Be there, I am coming.”

After a couple of days

The telephone bell rang and her mother picked the call.

“Mom, I am in Geneva with Abhay… I am fine and  ...” 

“Do you have any idea, what you have done  ... you didn’t even think about us before taking such an extreme step... kya jawaab doo main logon ke sawaalon ka .. Where is my daughter... she ran away with a Madrasi Christian.” Papa was shouting.

Another Phone rang far in the Cochin.

“Son, I don’t think she is the right decision you have made. She and her orthodox family …” Abhay’s mother was screaming out her own opinion.

The sun was setting slowly behind the Alps and its reflections on the placid water of Lake Geneva were creating an enchanting atmosphere.

“Preet, will you come with me?” Abhay asked while holding her tightly.

“Where…”

“To the last end of the Earth….did you forget once you promised me  ...”

 “This project, I am currently working upon is a part of UNEP’s global research program and now along with my other teammates, I have to travel some remote regions of the world. Small island nations, Polar Regions and many such places. Will you  ...” he extended his hand towards hers.

“YES... to the end of this world  ... with you.”

P.S. "Ohh, Did I tell you that British Airways would be our official travel partner in this project." Abhay chuckled

 This post is written for the indiblogger.com contest 

"Go further to get closer"

 sponsored by British Airways

A Girly Curly Dove Story

This Post is Among the Winners of #DovePlay Contest

“Panchhi bani udati firu mast gagan mein, Aaj main aazad hun duniya ke chaman mein.”

I was riding my cycle and my choties tied with red ribbon were swaying in air. My cycle was almost flying in the air just like the spirit of the song, suddenly, I heard this, “don’t play too much in hot weather, don’t ….”  Aaaauu, aaauch... dhappp... dhadaam... mummyyyy… I was on the floor. 

“Itni badi ho gai hai fir bhi bed se gir jaati hai.” My brother aka devil’s modern avatar was laughing.

The best part of the day is when I am standing in front the mirror and combing my hair (that time I seriously feel a blonde like Rapunzel). “O Haseena Zulfon wali…ye reshmi zulfein, ye sharbati aankhein  ...” the fm radio was playing these classics when somebody intervened, “for how long you gonna stand here  ... “that’s mamma dear, somehow she don’t like my mirror love; she believes that this activity (staring the mirror falls under Don’t Category because Baalon Ko Nazar lag jaati hai).

“Mum, I want to color my hair in burgundy, in reddish-brown; in bronze  ... I want to highlight my hair with golden strikes... I want to curl my hair; thin curls, thick curls, long curls and short curls... I want to make hairstyles like ramp models.”

“Mum I want to Perm my hair like Nicola Kidman.” I spoke almost in a loud voice.

“Don’t play with your hair Mintu, they are not made of iron or wood; these types of Adventures can ruin your hair forever. I can’t allow you to use those harsh chemicals and Cruel Instruments on your beautiful hair. Baal Kharaab Ho Jaayenge Beta”

“Par mamma, just a little color or curls can give me an awesome makeover  ... I am bore with my choti … “

“Already your hair falling and see how dry they are, when last time you have oiled them? Baal Jhaadoo jaise ho jaayenge.”

“Color your Fat Friends, specially that purple one, its stupid nose will look very cute in Red color.” my brother interrupted.

“They are not FAT, they are SOFT Teddy and they all have NAMES.”

Yeah, I have named my cute teddies; Silky, Shaanoo, Dazzy and Curly. Now don’t ask me what is the inspiration behind these names…

“Chehare pe giri zulfein kah do to hataa doon main  ... gustaakh maaf  ...” the music system was playing this beautiful song while the hairstylist was showing me demos of various hair color options and hair cuts.

“Tell me something, mere baal jhaadoo jaise to nahi ho jaayenge naa after this Color Session.” I was worried obviously.

“Are you crazy, why you are thinking so? Nothing will happen to your hair, until you will give them proper care and nourishment. Have you used DOVE??”

“No, why..?”

“See, Dove has a complete range of hair care product that includes Hair Fall Rescue Treatment, Split Ends Rescue System Shampoos, Conditioners and Hair Elixirs such as Nourished Shine and Dryness Care. Use them as per your requirement and feel that Love that Dove will Shower upon Your Hair.”

“Would that be enough>” I was still anxious.

“Yup, as they say, “Play Safe” so Play with Colors and Curls and Styles, but don’t forget to protect your Cinderella hair with Dove Magic.” She smiled.

After a couple of weeks

“Udein Jab Jab Zulfein Teri ...”

“Mintoooo… I told you not to play with hair…  Baal Kharaab… ?” Mamma and Bhaiya were surprised.

I slowed down the volume of cellphone music and replied  ...” I am Playing with Dove.” 

I caressed my bouncy curly hair and turned the cell cam on to take a selfi of my shinning Chocolate shade hair. I took few locks in my hand and rubbed them on my cheek; it felt soft and tender like fur and clicked the perfect shot.

This Post is written for indiblogger.com contest "Dove Go Play" conducted by  #DovePlay.

Enjoy the Lovely Dove Song and fall in love with Dove.

Image Courtesy : Google

Uff !!!! Ye Seriousness

My cell phone started singing in a loud voice, when I was still asleep, somehow I opened left eye and tried to slap the phone without looking at the screen (who the hell is calling me on a sweet Sunday morning). I buried my face once again in the pillow, but the caller tune was in no mood to stop the chorus, so I picked up the call.

“What’s this, now you are not even picking our calls?  You are in love with somebody, who is he? Don’t tell me that you found him on facebook. Are you crazy, how many times I have told you not to spend too much time on net? “

My sweet Ninni was totally destroyed by this bombardment, but still I was unable to understand what is SHE asking to me?

“What are you talking, what love and what facebook, let me sleep.”

“Ok, so you are still in bed, no problem, call me when you are fully awake. It is Urgent, WE NEED TO TALK.”

After an hour or so, I called her back (HER—my best buddy Rashmita; as her name tells, she is always in a Rush, everything and each matter is a call of Rush Hour for her.)

“Tell me who is he and I guess you are going through a “bad phase” as well.”

“Have you gone nuts or what, I am not in love with anyone, who told you so and what is this “bad phase”??”

“Teena, sweaty, your facebook and Gtalk status updates and video posts are revealing everything. Thank god, Amit told me everything on time, but why the hell are you making it public, why didn’t you call me. I would have …”

Now it was more than my appetite, so I almost shouted, “Are you guys have lost your brains. You are judging my personal life from facebook; it’s just for entertainment, not meant for anything else. I AM NOT IN LOVE.”

“And how Amit reached to this conclusion, there would be many people who update lots of things on fb, so what’s so special about it?”

“Well, he has noticed “Many things” and he was worried for you. He said you are feeling lonely and interacting with unknown people on facebook and …”

“Oh really!!! Thanks a lot for this concern.” I dumped the phone.

It was certainly not the end of the great Indian Worry Drama (more effective than any spicy curry). After 3-4 days, a high-spirited Rashmi was at my home and this time she had a wonderful “Marriage Proposal” for me.

“He is running his Own Shop in that Prime market, he is so charming, so cute, such a handsome. Just meet him once and I bet you will fall in love with him.”  Rashmita Spoke while biting a Dairy Milk, her favorite chocolate and passed it on to me. 

“What kind of shop? And how you found him, do you know him personally, what is his qualification, what about his family?” I throw up all my doubts in one go.

“You are such an idiot. He is running a Watch Repairing Shop and you know his voice is so sweet, he speaks with such a style and his smile….ummm just like Dairy Milk, silky, soft and enchanting.”

“Knock-knock seems you are already in love with him, why don’t you propose him.”

“Ohh gosh, you dumbo, I am making ground for you only, I am not interested in him. I reached to his shop in a very sudden manner, my wrist watch was not working properly and then Raju told me about him, they are friends, you know  ...”

“I see, so its Raju’s ideas, now I am getting everything, carry one.” (I thought)

“What you think of me, am I a stupid like you, no I know how to deal such matters. Just for your sake, I went to his shop couple of times and got friendly with him and then asked him about his background and all ( bahut Achhe se baat ki maine). He is a second year college pass out. And guess what, he too loves Cadbury Chocolate, but he likes 5 Star Fruit n Nuts just like you!!!!! I showed him your pictures that were saved in my phone and told him everything about you.”

These last words rang up loud sirens in my brain, “what do you mean by “Everything”?”

“Umm, your qualifications, present job, family (you are a single child) and Very Pretty. He was impressed. Now do one thing, go to his shop with whatever excuse, take any old watch and say it needs repair and tell him your name and … you know how things works.” (She winked)

“Ohh, I forgot to tell you, he have a freezer/storage box for chocolates and cold drinks in the shop. Just imagine, if you both get married, then whenever, I will be in that market, I can go to his shop and enjoy my dairy milk.” She finished the dairy milk bar however; her face was giving the expressions of “Jo Khaaye Wo Kho Jaaye” the Tag line of 5 Star.

I gave her a weird look... “Do you remember, few months back you were saying similar things about Nikhil. That guy who was working in an American Firm, San Francisco things, he was also very Cute and Handsome and Sweet and rest of his traits I forgot. Oh yes!! His Sweet and Simple Mother, his too good and too cool younger brother who gave a Cadbury Celebrations chocolate pack on your birthday and his Papa Ji.”

“Let me remind you,  your Nikhil Raga  went on for months and finally, One Very Fine day, you were informed by that coolest brother and simple mama that Dear Nikhil is just SSC pass and had to come back to India because the “agent was creating some problems”. I stared at her.

“Ok, that time I did not have proper information and let me also remind you that I shared chocolates with you as well as, you ate all 5 Stars.”

“Proper information!!!!!! But you had Proper Information that Mama dear makes very nice coffee.”

“Ok, ok, that’s an old chapter. Moreover, what do you expect, tell me... in your community, boys hardly opt for higher education and thus get indulge with some sort of business. You won’t get a highly educated guy with an impressive job profile here and mom dad will not permit for inter-caste marriage. Therefore, I am trying to find the best for you.”

“If you don’t want to go the shop then I have to do something, I can’t sit ideal. I am sure; he could be a good match for you. (With these words she obtained a thinker’s position)."
I understood, now nothing can stop and after few minutes, I saw her digging my wardrobe, before I could ask, she found what she was looking for. Yes, an Old Watch (The Treasure of Both Worlds).

I made some in vain efforts to stop her, but soon she left my home with that watch. (After all she is RUSHMITA).

Next day

Since I have joined this government job by Meharbani of RPSC, I used to wonder that why people think that we The Government Employees do not work and take salary for no good reason.  Like any other day, I was going through a long list of tasks, digging files in record room and I thought to bring some files into my cabin.

“Meri Files ko jahaan se laaye ho wahin wapis rakhna. Agar meri files gum ho gai ya mujhe vapis apni jagah par nahi mili to main aage se kisi kaam mein hath nahi daalunga.”

 A sharp and harsh voice echoed. That was our Clerk Sahib the Great, Babu SomPrakash. I am sure he firmly believes that it’s His First and Foremost Duty to Take care of Files. He claims that he knows everything about every case and related people.  I don’t want to give him a chance of complaint so I put all the files back into storeroom and that time I wondered, who is the Officer? Me or Him... I guess I don’t want to know the answer.

“Aapke kaam bhi mujhe karne padte hain bade sahib bhi busy rahte hain. Main sabko cooperate karta hun par mujhe koi nahi karta. Koi baat nahi, main akela hi sab sambhaal sakta hun.”

“Aur aap jab bhi field work ke liye jaayein, tab mujhe bataa kar jaayein, kyonki aapse jyada mujhe har file ki latest situation ke baare mein pata hai”. Abhi phone kiya maine do teen chartered accountant ko aur saare kaagaz mangwaaye hain. Aapse to koi maanega nahi, isliye mujhe ye sab karna padta hai.”

Yeah, I know, how much overburdened you are? That’s why plethora of official papers and documents are spread here and there, everywhere; because you don’t have time to organize them. When we need a particular file, it will take months (and weeks if we are lucky) to find it out. And thanks to your extra work that almost every day I am getting complaints from almost every C.A and his clients.

I wanted to say all this in loud voice, but remained calm because I don’t wanted to give a practical demonstration of “Aa Bail Mujhe Maar”. I went to Asmita’s cabin and as she always knows what is “the Problem”, “chill yaar, give him a 5 Star, you know khaayega toh kahin kho jaayega aur tumhaare section ko is unwanted item se chhutti milegi.” She winked at me. 

In evening, Rushmita stormed into our house, with a little sad face.

“I went to that watch shop.”

“Ok, so  ...”

“That idiot, last time he didn’t tell me that he is already Engaged, now when I asked him directly then only he is saying …”

“Oh wait, what you asked him DIRECTLY?”

“I asked whether he would like to take the proposal further, I asked for his parents contact number and residential address. He could have been a perfect match for you, but its really bad luck. But, don’t worry, he told me that he have a cousin brother who is running a Mobile shop and he is also handsome and ….”

“Shut up Rashmi. You need a break from this job”

“How mean you are…” She left with an angry and irritating argument.

After dinner, I switched on my desktop, login to my gmail account and got busy to finish an incomplete story. After a while, my eyes fell on gmail window bar, somebody has sent a chat message.

“Why you never reply on time, I am waiting from last ten minutes. I know it’s your style to make me wait; you enjoy this.”
Meet mister self claimed Big Man Shekhar, a rotten egg imported from JNU campus (Though, I seriously believe that he is a big black spot on the name of JNU).

“You know, I like to spend for charity, even I have donated a fair amount for the CRY foundation. I have decided to give my car to my sister, I will buy another one. God has given me everything.” (It’s the 100^th time you are telling me this fact)

“Could you please choose the color of car for me? I am thinking for the new curtains for my house, what color shall I prefer; I am having Own house in this Nice Locality of NCR.”

“I have so many good friends, all IAS, IPS; they are posted in various states. Do let me know if you ever need any help. I CAN DO ANYTHING, I know some politicians as well as. If I decide something, nothing can stop. You know, I believe in helping others.” Why are you publicizing this, have I asked you anything about your contact list.

“Enough of your speech. Now leave, don’t bug me.” And I clicked the “Block this person” option.  

 Mood was completely spoiled and the story remained incomplete. I took a chilled 5 Star crunchy bar from the fridge and slip into my bed, soon I was snoring, but before going to sleep I didn’t forget to switch off my phone and make a weird facebook status update (just to give some more ideas and clues for Rashmita and her spies).

the Cadbury 5 Star Facebook page

This post is written for the Indiblogger.com #CONDITIONSERIOUSHAI contest.   

 Image Courtesy : Google